2011 NFL Preview: Ranking the Top 50 Wide Receivers in the NFL

As the season approaches before our very eyes, it's time where lists like these start to make an impact.

Ranking the top wide receivers in the league will ultimately show who are amongst the best at that position. There are usually around five receivers per team, but only the top 50 will be ranked and analyzed. 

This is not based solely on their stats from 2010, but on how dominant the player has been and will be in 2011. 

There will be no rookies listed on this list, as I do not think any will have an impact like the current 50 listed will. This list took time, so I hope you appreciate it and put it to good use!

Here are the top 50 wide receivers in the NFL. 

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50. Josh Morgan- San Francisco 49ers

2010 Stats: 

Receptions: 44

Yards: 698

 Touchdowns: 2

Kicking off at No. 50 is Josh Morgan of the San Francisco 49ers. 

Now being at the bottom of the list like this may seem like he's not a quality receiver, but remember, the top 50 is still an honor out of all the receivers in the NFL.

Morgan did a pretty good job in 2010, and will do so again in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 50

Yards: 750

Touchdowns: 4

49. Nate Washington- Tennessee Titans

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 42

Yards: 687

Touchdowns: 6

Last season once the Titans acquired Randy Moss, I thought they were going to make the playoffs. They had the guys and the talent, and Nate Washington was a part of it.

Matt Hasselbeck is now the quarterback, beating out rookie Jake Locker, and Hasselback still has some juice left in his tank.

Washington is just another target, nothing amazing. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 40

Yards: 600

Touchdowns: 4

48. Lee Evans- Buffalo Bills

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 37

Yards: 578

Touchdowns: 4

Lee Evans is facing the final years of his career.

He was once the big shot in Buffalo, but he can't really develop any more with what he has. I feel if Evans were on a different team, he could put up numbers like he did back in 2006 with 1,292 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 30

Yards: 500

Touchdowns: 4

47. Jordy Nelson- Green Bay Packers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 45

Yards: 582

Touchdowns: 2

Jordy Nelson just gives off this vibe that I love.

He is a great player who is still young and has a lot to offer for the Packers. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 54

Yards: 650

Touchdowns: 5

46. Jason Avant- Philadelphia Eagles

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 51

Yards: 573

Touchdowns: 1

Jason Avant of the Philadelphia Eagles is currently the third receiver on the team but still puts up numbers to be mentioned in the top 50. 

Believe it or not, Avant has arguably the best hands in the league and rarely ever drops the ball.

He is a solid third down man who can always be counted on for the reception. His only downfall is that he isn't the quickest guy on the lightning-speed Eagles roster, but his effort makes up for it.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 45

Yards: 500

Touchdowns: 3

45. James Jones- Green Bay Packers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 50

Yards: 679

Touchdowns: 5

Something about the Green Bay Packers just makes players known. 

James Jones is a solid guy where you get what you see. He plays his heart out for the Packers and will split the receptions with other guys on the squad. 

Expect nothing crazy in 2011, but he will still give his best. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 50

Yards: 650

Touchdowns: 4

44. Danny Amendola- St. Louis Rams

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 85

Yards: 689

Touchdowns: 3

Going under the radar in 2010, Danny Amendola is quietly making a name for himself in the NFL.

Grabbing 85 receptions is something worth noting for the Rams. He will be a favorite of Bradford and can really show his true potential in the upcoming years. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 80

Yards: 1,000

Touchdowns: 7

43. Dez Bryant- Dallas Cowboys

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 45

Yards: 561

Touchdowns: 6

As a rookie, Dez Bryant put up respectable numbers for the Dallas Cowboys.

Since the Cowboys no longer have Roy Williams on the roster, Dez won't have to fight for respect and will be the second receiver on the team. I expect him to have a breakout season in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 60

Yards: 780

Touchdowns: 9

42. Michael Crabtree- San Francisco 49ers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 55

Yards: 741

Touchdowns: 6

In his second year in the league, Crabtree is starting to grow into gold in San Francisco.

When he came out of college a hot-shot and demanded a large contract, I immediately thought "bust." But the way he has been playing shows me otherwise. 

