2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Wide Receiver Overview

College & Draft Sports

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• Washington‘s Denzel Boston is the top X receiver: Boston possesses a large catch radius and is impressive after the catch.

• Antonio Williams is a name to watch in the slot: The Clemson standout has fluid hips and is a premier punt returner.

Estimated Reading Time: 25 minutes

The 2025 college football season has just begun, but it’s never too early to break down prospects for next spring’s draft class.

PFF Lead NFL Draft Analyst Trevor Sikkema offers his breakdowns for X, Z and slot receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, from Makai Lemon to Jordyn Tyson to Elijah Sarratt and more.

X Receivers

Denzel Boston, Washington

Strengths

• Not slow out of his stance. Eats up cushion quickly for a big man
• Decent sharpness to route cuts
• Good route understanding. Will even pull some double moves
• Reliable hands amid heavy volume in 2024
• Maximizes a big catch radius with strong hands and good hand-eye coordination
• Positive after-the-catch mentality

Weaknesses

• Production tailed off when defenses started to key in on him

Scouting Summary

Boston is a smooth criminal for a big receiver. He’s quick with varying releases versus press and shows good cuts in his routes despite his bigger size. With that frame comes the plus things you want to see: He has a big catch radius that he can maximize at any time with strong hands and great hand-eye coordination. He also aims to produce after the catch and create explosive plays in general. Boston’s production dipped when defenses keyed in on him at the end of 2024, but they did so for a reason.

Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

Strengths

• True on-the-line X receiver
• High-energy, competitive player
• Contested-catch machine. Career contested-catch rate sits above 50%
• Impressive “above-the-rim” catches

Weaknesses

• Change of direction is naturally slower/stiffer
• Will run vertically, but won’t create much separation when doing so

Scouting Summary

Sarratt is an alpha X receiver. His competitive toughness jumps off the screen when watching his film. He’s a high-energy player who does all the “big receiver” things you want to see — dominates at the catch points, stays tough through contact and does his part as a blocker. His separation rates are low, and that won’t change in the NFL, but it’s hard to watch this guy and not want him on your football team.

Chase Roberts, BYU

Strengths

• Much more explosive and fluid athlete than expected for his size
• High separation rate (above 50th percentile) for his frame
• Tempoed route runner who can win through the nuances of route running
• Fundamentally sound player who gains advantages in the details
• Knows how and when to sit in the soft spots versus zone

Weaknesses

• Low after-the-catch production in his career
• Allows the ball into his body more often than he should
• Good blocking potential, but needs to move his feet better to stay in front and not draw penalties

Scouting Summary

Roberts will be one of the oldest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft — he was in the 2019 recruiting class, but from 2019-2021 was in Alberta, Canada, as a full-time missionary. Since stepping onto the football field at BYU, he has been a steady presence for the Cougars, showcasing NFL ability. He moves very well for his size. As a route runner, he is well beyond his years, showcasing tempoed speed and an understanding of the details.

Roberts’ hands are generally reliable in regular and contested situations. He won’t be a big yards-after-the-catch guy outside of straight-line sprints, and he needs to move his feet better when blocking. But he brings NFL-caliber abilities.

Nic Anderson, LSU

Strengths

• Ideal height and arm length for the NFL
• Good release speed/effectiveness. No false steps and decent explosiveness
• Long strides when getting vertical
• Active hands to stay clean off press
• Willing, competitive blocker

Weaknesses

• High-waisted build makes flipping/sinking his hips more challenging
• Top speed is good for the college level, but may be only adequate for the NFL
• Slender build takes away from strength
• Lower catch rate and contested-catch rate in 2023

Scouting Summary

With two brothers already making it to the NFL, Rodney (running back) and Ryder (edge defender), Nic has NFL bloodlines. He possesses good size and length for the position. His nuance in his releases is beyond his years, with no false steps, quick footwork and active hands to stay clean off press and create separation. He has good top speed for the college level, but it may be closer to average in the league. Anderson must limit the drops and make more contested catches with his size to be a strong outside receiver in the upcoming draft.

