2025 NFL Draft Breakdown: Travis Hunter tops an intriguing wide receiver class

While the 2025 NFL Draft wide receiver class may not be as stacked as the 2024 group, there’s still plenty of talent to watch. Leading the way is Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a dynamic two-way star who is widely projected as a top-three overall pick. Beyond Hunter, the class offers intriguing value, including TCU’s Jake Bech, who impressed during Senior Bowl week, and Missouri’s Theo Wease Jr., who quietly outproduced his higher-profile teammate, Luther Burden III, this past season. Whether you're looking for elite playmakers, hidden gems, or potential steals, this year’s group has plenty to offer.

Previewing the 2025 wide receiver class

Top player: Travis Hunter, Colorado

Colorado’s Travis Hunter isn’t just the top wide receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft—he’s widely regarded as the best overall player in the class. Hunter’s game is defined by a unique blend of traits that set him apart. His exceptional ball skills resulted in 96 receptions this season, alongside four interceptions on defense. Additionally, his rare quickness makes him a dangerous threat after the catch, and his impressive agility allowed him to secure 65% of the passes thrown his way in coverage. With this rare combination of attributes, Hunter is poised to emerge as one of the NFL’s premier slot receivers.

Guy I would stand on the table for: Jake Bech, TCU

A mid-round draft pick I would go to bat for is TCU’s Jake Bech. What makes me such a big fan of his game is his physical style of play, which allows him to make tough catches in traffic and fight for crucial yards after the catch. He also boasts some of the most reliable hands in this year’s wide receiver class, having dropped just one pass last season while using his impressive grip strength to consistently secure difficult catches. While he may not have elite speed, he displays solid quickness for a receiver of his size (6'1", 212 pounds).

Breakout player: Nick Nash, San Jose State

San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash delivered one of the most remarkable seasons in college football history, becoming just the fourth player in FBS history to achieve the receiving Triple Crown—leading the nation in touchdowns (16), receptions (104), and receiving yards (1,382) at the end of the regular season. This marked a dramatic improvement for Nash, who recorded only 48 catches in 2023 and had just 57 total receptions over his previous five seasons. Beyond his stellar production, Nash also caught the attention of scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showcasing elite concentration and unexpected polish for a player who began his college career as a quarterback.

Sleeper: Theo Wease Jr., Missouri

A potential late Day 3 pick with the tools to make an NFL impact is Missouri’s Theo Wease Jr. He led the team with 884 receiving yards last season, an impressive feat playing alongside star Luther Burden III. According to Pro Football Focus, Wease forced 23 missed tackles this season, showcasing his ability to break tackles and gain extra yards. While he may lack elite speed for a wide receiver, his strength and reliability—dropping just three passes over the past two years—make him a strong candidate to stick on an NFL roster as a fourth or fifth receiver.

Had a disappointing season: Luther Burden III, Missouri

Heading into the season, Luther Burden III was the top wide receiver prospect after finishing second in the SEC and ninth nationally in receiving yards, while ranking third in the conference for receptions. However, his stock has dipped this year, with his receptions per game falling from 6.6 in 2023 to 5.1 and his yards per game dropping by nearly 40. Despite the decline in production, Burden still holds a first-round draft grade due to his ability to gain yards after the catch, exceptional quickness, and value as a special teams returner.

Biggest risk: Tory Horton, Colorado State

Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton comes with risk due to a season-ending knee injury, but his upside is undeniable. When healthy, Horton caught 96 passes for 1,136 yards in 2023 and he also topped 1,000 yards in 2022. Known for his sure hands and ability to make tough catches, he’s also a dangerous deep threat, clocked at 22.5 MPH. If Horton falls to Day 3 of the draft, he could be a tremendous value pick.

Overrated: Isaiah Bond, Texas

A player currently being overvalued is Isaiah Bond, who has been projected as high as the first round by Bleacher Report. While his explosive speed is impressive, his game lacks versatility. Bond is more of a one-trick pony, with only average strength and limited ability to break tackles after the catch. He also struggles in contested situations, managing just three catches in tight coverage this season. Additionally, his small catch radius and lack of polished route running further limit his effectiveness. For these reasons, NFL Mock’s assigns him just a fourth-round draft grade.

Special teams ace: Junior Bergen, Montana

One of the top special teams players in the 2025 NFL Draft is Montana wide receiver Junior Bergen, who has excelled as a punt returner. This season, he averaged an impressive 24 yards per punt return and scored three touchdowns on just 10 returns, bringing his career total to eight punt return touchdowns. Beyond his special teams dominance, Bergen is also a playmaker with the ball in his hands as a receiver and could contribute as a backup slot receiver at the NFL level.