2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 sleeper wide receivers to watch include fits for 49ers & Saints

A look at five wide receivers who are flying under the radar.
Chris Brazzell II could be a fit in New Orleans
Chris Brazzell II could be a fit in New Orleans | Johnnie Izquierdo/GettyImages

While prospects like Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate are grabbing headlines for the 2026 NFL Draft, several mid- to late-round receivers could quickly make an impact in the NFL. Teams such as the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers are expected to target at least one receiver in the middle rounds, making these five sleepers worth watching.

2026 NFL Draft: Five sleeper wide receivers

1. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

NFL Fit: New Orleans Saints

Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II has taken a big step forward this season, already surpassing last year’s totals with two more catches, 198 more yards, and five additional touchdowns. He has also improved his hands, dropping fewer passes and showing more consistency catching the ball in traffic. Brazzell is a strong fit for the Saints, who need to upgrade their underwhelming passing game.


2. Kevin Coleman, Missouri

NFL Fit: Carolina Panthers

Missouri’s Kevin Coleman has established himself as one of the premier slot receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, currently leading the SEC with 39 catches. His game is built on elite elusiveness, making him a nightmare to tackle in space and a threat every time he touches the ball. That same skill set translates to special teams, where he averaged 9.6 yards per punt return last season. The Panthers make sense as a landing spot since they need a reliable slot option to replace Hunter Renfrow, and their punt return unit ranks last in the league at just 4.4 yards per return.


3. Ian Strong, Rutgers

NFL Fit: Miami Dolphins

Rutgers wide receiver Ian Strong gives the Dolphins the physical presence they are missing at the position. Dane Brugler of The Athletic calls him one of the best contested-catch receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, and this season he caught 11 of 14 passes thrown to him in tight coverage. Strong pairs sure hands and toughness with a high football IQ, allowing him to consistently catch the ball in traffic and find open space against zone coverage.


4. Eugene Wilson III, Florida

NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys

Florida’s Eugene Wilson III hasn’t put up big numbers, but his raw skills suggest he can thrive in the NFL if used more efficiently. This season he has been held to 10 or fewer receiving yards in three of four games and is rarely asked to stretch the field. Still, he is dynamic with the ball in his hands, averaging 11.3 yards after the catch last season and totaling 480 yards after the catch with 18 forced missed tackles in 2023. The Dallas Cowboys, who need more playmakers at wide receiver, would be wise to consider Wilson in the sixth or seventh round.


5. Romello Brinson, SMU

NFL Fit: San Francisco 49ers

SMU wideout Romello Brinson opened the season on fire with back-to-back 100-yard games, earning recognition from NFL Mock as one of the week’s top performers against Baylor. At 6-foot-2, he brings solid length and unexpected agility for his frame. Brinson profiles as a prototypical West Coast receiver, making him a natural fit in San Francisco’s offense. With the 49ers looking to bolster their receiver depth, he could carve out a role quickly.

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