Position: WR

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Description: So how much respect has “JSN” garnered already in NFL circles? Two rookie 1,000 yard receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, both former teammates of his, have stated that JSN is the best WR of the three of them. 2021 displayed just how good he could be, as he had over 1,600 yards receiving while competing with the two of them for targets. His 2022 campaign was injury-riddled, and he only had 5 receptions all year. The offseason draft process has removed his 2022 season as a point of doubt, and has solidified his status as WR1 in this draft. At the NFL Combine, he had elite performances in the shuttle and 3-cone drills, demonstrating how he used his short area quickness and burst to get wide open in college. At his Pro Day, he ran a 4.48 40 yard dash, which is significantly faster than was anticipated. He even measured in bigger than expected, at 6’1” and 198lbs. While he is slot-only and will have to answer questions about injury concerns and his 2022 production, he is head and shoulders above every receiver in this class and should easily be a first round pick.

2. Zay Flowers

Description: This draft is littered with undersized receivers, and Zay Flowers might just be the best of them. While only 5’9” and 182lbs, Flowers does everything he can to not be limited by it. He has shown the ability to track the ball in the air, and does very well in terms of catching contested passes. Once he receives the ball, he is explosive and a threat to break a long touchdown. He can play inside or outside, and is a true threat in bunch formations that can disrupt defenders and how they cover him. He’s very fast, running a 4.42 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine. While he is a big threat to score when he catches the ball, the actual catching part is a problem. He has an 11% drop rate in his career, and a small WR with questionable hands is not the most attractive player to draft. He is going to have a hard time releasing from press coverage at the line of scrimmage, given his size. His size also makes him a liability when run blocking, which is considered a valuable trait by run heavy teams. Ultimately he is not a WR you can build an offense around at this point, but can prove to be a dynamic threat in a few years if schemed properly.

3. Quentin Johnston

Description: In a draft desperate for a big-bided X wide receiver, Quentin Johnston is the best one. He is listed at 6’3” and 208lbs, and he ran a 4.49 40 yard dash at his Pro Day, so he has the size/speed combination that teams can dream on as a number one target in an offense. He is much better against zone defense rather than man, as he can struggle to take advantage of his size to beat press. He is a smart player, and can find holes in zone defense and sink his hips at the top of his routes and sit in that spot to be open for his QB. He uses his size to break through would-be arm tacklers. He has a good combination of speed and acceleration to run away from defenders after catching short and intermediate passes. On film, Johnston is often seen using the same move to elude defenders, a spin-move to shake a potential tackle. He will need to develop better skills after the catch beyond what he does now. What will truly be the difference-maker for Johnston is if he can defeat press man coverage. At this point, he is allowing too many defenders to get into his chest when he is trying to release off the line of scrimmage. If he can improve on that, he can be a dangerous threat at the next level.

4. Jordan Addison

Description: Former Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison certainly came into this process as a first round lock, and for good reason. He is a top-tier route runner, and it allows him to create separation to make big plays in the passing game. He is a master of timing and deception to reveal more about a defender’s coverage before accelerating and finishing off his route with plenty of separation. He also is a clean hands-catcher, demonstrating the ability to snatch the ball out of the air often. He isn’t the fastest WR, as he ran a 4.49 40 yard dash at the NFL combine, but uses his ability to separate to generate yards after the catch. His frame is also slight, at 5’11” and 173lbs. Drops were also an issue for him. He can play inside and outside, although his functional strength will be something he needs to work on at the next level if he is to defeat press coverage. His physique is also problematic as he attempts to contribute to the run blocking. His best hope for impact is to be drafted to a team with an established number one receiver, such as the Buffalo Bills, where the pressure is not on him to succeed immediately. Ultimately he will have to win with route running, because he does not possess the raw physical tools to dominate defenders at the next level. A career path similar to DeVonta Smith should be the hope for him, as he played the role of a dynamic number two WR next to AJ Brown.

5. Josh Downs

Description: Josh Downs is the epitome of “What You See Is What You Get.” He is not a high-ceiling player, but can very likely contribute immediately in the NFL out of the slot. He is 5’9” and 171lbs, and ran a 4.48 40 yard dash. He is fast and a really strong route runner, going after the defender’s positioning and leverage to find himself open. He has good fluidity in his hips, allowing for sharp changes in direction. Similarly to Addison, he staggers himself well on routes in order to manipulate the defender into committing in coverage before using his fluidity to break in a different direction and find himself open. He is proficient in contested catches as well. His speed provides for great run after the catch ability as well. His lack of size limits his upside, as he is very likely a slot-only player. The size also limits his ability to be a play-side run blocker. He’ll also need to work on improving his hands, as drops were a problem at times. He is an easy projection for a team, which should make him more attractive to a team in a contending window. A team like the Seattle Seahawks, with two established receivers, would be an ideal landing spot for someone of his ability and floor.