X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

2023 NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Wide Receivers

Brandon Murchison takes a look at the top prospect at the Wide Receiver position heading into the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. He also dives into the fantasy potential of these players coming out of the testing process.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine marks a critical milestone in the journey of aspiring NFL players. Each year, the combine provides an opportunity for college football prospects to showcase their athletic abilities and catch the attention of NFL coaches, scouts, and executives. This year, the event promises to be an exciting and competitive one, with top prospects from across the country eager to prove their worth on the field.

The NFL Scouting Combine consists of a series of physical and mental tests designed to evaluate players' athletic abilities, football skills, and mental toughness. From the 40-yard dash to the bench press, the combine tests players in a variety of ways, providing valuable insight into each player's strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, players are interviewed by NFL teams to assess their character and football IQ.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is expected to draw a significant amount of attention from football fans and analysts alike. With several high-profile prospects expected to participate, there will be no shortage of drama and intrigue as NFL teams look to identify the next generation of football stars. This article will provide an in-depth look at what fans and enthusiasts can expect from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, including the top prospects to watch at the wide receiver position as things begin to shake out for the NFL Draft.

Be sure to check all of our dynasty fantasy football resources for 2025:

 

Top Tier

The top tier of this year's wide receiver class, I believe is made up of a group of three interchangeable players. At the top of my board is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Despite the injury-plagued 2022 season, Smith-Njigba has been widely considered perhaps the most polished receiver in this year's draft class. The former five-star recruit presents problems for opposing defense with his blend of route-running ability and separation in the short to the intermediate area of the field.

He uses deceptive footwork and his ability to read coverage to quickly find holes in a secondary and give his quarterback a dependable target. Although he lacks the top-end speed you want to see from a top receiving prospect, he makes up for it with his awareness in space as he works through all levels of the field. Smith-Njigba's ability to elevate at the catch point may be unrivaled by his peers in this class, a skill that will be very useful at the next level.

What we see from Smith-Njigba at the combine can go a long to help propel him toward being the first receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. His landing spot, as will be the case with most of this year's class will be very important. If he lands in an offense where he will be the second option and they accentuate his positives, Smith-Njigba could make some noise in fantasy as early as 2023. But as for his dynasty outlook, you are likely looking at a player capped as a WR2/WR3 in his first two seasons before finally blossoming into a player with WR1 upside.

Next up in this tier for me, and not far behind, is Jordan Addison. After the 2021 season, you could have said that Addison looked like he would be the top receiver in the 2023 class based on his production at Pittsburgh and bringing home the Biletnikoff award. He thrived playing mostly as a slot receiver during Kenny Pickett's strong final season.

Heading into 2022, Addison chose to transfer to USC where he transitioned to play more snaps on the outside and his production seemed to falter. Addison plays with a sense of patience that you don't often see at the position as he can change his pace depending on coverage and uses what he sees before attacking. His release off of the line and ability to separate across all levels of the field may be a tad bit better than Smith-Njigba's. But similarly, to Smith-Njigba, he lacks the true top-end speed that you want to see. At the next level, Addison would be best utilized out of the slot and used as a high-volume receiver.

As of late, Addison has been gaining steam as the consensus top receiver in this class and could be the first to come off the board due to his all-around skillset. If he can land on an offense that employs a West-Coast type scheme with quick throws to the short-to-intermediate area, Addison's impact in fantasy could be felt very quickly. But like Smith-Njigba, I can see some growing pains early on as he adjusts to NFL coverages. Eventually, you are seeing a receiver in a dynasty that should be a consistent fringe WR1.

To wrap up the top tier of receivers in this year's class I have Quentin Johnston. The analysis on Johnston has been all over the place as we head into the combine. Some see a receiver with a size/speed combination and are wowed by what he can do in the NFL. While others see his inconsistencies in breaking away from press coverage and his ability to win in contested catch situations as problems that will affect him at the next level. In watching the film it is easy to see that Johnston is more impactful against zone coverages, as he uses his quick first step to separate from defenders and find open space.

Against these zone coverages, his ability to expand his route tree is visible as he wins in most of these instances. With the ball in his hands, Johnston can be tough to bring down for opposing defenses as his speed can allow for him to separate, while he also has the size to break through arm tackles. What people will be awaiting to see at the combine with Johnston is what he runs in the 40-yard dash. It is expected that he puts up an incredible time for a player of his stature. If he does this, it will only cement his status as one of the top receivers to be drafted in this class.

