Quarterbacks steal most of the attention, but at the end of the day, they all need teammates to throw to.
The 2026 NFL Draft approaches, and wide receivers are expected to be among the most well-represented in the annual selection show as a premium position.
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Wideout is also projected to be one of the most popular positions picked in the first round specifically. A handful of wide receivers have received first-round grades, like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis had five receivers come off the board in the first round in his latest mock draft.
The depth of wide receiver talent in this year’s class is notable as well, with dozens of players outside of the projected first-rounders worthy of selection in the 2026 draft.
USA TODAY Sports has compiled a list of the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft and ranked them ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s how they stack up on draft expert Ayrton Ostly’s big board:
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It’s a testament to Mendoza’s impeccable body of work that the pre-draft vivisection of his game has largely only turned up questions of how he’ll fare operating from under center rather than in the shotgun.
No one will confuse the 6-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner with the likes of Cam Ward or Drake Maye, as he’s not particularly creative or dangerous when a play breaks down. But that’s about the only phase in which Mendoza comes up short. He’s as precise as any passer you’ll find from the college ranks, and he comfortably works through progressions and manipulates coverages. His arm strength isn’t otherworldly, but he can attack every level with suitable velocity on his throws. Forcing him off his spot can throw him off his rhythm, but Mendoza rarely loses his cool under pressure and still conjures solutions when things aren’t going his way. Beyond the improvisational shortcomings, he’s the picture of a top-tier quarterback prospect.
More: Why Fernando Mendoza won’t be at NFL draft: Indiana QB staying home
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn’t seem so outlandish when it’s being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he’s extremely unlikely to be caught. He’s far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field – particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it’s rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won’t likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It’s fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class’ difference-makers.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
No defender in college football broke open games last season quite like Bain, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 83 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 263-pounder frequently took the shortest path possible to the quarterback, uprooting anyone who stood in his way. Bain’s atypical build for an edge rusher – including his short arms – invited plenty of scrutiny about how he might translate to the pro ranks, but he’s already demonstrated he can mitigate the concern. If he’s neutralized, it seems unlikely that it’ll become a common occurrence.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After arriving at Ohio State as an elite athlete searching for a true position, Styles departs Columbus having developed an unparalleled proficiency for the intricacies of linebacker play. The 6-5, 244-pound former safety could be counted on to be in the right place to plug the run at all times, and he still has room to grow in coverage and as a blitzer. Clean in everything he does, Styles can help be a standard-bearer for whatever defense he joins.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
From his first snaps at Alabama as a five-star freshman to his final push at Ohio State, Downs put himself in a class all his own at safety. The two-time unanimous All-American repeatedly snuffed out plays before they could get started, particularly against the run or near the line of scrimmage. While he doesn’t measure up as a physical marvel like Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James, he could have the same bottom-line effect for a defense, even if he doesn’t match their ball production. His position might prevent him from cracking the top five, but he’ll force offenses to account for him on every down.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
Right off the snap, Bailey gets offensive linemen on their toes. The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher’s explosion off the ball can get blockers off balance in an instant, at which point Bailey can attack them by changing course or unleashing a spin move. Bailey’s lean frame can result in him being eradicated in the run game at times, but players who can derail opposing passers with his level of efficiency can’t be ignored. It shouldn’t be long into his NFL transition before his pressure rate ticks up and he takes his place as one of the league’s most threatening matchups off the edge.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
He was never the WR1 in the Buckeyes’ loaded receiver room, but Tate stands above the rest of the pass-catching options in this class. With subtle shifts in his tempo and sudden breaks in his routes, the 6-2, 192-pound target creates separation without much strain. He settles into open spaces against zone and skies over defensive backs to haul in difficult passes down the sideline. He might not look the part of a go-to target, but he measures up to the title in almost every respect.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Not long into his foray into the Southeastern Conference, the Virginia Tech transfer made clear to opponents that he was not to be tested. Delane rapidly earned the title of shutdown corner, with teams almost universally opting to avoid throwing his way. At the next level, he figures to draw comparisons to Trent McDuffie – another cornerback who doesn’t let his size or limited ball production prevent him from being recognized as a first-tier cover man.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In an earlier era, Lemon might have been dismissed as a slot receiver not capable of being an offensive focal point. Now, however, there shouldn’t be much doubt about how much the Biletnikoff Award winner can shoulder. Lemon is a maestro when it comes to getting open underneath, and he can be counted on to vacuum up any throw that approaches his area. And teams that underestimate his downfield credentials could end up paying if they try to sit on short and intermediate throws.
