There are so many questions and factors that needed to taken into account in ranking the NFL's top 64 receivers. For example:
What kind of numbers would Carolina's
Steve Smith put up if he had
Tom Brady or
Peyton Manning slinging it to him every Sunday instead of Jake Delhomme? And what about Buffalo's
Lee Evans, who has never had a proven, consistent QB throwing him the ball?
How do you judge
Jerry Porter, a talented receiver who left the offensively challenged Raiders for the Jaguars in free agency? Will he see a revival now that he has escaped the Black Hole and is with a contender?
Where do you rank young up-and-comers
Brandon Marshall of the Broncos and
Dwayne Bowe of the Chiefs, both of whom demonstrated in 2007 that they can be top-flight receivers in the NFL?
And how do you balance the young with the old? In Pittsburgh,
Hines Ward is being pushed by the promising
Santonio Holmes. Green Bay has a similar situation with veteran
Donald Driver and rising star
Greg Jennings.
It should be interesting when we revisit this list at the end of the 2008 season.
1. Randy Moss
New England Patriots
Moss proved last season that his two-year lull in Oakland was an aberration, catching an NFL-record 23 TDs. On the Raiders, Moss lacked a quarterback who could consistently get him the ball, Obviously, that's no longer the case. Moss is no longer a sub-4.3 guy, but he can run sub-4.5. What separates him from almost every other wide receiver on this list is his ability to outjump any defensive back in the NFL. When you're 6-4, that's a huge advantage.
2. Terrell Owens
Dallas Cowboys
Like Moss, Owens does not seem to be slowed by age. The 34-year-old has never been a speed guy, but he remains one of the more physical receivers in the game. Owens has improved his route-running skills, which is the main reason his game has not fallen off. A negative: He had 10 drops last season, according to Stats LLC, tied for third in the NFL. In 2006, he led the NFL in drops with 17, according to Stats.
3. Steve Smith
Carolina Panthers
Even though his numbers dipped slightly in 2007 (87 catches, 1,002 yards, 7 TDs), you could make a case for Smith being the best receiver in the NFL. Smith, who suffered from poor quarterback play last season, is still the most explosive playmaker in the game. He has great speed and excellent run-after-catch ability.
4. Andre Johnson
Houston Texans
Johnson is big (6-3, 219), physical, runs solid routes and makes plays. In terms of physical tools, he is every bit as good as the three guys in front of him. He may have been overlooked in the past because of poor quarterback play (see David Carr 2003-06) but should improve as he works more with Matt Schaub. Johnson's numbers last season (60 catches, 851 yards) would have been more impressive if he had not missed seven games with an injury.
5. Reggie Wayne
Indianapolis Colts
The only real knock on Wayne is that he has always been 1B to
Marvin Harrison, who was 1A. That's no longer the case as he is Peyton Manning's top option now. Wayne has sneaky speed, which can catch a corner off guard. He has a great feel for Indianapolis' system and the ability to find holes in a defense.
6. Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals
There are always debates over who is the Cardinals' No. 1 receiver. We feel that player is Fitzgerald in large part because his counterpart,
Anquan Boldin, has been unable to consistently get open. Fitzgerald does not have big-time speed, but he has great hands and knows how to use his size (6-3, 226) to separate from a defender.
7. Braylon Edwards
Cleveland Browns
After some early growing pains, Edwards has been as good as advertised. Edwards, who had nine touchdown catches in his first two seasons, had 16 in 2007. He has matured on and off the field, a big reason he has become one of the premier receivers in the game. One negative: He tied for the league lead (with Colts TE Dallas Clark) with drops with 12, according to Stats LLC.
8. Chad Johnson
Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson can rub people the wrong way with his antics, but teammate TJ Houshmandazedah would not be nearly as productive without Ocho Cinco commanding the attention he does. He is a major deep threat and terrific route runner. While he is not great after the catch and doesn't play an especially physical brand of football, Johnson is still an elite wideout. Although he seemed to have a quiet 2007, he had his best season for receiving yards (1,440) and caught 93 passes, the third-highest total of his career.
9. Plaxico Burress
New York Giants
The talent has never been a question. The work ethic and inconsistency have. That changed in 2007 when, despite missing many practices with ankle and knee injuries, Burress was able to step up on game day and deliver for the Super Bowl champs. His size (6-5) is special. Even slowed by the ankle last season, he was regularly able to outjump defenders.
10. Torry Holt
St. Louis Rams
His speed and quickness are not what they once were, but like the other receivers above him who are getting older, he just knows how to play the game. What we love about Holt is his ability to consistently find the open area in a zone. He is still a good enough route runner to turn a defensive back inside out. He is on the downside of his career, but that won't stop him from giving us a little more magic.
