Ranking the 2022 NFL Draft's top 30 wide receivers

Here are the upcoming draft's top pass catchers

I ran a poll on my Twitter account recently asking which position group you wanted me to rank next for the 2022 NFL Draft. You chose linebackers. So today we’re going to be taking a look at the top 30 receivers in this upcoming class. Sorry guys, I bit off more than I could chew with the linebackers. You’ll see that ranking next week on Wednesday or Thursday.

Please understand that these are fluid rankings susceptible to change week-to-week based on performances, medical data, and measurables. The number ranking isn’t as important as a prospect’s tier. Most prospects are interchangeable with other players in their tier.

All of the players that appear below are draft-eligible, but some may return to college and wait until future drafts. Height, weight, and sack data are from ESPN.

I’m only one person and can’t watch every game on Saturday. Reach out to me @Sam_Teets 33 on Twitter or leave a comment at the bottom of this post if I’ve overlooked anyone that you believe deserves a spot on the top 30.

Tier 1- WR1 Candidates

1. Chris Olave, WR Ohio St.

You’ve probably already heard someone mention Olave’s elite route running. The senior knows how to get open and create natural separation with excellent footwork and cuts. At 6'1", 189 lbs., he needs those skills to be a viable top option.

Olave doesn’t have the same ceiling as my top wide receivers in the past two drafts (Ja'Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb), but he offers a consistent stream of production. Teams with young quarterbacks should consider investing in Olave’s skill set.

I’m still not sold on Olave as WR1. Drake London actually claimed this spot a few weeks ago, but he got hurt before I began writing the article.

2. Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio St.

Wilson took most of his snaps as a slot receiver in 2020 before shifting outside for this season. The junior has a similar build to Olave (6'0", 188 lbs.), which limits his projection. However, Wilson has enough wiggle to create missed tackles after the catch and is fast enough to threaten defenses downfield.

Wilson only has two 100-yard games this season, but we need to scout the skills, not the numbers when it comes to Buckeyes receivers. Remember, there are three future first-round wide outs on that team (Olave, Wilson, and sophomore Jaxon Smith-Njigba).

I’m slightly more underwhelmed by Olave and Wilson than other members of the media because Smith-Njigba significantly outperformed them in the Ohio State games I watched.

3. Drake London, WR USC

My heart sank when the update flashed across my TV screen that London was carted off with an air cast on his right leg. Thankfully it was only a fractured ankle (which is a weird sentence to type). We’re not sure when London will return to peak physical form, but he could make a pass at the 2022 NFL Combine if rehab goes well.

The combine means more for London than most receivers in the top five because his speed and ability to separate are under a microscope. At 6'5", 210 lbs., we already know he’s not losing many 50/50 balls and has the physicality to create yards after the catch (YAC). However, he needs enough juice to best NFL-caliber cornerbacks.

Despite concerns about his speed, I moved London into my WR1 spot a few days before his injury. He was a shoo-in for the Biletnikoff Award this year, considering he amassed 130 receiving yards or more in six of his seven games before getting hurt against Arizona. I hope that production translates to the league.

Tier 2- 1st Round Selections

4. Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas

Like London, Burks is a physically unique specimen (6'3", 225 lbs.) for the wide receiver position, but he plays differently than the USC star. Burks spends most of his time in the slot while London lines up out wide. Arkansas’ offense also takes steps to feed Burks the ball whenever possible, even if that means getting creative.

Burks packs more of a punch as a runner than London, and I’m significantly less worried about his speed. However, we’ve seen defenses almost completely remove him from several games this year. Arkansas’ offense deserves some blame for those dud performances, but Burks’ current state doesn’t make him an infallible top option.

Hopefully Burks goes to a team willing to move him around and feed him the ball frequently. Imagine Laviska Shenault Jr. without the injuries and better ability to stretch the field.

Tier 3- Top 50 Selections

5. Jahan Dotson, WR Penn St.

Speaking of stretching the field, Dotson is the first of this draft’s speed receivers to appear on the big board. The 5'11", 184 lb. senior works as a punt returner for the Nittany Lions, and that versatility translates to his play on offense. Penn State occasionally gives Dotson snaps in the slot, but he primarily lines up on the outside.

