2026 Draft Eligible Wide Receivers - Early Top 5
Early preseason ranking for my top draft-eligible wide receivers.
2026 NFL DRAFT
Newt Westen
After breaking down the quarterbacks and running backs for the 2026 NFL Draft, we’re diving into the wide receivers, and man, this group is wide open with talent ready to explode. I don't think anyone will say there is a consensus receiver in this year's class, and that's what makes this group so much fun to evaluate. Starting with Aaron Anderson as an honorable mention and counting down from No. 5 to No. 1, here are the best wide receivers in the country.
Honorable Mention, Aaron Anderson
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 187 lbs
School: LSU
Aaron Anderson’s an electric spark plug with a knack for making plays in the 2026 draft class. His great short-area burst and sharp route cuts make him a tough cover in the slot, while his 2.3 yards per route run show his playmaking ability. His smaller frame limits him to slot-only roles, though, and concentration drops hurt his reliability. If Anderson tightens up his hands in 2025, he could be a dynamic NFL slot receiver with returner upside.
5. Eric Singleton Jr.
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 lbs
School: Auburn (transferred from Georgia Tech)
Eric Singleton Jr.’s a shifty playmaker who brings juice to the 2026 draft. His great after-catch ability pops on screens and slants, and his dense build powers through tackles, with a 5.6 yards after catch per reception. He leans on body catching, though, struggling to fully extend for the ball in the air. Singleton’s knack for jet sweeps and pre-snap motion makes him a versatile weapon. If he refines his hands and expands his route tree at Auburn in 2025, he could be a dangerous NFL slot or Z-receiver.
4. Antonio Williams
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 lbs
School: Clemson
Antonio Williams is a quick-twitch dynamo with explosive moves for the 2026 draft. His blazing burst off the line and slick route running let him slip past defenders, with a 0.19 missed tackles forced percentage highlighting his elusiveness. His high drop rate in 2024 is a red flag, though, making reliability a concern. Williams’ ability to stretch the field and handle jet sweeps adds a versatile edge. If he locks in on catching the ball in 2025, he could be a dangerous NFL slot or Z-receiver.
3. Jordyn Tyson
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs
School: Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson’s a gifted athlete with a knack for big plays in the 2026 draft class. His excellent short-area burst and solid long speed stretch defenses, with a 3.0 yards per route run (RIDICULOUS) showing his reliability as a target. Drops are a problem, though, with seven in 2024, hurting his consistency. Tyson’s ability to hit comeback and hitch routes with precision makes him a tough cover. If he locks in on catching the ball in 2025, he could be a top NFL Z-receiver or big slot with serious upside.
2. Denzel Boston
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 209 lbs
School: Washington
Denzel Boston’s a big-bodied target with a massive catch radius for the 2026 draft. His stellar route running, especially deadly double moves, and good hand technique against press coverage make him a nightmare. Additionally, his long frame, strong hands, and 54.5% contested catch rate make him an ideal red-zone target. His play strength needs work, though, as he gets knocked off routes too easily. Boston’s frame and blocking ability fit the X-receiver mold perfectly. If he adds some muscle and refines his strength in 2025, he’s got the tools to be a dominant NFL starter.
1. Carnell Tate
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 191 lbs
School: Ohio State
Carnell Tate is the top dog in the 2026 wide receiver class, a silky-smooth playmaker with a ceiling that’s through the roof. His fluid route transitions and unreal body control give him a huge catch radius, while a 125.9 NFL passer rating for balls thrown to him shows his natural hands-catching ability. He rounds off routes too often, though, struggling with sharp cuts that limit separation. Tate’s smarts in finding soft spots in coverage and his lanky frame make him a matchup nightmare for any defense. If he sharpens his route running and eliminates concentration drops in 2025, he’s poised to be an NFL X-receiver with a ton of potential.