11. Anquan Boldin
Arizona Cardinals
If Owens is the most physical receiver in the game, Boldin is second. He runs defenders over with the ball in his hands. He makes up for his lack of speed by bullying smaller defensive backs to create separation. He plays with a ton of passion, something we love. Teammate Larry Fitzgerald, however, has surpassed him as the best receiver on the team.
12. Roy Williams
Detroit Lions
He is a little more talkative than we would like, but he plays the game with passion. He plays hard whether his team is winning or losing. Williams has matured as a route runner and is willing to go inside to do the dirty work. Expect a huge 2008 with free agency looming at the end of the season.
13. Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis Colts
Even though Harrison had an injury-riddled 2007, he is still can be productive. The question is for how long. Harrison missed 11 games with a knee injury last season and was a non-factor in the Colts' playoff loss to the Chargers. He no longer is the Colts' No. 1 receiver -- that job belongs to Reggie Wayne. This will be a crossroads season for the future Hall of Famer. When healthy, Harrison is an excellent route runner who can still excel on all three levels in the passing game.
14. Brandon Marshall
Denver Broncos
Marshall is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. He is a big, physical receiver (6-4, 230) who places a lot of pressure on a secondary. He has the strength to separate off the line of scrimmage and the speed to attack all levels. He has strong, soft hands and is one of the best in the NFL after the catch. How long it takes Marshall
to recover from an injury to his right arm remains to be seen.
15. Marques Colston
New Orleans Saints
Colston, a seventh-round pick in 2006, continues to play at a high level. He has good toughness and hands to go along with his size (6-4) and strength. He's a physical presence in the middle of the field and in the red zone.
16. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Cincinnati Bengals
Even though the focal point of the Bengals' passing game is Johnson, Houshmandzadeh quietly made the Pro Bowl last season. Houshmandzadeh is an excellent complement to Johnson, while being very productive in the short and intermediate areas in the passing game. He isn't especially quick but is a very good route runner.
17. Greg Jennings
Green Bay Packers
Jennings is an explosive, young receiver who can play multiple spots in the Packers' spread formations. He has a strong knack for catching a short throw and taking it upfield. He averaged an impressive 17.4 yards per reception last season and led the Packers with 12 touchdowns. He is a smooth route runner and uses his burst to get into and out of cuts quickly. He has deceptive speed and has played with maturity beyond his age (24) and experience (two years in league).
18. Hines Ward
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ward makes tough catches in traffic and has been a very reliable receiver for quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger. He led the team in receptions last season despite missing three games. He has sure hands, an excellent feel for setting up defensive backs and runs reliable, crisp routes. His speed isn't exceptional, but he has shown the ability to make big plays deep downfield. He is one of the toughest receivers in the NFL and if there were a Hall of Fame for blocking wide receivers, Ward would be the first one in.
19. Santonio Holmes
Pittsburgh Steelers
Holmes is a talented, young receiver who continues to improve in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' system. He is loaded with big-play ability (league-best 18.1 yards per catch last season) and could turn into a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. Holmes' numbers have gone up in each of his two seasons in the league -- he had 49 catches for 824 yards in his rookie year and 52 catches for 942 yards last season despite missing three games with an injury.
20. Lee Evans
Buffalo Bills
He is a speed receiver who has really never been able to hit his full potential, but that has to do more with his offensive system than him. It is hard to move Evans up this list because his numbers don't merit it, but we wonder how good he could be if he had a legit starting quarterback getting him the ball. His speed makes him one of the more feared vertical threats in the NFL.
21. Dwayne Bowe
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had one of the worst offenses in the NFL last season. However, Bowe has all the makings of a premier No. 1 receiver. He caught 70 passes for 995 yards, best among all rookie receivers. He is a prototype receiver with savvy, body control and great hands.
22. Donald Driver
Green Bay Packers
Driver is fearless going across the middle and had a great relationship with QB
Brett Favre. However, much like Greg Jennings, Driver must build a new relationship with quarterback
Aaron Rodgers. Driver has tremendous change-of-direction skills and leaping ability.
23. Wes Welker
New England Patriots
Welker was an absolute steal by the Patriots in a trade with the Dolphins last offseason. He is a smart, instinctive receiver who can read coverages on the move while finding soft spots in underneath zones. When he makes a catch, he takes it upfield immediately. There's no dancing with Welker. He was Tom Brady's favorite target in 2007 and tied for the NFL lead with 112 receptions. Despite being just 5-9 and 185 pounds, he is a much better blocker than many realize.
