2025 Wide Receivers

1. Jordyn Tyson
Arizona State • Junior • 6’2 • 200

Tyson is one of my favorite players in this year’s class, and his display of all-around skills as a pass catcher has been elite so far in his career. Tyson came onto the scene quickly with a great 2024 season, where he went for over 1,000 yards and helped lead ASU to the CFB Playoff in his first year back from a brutal knee injury that kept him out for the 2023 season. His great frame makes him a quality receiver, lining up both inside and outside. He has a thin build but is plenty physical and more than capable of making contested catches and creating separation with quickness and quality route running. Tyson has excellent hands, is a reliable target for his quarterback, and will be an appealing option for NFL teams.

2. Makai Lemon
USC • Junior • 5’11 • 195

One of the best pure route runners in the class, Lemon shows an ability to separate quickly and, alongside Zachariah Branch, made for one of the best underclassman receiving duos immediately when he arrived at USC. Lemon was a four-star recruit widely regarded as a top-50 player in the 2023 class, and that twitchy athletic ability immediately translated to college football. Lemon has maybe the best release in the draft, and his ability to create early separation is eye-popping. He has quick feet, elite acceleration, and solid speed to maintain the separation he establishes early in his route. He has a wide route tree and constantly keeps defensive backs guessing. Lemon can also be used as a return man in the NFL and will likely fit best in the slot.

3. Carnell Tate
Ohio State • Junior • 6’3 • 190

Carnell Tate has had a unique story on his way to the NFL, having to sit behind guys like Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr., and 2027 draft star Jeremiah Smith. He still managed to tally almost 1,000 yards in his first two seasons of college football and posted over 700 in 2024. Tate has an excellent frame for an outside receiver and has proven to have impressive movement skills and very reliable hands. He is a great route runner on the outside and can create separation with ease, but he is also more than capable of making tough contested catches. Despite being relatively thin, Tate is plenty physical, making those contested catches on the outside, but he may need to show some improvement as a run blocker in space. Tate has upside to be a WR1, but is more likely to fit as a Z receiver in the NFL, a role he has excelled in at OSU.

4. Chris Bell
Louisville • Senior • 6’2 • 225

Reliable. That is the word that consistently came to mind when watching Chris Bell during the 2024 season, where he posted 737 yards as a junior. He elected to return to school, with many teams wanting to see if he can repeat his 2024 production. Bell is what I would call a true Z receiver, as he does not have the big, lanky frame that many teams want from their X WR, but he has the do-it-all capability to play on the outside and run every necessary route. Bell has blazing speed and maybe the best acceleration in the class. His ability to reach top speed is among the best I have ever seen while scouting receivers, and that acceleration and burst help him consistently create early separation. He is physical and uses his reliable hands to make tough catches. He occasionally struggles with bringing his hands out too early and can also be inconsistent as a run blocker. But athletically, Bell shows signs of being one of the best pure receivers in the class. A recent injury could hinder his stock.

5. Omar Cooper Jr.
Indiana • Junior • 6’0 • 200

Indiana has two elite receivers who will likely go pro this season after dominating the start of the year and giving nightmares to Big Ten corners. Cooper is the speedster of the group, both a deep threat and a run-after-catch star who can create plays with the ball in space. What separates Cooper from most gadget-type players is his size; most gadget receivers are under six feet and under 200 pounds, but Cooper hits both of those marks. That gives promise to his ability to also play on the outside in the NFL. Indiana has used him in many different ways throughout his career, and that versatility will be something NFL teams fall in love with.

6. KC Concepcion
Texas A&M • Junior • 5’11 • 200

KCC was likely the best player in the transfer portal this offseason after he got off to a blazing start at NC State. Despite being just a three-star recruit, Concepcion found immediate playing time and impressed as one of the best gadget receivers in the nation. After arriving at A&M, he made an immediate impact, catching three touchdowns in his first two games, proving he could keep up with SEC-level play. Simply put, this kid makes plays and is spectacular with the ball in his hands. He has both the speed and burst to separate from corners, and with the ball in his hands, he becomes one of the hardest players in the nation to bring down. At NC State, he even got reps as a running back, further showcasing his versatility. He also returns kicks and punts and will be a great mid-to-late-round pickup for someone.

