Yards Per Catch: The 10 Most Productive Wide Receivers

Every fan enjoys a big offensive play. And every coach and player strives to gain yards in big chunks, and score quick touchdowns.

Doubters would argue the effectiveness of a wide receiver is contingent upon play calling, and the ability of the quarterback. But these 10 players bring more than that to the table; they are the most productive at their position in terms of average yards per catch.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

An interesting storyline for 2010 will be how the loss of Donovan McNabb will effect the play of Jackson and the Philadelphia offense.

In 2009, Jackson recorded 62 receptions for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns. The former Cal star caught 18 passes for over 20 yards and finished the 2009 season with an average of 18.4 yards per catch.

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

A little-known athlete from Northern Colorado, Jackson has made a name for himself during his five years in San Diego.

The 6'5", 230-pound receiver broke out in 2008, with 59 catches for 1,098 yards and an average of 18.6 yards per catch. His career totals include 198 receptions for 3,400 yards, and an impressive 17.2 yards per catch.

Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints

While his average yards per catch dipped following the 2009 season, Henderson averaged over 20-yards-per-reception from 2006 until 2008. In 2008, the LSU alum caught 32 passes for 793 yards with an incredible average of 24.8 yards per reception. In five season with the Saints, he has caught 157 passes for 3,094 yards at a clip of 19.7 yards per catch.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

Wallace recorded an impressive rookie year in 2009. Selected out of Ole Miss, the 6' receiver caught 39 passes for 756 yards with an average of 19.4 yards per reception. With the absence of Santonio Holmes and the uncertainty of Ben Roethlisberger, it will be intriguing to see if his average yards per catch will decrease.

Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns

Much like Wallace, this newcomer impressed many during his rookie season in the NFL. The inconsistent play of Derek Anderson, and Brady Quinn didn't keep Massaquoi from catching 34 balls for 624 yards at a clip of 18.4 yards per reception. Cleveland has brought in Jake Delhomme for the upcoming season and time will tell how this will effect the play of Massaquoi.

Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers

In terms of big seasons, Jennings has never averaged over 18 yards per catch during his four years in Green Bay. At 5'11" and 198 pounds, the play of Jennings has been consistent with a 16-yard-per-catch average over the past three seasons. The Western Michigan alum has caught 246 passes for 3,957 yards with an average of 16.1 yards per reception during his NFL career.

Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys

Hailing from a little know university in New Jersey, Austin teamed with Tony Romo to catch 81 passes for 1,674 yards with an average of 16.3 yards per reception in 2009. Entering his fifth season, the 6'3", 214-pound Cowboy holds a career average of 16.9 yards per catch.

Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers

The fact that both Vincent Jackson and Floyd made this list could show a direct correlation to the play of quarterback Phillip Rivers. Now an important player in the Charger offense, Floyd has averaged 17.2 yards per catch over the past two seasons. The former Wyoming Cowboy has caught 97 passes for 1,597 yards, at a clip of 16.5 yards per catch in five NFL seasons.

Santonio Holmes, New York Jets

A former Super Bowl MVP, Holmes has seen a decline in his average yards per catch over the past two seasons. The former Steeler and Buckeye averaged 18.1 yards per catch in 2007 on 52 receptions for 942 yards. Entering his fifth season, Holmes has caught 235 passes for 3,835 yards with a career average of 16.3 yards per reception.

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

The beneficiary of Eli Manning, the former Tar Heel averaged 16.8-yard-per-catch during his rookie season. At 6' and 215 pounds, look for Hicks to become a more integral part of the Giant offense after catching 47 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns in 2009.

Maybe Next Year

Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans: The former Rutgers star had a solid rookie year with 42 receptions, 701 yards at a 16.7 yard average per reception.

Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts: Entering his third season, Garcon holds a career average of 15.5 yards per catch on 788 yards receiving.

Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys: With a 16.8 yard average in 2009 it was tough to leave him off this list, but his career shows only a 14.7 yards per catch average.

Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins: Another player with a solid rookie season in 2009, the former Buckeye caught 31 passes for 506 yards with an average of 16.3 yards per catch.