Chris Simms, who had Brian Thomas as his second WR last year, says to keep an eye on Kyle Thomas in 2025
The frustrating part about big boards, mock drafts, and position rankings this time of year is that they are all mostly the same. While consensus boards generally end up pretty close to reality, those who tend to break from the hive mind are more likely to catch my attention.
If you are looking for a real eyebrow raiser, Chris Simms’ 2025 WR draft rankings are probably the most unique you will come across this year. The outcome is that we have some names traditionally outside the top 100 picks that may be worth paying attention to.
Simms earned goodwill last year by ranking LSU and now Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas, Jr. as the second-best in his class—even ahead of Marvin Harrison, Jr. New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers and Thomas now seem like the two players most likely headed for NFL stardom. Harrison still caught for over 800 yards in an inconsistent Arizona Cardinals offense. It’s never wise to take a full victory lap after just one season as teams are making these picks with at least a three to five year window in mind.
Can he keep his hot streak going and nail the 2025 crop of pass catchers? Let’s dive right in:
Tier 1:
1 – Travis Hunter, Colorado
You see on the defensive side of the ball, he’s phenomenal and tough as hell…His ability to change directions is special. He could be one of the greatest route runners in football. He’s not a guy who’s going to take it 80 yards to the house, but there’s a lot of 40 and-50
Hunter is almost sure to be taken in the first five picks of this class, so from a Los Angeles Rams perspective there is not much to pay attention to here.
Tier 2:
2 – Kyle Williams, Washington State
Travis Hunter is the only guy you can say is a better route runner than him, and I’m not even sure if that’s true. That’s how good this guy is. He has the quickest feet in the draft. On top of that, he can really accelerate. He plays bigger than his size, he’s smooth, and runs easy…There’s no doubt that after the catch, [he and Hunter] are the best in the draft. I think he’s a first-round pick. The modern-day NFL fits this kind of player right now.
NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus board currently has Williams as the 107th ranked prospect and is projected to go in the fourth round, so this is quite the bold take from Simms. As recently as December, Williams was probably at risk of going undrafted based on the consensus board rankings.
There’s a lot to like about the 5-11, 190 lbs. prospect. While Luther Burden is generally considered the best in the class at creating yardage after the catch, Simms says Williams is even better in that regard. Burden has at least and inch and 10 to 15 pounds on Williams’ frame. There’s also the question of competition, and Burden was playing against SEC corners. Drops are something to watch with Williams.
3 – Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
He’s always open, even when he’s covered. There’s value in that. When he catches the ball on the move, watch out, because he can cover ground. I think he has more pure speed than I gave him credit for when I watched him.
With the draft less than a month away, it’s looking possible that McMillan could be available for LA at 26th overall. The Rams haven’t had a receiver with McMillan’s skillset in recent years. Josh Reynolds was maybe the next-closest; however, McMillan is simply in a different tier of pedigree at 6-4, 219 lbs.
Could McMillan be the cure to the Rams’ woes in the red zone?
4 – Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
He’s a slot receiver but he’s also a weapon, and because of his speed and his strength, he can play outside…He accelerates out of the break really well.
There’s a lot to like with Noel. At 5-10, 194 lbs. he’d project in the Rams offense as a long-term Tutu Atwell replacement. You’d be drafting him to be a high-level complimentary piece. I’m not sure there is an avenue for him to become a bonafide number one receiver. Still, most NFL teams run three deep at the position and it would be difficult to keep his skillset off the field.
Tier 3:
5 – Tre Harris, Ole Miss
When you’re running for 70 and 80-yard touchdowns in the SEC, which is littered with NFL secondary talent, you’re fast, and he does it consistently…It’s not about suddenness and twitchiness, but he is a good route-runner. He does have build-up speed and when he opens up, watch out.
Tre Harris currently projects as a second round prospect. He’s a bigger bodied deep threat who runs a 4.54 40-yard dash at 6-2, 205 lbs. If I had to make a comparison, I think I’d call him a souped up version of Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce that also has better change of direction skills. Pierce was taken in the second round of the 2022 class.
I think Harris is someone who will rise up draft boards over the next month. There are a lot of solid receivers in this class, but only a few that have the chops to become true number ones over time. Harris is one of those few in this year’s group. I could see him going either in the back of the first round or early in the second.
Honorable Mentions:
Luther Burden, Missouri
Burden appears to be slipping in most draft rankings. Simms still appears to like him, but he may be more of a niche role player than true separating receiver. It seems like a lot of people feel this way about Burden, but only Simms is bold enough to come out and say it.
Isaiah Bond, Texas
Bond’s stock is also falling, and his fate may be somewhat inversely correlated to his Texas teammate Matthew Golden’s trajectory.
Matthew Golden, Texas
Golden ran the fastest 40-yard dash amongst receivers at the combine. It’s usually dangerous to give such a feat too much credit, though this receiver is also impressive on film.
Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
Lane has a similar frame to Burden, Williams, and Noel at 5-10, 191 lbs. He notched an impressive 40 time at 4.34 seconds. Lane also brings special teams chops and can contribute as a punt returner.