Five Wide Receivers That Could Exceed Expectations In 2024
There are always players in the NFL who outplay expectations, and this year, a handful of wide receivers could do just that and more. In terms of importance, the wide receiver position is the new quarterback position, as a team cannot be successful with a poor wide receiver room. In 2024, players in this position will be more talented than ever.
Let's discuss five receivers set for fantastic seasons in which they surprise many, remind people who they are, and exceed expectations. Two of the listed receivers have had great careers thus far, whereas three still have much to prove. Nonetheless, 2024 is the year for each to make a huge statement.
5) Troy Franklin Could Be The Next Wide Receiver Who Benefits From Playing With His Ex-College Quarterback
Over the last few seasons, the NFL has seen the success that ex-college teammates have had together. Quarterback and wide receiver connections are important to a team's success and three duos have proved that. Joe Burrow and JaMarr Chase in Cincinnati. Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith Philadelphia. Lastly, Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle in sunny Miami. Each duo has been just as lethal in the NFL as they were together in college. The Denver Broncos are hoping that rookies Bo Nix and Troy Franklin will have similar success.
Together at Oregon, Nix and Franklin enjoyed record-breaking seasons in 2022 and 2023, making many believe they could continue this success in the NFL. Franklin was drafted late in the fourth round, being the lowest-drafted receiver of the three previously mentioned. Nix was a top 15 draft pick (No.12) but chances are both players will be quickly inserted in starting roles on a team looking to get back to being relevant again.
History shows that these two could do just that.
The 6'4 Franklin was one of the nation's best receivers in college, making Nix's life easier every game. In the NFL, Franklin's skill set will allow him to have the chance to make a name for himself early on. His route-running and down-the-field speed will likely continue in the NFL with Nix knowing exactly how to use these strengths of Franklin. Currently, Courtland Sutton (coming off of a career-high in touchdowns) and Marvin Mims Jr are the only real threat for targets to Franklin. With him reuniting with his ex-college teammate, however, gives him the edge. Look for the former Duck to quack his way into stardom immediately.
4) Ladd McConkey Will Be The Lighting Bolt That The Chargers Need, Putting the NFL On Notice
Let's call it like it is, the Los Angeles Chargers are going to be a run-heavy team in 2024. After losing three key pieces in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Gerald Everett, this team has a receiving void to feel. Luckily for them, rookie Ladd McConkey has what it takes to step in right away and keep this wide receiver room afloat. McConkey was overshadowed by Brock Bowers at Georgia for most of his college career and frequent injuries also contributed to limited sample size. When he did have a chance to stand out, however, he did just that and more. He stood out enough for the Chargers to use their second-round pick on him.
McConkey has already shined during training camp, quickly developing a report with quarterback Justin Herbert. He has displayed reliable hands, acrobatic catches, and quickness in his cuts, making fans and his teammates excited to see what he can do in real time. Chargers coaches have raved about the progress that he is showing.
"He has been off to a great start and has looked dialed in since he came here," said new coach Jim Harbaugh following a mid-week practice. Limited competition for targets will also give McConkey an advantage.
Joshua Palmer and 2023 1st-round draft pick, Quentin Johnson are the only true wide receivers on this team and McConkey already has more potential than both. McConkey is coming into a great situation and he can take advantage of that and become a star.
3) Kirk Cousins Will Turn Drake London into A Superstar
Kirk Cousins signed a hefty multi-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons this past spring, bringing veteran leadership to a young team on the cusp of being relevant again. Atlanta drafted quarterback Michael Penix in the first round of the NFL draft, to the surprise of everyone, including the team's owner. Cousins, however, is still the guy for at least the next couple of years, judging by the contract he signed with the team. This offense will improve, especially wide receiver Drake London. The third-year wide receiver has shown signs of promise despite the poor quarterback play in Atlanta since he entered the league.
