The 2025 NFL season is in the rearview mirror, with all 32 teams turning their attention to the offseason. The NFL Combine is this week, meaning the 2026 NFL Draft is a couple of months away. While teams can use trades and free agency to improve their roster, the best way to build a contender is through the draft. Front offices can acquire premier talent without paying a premium. As is usually the case, the 2026 NFL Draft is deep with wide receiver talent. There are three names at the top of everyone’s board in some order, and a strong second tier. Who are the top five wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft?
2026 NFL Draft: Top Five Wide Receivers
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson entered 2025 as the top receiver prospect and maintains his standing after another productive season. Tyson is remarkable after the catch, quickly changing directions to make defenders miss. He’s a skilled route runner who creates separation at the top of his routes against man coverage. His contested-catch abilities are also impressive, having strong hands to come down with jump balls. Tyson is alignment versatile, as he can play both in the slot and on the outside. He checks all the boxes of an elite prospect, but his biggest concern is his extensive injury history. If Tyson can stay healthy, he has the chance to be a perennial Pro Bowler.
2. Makai Lemon, USC
The biggest riser at wide receiver in 2025 was USC’s Makai Lemon. Lemon broke out in 2025, hauling in 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is a route-running technician, excelling at adjusting his routes to find the soft spots in zone coverage. Lemon has incredible burst and is dangerous after the catch. He has reliable hands and is a player who can threaten defenses on all three levels. While there’s a lot to like about Lemon, he is on the smaller end for a wide receiver. He works great as a slot receiver and should succeed as long as he’s used properly.
3. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Ohio State is a factory when it comes to producing elite prospects at wide receiver. Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are just a few of the recent Buckeyes who found success at the next level. Carnell Tate looks to continue the trend of Ohio State wide receivers standing out in the NFL. Tate has exceptional hands and good play strength, which allows him to win contested catches. He works the middle of the field extremely well and displays a high football IQ when finding the soft spots in zone coverage. He isn’t as explosive after the catch as Tyson or Lemon and isn’t super twitchy in his breaks. Tate has a high floor as a top-end second option in the passing game and has WR1 potential.
4. Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston is the best X-receiver in this draft class. He has the ideal frame for a boundary pass catcher and is elite when it comes to contested catches. His reliable hands and size allow him to make difficult catches in the congested middle of the field. Boston is an excellent red-zone threat, catching 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He isn’t just a physically overpowering player; he’s also a smooth route runner who creates good separation. Boston does have limited top-end speed, which limits him as a deep threat, and after the catch. He is a great fit for a team looking to add a big playmaker on the outside.
5. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Texas A&M landed an elite talent in the transfer portal last cycle by adding KC Concepcion. Concepcion is a crisp route runner who finds open space against both man and zone coverage. He is electric after the catch and can translate to the next level as both a Z-receiver and a slot receiver. His versatility isn’t just limited to out wide, he can also make plays out of the backfield and as a punt returner. Concepcion does have a smaller frame, so he may struggle against press coverage in the NFL. He has also had issues with drops throughout his collegiate career. Concepcion should go late in the first round and can add to a team’s wide receiver room.
Main Photo: [Rob Gray] – Imagn Images