2027 WR New Additions: October

It's that time again! In case you missed it, we <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2027-rankings/">updated our 2027 rankings</a>, and we have plenty of stock-risers and new additions. I've already gone <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-update-october/">behind the scenes</a> on this update, giving fans an insight into our thinking and decision-making process within the rankings.   Here, we're going in-depth on some of those new players, looking at the wide receivers. Here are our 2027 WR new additions.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 WR New Additions</h2>    Thompson-Wynn debuts inside the top 60, the highest-ranked debutant in the 2027 rankings. I'll be honest, we were behind, but we're still ahead of most college coaches. He's explosive, quick, and has home run ability on the outside. He's averaging 22 yards per catch, but also has three return touchdowns, two on kickoffs and one on a punt. He's an FBS prospect with the potential to move into the Power Five range, and if you don't know his name yet, you should take a look.     Jacksonville's offense has been more balanced this season, and it's largely due to Thompson on the outside. The Cardinals still aren't a pass-heavy team, but Thompson has the size and speed to stretch the field and has cashed in on a couple of deep targets. As one has to be in that offense, he's not afraid to mix it up as a run blocker, and we really like his upside.     Almost every time we've mentioned undefeated Hoggard this year, Durand has been at the center of it. The shifty route-runner has impressive hands and body control, able to catch the ball in traffic. He hasn't been as explosive as a junior, but he's been more reliable, catching balls at all fields and running a full route tree. Coaches are often late when recruiting playmakers on the coast, so expect him to blow up on the recruiting trail soon.     Smith is one of the most explosive playmakers in the 4A class, and he does it in every phase of the game. One of the best kick returners in the state, he's scored on a return in each of the last two years. Smith is best as a shifty slot receiver, becoming more explosive as a junior, averaging 22 yards a catch through seven games.     Thompson is emerging as a true threat in multiple roles, primarily as a receiver, kick returner, and safety. He has great speed and even better acceleration, getting up to full speed quickly. He has another gear, too, that he can turn on and outrun everyone. His route tree is surprisingly robust, and he's a guy who could fly up the board with some more time in the weight room.     Robinson needed someone to step up after losing a Power Four receiver last year, and McElroy has answered the call. He has excellent size, and he's able to win against both man and zone coverage. He has room for growth as a technical receiver with his releases and route-running, but he's a guy who should continue to get better.     Loatman made himself known with a three-touchdown, 101-yard outing in the opener against North Moore for Fike, and since then, he's proven to be a versatile receiver. While he does a lot of his damage on jump balls down the field, he's also shown the ability to make people miss and pick up yards after the catch.

It's that time again! In case you missed it, we updated our 2027 rankings, and we have plenty of stock-risers and new additions. I've already gone behind the scenes on this update, giving fans an insight into our thinking and decision-making process within the rankings.