2023 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Prospect Rankings by the Odds

2023 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Prospect Rankings by the Odds

Updated:

Super Bowl 57 is right around the corner, which means the 2023 NFL Draft is also nearing closer. The first round is set get underway on Thursday, April 27, and it will surely feature a few NFL teams opting to grab a young wide receiver. It's a position that can make or break the offense of any organization.

This year's draft class is filled with talented pass-catchers that turn a game on its head by creating space with crisp routes and catching contested balls in the end zone. The anticipation of seeing which WR is drafted first is growing and FanDuel Sportsbook has released odds on that storyline.

2023 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

1. Quentin Johnston, TCU (+185)

Talk about raising your draft stock. Quentin Johnston balled out in his final season with the Horned Frogs as he logged 1,069 yards and 6 touchdowns on 60 receptions (17.8-yard average) in 14 games played. The 21-year-old checks a ton of boxes when it comes to translating that talent to the NFL level, too. He is commended for his ability to accelerate off the snap and create instant space between himself and the defender. Johnston is a deep threat that can also tally yards after the catch on shorter routes, which gives him undeniable upside.

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (+200)

A hamstring injury may have dampened Jaxon Smith-Njigba's 2022 season, but it did not dampen his draft stock. The Ohio State standout showcased his skills in 2021 when he racked up 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns on 95 receptions (16.9-yard average). The quick footwork and body control he possesses makes him one of the best route-runners in this class. Smith-Njigba is also renowned for his ability to find the open gap when his QB is scrambling for a downfield option. That's a great trait to have in a league that is rostering more and more mobile signal-callers.

3. Jordan Addison, USC (+250)

Jordan Addison was about as consistent as he could be across three college seasons. He racked up 3,134 yards and 29 touchdowns on 219 receptions during his career, while also earning the Biletnikoff Award in 2021. The 21-year-old didn't miss a beat despite playing in two different offensive schemes for two different schools, either. Addison's ability to make adjustments and shape his game around that of the coaching staff's system should make him a day one starter next fall. He attacks any coverage thrown his way with elite timing and acceleration.

4. Zay Flowers, Boston College (+1100)

The odds show that there is a clear top three at the wide receiver position in this draft class. Underestimating players like Zay Flowers is not a good idea, though. The Boston College standout came to life in his final college season, posting 1,077 yards to go along with 12 touchdowns on 78 receptions (12 games). Flowers also tallied 345 rushing yards on 57 career rushing attempts, which goes to show that he has the versatility to shine at the next level. Flowers doesn't let his small frame take away from the fact that he is incredible at high-pointing the football.

5. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee (+1400)

Not many fans outside of Tennessee knew about Jalin Hyatt heading into the 2022 college football season. Of course, that was before he tallied 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns as quarterback Hendon Hooker's top target. Hyatt averaged a reliable 18.9 yards per reception and was responsbile for one highlight play after another. He became the first Volunteer to win the Biletnikoff Award and lines up as an explosive option in the NFL. Hyatt's soft hands and elusiveness project him as a stellar short-yardage option capable of racking up yards after the catch.

6. Josh Downs, UNC (+2000)

There's not many wide receivers entering the draft that can say they posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in college. Josh Downs is one of those players as he thrived under the leadership of head coach Mack Brown. Downs tallied 2,483 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on 197 receptions over his final two seasons at UNC. Keep in mind he played with two different QBs during that span, which only proves how quickly he can build chemistry in the passing attack. Downs' stock could rise with a great 40-yard dash time and vertical jump showing at the combine.

7. Kayshon Boutte, LSU (+2500)

Some NFL teams side with upside over production when it comes to selecting a WR in the draft. That's where Kayshon Boutte slides in. He made a name for himself when he tallied 308 receiving yards in one game as a freshman at LSU. The Tigers standout then tallied 9 receiving touchdowns in 2021 before putting together an average campaign this past fall (538 yards). Boutte has always shown tremendous athleticism when the ball is in his hands and the right coaching staff could help him develop into a dangerous weapon in the coming years.

8. Nathaniel Dell, Houston (+4000)

Nathaniel Dell is in the same company as Downs considering he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. The fact that he was playing on Houston just didn't give him enough national recognition. Dell reached those marks with at least 90 receptions and 12 touchdowns in each of those two seasons as well. That is not a level of consistency that is found at the college level very often. The guy nicknamed "Tank" has NFL upside as a punt/kick returner as well, which should help him get drafted in the early rounds.

9. Rashee Rice, SMU (+5000)

Rashee Rice showed flashes of greatness in 2021, racking up 670 yards and 9 touchdowns on 64 receptions with SMU. He then improved in a big way with 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns on 96 receptions in 2022. Rice has the height and length to compete with any defender given his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame. However, it's his speed that truly sets him apart from other prospects. Rice has long strides that allow him to get open in even the tightest of coverages deep down the field. His willingness to block will make him a coach's favorite as well.

10. Parker Washington, Penn State (+5000)

Being able to contribute in multiple facets of the game is never a bad thing for an NFL WR. That's what Parker Washington brings to the table out of Penn State. He thrived as a kick/punt returner and slot receiver for head coach James Franklin. The 20-year-old showcased a capability to bounce off tackles and absorb blows to rack up yardage when it seemed like he was done for. Across three college seasons, Washington logged 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns on 146 receptions. He'll need time to develop, but he has the foundation of a reliable slot option.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.