Player Profiling: NFL Wide Receiver Rankings

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Ranking the top receivers the league has to offer entering the 09' season...

(Prior to Derrick Mason's retirement)

1. Randy Moss (NE)

He is arguably the most talented receiver to ever play the game. Moss can out run any receiver, split any coverage and catch any ball thrown his way. He will have an all-around better team playing with him this season rather than his '08 year.

Brady is back and the entire organization is hungry for that Lombardi Trophy more than ever. New England is out to prove they are the best, and Moss is a huge part of that.

With more motivation to win and a better cast, I think New England's offense might be as good if not better than when they went 18-0. If you think Fitz should be number one, that's fine; but if Moss isn't in your top two, I want to know what you've been watching this past decade.

2. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) 

This is a guy who could very well be on his way to becoming the best receiver to ever play. He is strong, big, fast, smart and the perfect teammate you would want in your locker room. He can jump over any defender because he positions himself perfectly to box out anybody trying to snag one on him.

He is an MVP-quality player and I still believe he should have won a Heisman Trophy. Any organization would be lucky to have a player like Fitzgerald.

3. Steve Smith (CAR) 

Smith is another receiver with MVP quality written all over him. His height comes as no concern because he has some of the best hops and speed in the league. He is not afraid to take a hit and has shown his toughness throughout his career.

He reminds me of a quicker and younger Hines Ward whose leadership is as big as his talent. A rare player to find in this league, and a play maker every time he steps onto the field.

4. Andre Johnson (HOU)

The only thing holding Andre Johnson back from becoming the best in the league is his injuries. Johnson has yet to play an entire NFL season on a consistent basis. When he is on the field however, he can out run and out catch anybody defending him.

He has the perfect speed and size to run almost any route and usually finishes plays real well. He is a tough receiver to bring down in the open field and never misses a stride when running. His potential is through the roof, but he needs to play more consistently to seriously hold any shot of becoming the best in this era.

5. Calvin Johnson (DET) 

I can't believe this guy didn't make the Pro Bowl! Calvin has every characteristic you would want in a receiver. He is tall, fast, a hard worker and has some of the best hands in the league. He separates himself from defenders extremely well when the ball is in the air and has the body to develop into a decent blocker.

His toughness mentally and physically is something he can improve on; but between the two years he has played in, Calvin has improved in that degree already. A threat to put up big numbers each week, and did so consistently last year.

6. Reggie Wayne (IND)

One of the best route runners in the league and will only see more balls now that Harrison is gone for good. His speed, quickness and awareness makes him a constant threat on the field. He reminds me of a Torry Holt in his prime.

Wayne is another receiver who can catch almost anything thrown his way and has proven his liability throughout his career. Apart from how great of a pure football player Wayne is, the guy is a straight up athlete.

7. Anquan Boldin (ARI) 

Boldin is opposite of what many people refer to receivers as prima donnas. He is a tough and explosive receiver with great hands and speed that hurts. His work ethic is one of the best in the league and he has brought a superstar level to his game consistently each year, despite on-going contract disputes.

Having Fitzgerald alongside only creates a better opportunity for getting him the football. Although I believe Fitz is a better receiver overall, Boldin was putting up better numbers than Fitzgerald was before he got hurt against New York. A number two in the desert, but number one talent overall.

8. Brandon Marshall (DEN) 

Marshall said that he can catch any ball he wants to that is thrown his way; I don't think he was kidding. This guy has freak-like talent that gives him the potential to become the league's best one day. He has deceitful speed that allows him to out run most defenders.

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