Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) celebrates a touchdown catch with quarterback Will Howard (18) during the first half of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. I try to keep a solid big board before testing, because of the risks of double-counting or discounting athleticism, but it feels like this year there has been more fluctuation for wideouts in spring on my board than before. Maybe it’s the late playoff window giving certain teams more time to break out. It could also be a year where the best-perceived players took a step back, giving more space for new arrivals. The top five is not set in stone, but for now, this is what I’m seeing from the class.
Matthew Golden, Texas
A relative unknown at the beginning of the draft process, Golden rocketed up draft boards following an incredible playoff showing. He combined quick route running with impressive ball skills. More than a deep threat like his teammate Isaiah Bond (not in this ranking, but a talent nonetheless), Golden attacks all levels of the field and rarely lets a ball slip out of his grasp. After running the 40 in the 4.2s at the combine, Golden cemented himself as the best receiver in the class, showing untapped athletic potential.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images McMillan’s size (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) gives him both the biggest frame and highest potential upside in the class. His play shows shades of Falcons wide receiver Drake London, a former top-10 wideout with a similar skill set of sticky hands and contested catch ability. These wideouts have a higher tendency to flame out, but watching McMillan’s 2023 tape shows route-running chops and separation skill that many big-bodied wide receivers don’t have. If an offensive coordinator lets these loose, cornerbacks beware.
Luther Burden III, Missouri
Nov 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) attempts to make a reception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images Burden brings impressive run-after-catch ability that plays much bigger than his 5-foot-11 frame. Though Burden was in a Missouri offense that limited his deep abilities this season and instead put him on more short routes and gadget plays, Burden took that to the house and showed off his ability to create with the ball in his hands. He’s more shifty than fast, but his ability to make defenders miss should be coveted.
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Egbuka is the picture of consistency. While the Ohio State wideout has always been more of a complementary option to a more talented player, it’s been more a case of bad luck than lack of skill. Getting stuck behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith should not be knocks on your play. Egbuka shows off great mitts and is one of the smoothest movers in the class. He glides around with ease down the route stem and uses fancy footwork to get space. His lack of physicality and perceived upside might lower his stock, but fear not — Egbuka is still a stud.
Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) makes a catch around Texas Tech Red Raiders’ defensive back Maurion Horn (4) during the second quarter in the week-10 NCAA football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES While there is a large gap between Egbuka and Higgins in my ranking, with Egbuka being a fringe first-rounder and Higgins getting a third-round grade, Higgins has the best upside of the Day 2 selections. His size and speed combo could turn him into a big-bodied possession guy who also has the upside to turn it upfield. However, his play in that aspect right now is slightly clunky, making him a developmental project. Still, his route-running prowess shows a football brain willing to learn, which could activate his potential sooner rather than later.
