Football With Chaw Creator

Taylor Czajkowski (Chaw)

Wide receivers have become a staple for NFL offenses around the league. From legendary current duos such as Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, or AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, each team needs multiple weapons on the outside to compete for a Super Bowl. Through the last 8 NFL Drafts, there have been at least 8 receivers taken in the top 2 rounds with an average of 10 taken over the first 64 picks. This is a clear position of emphasis among teams, and many organizations are lacking explosive playmakers. This year’s group of receivers is unique in that there isn’t a Malik Nabers, Tet McMillian, Marvin Harrison Jr, or even a 2027 wide receiver like Jeremiah Smith or Ryan Williams. But that doesn’t mean this group doesn’t have some serious upside. From absolute freak athletes like Nyck Harbor to explosive route runners like Jordyn Tyson and Antonio Williams, this class has something to offer for every NFL offense. Let’s take a look at the tape and see which WRs can translate their play to the NFL.

note: these are the only 11 WRs I’ve summer scouted, I’ll drop some names I’ll be watching next down below. You can also watch our review of these WRs on the Draft Professors Podcast!

Sarratt has prototypical size for a true Big X receiver, and he really plays to it. He battles through contact, wins inside against man coverage, and brings physicality to deep balls thrown outside the numbers. I really like the way he moves off the line of scrimmage. It’s clean, it’s efficient, and it sets him up to get into his route quickly. He’s capable after the catch, has quick feet to cut and create enough separation, and he knows how to finish near the goal line with 8 TDs each of the past two seasons. He’s in a run first offense but was still able to generate 18.1 yards per reception last season as well. Against zone, he shows the ability to work himself open, and he’s great at adjusting to back-shoulder throws. He’ll block downfield, and I’ve seen that effort directly lead to touchdowns. There are also reps where he just goes through the motions in the blocking game though, and I’d like to see that improved. He doesn’t consistently create separation deep downfield, but his size, physicality, and catch skills make him a reliable possession target and red zone threat on the outside.

PROJECTION: ROUND 1-2 PICK

In my opinion, Concepcion is a pure slot receiver with explosive traits who looks fast on tape. He had an insane touchdown grab that was called back for being out of bounds, and he showed he can beat good corners, taking Duke CB Chandler Rivers on a slant for a catch. His production could’ve been much better with more consistent quarterback play, as there were multiple overthrows on open looks. I like his screen vision and his hands when catching on the move. He’s at his best coming in motion to create leverage which could lead to him being a valuable decoy at the NFL level. That said, there are some lowlights. He had back-to-back drops on a slant and an underneath route. He not a run blocker, and 42 of his 53 receptions went for 10 yards or fewer. He also slipped on a double move that could have been a big play. His explosiveness and ability to create in the short passing game could make him a dangerous underneath weapon in the right offense.

PROJECTION: ROUND 3-4 PICK