We’ve seen Dotson’s average yards per reception decline this season as the Nittany Lions turn to him more frequently, but he averaged 16 or more yards per catch in 2019 and 2020. He’s not a pure speed receiver either. Dotson flashes excellent route running skills, a smooth release, and reliable hands.

Unfortunately, Dotson’s size could confine him to the slot for NFL teams despite his production out wide in college.

6. Jameson Williams, WR Alabama

Williams transferred to Alabama after not seeing much action in Ohio State’s crowded wide receiver room. Unlike Dotson, Williams unquestionably has the size to play outside when he reaches the NFL (6'2", 189 lbs.). He doesn’t have the same twitch as Dotson, but his speed is a weapon for the Crimson Tide.

Williams has nine kickoff returns this season for 337 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also averaging 19.3 yards per reception for the year and 18.9 yards per reception during his collegiate career. His speed generates plenty of YAC and should blend well with any quarterback capable of launching the ball 45 or more yards downfield.

I believe Williams is slightly more dynamic than former Crimson Tide speedster Henry Ruggs III, who struggled with his transition to the NFL.

7. John Metchie III, WR Alabama

Metchie is an interesting case. It’s easy to buy into Williams’ elite physical traits, but separating Metchie’s production from Bryce Young’s natural success is difficult. The sophomore quarterback makes every Alabama offensive prospect look better, but Metchie’s route running and low average depth of target make him a prime candidate for statistical inflation.

At 6'0", 195 lbs., Metchie is a nice mix of some builds we’ve already discussed. He’s a savvy route runner capable of stretching the field when paired with an underneath presence, and he’s seen significant snaps in the slot and out wide. Alabama isn’t using Metchie on many deep routes this year because Williams is better at blowing the tops off defenses.

Metchie vanished from Alabama’s offense for a few weeks before re-emerging against Texas A&M. He’s increased his production and involvement in the season’s second half.

8. Romeo Doubs, WR Nevada

Doubs offers the best combination of speed and physicality among this draft class’ top receiving options. Maybe Burks can challenge for that title, but he’s nowhere near Doubs in terms of separation skills and flat-out speed. At 6'2", 200 lbs., Doubs has a muscular build capable of giving defensive backs trouble and elite agility.

The senior began returning punts as a freshman for the Wolf Pack, and he’s never forfeited those duties. Doubs is averaging about 12.2 yards per return during his collegiate career and averaged 17.3 yards per reception on his way to a 1,000-yard season in 2020.

Doubs isn’t a week-to-week top performer, which likely means he’ll go in the second-round.

Tier 4- Late 2nd to Early 3rd Rounders

9. David Bell, WR Purdue

Bell wins in some ways similar to London. His 6'2", 205 lb. frame is an advantage against most cornerbacks, generating a high win percentage in contested catch situations. Despite his big plays, I wouldn’t put Bell in the same class of contested catch receivers as London or former Clemson star Tee Higgins.

Bell doesn’t create much separation, which heavily limits his projection as an NFL receiver. He lacks the elite physical build of London and the explosiveness of Burks. Although Bell has a completely different game, his lack of elite separation skills could compare to former second-round pick JuJu Smith-Schuster.

With London done of the year, Bell is a frontrunner for the Biletnikoff Award. He has 200-yard performances against No. 2 Iowa and No. 3 Michigan St. Purdue plays Ohio St. on Saturday.

10. George Pickens, WR Georgia

Pickens hasn’t taken a snap this year, which could lead to the junior returning for another season at Georgia. He received hype as a potential first-round selection entering 2021 but hasn’t returned from a torn ACL he suffered during spring practices. Pickens finished one yard off the team lead in 2020 despite missing two games, and he led Georgia with 727 receiving yards as a freshman.

From the tape we have of Pickens, it’s clear he possesses a smooth release and great agility going into and coming out of cuts. He rarely drops passes and uses his 6'3", 200 lb. frame to win contested catches.

Pickens showed enough during his first two seasons that he could command a top 100 pick after a good pro day and combine, but that’s a risky situation.

11. Jalen Tolbert, WR South Alabama

Fans probably aren’t too familiar with the South Alabama Jaguars, but their top receiver could win the Biletnikoff Award in a few weeks. Tolbert already has 1,000 yards this season, thanks to four performances with over 140 receiving yards. At 6'3", 190 lbs., Tolbert is one of the nation’s best deep threats. He’s averaging 17.8 yards per reception in 2021.