Similar season in 2011 for the Crabman.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 50

Yards: 720

Touchdowns: 7

41. Mike Sims-Walker- St. Louis Rams

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 43

Yards: 562

Touchdowns: 7

Sam Bradford now has another weapon to exploit in Mike Sims-Walker. 

Last season, Sims-Walker played in 14 games but still hauled in seven touchdowns. Now with Bradford leading the team, I think Mike will have a great season

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 60

Yards: 760

Touchdowns: 8

40. Mike Williams- Seattle Seahawks

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 65

Yards: 751

Touchdowns: 2

Another young, yet dominant player in the NFL.

There are other receivers in the league that I was debating to put on instead of Williams, but I think I made the right choice. 

Mike Williams is 6'5'' and a force that is hard to defend against. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 800

Touchdowns: 4

39. Steve Breaston- Kansas City Chiefs

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 47

Yards: 718

Touchdowns: 1

Now a Kansas City Chief, Steve Breaston is no stranger to wearing red.

Breaston only found the end zone once last year, and now sharing receptions with Dwayne Bowe won't make that increase too much.

Either way, the Chiefs and Breaston will be a good match.

Projected 2011 Stats: 

Receptions: 55

Yards: 690

Touchdowns: 3

38. Malcom Floyd- San Diego Chargers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 37

Yards: 717

Touchdowns: 6

Possibly a Baltimore Raven next year?

There isn't too much to say about Malcom Floyd, except he knows how to make some big plays. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 45

Yards: 806

Touchdowns: 7

37. Hines Ward- Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 59

Yards: 755

Touchdowns: 5

Sadly, Hines Ward is on the decline.

Hines Ward was probably top 10 material just a few season ago, but his age is staring to catch up to him. 

I think Ward will still have an obvious impact for the Steelers, but he surely isn't the man he was a few years back. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 50

Yards: 650

Touchdowns: 5

36. Chad Ochocinco- New England Patriots

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 67

Yards: 831

Touchdowns: 4

What do you know, the Patriots just got better. 

Acquiring Chad Ochocinco is a sign that the Patriots really want another Super Bowl ring. With the departure of Randy Moss last year and Deion Branch aging rapidly, it's good for them to bring in the fresh blood.

Ochocinco put up pretty descent numbers with Terrell Owens last year in Cincinnati, and 2011 will be no different. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 65

Yards: 890

Touchdowns: 6

35. Derrick Mason- New York Jets

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 61

Yards: 802

Touchdowns: 7

Where will the veteran end up? Nobody knows. 

Despite his old age with 15 years in the league, it's shocking he is still playing at such a high level. 

Wherever he ends up, his presence will be felt.

Projected 2011 Stats: 

Receptions: 40

Yards: 550

Touchdowns: 4

34. Pierre Garcon- Indianapolis Colts

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 67

Yards: 784

Touchdowns: 6

Garcon is a name you'll be hearing a lot in the near future. 

The Colts receiver Pierre Garcon is entering only his third season and has already made a name for himself. Yet another player becoming a star in Indy...surprise, surprise. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 72

Yards: 830

Touchdowns: 7

33. Anquan Boldin- Baltimore Ravens

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 64

Yards: 837

Touchdowns: 7

Anquan Boldin is still providing, despite hitting that 30-year-old mark.

Joe Flacco is growing into his own in the NFL and Boldin is a quality receiver that will gladly help him reach the top of his career.

However, I don't see Boldin doing anything greater next year than he did in 2010. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 60

Yards: 850

Touchdowns: 5

32. Kenny Britt- Tennessee Titans

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 42

Yards: 775

Touchdowns: 9

If Kenny Britt can stay out of trouble and on the field, he has some serious potential.

When I say serious potential, I mean it. The skill and talent this guy has is outstanding, and 2011 will be his chance to fully show that. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 65

Yards: 980

Touchdowns: 12

31. Mike Thomas- Jacksonville Jaguars

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 66

Yards: 820

Touchdowns: 4

Now that Mike Sims-Walker is no longer a Jaguar, it is now the team of Mike Thomas.

Whoever does get the start under center will have a huge weapon in Thomas. I think 2011 will be another breakout year for Mike Thomas and will go over 1,000 yards. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 80

Yards: 1,080

Touchdowns: 7

30. Anthony Armstrong- Washington Redskins

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 44

Yards: 871

Touchdowns: 3

A Washington Redskin...

