WR draft 2026… gets its own thread

[zn]

zn wrote:

Deion Burks, Oklahoma Sooners

When Rams fans saw Burks’ size (5-foot-9, 180 pounds), they may think of Tutu Atwell once more. However, Burks is slightly bigger, and it makes a world of difference. Burks is an exciting vertical playmaker with the explosiveness and second-level burst to split the difference and run away from defenders with 4.30-second 40-yard dash speed, while also showcasing the ability to stack defenders with play with good body control at the catch point.

Next up on @gregcosell’s Draft Spotlight: WR Deion Burks ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/aC7vmOhL41

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 16, 2026

[zn]

zn wrote:

Antonio Williams, Clemson Tigers

Height: 5′ 11 1/2″
Weight: 187
ARM: 30 3/4″
HAND: 9 1/4″
40-Yard Dash: 4.41

One of my favorite Day Two wide receivers is Antonio Williams. The Clemson Tiger is the latest in the history of top pass-catchers under the Dabo Swinney regime, with at least more on the way in 2027.

When you throw the ball in Williams’ direction, he tends to come down with it nine times out of 10. He has a brilliant understanding of shell coverages and where to attack them while winning as a nuanced route runner and plenty of explosiveness to generate big plays after the catch and downfield. Williams feels like a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s offense.

“He’s got tremendous natural quickness as a route runner.”@gregcosell on WR Antonio Williams pic.twitter.com/ZoGFdm149g

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 17, 2026

[zn]

Receivers discussed in this thread.

1st rounders

Makai Lemon
Carnell Tate

low 1st? high 2nd?

Omar Cooper Jr
Denzel Boston
Jordan Tyson
Ted Hurst
K.C. Concepcion

2nd through high 3rd?

Deion Burks
Antonio Williams
Chris Brazzell
Elijah Sarratt
Caleb Douglas
Bryce Lance
Germie Bernard

[zn]

from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-draft/138179/rams-todd-mcshay-what-im-hearing?utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=%3Cmedia_url%3E&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Todd McShay: Rams may be out on first round receivers

As of this writing, I think the Rams are more likely to draft a wide receiver in the second than in the first. What’s the difference between Makai Lemon and De’Zhaun Stribling in that system? They could also get Germie Bernard or Chris Bell in the second. That frees up the Rams to use the 13th pick on their best player available. This pick is a huge deal in the league. If it’s not a receiver and it isn’t Simpson, who is it? They don’t have a glaring need. Their selection could throw off the plans for the next handful of teams and become one of the biggest pivot points in this first round.

JB Scott (same link)

JB’s thoughts

On receivers: The value seems to be better with the second round group of receivers rather than picking one at #13. Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson would be first round picks in most drafts, but I’m not sure they are ordinarily top 15 talents. Makai Lemon should be a late first round pick or early second rounder, just based on where the top slot receivers are normally drafted. If the report turns out to be true, the Rams would be wise to draft the best player available instead of forcing need. This is their earliest draft pick since 2016.

[zn]

zn wrote:

What’s the difference between Makai Lemon and De’Zhaun Stribling in that system? They could also get Germie Bernard or Chris Bell in the second.

De’Zhaun Stribling

College: Mississippi
Height: 6’2 1/8″
Weight: 207 lbs
Arm: 31 5/8″
Hand: 10″
40-Yard Dash: 4.36

from https://www.nfl.com/prospects/de-zhaun-stribling/32005354-5233-6088-e514-5b10403eaf1e

Overview

Long-striding, vertical-access wideout with steady play and production. Stribling has good size and early acceleration to climb over the top of coverage but lacks short-area quickness to gain separation underneath. His downfield ball skills are above average but he struggles to consistently carve out catch space and fight through contested-catch contact for tight-coverage wins. He has legit speed after the catch once he finds open grass. He’s also one of the most competitive run blockers in the WR class. Stribling projects as an immediate WR4 who could eventually work his way into a starting role.

Strengths

Good initial acceleration into his routes.
Pays attention to break routes off at crisp angles.
Smooth late adjustments to grab advantages downfield.
Able to meet throws with good hand extension.
Builds speed quickly after catch for chunk plays.
Fits into block targets and fights to stick around.

Weaknesses

Linear route movements lack unpredictable elements.
Leggy with a lack of separation burst from breaks underneath.
Average hip sink getting into intermediate cuts.
Needs to play with greater fight when contested.
Inconsistent finishing his catches through contact.

[zn]

zn wrote:

What’s the difference between Makai Lemon and De’Zhaun Stribling in that system? They could also get Germie Bernard or Chris Bell in the second.

