Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and the 25 Best NFL Receivers Since the Year 2000

The NFL has seen plenty of star receivers in recent years.  Some have been consistently dominant, some not so much.  But when debating the best receiver since the year 2000 (pretty much the best since Jerry Rice), there are a lot of different questions and opinions.

Is Randy Moss No. 1? Is it Terrell Owens? Andre Johnson? Someone else?

Which teammate ranks higher, Marvin Harrison or Reggie Wayne? Torry Holt or Isaac Bruce? Anquan Boldin or Larry Fitzgerald?

Where do never-elite but always solid guys like Amani Toomer and Donald Driver rank?

And you can't forget about Chad Ochocinco.

This is my list of the 25 best wide receivers since the year 2000.  Anything prior to that doesn't count for this list. No stats, Pro Bowls, nothing.

Only the 1999-2000 through the 2010-2011 seasons are taken into consideration.

Close...But No Cigar

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Here are a few guys who narrowly missed the list.

Roy Williams: People will rag on him for being another Lions WR drafted in the top 10 and for his struggles in Dallas, but he had a solid run as one of the best receivers in the league.  It just wasn't quite long enough for him to crack the top 25. I still think he has something left and should play well with the Bears.

Marques Colston: He'll almost surely be in the top 25 five years from now.  He's been the Saints' best offensive weapon for some time and Drew Brees loves him.  Count on four to five more years at a very good to elite level from Colston.

Wes Welker: Since joining the Patriots, Welker has been a top-10 receiver in the league. He was never anything great prior to that, though, and that prevents him from getting on the list.  Another guy who will continue to rise.

Greg Jennings: See what I wrote about Colston.  Jennings is one of the best players in the game today and he and Aaron Rodgers will put up Manning/Harrison-type numbers together.

Calvin Johnson: Megatron has a legitimate chance to be top five in as little at seven or eight years. He's been a beast despite not having stable quarterback play.  If Stafford can stay healthy, Calvin will emerge as the league's best receiver.

Brandon Marshall: If Cutler and Marshall had both stayed in Denver, Marshall would be on this list right now.  He's a beast but his lack of focus and tough situation in Miami is starting to threaten his career.  Still, expect him to be on this list soon.

Braylon Edwards: The king of drops has put up really good numbers since coming into the league.  Just not quite as good as 25 other guys.

25. Lee Evans

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Age: 30

Teams: Bills

Super Bowls: 0

Pro Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 66 rec, 1,052 yards, 6 TD

Lee Evans has never made a Pro Bowl.  He's never been an elite receiver and he's spent most of his career on weak Buffalo teams. But he has been the most consistent offensive weapon the franchise has had in recent memory.

While he's slowed down a bit, he was once one of the best deep threats in the NFL.  Career totals of nearly 6,000 yards and 50 TD don't hurt his cause either. 

I know it doesn't count for this, but if you remember Lee Evans at Wisconsin at all, you know exactly what I'm talking about when I say he was a dynamic deep threat. Very few players have the pure speed that Evans once possessed, and even fewer could maintain that speed for 40-50 yards straight.

Interesting Stat: Only player in NFL history to have two 80+ yard touchdowns in one quarter.

24. Roddy White

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Age: 29

Teams: Falcons

Pro Bowls: 3

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 96 rec, 1,308 yards, 9 TD

Roddy White has been one of the best receivers in the league for the last four seasons.  A lot of people will say that's just because he's Matt Ryan's only real threat in the passing game but that is false.  White's breakout year was actually in 2007 with Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, and Byron Leftwich all throwing him the ball.

A guy who can put up 1,200 yards with three different QB's (much less those three) throwing him the ball clearly has something special.  

I would actually argue that Roddy White has helped make Ryan a superstar as opposed to the other way around.  I have nothing against Matt Ryan, but White's crisp route running and sure hands make him a QB's dream.

