Incoming classes of wide receivers are typically robust, thanks to the dynamic nature of the position in today’s game. However, the 2025 cohort appears less formidable.

Over the past five drafts, an average of 33 wide receivers have been selected each year, though the quality varies significantly.

For instance, last year’s draft saw 10 wide receivers chosen within the first 37 picks – including seven in the first round and three in the Top 10 overall.

This year, Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, is an intriguing option. However, the Bleacher Report Scouting Report Team views Hunter primarily as a cornerback, with potential for special offensive packages.

The upcoming class seems weaker at the top; currently, nine wide receivers are ranked among the top 75 prospects. The selection board will evolve as the College Football Playoff approaches and the predraft cycle unfolds.

Nevertheless, playmakers will emerge in every round, including one potential top-10 selection for teams eager to acquire a WR1.

The fluctuation in talent can be dramatic from year to year.

Eight months ago, three wide receivers were projected as top-10 guarantees, yet they may have been outperformed by another receiver drafted later. Interestingly, last year’s draft saw the first wide receiver chosen at the 20th pick overall.

Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona is a genuine top-10 candidate. At 6’5″ and 210 pounds, he possesses an ideal X-receiver physique along with exceptional ball skills. Crucially, he combines size with impressive fluidity.

Taller receivers often struggle with agility, leading to less precise route-running and separation issues. However, McMillan showcases a fluidity akin to that of Drake London, allowing him to change direction seamlessly without sacrificing his size.

As a first-team All-American, his after-catch ability is remarkable, forcing 28 missed tackles on receptions according to Pro Football Focus. He led all Power Four receivers with 1,319 receiving yards.

Despite experiencing inconsistent quarterback performance and inadequate offensive support—no other Wildcat exceeded 323 receiving yards—McMillan managed to excel.

McMillan is poised to step in immediately as a team’s premier receiving option.

Team Fits: New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans

There’s often skepticism regarding wide receivers from Ole Miss due to their simplified system that does not always align with NFL concepts.

However, Tre Harris’ talent cannot be overlooked. His performance speaks for itself, regardless of the questions surrounding his former system.

Reflect on past Ole Miss players like DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown, whose skill sets faced scrutiny but ultimately proved successful in the NFL. Although Lane Kiffin brought some changes to Ole Miss, similar concerns still linger.

Harris made a significant impact, garnering over 1,000 receiving yards in just over seven games, even while battling a groin injury that sidelined him for four games.

Despite a limited route tree, Harris possesses adequate size at 6’3″ and 210 pounds, along with the body control needed to play all three receiver positions effectively.

In an era where quick release offenses dominate, Harris, a first-team All-SEC selection, will excel transitioning to the NFL.

Team Fits: Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals

Despite not being the primary target for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Emeka Egbuka is still a strong candidate for a first-round selection.

With teammates like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr., all of whom are or will be first-round picks, Egbuka has thrived in a packed offense.

Even amid a talented receiving corps, Egbuka has consistently performed and shown a unique skill set suitable for the professional level.

Throughout three seasons, the senior prospect racked up 175 receptions, 2,409 yards, and 21 touchdowns across 35 games. While an ankle injury hampered his performance last year, Egbuka has created significant buzz as he returns to form.

Most NFL teams will see Egbuka primarily as a slot receiver, where he has excelled and can contribute without demanding extensive targets or outside duties.

At 22 years old, Egbuka can adeptly navigate the middle of the field, making him a valuable complementary piece in any passing offense.

Team Fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Understanding Luther Burden III’s draft status requires a holistic perspective.

As a highly-rated 5-star recruit, Burden made the choice to stay close to home by joining the Missouri Tigers.

Coach Eli Drinkwitz remarked, “He’s one of the best players to ever come to Missouri, shifting the trajectory of our program.”

As a sophomore, Burden showcased elite talent, even going toe-to-toe with formidable competition like the LSU Tigers’ Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.

During his standout season, he amassed 86 receptions for 1,212 yards, solidifying his top-five prospect status ahead of 2025. Regrettably, performance dipped this season.

Although it was a challenging year, including some disappointing performances, NFL scouts will seek the productive version of Burden from the previous season.

Team Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers

Matthew Golden maximized opportunities in the transfer portal, stepping up as Texas Longhorns’ leading receiver after transferring from the Houston Cougars, amassing 738 yards and eight touchdowns.

He stated, “Transitioning from an Air Raid offense to a pro-style offense has significantly helped refine my game and focus on details.”

Golden notably benefited from the tutelage of Texas’ head coach/offensive play-caller Steven Sarkisian, a known developer of NFL prospects.

He shined in critical moments, notably logging eight receptions for a personal best of 162 yards in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

Golden’s explosive start-stop capability enables him to achieve rapid separation, making him a persistent threat on the field.

Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jalen Royals from Utah State could potentially become the first non-Power Five receiver drafted in the first round since Corey Davis in 2017.

While talent from non-traditional backgrounds often faces skepticism, Royals has an impressive resume, tallying 126 receptions for 1,914 yards and 21 touchdowns over two seasons.

Royals demonstrates both precise route-running and the ability to stretch the field, making him an intriguing prospect.

Typically, teams want receivers to excel in one area; however, Royals brings versatility and will likely start as a Z-receiver while developing across other formations.

Team Fits: Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints

Speed remains a prized attribute in the NFL, evident from Xavier Worthy’s first-round selection after shattering the 40-yard dash record.

Isaiah Bond was expected to fill Worthy’s shoes after transferring from Alabama, but he has found himself overshadowed by teammate Matthew Golden.

Bond’s performance has been inconsistent this year, potentially influenced by an ankle injury, though fewer receptions and yardage have disappointed expectations.

When healthy, Bond’s explosive style and a career-high of 16.1 yards per catch vow well for his potential.

While he must refine his technique and route tempo, these aspects can be taught, affirming Bond’s attractiveness as a high-round pick.

Team Fits: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals

Tez Johnson has transformed from overlooked to legitimate prospect with outstanding potential.

Beginning his college career with the Troy Trojans and moving to Oregon to join his brother, Bo Nix, Johnson has flourished.

At 5’10” and 165 pounds, Johnson’s slight build does not compromise his ability; he’s elusive with the ball, making defenders struggle to tackle him cleanly.

Over two seasons, he achieved impressive stats: 165 receptions, 2,048 yards, and 20 touchdowns. In significant games, he caught 22 passes for 353 yards and two touchdowns.

Even though he faced some challenges adapting to quarterback Dillon Gabriel and an injury that sidelined him, his performance in championship scenarios illustrates his explosive playmaking potential.

Team Fits: Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs

When thinking of Bret Bielema’s teams, wide receivers may not be the first players that come to mind. Still, Pat Bryant has emerged as a standout this season.

A late bloomer, Bryant became a vital target in his junior year, significantly stepping up his game.

This season, the second-team All-Big Ten selection set new career highs with 54 receptions, 984 yards, and 10 touchdowns, tying the school record for scoring receptions.

His average of 18.2 yards per catch ranks high among receivers with ample targets, reflecting his deep-threat capability.

Measuring 6’3″ and 200 pounds, Bryant combines physicality and size at the X-receiver position, a rarer attribute among likely Day 2 picks.

Despite being part of a passing offense ranked 83rd nationally, Bryant maximized opportunities, potentially elevating his profile at the Senior Bowl.

Team Fits: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions