Top Wide Receivers to Watch in the 2026 Draft

The On The Clock crew — Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta and Max Starks — revisited the wide receiver crop for the 2026 NFL Draft. The event will take place in Pittsburgh in April 2026. Their evaluations and rankings were shared as opinions and not those of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Consensus top group

Scouts and analysts repeatedly named a core group of prospects. Measurements and team affiliations stood out in the conversation.

• Carnell Tate, Ohio State — 6-2, 192 lbs.
• Makai Lemon, USC — 5-11, 192 lbs. (Biletnikoff Award winner)
• Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State — 6-2, 203 lbs.
• Denzel Boston, Washington — 6-4, 212 lbs.
• KC Concepcion, Texas A&M — 6-0, 196 lbs.

Close contenders and alternatives

Several other receivers received frequent mention. Each brought distinct traits and varying concerns.

• Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana — 6-0, 199 lbs. (21.2-yard average in 2024)
• Malachi Fields, Notre Dame — 6-4.5, 218 lbs.
• Chris Brazzell, Tennessee — 6-4, 198 lbs. (limited route tree in college)
• Chris Bell, Louisville — 6-2, 222 lbs. (recovering from a torn ACL)
• Ted Hurst, Georgia State — 6-3, 206 lbs. (950-plus receiving yards two seasons)

Players with notable testing and production

Combine times and big-game performances were highlighted. Those metrics shaped draft conversations.

• Zavion Thomas, LSU — ran a 4.28 40-yard dash and produced return touchdowns.
• Zachariah Branch, USC — 4.35 speed and Jet Award winner for returns.
• De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi — 4.36 40 and a 122-yard game in the College Football Playoff.
• Deion Burks, Oklahoma — strong athletic testing at the Combine.
• Bryce Lance, North Dakota State — multiple 1,000-yard seasons for NDSU.

College production highlights

Some names stood out for recent statistical seasons and awards. Those figures will matter on draft day.

• Omar Cooper Jr. finished fourth in FBS in 2024 with a 21.2-yard average.
• He tied for third in FBS in 2025 with 13 receiving touchdowns.
• Elijah Sarratt led FBS in 2025 with 15 receiving TDs and won a national title.
• Ted Hurst posted 950-plus receiving yards in consecutive seasons.

Upside versus risk

Analysts singled out three high-upside receivers with clear questions. Each could outperform current rankings if concerns are resolved.

• Chris Brazzell — towering vertical target, limited route diversity at Tennessee.
• Chris Bell — physical prototype, returning from a late-season torn ACL.
• Ted Hurst — production at a smaller program, questions about competition level.

Scouting notes and player traits

Coaches and reporters added color from interviews and pro days. Those anecdotes fed draft-grade discussions.

• Makai Lemon earned AP First-Team All-America honors and won the Biletnikoff Award.
• KC Concepcion admitted to needing to clean up drops during a Combine interview.
• Antonio Williams of Clemson drew praise as an ideal slot receiver with consistent playmaking.

Draft outlook

Evaluators described the receiver class as deep but lacking a clear, elite blue-chip prospect. Carnell Tate was the one clear top choice in many evaluations.

Expect receivers to be available beyond Day 1. About 15 names should merit consideration within the top 75 picks.

Where to focus next

Tracking pro days, medical reports, and incremental scouting will be crucial. Film study will refine how teams value each skill set.

For readers looking for context, this piece contributes to a wider list of Top Wide Receivers to Watch in the 2026 Draft. Filmogaz.com will continue coverage as the process unfolds.