This is an extremely intriguing wide receiver class. Players once seen as bonafide top 10 picks are now debated if they should go in the 1st round or not. There have been massive risers seemingly from out of the blue across the entire board. Overall there is generally no consensus on most of the prospects at any range. However I have done extensive work analyzing and scouting these players, so here is my ranking of the top 30 wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft class.
1. Travis Hunter – Colorado
Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs
2024 Stats: 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, 15 TD | 13.1 YPR
Value: Top 5 Pick
One of the top talents in the entire draft, some may argue Travis Hunter is the best overall prospect. The rare two-way superstar has made it known he wants to play both receiver and cornerback at the next level. For this breakdown though we’re strictly evaluating his receiver tape. Stay tuned for the cornerback rankings to see that side of his game.
Hunter is a walking highlight reel with elite body control and ball-tracking skills that rival even the most polished NFL veterans. His spatial awareness in zone is advanced, consistently finding soft spots and sitting down at just the right moment. His release package is explosive, often separating with the first step, and his ability to maintain focus through contact is rare—only three drops last season.
He changes speed mid-route masterfully, slipping in and out of breaks without wasted motion. With the ball in his hands, he becomes a nightmare in the open field, blending vision, acceleration, and creativity. His red zone instincts are elite—he times jump balls perfectly and knows how to position himself to win in tight spaces.
That said, there are some concerns. His frame is on the slimmer side, which raises injury flags—especially if he’s going to continue playing both sides of the ball. He can occasionally abandon routes too early, particularly when his QB is expecting him to stick with the design. He also tends to avoid hits by going down early before securing the ball, and his route tree needs further development.
Still, Travis Hunter is a once-in-a-generation type of player. If he can stay healthy and continue developing, he will be a franchise cornerstone.
2. Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona
Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 lbs
2024 Stats: 84 receptions, 1,319 yards, 8 TD | 15.7 YPR
Value: Round 1
“T-Mac” is one of the most versatile receivers in this class, capable of dominating outside as a traditional X or operating from the slot with punishing physicality over the middle. His route tree is already well-developed, and he boasts the best timing and anticipation at the catch point in this class.
McMillan’s hands are massive and reliable—he makes contested catches look effortless. Despite his size, he’s surprisingly fluid and can sink his hips to change direction quickly. He’s intelligent in zone, knowing exactly when to throttle down and make himself available. In the red zone, he’s nearly unstoppable with his frame and timing. After the catch, he’s a bruising runner who isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder.
However, he doesn’t have great burst off the line. His release is lackluster and delays his separation against press. His routes, while diverse, can lack crispness and snap. And while he can be a physical monster, he often allows physical corners to dictate the play, despite having the size advantage.
Still, T-Mac is simply a fantastic football player. While some may doubt the archetype due to a lack of true top-end speed, his tape speaks volumes. He’s a plug-and-play weapon with major upside.
3. Luther Burden III – Missouri
Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 205 lbs
2024 Stats: 61 receptions, 676 yards, 6 TD | 11.1 YPR
Value: Round 1
Burden is the most dangerous receiver in this class after the catch. Explosive off the line with elite twitch, Burden can leave defenders flat-footed in space. His change of direction and vision are top-tier, and his compact frame gives him the balance to stay upright through contact. He is simply electrifying and a big play waiting to happen at any moment. His athleticism paired with his RAC skills make any play a possible house call.
His hands are natural and trustworthy, and he has a versatile skill set that fits into any modern offense. He blocks with intensity and fire—rare for a receiver—and he’s clearly a competitor who wants to impact every play. He is easily the best slot in the draft. His 2023 tape showcases superstar potential and was the best single season of any receiver in this draft.
His 2024 production took a significant dip, but the blame lies more with Missouri’s offensive dysfunction than with Burden himself. Poor QB play, bizarre play-calling, and limited usage capped his numbers. He also hasn’t been given many opportunities as an outside receiver, but he has displayed the talent capable of succeeding there with great ball tracking. He needs to develop a more expansive route tree at the next level than the one he was assigned at Missouri. The majority of his touches came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage which can be very concerning.
Overall Luther is the toughest prospect at this position to project due to his unique concerns, but Burden’s upside is undeniable. He’s a dynamic, hard-nosed playmaker with the juice to be a star in the NFL. In the right situation I could easily see Burden ending up as the best receiver from this class.
