4 Traits That Make a Wide Receiver Elite in the NFL

As the NFL shifts towards a pass-frenzied state, the standard for a prototypical receiver elevates.

Because of this, the value of a top receiver has increased dramatically. More teams are looking for an elite receiver and less for an elite running back, opting to fill that need by "committee."

There are different ways to judge receivers and determine if they're elite.

Here's a look at some traits that help receivers achieve elite status.

Production

Potential will only get so much consideration. Players have to prove it on the field.

Every year, some receivers enter the elite discussion, only to be ignored after the next season because of a sharp decrease in production.

Stats are one of the first things people look at to determine who's at the top of the league. It may not be the most accurate method, but stats tell a big part of the story.

Playmaking Ability

Consistent production is helpful, but having the ability to blow the top of the defense is also useful.

The NFL has its share of speed demons who specialize in stretching the field vertically, but might lack other traits to be considered truly elite.

But the best of the best find ways to pick up yards after the catch.

Sometimes it takes a perfect storm of size, strength and speed, like Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald or Andre Johnson have. But players like Wes Welker or Steve Smith, who lack those prototypical attributes, make up for it with their shifty speed, acceleration and strong understanding of defensive coverage. 

Hands

The most essential tool for an elite receiver is the ability to catch and hold on to the ball.

Surprisingly, many receivers have trouble with this, and sometimes it's deadly in terms of production or prevailing in specific game situations.

Dropped balls kill offensive production and make a mediocre or bad offense look borderline pathetic.

A perfect example of what holding on the ball does for a receiver is Jordy Nelson. According to Khaled Elsayed of ProFootballFocus.com, Nelson ranked 72nd in drop rate in 2010 and sixth this season.

That played a huge role in Nelson's increase in production for the 2011 season.

Quarterback

This isn't a trait, but it is a factor.

In most cases, a receiver is only as good as his quarterback. Receivers, even the elite ones, have been at their best when they have a good, or great quarterback throwing them the ball.

Here are some current examples:

Larry Fitzgerald was at his absolute best when he played with Kurt Warner.

Calvin Johnson has one of the league's young, rapidly developing stars in Matt Stafford.

Wes Welker has Tom Brady, who's been arguably the best at his position throughout the last decade.

While this is something that's usually 100 percent out of the receiver's hands (no pun intended), it plays a huge role in determining whether they'll be elite.