Part 3 of our summer scouting series highlights the top pass-catchers at the FCS level. This includes wide receivers and tight ends, both of which have had some recent success stories in the NFL.
FCS pass-catchers (WR/TE) have had solid success in the draft in recent seasons. Since 2020, four tight ends have been drafted: Jackson Hawes (Yale), Tucker Kraft (South Dakota State), Andrew Ogeltree (Youngstown State), and Adam Trautman (Dayton).
Kraft has been the most successful of the four drafted, and Hawes is an ascending talent after having a good rookie year for the Buffalo Bills . Trautman has solidified himself as a quality starter at the position, while Ogeltree is a quality rotational option for the Indianapolis Colts .
As for the receiver position, nine have been drafted since 2020: Bryce Lance (North Dakota State), Junior Bergen (Montana), Ryan Flournoy (SEMO), Andrei Losivas (Princeton), Colton Dowell (UT Martin), Christian Watson (North Dakota State), Montrell Washington (Samford), Samori Toure (Montana), and Isaiah Coulter (Rhode Island).
Despite the number of picks since 2020, the position has not been productive overall. Christian Watson, to this point, has proven to be a number-one option for an NFL team, while Flournoy has shown flashes during his second season.
The 2027 pass-catcher class has prospects who can significantly increase their draft stock with a solid 2026 season. With many prospects on the fringe of draftable or free-agent grade, a productive season can elevate them into the discussion, even in a star-studded 2027 class of FBS pass catchers.
Height:6030
Weight:190 lbs
2025 Stats:78 receptions, 1,337 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs (14 games)
Strengths
Very good linear speed to threaten defenses vertically
Alignment versatility, can play outside or in the slot
Good acceleration out of his breaks to generate separation
Strong hands
Good deep ball tracking ability
Rhode Island wide receiver Marquis Buchanan (1) | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Height:6000
Weight:185 lbs
2025 Stats:48 receptions, 817 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs (13 games)
Strengths
Outstanding linear speed to stretch the field
Outstanding acceleration that quickly eats up cushion
Quick twitch with very good change of pace
Dangerous on manufactured touches due to speed
Adequate run blocker on the perimeter
Height:5080
Weight:170 lbs
2025 Stats:77 receptions, 1,025 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs, 124 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 PR TD (16 games)
Strengths
Good quickness off the line of scrimmage
Reliable hands
Toughness when working the middle of the field
Effective on screens and manufactured touches
Very good change of direction in space
Punt return value
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Height:6010
Weight:208 lbs
2025 Stats:43 receptions, 656 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs (14 games)
Strengths
Polished route runner with expanded route tree
Strong understanding of spacing
Quality release package with hand usage
Alignment versatility inside or out
Physicality when running routes
Height:5090
Weight:177 lbs
2025 Stats:70 receptions, 1,169 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs, 149 kick return yards (13 games)
Strengths
Good linear speed
Quick accelerator to create separation
Sharp route breaks and precise footwork
Excels with quick-hitting routes
Very good RAC threat
Height:6042
Weight:252 lbs
2025 Stats:44 receptions, 532 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs (10 games)
Strengths
Outstanding hands
Secures catches through contact
Finds soft spots in zones effectively
Tough runner after the catch
Quality lateral blocker that generates movement on solo blocks
Effective latcher in space
Height:6033
Weight:235 lbs
2025 Stats:29 receptions, 383 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs (10 games)
Strengths
Alignment versatility to play inline, in the slot, or in the backfield
Smooth route runner
Effectively uncovers against zone coverage
Willing blocker to set edges
Quality body control to block in space
Height:5116
Weight:191 lbs
2025 Stats:44 receptions, 458 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs (8 games)
Strengths
Polished route runner with disciplined technique
Wins with timing, precision, and leverage
Works smoothly through traffic
Good understanding of defender's leverage to create separation
Willing perimeter blocker
Joanes Fortilien (Jackson State, WR)
Dallas Holmes (South Dakota, TE)
Brevin Caldwell (Norfolk State, WR)
Samuel Musungu (Cornell, WR)
Marquis Buchanan vs Temple (Sept. 5)
Taco Dowler vs Nevada (Sept. 12)
B.J. Fleming vs Bowling Green (Sept. 5)
Samuel Gbatu Jr. vs SMU (Sept. 12)
Grahm Goering vs Northwestern (Sept. 5)
Best Route Runner:Grahm Goering (South Dakota State)
Best Hands:Ryder Kurtz (Cornell)
Best Deep Threat:B.J. Fleming (Tarleton State)
Best Contested Catch WR:B.J. Fleming (Tarleton State)
Best Slot WR:Taco Dowler (Montana State)
Best Outside WR:Marquis Buchanan (Rhode Island)
Best YAC Threat:Taco Dowler (Montana State)
Most Explosive Athlete:BJ Fleming (Tarleton State) & Marquis Buchanan (Rhode Island)
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/fcs as Summer Scouting: Top FCS WR/TE Prospects To Watch In The 2027 NFL Draft .