4. Matthew Golden – Texas
Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 195 lbs
2024 Stats: 58 receptions, 987 yards, 9 TD | 17.0 YPR
Value: Round 1
The fastest receiver in the class—clocking in a verified 4.29 40-yard dash—Golden is pure electricity. His speed isn’t just track-timed; it translates directly to the field. He consistently leaves defenders grasping at air on deep routes, and his ability to throttle down and cut makes him one of the class’s best separators.
Golden is an exceptional route runner with sharp footwork and explosiveness out of his breaks. He’s a strong hands catcher who maintains balance through the catch, and after the grab, he becomes a blur with vision and burst that can turn a slant into six.
He’s not without flaws. Concentration drops are an issue as he can turn upfield before securing the ball. He lacks spatial awareness at times and doesn’t always come back to the quarterback or work into passing lanes. There’s some concern about injury history, but nothing major. He occasionally gives up on plays and shows no effort as a blocker which is very disappointing.
But make no mistake. Golden is a game changer. His deep threat ability, route sharpness, and open-field danger make him a top-tier weapon.
5. Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’1″, 205 lbs
2024 Stats: 81 receptions, 1,011 yards, 10 TD | 12.5 YPR
Value: Late Round 1 to Early Round 2
Emeka Egbuka is one of the most technically refined receivers in the class. A polished route runner who can win at all three levels, Egbuka knows how to manipulate defenders with pacing, leverage, and timing. He’s reliable at the catch point, tracks the ball well, and displays toughness in traffic.
He’s also an effective runner after the catch—more slippery than explosive—and can function seamlessly as a Y or Z receiver at the next level. His experience in a pro-style system at Ohio State gives him a leg up in terms of route understanding and spacing.
There are some concerns. His deceleration isn’t elite, which can limit his separation late in routes. He’s struggled against longer, physical corners who can smother him at the line or disrupt his timing. And while he’s consistently good, he’s never made the major leap many expected.
Egbuka is a high-floor prospect. He may not become a WR1, but he’s going to contribute right away and carve out a long NFL career. There’s still upside to chase—and a team could benefit from getting him in the back half of Round 1.
6. Kyle Williams – Washington State
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs
2024 Stats: 70 receptions, 1,198 yards, 14 TD | 17.1 YPR
Value: Round 2
Kyle Williams boasts one of the most refined release packages in the class, featuring elite-level quick-twitch footwork and burst that allows him to win off the line with ease. His ability to separate early in the route stems from his explosiveness and nuanced understanding of leverage. He maintains top-end speed while adjusting to deep throws and showcases natural tracking ability, frequently reeling in passes without breaking stride.
His acceleration and body control make him a threat after the catch, and he possesses excellent spatial awareness to exploit defensive gaps. Williams runs sharp, reactive routes and demonstrates versatility lining up both inside and outside.
However, he lacks ideal play strength and can be overwhelmed by more physical defensive backs. He occasionally reverts to body-catching, leading to avoidable drops, and inconsistent route depth can cause timing issues with his quarterback. His effort as a run blocker is minimal and remains a notable weakness.
Still, Williams is a dynamic, fluid receiver with explosive traits and natural instincts. His ability to win early in the route and stretch the field vertically should allow him to contribute immediately at the next level.
7. Jaylin Noel – Iowa State
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 5’11”, 200 lbs
2024 Stats: 80 receptions, 1,194 yards, 8 TD | 14.9 YPR
Value: Round 2
Jaylin Noel is one of the most advanced route runners in this class. His release is elite, combining rapid footwork with precise timing to consistently generate separation. He manipulates defenders with purpose and intelligence—every step is calculated. His burst and acceleration at the top of his routes are exceptional, allowing him to create space at all three levels.
Primarily used out of the slot, Noel is a weapon in short and intermediate areas, but if you blink, he will torch you deep. He understands spacing and tempo, finds soft spots in coverage quickly, and displays impressive body control on contested catches despite being undersized. His ability to play across formations adds to his value as a versatile contributor.
While he has reliable hands, he’s prone to concentration drops, particularly when anticipating contact or looking to turn upfield too early. He struggles to fight through physical coverage and doesn’t create much yardage after the catch. His ball skills are sound, but he must improve his hand-fighting techniques against press coverage.
