The Senior Bowl featured plenty of wide receivers the New York Jets should target in the NFL draft
The wide receiver class for the 2024 NFL draft is loaded with depth. And while many times that’s exaggerated, the 2024 Senior Bowl showcased plenty of late-round options for NFL teams to target.
I was fortunate enough to spend three days in Mobile, Alabama, and came across a litany of wide receivers that the New York Jets should keep an eye on as draft day nears.
Luke McCaffrey – Rice
Luke McCaffrey is the younger brother of Christian McCaffrey and the son of former Broncos’ WR Ed McCaffrey. The younger McCaffrey started his college career primarily as a quarterback at Nebraska before making the full-time switch to wide receiver and eventually transferring to Rice.
McCaffrey was a star at the Senior Bowl. It didn’t seem to matter who was guarding him, or who was throwing him the ball – McCaffrey found himself open, and often. The Rice product is agile in a box, quickly getting leverage in his stem in and using his acceleration to separate at the break point.
Luke McCaffrey winning on a slant. @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/yLgbARDQDW
— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) January 31, 2024
Even when the younger McCaffrey isn’t able to win with separation, he has strong hands and understands the timing on his route in order to come down with a reception. It’s something he’s shown throughout his collegiate career and was certainly on display during the Senior Bowl.
Rice WR Luke McCaffrey with a nice snag in 1-on-1 drills here at the Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/V5mOLxh7YX
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 1, 2024
And while McCaffrey has received hype for his abilities as a WR, it’s his blocking prowess that’s going unnoticed. Here he seals the edge with a great block during live practices. His block allows the running back to reach the edge and secure a large gain.
Luke McCaffrey made waves at the #SeniorBowl for his receiving skills, but it's his willingness to block that will help keep him on the football field. Here he does his job sealing off the edge, allowing teammate Dylan Laube to run for a big gain. pic.twitter.com/0SQwGO5amH
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 4, 2024
Despite the name recognition and the apparent ability, Luke McCaffrey is currently projected as a Day 3 pick in the NFL draft. On top of the physical talent, the younger McCaffrey is incredibly intelligent and humble. These are traits that are hard to find at wide receiver – let alone on a prospect with a potential Day 3 grade. I think McCaffrey would be an excellent complement to Garrett Wilson, and a much-needed option for the Jets out of the slot. If he’s available for the Jets in the fifth round, Gang Green shouldn’t hesitate to select him.
Ryan Flournoy – Southeast Missouri
Most people reading this probably haven’t heard of Ryan Flournoy, but they should get familiar.
After being accepted into the Senior Bowl, Flournoy made the most of the opportunity. The SEMO product was consistently the first wide receiver on the practice field, working with quarterbacks during warmups. He made those early reps count, turning heads throughout the Senior Bowl practice sessions.
One player that really stepped up during the #SeniorBowl for me was WR Ryan Flournoy from @SEMOfootball. Here he does a beautiful job in his stem to get leverage going toward the boundary – making an excellent sliding catch. pic.twitter.com/YdHPuiSWfe
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 3, 2024
Even when Flournoy wasn’t making spectacular catches, he was creating separation consistently. While these next two clips are incompletions, they are plays that should be converted at the next level – especially if he’s given the chance to play with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Another video of SEM WR Ryan Flournoy in 1v1's at the #SeniorBowl. Another example of his footwork on his stems creating separation early. Unfortunately, Joe Milton throws a laser that's too high to come down with. In the NFL, however, this is an easy completion for Ryan. pic.twitter.com/FJn5sCSmda
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 3, 2024
Not shown in the above clips is Flournoy’s prowess as a blocker. There were multiple plays throughout the practice sessions where Flournoy’s block set up large gains for his running back. It’s something Flournoy thinks separates himself from other receivers in this draft class.
Got to speak to @SEMOfootball WR Ryan Flournoy at the #SeniorBowl. He was separating himself at the position without ever seeing film on the players guarding him. His talent and determination will give him an edge at the next level. pic.twitter.com/8TTFTpRhhq
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 4, 2024
Despite the incredible performance at the Senior Bowl, the FCS product may still fly under the radar by the time of the NFL draft. His size (6’2″, 205lbs) and skillset can provide a perfect complement to Garrett Wilson. It’s likely Flournoy is available on Day 3, and if he is, the Jets shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to add him to their receiving group.
Johnny Wilson – Florida State
For Jets fans who are clamoring for Mike Evans during free agency this offseason, let me introduce you to Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson. The Seminole is massive, coming in at 6-foot-6 and 237 pounds. And, while he’s had some drop issues during his time in college, the talent and potential are off the charts.
At the Senior Bowl, things started off rough for Wilson. On the first day of practice, he had multiple drop issues before settling in and really asserting himself. Day 2 is where he would shine, before leaving due to an undisclosed reason.
After having a disappointing first day at the #SeniorBowl, Florida State WR Johnny Wilson really settled in on Day 2 before leaving due to an undisclosed reason.
Here he blows past the defender even with the cushion, and secures the catch on the boundary. pic.twitter.com/hbv00argg9
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) February 4, 2024
Simply put, there’s no reason a player with Wilson’s size should be this agile. He has elite long speed and the (obvious) height advantage to become a consistent target in man coverage and one-on-one situations – especially in the red zone.
With the Jets looking for a dance partner to team up with Garrett Wilson, Johnny Wilson could be a cheap alternative to Mike Evans. Wilson is projected to be a Day 2 pick, but he could be worth the cost given his elite size and speed. And, if the Senior Bowl appearance hurt his draft stock for any reason, the Jets could be getting a steal in the draft.