Tolbert covers ground quickly with long strides and is loose enough to sink on his cuts, creating separation for his quarterback. I’m not sure he possesses a single elite trait, although his ball skills are up there with the best in this class.

Tolbert’s level of competition could raise some questions.

12. Dontay Demus Jr., WR Maryland

Demus is unfortunately done for the season after undergoing surgery for a knee injury. This year, the senior amassed 507 yards in five appearances before getting hurt in the second quarter against then No. 5 Iowa. He already had 61 receiving yards before getting carted off.

Demus finds himself in a small number of contested catch situations for a 6'3", 217 lb. outside receiver. He began returning kickoffs for the Terrapins this year as a testament to his versatility. Demus possesses a rare glide for a receiver his size, which contributes to great route running and YAC.

13. Justyn Ross, WR Clemson

The Tigers haven’t done Ross any favors by primarily playing the 6'4", 205 lb. junior in the slot this year. He was amazing as an outside option during his first two seasons. However, he missed all of 2020 as he recovered from surgery for a congenital fusion in his neck and spine and hasn’t looked like his usual self since returning.

Ross still possesses elite size, but he’s nowhere near matching the 21.7 yards per reception he posted as a freshman. He hasn’t posted a 100-yard game this season and sometimes vanishes in games, but D.J. Uiagalelei deserves some blame for those issues.

Ross’ lack of burning speed and separation and recent struggles in contested catch situations make him a third-round pick at most.

Tier 5- Late 3rd to Early 4th Rounders

14. Jaquarii Roberson, WR Wake Forest

Roberson is a junior slot receiver taking full advantage of Sam Hartman’s emergence as one of college football’s best quarterbacks. The 6'1", 182 lb. North Carolina native has four 100-yard games this season, including three consecutive outings with at least 135 yards.

Roberson rarely drops a pass and enjoys an expanded role as a vertical threat in Wake Forest’s offense. His average depth of target increased about four yards this season, and he’s winning a surprisingly high percentage of contested catches. Unfortunately, he rarely breaks tackles after the catch.

15. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR Kentucky

Evaluations for Robinson are going to be all over the place. We should start by establishing that the 5'11", 185 lb. Nebraska transfer is a slot only. However, the Cornhuskers fully utilized his versatility, giving him 134 carries between 2019 and 2020. Robinson also returned kickoffs as a freshman before moving to a more traditional role with Kentucky.

Robinson’s burst and speed should attract teams during the pre-draft process, but he’ll likely remain on the board until a scheme-fit emerges.

16. Zay Flowers, WR Boston College

Losing Phil Jurkovec for a chunk of the season hurt Flowers’ production, but he still has 566 receiving yards. The 5'10", 177 lb. junior is likely a slot exclusive prospect given his small frame and thin build. Flowers lacks elite long speed, but he’s difficult to bring down in small spaces. Drops are an occasional issue as he’s let 15 passes hit the ground in his collegiate career.

Flowers had three games with over 160 receiving yards in 2020. With the exception of North Carolina St. this year, he generally performs well against ranked opponents.

We’ll see if a scheme-specific role leads to Flowers going in the top 100 selections.

17. Ainias Smith, WR Texas A&M

Smith is spending about 75% of his snaps in the slot this season, marking a new single-season high. The junior is 5'10" and weighs 190 lbs., meaning he won’t see snaps outside at the next level either. He struggles with drops and does his best work after the catch, when his speed and agility take center stage.

Smith is a Swiss army knife for offenses. Texas A&M ran the ball with him 49 times for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 2020. He also returns punts and was a kick returner in 2019.

18. Khalil Shakir, WR Boise St.

Shakir has plenty of snaps under his belt. The senior has three consecutive years with at least 715 receiving yards, and he’s knocking on the doorstep of 1,000 this season. The California native spent most of his snaps out wide in 2020, but he moved back to the slot in 2021. At 6'0", 190 lbs., Shakir won’t see many snaps outside at the NFL level.

Shakir has experience as a punt and kick returner. I expect some analysts will have him much closer to the top ten than I do.