Noel is a polished, instinctual receiver who will make an immediate impact in the right scheme. His blend of intelligence, athleticism, and route-running precision gives him one of the higher floors in this class.
8. Jayden Higgins – Iowa State
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’4″, 215 lbs
2024 Stats: 87 receptions, 1,183 yards, 9 TD | 13.6 YPR
Value: Round 2
Jayden Higgins presents an intriguing physical profile and the technical refinement to match. His hands are outstanding—natural, secure, and consistent—while his body control and timing allow him to extend outside his frame and adjust to off-target throws with ease. He uses his size effectively, understanding leverage and creating advantageous positioning against smaller defenders.
Despite his size, Higgins shows flashes of deceptive route sharpness. He maintained steady production throughout the season, making his presence felt in every game. His size-speed combination gives him the foundation of a prototypical boundary receiver at the next level.
However, his release is a concern—he struggles to gain immediate separation and lacks explosiveness off the line. Although he flashes physicality in contested situations, he doesn’t always convert those opportunities due to inconsistent timing and focus through contact. As a blocker, he shows effort but needs technical refinement.
Higgins has the size, hands, and control to develop into a starting-caliber outside receiver. With the right coaching and improved consistency, he could significantly outplay his draft slot.
9. Tre Harris – Ole Miss
Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 lbs
2024 Stats: 60 receptions, 1,030 yards, 7 TD | 17.2 YPR
Value: Round 2 – Early Round 3
Tre Harris plays with a level of physicality and control that stands out immediately on film. He consistently wins at the catch point, using strong hands, body positioning, and excellent timing to high-point the football. His deep-ball tracking is exceptional, and he routinely finishes in contested situations, particularly in the red zone where he is a true mismatch weapon.
He understands spacing and coverage well, working himself open and becoming a reliable target on scramble plays and underneath zone concepts. Harris was highly productive in limited action, putting together one of the most efficient seasons in the class despite missing several games.
However, his route running lacks suddenness, and he does not offer much separation with burst or quickness. His top-end speed is adequate but not a threat to consistently stretch the field. He needs to expand his route tree and improve his fluidity in transitions. Post-catch, he does little to extend plays. Injury concerns—especially his groin and hip issues in 2024—will be important to monitor.
Still, Harris profiles as a dependable outside receiver with red zone value and a professional skillset that should translate smoothly with the right system fit.
10. Jalen Royals – Utah State
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 205 lbs
2024 Stats: 55 receptions, 834 yards, 6 TD | 15.2 YPR
Value: Round 3
Jalen Royals might be the most underappreciated technician in this class. He’s a natural hands-catcher with a refined release and fluid movement throughout his routes. He changes direction without wasted motion and possesses excellent short-area quickness, allowing him to consistently gain separation, especially at the intermediate level.
His anticipation, body control, and ability to adjust mid-route based on defensive leverage are advanced. Royals has a feel for timing that gives him a clear edge against zone coverage, and his explosiveness off the line—highlighted by a top-tier 10-yard split—is a legitimate weapon.
There are concerns about his ability to compete physically at the next level. He struggles to high-point the ball and does not consistently win through contact. While he offers some elusiveness after the catch, he’s not a significant playmaker in open space. His route tree will also need to expand against NFL-caliber defenses. And while the level of competition is a note, Royals dominated the matchups in front of him.
Ultimately, Royals brings clean mechanics, sharp instincts, and explosive traits to the table. He may take time to develop, but he projects as a high-floor depth piece with potential to grow into a quality starting receiver.
11. Isaiah Bond – Texas
Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 lbs
2024 Stats: 34 receptions, 540 yards, 5 TD | 15.9 YPR
Reliable and versatile receiver who projects as an immediate contributor out of the slot.
12. Jack Bech – TCU
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
2024 Stats: 62 receptions, 1,034 yards, 9 TD | 16.7 YPR
High-floor receiver with strong hands and toughness. Should be a dependable chain mover early in his career.
13. Tai Felton – Maryland
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 180 lbs
2024 Stats: 96 receptions, 1,124 yards, 9 TD | 11.7 YPR
Speed-driven Z receiver with natural separation ability who could eventually develop into a starting-caliber option.
