Seahawks Draft: Ranking WR Prospects; An Option for Seattle at No. 20?

Even with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett under contract through 2025, receiver may jump out as a bigger need than advertised for the Seattle Seahawks. Reporter Corbin Smith ranks his top wideout prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, including a quartet of potential first-round caliber players.

With less than two weeks remaining until the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks will soon be on the clock with the fifth overall pick and hold 10 total selections, presenting a prime opportunity to bolster their roster with young talent.

While DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett continue to shine as two of the league's biggest stars, the Seahawks remain on the hunt for a viable third receiver behind them. Former second-round pick Dee Eskridge hasn't been able to stay healthy through two seasons so far, while veteran Marquise Goodwin bolted to join the Cleveland Browns in free agency, leaving a major void on the depth chart that could be addressed in the draft.

As part of my annual prospect rankings, here's where each of the top receiver prospects from the 2023 class falls on my top 300 with quick scouting reports and reported visits with the Seahawks if applicable.

*Players are listed in order by position with overall ranking in parenthesis.

Tier 1 - First-Round Talent

1 (11). Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Unlike most top receivers, Smith-Njigba doesn't dominate winning with speed to create separation and while he's made some splash plays at Ohio State, he isn't a consistent vertical threat. But with rare change of direction skills and masterful route running ability, he carves up opponents with precision as a dynamic chain-moving possession receiver who excels at bringing in contested catches in traffic and can surprise creating after the catch, providing the ideal slot prospect to inflict damage on defenses in today's NFL.

2 (14). Quinton Johnston, TCU

A nightmare for opposing cornerbacks at 6'3, 208 pounds with 4.5 speed, Johnston regularly put defenders on the grill and toasted them vertically, averaging a ridiculous 19 yards per reception in three seasons with the Horned Frogs. Far from a refined route runner, he's going to need time to grow into an NFL offense and will have to improve upon his catch rate in contested situations, but his ability to separate in the intermediate and deep passing game and his exceptional catch radius should make him an immediate problem for defenses.

3 (30). Jordan Addison, USC

Two years ago, Addison likely would have been a top-10 pick if he was eligible to come out after an utterly dominant 2021 season at Pittsburgh. He plays faster and quicker than he tested, leaving corners in the dust out of his breaks with crisp route running and top-tier change of direction skills and suddenness. A viable threat at all levels of the field with game-changing talent, he will have to become stronger at the catch point against tight coverage to thrive in the league, but his soft hands and after-the-catch potency give him star potential in the right offense.

© Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

4 (31). Zay Flowers, Boston College

Both speedy and elusive, Flowers compensates for his lack of size at 177 pounds with elite route running from the outside or the slot, often leaving defenders in the dust with precise footwork and a strong understanding of how to attack specific coverages. He's also better than expected hauling in contested catches in traffic. While his ball tracking skills remain a work in progress, he's equally dangerous as a vertical threat and yards-after-catch weapon in space, making him a potential Pro Bowler in waiting.

Tier 2 - Second/Third-Round Talent

5 (37). Cedric Tillman, Tennessee

Hampered last season by an ankle injury, Tillman battled back to return late in the season, exhibiting the toughness and passion for the game teams covet. He isn't just loved by scouts for intangibles, however, as he put together a monster 2021 season thanks to his elite catching skills in congested coverage, tracking prowess on deep balls, and ability to power his way to extra yards with his 213-pound frame. He's not a burner and continuing to refine his route running will be key for separating in the league, but he looks the part of a fringe first-round prospect.

6 (41). Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Overshadowing Tillman snagging passes from Hendon Hooker, Hyatt lit up SEC secondaries to the tune of 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. Interestingly, he's not near as polished or well-rounded as his teammate, fitting the mold of a one-trick pony who did the majority of his damage on vertical-stretching routes using his track speed. Out of the gate, he likely will have a limited route tree, but he's so good at what he excels at that he should find instant success threatening defenses deep as a home run hitter.

