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.

Tyson thrives on precision and timing, using great route tempo to consistently create separation. He always seems to be open, especially when QB Sam Leavitt gets into scramble mode (he does that a lot) and he can work into soft spots of the defense. He excels on in-breaking routes and has some Deebo Samuel-like qualities with his ability to make defenders miss after the catch, even if he’s not overly explosive in the open field. Against man coverage, he’s a consistent separator, even drawing penalties against NFL defensive backs, such as a pass interference call on Tampa Bay Bucs cornerback Jacob Parrish. He’s reliable on contested downfield throws, flashing strong hands, but also has a tendency for occasional drops when coming over the middle. As a blocker, he’s willing to try but offers little physical presence, often avoiding heavy contact and functioning more as a run-game decoy. Ball security is another area for improvement; he fumbled twice last season. While he’s not a pure burner, his savvy route-running and ability to win versus coverage make him a dependable chain-mover and underneath threat. He’s one player I’ve already comp’d, and my comp is Tyler Boyd.

PROJECTION: ROUND 1 PICK

In my opinion, Williams profiles as a true NFL slot, even with half of his snaps split between the slot and out wide. I just think he looks like and plays like an NFL slot receiver. He’s at his most dangerous working the middle of the field, where he scored 9 of his 11 touchdowns in 2024. He showcases strong ball skills, the ability to finish in traffic, and natural instincts against zone coverage. He does well at selling blocks before releasing into routes, often finding himself wide open in the red zone, and has a knack for creating separation near the goal line. His route tempo is smooth, with quick in-and-out breaks that make him tough to mirror, and he’s a capable blocker for his size. After the catch, he’s slippery and elusive in space, consistently squeezing out extra yardage. The term I want emphasized here is “squirrely” in the best way. I just think he’s a guy that makes positive things happen. However, his drop rate over the middle is a concern, and he lacks prototypical size for an outside role at the next level. His skill set projects him as a reliable chain-mover and red zone weapon from the slot.

PROJECTION: ROUND 1-2 PICK

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

Lemon is classic slot receiver with the speed, acceleration, and quickness to win right off the line of scrimmage. He’s a willing and effective blocker, which is always a plus for a slot, and 14 of his 57 receptions went for 10+ yards showing he can make chunk plays even without being a true YAC monster or explosive plays downfield. He makes people miss over the middle and can shake a cornerback 1-on-1, playing with a feisty edge in traffic. He just flat-out gets open, whether it’s against man or by finding the soft spot in zone, and his natural ball skills help him track it well downfield. He’s quick and shifty in tight spaces, and I love how sudden he is off the snap. There was a stumble on a deep route that likely cost him a touchdown, and he’s not a huge threat after the catch, but his separation ability, short-area quickness, and toughness make him a reliable chain-mover and zone beater from the slot. I’m not sure if it’s the hair out of the helmet or what but he reminds me of Willie Snead in a lot of ways.

PROJECTION: ROUND 1-2 PICK

Bernard is a steady, reliable receiver who split his 2025 snaps almost evenly between the slot and out wide. He consistently finds the soft spots against zone coverage and just has a knack for getting open. From the slot, he runs smooth routes versus man, wins off the line of scrimmage, and brings enough speed to at least threaten deep. He’s also a capable and willing run blocker, which adds value in multiple formations. I see him as a true chain mover, but he’s not going to wow you with flashy plays or elite athleticism. If we’re being honest, while Jalen Milroe’s NFL ceiling is the moon, he gave Bernard some bad quarterback play at times in 2024 which definitely capped his production. I just think his route-running savvy and positional versatility make him a dependable option who can fit in a lot of NFL offenses. He has the highest floor of any prospect in this class heading into the 2025 season.

