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Next up in our NFC South positional rankings: the wide receivers, where the division is quickly becoming driven by its young talent. The departure of longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans marks the end of an era, while a wave of recent early-round draft picks and emerging Pro Bowl-caliber receivers has reshaped the landscape. With established veterans still making an impact and several rising stars ready to take the next step, this is one of the more intriguing position groups in the conference. Where does New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave rank after making his first All-Pro team in 2025?
With that in mind, here's our ranking of the top wide receivers in the NFC South heading into the 2026 season.
Leggette saw a dip in production after his rookie season, largely due to the emergence of Tetairoa McMillan. While consistency has been an issue from week to week, his physical skill set remains incredibly intriguing. With his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, Legette is still a player defenses must account for every time he steps on the field.
Godwin remains one of the most dependable receivers in the division as a savvy veteran with reliable hands. Whether lining up in the slot or out wide, he's consistently been a security blanket for Tampa Bay's offense. While he's entering the later stages of his career, Godwin should still be one of Baker Mayfield's primary targets and a steady presence in the Buccaneers' passing attack.
Coker surprised many with his impressive play during the second half of the season, but none was bigger than his nine-catch, 134-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. Look for Coker's role to expand in Carolina this season, as the young receiver has already flashed legitimate star potential.
Tyson enters the league as one of the most intriguing rookies in this year's draft class. While injuries have often been the biggest concern surrounding him, Tyson arguably possesses the highest upside of any receiver in the class. With tremendous athleticism, elite body control, and uncanny ball-tracking ability, he has all the tools to develop into a true No. 1 receiver.
Egbuka finished a close second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race among wide receivers, recording 63 receptions for 963 yards and six touchdowns. After an incredibly hot start, Tampa Bay's offense cooled off down the stretch, leading to a slight dip in production. Still, his ability to consistently create separation and win at all three levels of the field makes him a special weapon for the Buccaneers.
McMillan capped off an outstanding rookie campaign by winning Offensive Rookie of the Year after hauling in 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns, helping lead the Panthers to their first playoff berth since 2017. With another year of experience under his belt, McMillan looks poised to take another step forward and establish himself as one of the NFC's premier receivers.
Olave earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in his fourth NFL season after posting career highs with 100 receptions, 1,169 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Tyler Shough steadily improved throughout the year, as Olave closed the season with 429 receiving yards and five touchdowns over his final five games. With a full season alongside Shough, he's positioned for another dominant campaign in 2026.
London possesses prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds and consistently plays above the rim thanks to his basketball background. His ability to win contested catches and dominate the middle of the field makes him one of the league's most dependable targets. Despite appearing in just 12 games in 2025, London still totaled 919 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. As he enters his prime, expect him to continue building on the consistency that has defined his career.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the top wide receivers in the NFC South for the 2026 season
Continue reading...
With that in mind, here's our ranking of the top wide receivers in the NFC South heading into the 2026 season.
8. Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers
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Leggette saw a dip in production after his rookie season, largely due to the emergence of Tetairoa McMillan. While consistency has been an issue from week to week, his physical skill set remains incredibly intriguing. With his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, Legette is still a player defenses must account for every time he steps on the field.
7. Chris Godwin Jr. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Godwin remains one of the most dependable receivers in the division as a savvy veteran with reliable hands. Whether lining up in the slot or out wide, he's consistently been a security blanket for Tampa Bay's offense. While he's entering the later stages of his career, Godwin should still be one of Baker Mayfield's primary targets and a steady presence in the Buccaneers' passing attack.
6. Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
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Coker surprised many with his impressive play during the second half of the season, but none was bigger than his nine-catch, 134-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. Look for Coker's role to expand in Carolina this season, as the young receiver has already flashed legitimate star potential.
5. Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints
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Tyson enters the league as one of the most intriguing rookies in this year's draft class. While injuries have often been the biggest concern surrounding him, Tyson arguably possesses the highest upside of any receiver in the class. With tremendous athleticism, elite body control, and uncanny ball-tracking ability, he has all the tools to develop into a true No. 1 receiver.
4. Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Egbuka finished a close second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race among wide receivers, recording 63 receptions for 963 yards and six touchdowns. After an incredibly hot start, Tampa Bay's offense cooled off down the stretch, leading to a slight dip in production. Still, his ability to consistently create separation and win at all three levels of the field makes him a special weapon for the Buccaneers.
3. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
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McMillan capped off an outstanding rookie campaign by winning Offensive Rookie of the Year after hauling in 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns, helping lead the Panthers to their first playoff berth since 2017. With another year of experience under his belt, McMillan looks poised to take another step forward and establish himself as one of the NFC's premier receivers.
2. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
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Olave earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in his fourth NFL season after posting career highs with 100 receptions, 1,169 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Tyler Shough steadily improved throughout the year, as Olave closed the season with 429 receiving yards and five touchdowns over his final five games. With a full season alongside Shough, he's positioned for another dominant campaign in 2026.
1. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
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London possesses prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds and consistently plays above the rim thanks to his basketball background. His ability to win contested catches and dominate the middle of the field makes him one of the league's most dependable targets. Despite appearing in just 12 games in 2025, London still totaled 919 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. As he enters his prime, expect him to continue building on the consistency that has defined his career.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the top wide receivers in the NFC South for the 2026 season
Continue reading...
