2025 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Landing Spots
The 2025 NFL Draft came and went, and if you were waiting for a wide receiver frenzy like we’ve seen in recent years… my condolences. Last year, seven WRs flew off the board on Day 1. This year? Four if you count Travis Hunter (which you should). Meanwhile, running backs were getting scooped up early and often, with teams valuing the position’s depth and talent. Outside of a few intriguing names, this WR class lacked the top-end star power and depth that typically drives first-round demand. So what does that mean for dynasty rookie drafts and fantasy value going forward?
Let’s break down this year’s WR class, their landing spots, and what it all means for your rookie boards. It might not be the flashiest or deepest group we’ve seen, but there are still some hidden gems and landing spots worth getting excited about. Let’s dive in.
Editor’s Note: For a complete look at each WRs production profile and our rookie rankings for Dynasty, check out the Dynasty Pass part of the Ultimate Draft Kit+.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jaguars (via trade with Browns)
Round 1, Pick 2
Travis Hunter wasn’t just playing both wide receiver and cornerback in college- he was dominating at both. Heading into the draft, analysts couldn’t even agree on which side of the ball he was better at because he might’ve been the best WR and the best CB in the entire class. The Jaguars clearly had no doubts. They pulled off a blockbuster trade to move up three spots, sending the No. 5 pick, a 2025 second-rounder, and a 2026 first-rounder to the Browns to select Hunter at No. 2 overall.
So what’s the plan for the rookie who once said he’d rather retire than be limited to one position? Jacksonville reportedly plans to ease him into the league on offense, but they’ll still give him opportunities to contribute on defense. It makes sense. The Jaguars desperately needed weapons for Trevor Lawrence after trading Christian Kirk and losing Josh Reynolds. Brian Thomas Jr. lining up across from Gabe Davis just isn’t going to cut it. Hearing the team plans to onboard him as a wide receiver has my fantasy senses tingling. Once he’s a part of this offense, there’s no turning back. This might be the best-case scenario fantasy managers could’ve hoped for. If you take Hunter at the 1.02 in rookie drafts? I wouldn’t blame you one bit.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers
Round 1, Pick 8
The Panthers had a glaring need at wide receiver. Sure, they said Xavier Legette was their WR1 heading into the offseason- but now? It’s the McMillan show. Taken inside the top 10, Tetairoa McMillan was one of the few elite WR prospects in this draft, and he lands on a team that desperately needed a true alpha. He’s a game-changer. Bryce Young started to show signs of life after getting benched last season, and now he finally has a weapon. At 6’4″, 219 pounds, with back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons under his belt, Tet gives this Carolina offense something it’s been missing: actual firepower. Adam Thielen, it’s okay, you’ve earned that nap.
Carolina Panthers’ recent Day 1 & 2 WRs and how they compare in my rookie model
Tetairoa McMillan: 94th percentile
——
Jonathan Mingo: 69th percentile
Xavier Legette: 56th percentileIt took a few drafts but the Panthers finally have their WR1 🔥🚀
— Marvin Elequin (@FF_MarvinE) April 25, 2025
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers
Round 1, Pick 19
The Buccaneers taking a wide receiver in Round 1? That wasn’t on my BINGO card. With Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Jalen McMillan already holding it down, wide receiver didn’t feel like a need- yet here we are. Egbuka’s path to early fantasy production for redraft leagues just got a little murkier. But in dynasty? This is a sneaky good landing spot. He’ll get to develop behind one of the best slot receivers in the game: Chris Godwin. If you’re drafting soon, Egbuka should be the WR3 off the board in rookie drafts. Just know he’s more of a long play. Dynasty managers will have to exercise some patience in year one.
Matthew Golden, WR, Packers
Round 1, Pick 23
Wait, did the Packers really draft a wide receiver in the first round? What’s happening in Green Bay? The last time they spent a Day 1 pick on a WR, I was in high school- 23 years ago! Matthew Golden is an absolute speed demon. His 4.29 40-yard dash at the Combine is in the 100th percentile, making him the perfect deep threat for Jordan Love.
“I think we need a guy that’s proven to be a #1 WR already.”
