🚀 5 WRs Skyrocketing Up Draft Boards After the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is in the books — and this year’s wide receiver group? They put on a show.

Today, we’re breaking down 5 WRs who skyrocketed up draft boards after their Combine performances. These guys didn’t just test well — they showed off real skills that translate directly to fantasy upside.

Let’s get into it 👇

#5 Tai Felton (Maryland)

Felton may have had the quietest buzz coming in, but he leaves the Combine as a must-watch sleeper.

His 4.37 speed and 3rd-best 10-yard split showed off his burst, while his tape reveals polished footwork, defender manipulation, and strong field awareness.

Felton started 2024 averaging 10 catches & 150 yards over his first 4 games, finishing with a career-best 1124 yards.

Fantasy takeaway: Felton is the perfect late-round dart throw who could outperform early if his speed lands in the right offense…

#4 Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)

Noel, Higgins’ teammate, quietly led Iowa State in receiving last season with 1193 yards — and he just crushed the Combine.

A 4.39 40-time, combined with the best vertical and broad jumps of any WR, gives Noel an explosiveness score in the Top 1% ever.

Fantasy takeaway: Expect Noel to go earlier than expected in the NFL Draft — and he’s a name you’ll want to remember for PPR-heavy formats…

#3 Jalen Royals (Utah State)

Royals stood out at the Combine with a 4.42 40-time and the best 10-yard split of any WR. His compact frame, elite route running, and after-the-catch ability compare closely to Packers WR Jayden Reed.

In college, Royals earned a 35% target share and put up monster numbers before injury — including a 211-yard, 2-TD explosion vs. Boise State last season.

Fantasy takeaway: Royals fits the mold of a late-round rookie WR who could smash early if he lands on a favorable depth chart…

#2 Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)

At 6’4", 214 pounds, Higgins ran a 4.47 40-time, giving him a Top 6% speed score for WRs all-time.

He backed that up with elite burst testing, proving he’s more than just a big body. And the production is there too — back-to-back 1000-yard seasons at Iowa State with elite hands (3% drop rate on 350 targets).

Fantasy takeaway: Higgins is shaping up to be a high-upside outside WR with real fantasy sleeper appeal if he lands in the right spot. He should go in the 2nd round…

#1 Matthew Golden (Texas)

Golden was the biggest WR winner at the Combine — blazing a 4.29 40-yard dash (fastest of all WRs).

That speed, combined with his 987-yard, 9-TD season at Texas, makes him a complete riser. He’s a sharp route runner, dangerous after the catch, and quietly showed off special teams upside.

Fantasy takeaway: Golden’s stock is moving into first-round NFL Draft territory, and his skillset (think Chris Olave vibes) could make him an immediate fantasy factor in 2025…

Big Picture:

These 5 WRs aren’t just Combine freaks — they’re legit prospects with traits that fantasy managers need to know. As landing spots unfold, they could go from deep sleepers to must-draft rookies…

I’ll be back with my key insights soon…

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