Armstrong really surprised a lot of people last season and provided McNabb a go-to man. Averaging 19.8 yards-per-catch, he proved he can set off the fireworks in DC. 

However with Moss returning and McNabb out of town, I think Armstrong's numbers will slightly fall in 2011. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 40

Yards: 730

Touchdowns: 3

29. Steve Smith- New York Giants

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 48

Yards: 529

Touchdowns: 3

After only playing half the season last year due to an injury, Steve Smith will be fighting for the top spot in NY.

Smith is one of those guys that when he gets hot, he's hot. He is quick and can make things happen at the blink of an eye. 

2011 will be a huge year for Smith, and will gain back the love from the Big Blue fans. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 950

Touchdowns: 9

28. Santonio Holmes- New York Jets

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 52

Yards: 746

Touchdowns: 6

Ranked unusually higher than he should be, Holmes will have a good year in 2011.

For one, Sanchez keeps getting better and better as he matures in the league. Also, people will be covering Plaxico Burress in the red-zone, so I think Holmes will make a few freak plays and put up great numbers. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 66

Yards: 840

Touchdowns: 8

27. Jabar Gaffney- Washington Redskins

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 65

Yards: 875

Touchdowns: 2

With Brandon Lloyd in the spotlight, Gaffney still put up pretty good numbers.

Either Tebow or Orton will have some pretty good targets next year, and Gaffney should have a very similar season in 2011. 

Projected 2011 Stats: 

Receptions: 65

Yards: 800

Touchdowns: 4

26. Percy Harvin- Minnesota Vikings

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 71

Yards: 868

Touchdowns: 5

At least Donovan McNabb has someone sticking around.

Percy Harvin was the guy to fill in for Sidney Rice last year during his injury and still did a pretty solid job. 

Brett Favre will not be the man under center next year, so Harvin and McNabb will have to get on the same level and prove to the league the Vikings still have some juice left. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 900

Touchdowns: 7

25. Steve Smith- Carolina Panthers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 46

Yards: 554

Touchdowns: 2

Steve Smith used to be in the conversation with the top five best receivers in the league a few seasons ago.

Putting up over 1,500 yards back in 2005, Smith is certainly not the player he was. Cam Newton will be a player to watch, and how he plays will show in Smith's numbers. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 60

Yards: 720

Touchdowns: 6

24. Terrell Owens- FA

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 72

Yards: 983

Touchdowns: 9

If T.O can find a home in 2011, he can still be a force.

His age is starting to become a factor and his career is on the fall, but look at what he did last year.

Owens can still manage to put up quality numbers for his age and can still provide if he puts his heart into it. Given the right quarterback, Owens can have a pretty good season in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 60

Yards: 750 

Touchdowns: 5

23. Sidney Rice- Seattle Seahawks

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 17

Yards: 280

Touchdowns: 2

Looking to bounce back from his injury last season that kept him sidelined for most of 2010, Rice will be given the chance in Seattle.

When a wide receiver has an injury that keeps them out of action for an extended period of time, it's hard coming back and being the player you were. 

Also, Rice will have Tavaris Jackson feeding him the ball in 2011. It will be interesting how Rice plays out next season in a new jersey. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 1,080

Touchdowns: 7

22. Braylon Edwards- San Francisco 49ers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 53

Yards: 904

Touchdowns: 7

Now a 49er, it should be interesting how 2011 plays out for Braylon Edwards.

Edwards has always been known as a firecracker, and needs to be happy. He has some skill and showed that when he emerged back in Cleveland. However, I don't think San Fran will be the place for Braylon to put on his show. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 45

Yards: 800

Touchdowns: 6

21. Johnny Knox- Chicago Bears

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 51

Yards: 960

Touchdowns: 5

Johnny Knox is a beast.

He's tall and quick and has some serious hops, all things an ideal receiver should have. Despite having Cutler as a QB, Knox still managed to catch 51 percent of the balls thrown his direction.

I think Knox will have an outstanding year in 2011 and be top 10 next year. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 80

Yards: 1,260

Touchdowns: 8

20. Mike Williams- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 65

Yards: 964

Touchdowns: 11

Who saw the Bucs coming last season?

Josh Freeman led the Buccaneers back into a scary team, with Williams on the receiving end of the ball. Putting up 11 touchdowns is pretty good for a team that was a joke the year before. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 1,170

Touchdowns: 12

19. Jeremy Maclin- Philadelphia Eagles

Jeremy Maclin-

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 964

Touchdowns: 10

Quietly creeping in the top 20 is Jeremy Maclin.

Now Maclin is probably the most underrated receiver in the league, but if you've watched the Eagles play, then you'll know he certainly deserves this spot. 

Maclin usually goes unnoticed by being on the same team as DeSean Jackson, and that plays out to his advantage. He is quicker than most people realize, and has great hands. I expect Jeremy to have a very solid career in the NFL. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 1,100

Touchdowns: 8

18. Vincent Jackson- San Diego Chargers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 14

Yards: 248

Touchdowns: 3

Now if you're not familiar with Vincent Jackson in 2010, then don't freak out that he's ranked so high.

Jackson played in only five games and is still capable of putting up similar numbers like he did in 2009. I think $11 million franchise tender Jackson recently signed will put him back with the elites. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 1,160

Touchdowns: 9

17. Wes Welker- New England Patriots

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 86

Yards: 848

Touchdowns: 7

It's hard not to love this little guy.

Wes Welker has the quickest feet and is one of the best slot-receivers in the league. Even though it seems Welker's numbers have gone down, he is still getting back to the player he was before his ACL injury late in 2009.

Now with Ochocinco on the team, I think Welker will see fewer catches but more big ones. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 72

Yards: 900

Touchdowns: 8

16. Hakeem Nicks- New York Patriots

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 79

Yards: 1,052

Touchdowns: 11 

The Giants finally have a solid receiver since the Plaxico Burress situation. 

Eli Manning is still unpredictable each and every week and has a wild arm, but Nicks is a freak of nature and makes his numbers what they are. 

Nicks has huge hands worthy of putting up more huge numbers. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 80

Yards: 1,080

Touchdowns: 8

15. Marques Colson- New Orleans Saints

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 84

Yards: 1,023

Touchdowns: 7

The New Orleans Saints will be entering the season with a chip on their shoulder. 

After getting knocked off by the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs last January, expect the Saints to be playing rough and tough.

Marques Colston is the man for Brees and these two will be making things magical. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 1,150

Touchdowns: 8

14. Steve Johnson- Buffalo Bills

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 82

Yards: 1,073

Touchdowns: 10

It's good Buffalo has someone with talent.

Now I don't mean to start any feud, but the Bills really don't have many weapons on offense. Thankfully, they have Steve Johnson. 

I think Johnson will keep doing all he can in Buffalo until he has nothing left in him.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 86

Yards: 1,230

Touchdowns: 11

13. Brandon Marshall- Miami Dolphins

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 86

Yards: 1,014

Touchdowns:  3

Brandon Marshall had a tough transition to South Beach if you ask me.

While still racking up a large number of receptions, Marshall only found the end zone three times in 2010. Marshall is known for making those huge plays, but if Miami is only providing him less than five touchdowns a year, then I'd expect some tension.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 74

Yards: 1,040

Touchdowns: 6

12. Miles Austin- Dallas Cowboys

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 69

Yards: 1,041

Touchdowns: 7

It's great to see players like Miles Austin come out of nowhere like this.

Austin came from Monmouth University where he went unnoticed by many NFL teams until Dallas gave him the shot he needed. Over the past two seasons, Miles emerged to be one of the most deadliest receivers in the league. I don't expect him to have a dull game at all next season.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 1,175

Touchdowns: 8

11. Santana Moss- Washington Redskins

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 93

Yards: 1,115

Touchdowns: 6

Santana Moss is still a Washington Redskin, and will look to repeat the year he had last season.

Moss did some pretty amazing things for the Redskins last year by racking up huge yards each and every game. McNabb is no longer his quarterback, so Moss will have to adjust to whoever end up the starter. If Moss wants to continue to make an impact, the Redskins will have to find the quarterback that will help him out. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 1,000

Touchdowns: 6

10. DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia Eagles

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 47

Yards: 1,056

Touchdowns: 6

DeSean Jackson breaks the No. 10 spot with confidence. 

