2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Wide Receiver Rankings
Last Updated: October 31, 2025š See Full WR Rankings with Interactive Filters ā
The 2026 wide receiver class is loaded with talentāfeaturing a deep group of boundary receivers, slot technicians, and contested-catch specialists. Unlike the thin quarterback class, this year's WR group offers legitimate first-round talent beyond the top 3, with several Day 2 prospects who could sneak into Round 1 with strong finishes.
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The Elite: Top 3 Wide Receivers
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State ā Overall Rank: #6 (WR1)
Rank Movement: #7 ā #6 š Physical: 6'2" | 200 lbsThe undisputed WR1 in this class. Tyson has emerged as a potential Top 5 pick after a dominant season at Arizona State.
Background:Former 3-star recruit who transferred from Colorado to Arizona State and immediately broke out. In 2024: 75 catches, 1,101 yards, 10 TDs. Through five games in 2025: 39 receptions (2nd nationally), 483 yards (5th), 7 TDs (tied 1st).
In Arizona State's final six games of 2024, Tyson led the nation with 729 receiving yards and ranked 2nd in the Power Four with 4.03 yards per route run.
What Makes Him WR:
Tyson's calling card is elite route runningāhe creates ample separation against man coverage with crisp footwork, attacks angles with intent, and uses short-area quickness to set up defensive backs. He's alignment versatile, winning from every WR position in the formation.
His ball skills are outstanding. Tyson shows excellent body control and hang time on contested catches, hauling in 67% of contested targets. He flashes late hands with precision timing and has the leaping ability to high-point passes down the field.
Pro Comparison: CeeDee Lambāpolished route runner who wins everywhere The Concerns:Lacks elite top-end speedāhe's not a "burner" who scares DBs off the line with raw speed alone. A rival Big 12 coach said: "Tyson makes the hardest catches look easy and the easiest catches look hard"āreferencing his 7 drops in 2024. He also allows too much contact at the line against physical press corners.
Draft Projection: Top 5-10 pick Best Fit: Teams needing a true WR1 who can win everywhere (Panthers, Giants, Raiders)---
2. Makai Lemon, USC ā Overall Rank: #15 (WR2)
Rank Movement: #17 ā #15 š Physical: 5'11" | 195 lbsPFF's Trevor Sikkema ranked Lemon as his #1 WR prospect in the 2026 classāahead of Jordyn Tysonāciting his elite separation ability and athletic profile.
Background:4-star recruit in the 2023 class who became an instant impact player at USC. In 2024: led USC in receiving grade (85.6 PFF) and yards (764), dropping just one pass on 67 targets.
The Separation Artist:Lemon thrives creating separationāranking in the 87th percentile in separation rate and averaging 3.03 yards per route run (89th percentile). He's primarily a slot receiver (354 snaps in slot vs. 54 outside in 2024) who dominates intermediate routes.
He blends high-end athleticism with refined route running and sharp feel for zone coverage. Despite being just a junior, Lemon is a nuanced route runner who tempos his speed at different points to find soft spots against zones.
His catch-point control is eliteāmastery of late-hands timing, positioning, and body adjustments. He weaponizes his twitch and deceleration to cut tight angles at route stems, and after the catch, he can breeze through crowds with combined evasiveness and size-defying play strength.
Athletic Profile: PFF Game Athleticism Score above 95th percentileā5 plays topped 20 mph, 100 plays clocked 15-20 mph. The Concerns:At 5'11", 195 lbs, Lemon projects primarily as a slot/Z receiver in the NFL, not a true X. Limited outside snaps raise questions about alignment versatility compared to Tyson.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round (Pick 15-25) Best Fit: Teams needing an elite slot weapon (Lions, Chiefs, 49ers)---
3. Carnell Tate, Ohio State ā Overall Rank: #16 (WR3)
Rank Movement: #15 ā #16 š Physical: 6'3" | 210 lbsOhio State's WR factory continues. Tate is the next first-rounder off the assembly line.
Background:5-star recruit in the 2023 class. Started all 15 games during Ohio State's CFP national championship season in 2024 (52 catches, 733 yards, 4 TDs). Through 2025: 34 catches, 587 yards, 6 TDs.
