Ohio State's Receiver Factory: Separating the Stars
Look, Columbus has become Wide Receiver U. There’s no denying it. Since 2022, the Buckeyes have churned out five first-round receivers: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. And that’s before Emeka Egbuka and potentially Carnell Tate get their shot. It’s an embarrassment of riches, frankly. But who’s been the best of the bunch in the pros so far? That’s where it gets interesting.
The NFL Reality Check
Let’s start with Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ 10th overall pick in 2022. He walked into a quarterback situation that was, to put it mildly, a dumpster fire. Still, Wilson put up 1,103 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. That’s elite production, especially considering he caught passes from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White. Last season, with Aaron Rodgers’ injury, he still managed 1,000 yards on the nose, but only three scores. His 178 targets in 2022 show they were force-feeding him the ball, and he delivered.
Then there’s Chris Olave, selected just five picks after Wilson by the Saints. Olave had a fantastic rookie year too, logging 1,042 yards and four touchdowns. He’s been remarkably consistent, adding 1,123 yards and five scores in 2023. What stands out about Olave is his smooth route running and ability to separate. He doesn’t have the same target volume as Wilson, but his yards per reception are higher (14.2 to Wilson's 12.8 over two seasons). He’s been a steady, reliable number one option for New Orleans.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, taken 20th overall by the Seahawks in 2023, is a different case. He was coming off a hamstring injury that limited him to just three games in his final Ohio State season. His rookie year saw him catch 63 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns. Those aren't bad numbers for a third receiver, playing behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But he didn't explode like Wilson or Olave. He's a slot specialist, and his 9.97 yards per reception indicates he’s still finding his footing as a pro.
Marvin Harrison Jr., the 4th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is the latest phenom. He’s got the pedigree, the size, the hands – everything. He put up back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons with 14 touchdowns in 2023 alone for Ohio State. His NFL journey with the Cardinals is just beginning, but the expectations are sky-high. He’s walking into a situation where he’ll be the undisputed top target from day one.
The Next Wave and a Bold Take
Emeka Egbuka is likely next up, probably in the 2025 draft. He had 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 alongside Harrison. Last season, injuries limited him, but he still managed 515 yards and four scores in 10 games. He’s incredibly versatile, capable of playing inside or outside. He’ll need a big, healthy 2024 season to solidify his first-round status.
Now, about Carnell Tate. Word out of Columbus is he could be the WR1 of the 2026 draft. He’s got the physical tools and the early flashes of brilliance. He only had 18 receptions for 264 yards and one touchdown as a freshman in 2023, but he was stuck behind Harrison, Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. The potential is undeniable.
Here’s my hot take: While Marvin Harrison Jr. will have the best career *eventually*, Garrett Wilson is the most talented receiver to come out of Ohio State in this recent run. His ability to produce with such horrendous quarterback play is a testament to his individual skill. If he gets consistent, above-average quarterbacking, his numbers will dwarf everyone else's.
Ranking the Pros (So Far)
So, how do they stack up right now, based purely on their NFL production and impact?
1. **Garrett Wilson:** Two 1,000-yard seasons with terrible QB play. His talent shines through.
2. **Chris Olave:** Consistent, smooth, and a reliable deep threat. Two 1,000-yard seasons.
3. **Jaxon Smith-Njigba:** Solid rookie year, but needs to show more explosive play. Still a bit TBD.
4. **Marvin Harrison Jr.:** Untested in the NFL, but his college dominance and physical traits scream future superstar. He's at the bottom for now only because he hasn't played a snap.
Egbuka and Tate aren't even on this list yet, but they’re coming. The Ohio State pipeline isn't slowing down.
Bold prediction: By the end of his third NFL season, Marvin Harrison Jr. will have more receiving touchdowns than Wilson and Olave combined through their first three seasons.