2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Wide Receiver

3/11/23: Johnston had a good showing in the field drills at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. In 2022, Johnston recorded 60 receptions for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns. Area scouts are high on Johnston's skill set and upside, and two NFL directors called him a stud. Johnson is extremely talented, and some scouts say his skill set is similar that of A.J. Green or Julio Jones. A few directors believe Johnston is not as talented as those players, but is still really good.

"He's 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and can win on all three levels," said an AFC area scout during the season. "He puts up 20 yards per catch, runs great routes, is super smart, an alpha, and the hardest worker on the team."

6/23/22: Johnston is a tall and long receiver who presents a size mismatch. In 2021, he caught 33 passes for 612 yards and six touchdowns. Johnston has a good skill set and could rise as a junior.

3/11/23: Smith-Njigba had five catches for 43 yards in 2022. He missed most of the season with a hamstring injury. Teams love Smith-Njigba's 2021 tape, but him barely playing in 2022 and not running at the combine have some teams concerned about his durability/availability.

6/23/22: Smith-Njigba had a fantastic 2021 season despite being the third receiver behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. In 2021, Smith-Njigba caught 94 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. He also put together an amazing Rose Bowl performance to lead a comeback win over Utah. There is no doubt Smith-Njigba has serious speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability to go along with decent size.

3/11/23: In 2022, Addison had 59 receptions for 875 yards and eight touchdowns. He played well overall when on the field and missed some time with an injury. Some team sources say they think Addison could sneak into the top 10. Others have him lower in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

6/23/22: Addison benefited from quarterback Kenny Pickett having a phenomenal 2021 season to produce a massive sophomore season of his own. Addison caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021. He displayed the speed to get vertical and threaten defenses downfield. For the NFL, Addison could stand to get stronger and fill out his frame.

3/11/23: In 2022, Flowers recorded 78 receptions for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns. He played well while going under the radar on a bad team. A number of team sources stated they like Flowers and are intrigued with him.

6/23/22: Flowers played well for Boston College in 2021, but was held back by his starting quarterback being out for the majority of the season. He made 44 catches for 746 yards and five touchdowns on the year. Flowers was impressive in 2020, breaking out for the Eagles. He flashed some in 2019, but was improved a lot as a sophomore.

Flowers does not have much size, but he has game-breaking speed and is threat to produce a big play on any reception. He could take off as a senior given a favorable schedule and the blessing of a good quarterback in Phil Jurkovec.

3/11/23: Hyatt broke out in 2022 and was the source of a lot of huge plays for the Volunteers. He put up a 207-yard, five-touchdown game to help Tennessee upset Alabama. In 2022, Hyatt totaled 67 receptions for 1,267 yards - a 18.9-yard average - and 15 touchdowns. Hyatt put together meager production in 2021 (21-226-2) and 2020 (20-276-2).

While Hyatt is not a big receiver, he has quickness and is a vertical threat. Some team sources think he is a one-trick pony who benefitted a lot from the Tennessee scheme. Still, Hyatt looks like an early-round prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft.

3/11/23: In 2022, Tillman had 37 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns. He missed a good amount of time with injuries, but he returned to the field in late October. Tillman has gone under the radar, but he could be a nice value on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft.

6/23/22: Tillman was a tough receiver in 2021 for the Volunteers, showing good size and playmaking ability. During his breakout season, Tillman caught 64 passes for 1,081 yards with 12 touchdowns. He has the upside to perform even better now that he has some experience.

3/11/23: In 2022, Mingo recorded 51 catches for 861 yards and five touchdowns. He was a solid and dangerous receiver for the Rebels. Some team sources like him as a potential starting X receiver in the NFL, but other team sources think Mingo lacks the speed to separate from pro corners. Mingo earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he had a good week of practice in Mobile with team sources saying that he impressed them.

6/23/22: Mingo flashed somewhat for Ole Miss, and he has good size for the NFL. In 2021, he had 22 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He recorded 27 catches for 379 yards and three scores in 2020. Mingo has upside to produce more as a senior.

12/3/22: Boutte underwhelmed in 2022, hampered by lazy route running and some dropped passes. On the year, he recorded 48 catches for 538 yards and two touchdowns. Some team sources said they had Boutte graded in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

6/23/22: Boutte has not produced a huge season of college football, but that didn't stop the NFL advance scouts from giving him a high preseason projection. In 2020, Boutte had 45 catches for 735 yards and five touchdowns. He then took 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021.

