Each day leading up to the official start of the NFL football season, I will be providing you with player rankings, team previews, analysis, predictions, opinions and a whole lot more.
What I look for in a wide receiver:
Route Running- Like a good pitcher who doesn’t tip what he’s throwing, a solid route runner makes every pattern look the same for the first eight yards. You have to be able to deceive the defensive back and keep them on their heels using speed, quickness, agility and craftiness.
Awareness- Knowing where the first down is, coming towards the ball instead of waiting for it, catching passes at its highest points, finding open areas in zone coverage and seeking open lanes after the catch to gain extra yardage.
Body Control- Being aware of where the sideline is, adjusting to poorly thrown passes, having vision and agility to pivot your body properly so you can quickly turn upfield, find the open lanes and gain yardage after the catch.
Versatility- There are possession receivers and deep threats; ones that can score in the red zone and from anywhere on the field are gems.
- Antonio Brown (Pit) 8.7
- Julio Jones (Atl) 8.6
- Odell Beckham (NYG) 8.5
- DeAndre Hopkins (Hou) 8.2
- A.J. Green (Cin) 8.1
- Dez Bryant (Dal) 8.1
- Brandon Marshall (NYJ) 8
- Allen Robinson (Jax) 8
- Demaryius Thomas (Den) 8
- Alshon Jeffery (Chi) 8
- Jordy Nelson (GB) 8
- Jarvis Landry (Mia) 7.9
- Sammy Watkins (Buf) 7.9
- Mike Evans (TB) 7.9
- Jeremy Maclin (KC) 7.9
- T.Y. Hilton (Ind) 7.8
- Amari Cooper (Oak) 7.8
- Emmanuel Sanders (Den) 7.8
- Doug Baldwin (Sea) 7.7
- Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) 7.7
- Steve Smith (Bal) 7.6
- Keenan Allen (SD) 7.6
- John Brown (Ari) 7.6
- Brandin Cooks (NO) 7.6
- Allen Hurns (Jax) 7.6
- Kelvin Benjamin (Car) 7.6
- DeSean Jackson (Was) 7.6
- Eric Decker (NYJ) 7.5
- Golden Tate (Det) 7.5
- Julian Edelman (NE) 7.5
- Michael Floyd (Ari) 7.5
- Randall Cobb (GB) 7.5
- Tyler Lockett (Sea) 7.5
- Stefon Diggs (Min) 7.5
- Vincent Jackson (TB) 7.5
- Michael Crabtree (Oak) 7.5
- Jordan Matthews (Phi) 7.4
- Kamar Aiken (Bal) 7.4
- Donte Moncrief (Ind) 7.4
- Pierre Garcon (Was) 7.4
- Travis Benjamin (SD) 7.4
- Laquon Treadwell (Min) 7.4
- Marvin Jones (Det) 7.4
- DeVante Parker (Mia) 7.4
- Willie Snead (NO) 7.4
- Torrey Smith (SF) 7.3
- Josh Doctson (Was) 7.3
- Jamison Crowder (Was) 7.3
- Robert Woods (Buf) 7.3
- Kevin White (Chi) 7.3