The Five Best Wide Receivers in the NFC

Jason John by Correspondent Written on October 10, 2009

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13:  Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals is unable to catch a pass during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The 4
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

So, after a quarter of the season finished, most may be wondering about the playmakers each team posses. So, who really are the five best receivers scaring the opposing defense in the NFC? There are obviously a few no-brainers, but a few on this list may surprise you. Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree with this slideshow.

Larry Fitzgerald

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals scores on a 64-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadiu

Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals may be the best wide receiver in the entire league. At 6 foot 3 and about 225 pounds, he is intimidating. NO, he may not have track star speed, but is deceptively quick while using his hands. Anything thrown in the vicinity of Fitzgerald, expect him to catch it.

Calvin Johnson

DETROIT - NOVEMBER 23:  Wide receiver Calvin Johnson #84 of the Detroit Lions lines up during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on November 23, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan.  The Buccaneers defeated the Lions 38-20.  (Photo by Chris

Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions will eventually be the best wide receiver in the league, once his quarterback, Matthew Stafford develops. At 6 foot 5 and 240 pounds, one might wonder why he lines up split end. Well, unlike Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson runs a 4.29 in the 40 yard dash, and displays his unbelievable speed on the field. He is a physical speciman, nicknamed "Megatron" and is a nightmare to cover because not only can he run by any corner in the league, he can overpower them as well.

Steve Smith

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 04:  Brandon Carr #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks up a pass intended for Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants during the game on October 4, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty

Steve Smith is the third best receiver in the NFC. No, not the one in Carolina, the beast on the New York Giants. Smith may not be the fastest player on the field, but like Larry Fitzgerald, he has great hands and understands how to run routes. Another facet of the game that really impresses me is his fearlessness on the field. He had displayed that quality since he first played a down for the Giants. Also, he leads the league in receiving with 403 yards.

Desean Jackson

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18:  Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after he catches a 62-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University

Desean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles can run past any coverage you throw at him. Last season he seemed to disappear at times because of press coverage, but this year he has obviously gotten stronger and can beat that press. Oh yea, and when he beats it, he finishes with the ball in his hands in the end zone. Like Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers, Jackson has proved critics wrong and is starting to be mentioned with the elite playmakers in the National Football League. Jackson has only 12 catches this year, but his average yards per catch is a ridiculous 21.7 yards.

Marques Colson

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 04:  Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints makes a catch over Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets at the Louisana Superdome on October 4, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Marques Colston of the New Orleans Saints is a huge physical receiver. This year he has proved he is not a soft receiver, as he gets into the thick of the defense and makes spectacular grabs. Even though his quarterback Drew Brees spreads the ball out to every receiver, Colston is second in the league in touchdowns with 3.

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written on October 10, 2009 Opinion

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