Dane Key, Nebraska

Strengths

• Big, long frame that looks like it can hold even more weight/strength
• Versatile player with good experience at all three receiver spots
• Solid catch rates throughout his career
• Has some wiggle/savviness on in-breaking routes
• High-potential run blocker

Weaknesses

• Not very explosive, even for his size
• Still struggles to get off press (more quickness or strength required)
• Limited after-the-catch player

Scouting Summary

Key brings a multi-sport background, which gives him some natural movement skills to play at all three spots as a wide receiver with good overall size. He has posted solid catch percentages with and without contact, and shows nice nuance and wiggle on in-breaking routes. Overall, his athleticism feels average at best for the NFL. Despite his size, his lack of suddenness impacts his ability to get off press cleanly when lined up outside.

Ja’Kobi Lane, USC

Strengths

• Maximizes long catch radius with extended arms consistently
• Long strides that cover ground vertically, despite his lack of explosiveness
• Strong at the catch point. Relishes turning 50-50 balls into 70-30 balls
• Seems to understand releases well. Just needs to improve his efficiency
• Ideal goal-line fade target

Weaknesses

• Makes a living on contested catches due to a lack of separation
• Most of his best separation plays have a push-off at the break
• Can have a small false step in his releases
• Not much after-the-catch production
• Minimal threat on in-breaking routes

Scouting Summary

Lane is a long, lean X receiver who lives for contested catches. He loves the chance to turn 50-50 passes into 70-30 balls, thanks to great hand-eye coordination and a long catch radius that he maximizes consistently. He’s an ideal goal-line fade receiver (if you’re into that sort of thing) with long strides to still cover a decent amount of ground vertically while not being overly explosive. On the flip side, he has a lot of contested catches because his separation rates are low. When Lane does get separation from his break, it often involves a strategic push-off.

Bryce Lance, North Dakota State

Strengths

• Very high catch rates — both contested and overall
• Nuanced player, even as a one-year starter
• Good feel for the position. Attacks leverage and tempos routes
• Ample special teams experience shows up in consistent blocking technique
• Showed up big in critical games in 2024

Weaknesses

• Very low separation rates versus single coverage in 2024
• Top speed feels average to below average for the NFL

Scouting Summary

Lance has just one year of starting experience, but he flashed encouraging play in that lone season. His hands were reliable in 2024 in all situations. He also showed up big in some of the most significant games of the year. His top speed and overall athleticism appear limited for the NFL, but he still wins as a receiver by setting up defenders with head and shoulder fakes, as well as tempoing his routes to his advantage. He brings a solid blocking technique due to years of special teams experience.

Chris Bell, Louisville

Strengths

• Legitimate NFL size and strength
• Size and speed combination is very alluring
• Long, explosive strides make for an ideal vertical receiver
• Can bulldoze defensive backs off the field as a blocker

Weaknesses

• Lacks nuance in his routes
• Size and muscle mass lead to difficulties making sharp route cuts
• Makes imposing blocks, but also some where he lacks focus/discipline

Scouting Summary

Bell got his first chance to be a full-time starter in 2024 and made the most of it. He put up career-high production, most notably in yards after the catch and explosive plays. His size, strength and explosiveness make him an alluring vertical X receiver for the NFL. While he has the strength to be a dominant blocker on the line of scrimmage, he goes for the kill shot on some reps instead of sealing his defender. He could also stand to improve his consistency and nuance in route running.

