2023 NFL mock draft: Cowboys land WR, Lions land star QB prospect

12. Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Although we haven’t gotten the chance to see what Jaxon Smith-Njigba can do much this year due to injury, we will soon enough. And plus, we already know what this guy is capable of. Although Smith-Njigba is not a towering 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver prospect, that’s not what the NFL requires anymore of prospects that are considered “elite” at the position.

Smith-Njigba is the total package when it comes to vision in the open field, strong hands, route running, and body control. He’s got all of the traits to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level and the Houston Texans are building something at the receiver position. They have Brandin Cooks in the fold on a new contract, they’re expecting a breakthrough from Nico Collins, and they used a second-round pick on John Metchie in 2022.

Getting another player like Smith-Njigba here could make life a lot easier on Davis Mills (or anyone they have at QB) and make this Texans passing attack borderline unstoppable.

13. New England Patriots: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

While the Houston Texans and former Patriots executive Nick Caserio have reloaded the wide receiver position, the Patriots themselves seem to be stuck in quicksand at that particular position. Wide receiver is one of the most important positions in today’s NFL and the Patriots have failed to properly invest there. With a young quarterback like Mac Jones under center, not investing at wide receiver is a horrendous look for this Patriots team.

Enter Kayshon Boutte, one of the most beloved playmakers of the 2023 NFL Draft class. The Patriots land a receiver who can make contested catches (although not all of the time, as we’ve come to find) and make plays in the open field. Boutte has a big matchup this week against Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State) and if he can show out, he can revive his 2023 NFL Draft stock which has taken a hit the first couple of weeks of the season.