7 (68). Josh Downs, North Carolina

A playmaking jitter bug who can put six on the board any time he touches the football, Downs torched ACC opponents with over 2,300 yards and 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Remarkably elusive after the catch with the juice to also beat teams over the top downfield, he offsets his lack of size with plenty of sizzle, swagger, and toughness. He won't win regularly in the middle of the field as a possession target, but his lethality in space as a receiver and punt returner could lead to a quick star turn.

© Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

8 (70). Rashee Rice, SMU

Built with an impressive 6'1, 204-pound frame, Rice can torch defenses as a vertical threat and racks up yards after the catch in bulk working from outside or the slot. Capable of doing damage in a variety of ways, he caught 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, finishing third in the nation with 593 yards after the catch. He has been prone to drops, including failing to haul in nine catchable passes as a senior, and fumbled three times, so ball security-related concerns will have to be addressed.

9 (79). Tyler Scott, Cincinnati

Another diminutive receiver with gargantuan playmaking upside, Scott's production doesn't speak to his upside. While similar to Downs in the sense that he likely won't be much of a factor as a possession receiver with many contested catches on his stat line, he plays the game with rocket boosters on his cleats, exploding out of his breaks to quickly leave defenders in the dust to score 10 touchdowns of 30-plus yards. He also has potential as a jet sweep and screen maestro, adding more day two value.

10 (85). Nathaniel "Tank" Dell, Houston

Resembling Mighty Mouse at 5'8, 165 pounds, Dell racked up nearly 200 receptions for 2,700 yards and 29 touchdowns over the past two seasons, emerging as one of the nation's most electric field-stretching wideouts with after-the-catch capability. His size creates concerns about durability and he dropped too many passes in college, but his explosive tendencies at all three levels in the passing game as well as his viability as a punt return weapon will make him hard to pass up on day two.

11 (92). Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State

While Hutchinson doesn't possess top-end speed or quickness compared to his peers, he's a savvy receiver who uses his 6'2, 203-pound frame to his advantage, regularly outmuscling defenders to snag catches in traffic and drag tacklers for extra yardage afterward. Steadily improving as a route runner in three years with the Cyclones, he may be more pro-ready than other outside possession receivers and after impressing at the Senior Bowl, he should hear his name called by the end of day two.

Tier 3 - Day Three/Undrafted Talent

12 (108). Rakim Jarrett, Maryland

Formerly a coveted top recruit, Jarrett's three-year tenure with the Terrapins was marred by inconsistency. Whether by design or due to his own limitations, he ran a condensed route tree with minimal nuance, making life easier for opposing defenders covering him, and he dropped almost 20 percent of his targets last year. But he also has true 4.4 speed and ample quickness to win downfield, separate, and create after the catch, which could entice teams to take a chance on his upside early on day three.

13 (111). Marvin Mims, Oklahoma

A chunk play artist, Mims utilized his 4.38 speed and long strides to rack up 2,398 yards and 20 touchdowns over three seasons with the Sooners, averaging nearly 20 yards per reception in the process. He wasn't a volume target in college and ran only a handful of routes from the slot, which could mean he has a significant learning curve at the next level. But his propensity for toasting corners on deep routes and racking up yardage after the catch should secure a fourth or even third-round selection.

14 (114). Charlie Jones, Purdue

Reported Visit: Top-30 Official

Despite being on the smaller side at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Jones runs routes with fearlessness to the teeth of the defense and excels at making tough contested catches. Though he's not a burner and won't consistently separate with athleticism, he's crisp route runner who moves smoothly out of his breaks, knows how to get open against different coverages, and exhibits soft, reliable hands. Add in his kick and punt returning experience and he could sneak into late day two consideration.

