By Marvin Moore July 25, 2023
The NFL has become a pass-happy league with a pass-first mentality and quarterback-driven offenses. While the running back position has been devalued in recent years, the importance of pass-catchers has skyrocketed. Wide receivers who can win one-on-one matchups are valuable weapons to quarterbacks and can instantly change the course of a game.
Last year, New York Jets rookie wideout Garrett Wilson caught 83 balls for 1,103 yards, while Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints posted 72 catches for 1,042 yards. Five other rookie receivers also tallied over 500 receiving yards in 2022.
A whopping 14 receivers were drafted over the first three rounds this year, including back-to-back-to-back-to-back picks in the first round. Although we’ll learn more about these talented pass-catchers during training camp, more than a few have a good shot at becoming major contributors during their rookie campaigns.
Here’s a look at 10 first-year wideouts who possess the tools to make an impact early in their NFL careers:
10. Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
Reed averaged 14.1 yards per catch in three seasons with Michigan State. The 5-foot-11 wideout caught 59 passes for 1,026 and 10 touchdowns his junior year and averaged 57 receptions during his final two collegiate seasons. Reed had an impressive outing at the Senior Bowl and should compete for playing time early in a new-look Green Bay offense led by quarterback Jordan Love.
9. Jalin Hyatt, New York Giants
Hyatt enjoyed a dynamic 2022 season with the Volunteers en route to claiming the Fred Biletnikoff Award winner for the nation’s best receiver. The speedster racked up 67 catches and led the SEC in receiving yards (1,267) and receiving touchdowns (15). The Giants have an unimpressive receiver corps, and Hyatt and his big-play potential should challenge slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson for playing time.
8. Tyler Scott, Chicago Bears
Scott reeled in 54 passes for 899 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Bearcats and is a legitimate vertical threat. The speedy 21-year-old is a gifted athlete who could develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver if Justin Fields and the Bears’ passing game can take the next step and put up 300 passing yards every week.
7. Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos
Mims might be the steal of the draft after falling to the bottom half of the second round. The speedy Texan tallied 19.5 yards per catch over three seasons with the Sooners and is an electric playmaker that should thrive in Sean Payton’s passing offense. Mims will join a crowded receiver room that features Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, KJ Hamler, and Tim Patrick. But there is a reason the Broncos added the big-play threat.
6. Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers
Mingo could establish himself early as the clear alpha among a weak Panthers’ receiving group. A 6-foot-2 specimen blessed with elite speed, Mingo posted 51 catches for 861 yards and five touchdowns in his final year at Ole Miss. A gifted runner who can create yards after the catch, the 22-year-old is in a prime spot to deliver productive numbers in his rookie season.
5. Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
Rice is a versatile pass-catcher who runs like a running back and has incredible leaping ability for his 6-foot-1 frame. The former SMU standout was a productive receiver in high school and college and now finds himself in arguably the league’s premier passing offense. The Chiefs’ top wideout Kadarius Toney has yet to prove that he can remain healthy for an entire season, which might lead to increased opportunities for Rice in his debut campaign.
4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba missed most of his final collegiate season with a hamstring injury, but he caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in his sophomore season at Ohio State. The 6-foot-1 playmaker is a gifted athlete with excellent hands who excels at creating yards after the catch. Despite joining a receiving room with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, look for Smith-Njigba to become a weekly contributor in the Seahawks’ pass-happy offense.
3. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
Flowers was a four-year starter at Boston College, where he caught 200 career passes, including 78 balls for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior season. An electric playmaker with elite athleticism, Flowers is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. The Ravens have installed a modern passing game under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Lamar Jackson has a new weapon to go along with Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Nelson Agholor.
2. Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
Addison will replace Adam Thielen in the Vikings’ offense and should benefit from playing opposite All-World wideout Justin Jefferson. The rookie pass-catcher was a productive collegiate performer at both Pitt and USC and should be involved in the Vikings passing game from Week 1. Look for Addison to become Kirk Cousins’ third passing option and put together an impressive rookie season.
1. Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Johnson is a stud receiver in a great spot with the Chargers to contribute early in his pro career. The 6-foot-3 playmaker possesses reliable hands and above-average speed and was a durable player in the college ranks. Although he joins a receiver corps that includes Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Joshua Palmer, look for Johnston to establish himself as a weekly contributor and possibly more if Allen or Williams misses any time with injuries.
