With spring ball now a month away, we’re ranking position groups in the Big 12 over the next two weeks. These evaluations will be based on past performance, future potential and quality depth of the entire group. Our outlooks will look different after the spring, but this is how we see them for the moment.

We continue this series with the wide receivers, including tight ends:

James Washington leads a stacked Oklahoma State wide receiver unit. Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire

1. Oklahoma State: The Cowboys might not just boast the best receiving corps in the Big 12, they might boast the best one in the country. James Washington will be a favorite to capture the Biletnikoff Award after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Slot man Jalen McCleskey had 73 receptions last year, the most of any returning Big 12 receiver. The Cowboys also welcome back Marcell Ateman, who had a breakout 2015 campaign before missing all of last season with a foot injury. LSU transfer Tyron Johnson, a former ESPN 300 prospect, and incoming freshman Tylan Wallace, also an ESPN 300 signee, join a rotation that is absolutely loaded.

2. TCU: The Horned Frogs bring back four players who had at least 30 receptions last year, including KaVontae Turpin, whose sophomore season was derailed by injury. Shaun Nixon, who had 47 receptions two years ago, is back after suffering a season-ending injury last season. The Horned Frogs also signed the No. 6 receiving recruit in the country in Jalen Reagor.

3. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders don't have a Michael Crabtree or Jace Amaro, but they do possess several solid and reliable options. Jonathan Giles leads this bunch after finishing fourth in the Big 12 last season with 1,158 receiving yards. Tech's top three other receivers return alongside him in Cameron Batson (61 catches), Dylan Cantrell (57) and Keke Coutee (55). The Red Raiders would be in even better shape here if former No. 1 juco WR Derrick Willies realizes his potential after a disappointing first season marred by injury.

4. Iowa State: After becoming just the fourth Iowa State receiver to surpass 1,000 yards in a season, Allen Lazard was a first-team All-Big 12 selection as a junior. He anchors a Cyclone receiving corps that includes Deshaunte Jones, who was one of the top offensive freshmen in the league last year. Iowa State also added ESPN JC50 Matthew Eaton and four-star signee Joshua Johnson to the mix.

5. Kansas State: After opening 2016 with low expectations, this group was better than expected. Byron Pringle turned into a dangerous deep threat, while Dominique Heath produced out of the slot. The key for this group will be whether former ESPN 300 recruit and Cal transfer Carlos Strickland emerges into a difference-maker.

6. Texas: Armanti Foreman and Devin Duvernay were both elite recruits coming out of high school. They also disappeared at times last season as Texas' offense sputtered late in the year. On talent alone, Foreman and Duvernay have the potential to be one of the top receiving duos in the league.

7. Kansas: LaQuvionte Gonzalez and Steven Sims Jr. both finished in the top 15 in the conference in receiving last season. Gonzales received votes for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Sims got votes for All-Big 12. Alabama transfer Daylon Charlot, who was the No. 59 overall recruit in 2015, joins them to form the best receiving trio that Kansas has enjoyed in some time.

8. Oklahoma: Replacing Heisman finalist Dede Westbrook won't be easy. The Sooners have only one player coming back (tight end Mark Andrews) who had more than 20 receptions last season. Oklahoma will need the likes of Jeffery Mead and Mykel Jones to step up, and ESPN JC50 transfer Marquise Brown to make an immediate impact the way Westbrook did in his first Oklahoma season two years ago.

9. West Virginia: Leading receiver Shelton Gibson unexpectedly declaring for the NFL draft was a blow to the Mountaineers. It will now be on Ka'Raun White or Jovon Durante to become the team's No. 1 receiver. David Sills rejoining the rotation after a juco stint trying quarterback should help.

10. Baylor: After producing some of the best receiving corps in Big 12 history, Baylor is finally in rebuilding mode at the position after losing KD Cannon and Ishmael Zamora to the draft. Chris Platt and Blake Lynch will take over as the primary targets. But the Bears will need incoming ESPN 300 freshmen R.J. Sneed and Trestan Ebner to contribute right away.