24. Joey Galloway
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even at 36, Galloway continues to play at a high level. He is an explosive downfield threat who places a lot of pressure on the back end in deep zones. He is a quick, solid route runner with soft hands. He still has elite speed and has shown no signs of slowing down.
25. Deion Branch
Seattle Seahawks
A talented player, Branch has struggled with durability issues. He suffered an ACL injury in the divisional playoff game against the Packers and could miss the start of the 2008 season. However, when healthy, he has the ability to make explosive plays on all levels in the passing game. He has excellent speed and runs fluid routes. He is especially dangerous after the catch.
26. Roddy White
Atlanta Falcons
White had a breakout season in 2007. He displayed strong run-after-catch ability, breakaway speed and big-play potential. He tracks the deep ball well and has the extra gear to separate from defenders downfield. His speed makes him very dangerous after the catch. He has the ability to become the No. 1 receiver in new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey's system.
27. Bernard Berrian
Minnesota Vikings
Now in Minnesota, Berrian will be called on to be the No. 1 wideout. He had a very impressive 2007 season in Chicago, despite the Bears' questionable quarterback play. When he entered the league, Berrian was a one-trick pony who was only a vertical threat, but he has progressed nicely and now brings more to the table. However, he's really a better fit as a No. 2 option. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the new challenges with the Vikings.
28. Chris Chambers
San Diego Chargers
A change of scenery did Chambers a lot of good last season. He faced far too much attention from opposing defenses in Miami's lackluster passing attack and simply is not good enough to thrive in that tough environment. But San Diego is utopia. Chambers should continue to produce against all the single coverage he is attracting. He can go up and make the spectacular grab and has a lot of big-play ability.
29. Javon Walker
Oakland Raiders
When healthy, Walker has a great combination of size and deep speed, but counting on him has become a risky proposition as his 2004 season (89 catches, 1,382 yards) with Green Bay seems like a long time ago. He has also publicly battled with each of his previous two organizations -- although that may have endeared him to Al Davis even further. Walker did little in 2007 for the Broncos. He could go in either direction on this list in '08.
30. Calvin Johnson
Detroit Lions
The expectations for Johnson's rookie year were obviously too high. His back problems and learning curve limited his productivity, but we feel his ascension up this list is a matter of time. Johnson has all the tools and is the ideal physical specimen for the position. He will be a great one -- eventually.
31. Bobby Engram
Seattle Seahawks
Is there a more reliable player in the league than Engram?
Matt Hasselbeck's safety blanket simply gets it done, moves the chains and keeps drives alive. He isn't the biggest, fastest or most explosive receiver, but he has a great head for the game, runs terrific routes and catches everything thrown his way. Last season was Engram's best season yet, as he set a Seahawks' team record with 94 receptions and topped 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career..
32. Laveranues Coles
New York Jets
Coles isn't big (5-11, 193), but he is as tough as they come and the Jets' quarterbacks rely on him to get open. Coles has elite deep speed, but with the Jets' difficulties in pass protection and
Chad Pennington's suspect arm strength, he hasn't been able to use these talents as much as expected. That could change with
Kellen Clemens behind center and a revamped offensive line.
33. Santana Moss
Washington Commanders
Moss is small (5-10, 200), but few players in the league can rival his deep speed. He gets pushed around too much, can wear down and has trouble staying healthy. Also, he was tied for third in the league with 10 drops last season, according to Stats LLC. However, with new coach Jim Zorn expected to throw more often than the Commanders did in the past, Moss could have a resurgence. It is clear he will never be a top red zone option or a No. 1 wideout who can consistently handle double-teams, but Moss can be a difference-maker as a complementary option. Zorn will get the ball in his hands.
34. D.J. Hackett
Carolina Panthers
When healthy, Hackett can make an awful lot happen on the field. He is big and a touchdown machine. However, he is simply not on the field nearly enough to rank higher on this list. It will be interesting to see how he performs in Carolina next to Steve Smith. They could be an extremely dangerous pair of wideouts -- if Hackett can stay healthy.
35. Jerry Porter
Jacksonville Jaguars
Ranking Porter this high might raise some eyebrows, but we have a hunch we might see what he has to offer now that he's out of Oakland. Physically, he pretty much has it all. He's big (6-2, 220), powerful and can stretch a defense. He could move up this board.
36. Kevin Curtis
Philadelphia Eagles
He isn't real big (6-0, 186), but he is dangerous after the catch and shows good toughness with the ball in his hands. His size will always be a drawback and he will not outfight many defensive backs for jump balls in the end zone. He isn't a No. 1 wideout, but Curtis is a solid No. 2 who should improve as he gets better acquainted with
Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid's system.