7. Denzel Boston
Washington • Junior • 6’4 • 210

Denzel Boston is one of my favorite players in the class who broke out with more playing time in 2024. His frame is elite for an outside receiver, and he has the athleticism to stick in that role in the NFL. After Odunze, Polk, and McMillan were drafted, playing time opened for Boston, and he took advantage of it, going for over 800 yards last season. Going into every Washington game in 2024, defenses did everything they could to keep the ball out of Boston’s hands. He proved to be a true outside receiver who poses a matchup problem for any corner across the NCAA. With a strong season, he could shoot up draft boards and may even get first-round hype.

8. Reggie Virgil
Texas Tech • Senior • 6’2 • 190

Virgil was widely overlooked coming out of high school, despite being one of the best two-way prospects in the nation. Everyone knew about Virgil’s athletic prowess, but the concern was that he was a jack-of-all-trades, a master of none. Virgil committed to Miami (OH), where he dominated after becoming a full-time receiver and became one of the most highly coveted players in the portal. Texas Tech has dominated the portal over the last several years, and adding Virgil was one of their top priorities. Virgil has looked great with the Red Raiders and has proven to be one of the nation’s most efficient route runners, significantly developing his game this offseason. He worked extensively on his route running and has developed his ability to separate at all three levels. Against BYU, he was great with an incredible sluggo route to get over the top and make a huge play. I love the skills that I have seen from Virgil, and I think that he could become an incredible NFL receiver in any role. He can play outside and in the slot with efficiency, and I believe that he is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in the middle rounds of the draft.

9. Eric McAlister
TCU • Senior • 6’2 • 200

TCU had two receivers drafted in the 2025 draft and could have had three, but McAlister elected to return. The big outside receiver has shown flashes of being an impressive big-play threat, with good speed, a great frame, and late hands on deep balls that help him win downfield. McAlister may not be a true burner, but his size enhances his speed. He has extremely reliable hands and rarely drops passes. He has excellent balance and strength to win contested catches and break tackles. McAlister has all the tools to translate to the NFL, but there are concerns. He was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2024 and has faced other legal troubles that may steer teams away. He also has a limited route tree with below-average burst, but his athletic profile suggests there is room to develop. Unreal vs SMU.

10. Zachariah Branch
Georgia • Junior • 5’10 • 175

Branch was a five-star prospect who exploded onto the scene at USC in his first year with the team. He showed his elite ability to make plays in space and create separation with his impressive speed and quickness. Branch had limited play time as a receiver but really caught the eye of NFL scouts with his skills as a return man, where he returned two touchdowns in his freshman year. He showed off elite athletic upside, good hands, and potential to produce at a high level. Injuries held him back in his sophomore season, and Branch transferred to Georgia, where he hopes to find the success scouts think he is capable of.

11. Ted Hurst
Georgia State • Senior • 6’3 • 205

Hurst is the ultimate story of resilience, having been a zero-star recruit, starting at D2 Valdosta State, then being graded outside of the top 1500 transfers in 2024, and now being in the conversation as an NFL draft pick. Being a prospect from Georgia State will likely hurt him, as scouts will be concerned about the level of competition he has faced, but even in the biggest games of the year, Hurst has shown up in a big way. When watching Georgia State, it often felt like the checkdown on their pass plays was simply “throw it up” to Hurst and let him try to make a play. He has some of the most impressive hands in the draft and very clearly has NFL athleticism. The skills are all there, and his play in offseason workouts will be important, as well as his testing at his pro day and the combine. I think he will be a very reliable WR2 or depth outside option at the NFL level.

12. Germie Bernard
Alabama • Junior • 6’1 • 210

Bernard is a shifty inside-outside receiver who can play a variety of roles in an offense and uses his athletic skill set to create space and make plays with the ball in his hands. He has fast feet and uses his elite stop-start ability to get open early, giving his quarterback an easy option. Bernard has decent straight-line speed but relies more on his quickness than pure vertical athleticism. His blend of size and quickness allows him to play multiple spots in an offense. Bernard shows flashes of physicality but needs to be more consistent in using it. He has good hands and impressive foot quickness, and with his profile, should have a day-one role in the NFL as a rotational receiver with starter upside.

13. Chris Brazzell
Tennessee • Junior • 6’5 • 200

In a league where teams are getting smaller and smaller as they look to add quickness and speed on the outside to keep up with receivers, big guys like Brazzell stand out to keep teams honest. I have always loved big and physical receivers who can play on the outside and make all the impact catches asked of them at all three levels. After starting at Tulane, Brazzell proved to be a valuable outside threat, with both his size and elite inside-out breaks to create enough separation to make plays on the ball. Those skills carried with him to Tennessee, and I think that he will be a great fit on the outside in an NFL offense.

