Taking a closer look at the wide receivers who performed well at the 2025 NFL Combine.
The wide receiver and quarterback groups wrapped up Day 3 at the 2025 NFL Combine . While there isn’t much for the Detroit Lions to scout at quarterback, there is a boatload of options to consider at wide receiver—especially with several players who can play WR-X in the Lions scheme.
Here are the position groups we’ve covered so far:
- Interior defensive lineman
- Edge rushers
- Off-the-ball linebackers
- Cornerbacks
- Safeties
- Tight ends
- Running backs
We previously explored some of the prospects we kept close eyes on, and you missed it, be sure to give it a look for more information: Previewing the wide receivers group ahead of the 2025 Combine .
And with that, let’s look at the wide receivers who stood out on Day 3 of on-field drills.
Luther Burden III, WR-Z/Slot, Missouri (6-foot-0, 206) ran a 4.41 40-yard dash, gave full effort on every route, and looked much bigger than his listed size. He had some big sweeping movements, sold his routes very well, and tracked the ball deep. His catch radius was impressive, reaching anything near him, and secured catches at multiple levels of the field with powerful hands. He showed off WR-Z/slot range in college but I think he probably has the range to play the WR-X role for the Lions.
Jayden Higgins, WR-X, Iowa State (6-foot-4, 214) ran an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash, especially for a player at his height. There’s not much wasted movement in his routes, putting his head down on “go” routes, while properly throttling down on “breaking” routes, and accelerating quickly out of breaks. Higgins’ catch radius is massive, and he eats up anything in his range with big strong hands. He’s a prototype WR-X with a connection to Lions tight end coach Tyler Roehl, who was ISU’s assistant head coach last season.
Elic Ayomanor, WR-X, Stanford (6-foot-2, 206) ran an impressive 4.44 40-yard dash and his speed translated to the on-field drills. He’s an easy mover, with quick feet, clean cuts, and sells the route before his break. On deeper routes, he put his head down and ran fast, then did a nice job tracking the ball. As a catcher, he snatched the ball out of the air, while also showing the ability to soften his hands.
Jack Bech, WR-X/Big slot, TCU (6-foot-1 1⁄2, 214) didn’t run, but the more I watch him the more I like him for the Lions. A high-effort player who attacks his routes and eats up space quickly with his long strides. You can see him gear up before his cuts, then switch gears after the cut. He’s a smooth catcher and you could often hear the ball hit his hands as he secured the catch.
Isaiah Bond, Speed WR, Texas (5-foot-10, 180) ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and his speed translated. He glides across the field, is very smooth running his routes, and can really get on his horse when he wants to. He stood out most on deeper routes where he could hit a second gear.
Jaylin Noel, Slot, Iowa State (5-foot-10, 194) also has a connection to Lions TE coach Roehl, but his workout was tremendous and potentially solidified him as a top 100 pick, and as a slot receiver, that may be too rich for the Lions. Noel ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, vertical jumped 41-inches, broad jumped 11-foot-2, and was dynamic in on-field drills. He was quick off the line, sharp in his cuts, gliding up and down the field. He appeared to play at a different level of speed than the other prospects around him, showed crisp routes, complete body control, and strong hands. Noel’s best trait was his quickness, as it helped him in every aspect of his game.
Tez Johnson, Slot/WR-Z, Oregon (5-foot-10, 154) has Day 2 game film but after checking in very small and running a 4.51 40-yard dash, his stock could take a hit. The team that stops his fall will get a confident receiver that plays faster than he runs a 40. In on-field drills, he glides through his routes, maintaining strong balance, displaying sharp cuts, and confidently securing the catch. He had great control over his feet and a nice long stride on deeper routes. He’s quick-quick and very acrobatic, something he displayed on the end zone route and after the completion of the event when he did flips down the field.
Pat Bryant, WR-X, Illinois (6-foot-2, 204) ran a 4.61 40-yard dash, but with his frame, that’s not the end of the world. His length showed up when catching the ball, swallowing up anything close to him, and looked very confident securing the ball. Bryant showed sharp cuts and adjusted his routes well, looking his best on a comeback route.
Tory Horton, WR-X/Z, Colorado State (6-foot-2 1⁄2, 196) ran a 4.41 40-yard dash after just recently returning from injury and minimal training. That means he is probably even faster. He did not participate in on-field drills.
Dont’e Thornton Jr, WR-Z, Tennessee (6-foot-4 1⁄2, 205) ran a 4.3 40-yard dash and looked good in on-field drills, but his day appeared to end prematurely. When he was on the field, he chewed up the turf, gliding across the surface. His quick feet and large hands will be very appealing, but he’s a developmental project based on game film.
Tai Felton, WR-Z, Maryland (6-foot-1, 183) ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, which was impressive for a player who makes most of his noise as a yards-after-the-catch (YAC) competitor. He has great straight line speed but also looked quick on shorter routes. He displayed nice balance, gets off the line fast, has some shake during his routes, but looked at his best on deeper routes.
Roc Taylor, WR-X, Memphis (6-foot-2, 213) ran a 4.49 40-yard dash and was a muscled-up big target during on-field drills. He displayed nice body control, made hard cuts and toe taps, while also tracking the ball at all levels. His good eyes and strong hands will help him in a WR-X role at the next level. While he’ll need some time to develop, Taylor has some very appealing foundational traits.