CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 28: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
With the NFL draft quickly approaching, I thought I would take a look at the first WR drafted in each draft over the past 10 years. Looking back now, how many of these players do you think were worthy of not just being 1st round picks but also being the first WR taken?
2024: Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 25: (L-R) Marvin Harrison Jr. poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Had an underwhelming rookie campaign based on what the expectations were, but he still has a bright future.
2023: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 22: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on October 22, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Had his breakout season last year and is one of the best in the game.
2022: Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Drake London poses onstage after being selected eighth by the Atlanta Falcons during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
A very good WR and is coming off the best season of his career.
2021: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Arguably the best WR in the league RIGHT NOW.
2020: Henry Ruggs, Oakland Raiders
Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) attempts to catch a pass in the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
We don’t really know how good Ruggs could have been, because of his trouble with the law.
2019: Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens
Apr 25, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Marquise Brown (Oklahoma) stands with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected as the number twenty-five overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft in Downtown Nashville. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
He never became a star, but has had a nice career with a number of different teams.
2018: D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers
Jul 28, 2022; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore (2) during the third day of training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Tremendous player who is now enjoying success with the Bears.
2017: Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs away from a Oakland Raiders defender during action at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sept. 10, 2017.
A huge bust for the Titans and everywhere he went after.
2016: Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns
Jul 26, 2018; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
He was never able to establish himself in the league.
2015: Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders
Sep 30, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) prepares to catch a pass before the start of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper was a solid player for the Raiders, but his inconsistency eventually led to him being traded.
