This is the seventh post in a series that will delve in to each NFL position, ranking the top 12 for all. After each has been dissected, I will give my final top 12 players in the NFL. To see the previous post in the series, click here.
Wide Receiver has always been my favorite and "dream" position. Who doesn't at some point though? Fun, explosive, TD's, glory, money, and as Phil Simms said, "you can't really hit em' either. Wow what a job." While that's certainly not all true (many tough and strong receivers take many a hits every week), it's easy to see why it's most young boys dream to play at this position. A single catch can set the world ablaze for decades to come, taking that player from unknown to every football kid's favorite player to be in their backyard or on Madden. Teams certainly have bought into the abilities of the position as wide receiver is the second most sought position. How do I know? They get paid more than any other position except quarterback with the top ten paid receivers making an averaging $11.9 mil per year.
A lot of the money and love may come from an important fact: the WR position is by far the deepest in depth. So many. I could make a top 30 and we'd still be looking at stud players who put up 70+ catches and at least 800+ yds regardless of the team and the guy throwing the ball to them. For the second week in a row, it wasn't easy picking the #1 player. We ALL know who are the top two but every year I feel like the public switches their opinions on the pair. Who's greater? Mr. Smooth AB from Pittsburgh? Or that Monster Julio in Atlanta? I still don't know. We may never. I feel guilty putting one over the other. Then we all know who rounds out the top three - the kid from the Big Apple. You know. The one who made the single greatest catch ever?
Aside from those three, the next seven were also pretty easy, just had to order em up right. I'll admit I love studying this position more than any. Watching exciting player after another, and it's hard having to put one over the other. I love them all. With their unique structures, techniques and X-factors, younger, older, having to trim it down to 12 wasn't easy just because of my love for the overall position. "Let's just include them all!" Nope. Gotta stick with the system. Maybe I'll do an in depth look at the position in the future.
Fun fact: wide receiver has been the most popular position on the Top 100 list ever year since its inception except for 2012 where running back was most popular.
In case you wonder why a player is on the list or why he is so high, some of these players are where they are based on how I think they will do in 2017 whilst also including past achievements and experience. So if you see someone that surprises you, it could be that I think they are set to explode this upcoming season.
*Key:
- WR = Wide Receiver
- Yds = Yards
- Rec = Receptions
- TD = Touchdowns
- Avg = Average yards per catch
Here are two players that just *barely* missed the cut, but they are beasts that deserve respect and praise for their accomplishments:
DeAndre Hopkins - Houston Texans (2013)
2016: 78 Rec; 954 Yds; 4 TD; 12.2 Avg
Hopkins had a "down" year in 2016. But we all know that's because of sucky QB play. And Hopkins still fell just shy of the 1k mark. Big, strong, and the ability to make those acrobatic catches. Hopkins can do much for Houston. With an only slightly improved QB, Hopkins will return to top five form in 2017.
Proj. 2017: 90+ Rec; 1,200+ Yds; 7 TD; 13.1+ Avg
Demaryius Thomas - Denver Broncos (2010)
2016: 90 Rec; 1083 Yds; 5 TD; 12 Avg
Both Thomas and Hopkins were on my list at one point. But a young player who blew away the NFL last year leapfrogged both players. That aside, Thomas has put up 1k yard seasons for the last five years straight and his overall athleticism and ability can't be ignored even if he didn't but up numbers like in 2014-15.
Proj. 2017: 100+ Rec; 1,100+ Yds; 5 TD; 11+ Avg
Let's get into it shall we?
Top NFL Wide Receivers of 2017
12. Michael Thomas - New Orleans Saints (2016)
2016: 92 Rec; 1,137 Yds; 9 TD; 12.4 Avg
Think about this: Thomas played 15 games last season as a rookie (which meant he had to show he was good enough to be relied upon) whilst having to compete with now New England Patriot Brandin Cooks. Cooks racked up 78 rec, 1,173 yds, 15.0 Avg, and 8 TD. So the rookie who sat behind the first WR on the depth chart put up more rec, TD, and the same yds? All while playing a game less. Imagine what kinda havoc this spectacular player will make when sitting as the #1 WR on the team and Cooks out of the way. And Drew Brees is there. So no loss there.
Proj. 2017: 100+ Rec; 1,300+ Yds; 12 TD; 13+ Avg
11. T.Y. Hilton - Indianapolis Colts (2012)
2016: 98 Rec; 1,448 Yds; 6 TD; 15.9 Avg
Hilton led the NFL in yards for 2016. How is he only 11? Simple: I like ten other receivers more than him.
He's the best deep threat in the NFL no question. That's his X-factor. But Hilton has gone from one trick pony to an elite #1. Mainly cause he learned from Reggie Wayne whilst being thrust into the starting role when Wayne was injured and then retired. Well he's developed quite nicely for Indy, acting as their lone bright spot from a horrid 2016 season. Tricky and with great hands, he'll continue to dominate, especially when he's got Luck on his side.
