NFL Analysis
3/19/24
5 min read
2024 NFL Draft: 7 Best Route Runners Among Wide Receivers
With the 2024 NFL Draft edging closer, it’s time to examine some of the top traits of this year’s draft-eligible players.
This time, we'll focus on the wide receivers and detail the best route runners in the class. Route running is an art, and receivers who do it well tend to stick around for a long time. It’s not only about running crisp routes; it also factors in using the defender’s leverage against them and finding openings in the defense.
With that in mind, let’s look at the seven best route runners at the receiver position heading into the draft.
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7 Best Route Runners
7. Jalen McMillan, Washington 
Jalen McMillan played third fiddle to Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk in Washington’s offense in 2023. Most of that was due to a knee injury that limited him for nearly half the season. When healthy, however, McMillan shows the route-running ability to win at all levels of the field.
According to our report, “He sets up his routes well, using the defender’s leverage against them and to his advantage. He’s crisp in and out of cuts and gets out of the top of his route quickly.”
My goodness Jamari Thrash…😳
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) December 3, 2023
pic.twitter.com/fXdN9mzj50
6. Jamari Thrash, Louisville
With a “6” in route running and route savvy, Jamari Thrash is No. 6 on this list. Thrash might need to learn an NFL route tree and improve his separation skills, but his route running is right up there with some of the best in this class.
Thrash’s ability to get in and out of breaks quickly is what separates him from most others. SIS scout John Lininger writes, “He is quicker than fast, showing some ability to stretch the field, but is better in the short-to-intermediate levels where he can show off his ability to get in and out of breaks quickly.”
5. Rome Odunze, Washington
A good route runner who has run 39 unique routes—seventh-most among receivers currently on our board—Rome Odunze is our No. 3 receiver in the class. He’s not higher than fifth on the list because most of his best traits are his hands, contested ability and downfield tracking. However, one of his strengths is also being a smooth, savvy route runner.
SIS scout Jordan Edwards writes, “He is a smooth route runner who knows how to use the defender's leverage to his advantage to get open downfield. He seems to always find empty spaces in zone coverage and make himself available to the quarterback.”
Great double move by Ladd McConkey. Excellent level change w/slight head faint on this double move 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/WsG9q9xjiE
— Justyce Gordon (@JustyceGordon1) March 15, 2024
4. Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Now, we start approaching players with some very good route-running traits. Ladd McConkey received a “6” for route running but a “7” for route savvy. While he is and will be at his best in the slot, his ability to release off the line effectively and run good routes makes him a candidate to play outside.
Two of McConkey’s strengths are short-area quickness and savvy at the top of routes. These are important for a good route runner. SIS scout Zeb Ataelseed says, “At the top of routes, he does a good job of getting defenders to flip their hips and is able to use quick feet and burst to get in and out of cuts.”
3. Jacob Cowing, Arizona 
Jacob Cowing led all receivers on our board with 43 unique routes run. While he’s on the smaller side (5-foot-8, 168 pounds) and fits best in the slot, he ran many different routes during his time at UTSA and Arizona.
SIS scout Jeff Dean mentions in his report that, “He has suddenness in his game highlighted by his precision routes, quick acceleration, and devastating double moves.”
2. Malik Nabers, LSU
Graded with a “7” in route running, release, and separation and a “6” in route savvy, Malik Nabers comes in at No. 2 on this list and No. 2 overall among receivers. With separation skills, elite playmaking and a quick, aggressive release, it’s easy to see why he’s been a dominant force and will be a top draft pick.
SIS scout Dan Foehrenbach writes, “His explosiveness is also on display with his route running, especially on short and intermediate routes. He can sink his hips at the top of his route and can explode through the stem to keep his speed to separate from defenders.”
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Our No. 1 overall prospect is also the top route runner. Marvin Harrison Jr. can do it all. With grades of “7” in route running, route savvy, release and separation, it’s clear why he’s our top player. In addition, he received an excellent (8) trait grade for contested-catch ability.
In our report, we wrote “He uses very good route tempo, varying up speeds mid-route to keep the defender guessing the entire time. He’s excellent at the top of the route, using his suddenness in and out of cuts to create separation. He also shows savvy to get the defender working one way before Harrison goes the other.”
Even when he’s not open, he’s open.
Honorable mentions must be made for Florida's Ricky Pearsall and Michigan's Roman Wilson, as they nearly made the list. Both received grades of “5” for route running but “6” for route savvy.
Our scouts feel both players might need to improve their true route-running ability but have the suddenness and savviness to get open.
Stats and ranks as of 3/18/2024
This article was written by Nathan Cooper.