Germie Bernard

College: Alabama
Height: 6’1 1/4″
Weight: 206 lbs
Arm: 30 3/8″
Hand: 9 7/8″
40-Yard Dash: 4.48

from https://www.nfl.com/prospects/germie-bernard/32004245-5221-8265-8f08-b20e432f1f1a

Overview

Bernard is a versatile wideout with ascending production over the last three years. He has good size, accelerates to top speed quickly and is a smooth route runner with well-disguised breaks and clean footwork getting in and out. He can line up outside or in the slot and is capable of running a full route tree across all three levels. He has impressive run-after-catch ability. Bernard’s second gear as a field-stretcher is fairly ordinary, and he doesn’t always play to his size when it’s time to compete for catch space. Bernard projects as an above-average WR2/3.

Strengths

Good size, big hands and inside/outside versatility.
Tempo alterations help to bypass and separate from coverage.
Able to drop hips and quickly snap off curls/comebacks.
Smooth strider with steady turnover working through zone.
Gets through route transitions smoothly and at top speed.
Above-average focus and footwork near the sideline.
Weaponized as a utility option out of the backfield.
Plus field vision and cut quickness when the ball is in his hands.

Weaknesses

Needs better physicality and hand-fighting to defeat press.
Accelerates quickly but isn’t a vertical burner.
Positioning would benefit from quicker adjustments.
Needs to become more consistently competitive for catch space.
Most drops come when working into the hashes.
Average feel for coverage positioning on zone beaters.

[zn]

zn wrote:

What’s the difference between Makai Lemon and De’Zhaun Stribling in that system? They could also get Germie Bernard or Chris Bell in the second.

Chris Bell

College: Louisville
Height: 6’1 7/8″
Weight: 222 lbs
Arm: 31 3/4″
Hand: 10″
40 time: 4.4

from https://www.nfl.com/prospects/chris-bell/32004245-4c26-7684-b83a-5696fe6b8079

Overview

Possession receiver coming off of his most productive year and a late-season ACL tear. Bell’s scores frequently came as a move target across the hashes, where he was able to use impressive build-up speed to eliminate angles and outrun everyone in the secondary to the paint. He’s average at eluding press and separating from tight man underneath. Improving his catch focus and positioning when contested will be critical. Bell lacks dynamic qualities and his ACL tear could impact his draft slotting, but he’s a big, physical target with room to improve. He has a chance to become an average WR2/3 in time.

Strengths

Big, boundary target with an NFL frame.
Stair-stepped production in each season he played.
Battles back against handsy coverage at the top of the route.
Speed-builder capable of turning crossers into long gains.
Squares his numbers to quarterback on in-breaking routes.
Makes athletic adjustments to throws on his back hip.
Resilient post-catch and difficult to bring down on the move.

Weaknesses

Suffered an ACL tear late in 2025 season.
Struggles to beat press cleanly with his footwork.
Route running lacks salesmanship and disguise.
Lacks short-area quickness in and out of breaks.
Will slow his feet when turning to locate the throw.
Below-average ball skills and catch focus when contested.

[zn]

UPDATED

1st rounders

Makai Lemon
Carnell Tate

low 1st? high 2nd?

Omar Cooper Jr
Denzel Boston
Jordan Tyson
Ted Hurst
K.C. Concepcion

2nd through high 3rd?

Deion Burks
Antonio Williams
Chris Brazzell
Elijah Sarratt
Caleb Douglas
Bryce Lance
Germie Bernard
De’Zhaun Stribling
Chris Bell

…

[zn]

JimEverett@Jimeverett
Y’all realize there is good depth at WR beyond round 1?

2026 WRs possibly outside R1 with elite traits:

1. Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee): 6’4” 198lbs, 4.37 40, big vertical threat
2. Bryce Lance (NDSU): 6’3” 204lbs, 4.34 40 + 41.5” vert, athletic freak
3. Ted Hurst (Georgia State): 6’4” 206lbs, 4.42 40, size/speed combo
4. Chris Bell (Louisville): 6’2” 222lbs, powerful frame & traits
5. Jeff Caldwell (Cincinnati): 6’5” + 4.31 40 & huge jump, explosive outlier.

Now add Devonte Adams giving them tips?

Ever think there may be a reason Robert Woods is a new WR coach? With an incoming project…who better to give him the inside scoop than Bobby Trees?

[zn]

UPDATED: receivers that are left:

1st rounders

Makai Lemon
Carnell Tate

low 1st? high 2nd?

Omar Cooper Jr
Denzel Boston
Jordan Tyson
Ted Hurst
K.C. Concepcion

2nd through high 3rd?

Deion Burks
Antonio Williams
Chris Brazzell
Elijah Sarratt
Caleb Douglas
Bryce Lance
Germie Bernard
De’Zhaun Stribling
Chris Bell

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