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
After his impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine, Thieneman rocketed into the discussion of this draft’s premier defensive backs. Easy coverage instincts extend his already expansive range, and vigilance is required for any passing attack that throws to his area of the field. He can’t measure up to Downs or some of the other safeties in this class when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, but he shouldn’t be asked to serve in that capacity too frequently anyway.
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
13. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Even with everything crumbling around him in Penn State’s calamitous season, Ioane still held firm. The 6-5, 320-pound left guard is a brick wall in pass protection, but where he really shines is in his forceful displacements in the run game. Ioane will have to figure out a way to handle quick-twitch defensive tackles who will test his fluidity, but he’s one of the more reliable prospects in this class.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami
Solid to the core, the former five-star recruit holds his ground against the pass and forces opposing linemen out of the way with his strong first contact. But while there’s not much mystery to the 6-6, 329-pounder’s play, there are several unknowns about his projection. A move inside could be in his future to safeguard against concerns that he’ll be beaten by rangy edge rushers, but the skill set is there to hang at right tackle.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Smooth movements allow Fano to conjure answers for even the speediest edge rushers. He still could have trouble with rangier defenders, however, as well as ones who can convert speed to power and knock him off base. Like many offensive tackles in this class, he’ll face questions of whether he belongs at the position, with some question of whether he should head to center.
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
From his massive frame (6-7, 315 pounds) to his quickness, Freeling checks off some of the most notable boxes for a high-end left tackle. As a one-year starter, his technique is still a work in progress, with some bad habits sapping his efficacy. But he’s clearly on an upward trajectory, and teams might be eager to buy on an ascendant blocker.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Few receivers are true separators at all three levels. Concepcion qualifies as just that, with more than enough quickness and speed to free himself from coverage at any point on the field. Drops have dogged him, but he could shake the issue in short order. Versatile and dynamic, Concepcion is more refined than he gets credit for, and he could become a vital part of an aerial attack with more polish.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The ultimate seam threat, Sadiq accelerates in a manner not seen from 6-3, 241-pound pass catchers. Though he’s proven himself after the catch, much of his value remains somewhat theoretical, as his experience and workload in the downfield passing game haven’t aligned with his capabilities. But as an instant mismatch creator and aggressive run blocker, he can change the complexion of whatever offense he joins.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it’s far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Once seen as the clear-cut favorite to be the first receiver selected, Tyson now might be the most polarizing pass catcher in this class. Quick and crisp when he’s dialed in, he has a robust set of maneuvers to beat man coverage from various spots. But medical concerns from various ailments muddle his draft outlook, and he can be inefficient with his footwork.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Having just turned 25 with an extensive injury history, Mesidor enters the draft with red flags that might tank other prospects’ stock. Teams that look past those issues, however, will see an advanced and unrelenting pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks to beat blockers. Mesidor might be one of the most divisive prospects in this class in his projection, but there’s not much to object to with the on-field product.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers’ primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can’t match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Other receivers are sure to be more vexing coverage matchups than the 6-0, 199-pound target. Cooper, however, has a truly distinct aptitude for slipping tacklers in the open field. His penchant for racking up yards after the catch should carry over to the NFL and endear him to his future quarterback, as should his aggressive approach to fighting through contact and operating in traffic.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
In a class rife with right tackles and expected guard converts, Lomu stands out as a true blindside protector. Bulking up will be an essential step for the 6-6, 313-pounder to hold his own against more powerful edge rushers, but there’s considerable room for growth on top of the enticing glimpses of his potential he’s already displayed.
