Quarterbacks steal most of the attention, but at the end of the day, they all need teammates to throw to.The 2026 NFL Draft approaches, and wide receivers are expected to be among the most well-represented in the annual selection show as a premium position.Wideout is also projected to be one of the most popular positions picked in the first round specifically. A handful of wide receivers have received first-round grades, like Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State's Carnell Tate. USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis had five receivers come off the board in the first round in his latest mock draft.The depth of wide receiver talent in this year's class is notable as well, with dozens of players outside of the projected first-rounders worthy of selection in the 2026 draft.USA TODAY Sports has compiled a list of the top wide receiver prospects in this year's draft and ranked them ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Here's how they stack up on draft expert Ayrton Ostly's big board:NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE: USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast2026 NFL Draft: Ranking top WR prospects1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StateScouting report: Tyson's been the top wide receiver prospect all season despite other risers at the position, thanks to his elite route-running for his age. His suddenness, paired with that route-running, creates separation at will.

He lacks elite vertical speed but has the ball skills, alignment versatility and playmaking teams love to see packed in a 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.2. Carnell Tate, Ohio StateScouting report: Tate looks poised to be the next first-round receiver out of Columbus. He boasts impressive size and route running at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.

While he's not a burner, he dominates on vertical routes thanks to his elite contested catch ability (85.7% contested catch rate in 2025). He's one of the most sure-handed players in the class; he didn't drop any of his 66 targets in 2025.3. Makai Lemon, Southern CaliforniaScouting report: Lemon isn't an impressive athlete and won't test off the charts at the combine but he has an incredible feel for finding space in coverage and maximizing opportunities.

His solid frame (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) should hold up in the slot at the NFL level. He had just two drops in 2025 on 108 targets and a 130.0 quarterback rating when targeted.4. Denzel Boston, WashingtonScouting report: Boston is an ideal outside wide receiver at 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds who wins with physicality at the catch point.

He's quick but not fast and tracks the ball downfield extremely well. He can be a red zone target sooner than later and will keep up in the NFL thanks to his route running. His physicality translates as a run blocker as well which will endear him to many evaluators.5.

Omar Cooper Jr., IndianaScouting report: Compact frame absorbs contact well and keeps him upright against defenders, allowing him to work upfield. Plays more like a running back in the open field; forced 27 missed tackles in 2025 alone. Best against zone coverage with great contested catch abilities.

Experienced lining up wide (2024) and in the slot (2025). Not an elite athlete and has a limited catch radius.6. KC Concepcion, Texas A&MScouting report: Dynamic weapon in the open field with immediate value as a returner.

Makes plays in space against defenders thanks to his mix of quickness and long speed. Tracks the ball very well downfield. Smaller frame and drops are his only knocks.

Drops are also a concern with 7 on 61 targets in 2025.7. Germie Bernard, AlabamaScouting report: Bernard won't wow you with one trait or his athleticism but he does pretty much everything well. Smooth athlete who can transition weight and flip his hips quickly.

Size means he can operate in the slot or outside. Good play strength with ideal football IQ.8. Chris Brazzell II, TennesseeScouting report: Elite size with the burst and verticality NFL teams covet on the outside.

Can operate underneath as well despite his long levers. Not an after-catch threat but his size makes him a near-lock in contested catch situations.9. Malachi Fields, Notre DameScouting report: Big-bodied receiver who thrives on the boundary.

Lacks elite speed and acceleration; wins on size and strength over speed. Strong hands and physical attitude after the catch. Body control comes up in the red zone and could become a go-to in contested catch situations.10.

Chris Bell, LouisvilleScouting report: Strong frame with ideal speed for the NFL level. Proven hands and physicality in press coverage to work as a possession target if need be. Explosive after the catch.

ACL tear knocked him from first-round consideration so he could be a value pick on Day 2 or 3.WR MOCK DRAFT: Where Carnell Tate, top WRs could landNFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: Ranking the top 150 best players available11. Elijah Sarratt, IndianaScouting report: Great size and experience outside but has taken snaps from the slot as well. Excellent run blocker for the position. Earned the nickname "W