I try to keep a solid large board before I test, because of the risks of double counting or discounting athletics, but it feels like this year has been more fluctuations too wide in the spring on my board than before. Maybe it’s the late playoffs window that gives some teams more time to break out. It can also be a year where the best perceived players took a step back and gave more room for new arrivals. The top five are not in stone, but at the moment it is what I see from the class.
Matthew Golden, Texas
A relatively unknown at the beginning of the draft, golden shaved pull boards after an incredible playoffs. He combined quick route with impressive ball skills. More than a deep threat like his teammate Isaiah Bond (not in this ranking, but a talent anyway), Golden attacks all levels in the field and rarely lets a ball slip out of his grip. After driving 40 in the 4.2nd at Combine, the Golden cemented as the best recipient in the class and showed unused athletic potential.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
November 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcat’s broad receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn images McMillan’s size (6 foot-5, 215 pounds) gives him both the largest frame and the highest potential upwards in the class. His game shows shades of Falcon’s wide recipient Drake London, a previous top-10 wideout with a similar skill set sticky hands and contested catching ability. These wide out have a higher tendency to flame out, but looking at McMillan’s 2023 band shows route processing and separation ability that many large bodies do not have. If an offensive coordinator lets these loose, Cornerbacks watch out.
Luther Burden III, Missouri
November 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tiger’s broad receiver Luther Burden III (3) tries to make a reception against Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Pictures Burden provides impressive ability to catch after playing much greater than his 5-foot-11 frame. Although Burden was in a Missouri crime that limited his deep abilities this season and instead put him on more short routes and gadget games, the burden took it to the house and showed his ability to create with the ball in his hands. He is more varied than fast, but his ability to make defenders miss should be sought after.
Magic, Ohio State
EGBUKA is the image of texture. While Ohio State Wideout has always been more a supplementary alternative for a more talented player, it has been more of a case of bad luck than lack of skill. To get stuck behind Marvin Harrison Jr. And Jeremiah Smith should not be beaten on your game. EGBUKA shows large mittens and is one of the smoothest movers in the class. He slides around with ease down the route and uses nice footwork to get space. His lack of physics and perceived upwards can lower his warehouse, but fear does not – EGBUKA is still a stud.
Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Iowa State Cyclone’s wide recipient Jayden Higgins (9) makes a catch around Texas Tech Red Raiders Defensive Back Maurion Horn (4) During the second quarter in NCAA football this week at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, November 2, 2024, I ames, Iowa. Photo USA Today Sports Pictures While there is a large gap between Egbuka and Higgins in my ranking, with EGBUKA as a fringe’s first rounder and Higgins get a third round of class, Higgins has the best upside of day 2 choices. His size and speed combo can turn him into a big body guy who also has the upside to turn that inventive. But his game in that aspect right now is somewhat clumsy, which makes him a development project. His route processing still shows a football brain that is willing to learn, which can activate his potential sooner than later.
