Ranking the NFL’s Top 5 Receivers

Here’s my shot at picking the best NFL wideouts.

Today’s NFL features athleticism with plenty of passing. That puts the wide receiver position at the apex of offensive strategy. Players like Odell Beckham and DeAndre Hopkins epitomize the glamour of the position with spectacular catches and dazzling runs after the catch.

But who’s the best of the best? Here are my picks.

5) Amari Cooper: Amid the turbulence that we know as ‘The Cowboys,” this star wideout is producing at a high level. He shows no sign of slowing down, either. Despite Prescott’s three-game skid, Cooper has managed to produce 180 yards with three TDs. He is on pace for a 1,373 yard and a 13 TD season.

The Packers’ Davante Adams (photo, PackerWire)

4) Davante Adams: Adams is coming off a top-10 year in receptions (111), yards (1,386), and touchdowns (13). Those are good reasons why Adams is Aaron Rodgers’ premier target. The problem is that he hasn’t played since late September, and Adams didn’t report to practice on Thursday. But once his nagging injury clears up, Adams should have the impact we’re accustomed to seeing.

3) Julio Jones: Jones is ‘Mr. Consistency,’ a title that he has earned since coming into the league in 2011. Since then, Jones has produced 1,000 yards in every season in which he didn’t miss three or more games. Earlier this year, Jones became the fastest-ever receiver to gain 10,000 career yards, and he should challenge more records by the time he’s done. This year, Jones is on pace for a 1,245 yard and 11 TD season.

2) Chris Godwin: Godwin may not be a big name…yet…but his output this season is turning heads. A bright spot on the otherwise unremarkable Tampa Bay offense, Godwin is the league-leader in yards and touchdowns. H had been playing in Mike Evans’ shadow, but now he’s Jameis Winston’s favorite target.

Michael Thomas (photo, Sportsnaut)

1) Michael Thomas: Michael Thomas is my choice for #1. After leading the league with 125 receptions last year, he’s on track to do the same in 2019. He’s also helping the Saints in their time of distress. When Drew Brees went down against the Rams, teams breathed a sigh of relief. But Thomas, along with that strong NO defense, have the Saints at 5-1 without Brees. Thomas’ consistent performance is a big reason why.

Barely missed the cut–Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Lockett, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Jr.