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The 2024 NFL Draft class of wide receivers was filled with talent. Looking forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, it is anticipated that the upcoming class will also offer a significant amount of talent, although not quite reaching the same level as the 2024 draft. Nonetheless, it seems to be a promising class.
As we begin the summer scouting phase for the 2025 NFL Draft, we have put together a list of 15 wide receiver prospects to carefully track in today's evaluation. These 15 WR prospects have been assessed and ranked based on their 2023 EPA value (expected points added).
Understanding Expected Points Added (EPA) for Wide Receivers
EPA is a critical statistical measure in football that assesses the impact of each play on a team's scoring potential. This metric is particularly valuable in evaluating wide receivers, as it quantifies how their actions on the field contribute to the team's ability to score and ultimately succeed.
The Significance of EPA in Football Analytics
EPA directly correlates with a team's success by linking wide receiver performance to scoring outcomes. Wide receivers with high EPA values are often crucial in making key plays that enhance the team's chances of scoring and winning. This makes EPA an increasingly popular metric in both NFL and college football analytics, providing deeper insights than traditional statistics such as total yards or touchdowns.
By leveraging EPA, analysts, coaches, and fans can gain a more nuanced understanding of how strategic play-calling and individual player performances influence the overall game beyond mere statistical outputs.
15 2025 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch Ranked By 2023 Total EPA
TETAIROA MCMILLAN, ARIZONA
EPA: 59.27 (5th)
Summary Analysis: Tetairoa McMillan, at 6-foot-5, presents a massive target with excellent hands, finishing 2023 with the lowest drop rate among Power Five receivers with at least 100 targets (2.1%). His 17 contested catches were second among FBS receivers, and his 1,396 receiving yards were third in the Power Five. McMillan's 68.2% catch rate and 3.2 yards per route run highlight his efficiency and productivity. McMillan is poised to be a top-10 pick next year.
TEZ JOHNSON, OREGON
EPA: 57.77 (7th)
Summary Analysis: Tez Johnson made a seamless transition from Troy to Oregon, leading Power Five receivers with 727 yards after the catch. Johnson needs to work on his drop issues (6.3% drop rate) but has the potential to be a productive slot receiver in the NFL. Johnson's 78.9% catch rate and 3.8 yards per route run further underline his playmaking ability.
EMEKA EGBUKA, OHIO STATE
EPA: 51.55 (15th) *(2022 EPA)
Summary Analysis: Emeka Egbuka, returning for his senior season after missing three games with an ankle injury, is a smooth route-runner who consistently finds the soft spots in zone coverage. Egbuka's 70.6% catch rate and 2.9 yards per route run reflect his reliability and efficiency. He aims to rebound and reenter the first-round conversation.
TRE HARRIS, OLE MISS
EPA: 49.6 (18th)
Summary Analysis: Tre Harris transitioned from Louisiana Tech to Ole Miss, maintaining a high level of performance with one of the best receiving grades in the nation. While Harris excels in making spectacular catches, he needs to improve his separation against single coverage to maximize his potential. Harris's 60.0% catch rate and 3.4 yards per route run showcase his impact on the field.
LUTHER BURDEN III, MISSOURI
EPA: 36.67 (37th)
Summary Analysis: Luther Burden III excels when he has possession of the ball. As a sophomore, he ranked third among all FBS receivers with 725 yards after the catch, and his 314 receiving yards after contact were the fourth-highest. Despite dropping four of his 94 catchable targets, Burden showcased remarkable hands and body control. Enhancing his route-running skills will boost his draft prospects. His 70.5% catch rate and 3.4 yards per route run underscore his dynamic playmaking skills.
THEO WEASE JR., MISSOURI
EPA: 30.59 (49th)
Summary Analysis: Theo Wease Jr. transferred to Missouri and racked up 682 yards and six touchdowns in his first season. Prior to Missouri, he had a modest career at Oklahoma. Wease’s ability to get open consistently is evident, though he needs to improve on his catch rate, currently at 62.0%, and yards per route run at 1.8 to elevate his game to the next level.
XAVIER RESTREPO, MIAMI FL
EPA: 30.45 (51st)
Summary Analysis: Xavier Restrepo, a productive slot receiver for Miami, had an impressive 69.1% catch rate and 2.6 yards per route run in 2023. Restrepo's reliability is highlighted by his strong hands, dropping only two of his 99 catchable targets. His ability to get open and provide a reliable target makes him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 draft.
ISAIAH BOND, ALABAMA
EPA: 23.96 (73rd)
Summary Analysis: Isaiah Bond, known for his speed and agility, made an impact with a 62.3% catch rate and 2.1 yards per route run. His quickness and ability to get open make him a valuable deep threat. Bond's zero drops in 2023 reflect his sure-handedness, which will be attractive to NFL scouts.
KADEN PRATHER, MARYLAND
EPA: 23.74 (76th)
Summary Analysis: Kaden Prather, a transfer from West Virginia, had a strong season at Maryland with a 62.7% catch rate and 2.1 yards per route run. Prather's ability to stretch the field and make big plays downfield will be a key asset as he looks to improve his consistency and draft stock.
ELIC AYOMANOR, STANFORD
EPA: 20.08 (85th)
Summary Analysis: Elic Ayomanor broke out in 2023 with 1,022 receiving yards, benefiting from his size and catch radius. His 56.8% catch rate and 2.5 yards per route run indicate room for improvement in efficiency, but his ability to make contested catches and gain yards after the catch make him a promising prospect.
TORY HORTON, COLORADO STATE
EPA: 19.33 (89th)
Summary Analysis: Tory Horton, known for his speed, posted a 70.6% catch rate and 3.0 yards per route run. Horton's ability to make plays after the catch and his knack for getting open will make him a valuable asset for any NFL team. His explosiveness and consistency will be key areas to watch in 2024.
JIMMY HORN JR., COLORADO
EPA: 14.22 (114th)
Summary Analysis: In 2023, Jimmy Horn Jr. recorded 567 receiving yards from 85 targets, with 73 receptions and six touchdowns. Despite being the Buffs' third receiver, his potential as a leader in the Colorado receiving group is clear. Horn showed playmaking skills with 271 yards gained after catches but struggled with a high drop rate, missing nine catchable passes out of 73. He needs to improve his consistency catching the football in 2024.
J. MICHAEL STURDIVANT, UCLA
EPA: -11.29 (189th)
Summary Analysis: J. Michael Sturdivant had a down year in 2023, but he still showed flashes of potential with 36 receptions for 597 yards and a 48.6% catch rate. His 1.6 yards per route run indicate a need for improvement in efficiency. If he can find more consistency, Sturdivant can boost his draft stock significantly.
BARION BROWN, KENTUCKY
EPA: -14.16 (193rd)
Summary Analysis: Barion Brown is one of the most explosive playmakers in the SEC, but he struggled with consistency in 2023. His 50.0% catch rate and 1.8 yards per route run highlight areas for improvement. Despite these challenges, Brown's big-play ability and athleticism make him a player to watch.
EVAN STEWART, OREGON
EPA: -28.57 (198th) *(2022 EPA)
Summary Analysis: Evan Stewart's sophomore season was marred by injuries, but his natural athleticism and potential are undeniable. With a 57.6% catch rate and 2.6 yards per route run, Stewart has the tools to become a top receiver if he can stay healthy and improve his consistency.