NFL's Class of '09 Wide Recievers Making Immediate Strides

In the 2009 NFL Draft, Al Davis shocked everyone (and no one) when he selected Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland over the highly touted Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech University.

The first round saw a ridiculous six wideouts drafted in the first round alone. Including the two previously mentioned along with speedsters Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin, and crisp route runners with sure hands in Kenny Britt and Hakeem Nicks.

But how have they helped their respective teams? Have they made big plays week in and week out? Do they contribute on special teams as well? In this article, we'll take a look at the five best wide receivers drafted, and the impact they have had over the course of the season. 

No. 5. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles, Drafted 19th
2009 Stats: 46 receptions, 623 yds, 4 TD's

Maclin has been one of the few rookie wideouts to get playing time in every game this season, except for his early departure in week 14 against the Giants.

He has made the most of his playing time alongside fellow burner DeSean Jackson, and both will have a shot at eclipsing 1000 yds. If Jackson didn't have the explosiveness that he does, than Maclin would be most likely getting some returns as well.

Best Game: Wk 5 TB, 6 catches, 142 yds, 2 TD's

No. 4. Michael Crabtree, SF 49ers, Drafted 10th
2009 Stats: 37 receptions, 473 yds, 2 TD

Although Crabtree didn't start his career until week seven, he has been nothing but consistent since his first career NFL catch, a 12 yarder against the Houston Texans. He has had over 50 yards in five of his seven games, and averages roughly five catches per game. As long as Vernon Davis continues to occupy the center of the field, they should compliment each other for years to come.

No. 3. Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans, Drafted 30th
2009 Stats: 38 catches, 642 yds, 3 TD's

Kenny Britt has done something that no one else on our list has done. He developed chemistry with two different quarterbacks, with almost the exact same results. In his first six games with Kerry Collins at the helm, Britt had 19 grabs for 218 yards.

When the team switched signal callers to Vince Young, Britt snatched 15 catches for 232 yards. The difference lies in all three of Britt's scores coming from VY, including a leaping game winning grab against the Cardinals.

Best Game: Wk 12 Ari, 7 catches, 128 yds, 1 GW TD

No. 2. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants, Drafted 29th
2009 Stats: 38 catches, 685 yds, 6 TD's

Hakeem "The Dream" Nicks has pulled in the most TD's of any rookie wideout this season, tied with our number one ball catcher. The difference is, Nicks missed two games due to injury and could be on the upside of 800+ yds if he had those back.

He will still most likely go over 1000, as he got the start over Mario Manningham for the number one spot in week 14. Nicks also has the big play ability, scoring four touchdowns from 54, 58, 62, and 68 yards.

Best Game: Wk 6 @ NO, 5 catches, 114 yds, 1 TD

No. 1. Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings, Drafted 22nd
2009 Stats: 48 catches, 681 yds, 6 TD's

In case you are curious as to how I sorted out the top three, I figured that Nicks had more TD's, with even fewer games played, and that Harvin was an absolute machine on kick returns, therefore he clearly deserved to be numero uno.

Harvin has been electric, having a 20 yard reception in nine of his eleven games thus far. As mentioned previously, he also is 8th in the NFL with 986 yards on kick returns, with another two TD's to give him eight total. Harvin will most likely win rookie of the year, and rightfully so.

Best Game: Wk 12 Chi, 6 catches, 101 yds, 1 TD, 2 rushes, 45 yds

Oh? You wanted an honorable mention? Ok...hmm. How about that Raiders guy? No, not Bey, I was talking about Louis Murphy.