The Top 50 Wide Receivers in the NFL Today

50. Mark Clayton (BAL) hasn’t lived up to his expectations, but without a doubt - this is his breakout season. Teammate Derrick Mason is really leaning on the experienced side, so expect Mark Clayton to carry more of the weight this season.

49. Joshua Cribbs (CLE) Ignored by many, Cribbs is one of the best all-around wide receivers in the NFL. He will have more oppurtunities this season, with catching, rushing, and in the return game. He is one of the greatest kick returner/punt returners in NFL history.

48. Patrick Crayton (DAL) is now officially the No.2 wideout for Dallas. The Terrell Owens era has ended in Dallas. Owens was replaced by Roy Williams (traded from Detroit). Patrick Crayton will get the ball more often with this new balanced attack and there will be fewer distractions.

47. Mohamed Massaquoi (CLE) is a stellar player. Hidden talent is all about to be unveiled. You just saw a glimpse of it at Georgia. He is expected to beat out Brian Robiskie.

46. Sidney Rice (MIN) There is a phenomenal set of receivers in Minnesota - that leaves Bobby Wade out of a starting spot and pushes Sidney Rice down the list of the top receivers. Take note of this player’s potential, and look for a great season out of Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade.

45. Torry Holt (JAC) his greatest games are behind him. He is an unbelievable player and he should be the top receiver for the hungry Jaguars.

44. Hakeem Nicks (NYG) over-rated hype in the media gave you the impression that he was a top prospect. The fact is, he has a huge void to fill after Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer left the team. I’m sure he can accomplish what he needs to - but for now, teammates Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon will carry the load. Keep in mind - this is a running team, so Hakeem Nicks is more of a liability.

43. Brian Robiskie (CLE) “is the most-ready wide receiver from the 2009 NFL Draft.” There are too many receivers in Cleveland fighting for the starting spot. Superstar Braylon Edwards, under-estimated Mike Furrey, Donte’ Stallworth (temporarily suspended), Joshua Cribbs, Syndric Steptoe, and rookie wideouts Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie will all be fighting for a starting position.

42. Bernard Berrian (MIN) only had 48 catches last season, but he had his best season in yards and touchdowns. Minnesota plans to spread the ball out often. You can only do so much with the ball. Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin are expected to be a big part of the offense, and Adrian Peterson isn’t going anywhere.

41. Ted Ginn Jr. (MIA) would not be so far down the list, if he wasn’t so generous. Greg Carmillo had 55 catches and Davone Bess had 54 catches last season. Ted Ginn Jr. had a bazzare case of 56 catches. I’m really not sure how that happened! I’m not sure if they planned it or not, but it caught my attention.

40. Anthony Gonzalez (IND) is a “fantasy sleeper” – according to fantasy football expert Michael Fabino. Since wideout sensation Marvin Harrison has left Indianapolis - it opens the opportunity for Anthony Gonzalez to shine.

39. Donald Driver (GB) There is no hidden potential for this guy, because we’ve already seen it. A great player and as expected, Driver should have another 65-75 reception season.

38. Donnie Avery (STL) is another one of those “fantasy sleepers” we keep hearing about. He has major potential ahead. He only had 53 catches last season. Since Torry Holt left to Jacksonville, and since Avery was only a rookie last year – the expectations should soar for the one-year veteran.

37. Jeremy Maclin (PHI) could really have a terrific season. But since Philadelphia has several highly talented receivers, he won’t be able to have the stellar numbers we expected in his rookie season. He has amazing potential and he’ll put on a show with the Donvan McNabb-Michael Vick era.

36. Marques Colston (NO) has not shown the amazing statistics we’ve expected out of the former Hofstra performer. A 40-catch season makes you wonder... Nevertheless, even though he didn’t have a great season last year, he should be very productive and have similar numbers to the ’06 and ’07 season.

35. Lee Evans (BUF) is not a top (20) receiver. With T.O. demanding the most grabs, and always suspecting suspicious activity if a quarterback goes and throws a ‘nerf football’ with your starting tight end in a hotel room, then there’s no way he can be the top guy.

34. Steve Smith (NYG) belongs in the Top 35. The Giants have lost their top two receivers (Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer) over the past two seasons - so someone has to step it up.

33. Steve Breaston (ARI) is a sensational receiver having 77 receptions and over 1,000 yards in just his second season. He won’t get the ball as much in the upcoming season. There will be too many options for Kurt Warner.

