5 NFL WRs who could be frozen out of the league after 2023 NFL Draft ft. Sterling Shepard
The NFL Draft is a happy moment for hundreds of players, but it also means that some veteran guys are set to lose their jobs due to choices made by their respective teams.
In a position that's volatile such as wide receiver, any draft move can represent a huge problem for a veteran who has struggled in recent years.
Check out five wide receivers who could see their NFL careers frozen depending on what their teams do in the draft.
5 NFL wide receivers whose careers could go down following the 2023 draft
#1 - Sterling Shepard, New York Giants
Shepard's extension with the Giants this offseason was nothing more than a final chance to a player that was really good when healthy, but had his career derailed due to injuries.
With Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Parris Campbell all ahead in the pecking order, his days in New York might be ending - and not many teams in the NFL will trust a receiver with so many injuries.
#2 - Nico Collins, Houston Texans
Collins did something interesting for the Texans during his two seasons with the team, but it's evident he does not have enough quality to merit a starter role. Brandin Cooks' trade should see a new receiver being picked in the first round, but there's also an important reminder that Houston has signed Robert Woods and Noah Brown in free agency.
#3 - Andy Isabella, Baltimore Ravens
Remember him? The former second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals never became the slot receiver everybody thought he would be, and the Cardinals themselves got rid of him as they moved in a different direction.
He basically did not play for the Ravens in 2022 and if a rookie receiver arrives, his career will probably be dead.
#4 - Tre'Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints
A former third-round pick by the Saints, Smith has failed to meet expectations and never became a consistent contributor for New Orleans. His career is now in jeopardy with the team's new quarterback demanding more money from the salary cap. He's a possible cap casualty if the team decides to take a receiver in the 2023 draft.
#5 - John Ross, Kansas City Chiefs
Ross was a top 10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft due to his record-breaking speed but he failed to do anything in the league with it, often struggling with injuries and with the confidence of his teams.
He got a new chance with the Kansas City Chiefs to impress in the offseason, but if the team decides to go after a receiver in the draft, there will be no hope for him.