It’s still early in the 2025 NCAA season, and the 2026 NFL Draft is seven months away, but that doesn’t stop scouts, analysts, and fans from creating their own buzz about potential members of the 2026 draft class, especially when it comes to wide receivers. This potential crop of pass-catchers includes an enticing blend of explosive route runners, high-flyers, and versatile weapons that could make several teams reconsider their draft approach.
The 2025 NFL Draft class featured four wide receivers selected in the first round, including Travis Hunter (2nd, Jacksonville Jaguars), Tetairoa McMillan (8th, Carolina Panthers), Emeka Egbuka (19th, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Matthew Golden (23rd, Green Bay Packers). The combination of proven college production and NFL-ready skillsets could see this year’s draft feature all five of the following players selected in the first round, making it one of the deepest and most impactful receiver draft classes in recent memory.
Jordan Tyson – Arizona State Sun Devils
Not only is Jordan Tyson the Sun Devils’ top target, but he is also the early favorite to be the first wide receiver taken in next spring’s NFL Draft. As a player who checks off nearly every box that modern NFL teams are looking for in a pass-catcher, Tyson is as close to a sure thing as teams will get for a player coming out of the draft. Most draft analysts and mock boards project Tyson to be selected within the top 15 picks, with some experts suggesting he could challenge for a top 10 selection depending on how the Sun Devils’ season plays out.
Armed with precision route running, veteran-like leverage and timing, and soft hands, Tyson often manipulates opponents with subtle movements that create separation at the perfect moment, leading to mass yardage and trips to the end zone. Any team fortunate enough to add Tyson to their roster will likely see an immediate impact both on the field and in fan engagement. His performance has even caught the attention of analysts, with detailed predictions and insights available from Calgary2026 NFL betting insights.
Carnell Tate – Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes’ pipeline of NFL-ready receivers is both impressive and lengthy. Following in the footsteps of Marvin Harrison Jr, Garrett Wilson, and Terry McLaurin is junior Carnell Tate, a member of the Buckeyes’ 2024 National Championship team. A silky smooth route runner, the 6’3”, 195lb Tate possesses an impressive catch radius that makes him a target anywhere on the field.
While Tate does have downfield speed, it is the 10-20 yard radius that is his bread and butter, relying on precision route running, strong hands, and the ability to take contact that helps him help the Buckeyes and eventually whatever NFL team is fortunate enough to draft him.
Denzel Boston – Washington Huskies
A spectacular performer for the Huskies, Boston sat patiently behind a trio of starters for his first two seasons before exploding last year for 834 yards and 9 touchdowns. With a 95.7% catch rate on catchable passes and 52% contested catch rate, Boston showcased his strong hands and physicality as a true outside receiver.
Standing 6’4”, 210lbs, Boston has the size and build to win jump balls and contested catches in traffic. However, what makes Boston stand out from other wide receivers isn’t just his size, but how he uses his body. With an ability to adjust his body to various types of passes, Boston should be able to fit any NFL offensive system.
Eric Singleton Jr. – Auburn Tigers
What puts Singleton under the wide receiver spotlight is his ability to understand various defensive concepts and find the open spots in coverage that others are often unable to. While his size, standing just 5’11”, 178 pounds, isn’t the most intimidating offensively, he more than makes up for it with his speed and creativity.
During his first two seasons at Georgia Tech, Singleton recorded 1,468 yards on 104 receptions and 9 touchdowns (he added a tenth off a running play). If Singleton is selected in the first round, he would be the first Auburn Tiger since the 2020 draft class. Mock draft sites lean towards Singleton Jr. being favored by teams that prioritize slot receivers in their offensive systems.
Antonio Williams – Clemson Tigers
As a redshirt junior, Antonio Williams had the opportunity to be part of the first or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but with most of the team returning (some for multiple seasons), Williams decided to remain on campus for one more year. With one of the top receiving units in college football, Williams has a chance to improve his stock even more for the 2026 Draft, potentially adding a CFP title to his resume.
Williams is the type of target who could step onto an NFL field and immediately be effective. His route-running precision and ability to reel in contested catches make him a safe bet for teams looking to make an impact right away.
