USC WRs Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Pewter Report analyzes the top players in the 2026 NFL Draft with its position previews. Scott Reynolds continues the previews with the wide receiver position, offering a comprehensive look at what the Bucs have and what they need at wide receiver.

Adam Slivon then analyzes a detailed list of this year’s top wide receiver prospects while Reynolds provides the annual Pewter Report Bucs Best Bets – the most likely wide receiver for the Bucs to select in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.

What The Bucs Have At Wide Receiver

For the first time in a dozen years, the Bucs offense won’t run through the team’s legendary 6-foot-5 future Hall of Fame wide receiver, as Mike Evans left Tampa Bay to play for San Francisco. While losing Evans, who turns 33 in August, in free agency is a big blow to the organization, general manager Jason Licht has been preparing for the day when the team must play without Evans and Chris Godwin Jr., who turned 30 this offseason and is entering a make-or-break season two years removed from a devastating ankle injury. Godwin is set to make $22 million this year and needs to return to form as a 1,000-yard receiver.

Licht drafted Jalen McMillan in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and then spent last year’s first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka, infusing the wide receiver corps with some very talented young wideouts. Tampa Bay even spent last year’s seventh-round selection on Tez Johnson to further bolster the unit. While McMillan missed most of the season with a serious neck injury he suffered in the preseason, Egbuka led the Bucs with 63 receptions, 938 yards and six touchdowns, while Johnson chipped in five touchdowns as a rookie, too.

Bucs WRs Jalen McMillan, Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

While Evans’ experience, size and playmaking ability will be missed this season, it’s not like the cupboard is bare for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Tampa Bay still has four quality receivers, and the feeling is that McMillan, Egbuka and Johnson are ascending players with their best football ahead of them. There are plenty of teams around the league that would love to swap receiving corps with the Bucs.

In addition to that quartet, Tampa Bay has Kam Johnson, who took a big step last year as the team’s kick and punt returner, and also caught his first touchdown as a wide receiver. The team also likes practice squad receivers Garrett Greene and Denis Houston, both of whom shined at times during training camp last summer. Greene, a former quarterback, is a super shifty receiver who will figure into the competition as a return specialist this year.

The Bucs also signed 30-year old wide receiver David Sills V for depth and competition, and also to add some size to the room. At 6-foot-3, 211 pounds, Sills is the tallest receiver on the roster now with Evans’ departure. Sills has a spotty resumé in the league in terms of production, but he had a career-high 18 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns last season in Atlanta while filling in for the injured Drake London. His best game came at Tampa Bay’s expense in Week 15 with six catches for 78 yards, including a 21-yard catch to convert a fourth-and-14 on Atlanta’s game-winning drive on Thursday night.

What The Bucs Need At Wide Receiver

After drafting three receivers – Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson – over the last two seasons, the Bucs could certainly take the year off from drafting wideouts and focus on other positions, especially on defense, this year. Throw in veteran Chris Godwin, who the team hopes is fully healthy and ready for a bounce-back year, and Tampa Bay has four capable wide receivers to deploy.

Having said that, McMillan, Egbuka and Godwin are all 6-foot-1 and weigh close to or just over 200 pounds. Johnson is 5-foot-10 and weighs 160 pounds on a good day. The Bucs could use some size at wide receiver, especially with the departure of 6-foot-5, 220-pound future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. So if the Bucs were going to select a wide receiver, getting a big X (split end) receiver to replace Evans would likely be the play in this year’s draft.

Where Evans’ height and wingspan will be missed is down in the lower red zone where Baker Mayfield could lob up fade passes into the end zone for Evans, who made difficult high-point catches look like easy touchdowns. There are a few big X receivers sprinkled through this draft, from Washington’s Denzel Boston in the first round to Georgia State’s Ted Hurst in the middle rounds to Georgia’s Colbie Young in the late rounds.

Top Wide Receivers In 2026 NFL Draft

*Important Note: These players are NOT listed in the order of Pewter Report’s ranking for them. Rather, the numbers are provided to show you the rough order in which we expect them to come off the board during the draft.