19. Charleston Rambo, WR Miami

Rambo’s decision to transfer from Oklahoma to Miami paid off. The junior amassed 743 yards in 2019 with the Sooners before playing a relegated role in 2020. He’s bounced back with the Hurricanes, making a career-high 58 receptions for 860 yards and five touchdowns.

Rambo wins with speed, acceleration, and quick releases that unlock all levels of the field.

Tier 6- Day 3 Prospects

20. Joseph Ngata, WR Clemson

After several slot receivers, we finally see another outside player. Unfortunately, Ngata suffered an injury against Louisville that will keep the 6'3", 220 lb. junior out for several weeks. The California native is an interesting study. He has a history of injuries but looked like Clemson’s best receiver in several games this year.

Ngata thrives in contested catch scenarios, but he often finds himself in those situations because of an inability to separate. His route running could use some work, but he’s playing well in the role Ross held two years ago.

21. Jaivon Heiligh, WR Coastal Carolina

Losing Grayson McCall will impact Heiligh’s production down the stretch, but we already know a lot about the senior. He’s played 41 games for the Chanticleers and has 105 receptions for 1,790 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years. Heiligh spends most of his time out wide and has become used to testing defenses vertically since the start of 2020.

Heiligh works well along the boundary and has combined with McCall for dozens of highlight plays. We’ll see how playing with a backup quarterback impacts how analysts perceive him.

22. Dontario Drummond, WR Ole Miss

Drummond played second fiddle to Elijah Moore last year before stepping into his own with the Rebels. He’s Matt Corral’s favorite target by far and had impressive showings against Arkansas and LSU. Most of Drummond’s snaps are coming from the slot this year as opposed to when they came on the outside in 2019 and 2020.

23. Jerreth Sterns, WR Western Kentucky

Sterns transferred from Houston Baptist to Western Kentucky ahead of the 2021 season, and the move paid off big time. He’s second in the nation with 1,276 receiving yards and leads the country with 11 receiving touchdowns.

While he hasn’t faced many notable programs, Sterns mauled Michigan St. for 17 receptions, 186 yards, and one touchdown. He also went for 195 and two scores against undefeated UTSA.

Sterns falls this far down the list because he’s taken 94% of his collegiate snaps in the slot and is only 5'9", 195 lbs. He’s never had an average depth of target over 5.7 yards either. Sterns is incredibly athletic and makes people miss in space, but I’m not sure his game will translate to the NFL.

24. Dontayvion Wicks, WR Virginia

Wicks is a breakout redshirt sophomore receiver for the Cavaliers. After barely making an impact in 2020, the 6'1", 205 lb. Louisiana native has four games this year with 125 yards or more. He has 972 yards and nine touchdowns through nine games, which puts him among the nation’s top ten receivers in both categories.

Wicks is posting a staggering 19.9 average depth of target and 23.1 yards per reception. He doesn’t have great long speed but has enough burst to generate chunk plays. Wicks also has enough size to win in a good chunk of contested catch situations.

25. Tre Turner, WR Virginia Tech

Turner entered 2021 with high expectations, but he’s failed to take the next step despite playing the highest percentage of snaps outside of the slot in his career. Turner has a slight frame at 6'2", 187 lbs., and he gets involved in fewer contested catch situations than you might think.

Turner is coming off his best game of the season. He recorded seven receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown against Georgia Tech.

26. Samori Toure, WR Nebraska

At 6'3", 190 lbs., Toure has a lean frame. He kicked inside to the slot in 2021 after playing outside in 2018 and 2019 for Montana. Toure dominated with the Grizzlies, amassing 87 receptions for 1,495 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2019. He’s still playing well against better competition and just hung 150 yards and a touchdown on Ohio St.

27. Ty Fryfogle, WR Indiana

Fryfogle piqued the interest of scouts when he went off for 25 receptions for 560 yards and six touchdowns during a three-game stretch against Michigan, Michigan St., and Ohio St. in 2020. He only has four games with over 50 yards this season, which explains his precipitous drop in the rankings.

Fryfogle used his 6'2", 205 lb. frame to dominate in contested catch situations last year, but those wins haven’t materialized in 2021. He could find a home as a “big slot” in the NFL.