2026 NFL Draft: Ranking top WR prospects
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Scouting report: Tyson’s been the top wide receiver prospect all season despite other risers at the position, thanks to his elite route-running for his age. His suddenness, paired with that route-running, creates separation at will. He lacks elite vertical speed but has the ball skills, alignment versatility and playmaking teams love to see packed in a 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.
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2. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Scouting report: Tate looks poised to be the next first-round receiver out of Columbus. He boasts impressive size and route running at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds. While he’s not a burner, he dominates on vertical routes thanks to his elite contested catch ability (85.7% contested catch rate in 2025). He’s one of the most sure-handed players in the class; he didn’t drop any of his 66 targets in 2025.
3. Makai Lemon, Southern California
Scouting report: Lemon isn’t an impressive athlete and won’t test off the charts at the combine but he has an incredible feel for finding space in coverage and maximizing opportunities. His solid frame (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) should hold up in the slot at the NFL level. He had just two drops in 2025 on 108 targets and a 130.0 quarterback rating when targeted.
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4. Denzel Boston, Washington
Scouting report: Boston is an ideal outside wide receiver at 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds who wins with physicality at the catch point. He’s quick but not fast and tracks the ball downfield extremely well. He can be a red zone target sooner than later and will keep up in the NFL thanks to his route running. His physicality translates as a run blocker as well which will endear him to many evaluators.
5. Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Scouting report: Compact frame absorbs contact well and keeps him upright against defenders, allowing him to work upfield. Plays more like a running back in the open field; forced 27 missed tackles in 2025 alone. Best against zone coverage with great contested catch abilities. Experienced lining up wide (2024) and in the slot (2025). Not an elite athlete and has a limited catch radius.
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6. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Scouting report: Dynamic weapon in the open field with immediate value as a returner. Makes plays in space against defenders thanks to his mix of quickness and long speed. Tracks the ball very well downfield. Smaller frame and drops are his only knocks. Drops are also a concern with 7 on 61 targets in 2025.
7. Germie Bernard, Alabama
Scouting report: Bernard won’t wow you with one trait or his athleticism but he does pretty much everything well. Smooth athlete who can transition weight and flip his hips quickly. Size means he can operate in the slot or outside. Good play strength with ideal football IQ.
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8. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Scouting report: Elite size with the burst and verticality NFL teams covet on the outside. Can operate underneath as well despite his long levers. Not an after-catch threat but his size makes him a near-lock in contested catch situations.
9. Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Scouting report: Big-bodied receiver who thrives on the boundary. Lacks elite speed and acceleration; wins on size and strength over speed. Strong hands and physical attitude after the catch. Body control comes up in the red zone and could become a go-to in contested catch situations.
10. Chris Bell, Louisville
Scouting report: Strong frame with ideal speed for the NFL level. Proven hands and physicality in press coverage to work as a possession target if need be. Explosive after the catch. ACL tear knocked him from first-round consideration so he could be a value pick on Day 2 or 3.
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WR MOCK DRAFT: Where Carnell Tate, top WRs could land
NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: Ranking the top 150 best players available
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
8. New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
31. New England Patriots – Zion Young, DE/OLB, Missouri
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
11. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Scouting report: Great size and experience outside but has taken snaps from the slot as well. Excellent run blocker for the position. Earned the nickname “Waffle House” from teammates because he’s “always open.” Dependable hands with ideal timing and route-running. Lacks elite athleticism but makes up for it with a feel for finding holes in zone coverage, especially on in-breaking routes.
12. Antonio Williams, Clemson
Scouting report: One of the best route-runners in the class who operates out of the slot and separates consistently. Lacked production in 2025 compared to 2024 but crucially improved on drops. Showed more after the catch in 2025 as well. May be limited to the slot in the NFL and lacks elite speed to be a vertical threat.