37. Donte' Stallworth
Cleveland Browns
Stallworth is with his fourth team in his short career, which tells you a little about his true value. He can run past just about any defensive back in the league and offers a lot after the catch, but he is injury prone and inconsistent in just about every area. He will make some big plays for the Browns and will face a lot of single coverage with Braylon Edwards and
Kellen Winslow as teammates. Just don't expect him to light it up week after week.
38. Vincent Jackson
San Diego Chargers
Much like Chris Chambers, Jackson benefits from playing in San Diego as
LaDainian Tomlinson and
Antonio Gates attract the majority of the defense's attention. However, Jackson took his game up several notches in last season's playoffs and proved to be someone who also needs to be accounted for. He is a very good blocker, springing many of LT's big runs.
39. Jerricho Cotchery
New York Jets
He has a good feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage and can set up his defender well with his exceptional body control. He has steadily improved and his yards per catch was a career-high 13.8 yards last season. While his average was up, he is not a burner and will struggle to consistently stretch the field. The Jets' offensive line should give him more opportunities next season, but his ceiling is a No. 2 wideout.
40. Reggie Williams
Jacksonville Jaguars
A former No. 1 draft pick, he was a major disappointment until last year when he became a key contributor with his blocking in a run-first offense and abilities in the red zone. He has never been the featured receiver for Jacksonville, but he should benefit from the signing of Jerry Porter. Williams had 38 catches for 629 yards and 10 TDs in 2007. The arrow could finally be pointing up for him.
41. Derrick Mason
Baltimore Ravens
This 11-year veteran continues to rack up good numbers (103 catches in '07) for a club with a dismal offense. Mason's numbers are inflated because he was the main dump-off option in a Baltimore attack that could not go deep. He is not going to stretch the field and is no longer a dangerous threat on the edge, but he is consistent and can move the chains. He has lost a step, but he still has the quickness, agility, hands and instincts to be good.
42. Isaac Bruce
San Francisco 49ers
Bruce joined the 49ers this offseason after 13 outstanding seasons in St. Louis. This 14-year veteran is on the downside of his career and his skills are diminishing, but he might be able to give the marginal 49ers receiving corps some consistency.
43. Reggie Brown
Philadelphia Eagles
With the Philadelphia offense using
Brian Westbrook as the No. 1 target in the passing game, Brown continues to put up solid numbers on the perimeter, but he will never be outstanding. With the addition of speedster Kevin Curtis, the Eagles refrained from using Brown as a downfield threat as much as they did in previous seasons, but he can stretch a defense. He doesn't strike fear in defenses and doesn't excel in any one area.
44. Chris Henry
Cincinnati Bengals
His combination of size (6-4, 200) and athleticism can be a tough matchup for many defenses, but he probably never will realize his potential for two reasons: off-the-field issues and health. If he ever put it all together, he could make a big jump up this list.
45. Patrick Crayton
Dallas Cowboys
With veteran receiver Terry Glenn injured most of the 2007 season, Crayton became one of Dallas' top targets. Most defensive coordinators devise their game plans to take away Owens and Jason Witten, which enables a third option to flourish in the Cowboys' air attack. He is not hesistant to throw his body around in the running game. Crayton, however, is a jack-of-many trades, master of none.
46. Amani Toomer
New York Giants
After 12 seasons, Toomer clearly has diminishing skills, but he continues to be a reliable target who gets by with instincts, toughness and solid hands. He has no fear in traffic.
47. Anthony Gonzalez
Indianapolis Colts
Gonzalez fit in well as a rookie, filling the void created by the injury to Marvin Harrison. Gonzalez has excellent hands, is an effective route runner and has good run-after-catch ability, which will likely only improve. He also is very bright -- a must in the Colts' offense -- and was quick to adapt to the speed of the NFL.
48. Sidney Rice
Minnesota Vikings
There were durability concerns with Rice coming out of college, and he didn't do a lot to ease those concerns as a rookie. Rice has an excellent combination of size (6-4, 202) and athleticism. There probably will be a direct correlation between his performance and whether Minnesota gets better play at quarterback.
49. Mark Clayton
Baltimore Ravens
A first-round pick, Clayton hasn't become a No. 1 target in the Ravens' offense. A lot of his struggles are tied to marginal quarterback play over the past couple of seasons, but he hasn't progressed as a route runner and hasn't mastered nuances of the position.
50. Bryant Johnson
San Francisco 49ers
Johnson has been a solid receiver, but he hasn't become the top-tier target many experts projected. Many of his problems have stemmed from inconsistent quarterback play and marginal pass protection. Johnson is still a relatively young receiver and we expect him to improve.
