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When it comes to the red-hot pa sing games in the modern NFL, top wide receivers now get equal billing on the marquee with the finest quarterbacks. Big numbers and explosive plays are part of the ideal profile, but so are confidence and commanding the ball in the most important moments.One wide receiver dominated the league to shake off past injuries and rise above the rest of an elite crowd last season. Not far behind him are a couple field-stretching young superstars and a player who has helped redefine the position with his hybrid skill set.Based on recent past performance but with more of an an eye for their Houston Astros Jersey pa s-catching upside in 2022, here's Sporting News' latest, updated rankings of the NFL's 30 best wide receivers:MORE NFL RANKINGS: | | | 1. Cooper Kupp, Rams (6-2, 208)Kupp was technically sound as a route runner with great hands and red zone mentality before the arrival of Matthew Stafford. With his torn ACL in 2018 well in the rearview, Kupp exploded for a historic season by stretching the field with a stronger-armed QB and tapping a lot more into his big-play ability after the catch. At 29, he should have at least a couple more great seasons in his prime.2021 stats: 145 receptions on 191 targets, 1,947 yards, 16 TDs, 13.4 yards per catch2. Davante Adams, Raiders (6-1, 215 pounds)Adams drops only one notch to behind Kupp following his final season in Green Bay and heading into his first year in Las Vegas. He does lose the chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, but he also rekindles the connection with Derek Carr just in time to deliver in a more dynamic Raiders pa sing game under Josh McDaniels.2021 stats (with Packers): 123 receptions on 169 targets, 1,553 yards, 11 TDs, 12.6 yards per catch3. Justin Jefferson, Vikings (6-1, 202 pounds)It's time to do "The Griddy" as it's hard not to be giddy about Jefferson's two amazing seasons so far in the league. He's proved to be a complete dangerous receiver, difficult for anyone to cover anywhere on the field. Randy Mo s did some legendary things early in Minnesota; Jefferson is right on the same track as a No. 1.2021 stats:108 receptions on 167 targets, 1,616 yards, 10 TDs, 15.0 yards per catch4. Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals (6-0, 201 pounds)Make that "Griddy" times two out of LSU. Chase went in hot pursuit of Jefferson's rookie numbers in reuniting with Joe Burrow. Chase combined flat-out downfield speed with smooth route-running to burn anyone whether he was short, intermediate or deep. What's scary is that his catch rate and Dallas Keuchel Jersey red zone work can improve in Year 2.2021 stats: 81 receptions on 128 targets, 1,455 yards, 13 TDs, 18.0 yards per catch5. Deebo Samuel, 49ers (5-11, 214 pounds)Samuel is a dazzling way to round out the top five and given his supplemental rushing production, he could have also made Sporting News' running back rankings with a different position designation. Samuel overcame his past durability i sues to deliver as a special kind of dual-threat workhorse and will remain the centerpiece of the 49ers' offense with Trey Lance.2021 stats:77 receptions on 121 targets, 1,406 yards, 6 TDs, 18.2 yards per catch, 59 rushes, 365 yards, 8 TDs, 6.2 yards per carry 6. Stefon Diggs, Bills (6-0, 191 pounds)Diggs' incredible initial numbers working with new bestie Josh Allen came down to earth just a little during his second season in Buffalo. He's made the transition to seasoned No. 1 with his quickne s and sharp route running. Diggs also has been the key to opening up the rest of the Bills' aggre sive pa sing game.2021 stats: 103 receptions on 164 targets, 1,225 yards, 10 TDs, 11.9 yards per catch7. A.J. Brown, Eagles (6-0, 226 pounds)Brown got his big contract away from Tenne see and becomes the clear No. 1 to complement 2021 first-rounder DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia. Beyond his strong and imposing frame, he's got a nice blend of speed and quickne s. The Eagles want to be a more efficient and dedicated pa sing team with Jalen Hurts and Brown raises his personal upside from the run-heavy Titans.2021 stats (with Titans): 63 receptions on 105 targets, 869 yards, 5 TDs, 13.8 yards per catchNFL POWER RANKINGS: 8. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (6-2, 198 pounds)Lamb has gone from luxury first-rounder in Dallas to the new high-volume No. 1 with Amari Cooper traded and injuries putting a strain on the team's remixed depth. Lamb uses his lanky frame well when route running and has great alignment versatility. His hands will continue to look smoother as the chemistry grows with Dak Prescott.2021 stats: 79 receptions on 120 targets, 1,102 yards, 6 TDs, 13.9 yards per catch9. Tyreek Hill, Jimmy Wynn Jersey Dolphins (5-10, 185 pounds)Hill isn't slowing down by any means, but there are questions about whether his blinding speed and quickne s will be deployed as well transitioning from Patrick Mahomes. Even though he's still only 28 and can help Tua Tagovailoa well as a unique No. 1, the signature big-play quotient is bound to take a little hit.2021 stats (with Chiefs):111 receptions on 159 targets, 1,329 yards, 9TDs, 11.2 yards per catch10. Mike Evans, Buccaneers (6-5, 231 pounds)Evans is a master of consistency with all of his eight seasons producing 1,000 yards or more. His catch rate isn't as high as others, but he's buried questions about his hands as he continues to use his size and speed to produce the big plays and red zone scores as expected. Tom Brady will once again help raise his game in those capacities.2021 stats: 74 receptions on 114 targets, 1,035 yards, 14 TDs, 14.0 yards per catch 11. Keenan Allen, Chargers (6-2, 211 pounds)Allen is the ultimate technician and has made a strong case to get into Canton as an elite po se sion receiver. He has great outside-inside versatility for his size and gets himself open wherever Justin Herbert needs him. He's also been rejuvenated post Philip Rivers in a more prolific and wide-open attack.2021 stats: 106 receptions on 157 targets, 1,138 yards, 6 TDs, 10.7 yards per catch12. Mike Williams, Chargers (6-4, 218 pounds)The Chargers now have one of the most electric duos with Williams no longer having durability i sues as a big-play threat and living up to his first round pedigree. He also positions his body well on routes all the Josh Reddick Jersey way through the red zone. He's the AFC version of Evans, complementing Allen's game to a tee.2021 stats:76 receptions on 129 targets, 1,146 yards, 9 TDs, 15.1 yards per catch13. Tee Higgins, Bengals (6-4, 219 pounds)The Bengals check in with their special pair, too. Higgins operated more like a co-No. 1 with Chase in getting key outside or inside looks from Burrow. He can stretch the field in favorable coverage when needed but also can position himself well as a top po se sion option. Higgins is the AFC North version of Allen.2021 stats:74 receptions on 110 targets, 1,091 yards, 6 TDs, 14.7 yards per catch14. Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (6-4, 233 pounds)Pittman is even more proof that having a height advantage is huge when you can get into mismatches with smaller cover men inside and out with size and quickne s. Pittman's profile suggests he will thrive getting open on intermediate routes for Matt Ryan, playing off some more big-play support from Parris Campbell and speedy rookie Alec Pierce.2021 stats:88 receptions on 129 targets, 1,082 yards, 6 TDs, 12.3 yards per catch15. Terry McLaurin, Washington (6-0, 210 pounds)Call him "Scary Terry". Call him "F1 McLaurin." Just call him one of the smoothest all-around receivers in the game. getting it done despite shaky quarterback play and heavy coverage attention. The Commanders rewarded him with a contract worthy of a top No. 1 and getting Carson Wentz and rookie first-rounder Jahan Dotson was the right kind of help for him.2021 stats:77receptions on 130 targets, 1,053 yards, 5 TDs, 13.7 yards per catch 16. DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals (6-1, 212 pounds)Hopkins hit a Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey rare durability snag last season, stamped by a late knee injury. Now he needs to deal with mi sing six games this season following a PED suspension. At 30, Hopkins is facing a natural fade with his speed and quickne s, but his hands, route-running savvy are still all critical to Kyler Murray when he returns.2021 |
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