Nyck Harbor, South Carolina

Strengths

• No false steps out of his stance. Extremely impressive first-step explosiveness
• Rare top speed and size combination, even for the NFL
• Change-of-direction fluidity far surpasses expectations for his size
• Massive catch radius

Weaknesses

• Didn’t look natural as a receiver as an underclassman
• Route tree is very vertical and basic right now. Rounded breaks
• Does not dominate blocks the way you’d expect
• Poor separation rates in 2023 and 2024 versus single coverage
• Low after-the-catch production and averages in 2023 and 2024
• Hands need to be more active when clearing defenders going through zones

Scouting Summary

Harbor will be one of the most athletically gifted prospects to ever come through the NFL, whenever he declares. His size and explosiveness combination is rare. He didn’t play wide receiver in high school (defensive end and tight end), so his game tape reflects that of someone who is still learning the position. His route tree is basic and vertical in its current form, and that must diversify for him to be a true threat to defenses. He must also play stronger at the catch point and when blocking. He has all the potential you could want but is still a ways away from achieving it at the pro level.

Malachi Fields, Notre Dame

Strengths

• Big-time frame for work on the line of scrimmage and in the red zone
• Seemingly massive catch radius
• Above-average long speed with a handful of plays reaching over 20 mph
• Reliable possession receiver numbers (catchable passes caught and contested-catch rates)
• Envelops some defenders in the blocking game

Weaknesses

• Even for a big man, his twitchiness/suddenness is lacking
• Low separation rates versus single coverage, but not terrible
• Needs to attack the ball in the air more relentlessly

Scouting Summary

Fields brings an ideal frame to the position for the NFL. He has a massive catch radius and has posted generally reliable catch rates. He boasts good long speed from his track days, but it takes him some time to work up to it. His change of direction is typically lacking, but he is a good enough route runner that he can create some space in his route breaks. On top of that, Fields possesses good blocking potential. If he can attack the ball in the air with more relentlessness, he has a chance to stick as a big-bodied receiver.

Duce Robinson, Florida State

Strengths

• Massive player with natural length advantages
• Long strides to cover a ton of ground with each step
• Used in the slot and on the outside

Weaknesses

• Low separation rate percentile versus single coverage
• Basic vertical route tree
• Sinking his hips and changing direction can be a chore
• Lower-than-ideal contested catch rates as an underclassman

Scouting Summary

Robinson is a former top-20 overall recruit in the country, rooted in his massive size and multi-sport background (also a college-level outfielder). His frame gives him long strides for vertical routes, providing a challenge for any cornerback trying to disengage from his blocks. As a receiver, his route tree is basically just vertical routes. Changing direction and sinking his hips can be difficult. Robinson’s biggest area of improvement is the catch point, where he needs to become a dominant presence. That will be his sticking point in the league.

Z Receivers

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Strengths

• Inside-out alignment versatility
• Good production as a vertical receiver
• High separation rates in 2024, especially on intermediate routes
• Makes impressive catches through contact
• Good blocker when he wants to be
• Significant production after the catch

Weaknesses

• A little stiff in his lateral movements, especially with speed
• Basic release package versus press
• Needs to clean up ball security. Seven drops and two fumbles lost in 2024

Scouting Summary

Tyson was the Sun Devils’ top playmaker in the passing game in 2024 and looks to be that again in 2025. He is a bit on the smaller side but plays stronger than his listed weight. He makes impressive contested catches, though he also recorded some bad drops in 2024. He boasts inside-out versatility thanks to his strong blocking ability and good breaks on intermediate routes. The biggest area of growth for him in 2025 should be in his release package versus press off the line of scrimmage. That could be the difference between being drafted on Day 2 or Day 1.

Eugene Wilson III, Florida

Strengths

• Plays bigger than his measurables suggest (can play outside or in the slot)
• Springy athlete in all facets
• Zero drops in his career (more than 100 targets)
• Great blend of body control and explosiveness for high-potential route running

Weaknesses

• Two minor surgeries in 2024 (hip and knee)
• Not yet reliable as a blocker

Scouting Summary

Wilson is the ideal chess piece Z type of move receiver who can be a mismatch player with pre-snap motion. His springy, natural athleticism allows him to line up in the slot or on the outside with consistent success despite his smaller measureables. His hands are fantastic, helping him reel in 95% of catchable passes in each of his first two seasons. He also already shows a good baseline for nuanced route running and releases against press. If he can come back fully healthy, Wilson can be one of the most coveted receivers in the 2026 class.

Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Strengths

• Nice cuts on route breaks, especially to the inside
• Decent pound-for-pound blocker. Consistent fundamentals
• Arm length and catch radius appear to match long frame
• Shows signs of understanding the nuances of route running and how to attack defensive backs

Weaknesses

• Would benefit from extra weight/strength
• Stop-and-sit for curls/comebacks could be more crisp
• Looking for play speed/twitchiness to increase as an upperclassman

Scouting Summary

Tate is a talented wideout with a long frame and what appears to be an equally long catch radius. He is typically lined up as the X or Z receiver in Ohio State’s formations due to his ability as a blocker. He has some separation savviness but needs to turn up his twitch and play speed as an upperclassman. He would also benefit from putting on some good weight for strength.

Germie Bernard, Alabama

Strengths

• Can play all three receiver positions
• Good speed for vertical routes lined up inside and out

Weaknesses

• High-cut frame makes for tougher change of direction
• Route tree is limited to vertical routes right now
• Top speed is adequate, but not difference-making

Scouting Summary

Bernard has been on a bit of a college football journey, now with his third program, but he has developed into a solid draft prospect. He brings a good build for the NFL and has the strength and speed to play all three receiver positions — though I wouldn’t say he is overly dominant in one area. He’s a versatile depth receiver who does his best work when kept in a straight line (vertical routes or deep crossers).

Evan Stewart, Oregon

Strengths

• Speed is evident
• Hips flip fast for comebacks and curls
• Can close the gap in off coverage and attack blind spots quickly

Weaknesses

• Strength concerns show in low overall catch and contested-catch rates
• Doesn’t show much more than a varied speed release to get off press/close coverage
• Lacks the strength to get off press coverage

Scouting Summary

Stewart is a top-tier athlete as a former state-champion sprinter and jumper. He brings that explosiveness to the field, establishing himself as a constant speed threat vertically or horizontally. His lower weight creates issues, such as getting off press, catching in traffic and catching in general. His speed is a weapon after the catch, but he isn’t a true playmaker to make defenders miss. Right now, Stewart is too reliant on his speed — as great as it is — as his only means of beating defenders.

J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida

Strengths

• Explosive athlete with few or no false steps out of his release
• Smooth to an ideal top speed with long strides
• Crisp, explosive route runner
• Has the potential (frame and strength) to be a good run blocker

Weaknesses

• Needs to play with more fire
• Flipping hips/full change of direction can be a chore
• Lacks twitch in his routes and when running after the catch
• Three straight seasons of catchable catch rate below 90%
• Not very creative, despite his speed, as a playmaker after the catch

Scouting Summary

Sturdivant is a good blend of size and speed for an NFL receiver. His top speed and acceleration are his calling cards as a vertical threat who has the skill set to play all three receiver spots, but he’s best on the outside. His routes and footwork are crisp and explosive, but his turning of the hips for change of direction is slower and can look like a chore. Sturdivant must improve his catch rate and limit his drops.

Johntay Cook II, Syracuse

Strengths

• Excellent straight-line athlete (track background)
• Quick footwork to get off the line
• High potential as an after-the-catch player
• Competitive blocker

Weaknesses

• Routes are all speed turns. Yields low separation rates
• Quick feet in releases, but sometimes feels purposeless
• Can be a loose cannon at times

Scouting Summary

Cook brings track speed to the football field. As a straight-line runner, both with and without the ball, he can be a difference-maker. He is a high-potential yards-after-the-catch player in the short game because of that. Otherwise, his game needs refinement. All of his routes are either vertical or involve heavy speed rounding at the breaks, which limits separation. His footwork is quick but often lacks a purpose when getting off press. Cook must be more locked into the fundamentals of the position and not just rely on winning foot races.