1. Ohio State WR Carnell Tate – Junior – 6-2, 192, 4.53

Carnell Tate enters the 2026 NFL draft as arguably the most polished wide receiver in the class after an efficient 2025 campaign (51 receptions, 875 yards, 9 TDs in 11 games). In a loaded Ohio State offense, Tate thrived on deep shots and contested catches while showing elite ball skills and contested catch ability (caught 12 of 14 contested targets). What makes his production encouraging is the fact it was not volume-driven; rather, it was Tate maximizing opportunities and delivering.

Tate is a refined route runner with strong body control, a wide catch radius, and an advanced feel for leverage. His ability to separate with technique as a downfield threat gives him one of the safest projections in the class. Tate profiles as a high-floor starter with WR1 potential in the right offensive system.

Ohio State WR Carnell Tate – Photo by: IMAGN Images

2. USC WR Makai Lemon – Junior – 5-11, 194, 4.50

Makai Lemon put together a massive 2025 season at USC, hauling in 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns while emerging as one of college football’s most productive receivers. A high-volume weapon in the Trojans’ offense, Lemon combined consistency with explosiveness, showing elite hands and reliability as a chain-mover and red-zone option.

Lemon projects primarily as a slot at the next level, where his short-area quickness, toughness, and run-after-catch ability shine. He consistently creates separation underneath as a sharp and instinctive route runner who plays bigger than his frame. There are questions about his size and ability to win outside, but his skill set fits in today’s NFL as a solid No. 2 target with strong production upside.

3. Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson – RS Junior – 6-2, 203, N/A

Jordyn Tyson is in the conversation of being one of the most talented wide receivers, even if drafting him comes with more comparative. While injuries limited his 2025 production and his college career to an extent, his on-field production and tape are first-round worthy. At his best, Tyson looks like a No. 1 receiver with size, polish, and the ability to win at all three levels. That was on display in 2024, when he put together a 75-catch, 1,101-yard, and 10-touchdown season in just 12 games.

Tyson’s game is predicated on a strong release package to create separation, which is aided by smooth route-running and tempo. In addition, he earned quite a bit of praise from Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham, who dubbed him “the ultimate teammate.” His medical history is the biggest concern, but if he checks out and stays healthy, Tyson offers some of the highest upside in the class.

4. Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. – RS Junior – 6-0, 199, 4.42

Omar Cooper Jr. put together a strong year for an Indiana program that went on to win the National Championship. Cooper finished with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, serving as projected No. 1 pick Francisco Mendoza’s leading wide receiver. The well-built wideout consistently produced against Big Ten competition and throughout the College Football Playoff, showing the ability to win downfield and finding ways to create big plays.

Cooper’s game is built around physicality and ball skills. He thrives at the catch point and uses his frame well to shield defenders. It will be more challenging for him to do the same against NFL competition. Still, his profile as a slot-heavy receiver (83% of snaps in slot last season) will allow him to contribute right away.

Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Mark J. Rebilas

5. Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion – Junior – 6-0, 196, N/A

KC Concepcion had a highly productive year in 2025, totaling 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns while serving as the focal point of Texas A&M’s offense. Concepcion hit the ground running in the SEC after two seasons at North Carolina State, showing that his do-it-all playmaking ability is for real. He also added plenty of value as a runner and returner, which includes averaging 18.2 yards per punt return with two touchdowns last season.

Concepcion projects as a versatile slot weapon with dynamic run-after-catch ability. He is quick, elusive, and instinctive in space, making him a natural fit for motion-heavy, creative NFL offenses. The concern how it translates against physicality, particularly when working outside or through contact. It is also worth noting his 19 drops over three college seasons, as that will need to be cleaned up. Still, his playmaking ability gives him clear upside as a high-volume offensive chess piece with the ball in his hands.

6. Washington WR Denzel Boston – RS Junior – 6-4, 212, N/A

Washington WR Denzel Boston – Photo by: IMAGN Images- Rick Osentoski

Denzel Boston had a quiet start to his college career with the Huskies, but when he became a full-time starter in 2024, he captured the moment and did not let it slip. Boston consistently stretched defenses and produced explosive plays, thriving in a system that pushed the ball downfield with a lot of quality NFL-level talent around him. He totaled 63 receptions for 834 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.