And he's also a complete badass for writing "Free Mike Vick" on his undershirt and revealing it when he scored a TD on the same day Vick was sentenced to 23 months in jail.

Interesting Stat: In 2007 White became the first Falcons receiver since Terance Mathis in 1999 to put up 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

23. Chris Chambers

Al Bello/Getty Images

Age: 32

Teams: Dolphins, Chargers, Chiefs

Pro Bowls: 1

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 72 rec, 993 yards, 10 TD

From his rookie year in 2001 to his trade in 2007, Chambers was Miami's best WR.  Chambers isn't very big but he's strong for his size, used to have great speed, and makes incredibly quick cuts on his routes.

He had a short but fairly productive stint in Kansas City.  He was just cut due to salary cap reasons but he'll surely a find a home soon and can give a team a solid veteran option to throw the ball to.

Chambers was never really an elite guy but got elite money wherever he went after Miami.  Don't let that take away from the fact that the dude was still a very productive player.  His 7,600 career receiving yards tell you that.

Interesting Stat: On December 4th, 2005, Chambers and High School and College teammate Lee Evans both had career days playing against each other. Chambers had 15 catches for 238 yards and a TD. Evans had 117 yards and 3 TD's.

22. Muhsin Muhammad

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Age: Retired in 2009

Teams: Panthers, Bears

Pro Bowls: 2

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 83 rec, 1,007 yards, 5 TD

Muhsin was always a very solid possession receiver and the perfect compliment to Steve Smith in Carolina. He also seemed to play better in big games.

Moose may have disappointed in Chicago but there's no denying his production. He has gone for over 11,000 yards in his career.

Here are some rather impressive highlights.

Interesting Stat: His 85-yard TD in Super Bowl XXXVIII is a record for longest receiving TD in a Super Bowl.

21. T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Age: 33

Teams: Bengals, Seahawks, Ravens

Pro Bowls: 1

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 93 rec, 1,060 yards, 9 TD

Houshyamomma's name garnered him fame but it was his solid play as a possession and red zone guy that allowed him to keep it.

He was a dynamic No. 2 receiver with the Bengals when he had Chad to keep tight coverage off of him.  Obviously when he went to Seattle as a No. 1 guy things didn't work out, but that shouldn't take away from what T.J. has done.

Housh (a seventh-round pick) was never a fast or athletic guy but he was tough as nails and if the ball hit his hands you knew you had a completion.  Chad and Housh formed the best receiving duo outside of Indianapolis for a few years and Housh's willingness to do the dirty work and let Chad make the flashy plays allowed that to happen.

Interesting Fact: Bengals franchise leader for punt return yards in a game (126).

20. Joey Galloway

A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Age: 39

Teams: Seahawks, Cowboys, Bucs, Patriots, Redskins

Pro Bowls: 0

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 67 rec, 1,119 yards, 8 TD

Here's another guy who made a solid career off going deep.  Galloway's career started off with a bang in Seattle and after a very disappointing stint in Dallas he rejuvenated his career with a string of successful seasons in Tampa Bay.

It was with the Bucs that he was at his best.  He was constantly going over the top of defenses and it felt like he was good for at least one big play every Sunday.  He always ran good routes and the only thing that held him back from being elite was strength and ability to make the acrobatic catch.

Still, it's very questionable that Galloway didn't make at least one Pro Bowl.  In 2005 he had 80 rec for 1,287 yards and 10 TDs.  This was good for top 10 in all three major receiving categories, a feat rarely accomplished.

Interesting Stat: In 2003 Galloway led the NFL with 19.3 YPC.

19. Rod Smith

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Age: Retired in 2007

Teams: Broncos

Pro Bowls: 3

Super Bowls: 0 (2 in the 90's)

3 Year Peak Averages: 101 rec, 1,324 yards, 8 TD

The career Bronco is probably the team's best WR ever and is always overlooked when talking about great NFL receivers.  

