Thursday’s first spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft produced seven receiver alternatives. Groups chosen 21 first-round receivers within the earlier 4 drafts (2020-23), which just about doubled the whole variety of first-round receivers (11) within the prior four-year span (2016-19).

Whereas NFL circles will likely be buzzing this fall about their rookie playmakers on the most enjoyable place in soccer, school followers are in retailer for the same expertise. 

Along with the sport prioritizing perimeter playmakers, the athletes we’re seeing — getting into highschool and getting into the NFL — more and more enhance the worth of taking receivers increased. Up to now 4 Top247 closing rankings, the variety of five-star receivers — we tab 32 five-stars each cycle to symbolize future first-round potential — has elevated year-over-year from two to 3 to 4 to seven within the 2024 cycle.

Headlining our seven-receiver high 32 in 247Sports’ closing 2024 Top247 rankings was Jeremiah Smith, who not solely took the WR1 label however completed the cycle No. 1 general. He additionally leads our five-pack of elite receivers who will debut this fall as true freshmen and probably paved the way within the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft. Here is a more in-depth take a look at receivers to comply with within the coming school soccer seasons to familiarize with future draft candidates.

True freshmen WRs to observe

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: Nearly everyone has to attend his flip within the Ohio State receiver room, together with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Properly, Smith will check that. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder not solely overpowers defenders however wins with acrobatic physique management and startling after-catch athleticism. The Top247’s No. 1 general prospect within the 2024 cycle, Smith ought to present one more Day 1 receiver choice for the Buckeyes.

“I feel Jeremiah Smith might be higher than Marvin Harrison Jr.,” mentioned 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins earlier this month. “He is bought to point out up, care for enterprise, however I feel that potential is there.”

Cam Coleman, Auburn: Coleman’s 6-3 body and basketball-influenced athletic capability make him a nightmare matchup. He eclipsed 1,300 yards and scored 18 touchdowns for the Alabama 7A state champions this previous fall after main his group to the basketball title sport in Spring 2023. Basketball is a typical knowledge level in numerous high-end receiver prospects (and different positions, too) in latest NFL Drafts.

“Initiatives as a direct contributor on the subsequent degree and a possible Day 1 NFL Draft selection with a uncommon mixture of measurement, pace and athleticism that differentiates him from the remainder of his friends,” 247Sports Nationwide Scouting Analyst Cooper Petagna writes in Coleman’s official scouting report. “Will flip 18 in August 2024, indicating he is within the infancy levels of his bodily development and on-field improvement.”

Ryan Williams, Alabama: Re-classifying from the 2025 class to the 2024 cycle, retaining your five-star standing, and ending within the high 10 general speaks to Williams’ expertise and potential. A official top-end burner with an elite monitor profile, Williams has produced huge numbers for an Alabama 6A title contender the previous couple of seasons whereas exhibiting not solely field-stretching pace however terrific run-after-catch creativity. Williams reminds us of former Alabama Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.

Micah Hudson, Texas Tech: Probably the most prolific receivers in TXHSFB the previous few years, Hudson didn’t undergo spring practices following arthroscopic knee surgical procedure. However make no mistake, Hudson, who ran monitor as a freshman and performed basketball all through highschool, will see the sector loads this fall. He is some of the pure playmakers within the freshman class with distinctive physique management and devastating open-field speed-changing nuance..

“I will be shocked if he is not an on the spot contributor,” mentioned Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire mentioned on the Crimson Raiders’ Dec. 20 signing day presser. “We’re anticipating him to play as a freshman. I do not suppose you will ever hear me say, ‘We’re gonna redshirt Micah Hudson.’ I feel from Day 1, he may have a presence on this soccer group.”

Ryan Wingo, Texas: One other Top247 five-star and highschool monitor star with 10.5 100-meter pace, Wingo combines that gear — which actually interprets in pads — with a college-ready physique (6-1.5, 210). Wingo flashed this spring, together with his two-touchdown efficiency in Texas’ spring sport. Texas has no scarcity of receiver expertise due to portal and recruiting success alike, however Wingo’s mixture of measurement, athleticism and position-specific talent ought to get him early snaps.

Extra names to observe: Clemson’s TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco, Tennessee’s Mike Matthews, Michigan State’s Nick Marsh, North Carolina’s Jordan Shipp, East Carolina’s Yannick Smith.