2028 Rankings Positional Breakdown: WRs Taking Center Stage

Wide receiver can be one of the hardest positions to evaluate early, but this 2028 group is already starting to separate themselves. You've got a mix of burners, technicians, and guys who just flat-out make plays when it matters. Some of these receivers are already mainstays in their team's offense, while others are just starting to get comfortable and show flashes of what's coming.   What they all have in common is upside — and not just the raw athletic kind. Most of these guys have shown a feel for the game that goes beyond their age. From polished route runners to return threats with home-run speed, this is a well-rounded group that should only keep climbing as they develop. Here's a closer look at all of our ranked 2028 wideouts.    [player_tooltip player_id='1218871' first='Roye' last='Oliver III'] is one of those guys who makes everything look easy. His movement is just different — smooth, efficient, and explosive without ever looking like he's trying too hard. He's got serious top-end speed and wastes no time getting into his routes, which makes him a constant deep threat. Corners who give him too much cushion won't close it in time, and those who press run the risk of getting burned early. What really stands out is how well he controls his body throughout the route. He doesn't drift or round things off. Everything is sharp, purposeful, and clean. Add in strong hands and excellent ball tracking, and it's easy to see why he's already one of the most dangerous wideouts in his class. Whether he's working underneath or stretching the field, Oliver creates problems all game long.     [player_tooltip player_id='451400' first='Amos' last='Augustine'] brings a grown-man feel to his game that you don't always see this early. At 6'1”, 185, he's got a sturdy, physical build that makes him a nightmare at the line of scrimmage — especially against press coverage. But he's not just big and strong. His footwork is clean and calculated, and he uses it to create space without needing to be flashy. There's a smoothness to the way he drops his hips and gets in and out of breaks, and he doesn't waste steps. He plays the ball well through contact and routinely makes contested catches look routine. What sets him apart is how refined he already is — he's not guessing out there. He understands leverage, knows how to win with technique, and plays with a quiet confidence. Augustine already looks like the kind of receiver who's on the verge of a massive year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1165226' first='Daryl' last='Little II'] plays with that rare blend of suddenness and smooth control. He's electric with the ball in his hands — not just fast, but elusive in a way that forces defenders to miss in space. His quick feet make for tight, clean routes that consistently shake defenders and create easy separation. He's not all flash, either. His hands are dependable, and he has the length and body control to make tough grabs outside his frame. Whether it's a deep shot or a quick slant that he turns into a big gain, Little brings serious juice to any offense. He's one of those guys you make sure gets touches — because good things happen when the ball finds him.     [player_tooltip player_id='1120654' first='Julian' last='Ferrari'] is one of the most dangerous players in the open field you'll find in this class. He's got legit track speed — and it's not just something you read in a bio. It shows up constantly on tape. Whether he's blowing past defenders on a go route or weaving through traffic on a punt return, Ferrari's burst is a difference-maker. He's the kind of guy who forces defenses to adjust pre-snap just because of the threat he brings. What separates him isn't just his speed — it's how well he pairs it with ball skills and awareness. He tracks it confidently downfield and isn't afraid to go make a play in traffic. As a return man, he brings extra value with his elusiveness and natural feel for space. Ferrari is a game-changer in every sense — someone who can flip field position, shift momentum, or break things open with one touch.     [player_tooltip player_id='1120426' first='Hajj' last='Brown'] is the kind of receiver who forces defenses to account for him from the first snap. He brings legit speed to the table, but it's his feel for the game that stands out just as much. He tracks the ball well, adjusts naturally mid-route, and has the kind of soft, confident hands that make him a quarterback's best friend. He's not the biggest guy on the field, but he plays with toughness and doesn't shy away from contact. Now at Desert Edge, he's stepping into a system that already has plenty of athletes — and he fits right in. He brings a strong, sturdy build that's ready for the wear and tear of a full season, and he knows how to win on deep routes or underneath. Brown's ability to contribute in multiple ways makes him a key weapon moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1614659' first='Kaelan' last='Williams'] might not have prototypical size, but you'd never know it by the way he plays. He's a sparkplug in every sense — reliable, crafty, and always ready to make a play. He understands how to find space and make himself available, especially when the play breaks down. That off-script awareness gives him serious value as a safety valve who can keep drives alive. What really stands out, though, is how physical he is after the catch. He's surprisingly tough to bring down and isn't afraid to fight for extra yards. The route running still has room to tighten up, but he's got the footwork and vision to get open and do damage once the ball is in his hands. With a bit more development, Williams could turn into one of those guys you won't want to miss.     [player_tooltip player_id='1707431' first='Ben' last='Atwood'] is the kind of player who finds a way to make an impact on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he brings strong hands and the kind of physicality that shows up after the catch. He's not the flashiest athlete, but he consistently makes tough, contested grabs and fights for extra yards — the kind of plays that move the chains. But where he really pops is on defense. Atwood has a natural feel for reading the offense, reacting quickly, and putting himself in position to make plays. He's physical at the point of contact and doesn't hesitate to step up and hit. With some added size and continued reps on that side of the ball, his upside as a defensive player is high. He plays with grit, IQ, and a non-stop motor — and that's a combination that translates.

Wide receiver can be one of the hardest positions to evaluate early, but this 2028 group is already starting to separate themselves. You've got a mix of burners, technicians, and guys who just flat-out make plays when it matters. Some of these receivers are already mainstays in their team's offense, while others are just starting to get comfortable and show flashes of what's coming.