There may be no other position in football, at least on offense, in which we can isolate the talent of a single player in the way we can with wide receivers. Even with the schematic developments seen across the sport, receivers are tasked with two main jobs: get open and catch the ball. Because of the nature of the position, these players receive (See what I did there?) more attention from the media than any other non-quarterbacks in the league. As football evolves to become more and more focused on producing explosive plays in the passing game, the importance of having at least one elite receiver on the roster is higher than ever. As I continue my position rankings series, I’ve put together my list of the top ten receivers in the NFL today.
10. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
Garrett Wilson won’t show up on most top-ten receiver lists. He hasn’t put up elite numbers at this point in his career, with just over two thousand yards and just seven touchdowns across his two seasons. I’d attribute the lack of production to poor quarterback play rather than Wilson’s own shortcomings. Wilson is a polished route runner and one of the best in the league after the catch. Expect a breakout year from him in 2024.
9. Brandon Aiyuk, San Fransisco 49ers
Like Garrett Wilson, Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t put up eye-popping numbers quite yet. In this case, the blame can be pinned on the sheer amount of talent surrounding Aiyuk In San Fransisco. With that many mouths to feed, Aiyuk is limited in his opportunities. He makes the most of the opportunities he does get, though. Last season, Aiyuk finished second in the league in yards per reception at 17.9, per PFF.
8. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Yes, Puka Nakua had one of the best rookie receiving seasons we’ve ever seen for the Rams. Don’t let that overshadow the greatness of Cooper Kupp. Though he’s struggled with injuries since his historic 2021 season, Kupp remains an elite receiver. He is one of the best route runners of the last decade and seems to always find a way to get open.
7. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Back in 2022, the Tennessee Titans made a bet on their ability to draft and develop receivers by trading star wideout A.J. Brown to the Eagles for the 18th and 101st overall picks in that year’s draft. At this point, it’s safe to say that Tennessee made the wrong bet. Treylon Burks, the receiver that the Titans drafted as Brown’s replacement, has not yet eclipsed 500 yards in a season, while Brown has finished near the top of the league in receiving yards each of the last two years. Brown’s combination of size and speed is lethal.
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL, but he’s used to being overlooked. The former USC wideout was selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, and he’s been perhaps the most instrumental piece in Detroit’s recent resurgence. Amon-Ra is one of the most consistent receivers in the league.
5. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
Even without an elite quarterback passing him the ball, Davante Adams is clearly elite. He’s been the best route-runner in the sport for the majority of his career and has consistently produced regardless of the situation. Yes, he is showing early signs of a decline as he enters his age 31 season, but to leave him out of the top-10 conversation would be absurd.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase may have slipped the minds of the public in 2023 due to injuries to quarterback Joe Burrown limiting his production. However, in a relatively down year, Chase still eclipsed 1,200 yards and 100 receptions. I expect Chase to remind fans just how great he is with a healthy Burrow behind center this season.
3. Ceedee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
You could make the case that CeeDee Lamb was the best receiver in football in 2023. He led the league in both targets and receptions and managed to remain productive despite the lack of other receiving options for defenses to focus on. I’m waiting to see CeeDee continue this level of play before I bump him up at all in my rankings, but he is clearly a player on the rise.
2. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
If you wouldn’t call CeeDee Lamb the best receiver of 2023, you’d likely give the nod to Tyreek Hill. Hill finished the year with the most yards per route run in the league by over half a yard, according to PFF. He led the league in receiving yards and tied for the league in receiving touchdowns. Hill’s speed and explosiveness have changed the way that football is played.
1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Despite the injuries he suffered in 2023, Justin Jefferson is still the best receiver in the league. He missed more than half of the season and still put up over 1,000 yards on almost three yards per route run. It’s difficult to nail down a single strength for Jefferson because, well, he’s elite in just about every category. I expect him to significantly lift the play of quarterback Sam Darnold this season.