15 (121). Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss

The latest receiver to star for the Rebels, the 6'2, 220-pound Mingo proved to be a late bloomer with a breakout senior season posting career-highs in receptions and touchdowns. He doesn't play with 4.46 speed on the field, as he isn't much of a separator vertically and can have a hard time eluding quicker corners. With that said, he excels at catching the ball in tight windows with strong hands and he's slippery after the catch, making him an intriguing big-bodied slot to further develop.

16 (128). Jayden Reed, Michigan State

The definition of crafty, Reed's overall production at times was dogged by subpar quarterback play and a run-centric offense. But he still surpassed 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in 2010, exhibiting excellent tracking skills seeing the ball into his hands and the ability to consistently high point the football on contested deep balls. He'll occasionally drop a pass and isn't a speedster, but he has the quicks and enough subtleness to be a potential long-term contributor as a receiver and returner.

17 (129). Grant DuBose, Charlotte

More of a traits-based prospect than polished talent, the 6'2, 201-pound DuBose only played significant snaps in two seasons of major college football and the lack of experience shows in his game. He has issues slipping away from press coverage off the snap in large part due to fundamental issues and average quickness, which could make life tough initially in the league. But his size and ability to win contested catches from the slot give him a chance to carve out a third or fourth receiver role in time.

18 (133). A.T. Perry, Wake Forest

Incredibly productive as the top target for the Demon Deacons with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with double-digit touchdowns, Perry fits the mold of an explosive big-bodied vertical threat with great size, speed, and home run-hitting ability. There's a lot to love from a traits standpoint and he's an underrated route runner, but many teams may be spooked off by the fact he struggles catching contested passes and consistently battled drop issues, likely pegging him for a mid-day three pick.

19 (138). Michael Wilson, Stanford

Injuries were problematic for Wilson in his final two seasons with the Cardinal, but as he showed at the Senior Bowl, he can be a dangerous weapon on the outside when healthy. Offering plus size and quality athletic tools, he's a polished route runner with excellent toughness on contested catches to win in the middle of the field. He dealt with focus drops throughout his college career and durability questions likely will prevent him from being drafted earlier than mid-day three.

20 (145). Trey Palmer, Nebraska

After failing to live up to his five-star billing at LSU, Palmer exploded on the scene in his lone year in Lincoln with over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. One of the fastest receivers in this year's class, untapped upside remains in a vertical passing attack that accentuates his strengths and he offers rushing ability on jet sweeps as well. But any team drafting him will be banking on his hands improving, as he posted a poor 13.6 percent drop rate for his college career and left a lot of plays on the field.

© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

21 (152). Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia

A star at the combine, the 6-4, 211-pound Ford-Wheaton has shown a propensity for being able to come down with contested deep balls thanks to his size and 4.3 speed. He's a bit of a one-trick pony right now who will have to prove himself on special teams out of the gate, but with proper coaching to improve as a route runner and help him more consistently separate with his physical tools, there's upside to be a dangerous No. 3 receiver with unique size and explosiveness in time.

22 (160). Puka Nacua, BYU

After struggling to find his place in the rotation at Washington, Nacua found a home in Provo as one of Jaren Hall's favorite targets. While he has good size, strong hands, and surprising shake-and-bake ability after the catch and as a runner that will undoubtedly appeal to teams, he lacks ideal burst and quickness, which could make it difficult for him to find ways to get open at the next level away from the slot. He offers enough intriguing tools to warrant a day three pick and could eventually become a solid No. 3.

23 (161). Andrei Iosivas, Princeton

A rare Ivy League talent who earned a Senior Bowl invite, Iosivas has tantalizing traits as a former heptathlete and put on a show in Indy, running a 4.4 40-yard dash and posting a 39-inch vertical jump. As a football player, that speed and explosiveness shows up leaping to high point deep balls and eluding tacklers in space. Coming from the FCS level, he's a raw prospect who has issues time to time making clean catches, but he's a better route runner than advertised and a fun day three project pick.

