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NFL Draft: 10 best wide receivers available in 2023

By KC Proctor

Nov 26, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) signals first down after a catch against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) signals first down after a catch against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs (11) attempts to catch the ball in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs (11) attempts to catch the ball in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Josh Downs, North Carolina

At No. 7 we have our first legitimately exclusive slot receiver in Josh Downs. The Tar Heel played just over 1,000 passing downs in his three seasons at UNC, and — per PFF — over 900 of them were from the slot. If you’ve enjoyed the likes of Jahan Dotson and Elijah Moore over the past couple of years, you’re going to love Josh Downs.

He has blazing speed, incredibly trusty hands, and back-to-back years of highlight reel production that outweighs each of his classmates. Since 2021, Downs has 195 receptions, 2,350 yards, and 19 touchdowns. This past year he had just three drops on 116 targets.

Over 65 percent of his targets this year came on routes that were run under 10 yards, but of his 18 targets on routes that were 20+ yards, he scored five touchdowns. Josh Downs has been an absolute wizard as the H at UNC.

While his specific skillset will only be valued by a team who’s in need of it, he is sure to make an impact in whichever system is seeking a playmaker from the slot this offseason. Downs will likely be off the board in the first 10 picks on day two and have the opportunity to become an immediate difference-maker in a building organization.

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