2023 NFL Draft: Zay Flowers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba Earn Day 1 Grades in Latest WR Rankings

Zay Flowers paces the field in our latest 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings. Where does your favorite pass catcher rank on the list? *Editors Note: Jonathan Mingo was added to the list after going back to his tape (4-5-2023)*

The wide receiver position boasts some of the best players in the entire NFL, and many were draft picks in recent years. While veterans like Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, and Stefon Diggs continue their stellar careers, the new era of pass catchers led by Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase is making their presence felt.

Chase won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 and improved his play in year two. Jets’ 2022 first-round pick, Garrett Wilson, made it back-to-back receivers, winning rookie of the year even amid tumultuous play at quarterback.

2023 NFL Draft: Zay Flowers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba Earn Day 1 Grades in Latest WR Rankings

Other youngsters like Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Chris Olave are making waves of their own. Who are the best receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft? Can any of them make it a third straight OROY victory for pass catchers?

Our updated top 21 ranking hopes to answer these questions. In a draft class lacking a blue-chip prospect, expect some surprises in this list! Without further ado, the No. 21 wide receiver is…

WR21: Tank Dell (Houston)

Tank Dell is built like the average 9th grader in America — if we only look at his height and weight. At 5-foot-8, 171 pounds, Dell is set to be a slot receiver in the NFL. However, that only paints a fraction of the picture.

As a special teamer, Dell became one of the best in the country for Houston. As a pass catcher, he ran several different routes, giving him a deeper route tree than you might think, and he even lined up in the backfield sometimes. Simply put, Dell can put his fingerprints all over the game, but not without limitations.

Dell will never be a boundary receiver in the league. He is not only too short, but he also lacks the muscle mass to fight off press coverage. Because of this, Dell needs an offensive coordinator that knows how to manufacture space. In the right setting, the Houston superstar will outplay his day-three draft grade.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

WR20: Puka Nucua (BYU)

Starting out the list is a guy that has slowly crept his way up my rankings. Puka Nucua is a two-year starter for the Cougs, leading the squad in receiving yards each season. He wins by out-competing his assignment. Nucua’s top speed won’t blow anyone away, but he can contort his body and flip directions with the snap of a finger.

Nucua attacks the catch point, and more times than not, he comes down with the pass for a long gain. However, the BYU receiver fails to consistently create separation in short area situations, as he needs more time to operate.

This lackluster release package and only average athleticism hurt his projection. Reliable hands can take him a long way in the NFL, but I fear Nucua will never be more than a rotational piece on the depth chart.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

WR19: AT Perry (Wake Forest)

AT Perry can flat-out ball. He is the prototypical size for a WR1 and looks the part on tape. Perry loves to fight downfield and thrives in contested catch situations. He can typically out-muscle smaller cornerbacks and highpoint the ball when leaping.

Perry cannot consistently separate, which will cause issues against stickier and stronger defenders in the NFL. He also is prone to a concentration drop from time to time, so this will need cleaned up to avoid riding the bench. The Wake Forest receiver is a day-three grade on my board.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

WR18: Rakim Jarrett (Maryland)

Rakim Jarrett is one of my favorite watches in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his lack of size will likely keep him from becoming a focal point of an NFL offense. Still, the Maryland star is explosive with the ball in his hands and will stretch the field with his deceptive speed.

Jarrett doesn’t have to be a WR1 to be an impactful player on Sundays. His potential on special teams makes for a safe floor for the former Terrapin.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

WR17: Parker Washington (Penn State)

Parker Washington is an NFL Draft Twitter darling. I see the excitement with the Penn State alum, but he is only an average athlete. His arms are incredibly short, and it shows up on tape as his catch radius is severely limited working downfield.

Not to fret, Washington is still very effective after the catch and shows an easy ability to separate from the slot. His hands are elite and should keep him on an NFL roster for the next decade. Washington could rack up receptions as a safety valve.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

WR16: Jayden Reed (Michigan State)

Jayden Reed is another Big Ten receiver with his fair share of supporters. The Spartan veteran will be a superstar special teamer as a rookie, plus his inside-out versatility and underrated route tree, so Reed is a worthwhile selection early on day three.

The reason Reed is not higher on the list is his limited top-end speed. While he is shifty and routinely creates after the catch, he is not the type to leave a defender in the dust. Additionally, Reed’s lack of ideal size will cut down on his versatility, which is arguably his best trait.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3