The Top 3 WR Prospects (And a Name You Shouldn’t Overlook)
- Duke Doyle
- Feb 3
- 5 min read
The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at wide receiver, and the top names in this class have the potential to be instant impact players at the next level. Whether it's size, speed, or pure route-running ability, these guys bring a mix of everything you want in a future WR1. In this breakdown, I’ll highlight three of the best WR prospects in this draft and introduce you to one underrated name who isn’t getting enough love but should be. Let’s get into it.
1. Tetairoa McMillan (WR) Arizona, 6’5”, 210lbs
Strengths
Elite Catch Radius: At 6’5”, McMillan has the length and ball-tracking ability to make tough grabs look easy. He high-points the ball well and can be a quarterback’s best friend in contested-catch situations.
Smooth Route Runner: Moves like a smaller receiver, showing fluidity in and out of his breaks. He’s got a natural feel for finding soft spots in coverage and creating separation despite his size.
Strong Hands & Body Control: Rarely lets the ball get into his body and consistently makes difficult catches look routine. He adjusts well to off target throws and knows how to use his frame to shield defenders.
Weaknesses
Lacks Elite Top-End Speed: While he’s got good acceleration, he’s not a burner. Won’t consistently outrun defensive backs at the next level but makes up for it with route-running and ball skills.
Physicality Against Press Coverage: Needs to get stronger at the line of scrimmage to avoid getting jammed by aggressive corners. Adding more strength will help him win early in routes.
After-the-Catch Ability: He’s not a big YAC (yards after catch) threat. More of a possession receiver who wins before the catch rather than after. Improving his play strength and elusiveness could add another layer to his game.
McMillan has everything you want in a reliable possession receiver. His size, strong hands, and ability to win in contested-catch situations make him a natural fit in an offense that values big-bodied targets. He’s not a speedster, but his smooth route-running, instincts, and ball skills more than make up for it. With the right development, he has the potential to be a high-end WR2 who thrives in the red zone and on third downs. At his peak, he can be a volume target who consistently moves the chains. Even at his floor, he’s a dependable possession receiver who quarterbacks will trust in critical situations.
2. Emeka Egbuka (WR) Ohio State, 6'1", 205lbs
Strengths
Polished Route Runner: Egbuka runs crisp, detailed routes and knows how to manipulate defenders with subtle movements. He consistently creates separation, making life easy for his quarterback.
Strong Hands & Ball Skills: Reliable hands and the ability to secure catches through contact. He tracks the ball well and has a natural feel for adjusting to throws in stride.
Versatile Playmaker: Lined up all over the field at Ohio State and produced at every spot. Can be used outside, in the slot, or even on gadget plays. His versatility makes him a fit for any offensive system.
Weaknesses
Lacks Elite Long Speed: Has good burst but doesn’t possess true breakaway speed. Won’t consistently outrun defensive backs in foot races.
Struggles Against Physical Corners: Egbuka has solid size, but he can get knocked off his route by physical DBs at the line. If he adds some strength and sharpens his release moves, he’ll have an easier time getting open early.
More of a Catch-and-Go Receiver: Egbuka does a great job getting open and securing the ball, but he’s not the type to consistently make defenders miss or turn short catches into explosive plays. His game is built more on precision than creating after the catch.
Egbuka is one of the most well-rounded receivers in this draft class. He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but he’s a technician who wins with sharp route-running, strong hands, and a natural feel for getting open. His ability to play multiple receiver spots makes him an ideal fit in today’s NFL, and he projects as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside depending on the system. He’s the type of receiver who quarterbacks trust in key moments, and his skill set translates well to a team looking for a reliable, polished target who can make plays at all levels of the field.
3. Luther Burden III (WR) Missouri, 5'11", 208lbs
Strengths
Explosive After the Catch: Burden is electric with the ball in his hands. He has the speed, vision, and balance to turn short catches into big plays, making him a nightmare for defenders in space.
Strong, Physical Frame: Plays bigger than his size. He’s built like a running back and isn’t afraid to fight through contact, whether it’s against press coverage or after the catch.
Versatile Weapon: Can line up inside, outside, or even take handoffs out of the backfield. Missouri moved him around a lot, and that versatility will be a huge asset at the next level.
Weaknesses
Route Running Still Developing: He’s a natural athlete but can refine his routes, especially when it comes to setting up defenders and staying crisp in and out of breaks.
Deep Speed is Good, Not Elite: He’s fast, but he’s not a pure burner who will consistently outrun top-tier NFL corners. Relies more on quickness and acceleration than straight-line speed.
Limited Catch Radius: At 5’11”, he doesn’t have the size to consistently win contested catches against longer defenders. Needs to rely on separation and strong hands rather than winning jump balls.
Burden is a dynamic playmaker who brings a ton of energy and versatility to an offense. His ability to create after the catch makes him a dangerous weapon in the right system, and he plays with the toughness and edge you love to see in a receiver. While he’s still refining his route-running, his explosiveness and physicality should translate well to the next level. He projects as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside in the right scheme, especially for teams that love getting the ball into their playmakers' hands quickly.
A Player You Should Get Familiar With is…Nick Nash (WR) San Jose State, 6'1", 190lbs
Strengths
Versatile Playmaker: Nash has experience at multiple positions, including quarterback, and that background gives him a unique feel for the game. He sees the field well and knows how to find soft spots in coverage.
Quick and Shifty: A smooth mover who can change direction on a dime. He’s got the agility to make defenders miss in space and create extra yards after the catch.
Strong Hands & Body Control: Tracks the ball well and has a knack for making tough catches in traffic. Adjusts well to off-target throws and can high-point the ball despite not being the biggest receiver.
Weaknesses
Route Running Needs Refinement: He wins with athleticism right now, but his routes could be sharper. Polishing his footwork and timing will help him at the next level.
Lacks Elite Top-End Speed: He’s quick, but he’s not a burner. Won’t consistently separate with pure speed and will need to rely on technique to win downfield.
Physicality Against Press Coverage: Needs to get stronger at the line of scrimmage to beat physical corners. Improving his release package will be key in his transition to the NFL.
Nash is an underrated playmaker with a rare blend of football IQ, quickness, and versatility. His background as a former quarterback gives him a natural understanding of defenses, allowing him to find open windows and create opportunities for himself. He projects best as a slot receiver at the next level, where his quickness and feel for coverages can be maximized. While he’s still refining his route-running, his reliable hands, instincts, and ability to make plays in space make him an intriguing WR3 option with room to grow. If he sharpens the technical aspects of his game, he has the potential to develop into a key contributor, especially in a role that allows him to work underneath and exploit mismatches against slower defenders.
