Three under-the-radar wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit and the incoming wide receiver class is touted to be one of the most talented we've ever seen. Because of this, teams might still be able to find an impactful contributor or a future star at the position much later in the draft than in previous years.

With that in mind, here are three wideouts projected to be selected outside of the first two rounds who could turn out to be steals in the draft. 

Javon Baker, UCF 

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 202 pounds

A late bloomer, Baker spent his first two collegiate seasons playing sparingly at Alabama before transferring to UCF in 2022. After catching just nine passes for 116 yards and one touchdown with the Crimson Tide, Baker instantly became the top option in UCF's passing attack.

In 2022, Baker led the Knights with 796 yards on 56 receptions, but he truly established himself as one of the top wideouts in college football following the program's move to the Big 12. Baker led the Big 12 in receiving yards this past season with 1,139 – the 16th-most in the NCAA – along with 52 receptions and seven touchdowns. The All-Big 12 first-teamer also finished second in the nation in yards per reception in 2023 (21.9).

Despite showing promise as a deep threat, Baker lacks game-changing speed, as evidenced by his 4.54 second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine, which ranked 27th among 30 participating receivers. Even so, with his solid frame and the skill set he provides, Baker could develop into a quality No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL. 

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 215 pounds

Impressive showings at the Reese's Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine have cemented Corley's status as a likely third-round pick, but it can be argued that he should be a top-60 selection instead. The two-time first-team All-Conference USA selection emerged as one of the most productive wideouts in the nation over the last two seasons, racking up 180 receptions for 2,277 yards and 22 touchdowns in that span. 

Due to his running back-like frame and exceptional ability to gain additional yards after the catch, Corley has not only drawn comparisons to San Francisco 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel but also dubbed himself the "YAC King." Considering that the former Hilltopper led the FBS in YAC in 2022 (975) and ranked fifth in that department this past season (683), the moniker is quite fitting.

Jalen McMillan, Washington

Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 197 pounds

Although he isn't the same type of talent as former teammate and projected top-10 pick Rome Odunze, McMillan is an intriguing prospect who deserves more attention from teams.

On the surface, McMillan's 559 yards and five touchdowns the past season – both of which ranked third on the Huskies – don't seem particularly impressive. However, considering he missed four games with a knee injury that also affected him in multiple contests in which he was able to suit up, the lackluster production isn't as disappointing as it appears. Over the two-and-a-half games McMillan played before his injury, he had 20 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns.

It's also worth mentioning that McMillan was more of a 1B to Odunze in the Huskies offense in 2022 than a supporting cast member. That season, McMillan reeled in 79 passes for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns, compared to Odunze's 1,145 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions. Additionally, McMillan and Odunze led Washington in receiving in six separate games apiece during the 2022 season.

While injuries are a concern for McMillan, his crisp route running and steady hands should make him a reliable target out of the slot in the pros.