2023 Top 10 Rookie Wide Receivers

The 2023 NFL wide receiver class this year isn’t far off from what was last year in terms of depth. This class has a little more consensus at the top, but nonetheless, with inevitable runs on running backs, quarterbacks, and one tight end, there should be plenty of talent to fall in your rookie drafts at the wide receiver position. These are subject to change, but at the moment here are your 2023 Top 10 Rookie Wide Receivers.

Updated Rankings

1. Kayshon Boutte – LSU

Strength and speed show up immediately with Boutte. He is a threat to the defense to get behind the defense as well as he is solid with his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His movement in and out of breaks generates a lot of torque. Boutte’s tape from his freshman campaign in 2020 is a major reason for his status at the moment. With noted injuries in the 2021 season, followed by what looks like a subpar LSU offense, Boutte has a chance to fall as far as the third receiver in this class.  At the moment though he projects still as a top 10 player in the NFL draft who should have his name called early in the first round.

2. Jordan Addison – USC

Based on his current rate of production, Addison seems as good of a bet as any to win his second Biletnikoff Award. While the top receiver slot has been a two-horse race for a bit now, Addison’s productivity cannot be ignored.  He will have size concerns at his listed 6’0 and 175 pounds, but his ability to create separation at all three levels of the passing game. He can put a defender on skates in an instant and is a route craftsman in the making.

Breaking press coverage more is the thing he needs to be able to show on film more to see how he translates at the next level.  At this point he is a surefire first-round pick with potential for a top 16 selection should he remain productive and display improvement against press coverage.

3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State

He has a fairly complete profile, honestly. He has a complete game.  Contested catches, yards after the catch, route running, consistency of hands, if you can name it, he shows it. Most of the nitpicking for him comes with his top-end speed.  While his production has dipped so far this year, and reminders that his Rose Bowl production was in a significant part due to him being covered by a running back, Smith-Njigba is in the most talented receiving room in the country and becoming a focal point of defenses. Part of this dip in production is due to a pulled hamstring that he’s missed several games already this year.

Should he test even remotely impressive in the athletic department, he’ll go straight to the top of this list and end up in the top 10.

4. Josh Downs – North Carolina

Much like Lightning McQueen, Downs IS speed. Smaller player who has a terrific change of direction and has great lift when it comes to jump balls, extending his catch radius to that of larger than most players of his size. His size works against him as it really sets him strictly as a slot at the NFL level. He’ll want to increase his physicality when engaging defenders as well as avoid wear and tear injuries if he wants to keep his draft stock up. Late 1^st Round is what I have heard, but considering the recent string of North Carolina receivers to receive later than perceived draft capital, I’ll say Downs is definitely a Day 2 selection for the NFL Draft.

5. Quentin Johnston – TCU

Quentin Johnston is the first of the big receivers in this class. The first thing you’ll notice about him is his size. At 6’4 and 212 pounds, Johnston is a presence with defenders who are too close.  His contested catch range makes him damn near uncoverable. His massive dip in production this year is going to leave tape from this year heavily scrutinized. Johnston gives major Treylon Burks vibes in his play style.

Some of Johnston’s highs are contested catches, while lows are limited agility and his route tree wasn’t expansive due to that. If you’re expecting a 4.4 range 40-yard dash from him, you’ll be disappointed. His draft stock will be better for a production uptick as well as emphasizing his agility and both jumps at the combine. Currently, he is a 2nd Round pick.

6. Xavier Hutchinson – Iowa State

Hutchinson has a tremendous catch radius, plucking the ball and using his body to leverage space after the ball is in the air.  Drags and bubble screens help display great contact balance and setup of defenders but use the full extension when going for passes, leaving him to do well with contested catches. Hutchinson is difficult to bring down once he does get the ball.  He also does well settling into zones and finding the open area.  Amongst the 2023 wide receivers, he was one of my favorites to watch on film. He should go no sooner than the 2nd Round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

7. Jalen McMillan – Washington

Smoother than a baby’s bottom. McMillian glides in and out of his breaks so well. Changes directions effortlessly and works his way back to the ball in space. He leverages defenders to the breaking point and creates maximum separation in part because of that. McMillan shows great hands, reaching for the ball at its highest point. He’ll want to increase his weight and his physicality with defenders in his routes if he wants to shore up his game. McMillian is a Day 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

8. Parker Washington – Penn State

Slant and crossing routes pay the bills now in the NFL, and Washington can run them with the best of them. He has a great sense of space on the field and is good at creating natural picks. He has solid strength for his build and is good at getting yards after contact. His blocking ability will also serve as a great assist to field time for him as a rookie. Natural hands with a wide catch radius. He is going to want to improve his stock via the combine as the current narrative is he is quick but not fast.  Expect his name in the 2nd Round of the Draft.

9. Corey Rucker –  South Carolina

The Arkansas State transfer, his 310-yard performance is the NCAA record for yards for a freshman. He is best for his work with his hands. His weakness is the lack of inspiration in what he does between then. Contested catches are usually not something that you can count on for continued success at the NFL level. He isn’t fast, he isn’t necessarily quick either.  If Rucker can test better and improve his agility, and acceleration for the NFL Combine, his draft stock will improve. Until then, he projects more as a 3rd Round pick in the NFL

10. A.T. Perry – Wake Forest

While Perry is one of the larger bodies at the receiver position, he doesn’t play to his full size. He does use his body in leverage for separation from defenders, he seldomly catches the ball at his highest point. This passive approach to catching will make it a lot more contentious for him at the NFL level. His route tree mostly consists of fly and post routes, with the only underneath routes being curls to reduce cushions of the defenders. As far as his draft stock goes, it will likely take a dip at the NFL Combine when combined with a low vertical jump and middle-of-the-road 40-yard dash time. Perry’s route combinations don’t ask much from him in agility, leaving him to strictly perimeter routes in the NFL.

While initially a fan of him, the more I look into his film, the more I find myself questioning what will translate to the NFL. For his draft stock to go up, he will need an incredible Combine, and show more film with aggressive catches, rather than body catches. He’s a 4th Round pick once he goes to the NFL.

Comparing the Two Classes

All in all this class is just as strong as the 2022 rookie class at the top three positions, it does not boast the depth of the 2022 rookie draft class did. The 2022 class featured 13 receivers being taken in the first two rounds.  While this class should portray a smaller turnout in each of the first two rounds. Based on the time the receiver position needs of one to two years, there aren’t more than three at the moment I expect to produce ahead of that timeframe.

Many of these players will be projects and their fantasy output will be reduced for the first few years.  Between this and the verbose running back class, you should absolutely wait at receiver if you miss out on the first few. All in all, this 2023 rookie draft class is one with plenty of depth and talent, and overall, I believe it will live up to the hype.

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