Top 5 NFL Wide receivers
Antonio Brown WR #84
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Strengths
+ creates separation on every route + accelerates quickly and is explosive after the catch + quick twitch elusiveness in tight spaces + can take it the distance as a punt returner + consistency (70+ yards in all 16 games in 2014) Weaknesses - not an aggressive run blocker |
Final Verdict
Had his best two seasons in 2014 and 2015. Proved that he can be the number one receiver in Pittsburgh. A quick twitch athlete that runs excellent routes and creates separation consistently. Elite short area explosion off the line of scrimmage. When the play breaks down, he is at his best which complements his quarterback's play-style well. Plays bigger than his 5'10" frame would suggest. Tenacious work ethic both on and off the field. Antonio Brown is the best receiver in the NFL.
Julio Jones WR #11
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Strengths
+ amazing body control and can adjust to any ball thrown his way + savvy use of hands to bat defender's hands down and create late separation + tracks the deep ball very well + strong and powerful runner after the catch + exceptional foot quickness for receiver his size (6'3" 220) Weaknesses - occasionally loses concentration and is susceptible to drops |
Final Verdict
A physical specimen, (6'3'' 220 lbs, 4.3 speed) that brings the traits of a savvy veteran. He has the juice to run by defenders and the field awareness to find the soft spot and sit in a vacant zone. Exceptional foot quickness for a player his size getting in and out of his breaks with great fluidity. Has the ability to create separation at the top of routes with hands and the vertical jump to bring down balls in traffic. A quiet competitor. Best games in 2014 were against Arizona (Patrick Peterson) and Green Bay (Tramon Williams and Sam Shields).
Odell Beckham Jr. WR #13
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Strengths
+ incredible body control and poise in the air + uses massive hands to make spectacular catches on a regular basis + explosive with the ball after the catch + a precise route runner + outstanding leaping ability and knack for high pointing the football Weaknesses - his emotion on the field has proven to affect his play in a negative fashion - not an aggressive and very willing run blocker - soft tissue injuries are something to look out for |
Final Verdict
OBJ or ODB is a spectacular young player no matter what you call him. In 2014 Odell Beckham Jr. made one of the most amazing catches you will ever see. In 2015, he proved that he is a true #1 wide receiver in the NFL. He's a human highlight reel. Much like Captain Kirk, Beckham doesn't believe in no catch scenarios. His massive hands and elite body control allow him to adjust to any ball. In the open field he is as explosive as any elite playmaker in the league. In the future, Beckham will need to get used to other teams "targeting" him and keep his cool. Down the road, he has the potential to become the undisputed best receiver in football.
Calvin Johnson WR #81
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Strengths
+ ridiculous vertical and catch radius to win 50/50 balls + special ability to high point and play the ball in the air + sacrifices his body and lays out to make the spectacular catch + powerful runner after the catch Weaknesses - play-style exposes body to big hits and collisions - short to intermediate route running needs fine tuning |
Final Verdict
The 6'5'' 236 lb wide receiver is in every way deserving of the nickname "Megatron". Strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air. Possesses rare speed and acceleration for a player his size. Productivity (1077 yds, 8td) dipped in 2014 because of injuries and the arrival of Golden Tate. When healthy is a surefire top 3 receiver in the league.
Dez Bryant WR #88
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Strengths
+ consistently gets a good release off the line + top notch ball-skills + willing and aggressive run blocker + fearless over the middle of the field (runs a lot of in breaking routes) + has a highly competitive nature that acts as a double-edged sword Weaknesses - high passion and emotion can sometimes be a distraction |
Final Verdict
Passionate leader of the Cowboys receiving core. A true competitor who wears emotions on his sleeve. Powerful runner with an aggressive stiff arm. Plays strong to the ball and is fearless over the middle. Large hands that engulf the ball. Has a knack for making big plays in big moments. Dallas' new "playmaker" is an elite talent that can change the course of a game.
*Missed 7 games in 2015 to a foot injury
*Missed 7 games in 2015 to a foot injury
Jordy Nelson WR #87
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Strengths
+ great long speed + consistent threat to create first downs + soft/reliable hands + routes outside the numbers (fades, comebacks, deep outs and hitches) Weaknesses - may be a product of the Packers offense and Aaron Rodgers |
Final Verdict
Outstanding on timing routes such as comebacks and back shoulder fades. Does most of his work outside the hashes. Is a very reliable receiver on third down. Cuts across the grain in the open field and has a great understanding of tackling angles along the sideline. A blue-collar worker and competitor that will consistently get the job done.
*Missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL
*Stats are from 2014
*Missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL
*Stats are from 2014
Scout's Favorite
Larry Fitzgerald WR #11
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Strengths
+ hands + run blocking technique/effort + coverage recognition + concentration and composure Weaknesses - Top end speed - lateral agility and elusiveness to make defenders miss |
Final Verdict
Larry Fitzgerald is the consummate professional. Unlike many star receivers, Fitzgerald has been a humble leader on the field and a productive citizen in the community. Strong consistent hands are his greatest weapon. Rarely drops passes (7 drops since 2011). A technician in the run game and is one of the better blocking wide receivers in the league. He consistently gets open despite being the primary receiver defenses want to cover. Although his physical abilities have diminished a bit over the years, one cannot do anything but appreciate all that Larry Fitzgerald brings to the table.