2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor

Tyler Lawrence
41 minutes ago
4 min read

Name: Josh Cameron

Position: Wide Receiver

School: Baylor University

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 223 lbs

Class: Senior (2025 season)

Hometown: Cedar Park, TX

High School: Cedar Park High School

Recruiting Rank: Unranked walk-on (2021 class)

Draft Projections (as of January 2026):

• Pro Football Network (PFSN Big Board, crawled January 21, 2026) → Undrafted (outside top 300)

• PFF (Big Board, published January 12, 2026) → 7th round, WR not ranked (#200+ overall)

• NFL Draft Buzz (profile, updated January 15, 2026) → 3rd round, WR25 (#164 overall)

• NFL.com (Senior Bowl prospects, published December 5, 2025) → Day 3 projection

• ESPN (Mel Kiper Big Board, updated January 16, 2026) → Not ranked (missed top 25 prospects)

• Consensus (NFL Mock Draft Database, updated January 21, 2026) → #170 overall (WR25 average)

Career Background

An unranked walk-on from Cedar Park High School, Josh Cameron began his Baylor career without a scholarship, appearing in three games as a freshman in 2021 before earning one in 2022. He emerged as a rotational piece in 2023 with 35 receptions for 492 yards and 4 TDs, contributing to a bowl win. Cameron broke out in 2024 with 42 catches for 580 yards and 5 TDs, showcasing physicality. In 2025, as a primary target, he led the Bears with 69 receptions for 872 yards and 9 TDs, adding punt return value despite team struggles. He declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in December 2025, aiming to prove his underdog story at the pro level.

Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Career Stats

• 2021 (Freshman) → 0 rec/ – tar (–%), 0 yards (– avg/rec), 0 TD

• 2022 (Sophomore) → 12 rec/ – tar (–%), 152 yards (12.7 avg/rec), 1 TD

• 2023 (Junior) → 35 rec/ – tar (–%), 492 yards (14.1 avg/rec), 4 TDs

• 2024 (RS Junior) → 42 rec/ – tar (–%), 580 yards (13.8 avg/rec), 5 TDs

• 2025 (Senior) → 69 rec/ 102 tar (67.6%), 872 yards (12.6 avg/rec), 9 TDs

• Career Totals (5 Seasons) → 158 rec/ – tar (–%), 2,096 yards (13.3 avg/rec), 19 TDs

Advanced Stats (2025, PFF):

• PFF OFF Grade → 72.4 (mid-tier among qualified FBS WRs)

• PFF RECV Grade → 71.9

• Snaps Wide 92.8%/SLOT 7.2%

• Yards After Catch → 334 (4.8 per reception/ 38% of total yardage)

• Missed Tackles Forced → 15 (0.22/rec)

• 16/27 contested catch (59.3%)

• Drops → 1 (1.4%)

• QB RTG → 119.4 (top-tier among qualified WRs)

Awards and Accolades

High School:

• All-District honors

• Unranked recruit

College:

• All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2025)

• Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week (2025)

Character and Leadership

Cameron impresses with his resilience and quiet determination, as Baylor coach Dave Aranda praises how he “rises to occasions with class and integrity,” crediting his team-first mentality amid challenges. Teammates like Sawyer Robertson note his leadership in overcoming self-inflicted errors, while his mom publicly defended his performance after fumbles, highlighting his hard work. No off-field issues or reprimands surfaced; media portray him as an underdog who exudes humility. Academic details remain private, with no major or GPA reported.

Injuries

Cameron played three games as a freshman in 2021 without reported issues. In 2022, no injuries noted, appearing in all contests. He dealt with undisclosed nicks in 2023 but played all games. In 2024, a minor injury limited practice early but no absences. During 2025, no significant setbacks were reported, as he suited up for all 12 games. Scouts see him as durable, with no surgeries or chronic problems documented. Full pre-draft workouts should proceed smoothly.

Play Style

Cameron operates as a physical possession receiver who leverages build to muscle through contact and extend short throws, often powering for extra yards in traffic. His hands secure catches in crowds, paired with route savvy that finds soft spots against zone. Fits power-gap schemes needing chain-movers; comps include Allen Lazard (red-zone bully) or Chase Claypool (physical YAC). Punt returns add utility, though speed caps deep role.

Strengths

1. Contact Balance — Sheds arm tackles routinely; gains hidden yards.

2. Catch Security — Minimal bobbles; absorbs hits while holding.

3. Route Physicality — Boxes defenders; wins leverage at stems.

4. Red-Zone Reliability — Body control scores fades; high-points consistently.

5. Return Versatility — Vision flips fields; averages explosive touches.

Weaknesses

1. Separation Burst — Builds gradually; struggles vs tight man.

2. Deep Speed — Adequate but not burner; limits vertical threat.

3. Contested Inconsistency — Wins some 50/50s but rate dips.

4. Blocking Technique — Engages but overpowered at times.

5. Slot Adaptability — Boundary focus; untested inside.

Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Final Evaluation

Josh Cameron ranks as a Day 3 WR find in 2026, supplying physical YAC and return spark that could fortify special teams and short-pass units. PFN, PFF, and NFL Draft Buzz notes accentuate his low drops and contested efficiency as dependable traits, with added burst unlocking more. Primed for run-heavy offenses like Lazard or Claypool, Cameron offers mid-round value—might spark Baylor’s draft story if traits align. He figures as a multi-role asset building to rotational duties.