Jackson plays with the mentality that he's the best receiver in the league, and if he keeps his attitude straight, he may very well be within the next few years.

Everyone knows how explosive he can be, at any given time. DeSean is probably the fastest receiver in the league and stands at only 5'10'', which makes him even more deadly. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 1,300

Touchdowns: 9

9. Mike Wallace- Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 60

Yards: 1,257

Touchdowns: 10

Mike Wallace is a large reason the Steelers had such a great Super Bowl run last year.

Averaging a whopping 21 yards-per-catch, Wallace brought life to the Steelers offense and gave them a reason to be the AFC Champions.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 70

Yards: 1,200

Touchdowns: 10

8. Dwayne Bowe- Kansas City Chiefs

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 72

Yards: 1,162

Touchdowns: 15

The Kansas City Chiefs are finally getting to know the game of football!

They emerged as a playoff-contender last season with Cassel, Charles, and Bowe carrying the team on their backs.

Who would've thought that a Chief would lead the NFL in touchdowns? Power to you Dwayne.  

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 80

Yards: 1,320

Touchdowns: 13

7. Brandon Llyod- Denver Broncos

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 77

Yards: 1,448

Touchdowns: 11

Brandon Lloyd of the Denver Broncos had no problems taking over as the No.1 receiver when Brandon Marshall left town.

Lloyd actually led the NFL in receiving yards last season and will be just as dominant in 2011, whoever the starting QB may be.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 85

Yards: 1,380

Touchdowns: 12

6. Greg Jennings- Green Bay Packers

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 76

Yards: 1,265

Touchdowns: 12

Super Bowl winning Green Bay Packers have talent everywhere. 

Greg Jennings is a great receiver and is shining in his prime. Aaron Rodgers should be all smiles knowing he will have this guy around for a while. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 75

Yards: 1,150

Touchdowns: 10

5. Reggie Wayne- Indianapolis Colts

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 111

Yards: 1,355

Touchdowns: 6

It seems whoever Peyton Manning has, he makes a star.

No other duo was as dominant than Manning and Marvin Harrison were a couple years back, and now it's Manning and Wayne.

Wayne had the second-most receptions last season and I'd imagine after Manning's neck surgery, those numbers will stay high.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 105

Yards: 1,300

Touchdowns: 9

4. Roddy White- Atlanta Falcons

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 115

Yards: 1,389

Touchdowns: 10

Coming off a career-high, Roddy White is looking to bring his Atlanta Falcons back for another playoff year.

White and Ryan hooked up for the most receptions in the NFL and the second-most yards in the league. Not a lot of corners can defend this guy, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

With Julio Jones now on the roster, I'd expect Ryan to spread the ball a little more, but still providing White with another outstanding year.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 100

Yards: 1,200

Touchdowns: 11

3. Calvin Johnson- Detroit Lions

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 77

Yards: 1,120

Touchdowns: 12

If there's a young player out there who is looking to follow in the steps of Randy Moss, it's Calvin Johnson.

The kid's numbers are just sick, and he's still so young. 

The Lions have a lot of good things going for them, as long as Stafford stays healthy.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 90

Yards: 1,350

Touchdowns: 15

2. Larry Fitzgerald- Arizona Cardinals

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 90

Yards: 1,137

Touchdowns: 6

Larry Fitzgerald should be very excited for 2011. 

With Kevin Kolb now leading the team, these two will be a combo amongst the best in the league. Kolb will have no problem fitting in to the Cardinals offense and Fitzgerald will greatly benefit from the young quarterbacks talent.

Kolb has an arm, and Fitz has the speed and the spectacular catching ability.

2011 will be a great year for Larry and should once again put up big numbers. 

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 85

Yards: 1,200

Touchdowns: 12

1. Andre Johnson- Houston Texans

2010 Stats:

Receptions: 86

Yards: 1,216

Touchdowns: 8

Coming in as the best receiver in the NFL is no other than Andre Johnson. 

Johnson has all the skills and talent required to be an elite force in the league and is virtually unstoppable. Basically, he is a monster.

Projected 2011 Stats:

Receptions: 90

Yards: 1,400

Touchdowns: 14