by The “big 3” wide receivers of the 2026 NFL Draft class are a sight to behold. Each of Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, and Makai Lemon possesses countless pro-ready traits that put them at the top of many draft boards.
But with all three being this talented, who’s the best of them?
Tyson’s Supreme Size and Athleticism
Standing at 6’2″ with blurring speed, strong route running, and animal-like strides, there’s no doubt Tyson will be one of the most athletic players on the field at all times.
Tyson’s twitchiness and indeciveness, combined with his size, make it nearly impossible for him to lose against man coverage. His wide steps in or out allow him to get open constantly on intermediate routes and allow easy opportunities for run after catch.
Although he has arguably the worst stats of the three, averaging the fewest yards per route run and yards after catch (per PFF), his special physical traits leave him as a distinct member of the three.
Lemon’s Superb Awareness and Footwork
Lemon is the only receiver of the three with an unimpressive size, standing at 5’11”.
Despite his average frame, nothing stops him from being one of the best downfield catchers in the nation. According to PFF, the USC Trojan caught 66.7% of his contested catch targets (10 of 15), already placing him in scarce company.
To go along with his downfield presence, Lemon’s constant awareness of coverages and scramble situations is unmatched. He is always able to slip through linebackers and find soft spots in the zone.
Another layer of his spectacular awareness is how quickly he turns his head. Always looking back to the quarterback, he’s continuously a weapon in scramble situations or reacting to the ball faster than any defender.
And finally, maybe his best trait: his get-off. By the time other receivers start running, it’s as if Lemon is already midway through his route. His get-off is a key reason for his 6.4 yards after reception average and 3.13 yards per route run.
Lemon’s all-around abilities are about as good a counter as there is to his worrisome size.
Tate’s Super Glue Hands and Concentration
Tate, who is even bigger than Tyson, has a strong case for the best hands in the draft. With zero drops in 2025, there’s no stopping Tate from catching his targets, which was evident when he caught 44 of his 53 targets.
The Buckeye is the definition of a deep threat, with an average depth of target of 14.8 and 18 yards per reception. He has an unstoppable double move that leaves him unguardable on play action.
But besides his dominance deep, he is also phenomenal in the intermediate range. He has a quick burst on crossing routes, and his strong hands and concentration leave him as an option at all times for Julian Sayin.
Of course, many of Tate’s routes and coverages are easier when one of the top 2027 prospects, Jeremiah Smith, is lined up across from him. Because of this, there is some speculation about how dominant Tate would be in more normal circumstances.
Who’s the Best?
Each receiver shows top-half first-round talent, but Jordyn Tyson’s freakish athleticism and route running give him the slight advantage. Makai Lemon is a close second, but his size gives slight concerns. As for Tate, who also has an argument as the best, he is not consistent enough in the short game to be at the top.
In a stacked receiver class with everyone so close talent-wise, it will be interesting to see how much their standings change later in the draft process, and who the NFL will value the most.