Slot Receivers

Makai Lemon, USC

Strengths

• Short strides, but can move his legs like engine pistons
• Nuanced and technical route runner
• Very fast play speed
• Already has a good baseline of different releases versus press
• Fiesty and strong (relative to his body type) as a run blocker

Weaknesses

• Gives up some size in contested-catch situations
• Catch radius/arm length could be lacking

Scouting Summary

Lemon wins with devastating quickness in every aspect of how he moves: his footwork out of his release, the speed in his acceleration and the pumping of his hands to break press, clear a defender or go up and catch the ball. He’ll give up some situational versatility due to a lack of overall size, but he has the potential to be incredibly productive in the NFL.

Jaden Greathouse, Notre Dame

Strengths

• Strong blocker in space with above-average strength for a slot receiver
• Very reliable hands — elite catch rates on both catchable passes and contested targets
• Solid foundation for various release techniques against press coverage
• Willing to climb the ladder and attack the ball in the air

Weaknesses

• Lacks the overall athleticism to threaten vertically, whether inside or outside
• Posted a low separation percentile as an underclassman

Scouting Summary

Greathouse is a stocky slot receiver who appears capable of doing a bit of everything. He has a high football IQ and naturally finds soft spots in zone coverage. His hands are excellent, with elite catch rates on both routine and contested passes. The main concern in his evaluation is his athleticism — it looks average, if not slightly below average, by NFL standards. He’ll win with savvy and strength, but history makes it difficult to bet on slot receivers who lack speed and generate little separation.

Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech

Strengths

• Very explosive athlete with excellent body control, giving him high route-running potential
• Significant experience as an outside receiver, though his NFL future likely lies in the slot
• Top-tier athleticism scores — 97.7 and 99.2 PFF GAS scores in 2023 and 2024; nine plays over 20 m.p.h in 2024
• Consistently high separation rates, even against single coverage
• Ranked in the 96th percentile in yards per route run (3.41) in 2024
• Very difficult to cover on in-breaking routes and posted a high success rate in that area

Weaknesses

• Extremely undersized by NFL standards
• Catchable pass percentage was under 90%, and contested catch rate was below 40% in two seasons
• Provides little value as a run blocker

Scouting Summary

Rivers has the stereotypical scouting profile of a smaller but productive receiver: a handful of drops, limited physicality through contact, limited value as a blocker, but very explosive with top-tier body control. The good news is that the good in his game is actually great. His explosiveness is difference-making, and his potential as a route runner — especially in terms of creating separation — is very high. He won’t be for everyone due to his size and the track record of similar builds in the NFL, but there’s a world where he can look uncoverable, even at the next level.

Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn

Strengths

• Very explosive athlete with strong top-end speed (track background)
• Held his own athletically against Georgia — looked like he belonged
• Good vision and playmaking ability after the catch

Weaknesses

• Catchable pass rate below 85% as an underclassman — 11 drops between 2023 and 2024
• Doesn’t have a great feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage or when to sit in his route
• Limited experience facing true press coverage

Scouting Summary

Singleton brings track speed to the football field. While at Georgia Tech, he looked like he belonged athletically, even against Georgia. He’s used primarily on straight-line routes — go balls, deep posts, deep crossers and drags in mesh concepts — and shows good vision after the catch to maximize yardage. He’ll need to improve his catch percentage and cut down on the drops we saw as an underclassman. Additionally, he must develop a better feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage and timing his routes, particularly when working horizontally across the field.

Zachariah Branch, Georgia

Strengths

• Electric punt and kick return ability
• Top-end speed is difference-making, even by NFL standards

Weaknesses

• Low contested catch percentage
• Basic, limited release package against press coverage
• Relies too heavily on speed to create separation
• Needs to better utilize his agility both with and without the ball
• Likely to get overpowered as a blocker at the next level

Scouting Summary

Branch brings elite athletic ability — his top speed is world-class. But at this stage, he looks more like a track athlete or return specialist playing wide receiver, rather than a fully integrated offensive weapon. He needs to lean into his agility and ability to make defenders miss, rather than relying solely on acceleration. He must also expand his route tree and improve his release technique against press coverage. Right now, his approach is too predictable, even with his speed advantage.

KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Strengths

• Short, quick strides lead to strong acceleration
• Effective one-cut change-of-direction ability, both with and without the ball
• Versatile usage — has lined up in the slot, in motion and even in the backfield
• Though his contested catch percentage is low, he competes at the catch point and will climb the ladder to high-point the ball

Weaknesses

• Thirteen drops over his first two seasons
• Needs a more consistent plan for beating defenders in space
• Invites contact too willingly, which isn’t where he wins as a player

Scouting Summary

Concepcion is a smaller, primarily slot receiver who brings versatility to the field — functioning in the slot, as a motion player and occasionally as a running back. He shows good athleticism and change-of-direction skills, with the ability to generate yards after contact. However, he must improve at the catch point and develop a cleaner plan for navigating defenders after the catch. Reducing drops and avoiding unnecessary contact will be key to taking the next step in his development.

Trebor Pena, Penn State

Strengths

• Very fluid and quick mover with multidirectional agility
• Solid top-end speed for a smaller-framed receiver
• Extensive experience on special teams
• Versatile background — has played running back, wide receiver and safety, along with running track

Weaknesses

• Sixth-year player with significant missed time due to injury and only one year of notable production
• Limited experience and success against press coverage

Scouting Summary

It took a while for Pena to break into a starting role, but in his fifth college season, he produced over 1,000 yards and earned a PFF receiving grade above 80.0. Although listed at 6 feet, he plays lighter, at around 185 pounds. Pena’s fluidity and quickness in all directions make him dangerous when defenders aren’t disciplined in space. He lacks experience against press coverage and is likely projected as a slot-only option in the NFL. His value is boosted by his proven return ability on special teams and his effort as a blocker, giving him multiple paths to stick on a roster.

Antonio Williams, Clemson

Strengths

• Very fast, fluid hips allow him to cut and curl back quickly on short routes
• Excellent execution on out routes
• Playmaker mentality — sets up defenders and creates separation with suddenness
• Ample punt return experience in both high school and college

Weaknesses

• Eight drops in 2024 (after just one in each of the previous seasons)
• Gets overly handsy when blocking

Scouting Summary

Williams is a fun watch. His play speed is exactly what you want from a smaller, slot-only receiver — quick and full throttle from the snap. His hips are explosive and fluid, allowing for sharp breaks and consistent separation on short routes. Vertically, he runs with a playmaker’s mentality, using footwork to shake defenders both before and after the catch. He recorded an uncharacteristic number of drops in 2024 but had shown steadier hands in prior years. He also needs to clean up his technique as a blocker near the line of scrimmage to round out his game.

Deion Burks, Oklahoma

Strengths

• High athleticism scores translate into strong separation ability
• Very quick footwork
• Experienced and effective on wide receiver reverses and handoffs
• Can make catches with full arm extension
• Brings effort and tenacity to pass blocking, despite being undersized

Weaknesses

• Struggles to beat press coverage
• Lack of weight limits his strength at the catch point
• Smaller catch radius
• Has tools for effective releases, but needs more technical refinement
• Doesn’t consistently force missed tackles outside of straight-line speed

Scouting Summary

Burks brings NFL-level acceleration and long speed to the slot receiver position. Though small in stature — which limits his catch radius — he leans into his strengths, especially his quickness and ability to separate consistently. He’s a highly competitive player whose energy shows on tape, even as a blocker. Pound-for-pound, he’s very strong and was featured in Bruce Feldman’s College Football Freaks List. He can make full-extension catches, but his catch percentage in 2023 was too low. If he becomes more elusive after the catch and polishes his release game, Burks has the traits to push for a starting slot role in the NFL.

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