Look, the NFL draft has become a cottage industry for Ohio State wide receivers. Since 2022, we’ve seen five Buckeyes go in the first round: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. all heard their names called, with Emeka Egbuka looking like a lock for 2025. Now, everyone's buzzing about Carnell Tate for 2026. It’s a remarkable run, a testament to Brian Hartline’s coaching and the sheer talent funneling through Columbus. But not all first-rounders are created equal. Let's break down where these guys stack up.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the undisputed king here, and frankly, it's not even close. He went fourth overall to the Arizona Cardinals in April, the highest a non-quarterback offensive player has gone since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Harrison put up 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022, then followed it with 1,210 yards and 14 more scores in 2023, despite playing with two different starting quarterbacks. His body control, route running, and catch radius are generational. He’s already a top-10 NFL receiver in my book, and he hasn't even played a snap yet. That’s how good he is.
Next up, I’m putting Garrett Wilson. The New York Jets took him 10th overall in 2022. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year with 1,103 receiving yards despite catching passes from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White. Last year, even with Aaron Rodgers out, he still managed 1,000 yards. Wilson’s ability to create separation and make contested catches with inconsistent quarterback play proves his elite talent. He’s a true No. 1 receiver.
Chris Olave, taken 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2022, is right there with Wilson, maybe a hair behind. Olave has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, with 1,042 yards in 2022 and 1,123 in 2023. His speed and precise route running make him a consistent deep threat. While he might not have Wilson's same YAC ability, his downfield production is undeniable. He's a perfect complement in an NFL offense.
Then there’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who went 20th overall to the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. His draft stock was a bit of a mystery after missing most of 2022 with a hamstring injury, but his 2021 season — 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns, including 15 catches for 347 yards in the Rose Bowl — showed his immense potential. In his rookie year, he had 63 receptions for 628 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’s a natural slot receiver with fantastic hands and quickness, but he’s still carving out his role. He’s good, but not quite the immediate impact of a Harrison or Wilson.
Emeka Egbuka is projected as a first-rounder in 2025, and he’s a fantastic player. He had 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, sharing targets with Harrison and Smith-Njigba. Last year, injuries limited him, but he still showed flashes. Egbuka is versatile, capable of playing inside or outside, and he's got excellent run-after-catch ability. He’s going to be a productive pro.
Now for the hot take: Carnell Tate, while incredibly talented and a potential 2026 WR1, won't surpass Marvin Harrison Jr. or Garrett Wilson on this list. Tate’s freshman year showed flashes, with 18 catches for 264 yards and a touchdown, but he needs to prove he can dominate consistently. The hype is real, and his athleticism is off the charts, but Harrison and Wilson have already demonstrated elite NFL-level production. Tate has the potential, no doubt, but that top tier is a high bar.
Here’s my bold prediction: Egbuka will have a more productive NFL career than Smith-Njigba.