Numerous wide receivers could be taken in NFL Draft's first round

In the case of many of the top options in that regard, the pre-draft process has resulted in positive developments. 

LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., for instance, has long been ranked as a first-round prospect. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman noted Thomas has impressed evaluators both on and off the field, something which will help his already high draft stock. 

The 6-foot-3 junior posted 1,177 yards and an FBS-leading 17 touchdowns in 2023, flashing the potential to serve as a high-end secondary WR option, as he did playing alongside Nabers, at a minimum in the NFL.

Aside from the top four receiver prospects, several others have a strong chance of landing near the back end of the first round. 

Two candidates on that front are Texas’ Xavier Worthy and Georgia alum Ladd McConkey. Both of those wideouts have received first-round grades from a number of NFL teams, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported.

Worthy broke the all-time 40-yard dash record during the 2024 Combine, posting a time of 4.21 seconds. Already known to be one of the top vertical threats in this year’s strong class, Pauline notes Worthy's Pro Day helped ease concerns about his all-around game translating to the pro level. 

In the case of McConkey, a faster-than-expected 40 time (4.39) has also helped his stock. Regarded as an elite route runner, the 5-foot-11, 186-pounder will likely be destined to hold a slot role in the NFL, but his floor is believed to be higher than most other prospects in the class.

Around the same time that Worthy and/or McConkey are selected, Adonai Mitchell could also very well come off the board. 

He spent his first two seasons at Georgia, making just 38 catches during that span. A transfer to Texas paved the way for a larger offensive role and a sharp increase in production, though; Mitchell posted 854 yards and 11 touchdowns on 55 receptions in 2023. 

Depending on how teams view him relative to other WR prospects in the same range, Mitchell could be the fifth wideout taken on Day 1.

Of course, a number of highly-regarded pass-catchers will still be available on Day 2. 

Pauline added that Ricky Pearsall has seen his stock rise considerably in the lead-in to the draft. The Florida alum has received an early second-round grade from “several teams,” per Pauline, and he could be one of many receivers added in the top 50 selections. 

As teams continue to evaluate the top options at every position over the coming days, the receiver position remains on track to be a very popular target throughout the top of this year’s draft.