Just three years ago, Eric McAlister was emerging as one of the best wideouts in the Mountain West. McAlister put up more than 800 yards in 2023.
Then he transferred to TCU and continued to be highly productive. He was seventh in the FBS with 1,190 receiving yards this past season. He’s a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands.
McAlister currently isn’t seen as a wide receiver who will go highly in this draft class. But he certainly has plenty of upside.
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Eric McAlister NFL Draft Projection
I project McAlister will be selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. I could see him going to the Carolina Panthers or the Baltimore Ravens.
McAlister was a productive player in college and has great size for a wide receiver, but a recent injury could lead to him falling. NFL teams should easily be capable of seeing potential in him, especially with a mid-Day 3 selection.
Eric McAlister Height & Weight
McAlister was measured at 6-foot-4, 194 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Eric McAlister Stats & Highlights
Before McAlister was making plays at TCU, he was a standout receiver at Boise State.
After redshirting in 2021, McAlister recorded 259 yards and four touchdowns on 11 receptions as a freshman in 2022. The following season, he added 873 yards and five scores on 47 receptions.
Then he transferred to TCU in 2024. He totaled 762 yards and five touchdowns on 39 catches. He was 10th in the FBS with an average of 19.5 yards per catch.
Then McAlister was at his best as a senior. His 1,190 receiving yards in 2025 was the second-most by a TCU wide receiver in a single season, and his six 100-yard games tied for the most in TCU history. He caught 72 passes and scored 10 touchdowns through the air.
Where Is Eric McAlister From?
McAlister is from Azle, Texas. He was a three-star prospect out of Azle High School.
How Old Is Eric McAlister?
McAlister is 23 years old.
Eric McAlister NFL Draft Profile & Comparison
My NFL comparison for Eric McAlister is Dallas Cowboys wideout George Pickens. This isn’t to say he’ll have the same career trajectory. But both have an incredible blend of height and speed.
Before we get into his skill set, it should be noted that reports came out earlier this week that McAlister broke his foot during positional drills at TCU’s Pro Day. He’ll reportedly be ready for the season, but that could impact his draft stock.
We’ll also have to see how that affects McAlister on the field. Because during his collegiate career, he had the speed to outrun defenders on deep routes.
McAlister is more of a pure deep threat than a route-running technician. But when the ball is in his hands, he has the quickness to gain plenty of yards after catch and maintains good balance when hit. He was sixth in the FBS last season with 560 YAC and eighth with 7.9 YAC per reception. He was also top 20 with 2.6 yards per route run.
McAlister is also dependable when the ball is in the air. He doesn’t let defenders disrupt him and finds ways to come down with contested catches. He was top 25 in the FBS last season with 11 contested receptions.
If McAlister recuperates fully from his injury, he could become a starting-caliber receiver in the NFL.
