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

WR10: Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa State)

Xavier Hutchinson shows an elite change of direction and impressive size as a boundary receiver. He may not excel in many other areas, but he isn’t bad anywhere, either. Hutchinson is a solid route runner with enough routes under his belt to make the transition to the NFL smoothly.

While Hutchinson is not slow, he is fit for a chain-moving role rather than a field-stretching role. He is best suited using his route running and short-area agility to separate from defenders. Hutchinson boasts some of the best hands in the class and might make this ranking look silly by the end of his rookie year.

NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2

WR9: Marvin Mims (Oklahoma)

Marvin Mims is an elite deep threat in the 2023 NFL Draft. After bursting onto the scene as a freshman, the Oklahoma star has eclipsed the 20-yards-per-reception plateau in each of his past two seasons with the Sooners. Mims hauled in 86 passes for 1,787 yards and 11 touchdowns during that span.

Averaging 17 yards per target, Mims was used almost exclusively as a field stretcher. However, in the plays where Mims was allowed to work the middle of the field, he found great success. He learned how to find open areas in the zone and create with the ball already in his hands.

Mims’ game-wrecking ability will keep him in the league for a long time, but improving his route running will make him one of the best pass catchers in the NFL. The Sooner pass catcher was not tasked with a large route tree, so he will need some legitimate NFL coaching to continue adding wrinkles to his game.

On top of his uninspiring route tree, Mims’ size negatively impacts him when pursuing the ball in the air. His arms are short, and his catch radius limits his ability to go up and get the deep ball. The good news? Mims usually ran so far past the defender with his 4.3 speed that he didn’t have to fight for it.

As we know, the jump in competition from Big 12 football to NFL football is night and day. I’m willing to bet on Mims adding more to his route tree, but even if he doesn’t, his ability to stretch the field so effortlessly will be enough to start long-term in this league. A safe floor with an astronomical ceiling on day two.

NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2

WR8: Charlie Jones (Purdue)

Chuck Sizzle checks in at No. 8 on my wide receiver ranking, but it took a lot for me to not place him even higher. I am such a fan of the way he plays the position. Jones is a superb route runner that flourishes in contested catch situations. For a guy as small as he is, Jones uses his magnetized hands to catch any football in his vicinity.

Furthermore, Jones is faster than he looks on tape. Highlighted by a long history of special teams contributions, the Boilermaker senior has loads of experience working with the ball in his hands. Thus, Jones has developed moves after the catch that help him tack on more yards to the play.

Before the catch, Jones boasts an elite release off the line and an underrated change of direction ability. He is always open and is equally capable of moving the chains as he is of taking the top off the defense.

So, what’s wrong with him? Well, he is going to be 25 years old as a rookie. That fact alone will knock him down most NFL Draft boards. He also only has one year of elite production in college, which came in 2022. Jones is stouter than his weight lists, but the frame is a concern nonetheless.

All this being said, sometimes we overcomplicate things in the draft process. Jones is among the best route runners in the class, creates separation at a high clip, and displays elite hands. Sure, he is old, but this is the type of talent worth betting on anyway.

Jones is a fringe top-60 player on my Big Board, making him an early-to-mid day two grade. That reads rich right now, but let’s revisit it in 12 months.

NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2

WR7: Josh Downs (North Carolina)

Josh Downs is a blast to watch for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He lacks the ideal frame, but his tape calms several fears surrounding him. Downs is borderline elite as a route runner, consistently separating from defenders from the slot and creating even more yardage after the catch. He is plenty athletic and uses subtle cuts to keep defenders on their toes.

Drops are the No. 1 concern right now, but to his credit, he went from 10 drops in 2021 to only 3 in 2022, showing his ability to improve. Add in the limited catch radius and only average athleticism, and it could keep Downs on the board longer than expected.

I would take him on day two and place him as my starting slot receiver as a rookie. Downs should translate quickly to the league and will be a reliable target for whatever quarterback is throwing him the ball.

NFL Draft Grade: Early-to-Mid Day 2