A panel of anonymous NFL scouts has dismissed the 2026 wide receiver draft class as lacking elite talent, ranking Carnell Tate of Ohio State as the top prospect. The assessment comes amid speculation that the position is a priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Scouts told Bob McGinn via Go Long that no standout first-round caliber players emerge from the group.
Anonymous NFL scouts expressed skepticism about the 2026 wide receiver draft prospects, describing the class as deep but devoid of elite playmakers. An AFC personnel executive remarked to Bob McGinn via Go Long, “There’s a decent amount of depth, but there’s no real stud.” The scouts highlighted Carnell Tate as the potential first receiver selected, though noting he was not the top receiver on his college team at Ohio State. Another scout added, “You just don’t see first-rounders. They just don’t jump out. Mike Evans is a blue player. None of these guys are really blue.” A longtime evaluator echoed the sentiment: “These Denzel Bostons and KC Concepcions and Antonio Williamses of the world, they’re just guys. Even Makai Lemon, he’s a little guy, a tough guy, but he’s not a No. 1. I like Tate the best of all of them but he’s good, he’s not great. After Tate, in other years they would be second-, third- and fourth-rounders. There’s nothing out there.” The scouts ranked the top 17 prospects as follows: 1. Carnell Tate (Ohio State), 2. Makai Lemon (USC), 3. Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), 4. Denzel Boston (Washington), 5. KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), 6. Chris Bell (Louisville), 7. Chris Brazzell (Tennessee), 8. Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), 9. Zachariah Branch (Georgia), 10. Bryce Lance (NDSU), 11. Deion Burks (Oklahoma), 12. Antonio Williams (Clemson), 13. Malachi Fields (Notre Dame), 14. Ja’Kobi Lane (USC), 15. Elijah Sarratt (Indiana), 16. Germie Bernard (Alabama), 17. Ted Hurst (Georgia State). For the Pittsburgh Steelers, who view wide receivers as a top draft need after skipping the position in the first round for 20 years, the evaluations pose challenges. The team boasts DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. as its top two receivers, seeking a future No. 1. Historically, an average of 5.3 receivers have been drafted in the first round over the past six years, even in weaker classes like 2025 when four went before the end of Day 1.
