Editor’s note: The Union-Tribune’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 23-25). Here are his top 10 wide receivers, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

1. Carnell Tate (Jr., Ohio State, 6-foot-2, 192 pounds)

Tate was the ninth-ranked wide receiver in the 2023 class. He made the leap from gifted vertical target to complete receiver last season. He was one of just 15 FBS receivers with 1,600-plus receiving yards and 13-plus touchdowns the past two seasons despite never being the Buckeyes’ WR1. He’s polished, poised and productive, with clean route work, strong hands and enough speed on tape to shrug off the official 4.53 40 at the combine. Tate is smooth rather than truly explosive, and he benefited from Jeremiah Smith’s presence, but he is the cleanest all-around receiver in this class and has Pro Bowl upside. Projected: Top 10

2. Makai Lemon (Jr., USC, 5-11, 194)

The former four-star recruit was an Under Armour All-American and seventh-ranked wide receiver in the 2023 class (No. 42 recruit nationally). Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award and earned unanimous All-American honors after piling up 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans last season. He is a sudden separator built for the slot: quick wins, quick acceleration, quick YAC. He’s a motion-and-space weapon more than a boundary bully (only 27.8% of his receptions in 2025 came outside the numbers). His NFL value will come from how creatively a staff manufactures touches. Lemon already wins like a pro. He varies tempo, understands leverage, and wastes very little movement in and out of breaks. He’s explosive, but he isn’t just going to run by everybody. Projected: Top 15

3. Jordyn Tyson (Jr., Arizona State, 6-2, 203)

The former three-star recruit became a two-year starter for the Sun Devils, earning All-American and All-Big 12 recognition after transferring from Colorado. Tyson has produced 136 receptions, 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns in his last 21 games. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Connecticut’s Skyler Bell were the only other two FBS receivers with at least 1,800 receiving yards and 18 TDs over the past two years. He’s developed into a true three-level threat with strong ball skills and alignment versatility. The talent alone is worthy of a pick in the top half of the first round. However, the medical file and lack of testing is more likely to determine how early Tyson comes off the board. He has missed a third of his team’s games over the past four seasons because of various injuries. Tyson’s older brother, Jaylon, was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round (No. 20 overall) of the 2024 NBA draft. Projected: Round 1

4. Omar Cooper Jr. (Jr., Indiana, 6-0, 199)

The only thing outpacing the growth of Cooper’s draft stock these days is gas prices. The former four-star recruit earned second-team All-American and second-team All-Big Ten honors after leading the national champion Hoosiers in targets (91), receptions (69) and receiving yards (937) last season. Teammate Elijah Sarratt was the only Power 4 receiver with more receiving touchdowns in 2025. Cooper tested well in Indianapolis with an official 4.42 40 and 37-inch vertical (8.85 Relative Athletic Score), which matched a profile already built on route detail, body control and finishing through contact. His appeal is that he keeps winning in the exact situations NFL staffs care about most: third down, red zone and tight windows. Which is why he could end up going much higher than his current projected range. Perhaps even ahead of Lemon and Tyson. Projected: Rounds 1-2

5. Denzel Boston (Jr., Washington, 6-4, 212)

The former three-star recruit became a two-year starter and two-time All-Big Ten honoree for the Huskies, leading the team in receiving in each of the last two seasons. Boston is a big-bodied, strong-handed, red-zone-friendly outside receiver with real production and better route nuance than a lot of receivers built like him. Almost 80% of his 2025 receptions resulted in either a first down or TD. He isn’t a burner, but his downfield tracking ability and contested-catch prowess translate quickly to NFL boundary work. There’s a lack of separation consistency on intermediate routes against man coverage, but the boundary/red-zone role is obvious — 14 of Boston’s 20 TD receptions came in the red zone. Projected: Rounds 1-2

