The 2024 NFL Draft features a deep class of high-upside wide receiver prospects. NFL offenses searching for difference-makers at wideout will be thrilled with the value they find at the position throughout all seven rounds. Receivers are consistently expected to fly off the board as a result.
With the draft looming, DraftKings recently updated their betting odds for the first wide receiver drafted. We've identified the odds-on favorite, underdogs worth backing, and other prospects with a legitimate opportunity to contend for the honor. The top betting options are as follows:
Marvin Harrison Jr. (-500)
Malik Nabers (+300)
Rome Odunze (+2500)
Brian Thomas Jr. (+7500)
Xavier Worthy (+15000)
Xavier Legette (+15000)
Ladd McConkey (+20000)
Keon Coleman (+20000)
Troy Franklin (+20000)
Roman Wilson (+25000)
THE FAVORITE AND MY PICK: MARVIN HARRISON JR.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the overwhelming favorite at -500 odds. I've never wavered on him being my WR1 throughout the entire process. Harrison Jr. is arguably the most talented overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
If quarterbacks go picks 1-3 as expected, the Arizona Cardinals shouldn't hesitate to select Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall selection. They currently lack playmakers around quarterback Kyler Murray. Sophomore-to-be receiver Michael Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart. The Cardinals aren't going into the 2024 season that way.
Harrison Jr. is a prototypical X-receiver who can align and dominate all over the offensive formation. The Buckeye standout is a technically advanced route runner who pairs outstanding body control with elite contested catch abilities. Harrison Jr. should be the first receiver drafted.
THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: MALIK NABERS
Malik Nabers has been mentioned as the potential WR1 by several in-the-know analysts, including the NFL's Lance Zierlein. That makes him an intriguing choice at +300 odds. Teams who value different traits could conceivably possess a better pre-draft grade on Nabers than Harrison Jr. If one of those teams is the Cardinals (No. 4) or Los Angeles Chargers (No. 5), he’ll almost certainly be drafted first.
Short-area explosiveness and rare acceleration are at the forefront of Nabers' dynamic skill set. Nabers is a true three-level-threat receiver whose body control and play strength in the open field lead to big plays. Nabers may be the preferred flavor for certain general managers. That makes backing him as the potential WR1 a worthwhile exercise.
A WORTHY UNDERDOG: ROME ODUNZE
Rome Odunze would be considered the WR1 in most draft classes. Unfortunately for Odunze, the 2024 class is historically impressive. He projects as a top 10 selection despite being the consensus WR3 across most big boards. Odunze may still be worth a low-risk flier at +2500 odds.
Odunze is a big-bodied vertical playmaker. The Huskies standout led the nation in receiving yards in 2023 with 1,640 while helping an explosive Washington offense carry the program to a National Championship Game appearance. Odunze is a dominant boundary wideout made in the mold of Michael Pittman Jr. or Tee Higgins. Teams that value dominance at the catch point could possess a higher grade on Odunze than any other receiver in the class.
