The Steelers are rumored to be eyeing a veteran wide receiver in the upcoming NFL offseason, but what about teams seeking wideouts in the first round? Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post has highlighted several teams aiming for pass-catching talent on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. La Canfora mentions the Cardinals, Bears, Colts, Bills, 49ers, and Chiefs as potential contenders.
The Cardinals, positioned at No. 4 overall, might opt for a trade down to accommodate the Giants’ interest in Daniel Jones’ replacement, paving the way for them to snag Ohio State’s top receiver prospect, Marvin Harrison Jr., filling the void left by Marquise Brown’s departure. Meanwhile, the Chargers, with significant gaps at wide receiver after losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, may prioritize other positions under new general manager Joe Hortiz, potentially favoring Notre Dame’s Joe Alt due to connections and a preference for a run-heavy offensive approach.
Despite acquiring Allen, the Bears could still target a top receiver like LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze to bolster their offensive arsenal for anticipated new quarterback Caleb Williams. The Colts, looking to support second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, aim to secure a first-round receiver, with LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. as a fallback option if top choices are off the board.
The Bills, lacking depth after Gabriel Davis’s departure and Stefon Diggs’s trade, seek to replenish their receiving corps, possibly targeting prospects like Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman, or Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers and Chiefs, despite recent investments in receivers, might explore options if trade talks involving Brandon Aiyuk materialize for the former, and the latter could pursue speedy wideouts like Ladd McConkey, Roman Wilson, or Xavier Worthy to complement Patrick Mahomes.
While the first round promises to be rich in receiver talent with prospects like Harrison, Nabers, Odunze, and Thomas likely early picks, the depth extends into later rounds, offering approximately 20 wideouts with third-round grades or better. Teams in need of receiving help will find ample talent to address their needs beyond the initial picks.
