2023: Wide Receivers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba-WR-Ohio State-6’1”-196-Top 20-92

Ohio State only produces stud receivers. This guy was unstoppable in the Rose Bowl 2 years ago. Low center of gravity allows great lateral movement which he uses to create separation and also to rack up the YAC. Displayed by a 6.57 in the 3 cone and sub 4 second 20 yard shuttle. Seemed to slack off his Junior year and is coasting into the NFL. He moves a bit like Edelman, but of course I would never compare JE11 to anyone. Some guys have better tape, but I’m betting on that Ohio State pedigree that produced 2 first round receivers in 2022, will add another in 2023, and Marvin Harrison Jr. might go top 3 next year.

Jordan Addison-WR-USC-5’11”-173-2nd Day-90

Absolute star potential, one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Addison plays like Justin Jefferson. Smaller player, which is becoming more and more common, not sure how much he will fill out his frame, but could get into the 180-185 range and maintain his advantages. He won the Biletnikoff award at Pitt and then transferred to USC and didn’t have nearly the production with Caleb Williams as he had with Kenny Pickett. That’s the concern. But the kid is 21 with huge upside and you could get him on day 2. If the Steelers snag him in the 3rd round I may need to be put on a government watch list.

Zay Flowers-WR-Boston College-5’9”-182-2nd Round-90

He looks like Antonio Brown on the field. The number one takeaway from watching his film is that Boston College has horrible quarterbacks. Number 2 is that Zay Flowers can run the rip route with the best of them. Looks like a playmaker with the ball in his hands, gets separation on his routes, and has high compete level on contested balls. Ran a 4.42 which is plenty fast for what you’ll ask of him, but in the end, he wins on quicks and desire.

Jalin Hyatt-WR-Tennessee-6’0”-176-1st Round-86

True deep threat burner, some people say DeSean Jackson but I see Will Fuller. One of those sprinter types that might not run a 4.2 at the combine, but he can get on top of corners consistently. I see him as a one trick pony which moves him into the top of the 2nd for me, but I expect someone to draft him in the 1st round to open up their offense. Press coverage is the enemy.

Quentin Johnston-WR-TCU-6’3”-208-2nd Round-82

Sidney Rice with less ball skills. He builds to speed. Might be the only true outside the numbers X receiver in this draft.

Cedric Tillman-WR-Tennessee-6’3”-213-2nd Day-81

Bigger receiver who tends to play inside the numbers rather than outside. If he plays his cards right, he can be an Allen Lazard type.

Josh Downs-WR-North Carolina-5’9”-171-2nd Day-78

Jamison Crowder.