Boutte has speed, athleticism, and big-play ability. It will be interesting to see if he can rise, as some advance scouts are high on his skill set and potential.

3/11/23: Wilson brought in 26 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns during 2022. He had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl where he ran great routes, showed good size, some quickness, and grit. However, Wilson did not run fast at the combine. His medical evaluation with teams is going to be critical.

6/23/22: Wilson recorded 19 receptions in each of the past two seasons, but he made 56 catches for 672 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. Wilson could be a late-rounder who competes to be a backup receiver and special teams contributor.

3/11/23: Rice hauled in 96 catches for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. He has a quality skill set to serve as a secondary receiver in the NFL.

6/23/22: Rice was a solid receiver for the Mustangs during the past three seasons. In 2021, he notched 64 catches for 670 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2020 (48-683-5) and 2019 (25-403-1), he contributed too. It would help Rice to have a big season and impress at an all-star game.

3/11/23: Downs totaled 83 receptions for 929 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. He played well for the Tar Heels and could be a dangerous slot receiver in the pros. Team sources said they see Downs as a second-day or mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Downs has speed as a slot receiver, but he is very undersized.

6/23/22: Downs is a speedster receiver who could be a dangerous slot weapon in the NFL. He was a good replacement for Dyami Brown in 2021 and was a reliable target for Sam Howell. In 2021, Downs caught 101 passes for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns.

3/11/23: Iosivas created a buzz in the scouting community, which is never an easy thing to do while playing in the Ivy League. He was productive while showing an impressive combination of size and speed. In 2022, Iosivas recorded 66 receptions for 943 yards and seven touchdowns. Some team sources think that the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder has second-day potential for the 2023 NFL Draft.

3/11/23: Scott is an undersized slot receiver, but he has quickness to challenge defenses. In 2022, he caught 54 passes for 899 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 30 receptions for 520 yards and five scores in 2021.

3/11/23: Reed recorded 55 receptions for 636 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. He then ran fast at the combine and had a solid showing in the field drills. Reed could be a nice mid-round slot receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft.

6/23/22: Reed was a dangerous receiver for the Spartans in 2021, snatching 59 receptions for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had an impressive average of 17.4 yards per catch. In 2020 (33-407-3) and 2018 (56-797-8), Reed contributed as well. Given Reed's size, he might fit best in the NFL as a slot receiver.

3/11/23: Jarrett recorded 40 catches for 471 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. He decided to skip Maryland's bowl game and his senior year to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Jarrett has decent size and showed some speed at the combine.

6/23/22: Jarrett put together a breakout sophomore campaign with 62 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns. With Dontay Demus on the other side, Jarrett should see plenty of single coverage in 2022. Jarrett could be a slot/outside flex receiver candidate for the next level.

3/11/23: While playing for Iowa, Jones did not produce much in 2021 (21-323-3), played special teams in 2020, sat out 2019, or 2018 (18-395-3) when he played at Buffalo. Jones redshirted in 2017 as well. However in his sixth season of college football, Jones broke out with Purdue, totaling 110 catches for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 6-foot, 188-pounder is shifty route runner with solid hands.

3/11/23: In 2022, Perry caught 81 passes for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is a big receiver who ran faster than expected at the combine.

6/23/22: Perry is a big receiver who is a dangerous point producer in the Demon Deacons' high-powered offense. In 2021, he caught 71 passes for 1,293 yards and 15 touchdowns. Perry has the size to win on contested catches and is a red-zone weapon. However, he could lack the speed to separate from NFL cornerbacks.

3/11/23: Palmer did not produce much in prior to 2022, but he had a breakout year for the Cornhuskers, recording 71 receptions for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. Palmer ran really well at the combine.

3/11/23: In 2022, Washington recorded 46 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns. He flashed some ability, but he faces limitations for the NFL.

6/23/22: Washington flashed in 2020, recording 36 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. While the 5-foot-10, 207-pounder lacks height, he is thickly built and tough. Washington played well in 2021 and was a good complement to Jahan Dotson. Washington collected 64 receptions for 820 yards and four touchdowns on the year.

3/11/23: In 2022, Higgins totaled 59 receptions for 704 yards and two touchdowns.

6/23/22: Higgins is a big-bodied receiver who flashed possessional wideout ability during the 2021 season. While Higgins only totaled 44 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns, he looked capable of producing more. If he shows the speed and suddenness to separate, he could rise.