It was always hard to tell what made Rod Smith such a dynamic threat that put up 1,600 yards in 2000. He was fast, but didn't have elite speed. He had decent athleticism but was by no means a freak. And his receiver skills (release, route running, hands) were always very good but nowhere near the level of someone like Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt.

But Rod Smith didn't really have any holes and that's what made him so hard to stop. After John Elway, Smith is actually one of the most loved Broncos players.  

I know it doesn't count for this list, but props to Smith for his incredible MVP-worthy performance in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Interesting Stat: Smith is the only underrated free agent to ever record 10,000 receiving yards over his career.

18. Amani Toomer

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Age: Retired in 2009

Teams: Giants, Chiefs

Pro Bowls: 0

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 72 rec, 1,151 yards, 6 TD

Toomer, the best WR in Giants history, is the model of consistency. Whenever he was healthy he could be counted on as a reliable No. 1 receiver and was one of the most sure-handed guys in the league.  Toomer made Eli Manning's transition into the NFL much easier.  And say whatever you want about Eli, but he has been a solid starting QB.

When thinking of Giants receivers in recent memory, the names Plaxico Burress, Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and even David Tyree will all pop up before Toomer. They shouldn't. Toomer may never have dominated but he was always a solid contributor and played a key role on the Giants Super Bowl team.  

He may have not caught the ball on his helmet. He may have not caught the game-winning TD.  But the Giants don't win the Super Bowl without his 6 catches and 84 yards.

Interesting Stat: He's the Giants franchise leader in catches, yards, and TDs.

17. Laveranues Coles

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Age: 33

Teams: Jets, Redskins, Bengals

Pro Bowls: 1

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 87 rec, 1,139 yards, 4 TD

Coles wasn't big and was never much of a red zone threat, but he racked up yards with his deep speed and quickness in and out of his cuts.

Coles broke out with the Jets but then left in his prime to go to Washington.  Thanks to Joe Gibbs refusing the throw the ball deep, Coles went back to the Jets. After solid play there he signed a huge deal with the Bengals.

This where Coles' legacy took a turn for the worse.

He never got it going in Cincinnati.  Blame it on him. Blame it on the Bengals.  But the fact of the matter is Coles was released one year into a four-year, $28 million deal.

This is one of the biggest reasons people forget Coles had a solid three year run as an elite receiver early in the 2000's.

Interesting Stat: In 2010 he was released exactly one year (to the date) after signing with the Bengals.

16. Plaxico Burress

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Age: 33

Teams: Steelers, Giants, just signed with the Jets.

Pro Bowls: 0

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 70 rec, 1,076 yards, 10 TD

Plax emerged as one of the best No. 2 receivers in Pittsburgh opposite Hines Ward.  He then took No. 1 money to go to the Giants and was a TD machine there.

He is a 6' 5", 230 lb player who can jump and catch. That alone got this guy a lot of TDs, including a Super Bowl-winning one.

Burress has not had a bad season in the NFL when healthy. Despite people's opinions of him, he's really one of the most consistent weapons the NFL has seen in a long time.

Now if only he knew how to turn the safety cap on. 

Interesting Stat: Holds a Michigan State school record for catches by a freshman (65).

15. Joe Horn

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Age: Retired in 2010

Teams: Chiefs, Saints, Falcons

Pro Bowls: 4

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 87 rec, 1,228 yards, 9 TD

Joe Horn, former Canadian Football League star, is one of the most interesting football figures in the last 15 years. The guy definitely paid his dues.

Poor grades prevented him from attending the University of South Carolina.  Instead he played at Itawamba Community College for a couple years. Scouts didn't notice him so it appeared his football days were over. He started working at a fast food restaurant.

He then tried out for the Baltimore Stallions (of the CFL). After a few trades, Horn emerged as the best receiver in the CFL and was finally drafted in the 5th round by Kansas City.  After 4 years with minimal playing time he went to New Orleans where he broke out in 2000.

