From carrying the rock, to now catching it, we continue our 2025 NFC West position rankings with wide receivers up next.
During the offseason, the division saw a big shake-up at receiver. Some big-name playmakers, Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf, were dealt to new teams, while a long-time reliable veteran in Tyler Lockett moved on in free agency.
While these big names are in new homes, new faces have now stepped into their places, looking to make an impact on their new teams and become reliable options for their new quarterbacks.
Here is a look at the NFC West WR core rankings ahead of the 2025 season.
4. San Francisco 49ers
2025 WR depth chart: Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Russell Gage, Ricky Pearsall, Isaiah Hodgins, Junior Bergen, Jacob Cowing, Malik Knowles, Isaiah Neyor, Terique Owens, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins
Earlier this offseason, the 49ers elected to say goodbye to Deebo Samuel and traded the former Pro Bowler to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round selection, which the team used to draft RB Jordan James. The trade of Samuel broke the one-two combo with Brandon Aiyuk. While Samuel plays across the country, this means the pressure likely increases on Aiyuk, who has been the main go-to target within the group in two of the last three seasons. Between 2022 and 2023, the veteran recorded 2,357 and 15 touchdowns and was named a Second-team All-Pro in 2023.
However, last season was a different story. After a lengthy holdout, Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension last August. Two months later, he was lost for the season following a torn MCL and ACL during Week 7. As he works to regain form, the loss of Samuel means more attention will be put on the former 2020 first-round pick to continue to be the top option in the unit. At least in this case, George Kittle and a healthy Christian McCaffrey exist to help out.
While Aiyuk remains WR1, the 49ers will have plenty to sort out with an interesting mix of guys behind who could be competing to become second and third options.
Russell Gage, who enters his eighth season, was signed to the practice squad last November and between 2019 and 2022 saw 70 or more targets over that span. Jauan Jennings, who re-signed last offseason on a two-year deal, delivered a career-best season with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns.
Last year’s first-round pick, Ricky Pearsall, missed the first six weeks of the season while recovering from injuries sustained in a shooting incident. Following his return, he played in 11 games and finished with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns. Now entering Year 2, Pearsall will look to carve out an even larger role in the offense. Veteran Demarcus Robinson brings the most experience in the group as he enters his 10th season.
Likely, the biggest question here is, do the 49ers have a Samuel replacement option lined up for this season?
3. Arizona Cardinals
2025 WR depth chart: Marvin Harrison Jr., Zay Jones, Andre Baccellia, Greg Dortch, Simi Fehoko, Bryson Green, Trishton Jackson, Tejhaun Palmer, Quez Watkins, Xavier Weaver, Michael Wilson.
The Cardinals’ 2025 wide receiver room looks vastly different than it did just a year ago, and it’s all centered around Marvin Harrison Jr.
After selecting the Ohio State star with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Arizona finally has a true No. 1 receiver to build around. While his production didn’t quite match other fellow rookie wideouts last year, like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., Harrison enters his sophomore season with lofty expectations following a solid rookie campaign where he flashed his elite route running and contested catch ability. The Cardinals are banking on him to become the face of their offense alongside QB Kyler Murray.
Veteran Zay Jones brings experience and reliability to the group, likely slotting in as the WR2. Though his ceiling may not be as high, Jones is a dependable target on short and intermediate routes, a nice complement to Harrison’s vertical game.
Beyond those two, the depth chart is filled with role players and unproven talent. Greg Dortch will look to continue to grow more as the primary slot options thanks to his quickness and toughness, while Michael Wilson will hope to continue to increase his production in Year 3. Andre Baccellia, Quez Watkins, and Simi Fehoko offer speed but have yet to show consistent production.
Bryson Green, Trishton Jackson, Tejhaun Palmer, and Xavier Weaver will each hope to earn a spot in what’s expected to be a competitive camp battle overall for the WR4–WR6 spots.
In total, this group has more speed and versatility than in years past, but everything hinges on Harrison’s growth and Murray’s ability to stay healthy and consistent. If those two can build chemistry, Arizona’s passing game may finally take a leap forward in 2025.
2. Seattle Seahawks
2025 WR depth chart: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Bobo, Tyrone Broden, Montorie Foster, Tory Horton, Nate McCollum, John Rhys Plumlee, Steven Sims, Cody White, Ricky White, Dareke Young.
The Seahawks’ wide receiver room in 2025 might be the deepest in the NFC West, at least on paper. But it’s also one of the most unpredictable.
All eyes are on Jaxon Smith-Njigba heading into his third year. After flashing last season (100 receptions, 1,130 yards, 6 touchdowns), the former first-round pick is expected to become Seattle’s go-to weapon in a post-DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett world. With elite route-running ability and soft hands, JSN is now the focal point of an evolving offense.
Helping ease the transition is Cooper Kupp, the former 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, longtime Rams standout, and the Tyler Lockett replacement. Now in Seattle, Kupp brings veteran savvy and instant chemistry potential with new quarterback Sam Darnold, if he can stay healthy. His last two seasons have been riddled with injuries, but the upside is still there.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling adds speed and postseason experience, and could stretch the field as a WR3. Jake Bobo, a 2023 fan favorite, remains a reliable depth piece, especially in red-zone and blocking situations.
Beyond the top four, there’s a mix of raw talent and developmental projects. Tyrone Broden and Montorie Foster are fighting for outside roles, while Nate McCollum and Tory Horton offer explosiveness from the slot. John Rhys Plumlee, a former quarterback-turned-receiver, is a gadget option worth monitoring in camp.
Names like Steven Sims, Cody White, Ricky White, and Dareke Young round out the competition. While none are guaranteed a 53-man spot, several bring return ability or special teams upside that could help them stick.
Seattle’s front office clearly wanted optionality heading into 2025. Beyond Smith-Njigba and a healthy Kupp, it will come down to camp and preseason to determine who else the team can count on the most.
1. Los Angeles Rams
2025 WR depth chart: Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, Quintez Cephus, Britain Covey, Tru Edwards, Konata Mumpfield, Brennan Presley, Xavier Smith, Drake Stoops, Jordan Whittington, Mario Williams.
Entering the 2025 season, the Rams’ wide receiver group is as dynamic as it is deep, and potentially among the league’s best if everything gels together.
Headlining the unit are Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, a duo that brings the perfect blend of proven veteran dominance and rising star potential. Adams was signed this offseason and gives Matthew Stafford a rare two-in-one duo of No. 1 receivers. Nacua, meanwhile, is coming off a league-best 93.0 PFF grade in 2024 and has emerged as a star for Sean McVay’s offense over his first two seasons.
Tutu Atwell offers speed and spacing as the WR3, capable of stretching the field or working on jet sweeps. While looking to be more consistent, the presence of Adams with Nacua could put him in position for a productive season.
From there, the depth gets interesting and competitive. Quintez Cephus and Britain Covey bring NFL experience, but both are fighting off a wave of young talent. Covey also holds value as a return specialist.
Rookie, sophomore, and third-year names like Tru Edwards, Konata Mumpfield, Brennan Presley, Xavier Smith, and Mario Williams offer a variety of skill sets, from slot quickness to vertical burners. Meanwhile, Drake Stoops and Jordan Whittington, known for their route running, will look to push for opportunities with strong camps.
While the top of the depth chart is clearly defined, the Rams’ WR4–WR6 slots are wide open. Expect heated position battles through preseason, as McVay and staff evaluate who can contribute both offensively and on special teams.
With Stafford healthy and surrounded by weapons, Los Angeles may quietly feature one of the league’s most dangerous receiver groups heading into 2025.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Ranking every NFC West WR room ahead of 2025 season