From walk-on to the NFL, Josh Cameron is trying to become the latest to take the long route to the big leagues. After earning a scholarship, Cameron was a dynamic playmaker for the Baylor Bears with some traits that could translate.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josh Cameron
Measurables
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 220 pounds
Arms: 33.125
Hands: 10.25″
School: Baylor
Josh Cameron NFL Draft Overview
After dominating in high school, Cameron was wholly overlooked in the recruiting process. As a zero-star recruit, Camerson elected to walk on at Baylor for the 2021 season, where he appeared in the final three games. As a result of his play and presence in practice, Cameron earned a scholarship the following year.
As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Cameron earned a place in the receiver rotation. He appeared in 13 games and started four. In that time, he finished with the second-most receiving yards on the team with 386 on 28 receptions. His 2023 season was about the same, with 224 yards on 21 catches. However, he took over as a punt returner and averaged 15.5 yards per return.
His breakout came in 2024. As a 13-game starter, Cameron hauled in 52 passes for 754 yards and 10 touchdowns, each of which led the Bears on offense. He finished fourth in the Big 12 in yards, third in receptions, and second in touchdowns. In addition, he led the nation with a 20.7 yards per punt return average.
It was more of the same in 2025 for Cameron. As a redshirt senior, the former walk-on led the Bears again with 69 catches for 872 yards and nine touchdowns.
Strengths
- As sure-handed as they come
- Uses his size well
- Ball-tracking and body control are incredible
- Incredibly difficult to bring down
- Could create mismatches with positional versatility
- Opponents stopped punting to him altogether due to his return ability
- Can physically dominate smaller corners
Weaknesses
- One of the slowest 40s among receivers in the class
- Release off the snap needs work
- Takes more steps when running routes than necessary
- Will need to develop a fuller route tree
Projection: Sixth Round
Best Fits: Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints
Bottom Line on Josh Cameron
Cameron is going to be an interesting case this draft. On one hand, he’s a physical specimen who can overpower smaller defenders while creating all kinds of mismatches. On the other hand, he’s slow and needs to develop a route tree.
He could be a reliable red zone threat for most teams. Plus, there is plenty of special teams upside to his game despite that lack of speed.
Cameron isn’t likely going to develop into a WR1 or even a WR2. However, he could be a solid WR3 that could allow offenses to move their true WR1 around for even more advantageous matchups. All in all, Cameron looks to be a Day 3 dart throw who could develop into a solid rotational piece.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
