The Patriots top-five most likely first round draft choices in 2023

Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR – Ohio State

The wide receiver class of 2023 is considered deep but also unexciting. There are not any prospects that necessarily scream, “I’m the best one of the bunch!” but Jaxon Smith-Njigba has earned most experts’ trust as the WR1 this year.

Like Zay Flowers, he is also projected as a slot receiver which are known to thrive in the Patriots’ offensive scheme. He’s touted as being so good out of the slot that even PFF suggested teams not known for using receivers there should draft someone else while simultaneously comparing him to Patriots’ great Julian Edelman.

"“If you don’t have a well-defined slot role in your offense, JSN isn’t worth a first-rounder. If you do, he should be your WR1.”"

Showing signs of a New England fan favorite AND a player needing a well-defined slot role in an offense? The Patriots seem like the perfect fit.

The biggest problem the team will face if they do have their eyes on Smith-Njigba is whether he will be available at 14, plus selecting him means you’re relying on the breakout performance he had in 2021 as what he would bring to the team. He missed nearly all of the 2022 season to injury, thus becoming a bit more of a questionable pick come draft night.

But that 2021 performance is not one to overlook. Smith-Njigba totaled 95/112 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games, averaging 16.8 yards per catch. If he could bring that type of production to the Patriots, they would be fools to pass on him.

(Other than Zay Flowers and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Patriots have also shown a lot of interest in USC’s WR Jordan Addison, who they had in for a top-30 visit in recent weeks.)