6. Germie Bernard (Sr., Alabama, 6-1, 206)

After one season at Michigan State, the former four-star recruit helped Washington reach the national championship game in 2023 before transferring to Tuscaloosa. Bernard features inside-outside flexibility and a polished, usable all-around game. He’s one of the best blocking receivers in this class and was productive on wildcat, jet sweeps, motions and screens throughout his college career. He averaged 5.1 yards per rush, and had five career rushing touchdowns. Bernard isn’t a true burner, but he isn’t slow (4.48 40 in Indy), and his 6.71-second three-cone time was the fastest at the combine (9.07 RAS). He wins with timing and toughness (17 forced missed tackles in 2025). Projected: Round 2

7. KC Concepcion (Jr., Texas A&M, 6-0, 196)

Concepcion was named the winner of the 2025 Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in the country. The NC State transfer and former three-star recruit finished the season with 12 total touchdowns. He became the first A&M player in the modern era to score via reception, rush and punt return in the same year. Concepcion is a space creator, but he’ll need help versus physical press. The drops are concerning, but they’re not due to lack of concentration or hands, more self-preservation. Still, as a slot weapon/return threat, he brings immediate value. Projected: Rounds 1-2

8. Chris Bell (Sr., Louisville, 6-2, 222)

The former three-star recruit became a three-year starter for the Cardinals, improving each season. Bell earned first-team All-ACC honors after posting 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL in Louisville’s loss at SMU. He’s a slippery playmaker with size, elite ball skills and the ability to morph into a pinball after the catch. He reminds me of All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown before the Eagles forgot how to use him. Almost two-thirds of his targets last season came between the numbers. Despite the injury, I’d be mildly surprised if he makes it out of the second round. Projected: Rounds 2-3

9. De’Zhaun Stribling (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-2, 207)

The former three-star recruit was productive at three different programs, spending two years with Washington State and another two at Oklahoma State before joining the Rebels last season. Stribling is a smooth-moving vertical target with long strides, above-the-rim ability and verified speed after running 4.36 in Indy. Teams will want a more complete route tree and more consistent separation. Still, his combination of size, elite athleticism (9.57 RAS), dependable hands and blocking upside in the run game makes him one of my favorite Day 2 targets. Stribling spent some of his early childhood in San Diego (his father Karlos was a Marine), attending Angier Elementary and playing Pop Warner football for the Tierrasanta Cougars. His uncle was Don “The Rock” Muraco, a professional wrestler best known for his stint in the WWF (1981-88) where he was the inaugural winner of the “King of the Ring” tournament in 1985. Projected: Rounds 2-4

10. Skyler Bell (Sr., Connecticut, 6-0, 192)

After three years at Wisconsin, the former three-star recruit became a two-year starter at UConn. Bell caught 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025, was a Biletnikoff finalist, and became the Huskies’ first consensus All-American before backing it up with an official 4.40 40 in Indy (9.83 RAS). He’s a volume-friendly target with legit toughness and run-after-catch value. Bell and Miami’s Malachi Toney were only two FBS receivers last season with 800-plus yards after the catch. Teams will question how easily that separation translates against NFL athletes. I believe he’s a savvy enough route-runner to figure it out. Projected: Rounds 3-4

11. Zachariah Branch (Jr., Georgia, 5-9, 177)

Branch was the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2023 class and No. 5 recruit nationally. He spent two seasons at USC before joining the Bulldogs last year, and leading the SEC in receptions with 81. Branch is a twitchy, explosive (9.12 RAS), space-destroying playmaker who wins with speed, suddenness, and return-game electricity. The concerns are obvious: size, and a role that will likely need some schemed help early. But the stress he puts on a defense with his presence is real. His personal best in the 100-meter dash in high school was 10.33 seconds. You can’t teach that. Dynamism runs in Branch’s family. His great uncle Cliff Branch was known for his world-class speed. He won three Super Bowls with the Raiders and was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022 as one of the NFL’s greatest vertical threats. Projected: Rounds 2-4