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13. Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Scouting report: Undersized wide receiver who may be forced to a slot-only role. Offers game-changing speed, acceleration and elusiveness in the open field. Alignment versatile as he was used in the backfield at times with Georgia. Offers immediate returner value. A burner in a class with few of them.
14. Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Scouting report: One of the top performers from the NFL combine with an explosive mix of size and speed. Not shifty, more vertical with long speed and burst. Uses strength to separate at the top of routes. Will need to improve overall route-running and releases at the next level.
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14. Ja’Kobi Lane, Southern California
Scouting report: Prototypical outside receiver frame that should make him a redzone target sooner than later in the NFL. Attacks the ball in contested catch situations. Uses basketball background to box out defenders. Finds soft spots in zone well and plays through contact. Lacks elite speed, is inexperienced in the route tree and is not a proven separator.
15. Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
Scouting report: The fastest player at the 2026 NFL combine, Thompson led the SEC in receiving yards in 2025. Size concerns will limit him to the slot but in a league searching for explosive plays and players, he’ll find a fit. Route-running needs improvement and drops were an issue in 2025 (five on 87 targets).
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16. Ted Hurst, Georgia State
Scouting report: Ideal outside wide receiver with length and long strides that get up to speed quickly (4.42 40-yard dash). Agile enough to shake press coverage. Capacity for a wider route tree than what he did at Georgia State. Great footwork. Not proven in contested catch scenarios. Small-school label will also question how he can handle NFL-level cornerback play.
17. Skyler Bell, Connecticut
Scouting report: Ideal speed with good size to hang either on the outside or the slot. Acceleration out of his breaks to be a threat at all levels. Good body control and contested catch ability. Outstanding production. Lowered his drops from 8 in 2024 to 4 in 2025 with big jump in targets. Route-running will need some polish in the NFL.
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18. Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
Scouting report: Long strider who glides faster on tape than he ran at the combine. Strong hands and body control show up against press coverage. Solid awareness against zone, much better than you’d expect from a two-year starter. Not a sudden mover and that shows up in his routes, which can be rounded.
19. Deion Burks, Oklahoma
Scouting report: In a class without a lot of speed at wide receiver, Burks could go earlier than anticipated with his 4.30-second 40-yard dash. Wins with his quick twitch in cuts, footwork and savvy against zone coverage. Weapon on reverses and jet sweeps. Play speed seems a bit slower than timed speed and he struggles to win contested catches due to his short arms (sub-30 inches). Body catcher which will limit him in the NFL.
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20. De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi
Scouting report: Great size with 4.3 speed at the outside wide receiver spot. Transferred to Ole Miss for 2025 and made considerable strides, namely reducing his drops. His speed is not sudden; he’s a long strider who moves smoothly in and out of transitions. Competitive run blocker. Struggles to separate consistently against press coverage. Can be out-muscled for contested catches.
21. Josh Cameron, Baylor
Scouting report: Running-back-sized wide receiver with strength and reliable hands, but not a sudden mover or good route-runner.
22. Malik Benson, Oregon
Scouting report: Electric track speed to stress defenses vertically with good length and toughness but unproven in short and intermediate concepts. Not a creator after the catch despite speed.
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23. CJ Daniels, Miami (Fla.)
Scouting report: Creative possession wideout who is best in contested catch scenarios with great body control but struggles against press coverage and lacks speed. Also had injuries in 2022, 2024 and 2025.
24. Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
Scouting report: Slot-only prospect with good hands and physicality for his lean frame with good after-catch burst but lacks speed, route-running and size to play through press coverage.
25. Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
Scouting report: One of the best return specialists in college football history, who is an elusive open-field runner, but his smaller catch radius limits his ceiling as a slot receiver.
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26. Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
Scouting report: Undersized yet explosive receiver with great burst but may struggle in a likely slot-only role at the NFL and drops are a question mark.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL Draft position rankings: Best available WR prospects
