After week 1 of the 2024-25 NFL season, there are a lot of questions about the 2024 rookie class. The wide receivers in this class all had very different games, so here is our ranking of the top 10 rookie receivers based on week 1 stats.
10. Jermaine Burton – While only nine rookies had a catch in week 1, Jermaine Burton did have a catch in week 2. So since this is based on stats, Burton is the last receiver to record a stat in a game. He didn’t record any stats in week 1, so he does have to be last.
9. Marvin Harrison Jr . – Marvin Harrison Jr. is the last rookie receiver to catch a pass on this list. He came into the draft being rated one of the best receivers of all time. However, he struggled in week 1, only reeling in one of his four targets for four yards.
8. Ja’Lynn Polk – Playing on another pretty bad team, Ja’Lynn Polk didn’t have a great game. However, he did catch the only pass that came his way, even though it was only for six yards. Polk was one of nine rookie receivers to catch a pass this week, and he just had more yards than who’s at nine. That’s why he is here.
7. Rome Odunze – Coming in as the third option in a crowded Bears offense, Odunze wasn’t projected to do too much. Caleb Williams (quarterback) struggled a lot in his first game as a rookie, and Odunze and the other receivers on the team didn’t have good stats because of it. Odunze finished with one reception and 11 yards on four targets. He struggled his first week, but he played better than the receivers behind him.
6. Jalen McMillan – McMillan was the only other rookie this week to have a touchdown. However, he only had one reception this week and that does bump him down in the rankings. Although he only had one reception, it was for 32 yards, but there were two other balls that came his way that he didn’t grab.
5. Keon Coleman – As a rookie in a mid-tier Bills offense, Keon Coleman showed potential to be a #1 option on this team. Coming into this week, there were questions about whether or not Keon Coleman possessed the ability to create space and be a true first option. He proved his spot in this offense, reeling in four of the five passes that came his way, and had 51 yards from that.
4. Ladd McConkey – McConkey was one of four rookies to have a touchdown this week. He led the chargers in receiving yards in week 1 and had five receptions along with it. The chargers had a rough first week passing wise and Justin Herbert (quarterback) only threw for 144 yards.
3. Malik Nabers – With a pretty bad quarterback, Malik Nabers showed that he can still produce. Daniel Jones (his quarterback) had an abysmal tw0 interceptions with only 186 passing yards and no touchdowns. While Daniel Jones had an awful performance, Malik Nabers still managed to put up semi-good numbers. He finished with five receptions and 66 yards on seven targets.
2. Brian Thomas Jr. – As a third receiver option on the Jaguars, Brian Thomas Jr. still put up good stats, and 14.7 points in fantasy. Thomas was second on the team in receiving yards, had the most receptions, and was the only receiver on the team with a touchdown. Also, he reeled in every pass that went his way.
1. Xavier Worthy – After an explosive week 1 game, Xavier Worthy showed that his speed will translate to the game. The combination of him and the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL shows that he is probably going to end up being the best rookie receiver this year. His stats for week 1 were two touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing), with only two catches for 47 yards, and all that with only three targets.
