In today’s preview of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects from the West, we look at the highest-rated pass-catchers.
Among this group, we have some playmakers, speedsters, and guys that just know how to get open.
In recent years we have seen quite a few wide receivers and tight ends get drafted and make an immediate impact on offense.
We certainly could see a few of those types of players come out of our region this year.
(Note: Colorado’s Travis Hunter is projected to be taken primarily as a cornerback, so his ranking on this list doesn’t reflect his overall value in the draft.)
Arizona’s Tetaiora McMillan is our top WR from the region, and Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson is the top TE.
Here’s a combined look at the top seven wide receiver prospects and top two tight end prospects, with my assessment of when they will go in the draft.
1. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona — 1st Round
McMillan could be an immediate mismatch in the NFL.
At just over 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, he has the size to go along with the speed to be an impact player after the catch at the next level.
He proved he could make plays in traffic at Arizona, leading all NCAA WRs since 2023 with 35 contested receptions and 70 explosive plays.
2. Jalen Royals, Utah State — 2nd/3rd Round
One of the biggest strengths for Jaley Royals is his ability to find the soft spot in a zone and know where defenders are going to be.
He is probably best suited for a possession receiver out of the slot in the NFL.
While Royals lacks the explosiveness to be a vertical threat at the next level, he more than makes up for it with his ability to make catches in traffic and break tackles.
3. Kyle Williams, Washington State — 2nd Round
Williams has the speed to beat defenders deep on the outside and that is his biggest strength.
Speed can’t be taught, and Williams ran a 4.4 at the combine with a 10-yard open of 1.55 seconds. He can blow by defenders at the line.
However, his biggest weakness is in his footwork and route-running ability.
That will limit some options early but can be corrected. When he gets there, he could turn into a versatile receiver who could play outside or in the slot.
4. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon — 3rd round
Ferguson is quick for a TE and this shows in his ability to beat LBs on seam routes. He excels as a pass catcher and will high-point the football.
That along with phenomenal body control translates to a great receiver in traffic.
Ferguson’s weakness is in his blocking. He needs to get better at run blocking and this stems from some footwork issues that could be fixed in the NFL.
He could have a lot of trouble slowing down good edge rushers at the pro level.
5. Elic Ayomanor, Stanford — 3rd or 4th round
Ayomanor has the size, strength, and speed to play in the NFL.
His major weakness is an excessive number of drops.
Most experts have noted this stems more from his technique than an issue with his hands.
That can be corrected, and he will improve his ball-tracking skills and when he does, he could be a very good receiver at the next level.
6. Tory Horton, Colorado State — 4th round
Horton has great hands and the speed to get open.
His slight frame, at just 196 pounds, might limit him. Creating space to make the physical catches could be an issue.
His pass-catching ability can’t be overlooked, though.
Once he catches the ball, he may not break a ton of tackles, but his quick feet will make defenders miss.
7. Tez Johnson, Oregon — 5th round
Johnson is a high-volume slot receiver and is set up to be a prototypical receiver in that role at the next level.
Johnson will make a lot of plays underneath.
Similar to Horton, however, he could have a hard time creating space on contested balls due to his physical limitations.
His route running ability is a strength and he is agile enough to master the complexity of an NFL route tree.
8. Travis Hunter, Colorado — Top 5 Overall
Hunter will be drafted in the top five overall and most likely will be one of the first three players selected.
I list him as No. 8 on this list because he is expected to be drafted primarily as a cornerback. He should be used as a wide receiver as well, though far less frequently.
On balance, I see him being a full-time CB and about a 10-play-a-game WR in the NFL.
Hunter has a huge catch radius and will make spectacular grabs. He has the speed to beat DBs but knows how and when to change his pace to keep defenders guessing.
He needs to get more consistent in his route running. After the catch, he can beat people but lacks the physicality to break tackles.
9. Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA — 6th/7th round
Matavao has a pro frame at 6-6, 260, and is tailormade to be a blocking tight end.
He has some explosiveness off the line but lacks the high-end speed to win on some longer routes.
On short passes, his route-running ability is a plus, but defenders will close out on longer routes.
He will also need to improve his run-blocking technique.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
