When evaluating wide receiver prospects on tape, letting the analytics section apart, there are nine factors I take account of. Let’s see which wide receiver prospects of the 2023 class lead every category:
Route Running:
Jordan Addison, USC
USC standout receiver Jordan Addison is the best route runner in the 2023 NFL Draft in my opinion. Because he can’t particularly rely on size (6’0”, 175 lbs.) Addison has drastically improved his skills as a route runner throughout his college career.
The former Pitt Panther can stop on a dime, has incredibly active feet and he’s an extremely twitchy athlete who can quickly change direction. Addison’s ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes and hips is top-tier.
Contested Catch Ability:
Quentin Johnston, TCU
When analyzing Johnston’s profile, the most common factor that gets quoted is the fact that he sometimes also uses his body to complete catches. At the same time though, Johnston has put together numerous jaw-dropping catches by only using his hands, especially at the catch point and on contested situations. Johnston dominates above the rim and he’ll do it also in the NFL.
https://twitter.com/SartiranaLuca/status/1450537493502308355
Separation:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Smith-Njigba displays top-notch football IQ, he has a natural feel for finding soft spots in coverage and he’s phenomenal at creating separation, especially in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Jordan Addison is right up there with Smith-Njigba in this area. The Ohio State product is another great manipulator who’s consistently open.
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Ball Skills:
Marvin Mims Jr, Oklahoma
I wrote multiple times throughout this draft cycle about how underrated Marvin Mims Jr. is. The Sooners’ standout is an elite deep threat who could easily have a 5 minutes long highlight reel filled with insane catches. Mims has elite body control, sticky hands and top-tier hand-eye coordination.
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1596676871613472769
Beating Man Coverage:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State and Quentin Johnston, TCU
Analytics wise, if we take account of college careers, Smith-Njigba and Johnston are the 2023 pass catchers with the highest yards per route ran against man coverage results. They win in different ways, but both are very effective in their own ways.
Yards After the Catch Ability:
Josh Downs, North Carolina
Josh Downs is an absolute demon with the ball in his hands. He’s fast, elusive and a chess piece that will be extremely useful in the short passing game because of what he can create after the catch.
https://twitter.com/SartiranaLuca/status/1448753838224195589
Speed
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Hyatt is a pure speedster who will be an effective deep threat in the NFL. Hyatt could end up putting together a below 4.30s 40-time soon. Hyatt looks to have Jameson Williams caliber speed and he’s the absolute king in this category.
Size/athleticism combination
Quentin Johnston, TCU
Johnston possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. He moves around in an impressive way for his size (6’4”, 212 lbs.), he’s a big-time deep threat and yards after the catch creator who can put together big plays with ease on the ground.
Versatility:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Smith-Njigba could and should be utilized in the NFL like the Lions utilize Amon-Ra St.Brown. Ohio State utilized him in a similar way in his sophomore season and he went nuclear. His future team should consistently move him around, Smith-Njigba is phenomenal at exploiting matchups and making plays at every level of the field.