Boston’s size-speed combination and ability to win deep is what stands out right away. He tracks the ball well, especially in “jump ball” situations. Pairing that with coordinated footwork and physicality that shows up against defensive backs and blocking, and the foundation is there for him to become a quality wide receiver. He will need to develop his separation in man coverage and making every movement count. Boston is seen as a late first-round, early Day 2 prospect who can quickly carve out a role.

7. Alabama WR Germie Bernard – Senior – 6-1, 206, 4.48

Germie Bernard took a step forward in Alabama’s offense in 2025, recording 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns while flashing big-play ability as the Roll Tide’s leading wide receiver. Bernard finally broke through and made the most of his opportunities after having to watch and learn at Michigan State and Washington.

Bernard wins with smooth athleticism and route-running ability that make him a dependable target. He is fluid in and out of breaks, as evidenced by 6.71-second three-cone time, which was the fastest mark at the NFL Combine. The question is whether he has a defining trait to elevate him beyond a complementary role. He is a well-rounded option in the passing game, which makes him a safe, scheme-versatile WR2/WR3 option.

8. Louisville WR Chris Bell – Senior – 6-2, 222, N/A

Chris Bell steadily improved each season of his collegiate career at Louisville, finishing his senior year with 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns as the Cardinals’ leading wide receiver. He showed improved consistency, not only looking the part but having success playing through defenders up the middle of the field, lowering his drop rate, and in releasing at the line of scrimmage.

Bell brings length, acceleration, and impressive body control to the table, making him an intriguing outside prospect. What will need to be worked on is his route tree, as he was largely running slant, cross, and hitch routes. Expanding that and successfully recovering from a torn left ACL injury suffered in November 2025 will be key. That injury bumps him down a bit on this list, but he should be ready to go come training camp, when he can begin to develop into a starting-caliber threat.

9. Clemson WR Antonio Williams – RS Junior – 5-11, 187, 4.41

Antonio Williams was one of the most consistent slot targets in college football in 2025, finishing with 55 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns while serving as a high-volume option in Clemson’s offense. He repeatedly showed up on tape as a quarterback-friendly target, moving the chains and producing in the intermediate passing game.

Williams projects as a more of a slot at the next level given his size, but also because he wins with quickness, route tempo, and feel for soft spots. He is tough to cover underneath and offers reliable hands but lacks high-end play strength and explosiveness, even with his 4.41 40-yard time. His ceiling may be capped as a complementary option, yet he is polished enough to be a Day 2 pick.

10. Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields – RS Senior – 6-4, 218, 4.61

Malachi Fields transferred to Notre Dame after spending four seasons at Virginia. As a part of the Fighting Irish for just a season, Fields put together a solid year with 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns. Fields showed flashes but seemed limited by having a freshman quarterback. While more than capable of winning in contested situations and along the sideline, his ceiling has come into question. He offers a strong frame, but his lack of top-end speed and separation quickness will be on display in the NFL. To fight against that, he will need to expand his route tree. As it stands, there is enough to like about Fields to peg him as a Day 2 pick.

Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields – Photo by: IMAGN Images

11. Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt – Senior – 6-2, 207, 4.53

Elijah Sarratt’s production was critical in Indiana winning the National Championship in 2025. While Omar Cooper Jr. led the team in receptions and yards, Sarratt was not far behind after hauling in 65 passes for 830 yards with a nation-leading 15 touchdowns. His ability to consistently find the end zone makes him a dangerous weapon. Sarratt wins with size, as his well-built frame allows him to embrace physicality and utilize his body control. His weaknesses revolve around his speed and suddenness as a route-runner, as he is not a burner nor much of a deep threat. His production and scoring ability give him clear starter upside.

12. Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling – RS Senior – 6-2, 207, 4.36

De’Zhaun Stribling flashed big-play ability throughout his college career spanning five seasons and three different programs. At each stop, Stribling’s size-speed combination to stretch defenses and deliver in key moments stood out. It is that vertical ability and 4.3-level speed that make him one of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects in this class.

Stribling projects as a vertical outside receiver who can threaten defenses deep and create explosive plays. It was on display during his lone season at Ole Miss in 2025, where he recorded 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns. He tracks the ball well and has the athletic tools to develop into more, but his game is still a bit raw. Route refinement and consistency are the main concerns, although there is enough to like to warrant a Day 2 grade, but he could slide to Day 3 due to the fact that he is not a finished product.

Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling – Photo by: Petre Thomas – IMAGN Images

13. Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II – RS Junior – 6-4, 198, 4.37

Chris Brazzell II followed up his 2023 breakout season at Tulane by heading to Tennessee to finish his college career. With the Volunteers, he served as a big-play threat. The 6-foot-4 receiver leveraged his size and speed combination to stretch defenses vertically and win in contested situations, earning All-SEC recognition in 2025 after leading the conference in yards (1,017) and touchdowns (nine). Brazzell’s appeal is obvious: length, speed (4.37), catch radius, and deep-ball ability. To be successful in the NFL, adding to his frame, becoming savvier, and improving his route-running is needed. How Brazzell develops these areas of his game will be crucial, but he has starting-level talent.

14. Georgia State WR Ted Hurst – Senior – 6-4, 206, 4.42

Ted Hurst continued his strong production at Georgia State with a 1,004-yard season in 2025, cementing himself as one of the top small-school receivers in the class. A consistent producer over multiple seasons, Hurst showed he could handle volume and generate explosive plays. He brings plenty of size, speed, and vertical ability, making him an intriguing prospect with developmental upside. He tested well and flashes the ability to separate deep, but questions remain about competition level and down-to-down consistency. He projects as a mid-round prospect who could outperform his draft slot, but how he adjusts to the learning curve will determine how quickly that happens.

15. North Dakota State WR Bryce Lance – RS Senior – 6-3, 204, 4.34

Bryce Lance followed up a sensational 2024 season with the Bison with a highly productive 2025 season, recording 51 catches for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging over 21 yards per reception. His explosive, eye-popping production and big-play ability stood out, even against lower-level competition. Lance is a traits-based prospect with size, speed, and vertical explosiveness. The primary concern is level of competition and refinement, as he will need some time to adjust to the NFL.

Best Of The Rest

16. Georgia WR Zachariah Branch – Junior – 5-9, 177, 4.35

Zachariah Branch is one of the most electric playmakers in the 2026 class, as he brought elite speed and dependability to Georgia’s offense in 2025. Primarily used as a slot receiver, Branch recorded 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns. While his receiving production was scheme-dependent, his explosiveness is undeniable. Branch projects as a dynamic weapon, but concerns about his game are size-related and that he lacks some technical nuance as a receiver. His speed will give him a chance to become a piece of an NFL offense.

17. Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson – Senior – 5-9, 164, 4.26

Brenen Thompson carved out a role as a vertical threat at Mississippi in 2025, using his track speed to stretch defenses and create explosive plays. Thompson’s wheels are for real, as his 4.26 40-yard time was the fastest at this year’s NFL Combine. Thompson profiles as a bit of a boom-or-bust player, as his big yardage totals are tied to his athleticism more than a well-rounded game. That might not be needed as his calling card will always be speed, but his mass, limited route tree, and inconsistency tracking the ball cap him as a situational deep threat.

Mississippi WR Brenen Thompson – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Kirby Lee

18. UConn WR Skyler Bell – RS Senior – 6-0, 192, 4.40

Skyler Bell more than doubled his reception total from 2024 to 2025, turning in UConn single-season records with 101 receptions and 13 touchdowns, with his 1,278 yards being nothing to slouch at, either. Bell emerged as a reliable target as the Huskies’ top offensive weapon. Bell fought through cases of the drops at times in college, but he is a hard worker and chain mover with enough polish to fight for playing time as a possession wide receiver.

19. Georgia WR Colbie Young – RS Senior – 6-5, 218, 4.49

Colbie Young brings prototypical size and physicality, using his 6-foot-5 frame to win in contested situations and as a blocker in the run game. His 2025 production was solid but not dominant, reflecting a role that did not always feature him as a primary option. Young’s 26 receptions for 358 yards and a touchdown in eight games are not otherworldly, but he has promise as an “X” receiver with a large catch radius and solid speed. To reach his full potential, he will need to develop more polish and physicality at the point of attack.

20. USC WR Ja’Kobi Lane – Junior – 6-4, 200, 4.47