Strengths:At 6'3", Tate is an alignment-versatile receiver who wins with smooth route running, large catch radius, and high football IQ. His route running is eliteānuanced and detailed with the ability to separate from defenders against both man and zone.
He has soft, reliable hands with excellent ball tracking. Tate makes high-difficulty adjustments and catches with precision focus and coordination, showing hand strength to secure tight-window throws. He's a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point.
Pro Comparison: George Pickens, Amani Toomer NFL Fit: High-floor possession receiver who understands pro concepts The Concerns:Lacks explosiveness off the lineāhe's a "leggy athlete" who doesn't possess great top-end speed to take the top off defenses. After-catch ability may be limited in the NFL. His long legs cause segmented breaks at the top of routes, which can tip his hand to DBs. Needs to improve play strength against handsy corners.
Draft Projection: Late 1st Round (Pick 20-32) Best Fit: Teams needing a polished, pro-ready possession WR (Steelers, Bills, Ravens)---
The Rising Stars: Prospects 4-7
4. Denzel Boston, Washington ā Overall Rank: #27 (WR4)
Rank Movement: #26 ā #27 š Physical: 6'4" | 210 lbs The Washington Pipeline Continues.Washington's WR pipeline continues with Boston, another big-bodied boundary receiver following Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk to the NFL.
2024 Stats: 63 receptions, 834 yards, 9 TDs Background:Boston arrived at Washington with solid recruiting pedigree and developed under one of the nation's premier wide receiver coaching staffs. His 2024 season started explosivelyā8 touchdowns in the first six weeksābut his production fell off dramatically in the second half, posting fewer than 50 yards in 6 of his final 7 games.
This inconsistency raises major questions about whether he's a true WR1 or a role player who feasted on early-season matchups before being game-planned out by better defenses.
What Makes Him WR4:Boston is a tall receiver with a large wingspan who presents a massive catch radius for his quarterback. With his height (6'4"), length, and leaping ability, Boston is a problem for defenses even when he's blanketed in coverage. He brings reliable hands, hauling in 95.6% of his catchable targets (104) and recording a strong 52.2% contested-catch rate.
He runs efficient double moves, displaying his ability to sink his hips and drive out of the break to pull away from defenders. Boston's routes are run with intent and suddenness, creating separation against man-to-man coverage. For his size, he's surprisingly fluid in his movements.
Boston stresses defenses with his blend of size, physicality, and alignment versatility. He's a matchup nightmare for smaller nickel cornerbacks when aligned in the slot, using his 6'4" frame to box defenders out. He's also a physical and willing run blocker on the perimeter, sealing off cornerbacks to create lanes for running backs.
Pro Comparison: Keon Colemanābig-bodied boundary receiver who wins with size and ball skills over speed The Concerns:Boston isn't a receiver that wins with explosiveness. While his speed is decent, he doesn't have that extra gear that other receivers in this class do. This limits his ability to blaze past defensive backs and get vertical separation. He won't be considered a guy who can take the cover off defenses on deep balls.
The consistency issues are alarming. Eight of his 9 touchdowns came in the first six weeks of 2024. In the second half of the campaign, he recorded fewer than 50 receiving yards in six of his final seven outings. Was he figured out by better defenses, or did Washington's offense struggle overall?
He's underwhelmed as a RAC weapon in 2025 after showing promise in 2024. His tall running style might detract from his leverage in contact situations. Even with his elite hand strength, Boston can be prone to occasional focus drops, and slight lapses in hip sink draw his ultimate separation upside into question.
Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (Pick 25-40) Best Fit: Teams needing a big-bodied red zone weapon (Giants, Cowboys, Ravens)---
5. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee ā Overall Rank: #39 (WR5)
Rank Movement: #48 ā #39 š (+9 spots) Physical: 6'5" | 200 lbs ESPN's Todd McShay made waves: "This guy's going to be in the mix come April for the first receiver off the board"āa bold take that's gaining traction after Brazzell's dominant stretch against elite SEC competition.2025 Stats (7 games): 39 catches, 602 yards, 7 TDs
Signature Game: 6 catches, 177 yards, 3 TDs vs. Georgia Strengths:At 6'5", 200 lbs, Brazzell boasts unnatural short-area quickness and fluidity with superb explosiveness out of breaks and on the vertical plane. He's an easy accelerator who uses his length as a separator and spatial manipulator at multiple levels.
