Rookies with Injury Concerns: Wide Receiver
A deep wide receiver class once again presents itself in the NFL Draft with plenty of options for pass-hungry teams. Some starters can likely be found on day two and even day three under the right circumstances.
While several receivers come in pro-ready and will have an instant impact, others may cut their teeth as depth options or on special teams. With more and more receivers expected to come in and produce, having a player with minimal injuries may allow for rapid development. If a player misses extended time, that may cost them valuable reps needed to contribute.
Today’s article will dig into the wide receiver concerns for the 2024 draft class as you navigate who to target and who to avoid in your fantasy drafts.
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
High School
2018 – Right foot Jones fracture, Cracked Collarbone junior year.
College
2021 – Undisclosed injury, missed zero games.
2022 – Turf Toe, missed zero games.
Knee tendinitis missed the second half of the SEC Championship game.
2023 – Back soreness, preseason, missed four games
Right low ankle sprain, vs Ole Miss, missed one game.
Analysis
The more I dug into McConkey, the more I found. And that’s not always a good thing. Going in chronological order, McConkey played through a Jones fracture in his right foot during his junior year, later requiring surgery. Entering his senior year of high school he suffered a cracked collarbone possibly in the preseason.
Once he got into college, he played through knee tendinitis his junior year which limited his ability and cost him parts of games. His injury issues did not stop his senior year when he missed the first four games of the season with back soreness and was considered day-to-day. Finally, he suffered a right low ankle sprain against Ole Miss, missing one game and re-injuring it in the SEC Championship.
The frequency and variety of injuries concern me and the back soreness reportedly dates back to last season. This injury is likely more severe than what is known, but most players don’t miss a game due to soreness.
As the eighth-ranked receiver on DLF rookie WR rankings and ninth overall, he is not someone worth chasing up the board. If you are split between McConkey and someone else, I would pick someone else. Let him fall to you and don’t take him unless he is truly the best option on the board.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
2022 Georgia – Left High-ankle sprain, vs Samford, missed nine games.
Analysis
While at Georgia, Mitchell suffered a high-ankle sprain in week two against Samford, missing nine games during that span. He underwent Tightrope surgery to stabilize the ankle and allow for a shorter time frame.
Fortunately, after he transferred to Texas, he did not have any ill effects from the surgery, enjoying his best season. In addition, there have not been any long-term concerns following Tightrope surgery. As the sixth-ranked receiver in the DLF rookie WR rankings and seventh overall, Mitchell is safe to grab and should be productive at the next level.
Xavier Legette, South Carolina
2019 – Undisclosed, missed one game vs Clemson.
2020 – Hamstring strain, vs Texas A&M, missed four games.
2021 – Undisclosed spring injury, possibly required surgery.
Motorcycle/scooter accident, left knee/leg scrapes, missed two games.
2023 – Upper body injury, vs Missouri, missed 0 games.
Ankle injury, vs Texas A&M, missed 0 games.
2024 – Ankle soreness, missed Senior Bowl
Analysis
Lots of smaller injuries have dotted Legette’s career along with a motorcycle accident. He has only missed two games due to his accident since 2021. Without additional information on his surgery, it is difficult to determine if there are any additional concerns.
As the tenth-ranked receiver in the DLF rookie WR rankings and 20th overall, Legette is worth going to get if he is your guy. At that ranking in the right offense, he could be a steal and pay dividends. He may be a player who continues to have occasional injuries but should not miss extended time.
Johnny Wilson, FSU
2021 Arizona State – Hamstring strain, missed seven games.
2022 Florida State – Ankle injury vs Duquesne, missed zero games.
2023 – Lower leg injury, vs. Virginia Tech, missed three of the next five games.
Analysis
Wilson has dealt with something every single season that has limited his production. He doesn’t inspire confidence when looking at the injury history and scouting report.
As the 22nd-rated receiver in the DLF rookie WR rankings and 45th overall, I’m not certain that taking Wilson would even pay off. I’m concerned about his ability to stay healthy and even get on the field. If he falls to you, he better be the best player left on the board or in the right situation for him to succeed. Otherwise, I would look elsewhere for production.
Follow me on X at @kyletrimble88 for injury content.
- Rookies with Injury Concerns: Quarterback - April 24, 2024
- Rookies with Injury Concerns: Running Back - April 21, 2024
- Rookies with Injury Concerns: Tight End - April 16, 2024
