The pads are on in NFL training camp and there are already rookie wide receivers showing off their talent.
While the 2025 NFL Draft wide receiver class wasn’t as enamored as the 2024 draft, there are some receivers who can make an immediate impact in the NFL and it starts with the first wide receiver off the board, Carolina Panthers rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
No. 8 overall pick already looking like the big cat in Carolina
A big receiver who carried the offense at Arizona, McMillan is not a burner, but speed alone doesn’t make a wide receiver. With his ability to body smaller defenders and go up and grab the ball, the Panthers’ rookie is poised to be a significant target for third-year quarterback Bryce Young.
With this tough sideline catch in training camp, McMillan is showing off his ability to muscle catches through contact:
Putting the sure hands on display 💪 (via @GabeMcDonald_) pic.twitter.com/F90gS3P9Dr
— NFL (@NFL) July 28, 2025
If McMillan continues to show his ability to make tough catches, the Panthers are in line to have quite the wide receiver group with Xavier Legette, Hunter Renfrow and Adam Thielen also in the mix.
Patriots third-round pick building quick chemistry with Drake Maye
Down in Foxborough, one rookie wide receiver breaking ankles is third-round pick Kyle Williams who the team is banking on to add some explosion to the offense.
With his speed and ability to accelerate past defenders, Williams is the type of player who could be a down-the-field threat for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. So far in camp, that connection has been shining as Williams has showcased his speed and his ability to make tough catches.
In one-on-one drills, Williams pulled down a one-handed catch on a corner route that drew the “ohs” and “ahhs” from observers.
There will be a lot more of that if that chemistry between the two continues to build…and it will.
“Just getting that constant work in,” Williams told reporters following practice. “Understanding each other. Him being able to trust me when those types of routes are being called. And when it comes to pads, just try to carry it all over…everything ramps up. We try to have that same energy from day 1 all the way to the end of training camp.”
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With Maye and Williams getting on the same page, the Patriots also formulating an interesting wide receiver group with Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Mack Hollins and undrafted rookie Efton Chism III all in the mix to build a strong receiver group of playmakers for Maye.
Another weapon for Baker Mayfield
Former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has entered the NFL in an ideal situation. With not much pressure on him in Year 1, the Buccaneers first round pick gets to learn from and play behind the greatness of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He also gets to pick the brain of Jalen McMillan who stepped into a similar role as a rookie a year ago and emerged as the WR3.
Could Egbuka make it a solid four receivers for Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense? Well, so far in training camp he has been turning heads with his athletic catches and awareness along the sideline.
Already a favorite target of Mayfield, Egbuka’s showing so far is a glimpse into what should be a solid rookie season. After playing second fiddle to the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith the last two years at Ohio State, Egbuka is customed to the role he’ll play in Year 1 with Evans and Godwin as the obvious WR1 and WR2.
The hope is he’ll elevate enough to be in position to take over as a top receiver for the Buccaneers beyond 2025, but that doesn’t mean Year 1 won’t be special.