3/11/23: Despite dealing with some injuries, Jenkins was steady week to week in 2022, producing some clutch plays for the Tigers. He had 27 receptions for 404 yards and six touchdowns on the year. Jenkins declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and opted out of LSU's bowl game.

6/23/22: Jenkins is a tall and lanky receiver who presents a size mismatch. In 2021, he grabbed 34 passes for 502 yards and six touchdowns. In 2020, he had 23 receptions for 397 yards and two scores. Showing the speed to separate is critical for Jenkins.

3/11/23: Knowles played well for Kansas State in 2022, and some team sources like him. He recorded 48 receptions for 725 yards and two touchdowns in 2022.

6/23/22: Knowles has had two seasons for Kansas State - 2021 and 2019 - that suggest some pro potential. He is a big receiver, and he could produce more if the Wildcats focus on getting him the ball.

3/11/23: Hutchinson played well as a senior, using his size, route-running, and steady hands to produce well. In 2022, he turned 107 catches for 1,171 yards and six touchdowns. Team sources like Hutchinson about have concerns about his ability to separate versus NFL cornerbacks.

6/23/22: Hutchinson has been a productive wide receiver for the Cyclones across the past two seasons. He made 83 catches for 987 yards and five touchdowns in 2021 after recording 64 catches for 771 yards and four scores in 2020. Hutchinson has good size, but he will need to show more speed to rise.

3/11/23: Teammate Quentin Johnston is in the running to be the first receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, and that has caused Davis to go under the radar. However, Davis played well enough as a slot receiver that he earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. In 2022, Davis totaled 35 receptions for 418 yards and five touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder is undersized for the NFL, but could end up as a third-day pick for the 2023 NFL Draft.

3/11/23: Demus recorded 22 receptions for 233 yards and a touchdown in 2022. He does not look like the same player following the knee injury he suffered in 2021. Demus gave more proof of that with a slow 40 time at the combine.

6/23/22: Demus was producing really well for Maryland in 2021 before being carted off the field against Iowa in early October and going out for the season. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Demus was on his way to being a first-rounder thanks to showing a special combination of size and speed prior to getting hurt. In 2021, he averaged 18.1 yards per catch over 28 receptions for a total of 507 yards and three touchdowns. He flashed big-play ability in 2020 (24-365-4), 2019 (41-625-6) and 2018 (13-278) as well. Team sources think he could have still been a second-round pick had he entered the 2022 NFL Draft, despite his torn ACL.

3/11/23: In 2022, Copeland recorded 26 catches for 376 yards and two touchdowns. He opted out of the bowl game. Copeland helped himself with a good combine workout.

6/23/22: Copeland was solid for the Florida Gators in 2021, but their inconsistent quarterback play held Copeland back. Copeland the transferred to Maryland during the offseason. If he wasn't forced out, leaving was a questionable decision, because he could have ended up as the No. 1 receiver for Antonio Richardson in 2022. At Maryland, Copeland enters a crowded and talented receiving room. Both Dontay Demus and Rakim Jarrett could receive a lot more targets than Copeland in 2022.

Copeland played well in 2020, but Florida featured Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney. Similar to Trevon Grimes, Copeland flashed in limited opportunities in 2019. Florida's wide receiver corps was enviably 6-7 deep with NFL talents in 2019.

3/11/23: Wayne never produced a big season of production in college football, but he played well enough to earn a spot at the Senior Bowl. Wayne has had his best season in 2022 with 58 catches for 816 yards and nine touchdowns. He has good size with developed strength.

3/11/23: Cooper totaled 83 receptions for 1,086 yards and five touchdowns over 2022. He is a fast receiver, but he is very undersized.

6/23/22: Cropper played really well for Fresno State in 2021, hauling in 85 passes for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also added 76 yards and two scores on the ground. Cropper is a thin-bodied receiver who will need to get stronger for the NFL. His best fit will probably come as a slot receiver.

3/11/23: Nacua had 48 receptions for 625 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, but he also missed games with injuries. He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and could be a third-day sleeper who turns into a decent backup receiver and special teams contributor.

6/23/22: Nacua was a backup for two years before earning playing time as a redshirt sophomore. He had an impressive debut for the Cougars, recording 43 catches for 805 yards and six touchdowns. He also averaged over 10 yards per carry on rushes, totaling 148 yards. Nacua has good size and showing speed will be vital for him to rise.

