2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Wide receivers
theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players available in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Top 50
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S
In a draft class filled with undersized wide receivers, Johnston stands out. At 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, the TCU star has the desired build of a top outside wideout at the next level. Combined with his stature, Johnston's speed and long wingspan help propel him into a dangerous vertical threat. But what really makes the Horned Frogs product the top receiver in this class is his rare yards-after-the-catch ability. Wideouts built like him typically only push in the intermediate or deep areas of the field. But Johnston is very nimble in space and breaks a ton of tackles. That makes him not only a weapon downfield but a threat even in the short game. He can do equal damage in the screen and short-passing game as he can vertically. His only question marks are his hands - as he's prone to being a body catcher - and his ability to separate. Still, Johnston's ceiling is sky-high thanks to his rare size, speed, and YAC ability.
A year after breaking out at Pitt, Addison continued his climb toward the NFL with a productive season at USC. No matter where he plays, Addison's proved to be consistent in one area: route running. In fact, it'd be challenging to name a better route-runner in this WR class than him. Addison's capable of running a full route tree and can use a variety of techniques to create separation. His ability to control the pace is marvelous to watch, and his versatility means he's capable of playing outside or in the slot. While he doesn't have true burner speed, Addison can survive thanks to his craftiness. His weight is perhaps the only true concern - it adds doubt to his ability to handle NFL-caliber boundary cornerbacks. While his ceiling may not be as high as other top prospects, his floor means he should be ready for a starting job from Day 1. Addison got it done in the ACC and the Pac-12, and now he's looking to make it three-for-three by thriving at the next level. With his route-running talent, he should be able to find success.
Smith-Njigba is perhaps the most divisive receiver prospect this year. There's no question that his ceiling is likely the highest of his peers and could push him to WR1 when pundits look back at the 2023 class. But Smith-Njigba's durability could be called into the spotlight after he missed all but three games last season with a hamstring injury. While he took the college world by storm in 2021, it's fair to point out that the majority of his production came in a burst. Still, it's hard not to be amazed by what the Ohio State star showed when healthy. He's an excellent route-runner who thrives at the stem of his routes with nifty footwork. He also flashes outstanding body control and concentration to make tough grabs in tight windows. Smith-Njigba has the size to survive, but figuring out whether he's limited to a slot role or can hang outside will be at the top of his next team's agenda. With his ceiling, it'd be foolish not to explore his capabilities.
The comparison to Tyreek Hill may seem like hyperbole, but it's hard not to see glimpses of the NFL star when watching Flowers on tape. Despite being only 5-foot-9, Flowers plays bigger than his size, and his natural athleticism makes him a serious weapon in other ways, too. Flowers' route running is almost like watching art being made. He's got a quick release off the line of scrimmage but can also fend off the press with his lightning-fast footwork. At the stem of the route, he can dupe cornerbacks, leading to excellent separation. His elusiveness makes him a serious challenge for defenses to wrap up, too. While his ceiling may be somewhat limited due to his size and short arm length, which hinder his catch radius, Flowers has all the tools necessary to overcome those issues. The bottom line for interested offensive coordinators is simple: Get the ball in Flowers' hands and let his natural talent do the rest.
If speed is the name of the game, then it won't take long for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to announce Hyatt's name on draft night. The Tennessee product is an absolute blazer who possesses elite 4.4 speed. His transition to his second gear is effortless, and his ability to detach vertically from opposing defensive backs was second to none in 2022. Hyatt was one of the driving forces behind the Volunteers' 2022 surge, winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver after scoring 15 touchdowns. He's also got very reliable hands and is comfortable making catches away from his body or in tight windows. While he wasn't tested much against press coverage and his route tree was very elementary, Hyatt should have no problem translating his game-breaking speed to the next level.
Though he's not huge, Mims is bigger than most of his peers who excel in similar areas. While he played both outside and in the slot at Oklahoma, it's unclear if he'll be able to replicate that in the pros. However, his sudden release and footwork off the line of scrimmage leave a lot of optimism that he'll be able to do just that. With some proper position coaching, Mims could be a huge star in the NFL. After all, this is a player who made almost every touch a must-see play. The receiver plays bigger than his size with more contested catch wins than expected, but his true calling card is his athleticism. With 4.38 speed, Mims can push downfield and is very slippery after the catch. In the right system, he should be able to continue his ascension as he adjusts to life in the NFL.
Looking for an underneath, slippery slot receiver who can be a quarterback's security blanket? Downs could be your guy. The 5-foot-9 pass-catcher makes his living in the slot, where his frame doesn't hinder him like it would on the outside. That said, the UNC product is a mature route-runner who knows how to create separation by using a variety of different speeds to manipulate defenders. His quickness at the top of the route also often leaves defenders puzzled. Downs is a smart, instinctive player who quickly identifies open areas when the play breaks down in the pocket. His strong hands help him overcome his size, too. He might begin his career as a player who benefits from manufactured touches, but there's room to grow into a high-volume pass-catcher in the future.