12. Malachi Fields (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-4, 218)

A high school quarterback, the former three-star recruit transitioned well to receiver at Virginia before joining the Irish for his final season. Fields was a two-time All-ACC honoree and team captain with the Cavaliers. His targets and production dipped a bit at Notre Dame with a freshman quarterback and two All-American running backs providing most of the offense. Fields isn’t the class’ twitchiest separator, but he’s the kind of big, trustworthy target quarterbacks love in tight windows. Despite his size, he impressed scouts with his fluidity in and out of breaks and his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage in practices during Senior Bowl week. His 6.98-second three-cone time at the combine backs that up. Fields is not a burner, but the catch radius, trust factor and boundary profile will make him attractive to teams that want a reliable outside “X.” Projected: Rounds 2-3

13. Antonio Williams (Jr., Clemson, 5-11, 187)

Williams was the ninth-ranked wide receiver in the 2022 class (No. 61 recruit nationally), became a Freshman All-American and four-year starter with the Tigers, earning All-ACC recognition twice. He’s a crafty separator with strong route tempo and reliable hands. He is a high-volume slot option with NFL separation skills, real ball toughness, and verified speed (8.58 RAS). Williams can live on option routes, pivots and zone-beaters. He also offers punt return experience (averaged 9.0 yards per return over his career) along with bonus versatility on offense. He produced four non-receiving touchdowns the past two seasons (two passing, two rushing). Projected: Rounds 2-4

14. Elijah Sarratt (Sr., Indiana, 6-2, 207)

The former no-star recruit was a Freshman FCS All-American at Saint Francis, and earned All-American honorable mention at James Madison before following Curt Cignetti to Bloomington. Sarratt was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree after leading the Hoosiers in receiving both seasons and a team captain during their undefeated run to a national championship. He is a tough, reliable target who wins in traffic and understands zone spacing. He’s not a separator by nature, but he’s a chain-mover that quarterbacks can trust. He wins with body control, late hands, strength at the catch point and an absurd nose for the end zone (44 touchdowns in four seasons). Projected: Rounds 2-3

15. Chris Brazzell II (Jr., Tennessee, 6-4, 198)

The former three-star recruit spent two years at Tulane before becoming a third-team All-American with the Volunteers. Brazzell finished 2025 with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns, then validated the traits with a 4.37 40 in Indy. Tennessee used him frequently on deep crossers and vertical routes, where his stride length and tracking ability popped. The next step is proving he can consistently beat physical press and complete the whole route tree. If the releases and the full-route polish catch up to the size/speed combo, watch out. Projected: Rounds 2-3

16. Deion Burks (Sr., Oklahoma, 5-10, 180)

After a breakout sophomore season with Purdue, the former three-star recruit took his talents to Norman in 2024. Burks’ production never matched the promise, but he helped himself in Indianapolis by confirming his explosive traits on tape. He ran a 4.30 40 with a 42½-inch vertical and an 11-foot broad jump, which is exactly the kind of testing profile (9.11 RAS) that gets a prospect drafted a round earlier than expected. He is most dangerous when you motion him, put him in the slot and force defenders to turn and run. Projected: Rounds 3-5

17. Ted Hurst (Sr., Georgia State, 6-4, 206)

After two seasons in Division II (Valdosta State), the former no-star recruit leveled up with the competition upon making the leap to the FBS. Hurst combined for 127 receptions, 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons while earning two-time All-Sun Belt recognition for the Panthers. The small-school receiver’s traits checked out at Indy with an elite 9.90 RAS. Hurst looks like an NFL receiver on the hoof: size, speed, production and catch-point toughness. The league will argue about competition and role, but the traits-and-tape combo says he’s more than a sleeper. Hurst is a vertical speed bet with real field-stretching ability. His 34 receptions of 20-plus yards over the past two seasons ranked No. 1 in the FBS. He needs more route nuance and press answers, but if a team wants a Day 2 or early Day 3 upside swing, Hurst makes a lot of sense. Projected: Rounds 3-4

