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2026 NFL Draft Early Watch List: Wide Receiver

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Luke Easterling | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 2:10 PM ET

NFL teams will have to wait one more year before they get a shot at drafted elite pass-catchers like Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Alabama's Ryan Williams, but there's still some intriguing talent among the top wide receiver prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.

As we get ready for the upcoming college football season, here are a few receivers to watch with an eye on next year's draft:

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

If there's a current consensus atop next year's receiver group, Tyson's the guy. With an ideal blend of size and speed (listed at 6-1, 195 pounds), Tyson matches that NFL-ready frame with smooth, polished route-running skills and reliable hands.

Jordyn Tyson is the consensus WR1, but I think he's one of the more underrated 2026 players overall (18)
✅Size
✅Speed
✅Fluidity
✅Crisp, detailed footwork
✅Production
If he adds ~5lbs & lowers his drop rate a bit (8.7% isn't terrible) he's comfortably top 3 in this class imo pic.twitter.com/opn49Jm56H
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) July 9, 2025

After hauling in 75 passes for 1,101 yards (14.7 yards per catch) and 10 touchdowns for the Sun Devils last season, Tyson has a chance to build on that success and develop his game even further, potentially cementing himself as the No. 1 receiver in the 2026 class.

Denzel Boston, Washington

After waiting his turn behind the three-headed monster of Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan, Boston emerged as a bright spot for the Huskies last season (63 receptions, 834 yards, nine touchdowns). With his big frame (6-4, 209 pounds), strong hands, and impressive body control, Boston can be dominant in contested-catch situations.

When it comes to Washington WR Denzel Boston, you kind of have to up the degree of difficulty on the whole contested catch thing. Because he's aced the targets that most would consider kung-fu fighting. pic.twitter.com/FWK1Mzicge
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) May 19, 2025

NFL teams will always place a high value on bid-bodied receivers who can win at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point, and Boston brings impressive movement skills and run-after-catch ability for a receiver his size. Another big season could land him in the first round next April.

Nyck Harbor, South Carolina

Speaking of size and speed, Harbor crashes the scales in both departments. Listed at 6-5, 235 pounds, Harbor has legit track speed to go with his massive frame. Those physical traits haven't translated to consistent production just yet, though, as he tallied just 376 yards and three touchdowns on 26 receptions for the Gamecocks last season.

#SouthCarolina WR Nyck Harbor is getting a ton of buzz for his massive frame and crazy speed

He does an excellent job selling the go ball before breaking on his route. He seems pretty limited at the moment, but small things like this can make a big impact in the NFL pic.twitter.com/h6dMFBHaTI
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) May 15, 2025

Harbor still needs a ton of refinement as a route-runner, and improved technique and consistency will go a long way toward making him a more reliable target who can produce bigger numbers this season. If that development happens this season, Harbor has the physical traits NFL teams will always take a chance on early in the draft.