I attempt to maintain a strong massive board earlier than testing, due to the dangers of double-counting or discounting athleticism, nevertheless it looks like this 12 months there was extra fluctuation for wideouts in spring on my board than earlier than. Perhaps it’s the late playoff window giving sure groups extra time to interrupt out. It may be a 12 months the place the best-perceived gamers took a step again, giving extra space for brand new arrivals. The highest 5 shouldn’t be set in stone, however for now, that is what I’m seeing from the category.
Matthew Golden, Texas
A relative unknown in the beginning of the draft course of, Golden rocketed up draft boards following an unimaginable playoff displaying. He mixed fast route operating with spectacular ball abilities. Greater than a deep menace like his teammate Isaiah Bond (not on this rating, however a expertise nonetheless), Golden assaults all ranges of the sphere and barely lets a ball slip out of his grasp. After operating the 40 within the 4.2s on the mix, Golden cemented himself as the most effective receiver within the class, displaying untapped athletic potential.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats huge receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a landing towards the Arizona State Solar Devils within the second half in the course of the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photographs McMillan’s dimension (6-foot-5, 215 kilos) provides him each the most important body and highest potential upside within the class. His play reveals shades of Falcons huge receiver Drake London, a former top-10 wideout with an identical talent set of sticky fingers and contested catch potential. These wideouts have a better tendency to flame out, however watching McMillan’s 2023 tape reveals route-running chops and separation talent that many big-bodied huge receivers don’t have. If an offensive coordinator lets these free, cornerbacks beware.
Luther Burden III, Missouri
Nov 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers huge receiver Luther Burden III (3) makes an attempt to make a reception towards the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the course of the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Area. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Bush-Imagn Photographs Burden brings spectacular run-after-catch potential that performs a lot greater than his 5-foot-11 body. Although Burden was in a Missouri offense that restricted his deep talents this season and as a substitute put him on extra brief routes and gadget performs, Burden took that to the home and confirmed off his potential to create with the ball in his fingers. He’s extra shifty than quick, however his potential to make defenders miss ought to be coveted.
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Egbuka is the image of consistency. Whereas the Ohio State wideout has at all times been extra of a complementary choice to a extra proficient participant, it’s been extra a case of unhealthy luck than lack of talent. Getting caught behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith shouldn’t be knocks in your play. Egbuka reveals off nice mitts and is among the smoothest movers within the class. He glides round with ease down the route stem and makes use of fancy footwork to get house. His lack of physicality and perceived upside may decrease his inventory, however worry not — Egbuka remains to be a stud.
Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Iowa State Cyclones huge receiver Jayden Higgins (9) makes a catch round Texas Tech Crimson Raiders’ defensive again Maurion Horn (4) in the course of the second quarter within the week-10 NCAA soccer at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES Whereas there’s a massive hole between Egbuka and Higgins in my rating, with Egbuka being a fringe first-rounder and Higgins getting a third-round grade, Higgins has the most effective upside of the Day 2 alternatives. His dimension and pace combo may flip him right into a big-bodied possession man who additionally has the upside to show it upfield. Nonetheless, his play in that facet proper now’s barely clunky, making him a developmental undertaking. Nonetheless, his route-running prowess reveals a soccer mind keen to study, which may activate his potential sooner fairly than later.