3/11/23: In 2022, Wicks recorded 30 catches for 430 yards and two touchdowns. His last game action came versus Miami on October 29. Virginia would not disclose what caused Wicks to miss time in November. He had a horribly slow 40 time at the combine, which is going hurt him significantly.

6/23/22: Wicks broke out with a monster 2021 season, averaging a tremendous 21.1 yards per catch. On 57 catches, the sophomore totaled 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns. Wicks has decent height and length to go along with gamebreaking ability as a threat to produce a long reception on any catch.

3/11/23: Jackson notched 19 catches for 265 yards over 2022. He did not stand out at the combine and raw slow times for a short receiver.

6/23/22: Jackson flashed some in 2020 with 36 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns. He was held back by a knee injury in 2021 that limited him to 16 catches on the year. Jackson connected well with Stetson Bennett in 2020, so Jackson could produce more as a senior.

3/11/23: In 2022, Tucker recorded 52 catches for 672 yards and three touchdowns. He is very undersized for the NFL, but he showed some serious speed at the combine.

6/23/22: Tucker is an undersized slot receiver candidate for the NFL. In 2021, he had 34 catches for 426 yards and two touchdowns. Now that Alec Pierce has moved on to the NFL, Tucker could see more targets, but he will also have to deal with a new quarterback replacing Desmond Ridder.

3/11/23: Landers is a big receiver who showed serious speed at the combine. He flashed some in 2021 with 20 receptions for 514 yards and five touchdowns before producing his best season in 2022 with 47 catches for 901 yards with eight touchdowns. Landers has a good skill set with upside and could be a sleeper value pick.

3/11/23: Mims had some decent seasons in 2020 (37-610-9) and 2021 (32-705-5) before producing his best season in his final year at Oklahoma, recording 54 catches for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns. Mims is a smaller slot receiver, but he possesses serious speed to challenge defenses vertically.

3/11/23: Ford-Wheaton had an excellent combine, showing off serious speed for a big receiver. In 2022, he totaled 62 catches for 675 yards and seven touchdowns. It was his best season of production, as he did not have a big season in 2021 (42-575-3) or in 2020 (27-416-3).

3/11/23: Bell caught 56 passes for 754 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

6/23/22: Bell notched just a single catch - for a 76-yard touchdown in 2021 - but then went down with a season-ending injury. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2022 season. Bell had modest production in 2020 (26-401-1), but produced more in 2019 (48-758-1).

3/11/23: Haselwood caught 59 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. He had a slow 40 time at the combine.

6/23/22: Haselwood was solid for the Sooners in 2021, but their passing attack was held back by Spencer Rattler in the early going of the season. Haselwood departed for Arkansas over the offseason. Transferring could be a good decision on for Haselwood because he will have a good quarterback to work with in K.J. Jefferson. Haselwood flashed at times for the Sooners, but he needs to become more consistently productive.

3/11/23: In 2022, Green totaled 43 receptions for 798 yards and seven touchdowns.

6/23/22: Green flashed for North Carolina in 2021 with 31 receptions for 612 yards and five touchdowns. He could form a nice tandem with Josh Downs in 2022, but the Tar Heels are also breaking in a new quarterback after losing Sam Howell.

3/11/23: In 2022, Dell hauled in 109 receptions for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was a fantastic college receiver. Dell would be rated higher if he weren't so undersized.

6/23/22: Dell produced really well for Houston in 2021 with 90 receptions for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns. If Dell weren't so skinny and underweight, he would be rated higher.

3/11/23: Team sources say they are projecting Shorter to be a late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft or an undrafted free agent. They say he does not play to his size, has a hard time getting in and out of breaks, is very stiff, lacks acceleration, body catches too much, and has a soft style of play. In 2022, Shorter had 29 catches for 577 yards and two touchdowns.

6/23/22: Shorter has a great opportunity to be the feature receiver for Antonio Richardson in 2022. Following Jacob Copeland transferring out to Maryland, Shorter should be the Gators No. 1 target. He is a big receiver who presents a size mismatch. If Shorter shows the quickness to be effective, he could be a riser.

3/11/23: In 2022, Tinsley totaled 45 catches for 528 yards and four touchdowns. He decided to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Tinsley ran a slow 40 time at the combine.

6/23/22: Tinsley produced well for Western Kentucky in 2021, catching 87 passes for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. After the season, he transferred to Penn State, where he could join Parker Washington in helping to pick up the slack from the loss of Jahan Dotson to the NFL.