Douglas has the height and length to project as an NFL “X” receiver. However, concerns with his long speed and hands make it difficult to envision a consistent contributing role. He will need to add strength across the board to stick on a roster as a boundary receiver.

Caldwell is the type of vertical “X” receiver worth a late-round flier simply because there are few players with his combination of size and explosiveness. However, he must become more technical and nuanced as a route runner — particularly with his releases against press — to create consistent separation, even on vertical routes, if he is to develop beyond a depth or practice-squad option.

If you're into long “X” receivers who live for contested catches, Lane will be your cup of tea. If low separation scores and YAC numbers spook you, you'll likely stay away.

Sturdivant is a big, explosive outside “X” receiver with three-down potential, strong play strength and athleticism. However, there is a lack of nuance and feel to his game, which could always keep you wanting more if that does not improve.

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PFF Premium Stats allows subscribers to scout all of the 2026 NFL Draft's top prospects.

Hurst is a long, lean outside “X” receiver who brings a solid baseline of blocking and contested-catch ability to the role. He has pro-level vertical speed, but it takes some time to build up. He projects as a Day 3 receiver with the chance to be a contributing player.

If Fields attacks the ball in the air with more consistency and urgency, he has a chance to stick on an NFL roster as a big-bodied receiver with reliable blocking and adequate long speed.

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Lance dominated FCS competition as a versatile “X” receiver. He moves well for his size and pairs that with reliable contested-catch production, giving him a strong case as an early Day 3 pick with the potential to develop into a contributing NFL receiver.

Brazzell is a boom-or-bust vertical receiver capable of posting 100 yards one week and 20 the next. His route tree is limited, but what he does — winning downfield — he does very well. In a vertical offense, he projects as a high-upside outside receiver who will likely begin his career as a WR3. If a team bets on his skill set and he hits, he has the potential to become an impact player.

Bell offers an impressive blend of size — particularly weight — and explosiveness as a WR2 in a vertical offense. Some tightness in his lateral movements limits his ability to win with nuanced route-running, but when kept on vertical or horizontal routes, he can generate separation on deep routes and create yards after the catch on shorter touches.

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Surratt may profile as a below-average athlete for an NFL “X” receiver, but there is still plenty to like in his game. His strong hands, coordination and determination at the catch point — combined with his constant competitiveness — give him starter potential as an outside WR2 in offenses that value jump-ball opportunities.

Boston is a smooth-moving “X” receiver with the size and skill set to develop into a starting outside receiver at the next level. He is less comfortable and productive against zone coverage, but in single-coverage situations he is often the player to bet on thanks to his elite hand strength.

Every quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class brings high-end traits to the table, but even the top prospects have areas of concern that NFL teams will need to evaluate closely.