From a fantasy perspective, you want to see Johnston land with a team that likes to push the ball vertically down the field. This is where you see him being mocked to the Los Angeles Chargers quite a bit. That landing spot could potentially be quite the boost, as he could quickly become the top option for Justin Herbert. But in a nutshell, I do not see Johnston as a major factor in PPR formats early in his career. He's a big play waiting to happen and his ability to get into the end-zone predicates that. From a dynasty standpoint, the WR1 potential is there down the line, but he'll likely be a consistent contributor as a WR2.

 

Players to Watch

Zay Flowers has been a hot name in the fantasy industry as of late. During practices leading into the combine, Flowers has shown that even though he has a somewhat smaller frame, his athleticism and competitiveness will carry him a long way. During his career year in 2022, Flowers showed to be an electric player in space with a run-after-catch ability to rival the best receivers in the class. If there is a knock on him at all is that his hands can be inconsistent at times. But that is something that can be worked on through proper coaching as he progresses to the next level. Flowers projects to fill the role of a slot receiver in the NFL, a role that he could prove to flourish in with the right offensive staff that can work with his best abilities.

Projected Dynasty Value - Potential PPR WR2 that will demand a high-volume target share.

Jalin Hyatt is a receiver that you are seeing mixed emotions on as we head into the combine. The 2022 Biletnikoff award winner, Hyatt thrived in Tennessee's wide-open passing game. He is an explosive athlete that utilizes his speed to blow past defenders and run away from coverage. His ability to track the ball down the field and trustworthy hands are elite traits that will be coveted in this class. But if there is a knock on him is that he will likely struggle against press coverage in the NFL, something that we saw limited him in the game against Georgia. Watch for what his 40-yard time is at the combine because if it is among the fastest in workouts, he will likely solidify himself as a first-round selection in the NFL Draft.

Projected Dynasty Value - WR3 that will have flashes of WR2 potential.

Kayshon Boutte feels like a receiver that is being slept on in this class just a bit. He was once considered to be one of the next great receivers coming into the league from LSU, but as the Tigers struggled with consistency in 2022, Boutte was one to suffer from that. But from a pure prospect perspective, he has the blend of size and speed that is coveted at the position. He has the speed to line up outside and get past defenders but can also be lined up inside and use an exceptional run-after-catch ability as well. If he cleans up his inconsistencies in his release off the line of scrimmage, Boutte could evolve into one of the best receivers in this class.

Projected Dynasty Value - WR3 early on as he transitions, but has the skill set to potentially become a fringe WR1.

 

Potential Sleepers to Watch

Cedric Tillman came into the 2022 season as the Vols WR1 but was limited all season with a nagging ankle injury. His prototypical size and plus ball skills will be coveted by a team looking to improve their red-zone packages. If he can show a more expansive route tree at the next level, there's a future as a steady fantasy contributor.

Jayden Reed is a very experienced receiver, Reed is a player that can be utilized all across the field. The versatility he can bring to a team will be crucial for an offense looking to find mismatches for him. His lack of elite speed could cap his true potential, but the skills he has in the return game will allow him to log snaps and be involved in game plans. Reed will be a player worth drafting in dynasty to see how things take shape as he makes the transition to the NFL.

Xavier Hutchinson, simply put, is a well-rounded prospect. He has the size and build to play on the outside, but the route-running ability to be placed inside if needed. His abilities in contested catch situations are one of the tops in the class and could allow him to develop into a red-zone threat down the line. His trustworthy hands will help him build trust with a quarterback, but his lack of explosiveness will cap his potential as a steady fantasy contributor.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Xazavian Valladay

Waived by Saints
Tre' McKitty

Released by Browns
Chig Okonkwo

Building Chemistry with Cam Ward
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Add Perrion Winfrey.
Jake Ferguson

Hindered by Knee Issue in 2024
Jamahal Hill

Set For UFC Azerbaijan Main Event
Khalil Rountree Jr.

A Favorite At UFC Azerbaijan
Ignacio Bahamondes

Set For UFC Azerbaijan Co-Main Event
Rafael Fiziev

In Dire Need Of Victory
Rizvan Kuniev

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Curtis Blaydes

A Huge Favorite
Tofiq Musayev

Makes His UFC Debut At UFC Azerbaijan
Myktybek Orolbai

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Nikolas Motta

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Nazim Sadykhov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Bogdan Grad

Set For His Second UFC Appearance
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Set for More Testing After HBP
Muhammad Naimov

Set To Open Up UFC Azerbaijan Main Card
Julius Randle

Naz Reid and Julius Randle Expected to Return to the Timberwolves
T.J. McConnell

Keys Pacers Bench in Big Win
Jalen Williams

Struggles in Game 6 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Can't Close Out Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton

Helps the Pacers Push the Thunder to Game 7
Obi Toppin

Drops 20 Points in Pacers Win
Pascal Siakam

Powers Pacers to Game 6 Win
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Goes Eight Strong Innings in Win Over Marlins
Andre Granillo

Notches First Career Win, Then First Career Save in Doubleheader
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Offense Could Look to get the Ball Out of Aaron Rodgers' Hand Quickly
Joe Mixon

to be Ready at Some Point During Training Camp
Alejandro Kirk

Slugs Two Home Runs in Loss
Emery Jones Jr.

