Bob McGinn draft series, WR's.
This is the 41st year, and the fourth year at Go Long, that Bob McGinn has written a position-by-position series previewing the NFL draft. Previously, it appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (1985-’91), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1992-’17), BobMcGinnFootball.com (2018-’19) and The Athletic (2020-’21). Until 2014, many personnel people were quoted by name. The series reluctantly adopted an all-anonymous format in 2015 at the request of most scouts.
First of 12 parts: Wide Receivers
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By Bob McGinn
A total of 60 wide receivers have been selected among the top 100 picks in the last four NFL drafts, an average of 15 that reflects how colleges are churning out skilled, talented prospects and how much teams value the position.
That trend is expected to hit the brakes next month with one team reporting seven wideouts in the top 100 and another projecting the numbers of starters at eight.
“There’s maybe three or four top guys,” an AFC executive said. “There’s a lot of Day 3 meat. It’s not very top-heavy.”
The cupboard isn’t quite as barren as 2008, which along with 1990 are the only drafts since 1966 in which no wide receiver was chosen in Round 1. It’s possible that we could see a repeat of 2006, the last time only one wideout (Santonio Holmes at No. 25) went in the first.
“This receiver group is terrible,” an NFC personnel man said. “Absolutely terrible. There’s nothing here. Guys are going to move up a round or two just because it’s a terrible year. A third-rounder is going to be taken in the first and a fourth-rounder in the second. That’s how weak this group is. And it’s been great the last X amount of years.”
Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who will be included with the cornerbacks, generally is ranked as the No. 1 prospect at both positions.
“He’s dynamite,” one scout said. “He’s something else. As a receiver, he’s quick as (bleep). He can cut. I mean, explosive. His hands are rare, rare, rare. I don’t know if I’ve seen someone catch the ball like he does.
“I’d go Hunter and then (Tetairoa) McMillan, then there’s a huge dropoff. The rest are second-rounders, at best. At best.”
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. TETAIROA McMILLAN, Arizona (6-4, 215, 4.53, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s a Mike Evans-type guy,” one scout said. Said another: “He’ll be like a Drake London kind of guy. He’s a big dude that can catch. Pretty good athlete for being so big. He plays big. Depending what you do with Travis Hunter, this guy is by far the best (wide receiver).” Finished third in the nation with 1,391 receiving yards in 2024. Three-year totals were 213 receptions for 3,423, a 16.1-yard average and 26 touchdowns. “He’s big and strong, and he’s fast enough,” a third scout said. “He’s going to be one of those guys that will line up in a West Coast-type offense and beat you down on his routes and throw you off and make plays. That’s what he does. He’ll work the middle of the field between the numbers and just give you a headache all day long. He’s a No. 1 (receiver). He’s a hard worker. Sky’s the limit.” Five-star recruit from Waimanalo, Hawaii. Attended high school in California. “He’s like a lesser version of (Rome) Odunze,” a fourth scout said. “He was a volleyball player in high school, which you could see in his skills. My goodness, he can high-point the ball, contort his body. He’s not a speed merchant but if he gets even he can make plays. They catered to him because all their players left (in 2024). He’s a 16-to-25 type pick.” Also played basketball at Servite High. “The 2023 film is a lot better than this year,” a fifth scout said. “He was in protection mode this year. There’s stuff on film this year that’s just gross. The lack of competitiveness is just disturbing at times. Very undisciplined route runner. Big-play potential but too many times it didn’t happen. Not overly physical for a big guy but he’s got natural ball skills. His feet are awesome for a 6-4 dude. He’s a real smooth operator. He’s slippery in run-after-the-catch and he’s got pretty good speed. It’s just, which guy are you going to get? He’s a really immature kid. He’s a poster child for this NIL ****. They kiss his *** to get him to stay and then they do what they want.”
2. MATTHEW GOLDEN, Texas (5-11, 191, 4.32, 1-2): After two 38-catch seasons at Houston he transferred to Texas and had an exceptional season for a playoff team. “Whenever they needed a play he’s the one that was that guy,” said one scout. “He made the emotional plays for them. He will make a difference as he moves up a level.” Started 33 of 36 games in his career, finishing with 134 receptions for 1,975 (14.7) and 22 TDs. “He ran 4.29,” a second scout said. “He does have some combination skills as far as being able to play outside and in the slot. He's got some run-after-the-catch ability. Texas just sort of outpersonneled people. There was no magic to what they were doing, and he was part of that.” Returned kickoffs all three years, finishing with 28 for a 25.8 average and two TDs, both coming in 2023. “He is a great kid, and he could rise because of who he is,” said a third scout. “There’s not a whole lot of negatives on him other than (size). He’s fast enough to play outside. He doesn’t have runaway, home-run speed as a returner but it’s good enough.” Third-year junior from Houston. “Crafty little guy,” a fourth scout said. “Doesn’t have great hands. Not much magic after the catch. You have to get it to him quick. Just a guy, really. I don’t see him being a starter.”