32. Darrius Heyward-Bey (OAK) When I heard Oakland drafted WR Darrius Heyward-Bey at No.7, like many, my jaw dropped. But they claimed they wanted ‘speed’. It might seem a little odd - putting Heyward-Bey ahead of some players that have proven things out on the field, but you can't leave them out, or all at 45-50. They're all up there for reason, and they're about to show their true potential and blow you away (just as DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal, and Greg Jennings have). Darrius Heyward-Bey does have speed and he should be at the top of the rookie wideouts.

31. Vincent Jackson (SD) is one of the best receivers at YAC (yards after catch). Vincent Jackson will have to carry the load in the passing game. Jackson will remain Phillip Rivers’ favorite target.

30. Antonio Bryant (TB) had his best season last year from a statistical standpoint – but one great season isn’t going to automatically make you a Top 20 receiver in the NFL. Tampa Bay needs to have more success at the running game, in order to introduce the rest of their receiving core to the league.

29. Michael Crabtree (SF Holdout) Caveat emptor. He can’t be a productive player, if he doesn’t end up with a team. He has great potential, but he left Texas Tech as a sophomore, and encountered some injuries along the way. So you’re at huge risk, even higher than Percy Harvin.
We all know he's capable of being an elite receiver..... we're just waiting on it to actually.... happen

28. Santana Moss (WSH) shouldn’t be in the Top 15-20, because being a veteran and having great years in the past, doesn’t mean anything - unless you can keep it up. Right now, he’s not playing at that level.

27. Lance Moore (NO) is just sneaky good. Last season he had 79 catches and was just shy of 1,000 yards. Before last season, not many had even heard of Lance Moore. But it’s apparent that he will catch anything thrown his way. Expect a great duo out of receivers Lance Moore and Marques Colston.

26. Dwayne Bowe (KC) has over 2,000 yards and just entered his third season. Bobby Engram will most likely be on the opposing side of Dwayne Bowe. Expect Bowe to have an 1,100-1,300 yard season.
(Dwayne Bowe doesn't model his talents in pictures very well.... but his cheerleaders do).

25. Jerrico Cotchery (NYJ) should be rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez’s favorite target. Cotchery has amazing capabilities and has 266 receptions, 3,350 yards, and 13 touchdowns in his career. But he’s entering his sixth season and that’s not top-knotch receiver statistics. With a strong emphasis on the running game, Mark Sanchez won’t be forced to throw, so it will feel natural and less of a nuisance.

24. DeSean Jackson (PHI) is just one of the many potential starting receivers with the Philadelphia Eagles. That is the one reason why Jackson did not end up inside the top 20. A stellar player - Jackson had 62 receptions, 912 yards, and 2 touchdowns last season - in his rookie debut.

23. Eddie Royal (DEN) proved evident that he was notably the best rookie wideout in 2008. Without a doubt, you can expect more of the same out of the 1-year veteran sensation.

22. Percy Harvin (MIN) Speed, quickness, agility, strength, route running, blocking, catching, rushing the ball – you ask of anything out of this player and you’ll get it! He couldn’t have asked to be on a better suited team – full of weapons on both sides of the ball. Percy Harvin should have just shy of 65 receptions, and 700 receiving yards as a rookie (remember he can run the ball too).

21. Laveranues Coles (CIN) has a total of over 8,000 yards receiving and is now into his tenth season. He looks to have another stellar year. Alongside Chad Ochocinco, and with Chris Henry lurking and taking on more responsibility, there’s less room for error.

20. Derrick Mason (BAL) had his best year in receptions in 2007. Achieving over 10,000 yards in receptions since 1997 (rookie season), he is still at the top of his game - but looks retirement in the rear view mirror.

19. Devin Hester (CHI) is just shy of 75 receptions and 1,000 yards and is now into his fourth season. His talents are et al. He is more than just a triple threat. He started out as a cornerback, and his main focus was on the return game. He is the best special teams returner in the NFL with over 3,500 yards.

18. Roy E. Williams (DAL) only had 36 catches (17 with Detroit, and 19 with Dallas) and only 430 yards, and two touchdowns last season. Fortunately, the former Texas standout has had much success in the recent past, and that success has not been forgotten just because of one off season.

17. Greg Jennings (GB) has over 175 receptions, 25 touchdowns and right at the 3,000 yard mark - entering his fourth season. Expectations have Jennings in the 100 reception category for this season.

