This is a list of all the relevant WRs from each WR class over the past 7 years, and the ones highlighted in green have a top 24 finish (PPR) to their name.
As you can see from the 2017-2021 classes, there are at least 4 top 25 WRs in each class.
The 2019 and 2020 draft classes were loaded, and currently make up the majority of the top 10.
From 2024’s current top 10 in ADP (Lamb, Hill, Jefferson, Chase, ARSB, AJB, Puka, Wilson, Adams, and Marvin Harrison Jr) 7 were drafted from 2019-2023.
The exceptions include Tyreek Hill (2016),
Davante Adams (2014) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (2024).
Only 13 rookie WRs finished in the top 24 in their rookie season over the past 7 years, see chart below.
All but 3 finished WR13+. The exceptions: Puka Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
The 3rd year breakouts seem to be common. The following WRs broke out in their 3rd season:
Cooper Kupp (WR24, WR51, WR5), Chris Godwin (WR67, WR29, WR2), Deebo Samuel (WR32, WR96, WR3), Diontae Johnson (WR41, WR21, WR8)
Hunter Renfrow
(WR54, WR60, WR11), CeeDee Lamb (WR22, WR19, WR5), Brandon Aiyuk (WR35, WR35, WR15), Tee Higgins (WR28, WR24, WR18)
Jerry Jeudy (WR47, WR85, WR22) and Nico Collins (WR86, WR77, WR12)
The most likely 3rd year breakout candidates in 2024 are Garrett Wilson (WR21, WR26), Chris Olave (WR25, WR16) and Drake London (WR21, WR37)
There are a couple of other players that have an outside chance, including: Christian Watson
(WR41, WR68), George Pickens (WR39, WR30)
Jameson Williams (WR154, WR82), Romeo Doubs (WR72, WR36), Jahan Dotson (WR51, WR56), Treylon Burks (WR78, WR123),
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR115, WR53), Khalil Shakir (WR130, WR61) and John Metchie III (N/A, WR138)
The following have potential to break out in their 4th year: Rashod Bateman (WR69, WR112, WR85), Elijah Moore (WR49, WR81, WR54), Josh Palmer (WR75, WR37, WR65)
There are about 19 rookie WRs that could finish in the top 24, but realistically only about 6.
Those names are: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas Jr.
Finished Top 24