14. Antonio Williams
Clemson • Junior • 5’11 • 190

Williams was a strong four-star recruit with some of the best route-running and separation skills in his class. As a freshman, he posted over 600 yards and immediately showed his potential. He has proven himself to be one of the best slot receivers in the draft, with elite separation and playmaking in space. Williams will lack the ideal size for an outside receiver and will never be a true contested-catch threat, but his ability to create space and get open is elite. He has a giant route tree and is a nightmare for opposing corners in both man and zone looks. Teams seeking a receiver who can win early in the route will love Williams, and he will make an immediate impact in the NFL.

9. Malachi Fields
Notre Dame • Senior • 6’4 • 220

Fields is a big outside receiver who was a star at UVA before he entered the transfer portal and headed to Notre Dame for his senior year. The Irish needed a big-bodied physical receiver to complement the rest of their receiver room, and that is exactly what Fields is. At UVA, Fields physically dominated the ACC and was one of the best contested-catch receivers in college football. His hands are elite, catching everything that comes his way and simply overpowering smaller corners. With the ball in his hands, Fields is not the fastest or the quickest, but he is incredibly strong and sheds tackles with ease. His go-to ball carrier move is an elite stiff arm that shows up almost every game. Fields has elite hands and exceptional tracking skills, and you will struggle to find someone better at following the ball through the air. He is almost a bailout option for QBs who have no other options. In the NFL, Fields is likely a Z receiver, but if teams use him properly, he will be a highlight machine. He is also an elite run blocker, and that physicality will translate.

16. Aaron Anderson
LSU • Junior • 5’8 • 175

Anderson is an undersized receiver who may not have the length to play outside consistently, but he brings the athleticism to be a consistent contributor in the NFL. He profiles best in the slot with elite in-and-out quickness to create separation, along with breakaway speed to make plays with the ball in his hands. Anderson is surprisingly physical and can use his vertical leap and ball skills to make tough catches. He has reliable hands, which is valuable for a player of his size who can get open early. For any team looking for an explosive, quick-twitch separator, Anderson is your guy. He reminds me a lot of Malik Nabers. Injuries may raise some concern this year.

17. CJ Daniels
Miami • Senior • 6’2 • 205

Daniels is an experienced outside receiver entering his sixth season at Miami after transferring from Liberty and LSU. He has reliable hands and a long, physical frame suitable for an outside role. He brings a big route tree and a good understanding of zone coverages. Daniels can win contested balls and block effectively in the run game. He has below-average speed and quickness, which will limit his draft stock, but he could be a solid late-round option who provides consistent outside depth. His hands are insane.

18. Jalil Farooq
Maryland • Senior • 6’1 • 205

Farooq will end up being one of the more underrated players in this class. I had not heard much about his name, but after an impressive game against Texas, I went back and watched more film and came away impressed. Farooq has strong hands and elusiveness in open space. He has solid speed and runs crisp routes. His frame is ideal for an NFL receiver, and he consistently creates space. In a loaded WR class, his stock may be pushed down a bit, but he profiles as a strong rotational WR in the NFL. He likely brings special teams value as well. After transferring back to his home state of Maryland, he has found success in a similar role and should make an immediate impact in the NFL.

19. De’Zhaun Stribling
Mississippi • Senior • 6’2 • 205

Stribling is not a guy who is going to do anything overly flashy, but he does all the little things right that make for a top-tier rotation receiver. He has reliable hands and solid route-running ability to find space and give his quarterback a consistent option over the middle of the field. Stribling started at Washington State, where, as a sophomore, he was one of Cam Ward’s most reliable targets. He then hit the transfer portal and found his way to Oklahoma State. He had a solid season in 2024 with 882 receiving yards and chose to transfer to Ole Miss for his senior year. If Stribling can continue to provide his reliable skill set in the SEC, he will prove to teams that he should be a mid-round pick who can rotate into any role and give his quarterback a dependable option. Should be a good day three grab.

