Five WRs Vie to Be First Drafted in 2026

Crowded field of top wideout prospects leaves no clear-cut No. 1 option

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 2026 NFL Draft class features a cluster of talented wide receiver prospects, with five players emerging as potential top-25 picks and the battle to be the first wideout selected still up for grabs. The group includes Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Makai Lemon (USC), KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), and Denzel Boston (Washington).

Why it matters

The ability to land a top-tier wide receiver can be a game-changer for NFL teams, as evidenced by the impact of players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. This deep and competitive WR class means teams will have multiple options to potentially find an impact player at the position in the 2026 draft.

The details

The five wideouts vying to be the first receiver taken all bring different strengths to the table. Tate offers great size and route-running, Tyson has elite physical tools but injury concerns, Lemon is a tough, versatile slot option, Concepcion is a dynamic playmaker, and Boston is a physical outside receiver. Each player will look to showcase their skills at the NFL Scouting Combine and throughout the pre-draft process in order to solidify their standing as the top WR in the class.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April/May 2026.

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver from Ohio State, Tate offers great length at 6-foot-3 and an exceptional catch radius. While not a speedster, Tate consistently creates space for himself with outstanding footwork and precision to his routes.

Jordyn Tyson

The Arizona State wide receiver has top-end potential, with size, strength, quickness, and ability after the catch. However, Tyson's extensive injury history, including multiple knee and shoulder issues, raises concerns about his durability.

Makai Lemon

The USC wide receiver isn't a speedster or blessed with great size at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, but he exudes toughness in the slot and outside, with the ability to consistently get instantly open against all types of coverages.

KC Concepcion

The Texas A&M wide receiver is a dynamic playmaker, with exceptional stop-start ability and elusiveness. He expanded his all-around receiving game after transferring from North Carolina State.

Denzel Boston

The Washington wide receiver wins on the outside with strength, but also impressive quickness. At 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, Boston blocks like a tight end and has echoes of Texans star Nico Collins.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This deep and talented wide receiver class means NFL teams will have multiple options to potentially find an impact player at the position in the 2026 draft, with no clear-cut top prospect emerging yet. The pre-draft process will be crucial for these five players to showcase their unique strengths and solidify their standing as the first wideout selected.