18. Bryce Lance (Sr., North Dakota State, 6-3, 204)

The former three-year recruit became a two-year starter, first-team FCS All-American and team captain for the Bison. Lance was a significant part of their 2024 national championship, producing a school-record 17 touchdown receptions. The combine confirmed he’s fast, explosive (9.95 RAS) and springy for anybody, not just the FCS. The question now is whether the separation and timing hold up every week against NFL corners. An added bonus while Lance develops: he was productive on kick return and punt coverages as an underclassman. Lance’s brother Trey played quarterback at North Dakota State (2018-20) and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round (No. 3) of the 2021 NFL draft. He has since played for the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers. Projected: Rounds 3-4

19. Ja’Kobi Lane (Jr., USC, 6-4, 200)

Lane’s breakout was his sophomore season, when he joined Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Colorado’s Travis Hunter as the only three players from a major conference with 12-plus touchdown receptions. The former four-star recruit was a clear No. 2 behind Makai Lemon, but still finished last season with 49 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. Then he turned heads at the combine with a 4.47 40, 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad jump (9.39 RAS). Lane is a traits bet with real movement skills for his frame. He looks like a future red-zone and boundary weapon if the route detail keeps catching up and he commits in the weight room. Projected: Rounds 3-5

20. Jeff Caldwell (Sr., Cincinnati, 6-5, 216)

Caldwell spent four years at Division II Lindenwood, including a 1,000-yard season in 2024 where he was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, before joining the Bearcats in his final season. He’s one of the more fascinating upside swings in this class because he has a knack for handling off-target throws and his combine was absurd. He unloaded a 4.31 40, 1.48 10-yard split, 42-inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump in Indy (9.99 RAS). Running 4.31 at 6-5, 216 is how big receivers get pushed up boards fast, even if the route tree and play-to-play consistency still need seasoning, because teams will draft the athletic ceiling and coach the rest. Caldwell also offers special teams value. He blocked two punts (in the same half) in the 2023 season opener. Projected: Rounds 4-6

21. Brenen Thompson (Sr., Mississippi State, 5-9, 164)

Injuries hampered the former four-star recruit at both Texas (2022) and Oklahoma (2023-24) before he set a school record for single-season receiving yards (1,054) with the Bulldogs as a senior. Thompson is the definition of stress. Stress on cushion. Stress on angles. Stress on defensive play-callers who don’t want to spin a safety just to survive one receiver’s speed. He’s small, he’s fast (4.26 40 in Indy), and he forces the game to be played on a wider field. His slight frame limits how much contact he can survive, but he led all Power 4 players in 2025 with five catches of 50-plus yards and 10 catches of 40-plus yards. You can’t coach that kind of threat. You just find ways to weaponize it. Thompson was an accomplished track athlete in high school. He won the 2022 Class 3A Texas state championship in the 100-meter dash (10.24 seconds) and 200 (20.73). That 200 title was his second straight and a personal best for him in the event. His top time in the 100 was 10.18, set as a sophomore. Projected: Rounds 4-7

22. Cyrus Allen (Sr., Cincinnati, 5-11, 183)

After two seasons at Louisiana Tech, the former three-star recruit transferred to Texas A&M before joining the Bearcats his senior season. Allen led Cincinnati in receptions (51) and receiving yards (674) in 2025. His 13 touchdown grabs tied for third-most in the FBS. His pro-day numbers — 4.49 in the 40, 36-inch vertical, 11-foot broad jump and 6.90 three-cone — give teams enough athletic proof (8.69 RAS) to buy the speed-and-separation profile. Allen features clean movement skills and enough speed to threaten safeties. He lacks the size to consistently win through heavy contact. Projected: Rounds 4-6

23. Malik Benson (Sr., Oregon, 6-0, 189)

Benson was the top-ranked junior college recruit in the 2023 class. He played for four different programs over the past four years, including Alabama and Florida State, but performed his best as a senior, leading the Ducks in receiving yards (719). He ran 4.37 in Indy and has the kind of speed that can tilt the field, but teams still want a more consistent player snap to snap. His route-running needs seasoning, but he was one of five FBS players in 2025 to average better than 17.5 yards per punt return, including an 85-yard TD against USC. Projected: Rounds 4-7

