2026 Draft: WR

[PatsFan2]

On Nyck Harbor:

I would only draft him if:

A. He's worth taking in the first round. Let's face it, if he has a very good season, someone of his size, speed and the production to warrant a first round pick, will go in the first.

B. He's available on day 3. Like Deonte Thornton last year, someone with his traits could be worth a day 3 swing.

I don't know if I'd take him on day 2 because that would mean he hasn't taken the steps forward to warrant a first round pick and you want prospects you think are good enough to start or make significant contributions on day 2.

He's like a TE playing WR: Maye's sailers wouldn't get by him.

 

[Clonamery]

What are opinions of Denzel Boston.

This is based off my summer scouting, so 2024 film.
- I would say he is a plus WR vs press as far as getting off the line but he is not explosive enough to create separation.
- Great body control and able to grab contested catches, because he does not separate much at all.
- He is able to manipulate defenders with jab steps/head nods, but again he is not explosive so CBs will be able to recover from missteps


I have really been interested in big body guys because we have a plethora of 5-10 to 6-1 guys.
I do not forsee Hollins here next year and I think that Maye enjoys having a big WR

Compare his resume to J. Polk's pre-draft resume besides the 2-3 inches in height.

 

[dliverey44]

Compare his resume to J. Polk's pre-draft resume besides the 2-3 inches in height.

Yea, I have not watched Carnell Tate yet but am afraid it might be more of the same. I really wanted Jayden Higgins last year and I have seen Boston comp of Higgins but based on 2024 I did not see that.

 

[manxman2601]

A tall WR to keep an eye on who's probably a late day two-day three guy is Bryce Lance of North Dakota State. Yes, he's Trey's brother but NDSU do have a good record of putting people in the NFL from FCS.

He's 6-3, 209lbs and in '24, had 75 catches for 1,069 yards and 17 TDs. He only has 3 career drops and last year had a 65% contested catch rate which is about as high as I've seen. It's don't know how fast he is, but I don't think he's a burner but he's a very strong hands catcher and makes some spectacular catches.

There's limited info on him - he doesn't have an NFL Draft Buzz report for example.

 

[manxman2601]

Bryce Lance highlights.

 

[mayoclinic]

Cool highlights.

Seems to have very good hands and sideline awareness. Nice job keeping inbounds on a lot of plays.

I would be thrilled at add a big WR with one of our 4th round picks.

 

[manxman2601]

Just seen this stat on Chris Brazzell of Tennessee.

Through three games, he is catching 95% of catchable balls and has a 98% grade on passes of more than 20 yards. I also watched him against Georgia and he is more than a vertical only receiver showcasing the ability to make sharp cuts.

 

[mayoclinic]

Dane Brugler commented on that in the podcast you shared. "Not a one trick pony."

He also mentioned that Brazzell has more receiving yards so far in 3 games than he had in all of 2024.

So did the lights go on or is this an anomaly?

 

[manxman2601]

Dane Brugler commented on that in the podcast you shared. "Not a one trick pony."

He also mentioned that Brazzell has more receiving yards so far in 3 games than he had in all of 2024.

So did the lights go on or is this an anomaly?

Yeah I want to see more. Trevor Sikkema still isn't that high on him and thinks Deontae Thornton is better. He really popped when watching the game though and I look forward to watching more Tennessee. I wish he was 10lb heavier.

 

[mayoclinic]

I figure he'll either be a good option in the Deontae Thornton range, or will shoot up boards and push some other good options down.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

WR1



And maybe WR 2

 

[Uptown]

 

[manxman2601]

He's outstanding, but we just don't need another small slot receiver.

 

[manxman2601]

According to NFL Draft Buzz I thought I'd found the perfect value WR. Check out this scouting report:

Hykeem Williams, Colorado, 6-2, 215 lbs

Reportedly runs a 4.32 forty. Transferred from Florida State to Colorado

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS​

• Freakish size-speed combo with a chiseled frame and explosive acceleration off the line
• 
  
• Natural hands catcher who plucks the ball away from his frame and high-points with authority
• 
  
• Savvy route runner who sets up defenders with tempo changes and crisp breaks
• 
  
• Dangerous YAC threat with the burst to take short passes the distance
• 
  
• Competitive toughness at the catch point, using basketball skills to box out defenders
• 
  
• Versatile chess piece capable of aligning outside or in the slot
• 
  
• Shows willingness as a perimeter blocker, using length and strength effectively
• 
  
• Vertical threat who can take the top off defenses and stress safeties

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY​

A blue-chip prospect with day one starter potential, Williams possesses the tools to become a true X-receiver at the next level. His rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism projects favorably to the pro game, with the versatility to win both outside and from the slot. Williams' ability to stretch the field vertically while also creating after the catch makes him a scheme-diverse weapon.

...

Early in his career, Williams could make an immediate impact as a big-play threat and red zone target while he develops the nuances of the position. His trajectory suggests he could evolve into a true alpha receiver capable of beating double teams and dominating on all three levels of the field. Continued refinement of his technique could see Williams emerge as one of the premier receivers from this draft class.

​

I got very excited until I checked his stats for this season where has 7 catches for 59 yards in four games so far. He's a true junior so based on those stats probably won't come out this year. One to keep in your back pocket should he start to pop for this year or remember for next year. Shame.

 

[manxman2601]

I also started to get excited about Eric McAlister of TCU who had 8 catches for 254 yards and 3 TDs last weekend at 6-3, 205lbs. I did the research, was ready to write about him and then discovered he was convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon last year and is serving a 2 year probation.

This WR class keeps disappointing.

 

[manxman2601]

Alpha X?

Malachi Fields, Notre Dame 6-4, 222



Malachi Fields highlights. Check out the catch at 0:40



He's not super explosive but his height and catch radius are terrific. Would love to see him have a super productive season this year.

 

[mayoclinic]

Malachi Fields was on my first post on the Watch List thread 5 months ago. I mention this mainly as evidence that I am not completely indifferent to the WR position.

 

[manxman2601]

I was wrong! There I said it.

I said I didn't want another short WR on this team and until now hadn't studied anyone under 6'. Then I watched Makai Lemon. You all know my love for Efton Chism but he doesn't hold a candle to Lemon in terms of quickness and explosiveness. You all know my love for Kyle Williams coming out. That's a closer one but Lemon is something else. He's one of the most exciting WRs I've seen. Watching him is like watching the game at 1.5X speed.

And, only three career drops. He's also having a really strong start to the season averaging 6 catches per game and over 100 yards per game.

Watch the KR at 4.46

 

[manxman2601]

One more thought on Efton Chism v Makai Lemon. Chism is a chain mover, and an excellent one at that. However, Lemon is a field position mover. He can change field position in a heartbeat.

Chism, Lemon and Williams would be an excellent z/slot rotation moving forward.