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Fantasy football: Best WR landing spots in the 2023 NFL Draft, including Zay Flowers to the Minnesota Vikings

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) catches a pass behind Syracuse Orange defensive back Darian Chestnut (0) during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

  • The league’s best quarterbacks could use another weapon: The best landing spots for a rookie would be later in the first round where most teams with an elite quarterback have lost receivers in free agency.
  • The perfect fit requires a trade: Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be excellent in the Buffalo Bills offense, but would require a massive trade to make it happen.
  • See where the backs rank: See where the rookie backs currently rank in my pre-draft dynasty rankings.
Estimated reading time: 7 mins

Ahead of the draft, here are the five teams rookies should hope to get drafted by. All 32 teams were considered, looking at draft capital, pass rates for the offenses, competition for targets, and quarterback quality.

Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, here are the five best landing spots for the soon-to-be rookie wide receiver class. All 32 teams were considered,looking at draft capital, pass rates for the offenses, competition for targets, and quarterback quality.


1. Kansas City Chiefs

A wide receiver getting picked early by the Chiefs could be Patrick Mahomes‘ favorite target over the next decade.

  • Kansas City utilized a six-man rotation at wide receiver last season but lost both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman in free agency.
  • The Chiefs' only addition was Richie James from the New York Giants.
  • Skyy Moore is the only wide receiver under contract beyond 2024. Most of the team's wide receivers could be cut after the season to save salary cap space.
  • Kadarius Toney and Moore played well in limited opportunities, as both earned a PFF receiving grade above 70, but Toney has injury concerns and Moore’s limited playing time was alarming. 
  • This gives a rookie an opportunity to move to the top of the depth chart as early as his rookie season.
  • Mahomes' current favorite target is tight end Travis Kelce, but he will be 34 years old before the end of the season.
  • Tony Gonzalez is the only other tight end in the last 15 seasons with over 900 receiving yards in a season at that age. Kelce can follow in Gonzalez’s footsteps and play at a TE1 level for more seasons, but his production is bound to decline at some point. 
  • The only problem is the Super Bowl champions have the last pick in the first round, making it much harder for them to land one of the top receivers in the draft even if they would be a great fit.
Suggested Target: Jalin Hyatt

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