24. Reggie Virgil (Sr., Texas Tech, 6-3, 187)

The former three-star recruit put himself on the NFL radar with a breakout junior season at Miami (Ohio) before moving to Lubbock for his final season. Virgil led the Red Raiders in receptions (57), helping Texas Tech win the 2025 Big 12 championship. His 705 receiving yards, six TD receptions and two rushing scores earned him Big 12 honorable mention and a Senior Bowl invite. Virgil showed decent explosion at the combine with a 36-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump even after a 4.57 40. He’s a long strider who can finish downfield and in the red zone, but he needs to play stronger through contact and prove he can separate earlier in routes. Projected: Rounds 3-5

25. Kevin Coleman Jr. (Sr., Missouri, 5-10, 178)

Coleman was the sixth-ranked wide receiver in the 2022 class and the No. 54 recruit nationally. He was one of two major recruits Deion Sanders signed to Jackson State that year. The other was Travis Hunter. Both Sanders and Hunter ended up in Colorado. Coleman carved his own path to Louisville (2023), Mississippi State (2024) and then joined the Tigers last year. He’s a slot-first target whose game is built on wiggle, feel and easy completions. Only 6.9% of his career snaps came on the outside. He led Missouri in catches (66) and receiving yards (732) in 2025, earned a Senior Bowl invite, and paired an official 4.49 40 with a 38½-inch vertical at the combine. He’s light, and the touchdown totals won’t wow teams, but the route-running and suddenness give him a real NFL pathway. Coleman also returned punts all four seasons and averaged 8.2 yards per return, including a 67-yard touchdown at Arkansas last season. Projected: Rounds 4-7

26. Josh Cameron (Sr., Baylor, 6-1, 220)

Cameron is a former walk-on who became a three-year starter and two-time first-team All-Big 12 honoree for the Bears. He is built like a running back and bodies defensive backs after the catch. He isn’t necessarily elusive though. Cameron entered last year on both the Biletnikoff and Hornung watch lists, and is one of only six FBS players with 19-plus receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons. He’s a proven asset in the run game as a blocker and features real return-game cred. Cameron earned second-team All-American recognition as a punt returner in 2024 and averaged 14.0 yards per return in his collegiate career. Separation and route nuance are the question marks. Projected: Rounds 4-6

27. J. Michael Sturdivant (Sr., Florida, 6-3, 207)

The former four-star recruit was an Under Armour All-American and standout track athlete with personal bests of 10.39 seconds in the 100 meters, and 20.99 in the 200. The production in two years at UCLA and last season with the Gators was modest compared to his freshman season at Cal, where he led all FBS freshmen in receiving. His athletic testing, however, lacked modesty. He hit 4.40 in the 40, a 39-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad-jump at the combine. The production never consistently matched the ability, but the body type and athletic tools (9.96 RAS) are still going to get him a long look. Sturdivant’s great uncle, Floyd Little, was an All-Pro running back for the Denver Broncos and was inducted into both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Projected: Rounds 6-7

28. Kaden Wetjen (Sr., Iowa, 5-9, 193)

Wetjen is a draftable specialist because his return resume is ridiculous. In 2025, the former walk-on piled up 563 punt-return yards, 476 kickoff-return yards and four return touchdowns, bringing his career total to six. He also became the first two-time winner of the Jet Award (top return specialist in FBS), and earned consensus All-American honors. He’s a return ace with reserve slot utility. He’s both fearless and dangerous with the ball in his hands, but time will tell if he ends up as anything more than a gadget player on offense. I’m inclined to believe he will. Projected: Rounds 5-7

29. Zavion Thomas (Sr., LSU, 5-10, 194)

The former four-star recruit, and Louisiana native, made his mark at Mississippi State before returning home to play for the Tigers. Thomas is big-play waiting to happen. He scored a touchdown four different ways in college (receiving, rushing, punt return and kick return). He’s more of an offensive and special teams weapon than finished receiver right now, but the the 4.28 speed gives him a shot. Projected: Rounds 6-7