20. Malik Benson
Oregon • Senior • 5’11 • 185

Coming out of high school, Benson was a somewhat unknown player and did not receive many major college offers. He elected to start at JUCO, where he excelled, and his dominance at that level made him one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation. Benson was widely seen as the top JUCO player in the country when he committed to Alabama, but he struggled to find the field consistently in 2023, so he hit the portal and transferred to Florida State. Benson once again struggled to find playtime and hit the portal for a final time, heading to Oregon for his last year of eligibility. It looked like Benson would be subjected to the same fate with the Ducks, but after some injuries, he got significant time on the field and looked strong. He flashed great speed and burst, and his ability to separate appeared to be the best on the roster even when healthy. He has strong hands and the versatility to line up anywhere he is asked. He was a great punt returner as well, and I think his route running, speed, and quickness will make him a strong deep threat in the NFL. Offseason events will be big for him, but he could be one of the most underrated players in the draft.

21. Ja’Kobi Lane
USC • Junior • 6’4 • 195

I am very close to saying some seriously crazy things about Ja’Kobi Lane after doing my summer scouting this offseason. As an outside receiver, he is a highlight machine, with incredible ball skills and some of the best catches you will see from a college receiver in this year’s draft. Lane has a massive catch radius with his 6’4 frame and uses his strong hands to reel in any pass thrown his way. He has no fear of competition and is not afraid to take a hit to make the big play downfield or across the middle. I have been thoroughly impressed by his ability to create separation, despite his length and lack of elite top-end speed. Even when he does not create much separation, he is so physical that he is able to make difficult catches down the field. Teams may want him to add a bit more weight so he can be more physical in the run game and improve even more in contested situations. As a whole, I think Lane will be a great outside receiver at the NFL level who can make a day-one impact and could develop into one of the better Z receivers in the league.

22. Jeff Caldwell
Cincinnati • Senior • 6’5 • 210

Seeing how NFL teams evaluate Caldwell will be fascinating, as he lacks production in his college career and spent the last three seasons at Lindenwood as they transitioned to Division I. Caldwell made a big jump to Cincinnati and proved that his athletic skills translate against high-level competition. He has a massive frame and is a confirmed 6’5, but flashes incredible movement skills on film. He has impressive speed and is a serious deep threat. He is strong with the ball in his hands, but because of his length, he can struggle to avoid contact. Caldwell has a limited route tree, but his ability to win downfield is incredible. He has speed, quickness, and physicality, and all the tools to become a successful NFL player. Some team will take a shot on Caldwell, but he needs development. If the right coach gets time with him, he could carve out a strong career.

23. Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
Kansas • Senior • 6’0 • 180

Coming out of high school, Henderson was widely seen as a five-star running back recruit and was known for his electric speed and burst with the ball. He committed to Alabama, where he transitioned to wide receiver. Henderson worked on the position during his time with the Tide but struggled to find consistent playing time. He transferred to Kansas and became a focal point of their offense. His athleticism stands out immediately, and he proved to be a valuable deep threat and ball handler. He has quick feet and the potential to become a stronger route runner as he continues to develop at the position. There has not been massive production, and while he has reliable hands when open, he can struggle through contact. He should test very well in the pre-draft process and is worth a developmental shot at the NFL level.

24. Elijah Sarratt
Indiana • Senior • 6’2 • 205

Indiana has two elite receivers who will likely go pro after dominant starts to the season and giving nightmares to Big Ten corners. Sarratt is the more traditional of the two, with a true outside receiver frame and the skills teams look for in an NFL pass catcher. He may not possess elite traits that immediately jump off the screen, but he brings consistency and reliability on the outside. He has strong hands, solid route running, and is one of those do-it-all players that every team could use in their lineup.

25. Josh Cameron
Baylor • Senior • 6’1 • 225

Baylor’s offense is loaded with NFL prospects, with Cameron being one of the most unique players in this year’s draft. Cameron is a stocky receiver who plays with more of a running back’s frame than a traditional wide receiver. He is a great run blocker, and his strong build makes him one of the most dangerous players in the draft with the ball in his hands. Cameron reminds me a lot of Deebo Samuel. While he does not yet have the polished skill set Samuel has, Cameron has a lot of athletic talent that could be very impactful in an NFL offense. Whichever team drafts Cameron will need a clear plan for him, because his skills will translate if used properly. He can line up outside or in the slot, and I have been impressed with how versatile he can be. Cameron would be a strong early-down receiver, can take screen passes for YAC, line up in the backfield at times, and create movement in the run game. I also think his physical style would translate well as a kick returner. Offseason bowls and testing will be huge for Cameron’s stock.