His catch rate over expectation is 22.5% with 11 catches over expectation totalāfew are better than Brazzell at hauling in low-probability, high-difficulty passes down the field.
Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round), potential WR1 upside NFL Fit: Movement Z receiver with elite tools---
6. Chris Bell, Louisville ā Overall Rank: #40 (WR6)
Rank Movement: #63 ā #40 šš (+23 spots!) Physical: 6'2" | 220 lbs | 4.4 40-yard dash The Biggest Riser. Bell has jumped 23 spotsāthe fastest climber in this class..2024 Stats: 43 receptions, 737 yards, 4 TDs (17.1 YPC)
2025 Pace: Over 1,200 yards, double-digit TDs
Strengths:Bell is a physical outside receiver who can flyāelite size-speed combo. His ability to generate chunk plays after the catch sets him apart with acceleration and top speed that erase pursuit angles. Soft hands, tracks the ball well, uses great technique and footwork against jumpy corners.
Weaknesses:Limited route tree to dateāmust prove he can handle NFL offensive complexities. Lacks "quicks" to play Z-receiver or slot despite great straight-line speed.
Projection: Top 60 pick Keep An Eye On: If Bell finishes strong, he could sneak into late 1st-round conversations.---
7. Kevin "KC" Concepcion, Texas A&M ā Overall Rank: #49 (WR7)
Rank Movement: #50 ā #49 š Physical: 5'11" | 187 lbs | 4.46 40-yard dash Pro Comparison: Jayden Reed (Packers) Background:ACC Rookie of the Year at NC State (71 rec, 839 yards, 10 TDs as a freshman). Transferred to Texas A&M and has 33 catches for 500 yards and 7 TDs through 7 games in 2025.
Strengths:High-level, arguably elite separator who thrives on intermediate routes. Wins with savvy and route detail rather than raw athleticism. Crafty footwork gains separation, and he can build up speed and tempo his route at different points.
Weaknesses:Gets bodied in blocking situations. Role at the next level is somewhere between a complementary piece and offensive chess piece.
Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round)---
The Depth: Prospects 8-10
8. Antonio Williams, Clemson ā Overall Rank: #67 (WR8)
Rank Movement: #52 ā #67 š (-15 spots) Physical: 5'11" | 190 lbs | 4.45 40-yard dash The Faller With First-Round Talent.Williams dropped 15 spotsāthe biggest decline among top WRs. Despite elite route-running ability and first-team All-ACC honors in 2024, concerns about his size, injury history, and ceiling as a volume receiver have caused his stock to plummet.
2024 Stats: 75 receptions, 904 yards, 11 TDs (tied 3rd among Power Four WRs) Background:Led Clemson in receptions (56) and receiving yards (604) as a true freshman in 2022, earning immediate trust from the coaching staff. Earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2024 after posting 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns. Throughout his career, Williams has built a rƩsumƩ that showcases him as a versatile offensive weapon who can win at all three levels of the field.
PFF tabbed Williams as a "must-watch WR" for the 2026 NFL Draft, and ESPN's Todd McShay projected him as a late first-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in his 2026 mock draft. However, lingering injury concerns and inconsistency have dropped him into the middle of Day 2 discussion.
What Makes Him WR8:Williams is an elite route runner, placing in the 94th percentile in separation rate against single coverage while also catching 58% of his contested targets in 2024. He displays both football IQ and refined route-running ability, does an excellent job of attacking defensive backs' leverage early in the route, and his speed and explosiveness put pressure on defenders to react quickly.
While Williams is not a big receiver, he is aggressive at the catch point and will out-fight defensive backs for the ball, showing strength and toughness while also looking fearless in the middle of the field. His 58% contested catch rate proves he can win despite his 5'11" frame.
