The ever-evolving wide receiver position has become a critical barometer for NFL teams come late April.
Since 2019, at least one rookie has surpassed 1,000 yards, most recently being Tet McMillian of the Carolina Panthers, who was selected No. 8 overall in last year’s draft and was the first WR taken off the board.
Other notable names who have accomplished the feat include Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Garrett Wilson, Puka Nacua, and Malik Nabers.
With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, let’s take a look at the odds for the first wide receiver to be selected during Thursday’s Round 1, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
This year’s wide receiver talent pool is once again promising, with roughly six players anticipated to be drafted within the first 32 selections.
Carnell Tate is expected to be the first wide receiver drafted. In his last season as a Buckeye, he stood out with 51 catches, 875 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. His -200 odds lead the way, with the Post’s Steve Serby projecting the Ohio State product to be selected as high as No. 6 in his most recent Mock Draft.
2026 NFL Draft First WR selected odds
| Player | Odds | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|
| Carnell Tate | -200 | 7.5 (-125/-105) |
| Jordyn Tyson | +130 | 8.5 (+150/-200) |
| Makai Lemon | 17/1 | 14.5 (-160/+120) |
| KC Concepcion | 120/1 | 24.5 (+110/-140) |
| Omar Cooper Jr. | 120/1 | 23.5 (+120/-160) |
| Denzel Boston | 120/1 | N/A |
| Zachariah Branch | 250/1 | N/A |
| Chris Brazzell II | 300/1 | N/A |
| Chris Bell | 300/1 | N/A |
| Germie Bernard | 300/1 | N/A |
| Malachi Fields | 500/1 | N/A |
| Elijah Sarratt | 500/1 | N/A |
Following Tate is Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, whose +130 odds suggest he is very likely to be the second player at the position to be drafted. Over on BetMGM, Tyson’s odds to be the first wideout taken are down to +105, leaving the door slightly open.
Tyson, standing 6-foot-2, was unable to play most of his final season with the Sun Devils due to a hamstring injury. Nonetheless, he has been linked with the Giants’ No. 10 overall pick, which they acquired from the Bengals as part of the Dexter Lawrence trade.
Tyson possesses strong route running and the ability to make contested catches, per Aaron Schatz of ESPN.
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The consensus top three WR prospects are rounded out by USC’s Makai Lemon, a player frequently compared to the Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Lemon had a productive junior season, tallying 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and eleven touchdowns. His versatility was also on display, as he lined up in the backfield and contributed two rushing touchdowns.
Despite 17-to-1 odds to be the first wide receiver drafted, the former Trojan will be a welcome addition to whatever team selects him.
KC Concepcion, a speedster from Texas A&M, along with Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. and Washington’s Denzel Boston, are all long shots to be the first WR off the board, but all offer intriguing late-Round 1 upside.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.