2025 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings – Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan & Luther Burden III Headline a Dynamic Class

The 2025 NFL Draft wide receiver class offers a deep and diverse group of pass catchers, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. If Colorado’s Travis Hunter were to declare as a full-time wide receiver, he would instantly rise to WR1 in this class. His rare blend of explosiveness, route creativity, and elite ball-tracking ability gives him true star potential at the next level.

Behind him, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan offers a prototypical X-receiver frame with exceptional body control and contested-catch dominance. Missouri’s Luther Burden III delivers dynamic YAC ability and alignment versatility, especially from the slot.

While this class may lack a surefire generational WR1—unless Hunter fully commits to the position—it’s loaded with high-end WR2 prospects and several receivers who could develop into true No. 1 targets with refinement. The overall depth makes this a strong class for teams targeting impact playmakers throughout the first two days of the draft.

2025 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings

Elite Tier – Top 5 Projection

1) Travis Hunter | Colorado (Hypothetical Full-Time WR) | Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 185 lbs

Player Comparison: Justin Jefferson/Garrett Wilson

Analysis: Hunter’s dynamic skill set as a WR features elite ball-tracking, route tempo, and sudden separation. His after-catch ability and spatial awareness make him a legitimate WR1 candidate in any offense. Although slightly undersized for an outside role, his burst, versatility, and football instincts are off the charts. With full-time WR development, he could become a cornerstone weapon—especially in spacing-based, up-tempo systems.

Near Elite Tier - 1st Round Projection

2) Tetairoa McMillan | Arizona | Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 210 lbs

Player Comparison: Mike Evans

Analysis: McMillan is a big-bodied WR1 with elite catch radius, body control, and ball-tracking ability. His ability to win contested catches and make plays downfield makes him an ideal fit for a vertical passing offense. Lacks elite speed but separates effectively with his route savvy and size.

High-End Starter Potential - 2nd/3rd Round Projection

3) Luther Burden III | Missouri | Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 208 lbs

Player Comparison: Deebo Samuel

Analysis: Burden is a dynamic, explosive playmaker with elite YAC ability and route-running versatility. His quickness and balance make him a nightmare in space, and he fits best in a motion-heavy system that allows him to operate from multiple alignments.

4) Matthew Golden | Texas | Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 195 lbs

Player Comparison: Calvin Ridley

Analysis: Golden is a polished route runner with explosive burst and deep-ball tracking ability. His footwork and quickness create separation at all three levels, and his ability to thrive as a vertical threat makes him a natural fit in spread offenses.

5) Jaylin Noel | Iowa State | Ht: 5'10" | Wt: 200 lbs

Player Comparison: Christian Kirk

Analysis:Quick-footed slot with great route feel, burst, and RAC skill. Strong special teams value and chain-moving consistency. Needs to clean up drops but fits cleanly as a WR3 in modern spread schemes.

6) Emeka Egbuka | Ohio State | Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 205 lbs

Player Comparison: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Analysis: Egbuka is a technically refined slot receiver with natural hands, smooth route transitions, and strong ball-tracking ability. He thrives in West Coast or rhythm-based passing offenses and offers instant-impact reliability as a possession receiver.

7) Jayden Higgins | Iowa State | Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 215 lbs

Player Comparison: Kenny Golladay

Analysis: Possession-style X with smooth routes and size to win contested catches. Lacks elite burst but excels in zone-beating and timing-based systems. Big-slot or outside WR3 upside.

8) Jalen Royals | Utah State | Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 205 lbs

Player Comparison: Robert Woods

Analysis: Smart, crisp separator with reliable hands and high zone awareness. Thrives in spread schemes with pre-snap motion. Limited vs. physical press but projects as a strong WR3 or Z.

9) Elic Ayomanor | Stanford | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 210 lbs

Player Comparison: Allen Robinson

Analysis: Physical X-receiver with elite tracking and a violent play style. Wins in contested areas and attacks defenders post-catch. Route tree still developing but brings WR2 upside in power-heavy schemes.

Mid-Level Starter Potential – 4th/5th Round Projection

10) Tre Harris | Ole Miss | Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 210 lbs

Player Comparison: DeVante Parker

Analysis: Vertical, ball-winning receiver with size and strong hands. Best used as a boundary WR in deep-route concepts. Needs polish in short-area routes and releases.

11) Kyle Williams | Washington State | Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 190 lbs

Player Comparison: Tyler Boyd

Analysis: Speedy Z/slot hybrid with strong separation traits and open-field vision. Still raw as a route technician but offers splash-play potential in spacing-based systems.