The 2025 NFL Draft brought a strong wide receiver class. Several teams used first-round picks on pass catchers they believe can change their offenses for years to come. Players like Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden, Luther Burden III, and Travis Hunter entered the league with huge expectations.
That pressure only grows heading into Year 2.
The second season is often where young receivers show what they really are. Rookie years can be difficult. Learning NFL defenses takes time. Building chemistry with a quarterback does not happen overnight. Some players flash early but struggle with consistency. Others take a full season before finding their rhythm.
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For these five receivers, 2026 will be a key year. Their teams need answers. Front offices invested heavily in them because they were expected to become major pieces of the offense. Some are expected to develop into true No. 1 targets. Others need to show they can rise above crowded depth charts.
A strong sophomore season can change everything. It can turn promise into real production and lock in a player’s long-term future. On the other hand, another slow year would bring serious questions.
Here are five NFL wide receivers from the 2025 draft class who need to deliver in Year 2.
5. Jack Bech – Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) reacts after catching a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jack Bech had a quiet rookie year with just 20 catches and no touchdowns. But things could look very different in 2026. The arrival of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza could work in his favor. Young quarterbacks often rely on receivers they trust, and Bech could become that option.
Brock Bowers will still be the main target, but there is room for Bech to grow. He will compete with players like Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor, but he has a real chance to stand out. His college performance at TCU showed his potential, where he had over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. The Raiders need more big plays, and Bech could help provide them.
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4. Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Matthew Golden did not have the rookie season many expected. He finished without a single touchdown and had limited playing time. Still, the Packers seem confident he can improve.
Their offseason moves show that. Romeo Doubs left, and Dontayvion Wicks was traded. That opens up more chances for Golden. Christian Watson will still lead the group, but Golden should see a bigger role. He has the talent to do more, and if he builds better chemistry with the quarterback, he could become an important part of the offense.
3. Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay selected Emeka Egbuka because he looked polished and NFL-ready from the start. During his time at Ohio State, he built a reputation as a dependable receiver who made plays in important moments.
Scouts loved his strong hands and smooth route running. He entered the NFL as one of the most complete receivers in the class. Still, expectations become much bigger during a player’s second season.
The Buccaneers drafted Egbuka to eventually become more than just a supporting option behind veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Both players have been important to Tampa Bay’s offense for years, but the franchise also needs to prepare for the future.
That is why Year 2 matters so much for Egbuka. The Buccaneers want to see signs that he can eventually grow into a true No. 1 receiver role. If he struggles to make that jump, people may start questioning how high his ceiling really is.
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2. Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) reacts in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
No receiver from this class may face more pressure than Tetairoa McMillan. Carolina drafted him with the No. 8 overall pick because the team believes he can become quarterback Bryce Young’s top target for years to come.
McMillan earned those expectations after dominating at Arizona. He impressed scouts with his size, body control, and ability to make difficult catches along the sideline and deep down the field.
Now he has to bring that same production to the NFL. The Panthers are still searching for a clear offensive identity, and McMillan is expected to become a major part of building it.
Developing chemistry with Bryce Young will be extremely important. Carolina needs him to become the centerpiece of the passing attack. If he struggles to separate from defenders or produce consistently, criticism will arrive quickly. However, if he breaks out in Year 2, he could completely change the future of the Panthers’ offense.
1. Travis Hunter – Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Travis Hunter enters 2026 with a lot to prove. His rookie season did not go as planned. He struggled on both offense and defense before a knee injury ended his year early.
Now, he is expected to be fully healthy. The Jaguars seem to have a clearer plan for him, focusing mainly on his role as a cornerback. With changes in the roster, he should get plenty of playing time on defense. His college career showed he has great playmaking ability. If he can return to that level, this could be the season where everything clicks for him.