Proj. 2017: 100+ Rec; 1,350+ Yds; 8 TD; 13.3+ Avg
10. Julian Edelman - New England Patriots (2009)
2016: 98 Rec; 1,108 Yds; 3 TD; 11.3 Avg
I saw a list this year where Edelman was 16th. How I say to you. You did watch the Super Bowl right? Gronkowski ain't Tom Brady's security blanket. It's this shifty, nifty slot player. He doesn't look very intimidating. But teams now know looks aren't what they seem with "The Squirrel" (Edelman's favorite given nickname). Known for having to work harder than most due to his physical limitations, Edelman is a truly feared player, using his knowledge of the game to beat even the best.
In Marvel comics, Squirrel Girl is considered (sometimes jokingly) the most powerful hero despite her size, age, and lack of powerful abilities. Yet she beats even the biggest villains in the universe. Why? Her victories often result from her opponent's overconfidence, weakness from an earlier fight, or creative use of her powers. Same for this guy, he beats the big baddies who would seemingly snuff the little gut out in a second. Don't underestimate the little guy. That's what Goliath did. Didn't work out so well.
Proj. 2017: 100+ Rec; 1,000+ Yds; 4 TD; 10+ Avg
9. Dez Bryant - Dallas Cowboys (2010)
2016: 50 Rec; 796 Yds; 8 TD; 15.9 Avg
Dez is one thing above all others: a TD making machine. Even when missing a good few games, he finished fifth in the league while averaging almost 16 yards a pop. He's a physical receiver and will always be in the conversation for best around. It will be fun to see Prescott and Dez develop a long standing chemistry.
Proj. 2017: 80+ Rec; 1,100+ Yds; 11 TD; 13.5+ Avg
8. Amari Cooper - Oakland Raiders (2015)
2016: 83 Rec; 1,153 Yds; 5 TD; 13.9 Avg
To me, Amari Cooper exemplifies everything asked of a #1 WR. He's fast, strong, good route runner while being a deep threat, makes the tough catches anywhere around him while being the average size of a #1: not physically imposing but not small either. Most importantly? He's a playmaker and he's clutch. Acting as the "AC" in Oakland's "AC/DC" - Amari Cooper and QB Derek Carr who have formed a great bond that will rival great duos such as Rothlisberger-Brown, Ryan-Jones, Manning-OBJ, and Brady-Edelman. Young and just getting started, Cooper will continue to rise in the ranks as he develops more and more.
I'm also a little biased cause I've drafted him both year's he's been in the league and has yet to fail me in fantasy football :)
Proj. 2017: 95+ Rec; 1,300+ Yds; 9 TD; 13+ Avg
7. Jarvis Landry - Miami Dolphins (2014)
2016: 94 Rec; 1,136 Yds; 4 TD; 12.1 Avg
The best friend of former LSU teammate Odell Beckham Jr, Landry certainly plays like he's from the same place as OBJ. Setting an NFL for record with 194 catches in the first to seasons of ones career isn't anything to scoff at. Landry's style of play has some similarities including the once every game awe dropping catch.
Landry finished as the 98th ranked player after an amazing 110 rec, 1,100+ yds campaign in 2015 and a catch that was ranked the #1 catch of the year. So why the slight? Miami sucked in 2015 despite Landry's spectacular play. His numbers ALL dropped slightly in 2016, yet he then skyrocketed to the 42nd ranked player on the list. Answer: Miami did not suck. More so than that, a playoff berth. So even though Landry week in and week out gave himself to #1 receiver duties (and punt returning) for three years - including two on a bad team - he hasn't received as much credit as he deserves until now. Finally being placed correctly in 2017 with the 40's being a good home for Landry until things dramatically change - for better or worse.
Proj. 2017: 95+ Rec; 1,200+ Yds; 6 TD; 12.6+ Avg
6. Jordy Nelson - Green Bay Packers (2008)
2016: 97 Rec; 1,257 Yds; 14 TD; 13 Avg
The Sinister Six. The elite receivers in the game. Here they are. Starting with Aaron Rodgers' favorite target in the Bay. Nelson is a rare breed of receiver: a physical, toe tapping speed demon who is quite the deep threat. Nelson lead the league in TD receptions - of course racking up the numbers and making awe dropping plays is the usual for this standout WR nicknamed "white chocolate" (due to his speech and athleticism that most associate with black's).
Winning the AP Comeback Player of the Year award in 2016 after missing the entire 2015 season, Nelson showed that the injury had done nothing to impede his abilities as an all-pro receiver in this league. Who's to say he'll do anything but repeat his incredible success?
No one.
Proj. 2017: 100+ Rec; 1,350+ Yds; 13 TD; 13.3+ Avg
5. Mike Evans - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014)
2016: 96 Rec; 1,321 Yds; 12 TD; 13.8 Avg
Big bodied. Strong hands. Athletic playmaker.
Those are the things that come to mind when thinking of Mike Evans from Tampa. He's also an incredibly underrated deep threat. He may not be the fastest but he's super hard to take down or defend on the deep ball. He also gets to say that he made the - arguably - #1 catch of 2016 (player number four on this list might have something to say about it). More than anything I love is his chemistry with young QB Jameis Winston. The two have that connection that can make a tandem so dangerous at all times during a game.
I won't say much more about this standout. Just check out these highlights from last season putting Evans' full abilities on display.
Proj. 2017: 90+ Rec; 1,250+ Yds; 14 TD; 13.7+ Avg
4. A.J. Green - Cincinnati Bengals (2011)
2016: 66 Rec; 964 Yds; 4 TD; 14.6 Avg (10 Games) - on pace for 106 Rec; 1542 Yds; 7 TD; 14.6 Avg
A real shame Green's season was cut short due to injury. If you see his secondary stats there, he was on pace for some crazy numbers. Think about it. He would've led the league in total receiving yards whilst finishing 2nd for receptions (tied with Antonio Brown with 106). His catch radius with those long arms and a big strong body, so it's not hard to see why he makes so many deep plays. The Hail Mary he caught in 2016 was unbelievable and probably the best of the year. He's dominated for six years now and I don't see him stopping now.
Proj. 2017: 95+ Rec; 1,450+ Yds; 9 TD; 15+ Avg
3. Odell Beckham Jr - NY Giants
2016: 96 Rec; 1,321 Yds; 12 TD; 13.8 Avg
You all know "The Catch". The one that sent the world ablaze, repeating it over and over for at least a year. The one many consider the greatest ever made. Yeah. That one.
Let us forget that catch even exists. Would OBJ still be a top three receiver? Absolutely. He's an electric playmaker that's helped reshape the position - whilst reminding us why WR is the most dreamed up position for kids: fast, exciting, and gets all the attention in the media. They are the ultimate superstars. And OBJ is a face of a monster organization: the NFL. His route running, his jump from the snap, his hands. You name it. His one negative? He acts like a child many times on and off the field which will lead some to not like him especially in his success. But you can't deny his stats and ability. Since joining the NFL? OBJ has numerous records to his name since his 2014 rookie year.
Fastest to reach 250 career receptions (38 games)
Fastest to reach 200 career receptions (30 games)
Fastest to reach 150 career receptions (21 games)
Fastest to reach 100 career receptions (14 games)
Fastest to reach 4,000 career receiving yards (42 games, tied with Lance Alworth)
Fastest to reach 3,500 career receiving yards (35 games)
Fastest to reach 3,000 career receiving yards (30 games)
Most receptions in first 15 games of career: 110
Most consecutive games with 130+ receiving yards, 1+ touchdown: 4 (tied with Patrick Jeffers and Calvin Johnson)
Most games with 10+ receptions, rookie, season: 4
Most games with 10+ receptions, 100+ receiving yards, rookie, season: 4
Most games with 10+ receptions, 100+ receiving yards, 1+ touchdown reception, season: 4 (tied with Torry Holt)
Most games with 125+ recieving yards, rookie, season: 6
Most receptions at home, rookie, season: 52
Most receiving yards in any calendar month, rookie: 606 yards (December 2014)
Highest average receiving yards per game, rookie, season: 108.8
Only player in NFL history to have 1,300+ receiving yards while playing in 12 or fewer games in season
Only rookie in NFL history to have 10+ receptions in consecutive games
How bout dem apples? For some reason I feel OBJ is set to tear up the record books again. Hmm... it's not cuz he's on my fantasy team this year or anything...
Nah. ;)
Proj. 2017: 110+ Rec; 1,650+ Yds; 15 TD; 15.45+ Avg
1. Julio Jones and Antonio Brown - Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers (2011, 2010)
Jones 2016: 83 Rec; 1,406 Yds; 6 TD; 17 Avg (14 games)
Brown 2016: 106 Rec; 1,284 Yds; 12 TD; 12.1 (15 games)
I know I know I know. I'm cheating here. But every time I put one over the other I felt guilty. They're are both so good. Too valuable to their respective teams. And are incredibly similar despite different sizes, structures, and different overall build's. Fast, great hands, great route runners, great YAC. Just great. Some say there is no debate. I agree. But not how those experts think. They all say one is better than the other as if it's soooooo obvious. I say there is no debate because they are too close. Could I just have BOTH on my fantasy team? I love both and can't choose one over the other. They are both incredibly confident yet humble and likable. They let their play do the talking. Easy to see why they were so nip and tuck - finishing as the 3rd (Jones) and 4th (Brown) ranked players... in the entire league. Expect both to make my top 12 overall players in the league. Both have put up massive numbers and it seems like they plan it together. In 2015, Jones and Brown tied for a ridiculous league high 136 receptions along with a first and second finish in yards. And they're yardage difference? 37 yards. I expect them to team up again in 2017 as the best "duo" in the league - despite never taking the field together once.
Jones Proj. 2017: 110+ Rec; 1,700+ Yds; 11 TD; 15.2+ Avg
Brown Proj. 2017: 110+ Rec; 1,700+ Yds; 13 TD; 15.2+ Avg