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2025 NFL mock draft roundup: WR predictions for Tetairoa McMillan, Travis Hunter, more

Ayrton Ostly   Paste BN
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The 2024 NFL draft saw a record-tying seven wide receivers selected in the first round, starting with the Arizona Cardinals drafting Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4 overall.

He was joined by Malik Nabers (No. 6 to the New York Giants) and Rome Odunze (No. 9 to the Chicago Bears) in the top 10. Other receivers selected in the first round included Brian Thomas Jr. (No. 23 to the Jacksonville Jaguars), Xavier Worthy (No. 28 to the Kansas City Chiefs), Ricky Pearsall (No. 31 to the San Francisco 49ers) and Xavier Legette (No. 32 to the Carolina Panthers).

The 2025 class of wide receivers isn't on that level. There are plenty of talented players but not as many game-changing playmakers as the 2024 class.

Four wide receivers are expected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft: Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, Missouri's Luther Burden III, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka and Texas' Matthew Golden. You can also count two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter from Colorado, as he played both cornerback and wide receiver for the Buffaloes. We will for this mock roundup.

Teams are always on the lookout for young, cost-controlled talent at the position. But where could these five end up? Here's the latest predictions roundup for each player.

2025 NFL mock draft roundup: WR predictions

Travis Hunter, Colorado

Hunter's more likely to see playing time on defense early on in the NFL because the jump to the professional league is a bit easier at cornerback than wide receiver. Still, his athleticism, ball skills, size and general playmaking would make him the top wide receiver in the class if he played there full-time. He's the consensus top player in the draft.

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

McMillan's considered the top full-time wide receiver in the class thanks to his mix of size, fluid athleticism and good route-running. He's not a deep threat, more in the mold of a Tee Higgins or Drake London, but offers a skill set that will work in most all offenses across the league.

  • Palm Beach Post: No. 16 overall to the Arizona Cardinals
  • NFL.com: No. 19 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • The 33rd Team: No. 12 overall to the Dallas Cowboys
  • Sports Illustrated: No. 9 overall to the New Orleans Saints

Luther Burden III, Missouri

Burden III entered the 2024 college football season viewed as arguably the top wide receiver in the 2025 draft class. He had a down year by his standards but would be an upgrade in the slot for most teams across the league. He's built like a running back at 5-foot-11 and 205 lbs. with explosive after-the-catch ability.

  • Palm Beach Post: No. 21 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers
  • FantasyPros: No. 21 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers
  • The 33rd Team: No. 21 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Sports Illustrated: No. 21 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Egbuka should make it four years in a row with at least one first-round wide receiver from Ohio State, following Harrison Jr. in 2024, Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2023 and Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave in 2022. Egbuka brings reliable hands, impressive body control and smooth athleticism to thrive after the catch from the slot position, similar to Smith-Njigba's skill set.

  • Palm Beach Post: No. 26 overall to the Los Angeles Rams
  • NFL.com: No. 25 overall to the Houston Texans
  • The 33rd Team: No. 25 overall to the Houston Texans
  • Sports Illustrated: No. 26 overall to the Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Golden, Texas

Golden came on strong to close the season for the Longhorns and is seeing his draft stock improve as evaluators dig into his film. He's a very good route runner who can separate at the right time with a combination of ball tracking and elevation to high-point the ball against coverage. He can fit in as a solid No. 2 option in most any offense across the league.

  • Palm Beach Post: No. 20 overall to the Denver Broncos
  • NFL.com: No. 30 overall to the Buffalo Bills
  • The 33rd Team: No. 22 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers
  • Sports Illustrated: No. 22 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers
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