5 Under-The-Radar Wide Receivers In The 2024 NFL Draft

Wide receivers are a coveted position in the NFL Draft. Thirty-three were selected last year, the second most by position behind 36 cornerbacks. Offensive line would have the most picks if you combined tackles, guards, and centers.

Hidden gems are often found in the later rounds as NFL teams hope to strike gold with their mid-to-late-round picks. And with a position group with as much depth as the wide receivers, impact playmakers can be found on Day 3.

Here are five under-the-radar wide receivers to keep an eye on in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

Coker’s draft stock keeps on trending in the right direction during the predraft process. He turned a great Hula Bowl performance into an invite to the Shrine Bowl, eventually leading to an NFL Combine invite.

The measurables are there for Coker at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds. He played against FCS competition and won most of his 50/50 battles as Holy Cross stretched the field vertically often. But Coker also took it to FBS opponents in his limited opportunities. 

Coker’s testing numbers at the combine will be key in scouts evaluating how his game translates to the NFL. His film stands out, and he’ll need to back up his tape by proving his athleticism. Coker certainly lit it up at Holy Cross as the all-time leader in touchdown catches (31) and receiving yards (2,715). 

Jaxon Janke, South Dakota State

Janke wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, but don’t be surprised if he starts popping up on more draft radars after his pro day.

Janke has good size and is a fluid athlete. The 6-foot-3 and 210-pounder is a crisp route-runner, has sure hands, can make contested catches, and is dangerous after the catch. Will he rise all the way up to a Day 2 pick? Probably not. But a few teams are going to love how Janke’s skills translate to the next level and could spend a sixth- or seventh-round pick on him.

If there are any concerns about him being an FCS prospect and his level of competition, SDSU’s recent success of having alums making big impacts in the NFL should answer those questions. 

Ryan Flournoy, SEMO

Every year at the NFL Combine, an FCS prospect tests out of his mind and then sees his draft stock skyrocket. Flournoy hopes to be that guy this year.

Featured on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Flournoy may be a top tester among wide receivers in several combine events.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has the football skill and raw athleticism to be an impact guy in the NFL. He dominated the FCS level in his two seasons. Flournoy caught 118 passes for 1,823 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane

Jackson didn’t even make an all-conference team as a wide receiver, but he’s steadily gained more and more attention this offseason.

At 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Jackson caught 26 passes for 439 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. He was an All-AAC third-team return specialist, as he gained 110 yards on nine punt returns. The season before, he chalked up 554 yards and three scores on 33 receptions while returning 21 punts for 213 yards and another touchdown.

But he’s continued to maximize his opportunities. He shined against top-notch talent at the Senior Bowl and earned an invite to the NFL Combine.

Jackson’s athleticism and versatility could lead to him making an immediate impact no matter where he goes or when he’s drafted.

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Corley might be the best prospect out of Conference USA this year.

Last year, he was a G5 All-American and first-team All-CUSA selection after racking up 984 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 catches. He’s WKU’s all-time leader with 259 receptions, ranking second in the program’s record books with 29 touchdown catches and third with 3,033 yards.

Corley’s strongest attribute is his playmaking ability once the ball is in his hands. This past year, 683 of his 984 yards were after the catch. NFL teams will surely value that.