London will now look to develop a connection with a pass-happy Cousins known for uplifting young talent. Cousins might not be a hall-of-famer, but when he retires, he will be known as one of the best pure throwers of football and someone who is no stranger to putting up record-breaking pass attempts in games. Cousins has limited rushing ability, and therefore, his only skill set for a team is his arm, and he knows that.
Atlanta also brought in a revamped coaching staff who will uplift this team alone. Zac Robinson, ex-Rams passing game and wide receivers coordinator, is a wizard controlling great QB-WR duos, and he seemingly knows how to get the most out of a great duo like Cousins and London could become. London has great size (6'4 and 213) and knows how to use his size to easily get separation. London's improved route tree and ball-tracking skills will make Cousins his favorite type of target. London is no Justin Jefferson, but he has a similar skill set, and as a result, he will mold into a star real soon.
2) Chris Godwin Will Remind Fans That He Is Still One Of The NFL's Best No.2 Receivers
Over the last five-plus years, a great one-two punch at the wide receiver position has been in Tampa Bay. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are the model of consistency and while Evans will go down as one of the best over the last decade, Godwin will be appreciated for being a great No.2 option, maybe even one of the best in all of football.
Godwin has played a full season just once in the last five seasons and that could knock him down a few spots in fans and coaches' minds. When he is healthy, however, he is a great wide receiver. Godwin has racked up over 1,000 receiving yards in four of his six NFL seasons by being a great slot option and being reliable on the outside as well.
By the numbers, Godwin has played his best when lined up in the slot position. A position he has not run from consistently since 2021, Godwin will return to his preferred spot thanks to the hire of Liam Coen as the team's offensive coordinator. Over his coaching career, Coen has been one of the best coordinators for a team that has great wide receivers. Seemingly Coen is a wide receiver-guru and that was proved further as Coen when he was in Los Angeles with the Rams during Cooper Kuup's record-breaking season in 2022.
Kuup is a player who like Godwin, dominates in the slot, therefore Godwin is likely set to thrive in 2024. Godwin might not be the best receiver in the league, but with his consistency, toughness, and team-first mentality, he is in the conversation for the NFL's best No.2 receiver and he will make sure that people have not forgotten that. Thankfully, Baker Mayfield will be returning to an offense that thrived with Mayfield at the helm.
1) Davante Adams Will Prove That Age Is Just A Number
Davante Adams is in the conversation for one of the league's best wide receivers in the last decade. He has broken countless receiving records, made many big-time plays, and has proven to be a leader.
When he stopped playing with Aaron Rodgers, his production did not follow. Adams has remained consistently dominant. Derek Carr, Brian Hoyer, Aidan O'Connell, Jarrett Stidman, and Jimmy Garoppolo, and not in that order. These quarterbacks have thrown to Adams over the last three years, and his value has not dipped by much. At 31, he has only lost age as a step, but in terms of route-running, hands, and speed to get upfield, Adams is still among the league's best.
Things are looking up in Las Vegas, and Adams seems content staying in Sin City. Antonio Piece is believed to have a lot to do with Adams' openness to stay a Raider despite many rumors that he wants to play for another team. Adams is the type of player that he wants to prove to be still that guy. During a sit-down interview with Shannon Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay podcast, Adams stood up for himself.
When Sharpe asked him to list his top wide receivers in the league, Adams asked if he could keep his name in the conversation. "I am leaving myself in the list for the leagues' best for sure, I have to", said Adams. After listing himself, Adams said Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Chase, and AJ Brown round out the 2-5 spots. Adams went in depth, saying, "All these guys, including myself, can play outside and in the slot, and I think that if you are the best, you have to be dangerous from every spot. Myself and the ones mentioned can do those things, making us the best."
When a player has confidence in themselves, it usually means that his teammates and fans feel the same way. 31 or not, Adams is not going anywhere. Likely, not everyone has Adams as the league's number receiver, but he is still a lock for a top-10 pass catcher, and rightfully so. In 2024, Adams will remind everyone that he has not lost a big enough step to decrease his production
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