3. LUTHER BURDEN, Missouri (6-0, 206, 4.45, 1-2): Nation’s No. 1 wideout in 2022. Hails from St. Louis. “You wish you had bigger and faster for outside but he’s a good enough player to do it,” one scout said. “He’s probably most effective in the slot. There’s some really strong comparisons to Deebo Samuel. He’s got great hands. Really natural after the catch. Has vision, elusiveness, strength, toughness. One of the worst practice players you’ve ever seen but his talent on the field makes you take notice. There’s times when his routes are lacking but it’s more like effort and discipline (than) talent. To his credit, he’s been super productive. Even with quarterback troubles he was pretty productive. He’s a really good slot receiver that can give you some outside but then, with the character, I don’t know how you can draft him in the first round.” Finished with 192 receptions for 2,263 (11.8) and 21 TDs. Ala Samuel, he rushed 34 times for 234 (6.9) and four TDs. “He’s a 5-star, they kiss his *** for three years just to keep him there,” another scout said. “The girlfriend is his manager. The mom is a problem. But he’s a good player on Saturday and he’s very ordinary Monday through Friday. That’s an area he’s really going to have to improve. I thought his tape from 2023 was better than 2024 but I also thought the quarterback play was a little better a year ago. If you take him you’re gritting your teeth that you’re going to have a (Sunday) player who isn’t going to add much to your team the other five, six days of the week. He’s a shaky first-rounder and a little more of a second-rounder because you can’t get anybody to really sign off on a clean bill of health as far as the personality and the intangibles.” Also returned punts all three seasons, averaging 10.5 on 24 attempts. “Similar to Golden but with a thicker build,” a third scout said. “They put him in the slot and they try to throw it to him on these quick little bubble screens and he gets tackled. Against zone, he’s got good feel and good hands. I just don’t see him being a starter.” His father, Luther “Ticky” Burden, averaged 28.7 points for the University of Utah in 1974-’75 before playing three pro seasons in the NBA and ABA. Hands measured just 8 ½ inches.
4. EMEKA EGBUKA, Ohio State (6-1, 202, no 40, 1-2): Played 50 games over four seasons as part of college football’s finest stable of wideouts. “He’ll never be a No. 1 in the NFL because he’s not quite the burner that you want,” one scout said. “He’s got really good hands and great instincts. He’s got good vision and he’s physical with the ball in his hand. He’s tough. He’s just not a speed demon like the guys we’ve known down through the years. Second round makes total sense. Good football player. You can put him at X or the slot. You want him as a matchup problem because he’s got size and he’s physical.” Leads the Buckeyes in career receiving yards with 2,868, surpassing Michael Jenkins, Chris Olave, David Boston, Marvin Harrison, Devin Smith, Santonio Holmes and Garrett Wilson. His 205 receptions also rank first and his 24 TD catches are tied for seventh. “He’s a solid second-rounder,” a second scout said. “There’s no flash to him or anything like that. He’s a second or third receiver. I don’t think he’s a go-to guy. He doesn’t make anything wow.” Five-star recruit from Steilacoom, Wash. “He’s like Jaxon Smith-Njigba but not as good,” a third scout said. “He’s a slot guy. Not very explosive. Good hands, not much run after the catch. He’s OK. He’s a third guy.” Career average was 14.0. Also averaged 5.1 on 19 punt returns and 28.2 on 11 kickoffs.
5. ISAIAH BOND, Texas (5-10 ½, 180, 4.33, 2): Third-year junior played two seasons at Alabama (65 catches) and one for the Longhorns (34). “Prototypical what you would think of in a wide receiver: just generic boilerplate, selfish, diva wide receiver,” said one scout. “But, God, he’s got an incredible skill set. He’s really fast and he’s athletic. He can win with speed, with quickness. His run after (the catch) is amazing. Great ball skills. You wish a guy with his skill set had a better overall body of work in terms of production. He’s first-round talent but combine character and production and whether he goes there I don’t know.” Production waned down the stretch in 2024 as he played on a bad ankle. Finished with 99 receptions for 1,428 (14.4) and 10 TDs. “Looked like a track guy playing football,” said a second scout. “Doesn’t separate well, average hands. He’s not very good. Not productive at all.” Led his high-school team in Buford, Ga., to three state titles. Also won state championships in the 100 meters (10.48 personal best) and 200 meters (21.05). “He’s not very big but has big-time speed and athletic ability and good hands,” said a third scout. “He’s tough despite his size.” Hands measured just 8 ½.