The rest is history.

He also is responsible for perhaps the coolest TD celebration ever.

He actually called his kids to tell them he scored a TD.

Interesting Stat: In the seven years Horn was with the Saints, he made four Pro Bowls.

14. Donald Driver

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Age: 36

Teams: Packers

Pro Bowls: 3

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 87 rec, 1,241 yards, 7 TD

Driver has made a career out of being tough. He goes over the middle without abandon. He makes incredible catches while getting drilled by defenders. He more than makes up for his lack of speed by being able to make catches that 90% of receivers can't make.

He's also a very impressive athlete and makes plays after the catch. He's a very respectable guy who keeps his mouth shut and that's sadly one of the reasons he flies under the radar and has for his entire career.

He's the Packers best receiver in franchise history (although teammate Greg Jennings has a good chance to shatter his numbers) and one thing is for certain: Driver proves false the notion that all receivers are sissies who are scared of contact.

Interesting Stat: Driver was on the receiving end of Favre's pass that set the record for all-time passing yards.

13. Derrick Mason

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Age: 37

Teams: Oilers/Titans, Ravens

Pro Bowls: 2

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 82 rec, 1,148 yards, 7 TD

Mason—like Driver, Toomer, and Smith—has flown under the radar his entire career. He's always been a quick, polished receiver who actually had underrated speed and athleticism in his younger years with the Titans.

Mason is also one of the best return men the NFL has ever seen. Mason was never really much of a character so there isn't much to say about him.

His 900+ career catches and 11,000+ yards say enough.

And to answer your question, yes. It was necessary to include a picture of him in an Oilers jersey.

Interesting Stat: Mason holds the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season (2,659).

12. Anquan Boldin

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Age: 30

Teams: Cardinals, Ravens

Pro Bowls: 3

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 85 rec, 1,153 yards, 7 TD

I don't like Boldin as a person. I think he's not a winner and is very selfish. He left Arizona the second it become crystal clear that Fitzgerald was the better receiver.

But Boldin is a very good receiver and has been his entire career. He's very strong and has incredible hands which allow him to make plays across the middle with defenders all over him. He's great at running with it after he catches it and makes some of the most impressive plays you'll ever see.

The only thing that keeps him from being truly dominant is his lack of deep speed.

Boldin hasn't had an elite year since 2008 but has still been solid and put up decent numbers last year in Baltimore.

The former quarterback is one of the strongest receivers to ever play the game.

Interesting Stat: Boldin holds the NFL record for most receiving yards in a player's first NFL game with 217.

11. Steve Smith

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Age: 32

Teams: Panthers

Pro Bowls: 4

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 91 rec, 1,244 yards, 9 TD

Steve Smith is probably the best "little" receiver in the league's history. People complain about his attitude but he's been nothing but a dynamic weapon for Carolina since 2002.

If you're watching a Panthers game, you're watching Steve Smith. He can turn any play—no matter how far he has to go and no matter how many defenders are in front of him—into a touchdown. He's one of the most exciting players I've ever seen.

He's more than just a highlight guy, though. Smith has proven to be a polished receiver and a receptions machine. His 2005 season was one of the best seasons a receiver has put together in NFL history.

Just imagine if the guy was 6' 2".

Interesting Stat: In 2005 Smith was the only receiver in NFL history to record the "triple crown" (lead the league in catches, receiving yards, and TDs) while playing for a team that ran it more than they threw it.

10. Hines Ward

Elsa/Getty Images

Age: 35

Teams: Steelers

Pro Bowls: 4

Super Bowls: 2

3 Year Peak Averages: 100 rec, 1,165 yards, 9 TD

Ward is probably the slowest and least athletic player on this list. But his toughness, hands, and polish get him in the top 10.

Ward is one of the most reliable players the NFL has ever seen. He rarely disappears and always steps up in big games (he has a Super Bowl MVP to prove that). He's never been a home run threat but this guy will hit you with eight and nine yard catches all game long.

