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Lance Fernandez provides an early look at the wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL draft that could make an impact in fantasy football Dynasty leagues.
With the 2023 Scouting Combine over, teams are gearing up for the upcoming NFL Draft. If they play their cards right, they can get more hits than misses throughout seven rounds. Meanwhile, fantasy football managers in dynasty leagues are also doing the work in finding the wide receivers who can put their team on top.
Given how the game is played nowadays, it is imperative to have quality wide receivers. Teams with dependable passing attacks can run up the score against their opponents. That’s why NFL franchises always look for wideouts to pair with their quarterbacks.
While the 2023 wide receiver pool isn’t as deep as last year’s, many speedsters still can make a difference for their future squads. In return, they can be an asset for dynasty squads for years to come. Here are the five best dynasty options among this year’s rookie class:
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Quentin Johnston - TCU, Junior
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 208
- Age: 21 years, seven months
- 2022 Stats: 60 receptions, 1,069 yards, six touchdowns, 17.8 yards per catch
- Rookie WR Dynasty Rank: #1
- Player Comparison: Tee Higgins
Johnston could be the first wide receiver off the board because he is a true outside receiver. He is a big target who can dominate defensive backs and be a nightmare on go routes. The two-time First-Team All-Big 12 receiver had a breakout 2022 season with 1,069 yards and six touchdowns. He compiled those numbers while struggling with an ankle injury.
While he was predominantly an “X” receiver, he also sometimes lined up in the slot. His reach will also help him catch off-target balls, and his stiff arm can rattle defenders. Besides the injury concerns, given his massive frame, he is the most talented wide receiver prospect in the 2023 class.
Jordan Addison – USC, Junior
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 175
- Age: 21 years, two months
- 2022 Stats: 59 receptions, 875 yards, eight touchdowns, 14.8 yards per catch
- Rookie WR Dynasty Rank: #2
- Player Comparison: Deebo Samuel
Addison is another exciting prospect because of his mobility and impeccable route running. He is also a shifty wideout who can get off the blocks and change gears on a dime. He moves smoothly, catching the ball and running in one motion. The Maryland native also uses angles to block for teammates, especially during running plays.
He won the 2021 Fred Biletnikoff Award after gathering 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He finished his collegiate career with the USC Trojans and became a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection. There are questions about his strength, though, given his thin frame.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State, Junior
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 198
- Age: 21 years, one month
- 2022 Stats: 5 receptions, 48 yards
- Rookie WR Dynasty Rank: #3
- Player Comparison: Christian Kirk
Jaxon Smith-Njigba had an impressive Scouting Combine, which is excellent for someone returning to full strength. He did perform well in 2021 with 95 receptions, 1,606 yards, and nine touchdowns. The former Ohio State standout has outstanding awareness of finding the gaps in zone coverages. He is also a walking highlight reel with his acrobatic grabs.
Smith-Njigba can adjust his body while catching high balls, and he fights for extra yardage like a running back. Still, it remains to be seen if he can stay healthy for an entire season. He also doesn’t have the blazing speed to create separation constantly.
Zay Flowers – Boston College, Senior
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 182
- Age: 22 years, six months
- 2022 Stats: 78 receptions, 1,077 yards, 12 touchdowns, 13.8 yards per catch
- Rookie WR Dynasty Rank: #4
- Player Comparison: Hakeem Butler
Flowers performed well for the underperforming Boston College Eagles. He is a two-time First-Team All-ACC selection and was a Third-Team All-ACC selection in 2021. He is exceptional in finding another gear. Once a defender thinks he is slowing down, he can find a quick boost to leave them behind. He also has outstanding route running, and his motor drives him to fight for every yard.
The Florida native also has excellent lateral movement, allowing him to move sideways without losing balance. He is also excellent on jump balls despite his height. However, the regularity of dropped balls could be a concern, but his technique can be refined.
Jalin Hyatt – Tennessee, Junior
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 185
- Age: 21 years, six months
- 2022 Stats: 67 receptions, 1,267 yards, 15 touchdowns, 18.9 yards per catch
- Rookie WR Dynasty Rank: #5
- Player Comparison: Elijah Moore
Hyatt displayed remarkable improvement at Tennessee by becoming the school’s first Biletnikoff Award recipient. His production jumped from 226 yards and two touchdowns in 2021 to 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022. His blazing speed and quick fakes create separation before catching deep balls. His acceleration alone will force safeties to play conservatively.
However, his route running needs improvement because he showed limited variation. Allowing him to try more route concepts will unlock his acceleration. It will also make him a more dangerous threat in any part of the field.
Honorable Mentions
Josh Downs still finished with 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns for North Carolina despite playing in two fewer games than his sophomore season. NFL teams will like his change of pace and speed, which puts him at the top of the class. He also has sure hands when catching the football. His impact will be mainly on short and intermediate routes.
Nathaniel Dell had back-to-back seasons of at least 1,300 yards for the Houston Cougars. He would make a great slot receiver in the NFL because it would be difficult to catch him. “Tank” is also not afraid of contact by putting his body on the line. While he can contort in mid-air, his range in catching balls might be limited because of his height.
Michael Wilson’s numbers (26 receptions, 418 yards, and four touchdowns) may not be at par with other prospects on this list, but he has excellent speed at 6-foot-2 and sure hands for catching the ball. He could be this draft’s dark horse, and he is also a valuable contributor on special teams. However, Wilson has quite an injury history that limited him to 14 of Stanford’s last 30 games.
Cedric Tillman had a breakout 2021 season, becoming the first Tennessee wideout to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a decade. He makes sharp cuts to create separation on intermediate routes and has great timing for back-shoulder throws. He also has strong hands to control the ball and plows through tacklers when going for extra yards. However, he would have to be accustomed to playing at a heavier weight.
Finally, it’s difficult to comprehend Tyler Scott going past the second round. He was a Second Team All-ACC selection after finishing with 54 receptions, 899 yards, and nine touchdowns, all team highs for Cincinnati last season. He ran a 4.2 40-yard dash with a 40-inch vertical during the Combine. His athleticism is remarkable, but he can still work on his route running, especially in creating separation.
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