I can't find the exact source, but here's Grok's top ten list from a compilation of sources:
Based on pre-draft scouting reports and analyses from the 2025 NFL Draft class, several wide receivers stood out for their ability to create separation through route-running nuance, releases against press coverage, short-area quickness, tempo changes, and overall burst. This trait is crucial for getting open against NFL-level defenders. While separation can be subjective and context-dependent (e.g., scheme, alignment, or competition level), I've compiled a ranked list of the top performers based on consensus from multiple sources, focusing on prospects who received frequent positive mentions for these skills. Rankings prioritize those with the most consistent and detailed praise across evaluations.
1. Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)Noel was widely regarded as one of the elite separators in the class due to his explosive, snappy route-running and highest ceiling among peers. He shakes defenders with crossovers, gears down quickly to stop on a dime, and uses feints, tempo switches, and suddenness to generate "free yards." His vertical stems set up clean breaks on posts, comebacks, and outs. He wins with a good first step and excels as a detail-oriented route runner when focused.
2. Matthew Golden (Texas)Golden excelled at creating big-time separation at the top of routes through salesmanship, including tempo changes, feints, and fakes. He snaps off out routes effectively, beats press with impressive footwork, and uses patience in setting up breaks without always relying on raw speed. His advanced release game and ability to adjust on the fly against zone make him a consistent winner.
3. Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)Higgins was praised as a "disgusting route runner" who generates separation with a great get-off, crisp and abrupt breaks, and controlled strides. He sells the vertical threat to set up horizontal routes, uses subtle chicken-wings to create space even in tight coverage, and features flexible ankles for varied breaks like speed roll outs. His foot quickness allows a diverse route tree from any alignment.
4. Jack Bech (TCU)Bech showed huge potential as a separator with excellent change-of-direction, start/stop ability, and oily hips to whip around at break points without losing time. He generates good separation technically rather than purely athletically, wins releases against press, and uses play-strength to throw off defenders late in downs. His route-running reminds some of Cooper Kupp.
5. Travis Hunter (Colorado)Hunter's burst and explosiveness allowed him to create separation consistently, particularly on intermediate-breaking routes, crossers, and go balls. He's fluid with bendy route-running, reliable at the catch point, and uses pacing/footwork to uncover rather than relying solely on athleticism. His dual-threat background (WR/CB) highlights his agility.
6. Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)Egbuka stood out for short-area quickness to separate early, not tipping breaks with leaning or drifting, and an impressive understanding of spacing/tempo to manipulate defenders. He dismantles zone coverage by pushing landmarks and finding soft spots, with enough speed for seams/crossers/outs. His technical polish aids consistent uncovering.
7. Isaiah Bond (Texas)Bond has untapped potential with flexible ankles/loose hips for sudden, harsh-angle breaks, creating favorable angles off the line and incorporating tilts. He wins on deep outs/comebacks and threatens vertically to put safeties in tough spots, though he struggles against heavy press.
8. Kyle Williams (Washington State)Williams creates instant separation with a strong release package, quick feet to stack corners on verticals, and ability to build speed in routes. He's a press beater who maintains separation downfield, though his route tree needs diversity for sharper breaks.
9. Elic Ayomanor (Stanford)Ayomanor is a bully-ball route runner who attacks leverage, snaps into breaks, and stops on a dime for separation on slants/verticals. He's shiftier off the line than expected, creates downfield separation with speed (4.44 forty), and has experience against press.
10. Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)Despite his size (6'5", 212 lbs), McMillan creates separation with top-notch route-running, short-area quickness for breaks, tempo alterations, and leverage attacks (e.g., "wrong side" stems). He threatens all levels but long strides limit some short-area routes.
Other notable mentions include Tai Felton (big-time separation via burst and technique), Elijhah Badger (detailed, smooth breaks against press), Xavier Restrepo (tempo/head fakes for separation), and Traeshon Holden (95th percentile separation score vs. single coverage). Prospects like Luther Burden III and Tre Harris had mixed reviews, with strengths in other areas but noted limitations in consistent separation.