-Packers RB Josh Jacobs on “No BS” with @BillSchmidRadio & @ArmenSaryan pic.twitter.com/RetrfMI9IE
— 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) February 5, 2025
The receiver room in Green Bay has seen better days. Running Back Josh Jacobs said it before the draft: “I think we need a guy that’s proven to be a #1 WR already.” Christian Watson can’t stay on the field due to injuries (his hamstring issues were just the start, but now we’ve got an ACL tear to deal with). Jayden Reed flashes but lacks consistency. Dontayvion Wicks led the league in drops, and Romeo Doubs is… well, Romeo Doubs. Golden could finally bring clarity to this offense. It’s been a weekly guessing game in fantasy, trying to figure out who Love is targeting. In rookie drafts, Golden should go towards the back of round 1/ beginning of round 2.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Texans
Round 2, Pick 34
Although he wasn’t a first-rounder, Higgins became the Texans’ first draft selection after they traded out of Round 1 with the Giants. Houston addresses a glaring need at wide receiver. With Stefon Diggs now in New England and Tank Dell likely sidelined for most or all of 2025 due to a severe knee injury (dislocation and three torn ligaments), the wide receiver room needed help. The team added Christian Kirk pre-draft to work the slot, but they still lacked size on the outside. At 6’4″, Higgins brings a much-needed vertical element to this offense. He’ll contribute immediately as the No. 2 behind Nico Collins. CJ Stroud has proven he can support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers, making Higgins a valuable asset in rookie drafts, where I expect him to be drafted mid-round 2.
Luther Burden III, WR, Bears
Round 2, Pick 39
The Bears have given Caleb Williams literally every tool available to succeed this season. If we don’t see a major jump in production this year, it’s going to raise serious red flags. This offense is stacked: D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, 1st-round pick Colston Loveland, and now Day 2 selection Luther Burden III. That’s a lot of target competition. Moore just got a 4-year, $110 million extension. Odunze was a top-10 pick. Loveland just went in Round 1. Burden? He’s entering the league at the bottom of the pecking order. The talent in Burden’s profile makes me want to buy in, but the landing spot makes me hesitate. It’s hard to spin this as a positive for early fantasy value. If you’re rebuilding and can afford a wait-and-see pick, Burden’s your guy. If not, I’d rather take Tre Harris or Jack Bech, both day 2 guys who landed in spots that should yield immediate fantasy production.
Tre Harris, WR, Chargers
Round 2, Pick 55
Speaking of Tre Harris, Harris lands in one of the best landing spots a receiver could land, with Justin Herbert on an offense that will be in the red zone often. Harris is a TD Machine. Ladd McConkey is established as a big part of the passing game, but he ran 70% of his routes from the slot last year. As a primary outside receiver, Harris will compete for snaps with WRs Quentin Johnston and Mike Williams (who is… well, very old and always injured). This landing spot means immediate production for the rookie out of Ole Miss. Plus, at pick FIFTY-FIVE- why wouldn’t you invest?
Jack Bech, WR, Raiders
Round 2, Pick 58
If you’ve listened to the Dynasty Pod, you’ll know Jack Bech. The self-proclaimed #BechBoys in Betz and Borg have been talking up the rookie from TCU for months.
TCU WR Jack Bech doing Jack Bech things. pic.twitter.com/ED9uBfaXCC
— Kyle Borgognoni (@kyle_borg) February 26, 2025
The Raiders are the perfect landing spot. Brock Bowers and Jacobi Meyers have been the only glimmers of an offense this team has had. But things are looking up in Vegas. With Pete Carroll and Geno Smith now steering the ship and Ashton Jeanty bringing juice to the ground, there’s real hope. Bech, likely slotting in as an outside receiver, should see a healthy share of Geno’s targets in an offense that could finally start humming. Bech is an easy Round 2 pick in rookie drafts for me.
Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots
Round 3, Pick 69
A 4.40 40 time will definitely get you noticed. Being in the top 10 in the class for yards per route run is beneficial as well. Kyle Williams has the speed and production the Patriots desperately need. Look at their receiver room pre-draft: Stefon Diggs, off an ACL tear, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Ja’Lynn Polk. It wasn’t pretty. Williams brings speed, explosiveness, and a deep threat that can stretch the field. Williams is a riser post-draft and should be drafted in the 2nd round of rookie drafts.
Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Lions
Round 3, Pick 70
I’m not going to lie; I didn’t have Isaac TeSlaa on my radar pre-draft. But clearly, the Lions did. And after digging into his profile, I get it. TeSlaa, like the truck, is built like a tank. At 6’4″, 214 pounds, with freaky athletic tools, he’s the kind of physical mismatch Dan Campbell drools over. The fit makes sense. However, I’m not expecting much, if any, production year one from TeSlaa. This offense is already stacked with playmakers. Amon-Ra, Jameson Williams, Montgomery, Gibbs, and LaPorta. It’s hard to see where he fits in right away. He’s a decent round 3 dart throw if you just want to take a stab at an offense that puts up a ton of fantasy points. We all know Campbell will relentlessly run up the score on his opponents. Never surrender.