30. Caleb Douglas (Sr., Texas Tech, 6-3, 206)

The Florida transfer became a two-year starter in Lubbock where he led the Red Raiders in both receiving yards (846) and touchdowns (seven) as a senior. Douglas earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and a Senior Bowl invite, and then validated the vertical build-up speed with a 4.39 40 in Indy. He’s a size-speed flyer (9.50 RAS) whose vertical ability is worth developing, even if the full package is still coming together. Douglas also played on kickoff return coverage his junior season with Texas Tech. Projected: Rounds 6-7

31. Jordan Hudson (Sr., SMU, 6-1, 199)

The former four-star recruit spent one year at TCU before joining the Mustangs. Hudson had career highs with 61 receptions for 766 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, earned All-ACC third-team honors and a Senior Bowl invite. He reportedly ran a 4.58 40 at SMU’s pro day. He’s a competitive finisher with good feel in traffic, but his technique still requires polish, and there are questions on whether he’s fast enough to separate consistently in the pros. Hudson also has special teams experience on both kickoff and punt coverages, but it’s a mixed bag. Projected: Rounds 6-7

32. Lewis Bond (Sr., Boston College, 5-11, 190)

The former three-star recruit became a three-year starter for BC and a team captain his senior year, leading the Eagles in receiving the last three seasons. Bond passed Zay Flowers’ school record for career receptions (213), and finished his career ranked fifth in receiving yards (2,385). He earned second-team All-ACC honors, and posted a 4.58 40 at BC’s pro day after being left out of the combine. That omission tells you the league’s concern: he’s productive, polished and quarterback-friendly, but the lack of top-end traits may cap his ceiling. Projected: Rounds 4-7

33. Barion Brown (Sr., LSU, 5-11, 177)

Brown was the 16th-ranked wide receiver in the 2022 class and No. 97 recruit nationally. He was the most prolific return man in Kentucky history, setting school records for kickoff return average in a season (36.0 yards) and career (30.3) before leading the Tigers in receiving last season. He’s still more dangerous as an athlete and return man than as a polished receiver, but there is real roster value there. He has an SEC-record six TD returns (all six for at least 99 yards), and ran an official 4.40 40 at the combine. That may be enough to cause a team to invest late. Brown was a standout track athlete throughout high school, winning back-to-back Tennessee state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Projected: Rounds 6-7

34. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Sr., Kansas, 6-1, 185)

Henderson was the second-ranked running back (behind Nicholas Singleton) in the 2022 class and the No. 41 recruit nationally. The Alabama transfer joined the Jayhawks in 2025 and ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 1,237 total yards, earning All-Big 12 honors as both a receiver and returner. He’s explosive in space and useful in multiple phases, but there’s still work to do as a route-runner and he tends to struggle against physical corners. Henderson’s potential impact on special teams is what will likely land him an opportunity in the pros. He averaged 22.8 yards per kick return in college, including a 94-yard TD against West Virginia last season. He also has gunner experience (14 career special teams tackles). Projected: Round 7-PFA

35. CJ Daniels (Sr., Miami, 6-2, 202)

The former three-star recruit spent four years at Liberty before transferring to LSU and finally joining the Hurricanes last season. Daniels had 50 receptions for 557 yards and seven touchdowns as a key part of Miami’s run to the 2025 national championship game. He previously posted a 1,067-yard, 10-touchdown season with the Flames. The testing at his pro day won’t move the needle much — 4.58 in the 40 with a 34 1/2-inch vertical — but he’s crafty with dependable ball skills. Daniels is physical, experienced and competitive at the catch point. His play strength and reliability give him a shot. Projected: Rounds 6-7

36. Omari Evans (Sr., Washington, 6-0, 190)

Evans spent three years at Penn State before joining the Huskies his season year. The former three-star recruit caught just 17 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown in his only season at Washington, but his pro day shocked his draft stock back to life. Evans reportedly posted a 4.28 40, 41-inch vertical, 10-foot-7 broad jump and 15 bench reps (9.52 RAS), numbers strong enough to force teams into a second look. Projected: PFA

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