6. JAYDEN HIGGINS, Iowa State (6-4, 215, 4.54, 2-3): Played two seasons at Eastern Kentucky, catching 87 passes for 1,151 (13.2) and 10 TDs before becoming a Cyclone in 2023-’24. “Good athlete with really good hands,” one scout said. “He can track and adjust to the ball well. Big catch radius. Has strong hands. Fluid athlete. He can get PI’s by extending vertically and closing the cushion. He’s a red-zone threat for sure with his size. My biggest concern was blocking. He’ll get in the way but he has to develop a more aggressive mentality and physicality. Overall, a real good player. His floor is a really good No. 2. He’s definitely in the second-round conversation.” Had a nondescript prep career. From South Miami, Fla. “He’s quarterback-friendly,” a second scout said. “Got good hands, big frame, strong, physical. More smooth in his routes but he can get up the field. Not really twitchy in the open field but he can stride out and get those yards. Day 2 guy.” As a Cyclone, he caught 140 for 2,166 (15.5) and 15 TDs. Arm length was an impressive 33 1/8 inches. “I thought he was the most impressive (wideout) at the Senior Bowl,” a third scout said. “He moves like a much smaller man. He’s a little finesse, but at the Senior Bowl he showed he could contest catch. That was a question coming in. Great kid.” His 40 time of mid-4.5’s at the combine was somewhat disappointing considering that two scouts expected him to run in the 4.4’s.
7. JACK BECH, Texas Christian (6-1, 214, no 40, 2-3): Led all receivers in the Senior Bowl game with six catches for 68 and one TD. “He had that very emotional month after his brother got killed (on Bourbon Street in New Orleans) and it carried into the Senior Bowl and he played with the No. 7 and won the game,” one scout said. “I thought he performed above his real level. He’s a really sound slot receiver. He’s a zone guy. He’s not going to separate with speed or quickness but he’s got football know-how. He’ll kind of work his way open through his strength and size. He’ll catch everything. He’s super competitive. I don’t think Bech can really run. Third round at best.” Played his first two years at LSU, leading the Tigers in receptions as a freshman with 43. In 45 career games he caught 133 for 1,869 (14.1) and 13 TDs. “He’s a little bit all over the place with his body but he’s a gamer,” a second scout said. “He’s got a big radius and he goes and gets the ball. He’s aggressive. He’s physical. Looked like the (Alec) Pierce kid that plays for the Colts. I liked him better than Pierce coming out.” From Lafayette, La., where he played on a three-time state championship basketball team. “Reminds me of Cooper Kupp,” said a third scout. “He’s quick as can be. His routes, he just knows exactly where he’s going. Has good feet and body control. He can make plays when he’s outside, too.”
8. SAVION WILLIAMS, Texas Christian (6-4, 222, 4.45, 2-3): Spent five years at TCU but didn’t become a starter until 2022. “That’s the wild card for me,” said one scout. “With this guy, you see him in the slot, you see him in the backfield, in motion. He is a height-weight-speed guy. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him slip into the first round. Would it be a little crazy? Probably, because he doesn’t have the resume, but he’s got a big upside. He’s Cordarrelle Patterson. He’s got no polish but you see him elevate for a ball and you see him catch a bubble and take it to the house. You see him run an angle (route) out of the backfield and catch it and run to the house. If I didn’t have a quarterback and was trying to figure out a way to manufacture some offense, I’m all over this guy. He could go 25 to 45.” Four-star recruit played quarterback as a senior in Marshall, Texas. Also lettered in basketball and track. Returned kickoffs as a freshman only (22.3, 14 returns). “He’s big, he’s fast, he’s tough,” another scout said. “But he does not know how to play football. He can’t run routes, No. 1. He just falls all the time. He doesn’t have a good feel for it. Doesn’t have good body control. He always falls, and he can’t catch. I’ve never seen a guy drop more. Then they put him out at running back and he just doesn’t have the vision. I’ve never seen someone run into tackles more than he does or run out of bounds. He goes to the place you’re not supposed to go.” Caught 137 passes for 1,655 (12.1) and 14 TDs to go with 62 rushes for 384 (6.2) and six TDs. Played 52 games.
9. JALEN ROYALS, Utah State (6-0, 205, 4.41, 3): Caught seven passes in 11 games at Georgia Military Academy in 2021 before moving to Utah State. Didn’t catch a pass in 2022 before flourishing in 2023-’24. “Looks like a running back’s body build,” one scout said. “He’s a possession-system guy. They try to get him the ball in those gadget kind of ways. Not a great route runner. He’s a good player, but more of a backup talent.” Caught 71 balls in 2023 for 15 TDs; his seven TD receptions of 50 yards or more led the country. His reception total was 55 in ’24 despite the fact he missed the last five games with a foot injury. ”The best thing he does is catch the football,” a second scout said. “Had an excellent combine, ran extremely well. At the Senior Bowl he showed he does have some natural route-running ability and natural strength to separate. Still, just has a lot of work to do to understand releases, break-point mechanics, more complex route combinations.” Finished with 126 catches for 1,914 (15.2) and 21 TDs. From Powder Springs, Ga.
