Ranking the NFC South WRs, Pre-NFL Draft Edition

Thus far, I've recorded my thoughts on the quarterback and running back rankings in the NFC South. It just makes sense to keep going with the wide receivers, right?

As I formulated my receivers list, I struggled with the top. Even though the four at the top of this list all could lay claim to the top spot, I believe that Roddy White is the best of the bunch. But can I put him at No. 1 after he led the NFL in dropped passes last year?

Well, yes I can.

1. Roddy White, Falcons

Not only did Roddy White catch at least 100 passes for the second year in a row last season, but his 77 first downs were a career best. In fact, no receiver in the league has caught more first-down passes over the last two seasons than White. Imagine what he could do if he fixed the dropped-pass issue.

2. Marques Colston, Saints

Marques Colston is a big, physical receiver with a penchant for catching difficult passes. He's also a great route-runner and, at 6'4", and an unusually big target in the slot. Colston missed two games last year and has only played 16 games twice in his six-year career.

Had he not missed those games or had he been able to stay healthy more frequently, he might have nudged White of his top spot.

3. Steve Smith, Panthers

Steve Smith enjoyed a resurgent season in 2011, raising his receptions by more than 70 percent from 2010 and more than doubling his receiving yards to 1,394, the third-highest total of his 11-year career.

A lot of that success can be attributed to the success of his rookie quarterback Cam Newton, but don't forget that Smith is an extremely athletic receiver who can still run good routes and accelerate with players 10 years younger.

4. Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers

Welcome to the NFC South, Vincent Jackson. In each of the last three seasons when Jackson's been healthy, he's notched 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He'll immediately give Tampa Bay the deep threat it needs, and expect Jackson to help open up that offense a bit. Remember though, the Buccaneers are still a run-first team.

5. Julio Jones, Falcons

Julio Jones wowed fans, opponents and teammates alike with his work ethic and incredibly acrobatic catches during his rookie season. He caught 54 passes for 959 yards and scored eight touchdowns, all while missing three full games due to injury and all but a few snaps of a fourth. Jones is going to improve as he learns more about the NFL. His stock is rising.

6. Lance Moore, Saints

The two things that make Lance Moore great are his route-running and sure hands. He's arguably the best among the receiving corps at both those skills, and he gives the Saints a fantastic option who can catch the ball in traffic. He was slowed by a hamstring injury in 2011, or else his numbers would have been even better.

7. Mike Williams, Buccaneers

Mike Williams will slide over to the No. 2 spot with Jackson's arrival in Tampa, and that's a good thing. He's not the strongest receiver and may benefit from moving to face opposing team's second-best corner.

8. Devery Henderson, Saints

Devery Henderson has speed to burn and can hurt opposing defenses deep. But he doesn't catch the ball well in traffic and was used a lot in the run game as a blocker. Henderson has the skills to catch the deep ball, but seems to have found a niche as a workhorse without the ball and as a third or fourth option for Drew Brees.

9. Dezmon Briscoe, Buccaneers

Dezmon Briscoe is still behind Arrelious Benn on the depth chart, but shined in his opportunities to play while Benn was hurt and could eventually leapfrog Benn to more playing time.

10. Brandon LaFell, Panthers

Brandon LaFell averaged 17 yards per reception last season and many believe he's poised for a breakout season. He played behind Legedu Naanee in 2011, but showed some big-play potential, enough for the Panthers not to worry about Naanee leaving via free agency.

11. Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers

Arrelious Benn has battled through injuries for his two NFL seasons, first an ACL tear in 2010 and then knee and neck issues last year. If healthy, Benn should slot on this list above Dezmon Briscoe. But Benn isn't, and hasn't been completely healthy in a while.

12. Harry Douglas, Falcons

Harry Douglas has been primed for a breakout season for three years. A freak non-contact knee injury forced him to miss the 2009 season and play timid while recovering fully in 2010. Douglas showed flashes of brilliance in 2011 and has the confidence of Matt Ryan, but there just aren't enough touches to go around in Atlanta.