14. Xavier Restrepo – Miami
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 5’10”, 200 lbs
2024 Stats: 69 receptions, 1,127 yards, 11 TD | 16.3 YPR
Lacks elite athletic traits but gets open with consistency. Could be a dependable slot option or spot starter.
15. Elic Ayomanor – Stanford
Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 lbs
2024 Stats: 63 receptions, 831 yards, 6 TD | 13.2 YPR
NFL-ready traits and frame make him a solid WR3 or depth piece, though long-term upside is limited.
16. Chimere Dike – Florida
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 195 lbs
2024 Stats: 42 receptions, 783 yards, 2 TD | 18.6 YPR
Speed and route polish give him legitimate upside in the slot despite modest production.
17. Tory Horton – Colorado State
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’3″, 185 lbs
2024 Stats: 26 receptions, 353 yards, 1 TD | 13.6 YPR
Proven production and consistency, but injuries and slight frame present long-term concerns.
18. KeAndre Lambert-Smith – Auburn
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs
2024 Stats: 50 receptions, 981 yards, 8 TD | 19.6 YPR
My biggest sleeper at the position this class. He is a proven deep threat with ideal intangibles. KeAndre was the top guy in every big game for Auburn averaging over 100 yards in their games against Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
19. Savion Williams – TCU
Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 6’5″, 225 lbs
2024 Stats: 60 receptions, 611 yards, 6 TD | 10.2 YPR
Imposing size and measurable traits give him rare upside, but he’s a long-term project with limited immediate impact.
20. Isaac TeSlaa – Arkansas
Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 6’4″, 220 lbs
2024 Stats: 28 receptions, 546 yards, 3 TD | 19.5 YPR
Big-bodied slot receiver with excellent athleticism and hands. Could exceed expectations with greater opportunity.
21. Dont’e Thornton – Tennessee
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 lbs
Elite size-speed combo with 4.30 speed and deep-ball upside. A raw but tantalizing prospect for the right development staff.
22. Tez Johnson – Oregon
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs
2024 Stats: 83 receptions, 898 yards, 10 TD | 10.8 YPR
Small frame and limited athletic ceiling, but has the toughness and skill to secure a rotational role in the NFL.
23. Jaylin Lane – Virginia Tech
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 5’10”, 195 lbs
2024 Stats: 38 receptions, 466 yards, 2 TD | 12.3 YPR
Vertical ability and athletic flashes make him an intriguing project. Needs to expand his route tree to carve out a role at the next level though.
24. Jimmy Horn Jr. – Colorado
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 5’10”, 170 lbs
2024 Stats: 37 receptions, 441 yards, 1 TD | 11.9 YPR
Explosive offseason and strong testing performance boost his stock. Could become a useful depth piece or return option.
25. Pat Bryant – Illinois
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs
2024 Stats: 54 receptions, 984 yards, 10 TD | 18.2 YPR
Strong hands and consistent production, though his lack of speed caps his vertical potential.
26. LaJohntay Wester – Colorado
Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 5’11”, 165 lbs
2024 Stats: 74 receptions, 931 yards, 10 TD | 12.6 YPR
Consistent slot production, but age and limited frame suggest a capped ceiling at the next level.
27. Arian Smith – Georgia
Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
2024 Stats: 48 receptions, 817 yards, 4 TD | 17.0 YPR
Explosive speed and pedigree are intriguing, but persistent drop issues limit trustworthiness as a target.
28. Nick Nash – San Jose State
Age: 24 | Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs
2024 Stats: 104 receptions, 1,382 yards, 16 TD | 13.3 YPR
Productive and physical red zone threat with chain-moving reliability. Worth a shot as a developmental outside receiver.
29. Efton Chism III – Eastern Washington
Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 5’11”, 200 lbs
2024 Stats: 120 receptions, 1,311 yards, 13 TD | 10.9 YPR
Highly productive small-school prospect with the potential to be a draft-day sleeper or impact UDFA.
30. Quincy Skinner Jr. – Vanderbilt
Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 lbs
2024 Stats: 29 receptions, 367 yards, 3 TD | 12.7 YPR
Underutilized talent with appealing size. A depth piece with upside, not to mention he has the stamp of approval from Steve Smith Sr. himself.
Check out the RB position rankings here!
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