As the New York Giants’ forgettable 2025 season is coming to a close, it’s time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.

While this season has been extremely underwhelming in terms of producing wins, it feels like, for the first time in a very long time, the Giants have a promising foundation. With the right head coaching hire, the right first-round draft pick, and a few key free agent additions, there’s no reason to believe the Giants can’t be next year’s Chicago Bears or New England Patriots.

With this draft class holding the key to the Giants’ transformation, I’m beginning a series in which I will evaluate prospects by round who the Giants should target at key positions. I’ve also enlisted A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts to help me provide a roadmap. Today, let’s dig into the early first round 2026 wide receivers.

2026 NFL Draft wide receiver class overview

According to Roberts, there are two targets to pay attention to at the top of the first round, depending on where the Giants are picking—those being Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.

“The 2026 wide receiver class is one of the deeper positions in the entire group. There is a flavor for everyone, including big-bodied wide receivers, after catch demons, and the route running technicians to separate on multiple levels of the field. For the Giants specifically, trying to find some impact size feels like the best recipe.

Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is the player who fits that mold best early in the draft. Possessing an outstanding catch radius, smooth overall athleticism, and precision as a route runner, Tate has transformed from a good player to an exceptional one in 2025. Brian Hartline has quite the pipeline of wide receiver talent coming to the NFL, and Tate will be the last one as he takes over the head coaching position at South Florida.

Tate will be fighting with Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) to be the top wide receiver selected. A bit more of a slender frame and some durability concerns, but Tyson is an outstanding separator. He has three-level upside, possessing good long speed and tremendous route running. If the medicals check out, Tyson should go high.

Other potential first round options include Chris Bell (Louisville) and KC Concepcion (Texas A&M). Bell is a big physical pass catcher who has really impressive straight line speed and ability after the catch. Concepcion, on the other hand, is a smaller pass catcher but it dynamic after the catch. Don’t blink or else Concepcion is going to make another big play.” -Ryan Roberts

Now, let’s dig deeper into Tate and Tyson after watching their film.

Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

After being buried on Ohio State’s loaded depth chart, Tate took full advantage of his opportunity to shine this year. He’s produced 793 yards with 57 catches and eight touchdowns in the nine games he played this season. The 6’3″, 195 lbs wide receiver was a dynamic secondary option for Jeremiah Smith.

The secondary punch he provided to Smith is precisely what he could provide Malik Nabers. As Nabers is the well-rounded, consistent threat, Tate can play off of him as the long, deep threat in the Giants’ offense.

What’s most impressive about Tate is how nuanced and smooth his transitions are. On his go routes and posts, he has this rare ability to subtly manipulate defenders into creating space for him as he separates over the top. Small jabs put defenders in a blender and leave him wide open, as he’s fantastic at tracking the ball over his shoulder.

Tate also does a great job of using his length to reach, contort, and then secure catches no matter the location. His wide radius would be perfect for Jaxson Dart to turn to. In a lot of ways, he can be what Darius Slayton is supposed to be, but doesn’t consistently provide.

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

Despite being hobbled for most of the 2025 season, Tyson still finished with 711 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and 57 receptions.

Tyson is one of the most well-rounded receiver prospects you’re going to find. He’s capable of winning at every level of the field with a diverse route tree. His route running is fantastic, as he displays elite speed in his cuts, creating instant separation.

Overall, the perfect word to describe Tyson is smooth. His smoothness shows up in everything he does, as he glides down the field. His mobility is so fluid and easy, it flashes on every route that he runs. Tyson can become a consistent 1,000+ guy in the NFL and reminds me a lot of Justin Jefferson if he hits his ceiling.

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