The 2025 NFL Draft will feature an array of talented wide receivers and tight ends, but which ones are ready to come in and make an impact as difference-makers for NFL offenses?
On the latest episode of The GM Shuffle, former NFL GM Mark Dominik and Dave Ross break down the top wide receivers and tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft and what sets them apart as playmakers.
Dominik has four receivers and two tight ends high on his draft board, but some may be surprised that Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is not on that list. Dominik has previously expressed that he sees Hunter as more of a cornerback than a wide receiver. And DraftKings Sportsbook seems to agree, listing him as the -6000 favorite to be the first cornerback selected but not on the wide receiver board at all. Sure, teams may have specialized plays for Hunter at wide receiver, but Dominik does not believe Hunter will play both sides of the ball like he did during his time at Colorado.
As for who he does have on his list, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is one of Dominik’s top receivers on his draft board and is a -265 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook to be the first wide receiver taken off the board. Dominik loves McMillan’s athleticism and huge frame. When you watch McMillan on film, his catch radius and confidence in his hands draw comparisons to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss. Those may be shocking comparisons, but that’s what Dominik sees when McMillan runs routes. McMillan differs from Evans and Moss in his lower body, as Dominik does not believe McMillan possesses the lower body strength that Evans and Moss have. The lack of lower body strength may make him more like Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London. McMillan ran 4.48 at his Pro Day, and Dominik has him slotted as a 1.5, a nod to his NFL Draft scale, where:
- If you are a 1-0, you can go anywhere from picks 1-10;
- If you are a 1-5, you can go anywhere from picks 11-21;
- And if you are a 1-9, you can go from picks 22-32
Dominik projects him to be selected between picks 10-12. Other experts have him projected to go anywhere from picks 4-6, which Dominik believes to be a reach.
A player who is a first-round lock, no question, is Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III. What makes Burden special is his acceleration in how he runs routes and after he catches the ball. Dominik stressed that Burden’s acceleration will be an X-factor at the next level. He has a knack for catching the ball, turning up the field and outrunning everyone. Dominik believes Burden is the most instinctive runner out of all the wide receivers he is evaluating. He knows how to identify different holes in the defense that he can take advantage of when he runs his routes. Dominik compares Burden to Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., but smarter and faster. Dominik further characterizes Burden as a player you get the ball to, regardless of where he is on the field. Moreover, Dominik believes he should be the first wide receiver taken off the board in the draft, rating him as a 1-0.
Luther Burden III made it look easy 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/T2jXKerBTd
— ESPN (@espn) October 12, 2024
Ohio State is arguably a wide receiver factory, as it seems like they have someone going in the first or second rounds year after year. Emeka Egbuka is next up and has the skill set that allows you to place him in numerous positions on offense. Dominik explained that you can give him carries out of the backfield, line him up in the slot or put him out on the perimeter. Dominik champions Egbuka’s toughness and quick twitch in his route running, and his versatility will make him a plug-and-play type of player in most NFL offensive systems. Dominik has Egbuka rated as a 1-9 and projects him to be picked in the teens, but don’t be surprised if he goes in the 20s.
Meanwhile, Dominik ranks Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden just ahead of Egbuka and champions him as the best route runner out of this wide receiver group. Golden has an uncanny ability to make the right cuts and will be precisely where you need him to be when he runs his routes. Dominik said that if the route is supposed to be 18.5 yards, Golden will run exactly 18.5 yards. Golden’s route running is polished and, similar to Burden, he has the intelligence to exploit weaknesses in the defense. Dominik wishes Golden were a bit bigger, but believes he has the tools to thrive at the next level. Dominik puts him in the 1-9 category. Ultimately, he has the four wide receivers ranked as:
- Burden
- McMillan
- Golden
- Egbuka
Regardless of order, however, Dominik strongly believes that all four wide receivers are first-round picks.
The 2025 tight end class deserves some shine, too. In a time when most see tight ends as just pass catchers, Dominik expressed that Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is the complete package. It is difficult for Dominik to identify things Warren does not do well. He can block and has soft hands to catch the ball, but you can also put him at quarterback or hand the ball off to him. He checks every box regarding the attributes you are looking for in a complete tight end — including size, strength, toughness, hands, flexibility, athleticism and route running. Dominik projects Warren to be a top pick, and even though he is not as freakishly athletic as Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, he has the potential to be in the Travis Kelce and George Kittle realm because he is a willing blocker. Michigan’s Colston Loveland rounds out Dominik’s tight end list. Dominik points out Loveland’s blocking ability and catch radius, distinguishing him from other tight ends in this year’s draft class. Dominik contends that if you throw the ball to Loveland, you have confidence that he is going to come down with it. Dominik has Loveland as a 1-9.
Don't see this every day.
Tyler Warren snapped the ball and then caught the touchdown. pic.twitter.com/JylEKQGPvB— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 12, 2024
Listen to the full episode below for the complete discussion and more from The GM Shuffle!
Show Breakdown
Best & Worst Teams in Each Division + Building the Board: Receivers & Tight Ends | The GM Shuffle
On The GM Shuffle, hosts Mark Dominik and Dave Ross analyze each NFL division to rank the best and worst teams for the 2025 season. As the NFL Draft approaches, the guys continue to build their board by focusing on the top receivers and tight ends in this year’s draft class. And there’s plenty of NFL news to talk about including the impact of Jameis Winston signing with the Giants and how the 49ers are rebuilding around Brock Purdy.
VIDEO
Follow the new GM Shuffle YouTube page for more and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
