2023 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

The 2023 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and the wide receivers are one of the most interesting positions in the class. The top of the wide receiver class has some legit talent and you should expect at least four of them to go in the first round. That being said, even the top of the class comes with a bit more risk than the average first-round wideouts. Let’s take a look at my 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings.

8. Houston WR Nathaniel Dell

Nathaniel Dell is as small as it gets at the WR position. At 5’8 and 165 pounds, Dell relies heavily on his quickness and speed to produce as a receiver. Fortunately for him, those parts of his game are very impressive. Dell has an excellent release, electric quickness, and runs crisp, clean routes. If Dell was 3-4 inches taller and 20-30 pounds heavier, he’d be a top-five wide receiver in this class. Dell is older for an incoming rookie, and his size might limit his upside, but he has the chance to produce at a high level in the NFL.

NFL Comparison(s): Wan’Dale Robinson/Rondale Moore

NFL Draft Projection: Round 3-4

7. Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt

Jalin Hyatt is the definition of a burner. His production in college came primarily in 2022 and he surely showcased his abilities. Hyatt brings the speed and length to be a legit downfield threat in the NFL. The worry with Hyatt is his versatility and ability to overcome strong, big corners. At Tennessee, he had a limited route tree and was often used from the slot, so it’s to be determined if he can handle man-press coverage and offer more than just a downfield threat.

NFL Comparison(s): Will Fuller/Chosen “Robbie” Anderson

NFL Draft Projection: Round 2

6. Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman

Cedric Tillman is the prototypical outside wide receiver with a 6’3, 213-pound frame with length and big hands. Tillman uses his size and strength at the line of scrimmage to beat press coverage and create big plays. Like Hyatt, Tillman featured a limited route tree at Tennessee so he’ll need to expand on his versatility to become a consistent NFL receiver. Nevertheless, the size and talent are there for Tillman to become a productive NFL player.

NFL Comparison: Corey Davis/Dez Bryant

NFL Draft Projection: Round 2-3

5. UNC WR Josh Downs

Josh Downs is one of the most polished route runners in the class. Similar to Dell, Downs is extremely undersized and that will limit his upside in the NFL. That being said, what puts Downs ahead of Dell is he’s a more well-rounded WR and has the versatile route tree that allows him to line up inside and outside. Downs plays the position tough and will become a quarterback’s best friend on the field.

NFL Comparison(s): T.Y. Hilton/Jamison Crowder

NFL Draft Projection: Early Round 2

4. USC WR Jordan Addison

Jordan Addison enters the NFL with three years of college production between the University of Pittsburgh and USC. In 2022, Addison was Caleb Williams‘ go-to target, putting up 59 catches for 875 yards and 8 TDs. Addison has the ability to cut on a dime and has an impressive route tree. For me personally, Addison offers a lot that I like, but not much that I love. I’m confident that he’ll be a productive NFL WR, but I struggle to see top WR1 upside.

NFL Comparison(s): DeVonta Smith/Jahan Dotson

NFL Draft Projection: Mid to late round 1

3. TCU WR Quentin Johnston

Quentin Johnston enjoyed a breakout season for TCU and helped lead them to the National Championship game. Johnston is one of the more polarizing WRs in the draft class. There are some who view him as the WR1 of the class and it’s understandable why. His size, strength, and speed combination are unmatched among anyone on this list. That being said, Johnston enters the NFL with a limited route tree and a bit of a drop issue. In addition, his route running leaves a lot to be desired and often becomes a “body catcher” leading to unnecessary drops, incompletions, and interceptions. Like other WRs on this list, Johnston has some holes in his game, but given that he will likely be a first-round pick, he certainly comes with some risk.

NFL Comparison(s): Alshon Jeffery/Deebo Samuel

NFL Draft Projection: Mid-Round 1

2. Boston College WR Zay Flowers

The Boston College wideout had a terrific senior season with 78 catches, 1077 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Despite being undersized (5’9 and 182 pounds), Zay Flowers has the ability to line up all over the field. He offers electric quickness and speed that translates to success in the slot and as a deep threat. Overall, Flowers is one of the safer prospects in this draft. His size might limit his upside but his abilities will allow him to find some level of good success in the NFL.

NFL Comparison(s): Tyler Lockett/Emmanuel Sanders

NFL Draft Projection: Mid to late round 1

1. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Jaxon Smith-Njigba comes in at my #1 spot for a variety of reasons. Though not running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, JSN clocked in at 4.48-4.52 at his recent pro day, according to numerous reports. Those numbers, combined with the best shuttle and 3-Cone drills of the class, it’s no secret that his stock rose over the past few weeks. His on-field tape is clear that he’s the most well-rounded WR in the class. He runs pristine routes, is not coverable in the short to the mid-range game, and has great hands. There were some worries after JSN had an injury-riddled 2022 season, but just go look back at what he did in 2021 and you’ll see why he is my WR1 of the class.

NFL Comparison(s): Cooper Kupp/Robert Woods

NFL Draft Projection: Mid-Round 1

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