Pro comps for NFL Draft’s top receivers

TEMPE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 18: Jordyn Tyson #0 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts after scoring a two-yard touchdown reception against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the third quarter of the NCAAF game at Mountain America Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Red Raiders 26-22. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the most simplistic ways to break down the NFL Draft is to compare the unknown to the known. While we may have a lack of familiarity with prospects, giving them a name of past and present stars makes for more straightforward projections to the professional game.

This isn't to say that the individual available in the draft will have the same outcomes as those who came before them but rather to better understand stylistically how they fit into certain offenses and what role they may fill in the NFL. I'm not saying player X will be as good as player Y. It's simply pointing out that this player gives shades of someone we've seen before.

Let's dive into some professional comparisons for the 2026 receiver class:

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StatePro Comp: Somewhere between Amari Cooper & Stefon Diggs

Cooper is one of the best receivers you've probably forgotten about. He's a former top five draft selection that only played three seasons with the Raiders because of quarterback instability. Cooper was traded in high profile fashion to the Cowboys and posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons with Dak Prescott.

Tyson won't blow you away with his size or athletic traits, similar to Cooper and Diggs. He's silky smooth and can win in all areas of the field with crisp route running.

WR Breakout Age:

Jordyn Tyson - 18.1 (99th%)
KC Concepcion - 18.9 (90th%)
Carnell Tate - 20.6 (47th%)
Makai Lemon - 21.3 (31st%)
Omar Cooper Jr. - 21.7 (22nd%)

One of the most predictive metrics for rookie WRs. Much more impressive to start melting faces before you turn 20.

- Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) March 23, 2026

Carnell Tate, Ohio StatePro Comp: Calvin Ridley

Tate is considered by some to be the top receiver in this year's crop. He's not on the same level of early receiver picks from recent draft classes and in most years would be a mid to late first round pick. Ridley was taken with the 26th overall selection in 2018 just after DJ Moore.

Ridley's NFL career is clouded by his 2022 suspension because of violating the league's gambling policy. Still, he has 1,00o yards in each of the three seasons where he's started 11 games or more.

This comparison might feel like a slight because of the public perception of Ridley. It's truly a compliment.

Carnell Tate comes in at 6'2, 192lbs

Smaller than he was listed... wiry frame of a vertical threat. Let's see if the 40 time matches pic.twitter.com/UZm3UH7QJD

- NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 28, 2026

Makai Lemon, USCPro Comp: Golden Tate

Most of the comparisons you see for Lemon include Amon-Ra St. Brown and Puka Nacua. I think the more fair line to draw goes a little further back in NFL history to Tate.

Lemon is listed one inch taller than Tate at 5-11 with nearly identical weights. They both have a running back build and excel after the catch with lateral quickness and physicality.

Tate would be remembered much more favorably if his prime years weren't spent with Russell Wilson and the Seahawks during their ground and pound days. In three out of four full years with Matthew Stafford he crossed 1,000 yards.

Makai Lemon comps:

-Target Amon-Ra St. Brown (I really like Target)
-Machine built using the best parts of Parker Washington and Khalil Shakir
-Gen-Z Randall Cobb
-Air Bud

- Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 14, 2026

Chris Bell, LouisvillePro Comp: Deebo Samuel

Not all players deserve the frequent comparisons to Samuel, but Bell is one of the most electric run after the catch players we've seen in a long while. The more I watch of him the more there is to fall in love with.

Like Samuel, there are questions whether Bell can be an effective downfield receiver. Is this a limitation in his game or something Louisville simply did not take advantage of? Bell is two inches taller and seven pounds heavier than Samuel. Will that help him stretch the field vertically in the NFL?

"I think Chris Bell is the receiver with the most upside in the draft"

Turn on the tape - he looks like the best athlete on the field pic.twitter.com/6ItuAnaLuY

- Underdog NFL Draft - Josh & Hayden (@UDFootballShow) March 26, 2026

KC Concepcion, Texas A&MPro Comp: A mix of Doug Baldwin & Zay Flowers

Concepcion and Baldwin are comparable in terms of separation ability and size. Concepcion has a little more juice to his game after the catch which strikes me as a more sturdily built Flowers. The prospect doesn't have the same long speed of a Flowers or Jalen Waddle; however, he has at least a couple inches and 10 pounds on each of them. That'll play.

Watching KC Concepcion this morning and whew lots of yards left on the field. Dude was open all day vs Notre Dame.

Drops are an issue on his tape but separation at all three levels is . pic.twitter.com/eSoilEdoUv

- Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 18, 2026