With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers skipping on-field workouts at the NFL Combine, the other wide receivers that make up the class took advantage of their center-stage opportunity. A deep group of pass catchers made for must-watch television in primetime. Pre-draft stocks have been improved with various talents jockeying for early-round positioning. We've identified five receivers that won the NFL Combine.
XAVIER WORTHY, TEXAS
Xavier Worthy entered Saturday evening as a favorite to run the fastest 40-yard dash among all participants and he met that projection. On his first attempt, Worthy ran a then-combine-best 4.25, edging out Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, who ran a 4.28 earlier in the week. Worthy then exuded confidence by deciding to run a second time, a unique decision given his first result. Worthy knew exactly what he was doing as his second attempt broke John Ross' all-time record of 4.22 by 0.01!
Before running the 4.21 40, Worthy vertical jumped 40 inches and broad jumped 10 feet, 11 inches. Rare athleticism was on display. Worthy will quickly establish himself as an elite deep threat at the next level. The long speed to routinely take the top off opposing secondaries is evident. Worthy's twitchiness and acceleration make him a consistent threat to score explosive touchdowns.
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LADD MCCONKEY, GEORGIA
There arguably isn't a better route-runner or zone-beater in the 2024 NFL Draft than Ladd McConkey. McConkey ran the most efficient gauntlet drill of any receiver, showcasing the smoothness of a gazelle across the middle. Perceived as a better football player than athlete, McConkey also tested impressively, running an outstanding 4.39 40.
There's meat left on the bone with McConkey's performance ceiling. The Chatsworth, Georgia native was limited to nine regular-season appearances throughout 2023, hauling in 30 receptions for 478 receiving yards and two touchdowns. McConkey blends speed with high-level route running, altering his tempo as required. He'll make for a nightmare assignment at the next level.
ADONAI MITCHELL, TEXAS
Adonai Mitchell rivaled his Texas teammate Worthy for being the position’s biggest winner. Mitchell ran a blazing-fast 4.34 40. To put that result into context, Mitchell became just the second 6-foot-2, 205-pound (or bigger) receiver to run a 4.35 or better since 2015 (DK Metcalf), per Warren Sharp. The standout Longhorn also leaped a 39.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-4 broad jump, the latter of which led all participating receivers.
If it was ever in doubt, and it shouldn't have been, Mitchell undoubtedly solidified himself as a first-round selection. Mitchell is an elite athlete who creates separation at every level. Mitchell took a sizable step forward within Texas' explosive air attack this season, totaling 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mitchell will start on the boundary for an NFL offense in 2024.
BRIAN THOMAS JR., LSU
Brian Thomas Jr. was the clubhouse leader with a 4.34 before Worthy passed him mere seconds later. The difference? Thomas Jr. ran in the mid-4.3s at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds. That means Thomas Jr. joined Mitchell and Metcalf as the third receiver since 2015 to run 4.35 or faster at that height and weight.
Thomas Jr. confirmed his status as a top-20 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Receiver-needy teams like the Bills and Chiefs are mistaken if they believe they'll be drafting Thomas Jr. in the late 20's or early 30's. Thomas Jr. also leaped a 38.5-inch vertical.
TEZ WALKER, NORTH CAROLINA
Tez Walker entered NFL Combine week needing to inject positivity back into his pre-draft stock after an up-and-down Senior Bowl. The Tar Heel standout achieved his goals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Walker finished second in the broad (11-feet-2), fourth in the 40 (4.36), and fifth in the vertical (40.5 inches). Athleticism isn't a question.
Walker was absolutely scooting at 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds. Walker possesses the size and speed necessary to develop into a big-play weapon on the outside. Walker reminded scouts of his untapped upside.
Honorable mentions: Jalen Coker (Holy Cross), Ricky Pearsall (Florida), Bub Means (Pittsburgh), Xavier Legette (South Carolina), Anthony Gould (Oregon State), Jacob Cowing (Arizona), Ryan Flournoy (Southeast Missouri State), Cornelius Johnson (Michigan), Jermaine Burton (Alabama), Malik Washington (Virginia).