Pat Bryant, WR, Broncos
Round 3, Pick 74
Not Sean Payton saying Pat Bryant reminded him of Michael Thomas at the line of scrimmage.
Sean Payton sees stardom in Pat Bryant 🤩 pic.twitter.com/2QbwiS2dbn
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) April 29, 2025
Okay, Sean. That’s some serious wish-casting. Thomas was bigger, faster, and, let’s be real-different. Bryant clocked a sluggish 4.61 40, and while he nearly hit 1,000 yards as a senior, he never truly dominated. He’s stepping into a crowded room with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Evan Engram, and maybe even Troy Franklin ahead of him on the pecking order. Plus, the Broncos just added RJ Harvey to soak up touches. I’m not saying Bryant can’t carve out a role- but for fantasy? I’m out.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles via Commanders)
Round 3, Pick 79
After grabbing his teammate Jayden Higgens in the 2nd round, the Texans double down on the Iowa St receiver room with their selection of Jaylin Noel in the 3rd. The once desolate receiver room just got crowded. With Nico Collins locked in as the WR1 and Christian Kirk holding down the slot, Noel is buried on the depth chart behind his own college teammate. He brings speed and special-teams value but from a fantasy perspective? He’s more of a team asset than a dynasty stash, at least for now.
Savion Williams, WR, Packers
Round 3, Pick 87
PACKERS! ANOTHER RECEIVER!? What has gotten into Green Bay? This is just not like them. Two WRs in the top 100 for Jordan Love. His fantasy stock should soar. Savion Williams’ stock? Well, I already talked about how crowded and unpredictable the receiver room is in Green Bay for fantasy. I don’t want any parts of Savion Williams. Matthew Golden is the only Packer you should have circled in your rookie rankings come draft day.
Tai Felton, WR, Vikings
Round 3, Pick 102
Tai Felton can fly. He ran a 4.37 at the Combine and boasts a 92nd-percentile Burst Score. Last season, he put up 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns. Speed check. Production check. Felton was a playmaker at Maryland. He lands on a Vikings squad already featuring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, plus tight end T.J. Hockenson. That’s a lot of mouths to feed, especially with rookie QB J.J. McCarthy stepping in and yet to take a single NFL snap. Even if McCarthy lives up to expectations, supporting three (or four) fantasy-relevant pass-catchers right away is a tough ask. Felton likely won’t make an immediate fantasy splash, but learning behind Jefferson and Addison gives him time to develop. His speed and burst are intriguing enough to make him worth a late dart throw in rookie drafts.
Chimere Dike, WR, Titans
Round 4, Pick 103
Another speedster off the board in Round 4, Chimere Dike, turned heads at the Combine with a 4.34 40-yard dash. After years stuck in a run-heavy offense at Wisconsin, he transferred to Florida and posted a respectable 42 receptions for 783 yards in 2024. Dike also brings special-teams value, which could earn him early reps in Tennessee. Let’s be honest, this Titans receiver room isn’t exactly terrifying. Calvin Ridley, the ghost of Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson? Is Treylon Burks still around? Yikes. The Titans clearly saw the problem, doubling up at wideout with Elic Ayomanor later in the same round. I like Dike as a late-round dart throw as well. The speed, mixed with the age of the receivers ahead of him, makes me think he will find a role in this offense sooner rather than later.
Dont’e Thornton, WR, Raiders
Round 4, Pick 108
The Raiders double-dipped at wide receiver, grabbing Tennessee speedster Dont’e Thornton in the 4th round. At 6’5″ with 4.30 speed, Thornton is a size/speed freak who lit up the Combine and posted a ridiculous 9.85 RAS score.
Dont'e Thornton was drafted in round 4 pick 108 in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.85 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 59 out of 3816 WR from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/JUbR6XnBQB pic.twitter.com/L8pK2PXrsM
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 26, 2025
Thornton’s college production was underwhelming. He was mainly used as a vertical threat and doesn’t have a polished route tree. But you’re not drafting him for polish. You’re drafting him for raw athletic upside. He’s a developmental project, but if he can refine his game and flash that speed in camp, there’s a path to carving out a role in a receiving room that isn’t exactly locked down. Right now, he’s buried on the depth chart—probably WR5 or WR6, but there’s some stash appeal in deep leagues. He’s the type of dart throw you make purely on athletic traits. If it hits? You look like a dynasty genius.
