Ranking the AFC North WRs, Pre-NFL Draft Edition

The NFL has quickly shifted to be a passing-heavy league, which means having at least one talented wide receiver on the roster is more important than ever. The AFC North is slowly coming over to this trend and should be even more pass-oriented this season if draft projections prove to be true.

Let's take a look at 11 receivers who have already taken the professional field in the division and rank them based on their talent and what they accomplished last season.

Not all receivers will be ranked here—there are players on each team's roster who didn't contribute much or anything last season, while others are free agents who have moved on or have yet to be re-signed.

1. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

It took defenses half a season to figure out ways to shut down Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, and even then they were only marginally successful.

The 25-year-old restricted free agent is set to have at least one more season as the Steelers' top receiver, but he has many years ahead of him to be one of the league's unquestioned greats. 

2. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals' A.J. Green could quickly become on par with the likes of Wallace if his rookie season serves as any indication. In his first year as a pro, Green racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and seven scores while having a rookie quarterback throwing to him.

That only bodes well for his chances to look even better in 2012, especially if the Bengals bring on a No. 2 receiver to take some of the pressure off him.

3. Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers boasted two receivers with over 1,000 yards, with Antonio Brown being one. It was his breakout performance in 2011 that has him as the division's third-best receiver, and it's looking good for his chances to have yet another solid season this year.

His speed and good hands combine to make him a great weapon for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

4. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens

The most senior member of the Baltimore Ravens receiving corps (at age 31), Anquan Boldin has proven himself Joe Flacco's most reliable receiving target, as his 887 yards last year illustrates. He's not a No. 1 wideout—he's more useful as a possession and slot receiver—but his good hands and proven ability to produce put him near the top in the division.

5. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Torrey Smith recently revealed that he played through a sports hernia throughout most of his 2011 rookie season. Without the injury, who knows how well he would have performed? As a first-year player, however, Smith had a solid outing, with 841 receiving yards and seven scores. He predicts a 1,000-yard season this year, and it's hard to argue with him.

6. Greg Little, Cleveland Browns

Greg Little had 14 dropped passes in 2011; if he could have hung onto more balls, he certainly would be higher on this list and would also be the unquestioned No. 1 receiver in Cleveland. Though athletic, Little is clearly still a raw talent and chances are good the Browns look to add a bona fide big-play wideout in this year's draft.

However, despite the drops, Little still had 709 yards and two touchdowns on 61 receptions. With more time to work with quarterback Colt McCoy, he should have better numbers in the upcoming season.

7. Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers

Emmanuel Sanders was bitten by the injury bug again this year, which kept his numbers low, and when he was on the field, he found himself supplanted by the surging Antonio Brown. These facts don't belie his great deal of talent. But the injury questions and Brown's dominance could have him slipping down these ranks in a year's time.

8. Josh Cribbs, Cleveland Browns

It's hard to say whether Josh Cribbs' improved 2011 will continue into 2012, but it does illustrate that he's a capable receiver despite the struggles of the Browns' quarterbacks last season. Cribbs had a career-best year, with 41 receptions for 518 yards and four scores.

9. Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns

Depending on what the Browns do in the draft, Mohamed Massaquoi might find himself the odd man out. He's never really lived up to his potential and slipped in 2011, with just 384 receiving yards and two scores.

10. Jordan Norwood, Cleveland Browns

Jordan Norwood isn't quite starting material, but does have some success as a possession and slot receiver. He notched 23 catches for 268 yards and a score in 2011 and will remain in the rotation this season.

11. Andrew Hawkins, Cincinnati Bengals

The good news for Andrew Hawkins is that he might find himself with more playing time and more targets now that Andre Caldwell has moved on and Jerome Simpson is still awaiting a deal from a team. He had flashes of talent in 2011 in a limited role, with 23 catches for 263 yards.

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