'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The wide receiver position is one of the most critical offensive roles that NFL teams pay attention to today. Wide receivers have slowly but surely taken over the mantle from running backs as the most pivotal offensive slot after the quarterback position.
An elite wide can change the fortune of a franchise seemingly overnight; just look at Cooper Kupp in 2021 and Justin Jefferson in 2022. Hence, hitting a home run is essential once you draft a wide receiver in the NFL Draft.
First, there are so many types of wide receivers in the modern NFL, and general managers have the duty of selecting one who can play to their team's strengths, not the other way around.
This year is no different, as each of the following wideouts plays differently, but they can contribute to winning if deployed correctly. So without further ado, here are our top three wide receivers ahead of next month's Draft.
The top three wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
This list was created after the NFL Combine, so if you don't see your favorite wide receiver prospect here, they probably didn't make a significant impact in their rookie showcase. Here's our list going from third to first.
3. Jordan Addison, USC
The connection between Jordan Addison and future first-overall pick Caleb Williams was phenomenal, and the pair showed out in the 2022 college football season.
Addison is the most recognizable name on this list for many, which is a testament to his immediate success at the college level. He played football in two college powerhouses: Pittsburgh University and USC. He caught passes from current Pittsburgh Steelers shot caller Kenny Pickett and spent the last year of college seeing passes from a Heisman Trophy winner. It hardly gets better for an NFL-destined prospect.
Jordan Addison is a silky-smooth route-runner who springs off the line of scrimmage. He leaps off the line of scrimmage and has impressive acceleration. Chef's kiss, if you ask us.
However, he has some weaknesses in his play style, some things he has to work on professionally. Addison is listed at 175 pounds; his lack of body armor and strength shows up on tape, with the receiver getting knocked off his routes (or worse, to the ground), leaving the quarterback out to dry at times.
The size issue might be a chore in the NFL, as the Gridiron has some of the strongest defenders in football. Not to be confused with the fair weather competition at college from younger opposition.
Projected Round: Mid to late second round
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been around elite offensive talent all through his college career, and he looks primed to be the next Ohio State wideout to take the NFL by storm.
JSN set new Ohio State records with 95 receptions for 1,606 yards despite playing on a team that boasted future 2022 first-round picks and immediate NFL standouts Garrett Wilson (voted the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year for the New York Jets) and Chris Olave, a similarly dynamic first-year standout for the New Orleans Saints. You don't outplay such illustrious teammates if you don't have some bite in you. However, he, unfortunately, played just 60 snaps while limited by a hamstring injury in his junior season.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has many strengths, such as his solid build for a wideout and his savvy route-running skills. He knows something about beating his defender with agility rather than brute speed, and he could be a gem on a sophisticated NFL offense. Plus, he's a wide receiver in a running back's body; look at how he runs with the ball in his hands once you give him just a little space.
However, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has some weaknesses and flaws that might scare away many NFL teams. One of these glaring weaknesses is his lack of the explosive breakaway element most expect of a possible first-round pick. He excelled in a creative offense and was surrounded by an exceptional supporting cast, rarely seeing double coverage over his career. Then there's the injury record that made him miss most of his final college season; that's not a great sign.
Projected Round: Early second round
1. Quentin Johnston, TCU
6-foot-4, 215 pounds of pure skill and athleticism, Quentin Johnston is that guy, plain and simple. Johnston is easily the most talented wide receiver in his draft class, and his exploits at TCU have further enhanced his reputation. Watch any TCU game in the past college football season, and you'll notice just how reliant the Horned Frogs were on Johnston's immense talents.
Johnston is armed with an almost unreal combination of size and athleticism, including good build-up speed. He is a smooth accelerator who tracks the ball well over his shoulder and, with his size, is an absolute matchup problem on vertical routes. It's almost criminal.
Johnston utilizes the size and skill to shake defenders one-on-one. Few defenders could guard him in the NCAA, and with the proper training, fewer will be able to keep up with him in the NFL. Max Duggan was one lucky camper with Quentin Johnston as his WR1 while at TCU.
The only glaring concern about Quentin Johnston is his below-average ball skills for the wide receiver position, as he allows too many passes to clang off his hands or, worse, his shoulder pads. He will need to work on that during summer camp, as pro-level quarterbacks tend to throw harder than college shit callers.
Projected Round: Top 15 pick