10. TORY HORTON, Colorado State (6-2 ½, 196, 4.46, 3): Played 21 games at Nevada in 2020-’21 and 30 for the Rams in 2022-’24. Missed half of last season with a hamstring injury. “He’s an NFL starter with an arrow up,” one scout said. “Pretty good size, played pretty fast. Not a great route runner but I liked his size, his speed and his hands. Good run-after-catch ability. He has punt-return ability, which is kind of rare for a receiver with his dimensions. There’s a lot to work with. I’d say fourth round but I could see him going in the third.” Finished with 265 catches for 3,615 (13.6) and 27 TDs. Also returned 26 punts, all at Colorado State, for a 16.3 average and three TDs. Moreover, he completed five of six passes for 151 and a TD. “Sleeper type,” said a second scout. “Coming into last year he was well-known. People went through CSU and he was hurt all year (played six games). The quarterback play was bad and he didn’t get a lot of chances. Tory’s got more juice than Tre Harris but Tre had a little more consistency these last two years.” From Fresno, Calif.
11. TRE HARRIS, Mississippi (6-2 ½, 205, 4.57, 3): In two seasons for Ole Miss he averaged 100.8 yards per game, one of two players in the country to average 100 or more in a career. “He was at La Tech,” said one scout. “He played his way to a promotion to Ole Miss. The stats didn’t bear it out but when he was in the lineup they played better than when he was shelved. He’s had some soft tissue issues. That’s the concern with him. He’s a tallish outside receiver. Catches the ball well. You know where he’s gonna be. He’s probably a No. 2 (receiver). At worst, he’s a No. 3. At best, he’s probably a middle-of-the-pack No. 2.” Started 21 of 31 games at Louisiana Tech and 19 of 20 at Ole Miss. Finished with 220 catches for 3,532 (16.1) and 29 TDs. The 40 time of 4.57 didn’t help his cause. “He’s a big possession receiver,” another scout said. “Not much separation. Against zone, he can find his way and catch it, but after that there’s not much there.” From Lafayette, La., where he was a quarterback in high school.
12. JAYLIN NOEL, Iowa State (5-10, 195, 4.40, 3-4): Killed the combine with a 4.40 40, a 41 ½-inch vertical jump, an 11-2 broad jump and 23 reps on the bench press. “He was their starting slot and he’ll be a starting slot,” said one scout. “He’s an explosive athlete with very good play speed. He can attack a defense at all three levels and be productive. He has the acceleration to close a cushion against soft coverage. He can stack defenders. He runs out-and-up routes for explosive plays. He shows his hands late and is able to reach back for the ball without allowing the defender to make an attempt on the ball. Not real tall but compactly built.” His 245 receptions in 51 games (33 starts) ranked second in Cyclones’ history. Finished with 2,855 yards (11.7) and 18 TDs. “Good quickness and speed to separate and stretch the field,” a second scout said. “My biggest hangup was his hands. He had some big, big drops. Concentration drops, I guess. He’s inconsistent. He’s got five muffed punts over his career. What I did like was the team always seemed to go to him in gotta-have-it situations at the end of the game.” Returned punts all four years: 53 for 8.8. Returned kickoffs for 3 ½ years: 37 for 22.2. Arms were just 29 ½. “To me, catch radius is a big deal,” a third scout said. “Even if you’re a short guy you’ve got to have a bigger radius and makes catches outside your frame. I didn’t see him do that. I was really kind of disappointed in him.” From Kansas City.
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THE NEXT FIVE
Dont’e Thornton, Tennessee (6-4 ½, 205, 4.33)
Said one scout: “This guy looks like an Olympic sprinter. Then he popped that time. He’s a vertical threat guy.”
Da’Quan Felton, Virginia Tech (6-4 ½, 213, 4.43)
Said one scout: “His upside is tremendous. There’s definite rawness to him. Great kid. He’s really got an edge.”
Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (6-1 ½, 207, 4.42)
Said one scout: “Reminds me a little bit of Davante Adams. Davante wasn’t a polished product coming out of Fresno. This kid’s a little bit bigger and tighter as an athlete than Davante but he’s a very physical kid.”
Tai Felton, Maryland (6-1, 183, 4.34)
Said one scout: “He’d be definitely in that Higgins, Horton, Harris group because he’s faster than all those guys. Not quite as big or as physical. More of a skinny athlete.”
Tez Johnson, Oregon (5-10, 156, 4.50)
Said one scout: “You turn on the film and you love him. Then you see him in person and you get scared away from him. That is a very, very small human being taking a lot of hits over the course of a 17-game season.”