Williams could operate out of the slot in the NFL, along with being an X receiver on the outside. His versatility and technical mastery make him valuable in multiple offensive schemes. He brings a rare combination of route-running expertise and football intelligence that commands consideration as a potential starter.
Pro Comparison: Amon-Ra St. Brownāundersized slot receiver who wins with elite route running and toughness The Concerns:The biggest limitation for Williams appears to be his overall size (5'11", 190 lbs) to be considered a true WR1. His current measurements put him right at the threshold for teams that traditionally prefer WR1s to be at least six feet tall, and some NFL teams may ultimately view him as a dominant slot receiver rather than a boundary alpha.
Williams will need to become a little more dynamic after the catch. His RAC ability doesn't match his separation skills, limiting his ceiling as a high-volume target. He hasn't emerged as a true takeover-caliber wide receiver, going over 80 receiving yards in a game just four times in his career.
Lingering injury concerns have plagued his college career, and NFL teams will want thorough medical evaluations. His role-specific build and questionable ceiling as a high-volume target drop him to the middle of Day 2 discussion.
Draft Projection: Day 2 (3rd-4th Round, Pick 75-110) Best Fit: Slot-heavy offenses that value route running (49ers, Lions, Dolphins)---
9. Ja'Kobi Lane, USC ā Overall Rank: #71 (WR9)
Rank Movement: #66 ā #71 š Physical: 6'4" | 195 lbs The Red Zone Specialist.Lane has the size and contested-catch ability NFL teams covet, but consistency issues and limited separation skills have caused his stock to slip despite 12 TDs in 2024.
2024 Stats: 43 receptions, 528 yards, 12 TDs Las Vegas Bowl MVP: 7 catches, 127 yards, 3 TDs Background:Four-star recruit from Red Mountain High School (Mesa, Arizona) in the class of 2023. Lane burst onto the scene in 2024 with 12 touchdown catches on 43 receptionsāthe second-most TDs in the Big Ten and tied for fifth nationally. His Las Vegas Bowl performance (7-127-3) earned him MVP honors and showcased his ceiling.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid ranked Lane as the No. 1 receiver prospect for the 2026 Draft heading into the fallāa controversial take given his limited yardage production. Mock drafts have projected him anywhere from #12 overall (Cowboys) to #32 overall (Bills), though his #71 ranking suggests those projections are overly optimistic.
What Makes Him WR9:His body control, ball tracking, concentration through contact, and ability to adjust for poorly thrown passes rank among the best in the 2026 class. Lane has a natural feel and understanding of how to high point the football and go up and over defenders to make contested catches.
At 6'4", Lane has excellent size and an aggressive play style. His contested catching ability is eliteāhe converts at a high rate even when blanketed. He's a serious red zone threat who can win jump balls and create separation at the catch point even when he can't create separation on routes.
Lane is a fluid mover who displays very good route running comfort catching the football inside and outside his frame. His agility and sharp movements on the vertical plane hint at untapped route-running potential that could develop with coaching.
Pro Comparison: Mike Williamsābig-bodied red zone weapon with elite catch radius but limited separation The Concerns:Despite 12 touchdowns last season, Lane had only 528 receiving yards and was held below 50 yards in eight of USC's 13 games. This massive touchdown-to-yardage disparity suggests he's a situational player rather than a true WR1 who can carry an offense.
Lane appears to struggle to separate vertically from defenders, a key reason why his ability to make contested catches is part of his success. In the NFL, where windows are tighter and defenders are more physical, his lack of separation skills could limit his ceiling.
His route tree and separation ability currently remain mediocre. Needs to grow his route repertoireāstill a developmental option behind teammate Makai Lemon in terms of overall receiver skills. Consistency issues plague his gameāhe's either dominant or invisible, with little middle ground.