PROJECTION: ROUND 2 PICK

I’ll start by saying Boston could easily end up as the clear-cut top WR in this class come April. He’s a physical, fluid-moving receiver who knows how to use leverage against defensive backs to create separation. He’s a strong, willing blocker in the run game and plays with a physical edge through traffic, especially on short throws over the middle. I like the way he works underneath drags and how he times and angles his short routes, showing a good feel for attacking both man and zone coverage. After the catch, he fights for extra yards and doesn’t shy away from contact. His PFF run-blocking grade isn’t great, but the tape tells a different story. I thought he was more effective there than the numbers suggest. On the downside, I’m not overly impressed by his ball skills, and the production dipped to just three catches per game when Demond Williams Jr. was at quarterback. Williams is going to be a Heisman candidate because of his rushing ability, I’m just hoping it won’t impact Boston’s production too much. He also lost a 50/50 ball to 5’9” D’Angelo Ponds from Indiana, which you’d expect him to win based on size. I’ll say that Ponds is an absolute dog, but still. So is every NFL player. His physicality, route feel, and toughness give him a role as a possession receiver who can do the dirty work underneath. I just need to see him take another leap in 2025.

PROJECTION: ROUND 2-3 PICK

For all the talk about Nyck Harbor’s size, nobody seems to be talking about Tallahassee’s two-sport athlete (baseball). Robinson is gigantic on the outside with a massive 6’6 223-pound frame and a 6’10” wingspan, he’s a matchup problem before the ball is even snapped. A former 5-star recruit and the #1 tight end in his class, he’s a legit red zone threat and a physical presence at the catch point. He’s also a willing run blocker, using that size to wall off defenders and create lanes. What makes him intriguing is that he’s not just a short-yardage target, he can get open downfield and averaged over 19 yards per catch, which is rare for someone his size. That said, he’s not unbelievably athletic and plays a little stiff, so he doesn’t create much separation on his own. He wins more with size, positioning, and physicality than speed or quickness, which still makes him a valuable weapon in contested catch situations and schemed vertical shots. I think there is a high functioning role for him in the NFL.

PROJECTION: ROUND 2-3 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

Lane is a receiver with the speed to get downfield and the physicality to win at the line of scrimmage. He found the end zone 12 times in 2024, showing he can be a real threat in scoring situations. One of my favorite reps was when he completely displaced Notre Dame’s Christian Gray for a touchdown, and another was an insane spin cut against Gray that left one of the top cornerbacks in the upcoming draft completely turned around. He’s physical at the catch point, especially in the red zone, and while he’s not overly athletic in terms of twitch or burst, he can still win routes with timing, positioning, and technique. The biggest knock isn’t his skill set, it’s the lack of opportunity he had in 2024, which makes him a tough player to fully evaluate. Duce Robinson transferred to FSU, and Zachariah Branch is now at Georgia which leaves the door open for a breakout with a larger role alongside Makai Lemon. He could be the biggest riser throughout the process.

PROJECTION: ROUND 3-4 PICK

Branch is an elite player near the line of scrimmage who doubles as a dangerous return man and a true weapon with the ball in his hands. He’s explosive enough that every touch feels like a potential 20+ yard play, and his vision in traffic lets him turn short gains into chunk plays. I see him as a classic gadget guy with manufactured quick screens, jet sweeps, motion touches. The numbers back that up, with 26 of his 47 receptions coming behind the line of scrimmage. His issue, like most short-yardage WRs, is he’s got a very small frame and lacks the ball skills to consistently win downfield. I think he has the Mecole Hardman role in the NFL. A lot of teams need a guy like Branch to open up the offense in other ways. His value comes in being a dynamic change-of-pace weapon in an NFL offense.

PROJECTION: ROUND 4-5 PICK

Harbor’s elite size/speed combo cannot be overstated. He’s MASSIVE and so incredibly fast, it’d wild. Maybe a more athletic DK Metcalf. That vertical threat opens up curls and comebacks at times, and he’s shown flashes downfield, like an insane downfield catch against Alabama to nearly force OT. The problem is the production just isn’t there (571 career receiving yards), and almost his entire route tree is go routes. For his size, he’s surprisingly poor in the run game. He’s not just ineffective, but sometimes not even engaging his defender. His ball skills are also a real concern; he’s not aggressive to the football, which caused an interception against Bama. The traits are there to scare defenses, but right now, he’s more of a projection pick than a polished, dependable NFL receiver. Someone will draft him and hope he can turn into a football player rather than a track athlete.

PROJECTION: ROUND 6 PICK