It’s never too early to look ahead to the NFL season, especially with OTAs starting this week.
Each year, several wide receivers have breakout seasons, driven by their talent or an improved situation. While we might not see a breakout as monumental as Rams star Puka Nacua’s record-setting rookie season in 2024, there will undoubtedly be receivers who make significant leaps, similar to Houston’s Nico Collins in 2023.
With that in mind, here are three wideouts poised to break out in the 2024 season:
Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
Garrett Wilson, one of the NFL’s brightest young wide receivers, hasn’t fully broken out yet, mainly due to the unstable quarterback situation he’s faced early in his career. However, with QB Aaron Rodgers expected to stay healthy, Wilson’s production should finally reflect his talent, potentially earning him his first career Pro Bowl nod.
Despite the revolving door of subpar quarterbacks, Wilson became the first Jets wideout to amass 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, though he only has seven career touchdowns. With Rodgers leading the offense, Wilson is likely to set personal records and exceed his career touchdown total.
Historically, Rodgers’ top wideouts have averaged 1,203.9 yards and 10.5 touchdowns in seasons where he started at least 15 games. While Wilson might not hit 1,500 yards like Davante Adams did twice with Rodgers, expect him to rank among the top 15 in receiving yards in 2024.
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis out of the picture, 241 targets from last season are available for the new-look Bills receiving corps. While QB Josh Allen will depend on rookie Keon Coleman and second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid, Shakir could emerge as Buffalo’s leading receiver.
After a modest rookie year with 161 yards, Shakir, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, made significant strides last season, catching 39 passes for 611 yards and two touchdowns. Shakir dropped only one pass in 2023, and his 133.6 passer rating when targeted was the second-highest among NFL wideouts, according to Pro Football Focus.
Bills GM Brandon Beane recently called Shakir Buffalo’s most underrated offensive player on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast. If Shakir capitalizes on his expanded role, he could quickly become a household name.
Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love’s impressive rise in 2023 was bolstered by his relatively unknown receiving corps. While Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed stood out, Wicks — the 159th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft — quietly became a trusted target for Love.
In 15 games, including six starts, Wicks finished third on the Packers in targets (58), receptions (39), and receiving yards (581), scoring four touchdowns. Though these stats might not stand out, Wicks’ advanced metrics showed he was one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers last season.
PFF’s Thomas Valentine highlighted Wicks’ proficiency after the catch, with 5.6 YAC per reception, ranking 19th among wideouts. According to Sleeper, Wicks was the best in the league at getting open against single man coverage, with a 55.1% open rate. He might not reach 1,000 receiving yards this season, but with his reliable hands and elite separation skills, Wicks could become a league leader in receptions.
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