Draft Projection: Early Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round, Pick 45-75) Best Fit: Teams needing a red zone specialist and jump ball winner (Seahawks, Falcons, Saints)---
10. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana ā Overall Rank: #73 (WR10)
Rank Movement: #100 ā #73 šš (+27 spots!) Physical: 6'2" | 213 lbs The Waffle House.Sarratt has climbed 27 spotsāthe second-biggest riser behind Chris Bell. Nicknamed "Waffle House" because he's "always open," Sarratt has emerged as one of the most reliable receivers in college football.
2024: 53 catches, 957 yards, 8 TDs (43 of 53 receptions went for 1st downs or TDs) 2025 (7 games): 43 catches, 603 yards, 9 TDs (leads nation in TDs) Background:FCS Freshman All-American at Saint Francis (Pa.), where he showed flashes of NFL talent at a lower level of competition. Transferred to James Madison and exploded with 82 catches for 1,191 yards and 8 TDs, earning All-Sun Belt honors. Transferred to Indiana for the 2024 season and became the Hoosiers' #1 target in Fernando Mendoza's offense.
His remarkable efficiency is what separates himā43 of 53 receptions in 2024 went for either first downs or touchdowns, a stunning 81% conversion rate that suggests elite situational awareness and clutch performance.
What Makes Him WR10:Best route running in the entire classāSarratt consistently creates space with subtle movements, precise footwork, and elite understanding of defensive leverage. He wins more with technique than athleticism, using crisp routes and body positioning to get open against any coverage.
Strong hands make him extremely reliable. Sarratt rarely drops passes and shows concentration through contact, making him a quarterback's best friend on third downs and in the red zone. His nickname "Waffle House" (always open) is well-earnedāhe finds ways to get open even when defenses know he's the primary target.
At 6'2", 213 lbs, Sarratt has NFL size and physicality. He's not afraid to work the middle of the field and shows toughness after the catch. His frame allows him to box out defenders and win contested catches when needed.
Pro Comparison: Keenan Allenāsimilar frame, wins with crisp routes and reliability over speed The Concerns:Raw physical traits don't stand out. Sarratt is not a true burner, and his explosiveness after the catch is a step below elite. NFL teams may view him as a possession receiver rather than a dynamic playmaker who can take over games with his athleticism.
Limited competition at Saint Francis and James Madison raises questions about how his skills translate against NFL-caliber defenders. While he's dominated at Indiana in the Big Ten, scouts will want to see him succeed against elite SEC and ACC cornerbacks in big games.
His ceiling may be capped by his athletic limitations. While his route running is elite, NFL defenses are faster and more disciplined than college defenses. Can his technique overcome the athleticism gap at the next level?
Draft Projection: Day 2 (3rd Round, Pick 65-95) Best Fit: Possession-receiver offenses that value reliability (Patriots, Vikings, Colts)---
Stock Watch: Who's Rising?
Chris Bell šš
Elijah Sarratt** šš
Chris Brazzell II** š
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Stock Watch: Who's Falling?
Antonio Williams š
Ja'Kobi Lane š
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The Verdict: Is This a Strong WR Class?
Yesāand it's deep.
Unlike the thin QB class, the 2026 WR group features:
Tyson vs. Lemon Debate:
The WR1 conversation is real. Tyson is the safer pickāproven production, elite route running, alignment versatility. But Lemon has higher athletic upside and PFF's Trevor Sikkema ranks him #1..Bottom Line:
This is a buyer's market for WRs. Teams can find starters in Rounds 1-3, and even Day 3 prospects like Sarratt have high floors. Expect 6-8 WRs drafted in the first two rounds.
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Final Thoughts: Players to Continue Watching
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Explore Interactive WR Rankings
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Test Your Draft Strategy: Mock the 2026 NFL Draft
Want to see how these wide receivers fit with your favorite team? Head over to StickToTheModel.com's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator and build your dream draft board.
Our simulator features:
ā Real-time prospect rankings (updated weekly)
ā Team needs analysis for all 32 franchises
ā Trade calculator to move up for your WR1
ā Personalized draft grades based on team fit
Will you take Tyson or Lemon at #1 WR? Can you snag Sarratt in Round 3?
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Rankings updated weekly throughout the college football season. Follow us on Twitter @StickToTheModel for real-time updates.