NFL Draft prospects 2026: Ranking the top 10 wide receivers, from Carnell Tate to Elijah Sarratt

NFL Draft prospects 2026: Ranking the top 10 wide receivers, from Carnell Tate to Elijah Sarratt originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The wide receiver class in the 2026 NFL Draft won't go down as the strongest of all time, but it's still rather solid, especially when it comes to high-end options.

With most teams needing to address two outside spots and a dynamic slot, there's a variety of receivers ready to elevate and fill various offensive needs.

Here's taking a deeper look at the 10 best on the board, who should all be selected in the first two rounds:

MORE:Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft

NFL Draft prospects 2026: The top 10 wide receivers

1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)

Tate has proved to be a more complete receiver with his routes, hands, speed, and quickness during the process and is looking like the next great Buckeyes pro wideout to follow Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njiba, Emeka Egbuk, and precede Jeremiah Smith. He can do it all on the perimeter as a big-play threat and red zone force.

Draft projection: Early first round

2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)

Tyson isn't far off from Tate or right there with him with his size, strength, and speed. He may not be as dangerous downfield, but he's a smooth route-runner meant to dominate as an intermediate target with some big slot juice.

Draft projection: Early-to-mid first round

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3. Makai Lemon, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)

Lemon is more of a natural slot in the vein of former Trojan and current Lion Amon-Ra St. Brown. He is a quick athlete who packs toughness in running inside routes. He gets open well in shorter areas and can often explode after the catch.

Draft projection: Early-to-mid first round

4. Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)

Cooper is the biggest rising receiver in the draft season, and it didn't hurt that he has plenty of dazzling tape with No. 1 overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza in college. He is also a fine route-runner with some underrated downfield burst to make big plays in stride or after the catch.

Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round

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5. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)

For what Concepcion lacks in ideal size for the outside, he compensates with top-flight speed and quickness. He has a nose for taking catches a long way with some Tyler Lockett-like upside.

Draft projection: Late first round

6. Denzel Boston, Washington (6-4, 212 pounds)

Boston falls a little behind the receivers ahead of him without game-breaking speed, but he uses his big frame and strength well outside and also shows plenty of toughness before and after the catch.

Draft projection: Late first round to early second round

7. Chris Bell,  Louisville (6-2, 222 pounds)

Bell is similar to Boston as a big, strong receiver who can win most routes with his body positioning. He has tough hands to separate and overwhelm shorter and smaller corners.

Draft projection: Early-to-mid second round

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8. Germie Bernard, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)

Bernard has shot up boards, too, because he's such a unique big-play weapon who can line up everywhere. He is especially quick and tough in the open field after the catch in the Chris Godwin mold.

Draft projection: Early to mid-second round

9. Chris Brazell II, Tennessee (6-4, 190 pounds)

Brazell is a strong boundary possession receiver. He is a tough target to handle in the red zone, and also a bonus asset blocking for the running game.

Draft projection: Mid-to-late third round

10. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (6-3, 210 pounds)

Sarratt isn't far behind his former teammate Cooper as a big clutch target from the Hoosiers. He's more suited to running routes outside and needs to be more consistent in winning with his big frame.

Draft projection: Mid-to-late third round