I went through and scouted many NFL Draft wide receiver prospects for this cycle. Each player I studied in-depth and really explored their potential abilities. However, the grades more so reflect where each prospect is now based on their current ability. In the event of a tie, I insert my opinions on who I would prefer over others based on upside and their chances of improving in those abilities.

I decided to break this into three parts based on the three basic types of wide receivers; the “X,” or the number one receiver, the “Z,” or the number two receiver, and the slot receiver.

A little bit about my grades and how to read them:

87 and over is considered a first-round grade. After that, anyone from 86-80 is considered a day two grade. 79 and under is considered a day three grade.

The X receiver is the boundary playmaker that is typically the number one option for the quarterback. With this position, the idea is to have a dominant boundary receiver who can take attention away from the other receivers in the formation. This opens up a lot of space underneath.

Here are my overall grades and rankings for the X wide receiver position:

1. Ja’Marr Chase, LSU (88)
2. DeVonta Smith, Alabama (87)
3. Brennan Eagles, Texas (84)
4. TJ Vasher, Texas Tech (81)
5. Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville (80)
6. Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois (80)
7. Josh Palmer, Tennessee (79)
8. Cornell Powell, Clemson (78)
9. Seth Williams, Auburn (77)
10. Michael Strachan, Charleston (75)
11. Adrian Hardy, Louisiana Tech (74)

Here are my notes on the “X” wide receiver rankings: