NFL: Ranking the 10 Best WRs Heading into 2012

As the NFL continues its evolution into a pass-happy, aerially-minded league, the importance and impact of the wide receiver has grown immensely. 

Receivers are no longer glorified blockers, and the evolution of the position demonstrates how the game itself has changed since its creation. Whether its by expanding the field through freakish athleticism, or finding the subtle pockets of space in a crowded midfield, today's wide receivers redefine the role of a pass catcher every Sunday. 

We at Bleacher Report compiled a list of the 10 most dangerous receivers likely to wreak havoc on defenses in 2012. 

10. Steve Smith

Coming off a career-reviving 2011 campaign, Steve Smith will look to continue his momentum with the Panthers in 2012.

The recipient of a newly-inked extension, Smith returned to old form last year after an anemic 2010 season, in which he caught only 46 passes for 554 yards. Cam Newton seemed to be the catalyst, as the young, Heisman-winning gunslinger quickly found his number one target in veteran star Smith.

If Newton continues to develop at the pace of last year, look for Smith to have a big year as the primary receiver in a high-powered offense.

9. Mike Wallace

A danger across the middle as well as a deep threat, Mike Wallace is poised to become one of the best targets in the NFL in 2012.

Wallace had a big 2011, racking up 1100 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to his first Pro Bowl selection. In his short time with the Steelers, he has already become a favorite target of QB Ben Roethlisberger, and with the departure of Hines Ward he will likely seen even more balls come his way in 2012.

If Wallace can continue to develop his skill set, the young receiver has the ability to become one of the premier talents at wide receiver in the near future.

8. Hakeem Nicks

After an absolute breakout season in 2011, Hakeem Nicks is positioned to become an elite talent in the NFL in 2012.

After putting himself on the map with a tremendous game-winning Hail Mary play against defending champs Green Bay, Nicks' dominant play during the postseason, capped off by a 100+ yard performance in the Super Bowl, was the perfect ending to a fantastic season for Nicks in which he caught 76 passes for 1,192 yards.

Look for No. 88 to have another big season as a defending Super Bowl champ, since having equally dangerous Victor Cruz toeing the same line should keep defenses from keying in on Nicks too much.

7. Roddy White

After some early career struggles, Roddy White has secretly become one of the most prolific and consistently dangerous wideouts in the NFL.

Coming off his fifth-straight 1000-yard season with the Falcons, White has slowly but surely become a premier option at wide receiver and the favorite target of Atlanta's young franchise QB, Matt Ryan. In 2011, he caught 100 passes for almost 1300 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to a fourth-straight Pro Bowl. 

If White can continue his startling consistency, he should be geared for another big year in 2012 behind the big arm of Ryan. 

6. Brandon Marshall

While Brandon Marshall's stats are remarkable in their own right, they become even more impressive when considering the QBs he played with.

During his short time with Dolphins, Marshall managed to record over 1000 yards and 80 receptions both seasons. He did all this without the presence of a true starting quarterback, forced to catch passes from the less-than-desirable rotation of Matt Moore, Chad Henne, and Tyler Thigpen. 

With Marshall's trade to the Bears, his reunion with Jay Cutler could mean a boost in production for the talented but inconsistent wideout, as Cutler was the starter during Marshall's most prolific seasons.

5. Greg Jennings

Jennings' numbers may have seen a dip in 2011 due to Jordy Nelson's development into a dangerous second threat, but No. 85 will remain a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers, and that alone is enough to signify a big 2012 for Jennings.

Although his stats took a significant hit last season, dipping beneath 1000 yards for the first time in four seasons, Nelson's new status as a playmaker should do a lot to open up the field for the gifted veteran, allowing Jennings more space to make plays downfield.

If the Packers can continue their success from past two seasons into 2012, Jennings should have no problem performing at the exceptionally high level he's shown in the last few years. 

4. Wes Welker

One of the more unlikely stars to arrive in the NFL in recent years, Wes Welker's journey from an unrecruited, last-minute signee to NFL starter is noteworthy enough, making his transition into one of the league's best talents even more incredible.

Seemingly tailor-made for Tom Brady's methodical short-range passing game, Welker's surgical precision in route-running has made him Brady's go-to target, their perfectly-timed out routes causing fits amongst opposing secondaries. Welker can at times seem nearly impossible to cover, using his diminutive size to his advantage by weaving through opposing secondaries and finding pockets of space. 

3. Larry Fitzgerald

One of the NFL's most dominant talents over the past decade, Fitzgerald's inclusion on this list should come as no surprise to fans of the league.

Fitzgerald had another fantastic year in 2011, catching for over 1400 yards (nearly matching his career best) and eight touchdowns, despite a general lack of talent at QB for Arizona during the year. Fitzgerald is a truly versatile athlete, and can hurt a team across the middle as well as the on the sidelines, making him one of the most dynamic stars in the league.

If the Cards can find a true answer at quarterback to complement Fitzgerald's unbelievable skills, he should be well on his way to another outstanding season in 2012.

2. Andre Johnson

After being hampered by injuries much of last year, Andre Johnson is ready to remind the league that he is still one of the most dangerous athletes in the NFL.

Johnson was limited to only seven games in 2011, a result of nagging knee injuries, but fared very well when he appeared, averaging nearly 15 yards per catch. A legitimate threat anytime he's on the field, The Texans struggled through the year without Johnson's presence to terrify opposing defenses.

With Johnson and QB Matt Schaub both returning from injuries sustained last season, the 2012 season looks to be a big one for the Texans. The two should combine to form a very potent passing game in the coming year.

1. Calvin Johnson

Without a doubt the breakout star of 2011, Calvin Johnson has become the definition of a dominant wide receiver.

A bonafide freak athletically, Johnson's complete inability to be stopped during 2011 was the catalyst to the revival of the the Detroit Lions. He caught 96 balls, totaling over 1600 yards, and filled highlight reels with his borderline-preposterous athleticism and grace. He at times seems to be literally impossible to cover, leaping above double and triple teams while cornerbacks six inches shorter grasp at the ball in futile attempts to stop him.

The Lions are coming into 2012 with the confidence and momentum of a team reborn, and if Matthew Stafford can continue to perform at the high level he reached last year, Megatron's dominance should continue into next season seamlessly.