NFL 2023: Ranking the 5 best wide receiver groups in the league
No. 4 best receiver group in the NFL in 2023: Seattle Seahawks
- DK Metcalf
- Tyler Lockett
- Jaxson Smith-Njigba
- Dee Eskridge
- Dareke Young
- Cody Thompson
It was not easy only ranking the Seattle Seahawks as the fourth-best receiving unit in the NFL in 2023. DK Metcalf is a physical phenomenon capable of being a deep threat or an absolute monster when it comes to yards after the catch. Tyler Lockett has incredible ball skills and terrific reach for only being a 5’10 receiver. Both Metcalf and Lockett are coming off 1,000-yard seasons and combined for 15 receiving touchdowns.
With those high-level statistics, many would assume the Seahawks were all set at the wide receiver position. This was not the case at the 2023 NFL Draft and instead of drafting a quarterback to one day take over for Geno Smith, the Seahawks selected the best receiver in the draft with the 20th pick in the first round. Jaxson Smith-Njigba will likely line up in the slot but playing alongside Metcalf and Lockett on the outside perimeter make this unit borderline unstoppable. Smith threw for 30 touchdowns in 2022 and it would not be surprising to see him surpass that number in 2023.
One of the reasons the Seahawks did not breach the Top 3 on this list is that Smith-Njigba played in only 3 games in his final collegiate season. While not every injury is a career-ender, hamstring injuries can be a constant nuisance. If Smith-Njigba ends up not being completely healthy the depth behind those 3 aforementioned receivers is grim with Dee Eskridge leading the pack with only 7 receptions in 2022.
If the Seahawks receivers can stay healthy in 2023 (Lockett missed one game in 2022, Metcalf missed none) this group could climb the charts before 2024.