24 (165). Ronnie Bell, Michigan

Reported Visit: Pro Day

If not for a torn ACL suffered during the 2021 season, Bell may have been a bit higher on this list, as he flashed legitimate playmaking ability and reliable hands during productive sophomore and junior seasons. With that said, nothing spectacular jumps out about his game, as he plays with average speed and his sub-7.0 3-cone drill doesn't always translate as route runner. A tough, blue collar player who enjoys getting after it as a blocker, in the right system, he could be a quality third target.

25 (177). Kayshon Boutte, LSU

In terms of low floor, high ceiling prospects, Boutte may take the cake from this receiver group. When he's at his best, he can pop off after the catch and turn a two-yard pass into a big gain, striking fear in opponents anytime the ball is in his hands. He also has occasionally lit fireworks on deep balls. But injuries and shaky route running set him back in last season and he underwhelmed at the combine, casting further questions about whether or not he can return to form in the NFL.

26 (182). Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia

A big play waiting to happen, nearly half of Wicks' catches during a breakout 2021 season went for 20 or more yards as he excelled at getting downfield and winning as a deep target along with making defenders miss after the catch. But while his explosive nature will stand out to teams, he didn't make a strong last impression with a disappointing senior campaign marred by endless drops and then ran a slow 4.62 40-yard dash, likely pushing him to the later rounds as a flier.

27 (204). Jalen Cropper, Fresno State

For teams who value versatility, Cropper did a bit of everything for the Bulldogs, catching more than 80 passes each of the past two years, throwing two touchdown passes, and rushing for 465 yards in his career. Boasting legit 4.4 speed, he's at his best working from the slot where he can quickly accelerate into his routes and create quick separation. He isn't a physical receiver and rarely hauled in contested catches, but his speed and elusiveness should set him up to vie for a rotational spot quickly.

28 (207). Derius Davis, TCU

As a receiver, Davis has a borderline undrafted evaluation at this stage. The Horned Frogs leaned heavily on his speed and quickness, aiming to get the ball in his hands quick with screens and jet sweeps. He didn't run an advanced route tree and coming to the pros, that will present a likely learning curve. But after returning five punts for touchdowns in college, his dynamic return ability should secure a day three selection from team hoping to develop him into an offensive weapon in the future.

29 (211). Tre Tucker, Cincinnati

Offering a similar skill set to Davis, Tucker gradually became more involved in the Bearcats offense over four seasons with the program while cutting his teeth as a feared special teams player. Offering 4.4 speed and top-notch acceleration at 182 pounds, he returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns and could immediately be plugged in a starter in that capacity in the NFL with enough quality tape as a receiver to blossom into a dangerous slot.

30 (221). Parker Washington, Penn State

A steady, if unspectacular slot receiver, Washington became Mr. Reliable for quarterback Sean Clifford, posting at least 489 yards in each of his three seasons with the program. When targeted, he does a great job seeing the football into his hands and for a smaller receiver, he does a fine job fending off defenders to reel in receptions in tight coverage. He's not the twitchiest receiver and separating may be tough at the next level, but he could latch on as a viable third or fourth receiver.

31 (228). Jake Bobo, UCLA

Productive in his final season with the Bruins scoring seven touchdowns,  the 6-4, 206-pound Bobo exudes toughness in the middle of the field and red zone and regularly reels in catches in traffic, which could appeal to teams who prefer bigger slot receivers. But he has major athletic limitations and after struggling at times to uncover in college, getting open will be even more of a challenge in the pros.

32 (230). Elijah Higgins, Stanford

The biggest receiver prospect in this year's class, Higgins stands 6-3 and weighs 235 pounds, looking more like a tight end than a wideout. At that size, he has enough juice with 4.5 speed to stay outside, but he doesn't move with such fluidity on game film and creating separation will be a major concern for him against NFL corners and safeties. His tools intrigue enough as day three flier at receiver, but smart teams might want to see what he can do as a hybrid tight end given inconsistent hands.

Previous Positional Rankings

Defensive Tackle | Quarterback | EDGE/Defensive End | Center | Linebacker

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