Arian Smith, WR, Jets
Round 4, Pick 110
I’ve got some major red flags when it comes to Arian Smith. On the surface, landing with the Jets looks decent, as there’s not much competition for targets behind Garrett Wilson. Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds aren’t exactly scaring anyone. Honestly, I was surprised the Jets even waited until Day 3 to address the wide receiver position. So what’s the issue? Smith’s production at Georgia was nearly nonexistent. He battled drops, couldn’t stay healthy, and never became a reliable option in that offense. Now he lands on a team that just brought in Justin Fields, who’s more likely to take off and run or lock onto his first read than spread the ball around. The opportunity may look good on paper, but I’m fading the profile. Betting against Smith is a gamble I’m more than comfortable taking.
Jaylin Lane, WR, Commanders (via Texans)
Round 4, Pick 128
There is a trend with WR with 4.3 speed going in the fourth round. The Commanders are an offense I’m happy to invest in. Jayden Daniels has solidified himself as a top 3 QB in dynasty. Terry McLaurin is the WR1 in this offense, and the Commanders brought in Deebo Samuel. Zach Ertz will also command a target share. So, where does Jaylin Lane fit in, and why should you care? For starters, the average age of that trio is 30. Lane brings fresh legs to an aging core. The team also lost Dyami Brown, who flashed real chemistry with Daniels. Even with Deebo in town, we know the best ability is availability, and Deebo hasn’t exactly been the poster child for durability. I expect Lane to carve out early snaps on special teams, likely as a punt returner. But his speed is too valuable to keep shelved. He’s a sleeper who I think earns more reps as the season goes on and a name to stash in deeper dynasty leagues.
Jalen Royals, WR, Chiefs
Round 4, Pick 133
After spending his college career catching passes from inconsistent quarterbacks, Jalen Royals lands in Kansas City with one of the best to ever do it- Patrick Mahomes. Not bad. Honestly, I was surprised Royals slipped to Day 3 after what he put on tape. He led his team in receiving yards in 2023 and 2024, averaged 15.2 yards per catch, and set the school record for receiving touchdowns in a single season (15. A midseason foot injury cooled the hype, but he looked healthy at both the Senior Bowl and Combine. The WR room is crowded with Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Travis Kelce all fighting for targets. That said, we’re still waiting to hear about a potential suspension for Rice, and Mahomes has shown he can support multiple fantasy weapons if the talent is there. Royals is a name to keep on your rookie radar.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Titans
Round 4, Pick 136
Elic Ayomanor has the size and power you want in an NFL star, but concerns about separation and a history of knee injuries pushed him down to Round 4. He’s torn both his MCL and ACL, which raised some red flags. Still, as I mentioned in the Chimere Dike breakdown, this Titans receiving room is wide open. And despite playing fewer games, Ayomanor outproduced Dike. He’s a true contested-catch specialist and exactly the kind of receiver that could help rookie QB Cam Ward settle into the league. Most analysts had Ayomanor projected ahead of Dike, and even though he went picks after, the Ballers still have Ayomanor ahead of Dike in their Dynasty rookie rankings. I’d have to agree.
Jordan Watkins, WR, 49ers
Round 4, Pick 138
When and if Brandon Aiyuk will be back remains to be seen. Deebo Samuel was also traded to the Commanders. Some target opportunities are available on this roster. Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and newly paid George Kittle make up the projected starting roster in Week 1. Kyle Shanahan clearly felt the need to add more firepower. Watkins was a big-play threat at Ole Miss, finishing with 906 yards and nine touchdowns on just 49 receptions last season. He operated as the No. 2 in that offense but still managed to shine with explosive efficiency. If Aiyuk is traded, Watkins could become an immediate plug-and-play option in deeper leagues. For now, he’s a solid dynasty stash with upside in one of the league’s most creative offenses.
THE REST
Pick 158: Keandre Lambert-Smith, WR, Chargers
Pick 166: Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks
Pick 203: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Ravens
Pick 208: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Panther
Pick 235: Tez Johnson, WR, Buccaneers
Pick 238: Ricky White III, WR, Seahawks
Pick 240: Kaden Prather, WR, Bills
Pick 242: Konata Mumpfield, WR, Rams
Pick 244: Dominic Lovett, WR, Lions
Pick 252: Junior Bergen, WR, 49ers
Comments
Nice read!
Great article – though this part made me feel old, lol:
What’s happening in Green Bay? The last time they spent a Day 1 pick on a WR, I was in high school- 23 years ago!