As we continue our NFL preview, here are the top 10 receivers in the NFL right now:
10 – Jordy Nelson – Green Bay Packers
Green Bay sorely missed Nelson last year when he was out with the ACL injury. Despite the setback on the other knee, he should be back to full strength and will reclaim a spot in the top 10 by season’s end.
9 – Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos
Thomas got a lot of work last year (105 catches, 1,304 yards and 6 touchdowns) but also had 9 drops. While there is question as to how effective Denver’s quarterback will be in 2016, there is no question that Thomas is one of the top receivers in the league.
8 – Allen Robinson – Jacksonville Jaguars
Everyone on this list was also there last year. Except Allen Robinson. All Robinson did was catch 80 balls for 1,400 yards and tie for the lead in touchdowns (14).
He’s a deep threat (led all receivers with 31 catches over 20 yards) and also a great redzone receiver. As the Jaguars continue to emerge, it will be Robinson that will lead the offense.
7 – Brandon Marshall – New York Jets
In his first year with the Jets, he posted career highs (and Jets team records) of 109 catches for 1,502 yards, and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (14).
He is as reliable as any receiver in the league and can make the big catch in traffic. With Ryan Fitzpatrick back in the fold, Marshall makes the Jets a contender for the AFC East title.
6 – A.J. Green – Cincinnati Bengals
After hauling in 86 balls for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns, Green continues to show why he’s one of the top receivers in the entire NFL.
He will be counted on to mentor the new receivers in 2016, but expect him to continue to post All-Pro numbers.
5 – Dez Bryant – Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant didn’t have one of his best seasons in 2015 as he missed 6 games and Tony Romo missed 12 games. Both figure to be healthy in 2016 and with his amazing size, speed and hands, there’s little doubt that Bryant will have a bounce-back season and reclaim his top 5 spot that fans are accustomed to.
4 – DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans
What doesn’t surprise people is that Hopkins posted 111 receptions for 1,521 yards (3rd in the NFL) and 11 touchdowns. What might surprise people is that he was able to accomplish this with a total of four quarterbacks who were in and out of the lineup.
He can make any catch and has the speed to get by any corner.
3 – Odell Beckham Jr. – New York Giants
There’s not much that needs to be said. Beckham is one of the best and most complete receivers in the NFL. He can be a possession receiver or be a deep threat, but it’s his hands that sets him apart.
Expect more great things in 2016.
2 – Julio Jones – Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones is just getting better. He led the NFL with 136 catches for 1,871 yards and also scored 8 touchdowns.
At 6’4 and 220 pounds, he can out-muscle most receivers, but he also has great speed.
In 2016, he’ll continue to rival Beckham and Antonio Brown and make his case for the title of best receiver in football.
1 – Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown led the NFL with 136 catches (tied with Julio Jones) and he had 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Over the last 3 seasons, he has been the best receiver in all of football and he seems to be getting better.
He can make any catch and he can also score from anywhere as Pittsburgh’s punt returner. With Ben Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh has a lethal offense and Brown will continue to do great things in 2016.
