Mizzou’s Burden III is Best of the Best
Last year’s wide receiver group was stacked. That’s evident when seven pass catchers were drafted in the opening round of April’s NFL Draft. That includes three of the top nine picks: Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4), LSU’s Malik Nabers (No. 6), and Washington’s Rome Udunze (No. 9). This year’s class isn’t nearly as deep, but there are a few standouts and future first-round selections.
Here’s a look at the top five wide receivers this season.
Luther Burden III, Missouri
Burden is coming off a big sophomore season in which he was second in the SEC and ninth nationally with 1,212 yards receiving. He is great in the open field, racking up 725 yards after the catch. Burden is ranked as the fifth-best player overall in college football entering the season, according to ESPN.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
McMillan put up big numbers last year as a sophomore. A top candidate to win the coveted Biletnikoff Award, McMillan hauled in 90 balls for 1,402 yards and eight touchdowns. He will play an even bigger part of the Wildcats’ offense this season after fellow receiver Jacob Cowing opted to the NFL.
Tez Johnson, Oregon
Johnson has been electric in his first three seasons in Eugene. He has racked up 209 catches for 2,780 yards. Last year alone, Johnson set a program record with 86 receptions to go with 10 touchdowns.
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
There have been some great receivers come through Columbus, but Egbuka has a chance at setting a number of program records. The senior needs to amass 1,041 yards and 76 receptions to break records in each major category.
Tre Harris, Mississippi
In Harris’ first season with the Rebels, he put up 985 yards on 54 receptions and eight touchdowns. A preseason first-team All-SEC selection, Harris should be quarterback Jaxson Dart’s top target.
