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:
- Ja’Marr Chase, LSU (88)
- DeVonta Smith, Alabama (87)
- Brennan Eagles, Texas (84)
- TJ Vasher, Texas Tech (81)
- Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville (80)
- Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois (80)
- Josh Palmer, Tennessee (79)
- Cornell Powell, Clemson (78)
- Seth Williams, Auburn (77)
- Michael Strachan, Charleston (75)
- Adrian Hardy, Louisiana Tech (74)

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