People have credited the Steelers' success to their defense—as they should—but the Steelers aren't the dynasty they are at the moment if they don't have Ward to rely on game in and game out.

It appears that Mike Wallace is now Pittsburgh's No. 1 guy but I wouldn't sleep on Ward this year.

And while I think he's a very dirty player I can't deny his prowess for run-blocking.

Interesting Stat: Ward once held an NFL record for consecutive games with a catch (186).

9. Larry Fitzgerald

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Age: 27

Teams: Cardinals

Pro Bowls: 5

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 98 rec, 1,311 yards, 12 TD

Fitzgerald is one of the most dynamic players the NFL has ever seen and will surely move up this list in the coming years.

His 6' 3", athleticism, and incredible hands allow him to jump up and make some of the prettiest catches you'll ever see. He has underrated speed and route running ability as well. To put it in simpler terms, Fitz is pretty much unstoppable.

He's also one of the few WRs ever who can carry a team. After almost winning the Heisman at Pitt he went on to almost single-handedly win the Cardinals a Super Bowl. 

He's had Arizona on his back since 2005 and that doesn't seem like it's going to change anytime soon.

Interesting Stat:  Fitz and Shaun Alexander are the only players to be featured on the covers of both EA Sports Madden and NCAA Football video games.

8. Andre Johnson

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Age: 30

Teams: Texans

Pro Bowls: 5

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 101 rec, 1,453 yards, 8 TD

Andre Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL at the moment and has been for three years. His deadly combination of size, speed, strength, athleticism, and receiving skills are unstoppable.

He's also one of the best receivers the NFL has ever seen. If he stays healthy and plays a while longer has a chance to be No. 2 after Rice.

Because he's on the Texans, people didn't really notice Johnson until about three years ago. But he's been a beast since he came into the league in 2003.

While Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald both have a chance to claim the throne any year now, right now it belongs to Andre.

Interesting Stat: He's first in NFL history in career receiving yards per game with 80.7

7. Isaac Bruce

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Age: 38 (kind of retired last year)

Teams: Rams, Niners

Pro Bowls: 4

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 77 rec, 1,217 yards, 7 TD

Bruce's two best season were in the 90's so that hurt him a bit, but there's no denying he still belongs in the top 10 on this list.

He was very productive as part of the greatest show on turf in St. Louis. 

Bruce had it all; speed, hands, quick routes, athleticism. He was really a QB's dream. He helped make a potential hall of fame player out of Kurt Warner. Bruce was also very consistent and was a model teammate.

Interesting Stat: Bruce is third in career receiving yards with 15,208.

6. Chad Johnson/Ochocinco

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Age: 33

Teams: Bengals, recently traded to the Patriots

Pro Bowls: 6

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 92 rec, 1,414 yards, 8 TD

Chad may be more well-known for his Twitter use and reality TV appearances but that's not what garnered him his fame. What got him his fame was being one of the most dynamic and consistent offensive threats the NFL has ever seen.

Chad was stuck on the Bengals but still put up ridiculous numbers across the board and was once considered arguably the best receiver in the NFL (around 2005). Chad runs beautiful routes, had good speed, and made circus catches.

The only thing that runs more than his mouth is his motor on the field.

You can remember Chad for whatever you want. But I remember him as one of the most exciting, charismatic, and genuinely kind players the NFL has ever seen.

Let's hope he rejuvenates himself with the Pats, gets a ring and ends up in Canton.

Interesting Stat: Chad led the AFC in receiving four straight times. No other receiver in NFL history has led their conference in receiving for that many consecutive seasons.

5. Reggie Wayne

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Age: 32

Teams: Colts

Pro Bowls: 5

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 91 rec, 1,322 yards, 8 TD

First people said Wayne was only good because he had Marvin Harrison opposite him. Then they said he was only good because he had Manning throwing him the ball. Give Wayne the credit he deserves.