Tier 7- Injuries, Size Concerns, and Late Selections

28. Reggie Roberson Jr., WR SMU

Roberson is a fifth-year player for the Mustangs. He’s about 6'0", 200 lbs. and has two 800-yard seasons on his resume (2018 and 2019). Roberson uses speed and clean breaks to test one-on-one coverage. He’s almost exclusively lined up out wide compared to other receivers on this list.

Roberson hasn’t regained his statistical dominance after suffering a season-ending non-contact knee injury in 2020.

29. Deven Thompkins, WR Utah St.

Thompkins is a 5'8", 155 lb. senior slot receiver and kick returner. He leads the nation with 1,314 receiving yards and is averaging 18.3 yards per reception. The Florida native might win the Biletnikoff Award and has good explosiveness, but it’s difficult to name many skill players in the league under 170 lbs. Dropping down to 155 for a senior is challenging to envision working at the next level.

30. Alec Pierce, WR Cincinnati

Pierce is Desmond Ridder’s favorite target. The 6'3", 213 lb. senior has twice as many receiving yards as the next closest Bearcat. Pierce also led Cincinnati in receiving yards as a sophomore. Almost all of his success comes downfield. His average depth of target for his collegiate career is 16.8 yards.

31. Calvin Austin III, WR Memphis

Austin amassed 1,053 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2020. He’s off to a blazing start this year too and should easily surpass his breakout year totals. Unfortunately, the senior is only 5'9" and weighs a measly 162 lbs. Keep in mind he plays out wide for the Tigers. I’m not sure that size and weight are usable in any significant offensive role at the next level.

Austin returns punts for Memphis and could find an immediate role in the NFL on special teams.

32. Xavier Hutchinson, WR Iowa St.

Hutchinson is on pace for back-to-back 700-yard seasons with the Cyclones. The 6'3", 210 lb. senior has one of the lowest drop rates in college football, but he’s catching many passes near the line of scrimmage this year. That prevents Hutchinson from showcasing his route running, although it leads to plenty of YAC.

33. Ronnie Bell, WR Michigan

Bell suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game of his senior year. The Wolverines planned to use him as their lead receiver. Bell previously led Michigan in receiving yards as a sophomore and junior, even outperforming current NFL players Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Bell split time between the slot and outside in 2020 after spending most of his snaps as a slot option in 2019.

34. Jadon Haselwood, WR Oklahoma

Haselwood is killing defenses in contested catch situations this year. The 6'3", 202 lb. Georgia native is averaging under ten yards per reception after averaging over 16 yards per catch in 2020, which is somewhat concerning, but he’s scored six touchdowns on only 33 receptions. Haselwood doesn’t have the speed to challenge most corners vertically.

35. Jacob Copeland, WR Florida

Copeland spends most of his time out wide, but he’ll likely have to kick inside at the next level. His compact 6'0", 202 lb. frame is somewhat reminiscent of Amari Rodgers last year, but the Clemson product had more juice. Copeland finished fourth on the Gators in receiving yards last year, and he’s in first place by a good margin this season.

Just Missed the Cut

Emeka Emezie, WR N.C St.

Erik Ezukanma, WR Texas Tech

Jonathan Mingo, WR Ole Miss

A.T. Perry, WR Wake Forest

Others Considered

Dominick Blaylock, WR Georgia

Jadan Blue, WR Temple

Kekoa Crawford, WR Cal

Corey Crooms, WR Western Michigan

Jalen Cropper, WR Fresno St.

Dai'Jean Dixon, WR Nicholls

Zakhari Franklin, WR UTSA

Danny Gray, WR SMU

Dahu Green, WR Arkansas St.

Taj Harris, WR Syracuse

Travell Harris, WR Washington St.

Tyler Hudson, WR Central Arkansas

Brandon Johnson, WR UCF

Josh Johnson, WR Tulsa

Frank Ladson Jr., WR Clemson

Michael Mathison, WR Akron

Bo Melton, WR Rutgers

Skyy Moore, WR Western Michigan

Jalen Nailor, WR Michigan St.

Gunner Romney, WR BYU

Sean Ryan, WR West Virginia

Keylon Stokes, WR Tulsa

Corey Sutton, WR Appalachian St.

Theo Wease, WR Oklahoma