This Clemson Tigers wide receiver is a top NFL Draft prospect, but he has some things he must improve upon.
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. was well on his way to enjoying a tremendous sophomore campaign in 2026, but a scary injury that resulted in back surgery ended his season midway through.
Wesco had caught 31 passes for 537 yards and six touchdowns in seven games, averaging a hefty 17.3 yards per catch. The skill that had originally made him a five-star recruit were on full display, and he put himself on the NFL radar.
The junior playmaker will be eligible to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft, and the general expectation is that Wesco — along with fellow junior receiver T.J. Moore — will bolt Clemson for the pros next spring.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently ranked Wesco fifth among his top wide receivers for next year's draft, which is certainly impressive given the incredible depth at the position around the country heading into the fall.
However, Brugler identified one area in which Wesco must improve, and it could make all the difference in whether or not he becomes a successful NFL weapon: physicality.
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. Credit: USA TODAY Network."Listed at 6-2, 190, Wesco actually looks closer to 180 pounds with his lean, stringy muscle tone," Brugler wrote. "That lack of mass shows when he attempts to fight through press or break tackles after the catch. It can also hinder his ability to maintain focus and power through contact at the catch point."
To be clear, Wesco has added considerable weight since initially arriving at Clemson. Probably around 20 pounds, as a matter of fact. But considering the injury and recovery he just went through, bulking up this offseason was not going to be an easy process.
You also have to wonder whether or not Wesco — who seems confident heading into 2026 — will shy away from contact this fall after what happened last year.
One thing is for sure, though: Wesco boasts terrific all-around potential and has the ability to establish himself as a first-round pick next April.
What will be interesting to see is who becomes the Tigers' No. 1 receiver between Wesco and Moore. Both have been impressive over their first couple of seasons, and Moore may be the favorite based on how well he performed throughout the entirety of 2025.
But we'll see just how Clemson decides to employ its lethal wide receiver duo when the regular season begins on Sept. 5.
