Wide Receivers we like in the 2023 NFL Draft

By John Mesenbrink

JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA

Ohio State University (JR), WR

Perhaps not the best draft for wideouts to go early in round 1, this former Buckeye is at the top of this list. As a sophomore at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba accumulated 1,606 receiving yards with 95 receptions, on a team that also featured Chis Olave and Garrett Wilson. And while Ohio State keeps churning out great receivers, Olave and Wilson opted out for the draft last year, and Smith-Njigba still went off in the Rose Bowl against Utah — 15 Rec., 347 yards and 3 TDs. He was limited for the 2022 season with a hamstring injury. The buzz around draft war rooms is that Smith-Njigba could be one of the top 2 WRs taken off the board. Once he learns the NFL playbook, and remains healthy, the sky’s the limit.

Pluses:

• When healthy, he produces
• Strong Pro Day
• Fluid hips
• Productive slot receiver
• Strong, soft hands

Concerns:

• Health
• Limited college experience
• Can he play outside? (played 83% of his snaps out slot)
• Separation anxiety
• Dropsies

ZAY FLOWERS

Boston College (SR), WR

In his senior year, you could say that his QB was happy. That’s because the QB rating when targeted was a robust 106.1. In 2022, in which he played 12 games, the former Eagle caught 78 balls for 1,077 yards and 12 TDs. In his junior campaign, Flowers had 44 receptions for 746 yards and a fragrant 17 yards per catch. Although his size is a concern (5’9” 182 lbs.) he plays bigger than his size consistently winning as an X receiver (only played 33% out of the slot). CHUBZ sees him as a top 3 wideout off the board, and depending on the team drafts him, he may see action right away or sit to learn the ropes.

Pluses:

• Plays with energy and confidence
• Open field creativity
• Balance
• Run after catch

Concerns:

• Baby hands
• Undersized (5’ 9”, 182 lbs.)
• Dropsies
• Run blocking ability

JORDAN ADDISON

USC (JR), WR

Just think, in 2021, during his sophomore season at Pitt, Jordan Addison was the nation’s top receiver, and he has the Biletnikoff Award hardware to prove it. An first-team AP All American, his magical sophomore season saw 100 receptions, 1,593 yards and 17 TDs. In 2022, he transferred to USC where he caught 59 balls for 875 yards and 8 TDs in 11 games. A consensus first round pick, he may turns some heads in the NFL sooner than later because all he does is produce.

Pluses:

• Athleticism
• Downfield speed
• High-volume target
• College resumé
• Solid route runner, bur excels in the slot

Concerns:

• Slight receiver (5’ 11”, 173 lbs.)
• Dropsies
• Small catch radius
• Struggles outside when pressed

QUENTIN JOHNSTON

TCU (JR), WR

A projected late first round, early second round pick, we’re getting Kevin White vibes here. The former Horned Frog’s physical traits, speed and yards per catch scream “supastar,” but his non-factor National Championship performance and somewhat inconsistent production have some heeding “caution.” Early NFL expectations should be tempered a bit. While missing three games his sophomore year, Johnston still garnered first-team, all-conference with 33 receptions, 612 receiving yards and six TDs. Last year, his junior year, he improved with 60 grabs, 1,069 yards and 6 TDs. Johnston is a player that will see improved production with NFL experience.

Pluses:

• Size and speed (6’ 3”, 208 lbs./ 4.4 40-yard dash)
• Route running
• Yards per catch
• Creates separation
• Downfield playmaker
• Work ethic
• Third down and red zone target

Concerns:

• Blocking
  • TD production (of Max Duggan’s 32 TD passes, Johnston has 6)
  • Health
  • Dropsies
  • Next-level competition

Additional Receivers of note: Josh Downs, Marvin Mims, Jayden Reed, Jonathan Mingo, Puka Nacua