Ravens "Hopeful" Emery Jones Jr. Will be Ready for Training Camp
Jac Caglianone

Smacks Two Solo Homers
Tyquan Thornton

Andy Reid Impressed by Tyquan Thornton
James Wood

Blasts Two Homers
Shedeur Sanders

has Multiple Speeding Tickets
Byron Buxton

Homers Twice in Win
Travis Kelce

Chiefs Not Looking to Limit Travis Kelce's Snap Count
Josh Simmons

Will be Ready for Training Camp
Kristian Campbell

Red Sox Sending Kristian Campbell to Triple-A
Sal Cannella

Browns Sign UFL Standout Tight End Sal Cannella
Jonathan Ward

Steelers Release Jonathan Ward
Treylon Burks

Looking to Prove Himself Right
Gabriel Moreno

Diamondbacks Put Gabriel Moreno on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Contusion
Robert Rochell

Agrees on One-Year Deal With Cowboys
Seth Green

Signs With Saints
Sam Darnold

Knows he Must Prove Himself Again
C.J. Mosley

Hangs Up his Cleats
Rashee Rice

to be Full-Go at Training Camp
Corbin Carroll

Injures Hand on Wednesday, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Michael King

Likely Out Through All-Star Break
Tyrese Haliburton

Officially Questionable for Game 6
Bucky Irving

Not Resting on Laurels Ahead of Second Season
Maverick McNealy

May Need To Be Avoided at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Brewers-Cubs Postponed on Wednesday
MLB

Cardinals-White Sox Postponed on Wednesday
Wyndham Clark

Avoid Wyndham Clark at the Travelers Championship
Rickie Fowler

a Very Risky Option at TPC River Highlands
Russell Henley

Has Elite Value at TPC River Highlands
Ben Griffin

Once Again a Solid Option for Travelers Championship
Jason Day

an Intriguing Option at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Pirates-Tigers Postponed on Wednesday
PGA

Sungjae Im Still Totally Useless For DFS Ahead of Travelers Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Looking to Bounce Back After Messy U.S. Open
Ryan Fox

Looks to Continue Hot Run at TPC River Highlands
Jordan Spieth

Makes a Strong Case at Travelers Championship
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Continue Momentum Into Travelers Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Searching for Consistency at Travelers Championship
Justin Thomas

Looks to Bounce Back at Travelers Championship
Adam Scott

Looks to Rebound After Disappointing U.S. Open Finish
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Another Strong Performance at Travelers
Shane Lowry

a High-Upside Play at Travelers
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Travelers
Corey Conners

Withdraws from Travelers with Wrist Injury
Keegan Bradley

in Solid Form Ahead of Travelers Championship
Gary Woodland

Hit-or-Miss at the Travelers
Sepp Straka

Expected to Contend at Travelers Championship
Tyrese Haliburton

to Be a Game-Time Call Thursday
Roman Josi

Expects to Return for 2025-26 Campaign
Sam Bennett

Wins Conn Smythe Trophy
Matthew Tkachuk

Reveals Multiple Injuries
Aleksander Barkov

Posts Two Assists in Cup-Clinching Win
Carter Verhaeghe

Collects Hat Trick of Assists in Tuesday's Win
Sam Reinhart

Scores Four Goals in Cup-Clincher
Cal Raleigh

Homers, Drives in Six on Tuesday
Andy Pages

Homers Twice in Win Over Padres
Cam Smith

Launches Two Home Runs in Victory
Salvador Perez

Homers Twice, Plates Four Tuesday
Michael Toglia

Homers Twice, Plates Three Tuesday
Javier Báez

Javier Baez Collects Three Hits, Homers Twice Tuesday
John Klingberg

Rejoins Oilers Lineup Tuesday
Kasperi Kapanen

Returns to Oilers Lineup for Game 6
Stuart Skinner

Back in Oilers Crease Tuesday
Chet Holmgren

Has Tough Shooting Night in Game 5 Against Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Outstanding at Both Ends Monday
Jalen Williams

Erupts for 40 Points in Game 5 Win
Pascal Siakam

Has Best Game of Finals Monday
Tyrese Haliburton

Determined to Battle Through Calf Injury
LeBron James

Progressing Well From Knee Injury
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF