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05-14-2009, 10:59 AM
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Wide receiver rankings: Two of the best are Cardinals
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 0 WATCH THIS TOPIC Posted: May 13, 2009
Here they are ladies and gentlemen. Give it up for ... The Lost Boys! Some of the NFL's best receivers have been making headlines for the wrong reasons this year; off field trouble, contract squabbles, trade requests, and attitude adjustment problems. But despite all the whining, crying and complaining, this group includes some of the greatest pure athletes to ever play the game.
Here are our top 20 wide receivers:
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals. If there was any question about Fitzgerald's place at the top of this list, last season's incredible postseason run should have been enough to convince the doubters. He had an incredible 30 catches for 546 yards and 7 touchdowns in four games while averaging over 18 yards per catch despite constant double teams. He has outstanding physical tools and the skills to dictate coverage and control a game from the perimeter.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans. In our minds, Johnson is the only player in the league who can seriously challenge Fitzgerald for the title of best receiver now. He led the league in receptions and receiving yards in 2008 despite double teams, umbrella coverage, and every other scheme opposing coordinators could fathom. With a healthy Matt Schaub and an ever improving offensive line and rushing attack, Johnson could have the opportunity to overtake Fitz in '09. He needs to find the end zone more often and get his team to the postseason to do it.
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts. Though his 1,145 yards was the mark of a "bad" year in 2008, Wayne still possesses the speed and route running ability to dominate from anywhere on the field. Last season, he proved he can be a true No. 1 receiver and will once again be Peyton Manning's top target.
4. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals. Boldin is big and physical working the underneath routes and the middle of the field, and does a good job of making plays after the catch. He might be the No. 2 on his own team, but he'd be No. 1 for a host of other teams around the league, which is what he wants. But expect the trio of Boldin, Fitz, and Steve Breaston to be catching passes from Kurt Warner once again this season. That's good news for all of them AND the Cardinals.
5. Randy Moss, Patriots. Moss will be approaching 33 years of age by the end of the season, and by his standards, 2008 was a down year. But that's what happens to a receiver when you lose the best quarterback in the game. He's become a more savvy receiver with age, and in addition to remaining a deep threat, he has learned to adjust his routes and make plays after the catch in New England's option read system.
6. Terrell Owens, Bills. With his move to Buffalo, Owens has a smart, accurate QB, a deep threat on the opposite side of the field, and a strong running game at his disposal, but this is still the least explosive offense of his career. If the Bills, as reported, move toward a three-wide, no huddle attack, it could create even more mismatches for him downfield. He's still one of the most talented receivers in the league, but age (35) and a less than ideal situation could limit production.
7. Braylon Edwards, Browns. Edwards is a big, physical receiver who is very hard to knock off his routes and has the physical tools to expose any corner in the game. He has to find out if he has a home in Cleveland, and Cleveland has to find out if they have a QB to get him the ball. Edwards has proven as recently as 2007 that he's an elite talent with superstar potential.
8. Lee Evans, Bills. The arrival of Owens will finally give Evans an opportunity to see some favorable coverage. He's got dangerous deep speed, and his improved route running has given him more opportunities after catches. Though he's eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in two of the past three seasons, he could surpass all previous career highs in '09 as QB Trent Edwards comes into his own and Evans finally gets some help on the other side of the field.
9. Greg Jennings, Packers. Jennings is just 25 years old, and after proving to be a big-time playmaker in 2007 with 12 touchdowns, he put up some great numbers in 2008, producing 1,292 yards on 80 catches. QB Aaron Rodgers will be better in his second year as a starter, which means Jennings' star is still on the rise.
10. Steve Smith, Panthers. Smith put together eight 100-yard games in 2008, gaining over 1,400 yards for a career-high 18.2-yard average despite constant double teams. Needless to say, he was back on task with Jake Delhomme under center. This year, the running game should continue to provide balance to the offense, and as long as Smith remains healthy, his stellar route-running skills and aggressiveness to the ball will once again make him one of the most productive playmakers in the NFL.
11. Calvin Johnson, Lions. New Lions Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan is a proponent of the vertical passing game and likes to go to the air in the red zone. Both of those strategies play to Johnson's tremendous physical tools and skill set. There are also two strong-armed quarterbacks in Detroit now, but both can be inconsistent, and the O-line is a work in progress. The team has tried to bolster the receiving corps around him, but it may not be enough to draw coverage away from him. He's loaded with talent, but until the Lions can improve their situation, Johnson will be a step below the top receivers in the game.
12. Roy Williams, Cowboys. In addition to trying to learn a new offense in midseason, Williams played out of position at flanker and was hampered by a foot injury in 2008. Back in good health and now listed as the starter at split end, TO's old spot and the featured position in the Cowboys' passing attack, we expect better things for Roy. He won't replace Owens, but he should be better than he was last year and produce like a Top 20 receiver.
13. Donald Driver, Packers. Despite turning 34 this year, Driver is still an experienced, polished receiver who can deliver consistent production. Over the past seven seasons, Driver has missed just two games and has had only one season of less than 70 catches during that span. However, the Pack has some younger players waiting in the wings, which could cut into Driver's reps and production.
14. Marques Colston, Saints. Colston is the featured receiver in the Saints' pass-happy attack and a favorite target of QB Drew Brees. He finished strong last year, but coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2007, he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He will get plenty of opportunities to make plays in this offense, but he's got to stay healthy and stay on the field. Until he proves he can do those things consistently, he won't move higher up this list.
15. Roddy White, Falcons. White has 2,584 receiving yards on 171 receptions, and 13 touchdowns the past two seasons. He finally emerged as a consistent big-play threat with Matt Ryan at QB last season, and could be even better in 2009 with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez to the lineup. You could argue for him being a little higher on this list, but he does play in a run-first offense, and we'd like to see how he does with coverage rolled to him more often this season.
16. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals. Johnson is coming off the worst season of his career. But he's another player who was playing without his quarterback in 2008. While some think he's in decline, we think he is still a player who can stretch the field and runs routes better than he is given credit for. All he needs to do is get his mind right and get Carson Palmer back and he can return to Pro Bowl form.
17. Brandon Marshall, Broncos. A hugely talented receiver blessed with unique physical tools, Marshall's young career has been hampered by off-field issues and injury (he had hip surgery this offseason), and now he's lost his quarterback. He's not going to be ready to practice until well into the summer, which means he'll likely struggle out of the gate in '09. We expect his natural talent to make up for some of that, but despite Josh McDaniels' spread attack, we're not sure we're sold on Kyle Orton or Chris Simms as guys who will consistently get him the ball.
18. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks. Housh garnered a lot of attention on the free-agent market, but while he produced well on a bad team, he is not a big-play threat, or even a big red zone target. He can beat coverage with his route running and his versatility allows him to align anywhere on the field, but despite making 92 catches, he averaged less than 10 yards per catch and scored just four times in 2008. He could become more productive if he can create some chemistry with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, but that still remains to be seen.
19. Hines Ward, Steelers. Ward is a hard working, blue-collar receiver in the true Pittsburgh Steelers mold. While TV commentators like to talk about his experience, professionalism, team-first attitude, and excellent downfield blocking skills (all true), it shouldn't be lost on anyone that this guy had 81 catches last regular season and turned in his first 1,000-yard season in four years while playing through a myriad of injuries. With that being said, he is 33 years old. Santonio Holmes looks to be taking over as the No. 1 receiver and Limas Sweed will take on a larger role as well.
20. Wes Welker, Patriots. Welker is one of the best possession receivers in the game and one of the reasons the Pats were among the league leaders in YAC yards. His ability to read coverage and adjust his routes makes him a tough guy to cover in the middle of the field. But he lacks the size to work anywhere other than the slot, and he's not a scoring threat in the red zone.
Quick thoughts....B Marshall, Roddy White and Wesely Welker are too low
As much as a I like Evans he is a couple spots too high
As well as Jennings and Roy Williams
Wide receiver rankings: Two of the best are Cardinals
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 0 WATCH THIS TOPIC Posted: May 13, 2009
Here they are ladies and gentlemen. Give it up for ... The Lost Boys! Some of the NFL's best receivers have been making headlines for the wrong reasons this year; off field trouble, contract squabbles, trade requests, and attitude adjustment problems. But despite all the whining, crying and complaining, this group includes some of the greatest pure athletes to ever play the game.
Here are our top 20 wide receivers:
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals. If there was any question about Fitzgerald's place at the top of this list, last season's incredible postseason run should have been enough to convince the doubters. He had an incredible 30 catches for 546 yards and 7 touchdowns in four games while averaging over 18 yards per catch despite constant double teams. He has outstanding physical tools and the skills to dictate coverage and control a game from the perimeter.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans. In our minds, Johnson is the only player in the league who can seriously challenge Fitzgerald for the title of best receiver now. He led the league in receptions and receiving yards in 2008 despite double teams, umbrella coverage, and every other scheme opposing coordinators could fathom. With a healthy Matt Schaub and an ever improving offensive line and rushing attack, Johnson could have the opportunity to overtake Fitz in '09. He needs to find the end zone more often and get his team to the postseason to do it.
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts. Though his 1,145 yards was the mark of a "bad" year in 2008, Wayne still possesses the speed and route running ability to dominate from anywhere on the field. Last season, he proved he can be a true No. 1 receiver and will once again be Peyton Manning's top target.
4. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals. Boldin is big and physical working the underneath routes and the middle of the field, and does a good job of making plays after the catch. He might be the No. 2 on his own team, but he'd be No. 1 for a host of other teams around the league, which is what he wants. But expect the trio of Boldin, Fitz, and Steve Breaston to be catching passes from Kurt Warner once again this season. That's good news for all of them AND the Cardinals.
5. Randy Moss, Patriots. Moss will be approaching 33 years of age by the end of the season, and by his standards, 2008 was a down year. But that's what happens to a receiver when you lose the best quarterback in the game. He's become a more savvy receiver with age, and in addition to remaining a deep threat, he has learned to adjust his routes and make plays after the catch in New England's option read system.
6. Terrell Owens, Bills. With his move to Buffalo, Owens has a smart, accurate QB, a deep threat on the opposite side of the field, and a strong running game at his disposal, but this is still the least explosive offense of his career. If the Bills, as reported, move toward a three-wide, no huddle attack, it could create even more mismatches for him downfield. He's still one of the most talented receivers in the league, but age (35) and a less than ideal situation could limit production.
7. Braylon Edwards, Browns. Edwards is a big, physical receiver who is very hard to knock off his routes and has the physical tools to expose any corner in the game. He has to find out if he has a home in Cleveland, and Cleveland has to find out if they have a QB to get him the ball. Edwards has proven as recently as 2007 that he's an elite talent with superstar potential.
8. Lee Evans, Bills. The arrival of Owens will finally give Evans an opportunity to see some favorable coverage. He's got dangerous deep speed, and his improved route running has given him more opportunities after catches. Though he's eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in two of the past three seasons, he could surpass all previous career highs in '09 as QB Trent Edwards comes into his own and Evans finally gets some help on the other side of the field.
9. Greg Jennings, Packers. Jennings is just 25 years old, and after proving to be a big-time playmaker in 2007 with 12 touchdowns, he put up some great numbers in 2008, producing 1,292 yards on 80 catches. QB Aaron Rodgers will be better in his second year as a starter, which means Jennings' star is still on the rise.
10. Steve Smith, Panthers. Smith put together eight 100-yard games in 2008, gaining over 1,400 yards for a career-high 18.2-yard average despite constant double teams. Needless to say, he was back on task with Jake Delhomme under center. This year, the running game should continue to provide balance to the offense, and as long as Smith remains healthy, his stellar route-running skills and aggressiveness to the ball will once again make him one of the most productive playmakers in the NFL.
11. Calvin Johnson, Lions. New Lions Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan is a proponent of the vertical passing game and likes to go to the air in the red zone. Both of those strategies play to Johnson's tremendous physical tools and skill set. There are also two strong-armed quarterbacks in Detroit now, but both can be inconsistent, and the O-line is a work in progress. The team has tried to bolster the receiving corps around him, but it may not be enough to draw coverage away from him. He's loaded with talent, but until the Lions can improve their situation, Johnson will be a step below the top receivers in the game.
12. Roy Williams, Cowboys. In addition to trying to learn a new offense in midseason, Williams played out of position at flanker and was hampered by a foot injury in 2008. Back in good health and now listed as the starter at split end, TO's old spot and the featured position in the Cowboys' passing attack, we expect better things for Roy. He won't replace Owens, but he should be better than he was last year and produce like a Top 20 receiver.
13. Donald Driver, Packers. Despite turning 34 this year, Driver is still an experienced, polished receiver who can deliver consistent production. Over the past seven seasons, Driver has missed just two games and has had only one season of less than 70 catches during that span. However, the Pack has some younger players waiting in the wings, which could cut into Driver's reps and production.
14. Marques Colston, Saints. Colston is the featured receiver in the Saints' pass-happy attack and a favorite target of QB Drew Brees. He finished strong last year, but coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2007, he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He will get plenty of opportunities to make plays in this offense, but he's got to stay healthy and stay on the field. Until he proves he can do those things consistently, he won't move higher up this list.
15. Roddy White, Falcons. White has 2,584 receiving yards on 171 receptions, and 13 touchdowns the past two seasons. He finally emerged as a consistent big-play threat with Matt Ryan at QB last season, and could be even better in 2009 with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez to the lineup. You could argue for him being a little higher on this list, but he does play in a run-first offense, and we'd like to see how he does with coverage rolled to him more often this season.
16. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals. Johnson is coming off the worst season of his career. But he's another player who was playing without his quarterback in 2008. While some think he's in decline, we think he is still a player who can stretch the field and runs routes better than he is given credit for. All he needs to do is get his mind right and get Carson Palmer back and he can return to Pro Bowl form.
17. Brandon Marshall, Broncos. A hugely talented receiver blessed with unique physical tools, Marshall's young career has been hampered by off-field issues and injury (he had hip surgery this offseason), and now he's lost his quarterback. He's not going to be ready to practice until well into the summer, which means he'll likely struggle out of the gate in '09. We expect his natural talent to make up for some of that, but despite Josh McDaniels' spread attack, we're not sure we're sold on Kyle Orton or Chris Simms as guys who will consistently get him the ball.
18. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks. Housh garnered a lot of attention on the free-agent market, but while he produced well on a bad team, he is not a big-play threat, or even a big red zone target. He can beat coverage with his route running and his versatility allows him to align anywhere on the field, but despite making 92 catches, he averaged less than 10 yards per catch and scored just four times in 2008. He could become more productive if he can create some chemistry with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, but that still remains to be seen.
19. Hines Ward, Steelers. Ward is a hard working, blue-collar receiver in the true Pittsburgh Steelers mold. While TV commentators like to talk about his experience, professionalism, team-first attitude, and excellent downfield blocking skills (all true), it shouldn't be lost on anyone that this guy had 81 catches last regular season and turned in his first 1,000-yard season in four years while playing through a myriad of injuries. With that being said, he is 33 years old. Santonio Holmes looks to be taking over as the No. 1 receiver and Limas Sweed will take on a larger role as well.
20. Wes Welker, Patriots. Welker is one of the best possession receivers in the game and one of the reasons the Pats were among the league leaders in YAC yards. His ability to read coverage and adjust his routes makes him a tough guy to cover in the middle of the field. But he lacks the size to work anywhere other than the slot, and he's not a scoring threat in the red zone.
Quick thoughts....B Marshall, Roddy White and Wesely Welker are too low
As much as a I like Evans he is a couple spots too high
As well as Jennings and Roy Williams