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Jeremiah Smith Headlines Early WR Watch List for 2027 NFL Draft

By Luke Easterling Athlon Sports

I don't know that we'll ever have a bad wide receiver class in the NFL Draft ever again.

There's just so much talent coming out of the college ranks at the position these days, and I don't see that trend slowing down anytime soon. Whether it's elite talent at the top of the board, or valuable depth throughout the first few tiers, I'm betting NFL teams will be able to find plenty of quality receivers throughout the early rounds of the draft for years to come.

The 2027 class has the elite talent taken care of with Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith (the consensus top prospect in the entire class) but it remains to be seen how much high-end depth the group can deliver next offseason. There's plenty of promise among this year's pass-catching prospects, but they'll have to deliver on the expectations between the lines this fall.

Here's an early look at the top wide receivers eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft:

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

A superstar from the moment he stepped on the field for the Buckeyes, Smith would have been the No. 1 overall prospect in each of the last two draft classes, had he been eligible. He can finally make the jump after the 2026 season, and there's little left for him to prove on the field after what we've seen from him up to this point.

Smith has an ideal combination of size, speed, athleticism and physicality, with strong hands and smooth route-running chops that allow him to create consistent separation at all levels of the field. He also commands the attention of the entire opposing defense, opening things up for his teammates. He should be the first non-QB off the board next April.

Cam Coleman, Texas

A transfer from Auburn, Coleman's elite talent flashed throughout the 2025 season, but his production was consistently held back by lackluster quarterback play. That shouldn't be a problem this season, as he'll get to catch passes for Arch Manning in Austin. Coleman's size, length, ball skills and leaping ability make him nearly unguardable at the catch point, and he's a polished route-runner for such a big target:

The physical tools are all there for Coleman to put up huge numbers for the Longhorns this season, and his presence should benefit Manning's development, as well. He should make that same impact in the pros, where he makes his new quarterback's life easier, especially on critical third downs and in the red zone.

Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama

He's got a longer name now, but Coleman-Williams is looking to recapture the effectiveness, consistency and production that made him one of the most electrifying playmakers in all of college football as a freshman. He struggled to live up to the hype he created for himself last season, struggling with drops and overall consistency, which led to a massive drop in production.

All that said, the talent that made him such an instant-impact player to start his career hasn't disappeared. Coleman-Williams still has all of the upside in the world, and he'll be highly motivated to put last year's struggles behind him with a bounce-back campaign in 2026. If that happens, he could easily play his way back into first-round consideration.

Nick Marsh, Indiana

After catching seven passes and a touchdown against them last year, the Hoosiers made the smart decision to lure Marsh to Bloomington from Michigan State. For the defending champs, Marsh will bring an impressive blend of size, physicality and explosiveness after the catch that should set the table for a breakout season with a better supporting cast.

Marsh's ability to create separation with subtle movements and short-area quickness/burst is impressive for his size, and his frame makes life difficult for smaller defensive backs who need to work through him to get to the ball without drawing penalties. He could end up being a first-round pick if he lives up to the potential of his physical traits in 2026.

Mario Craver, Texas A&M

Undersized but explosive, Craver is a touchdown waiting to happen every time he gets the ball in his hands. He averaged 15.5 yards per reception for the Aggies last year after transferring from Mississippi State, showing off the big-play ability NFL teams are always looking for at the position:

There will obviously be durability concerns with his smaller frame (5-9, 165 pounds), but there's simply no substitute for the speed and explosiveness Craver brings to the table. NFL teams have shown an increased willingness in recent years to take chances on smaller offensive playmakers who can threaten defenses like Craver can, so don't be surprised if he ends up being an early pick in 2027.

Best of the Rest

South Carolina WR Nyck Harbor has an impressive size/speed combo, but still needs a ton of polish. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images) Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
South Carolina WR Nyck Harbor has an impressive size/speed combo, but still needs a ton of polish. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images) Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Omarion Miller, Arizona State

Ryan Wingo, Texas

TJ Moore, Clemson

Charlie Becker, Indiana

Nyck Harbor, South Carolina

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 7:01 AM.

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