NFL 2011 Preview: NFC Is Jam-Packed with Wide Receiver Talent

The National Football League is full of quality wide receivers.

In fact, you could make a solid case that the receiver position possesses the most talent of any in the league (running back or linebacker is the only other position that even comes close.)

And while the AFC certainly contributes to that depth and quality, the NFC has slowly established itself as the home of many elite receivers. 

Here is a list of the top receivers in the NFC. Voting for the Pro Bowl at that position won't be an easy task in 2011 or beyond. 

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald's numbers took a hit when Kurt Warner retired, but he still managed to catch 90 passes for 1,137 yards in his first year post-Warner.

If the Cardinals can somehow get their hands on an above average quarterback, Fitzgerald will once again prove to be one of the top-three receivers in the NFL. 

Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

No one in the NFL was targeted more last season than White (179), and he repaid Matt Ryan's confidence in him with 115 catches, 1,389 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

White also has a streak of four-straight seasons with at least 80 catches and 1,000 yards. With Julio Jones opposite him in 2011, White is a safe bet to make that five-straight years. 

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Is there a receiver that's done more with less than Johnson? Even with the likes of Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky throwing him the ball over the years, Johnson has put up big numbers. 

If Matthew Stafford can stay healthy for 16 games next year, Megatron should have his best season. 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns is definitely in play. 

Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers

Jennings is one of the best route-runners in the NFL. He typically does his best work after the catch (third in yards after the catch in 2010 with 415). 

He's rarely gotten the respect he deserves either, as last season marked his first Pro Bowl selection of his career. Jennings should be an annual contender for a trip to Hawaii with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback.

Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys

In the past two seasons, Austin has established himself as one of the Cowboys' big-play threats on offense.

He's caught 150 passes over that span, gaining over 1,000 yards in each season with 18 total touchdowns. 

Next season, Austin should benefit from Tony Romo's recovery and the emergence of Dez Bryant opposite him.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

There's not many players in the NFL that can claim to being as exciting as Jackson. 21 of his 47 receptions in 2010 were for 20 or more yards and he actually averaged 22.5 yards per catch over the full season. 

If Jackson ever increased his total touches during a season, he'd put up huge numbers. 

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

Surprised to see Bryant on this list? Don't be. He's as talented as anyone on this list, but he needs to put it all together from the shoulders up. 

If he can accomplish that and stay healthy for 16 games, there should be no reason why Bryant wouldn't succeed in the Cowboys' offense.

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

Nicks missed four games in 2010, but he still managed to catch 79 passes for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

With a physically dominating frame and a quarterback that can deliver him the football, Nicks has an opportunity to build on his '10 success next season.

Would you really be surprised if he had 1,200 yards and an equal amount of touchdowns?

Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While Williams isn't quite a dominate receiver in the NFL, he's well on his way.

He and Josh Freeman hooked up 65 times for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and he could surpass those numbers in his second season. 

Freeman-to-Williams is a talented young connection to watch moving forward.

Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints

Colston often gets forgotten because quarterback Drew Brees does such a good job of spreading the ball around in New Orleans' offense.

However, if you take away Colston's injury-plagued 2008 season, he's had at least 1,000 yards in each of his four other years.

As long as Brees is elite, Colston is going to produce.

Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings

Rice missed most of the 2010 season with a hip injury, but don't forget about his '09 campaign. With Brett Favre at quarterback, Rice caught 83 passes for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns.

He's one of the best in jump-ball situations and should help Christian Ponder early on if he stays in Minnesota.