16. Santonio Holmes (PIT) only had 50-catch seasons in his first three seasons. But he is progressing at a fast pace. He had a total of 9 catches, for 131 yards, and 1 TD in the Super Bowl - the best game of his career. He followed that with 9 catches, 131 yards, and a touchdown in the season opener against Tennessee. It only gets better from here.

15. Wes Welker (NE) has phenomenal talent. Welker was an unknown until 2006. In the ’07 season he really set himself apart with 112 receptions and 1,175 yards with New England. He then decided to do the same in 2008, with 111 receptions and 1,165 yards. Expect more of the same in 2009.

14. Braylon Edwards (CLE) is a work in-progress and is the fourth Brown to make the list. I see a breakout season. Teammate(s) Mohamed Massaquoi will probably wrap up a solid 50 catches in his rookie debut. Brian Robiskie will have around 30 catches depending on how he progresses through the season and Joshua Cribbs will be incorporated more in the offense.

13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (SEA) hasn’t had a season with less than 70 catches and 900 yards since 2004. The problem is - he has no help at the WR position. Deion Branch hasn’t had a 50-catch season since 2006 and Nate Burleson has never had a season with more than 68 catches.

12. Hines Ward (PIT) entered the season opener with 8 catches and 103 yards against Tennessee. He had 81 catches and over a 1,000 yards last season. Hines Ward is the best at the combination of blocking and catching. He lacks great speed, but his elusiveness and catching ability makes up for it.

11. Brandon Marshall (DEN) has accumulated over 200 receptions and over 2,500 yards over the past two seasons. The best case scenario is - Brandon Marshall performs, and gets the starting spot back.

10. Reggie Wayne (IND) is often over-looked. Even though he’s always been a fantastic receiver, he remains under the radar. That might be his goal - to prove everyone wrong.

9. Steve Smith (CAR) has over 350 receptions and over 5,000 yards in the past four seasons. This will be an off-year for Carolina, but Steve Smith should still have around 85+ catches.

8. Terrell Owens (BUF) couldn’t be left out of the Top 10 of the NFL’s most elite receivers, even if he is a “Drama Queen” - (N.Y. Giants fans). He started his career in San Francisco and after 8 seasons with the 49ers - he had his best season in yards (1,451) in 2000. His best season in touchdowns (16) came in 2001 and his best season in receptions (100) came in 2002. He has accumulated over 950 receptions, 14,000 yards, and 139 TDs in his career.

7. Chad Ochocinco (CIN) In the off-season, it looked as if WRs Chris Henry and Laveranues Coles were going to be the starters, but then Chad Ochocinco (formerly known as ‘Chad Johnson’) put his act together. He is a standout receiver, and has a standout personality. Before preseason, he gave a statement saying, “I will have 20 touchdowns this season.” We’ll see.

6. Roddy White (ATL) He had 29 receptions in his first season and followed with 30 receptions in his second season. He has progressed the past two seasons - coming up with 171 receptions and 2,584 yards. He is ready to make more than just a name for himself.

5. Anquan Boldin (ARI) This team has Ad infinitum set of excellent receivers. Boldin had over 100 receptions and 1,300 yards in his rookie season! Anquan Boldin was limited to only 12 games in the regular season, due to injury. But that didn’t stop him from being a valuable asset in the post season.

4. Calvin Johnson (DET) has a rookie quarterback throwing, a bad offensive line, and a defense that remains on the field. With over 2,000 yards entering his third season, Johnson should have 30 touchdowns (in his career) by the end of the season.

3. Randy Moss (NE) The ex-Viking and ex-Raider looks ready to have a tremendous season with Tom Brady back. Wes Welker and Randy Moss is the second best receiving duo in the NFL. Wes Welker had 223 receptions, over 2,300 yards, and 11 touchdowns in the past two seasons. Randy Moss has had 167 receptions, over 2,500 yards, and 34 touchdowns over the past two seasons. That's a recipe that can't be beat.

2. Andre Johnson (HOU) is the second best wide receiver in the NFL. He had 115 catches with 1,575 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. Johnson will be a huge threat, especially with WR Kevin Walter and David Anderson in the slot, ready to mix it up and keep the defenses guessing.

1. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) My expectations are that he will have over 7,000 receiving yards by the end of the season. Entering his the sixth season, he is the best wide receiver in the league. Expect Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to be the best receiving duo for years to come.

So there are my opinions and analysis for the “NFL’s Best 50 Wideouts”. I hope you’ve enjoyed it! Feel free to comment, and tell me what you think. Thanks!