Tillman had his star overshadowed by Hyatt in 2022 after an ankle injury cost him the majority of his final year at Tennessee. However, that doesn't mean he doesn't have an intriguing package to sell to NFL evaluators. Built like a perfect boundary receiver, Tillman shines in one-on-one situations thanks to his large hands and elite ability to track the ball in the air and then adjust to make difficult catches. Simply throw it up to him and he'll make a play. Though he has all the attributes necessary to be a physical receiver who's able to fend off press coverage, Tillman will need to polish this area with NFL coaching. Speed isn't his calling card, as evidenced by his 4.54-second 40-yard time, but there's still enough promise to bank that his stature, clutch hands, and toolset could make him an everyday starter.
If you're looking for a mid-round lottery ticket, chances are Scott might have the winning numbers. His dynamism instantly stands out on his tape and makes him a threat at any level of the field. Whether in the short, intermediate, or even deep passing game, Scott has a winning strategy to make it work. Most of this comes from his advanced route-running knowledge, which gives him a good understanding of manipulation and how to turn cornerbacks around. His breaks at the top of the routes are also vicious and sudden. Downfield, his 4.44 speed makes him a serious burner and allows him to do an exceptional job at tracking balls in the air. The Cincinnati product has all the makings of a mid-round talent who outproduces their draft slot.
Mingo appears to be rising up draftboards faster than his 4.46 speed, and it's easy to piece together why. Though his production on paper doesn't evoke huge reactions, his athleticism for his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame is astonishing. While Mingo doesn't have top speed in the usual sense, his acceleration is dangerous for a man his size. Combined with his strong hands, ability to create home runs after the catch, and versatility of playing outside or even as a big slot, there's no shortage of qualities to drool over. There's a fair bit of projection needed for the Ole Miss receiver, but if he gets to his ceiling, you don't want to be the team that missed out.
Wilson is a versatile receiver who has no problem getting separation. However, the route to getting there isn't so simple. The Stanford wideout played no more than six games in each of his last three seasons thanks to a multitude of injuries. His medical history is perhaps the only list long enough to challenge his number of positive traits. But if Wilson can change his injury luck - which is easier said than done - he'll surely find a home in the NFL. He's got excellent size and showed that he can produce from any alignment in the formation. Though lacking true speed, he produced in a variety of ways, mostly with his ability to get cornerbacks out of sorts with his savvy route running.
Rice might not be the most exciting prospect, but he has a high floor and comes equipped with the arsenal of talents needed to carve a nice role in the NFL. The bread and butter of his game is his consistency at coming down with the football. His insane 41-inch vertical only helps his ability to win one-on-one situations. His yards-after-the-catch generation is nothing to skip over, either, especially for his size. There are concerns over if he'll be able to separate while route running, and his releases leave a lot to be desired. Fumbles also popped up on occasion. How much ceiling there is in Rice's package will come down to whether he can add to his profile at the next level.
Reed's athleticism doesn't jump off the screen, but he finds ways to succeed. His 4.45-second 40-yard time isn't too shabby, either. He uses his burst to quickly close spaces in coverage before making his moves. An expert in finding soft spots in zone coverages to exploit, Reed also has adequate yards-after-the-catch skills that make him a threat if he's not brought down. His three punt return touchdowns also speak to his talent in space. Though his arm length is nothing to write home about, he brings down more catches in tight windows than expected. Reed was tested in press coverage on occasion with mixed results. If he can find a way to adjust to tighter NFL coverage, he could carve out a nice role for himself. Otherwise, he may be destined for a strict role in the slot.
Once he's off, there's no catching Palmer. He set the college world ablaze with his terrific speed, recording a 4.33-second 40-yard time at the NFL combine. The Nebraska product can easily accelerate into second gear, making it tough for even the fastest defensive backs to keep up. The majority of his work came from free releases, which begs the question of what his best role at the next level is and if he may just be suited for the slot. While his game is one-dimensional as he features predominantly as a deep threat, defenses must employ a certain level of caution when Palmer is on the field.
There's no other receiver prospect like Dell. His lack of size is undoubtedly going to be a red flag as he may be reduced to a receiver who requires manufactured touches. But even then, that may not be a total deal breaker - in the right offense with the proper brainpower, Dell can be a dangerous player thanks to his elite elusiveness and agility. His route running is very sharp due to his ability to stop and change speed on a dime and smooth change of direction skills. There's enough to fill a highlight reel when it comes to Dell, but will there be enough to utilize him against tenacious, physical NFL secondaries?
Other notable prospects
A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
Parker Washington, Penn State
Kayshon Boutte, LSU
Matt Landers, Arkansas
Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia
Rakim Jarrett, Maryland
Charlie Jones, Purdue