Wayne is a great route runner and always gets wide open, making it easy for Peyton to get him the ball. I can understand why people take away from him a bit because of who he played with. But you don't put up 10,000 career yards by the age of 32 because of other people.

Wayne is a great player. He has been since 2003. 

There's really nothing else to say.

Interesting Stat: Not really a stat but Wayne's roommate at Miami was Ed Reed.

4. Torry Holt

Elsa/Getty Images

Age: Retired in 2010

Teams: Rams, Jaguars, Patriots

Pro Bowls: 7

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 104 rec, 1,466 yards, 10 TD

Torry Holt. Clearly better than Wayne, Ochocinco, and Bruce. But obviously not as good as the top three on this list.

Holt, like teammate Bruce, was a great all-around receiver and didn't have a weakness defenses could exploit. He was quicker, faster, more athletic, and more explosive than Bruce, though, and that's why he has better numbers.

Holt was a safe bet for 1,300 yards the majority of his career. Only two other receivers (Rice and No. 3 in this list) can say that.

Underrated? Yes. Hall of Famer? For sure. Best receiver since Rice? Not out of the question.

Interesting Stat: Holt's 12,594 yards from the years 2000-2009 are a record for most receiving yards in a decade.

3. Marvin Harrison

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Age: Retired in 2008

Teams: Colts

Pro Bowls: 7 (8 for career)

Super Bowls: 1

3 Year Peak Averages: 118 rec, 1,553 yards, 13 TD

Just look at those numbers. Harrison was absolutely incredible. 

Yes, he had a great bond with Peyton (they are the best QB-WR duo ever, sorry Montana). But Marvin had incredible individual skill as well. He ran crisp routes, read defenses well, and if the ball hit even a fingertip you knew it was going to be a completion.

He was also a very liked and respected guy around the league. Harrison is simply one of the best to ever do it and no matter what way you look at it, you can't deny it.

Interesting Stat: His 143 catches in 2002 is an NFL record.

2. Randy Moss

Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images

Age: 34, retired yesterday but I think he'll come back.

Teams: Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, Titans

Pro Bowls: 5 (7 in career)

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 100 rec, 1,404 yards, 11 TD

You're probably upset that Moss isn't No.1 since everybody seems to love him all of a sudden since he retired.

But before I tell you why he isn't No. 1, I'll give some positives about "The Freak".

Moss is the most physically talented offensive weapon in the history of the NFL. 6' 4" receivers with his athleticism and hands aren't supposed to have 4.2 speed. But Moss did. When Moss was focused, he was the most unstoppable player the NFL has seen.

He could have been the greatest player to ever step on a football field.

But attitude, effort, and inconsistencies hurt him a great amount and did just enough for one guy to rank ahead of him on this list.

Interesting Stat: Had an interception with the Patriots in 2009.

1. Terrell Owens

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Age: 37

Teams: Niners, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills, Bengals

Pro Bowls: 6

Super Bowls: 0

3 Year Peak Averages: 97 rec, 1,388 yards, 14 TD

Don't crucify me yet. Look at those above numbers.

Moss at his best was better than Owens at his best. But Owens was at his best much more often. A down year for Owens was 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. He was stronger than Moss, ran better routes, and was better at running after the catch.

I'm not saying T.O. doesn't have attitude issues as bad if not worse than Moss.  But T.O. doesn't let those issues affect his individual play.

Maybe T.O. was a narcissist. I don't know because I don't know him personally. Maybe he was a cancer to every team he was on. I don't know because I've never been in an NFL locker room.

All I can use to judge is what I see on Sunday afternoon.  And when you use that as evidence, you get a clear verdict.

Terrell Owens is the best WR since the year 2000 and the 2nd best WR of all time.

Interesting Stat: Only player in NFL history to have a TD against every team.

Questions, comments complaints? Get at me on Twitter @ZakKondratenko