All-Pro Reels, via Wikimedia Commons
Two massive trades for wide receivers rocked the football world this week. First, Davante Adams was shipped to the Jets to reunite with Aaron Rodgers. While significant, this trade was far from a surprise. Within the same day, Cleveland sent Amari Cooper to Buffalo. Both trades addressed clear areas of need and set the Jets and Bills up for a playoff run. But how do these moves change the hierarchy of wide receiver groups across the NFL? I’ve ranked the top five receiving cores in the league. Keep in mind that this list only considers receivers, not tight ends or running backs.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ receiving core has been banged up for most of this season, but don’t forget the dominance they’re capable of. Last year, A.J. Brown had a six-week stretch where he had at least 125 receiving yards in each game. Devonta Smith, despite being his team’s second option, has totaled over 1,200 yards in each of the last two seasons. When healthy, this duo is as good as any in the league.
4. New York Jets
Before the Davante Adams trade, the Jets would have been nowhere near making this list. Adams, despite his drop in production in recent years, remains the best route runner in the NFL in my book. Over his last two seasons with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, Adams totaled over 3,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. Pair him with one of the best young receivers in the league in Garrett Wilson, and you’ve got a dangerous duo.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
If I were only considering the top two receivers on each team, the Bengals would likely top this list. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both have the talent to be a number one receiving option. Chase leads the league in receiving yards this season, and Higgins has made a major impact since returning from injury in Week 3. Both players have the versatility to be used in all facets of the passing game. The other names on the depth chart hold Cincinnati back from landing higher on this list.
2. San Francisco 49ers
I’m a big fan of the complimentary skill sets in San Francisco. Deebo Samuel is one of the best in the league at turning short passes into long gains by making defenders miss. Brandon Aiyuk, meanwhile, thrives on intermediate and deep in-breaking routes where he can use his frame and ball skills to pick up large chunks of yardage. Together, they make a receiving core that leaves opposing defenses without answers.
1. Houston Texans
Last season, Nico Collins and Tank Dell emerged as dangerous pass-catching options for C.J. Stroud. Over the offseason, the Texans added four-time pro bowler Stefon Diggs to the mix in a shocking trade with Buffalo. Each of the three receivers is capable of performing at a high level, but Nico Collins has emerged as one of the top few receivers in the NFL. Before his injury this season, Collins was averaging 113.2 yards per game, the highest mark in the league by a wide margin.
