Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft: Post NFL Combine wide receiver rankings

When you read this article, the Chicago Bears draft board might have some final touches on it, and the 203 NFL Combine will be over. Hopefully, no big trades will happen when this article reaches you. Actually, I do hope the Bears trade with the Titans, but that's for another day. The WR group at the Combine was underwhelming. The Bears are going to have their work cut out for them.

Note that my rankings are for the Chicago Bears. Not all receivers fit the mold despite being a better talent in a specific area.

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

There could be some of my Ohio State biased opinion coming out here. However, I told you last year that Chris Olave was the best receiver coming out, and Wilson was number two. Yes, Wilson won rookie of the year, but the fact that some thought it was London or Williamson (injured, I know) still makes me wonder.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best overall receiver coming out this year. If he hadn't been hurt, he would have shown it. Hamstring injuries are a concern, don't get me wrong. But the slot receiver is ready to go. He is very explosive, and his change of direction is at another level. I have shared how the slot corner position is a position that teams will start drafting, and it happened. Now, the slot receiver position should be the next.

He is Julian Edelman with size and speed. Not only that, Smith-Njigba is a massive fit in this offense. He blocks, and he runs over the middle without fear. I thought Chase Claypool could adapt to the slot at the professional level. He can't, he is an outside receiver, but 'JSN' thrives in that position and knows what to do in every circumstance. The Chicago Bears would have a day-one starter from the slot and a number-one receiver all in one draft pick with Smith-Njigba.