Football is officially back. We’re beginning the second week of the preseason, and the NFL is returning to scheduled programming. That means 25 straight weeks of football. Fans everywhere are ready for more touchdowns, celebrations, hard hits, and everything in between. On that note, there are many players this season that have much to prove. That may be because they were traded or because they were injured. Either way, many players are returning with a vengeance.
Every year, there are a plethora of comparisons made between players based on a variety of factors. But the real question always remains: who’s the best? There’s always the NFL Top 100, in which, the players themselves rank each other. However, fans still aren’t satisfied. There are also rankings across many different media platforms. But now, it’s time for PerSources to rank the top players in the league. After part I, we continue with part II of the top-20 WRs. Check out the rest of our 2019 NFL preview articles here.
#10: Mike Evans
2018-19 season stats: 86 receptions, 1,524 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns.
Mike Evans has consistently put up good numbers over the course of his five-year career. He’s just been doing it on one of the league’s worst teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been to the postseason since the 2007 season, but that’s not at the fault of their star receiver.
It’s easy to overlook the type of player Evans is mainly because we never have the chance to see him on prime time television. Looking at NFL history, Evans is one of three players to have 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first five seasons. In terms of his team, Tampa Bay has only had a winning record once with Evans on the roster (2016).
If you can predict anything for Evans’ 2019 season, it’s that he’ll top 1,000-yards once again. Evans’ 6’5″ frame has made him a perennial threat in the endzone on 50/50 balls, fades, and back-shoulder throws.
New Buccaneers’ HC Bruce Arians will make Evans’ season special. As a coach who’s geared towards being an offensive guru, that only means great things for Mike Evans. With DeSean Jackson departing the team this offseason, Evans seems to be the only WR that Tampa Bay has. He’ll be expected to snag more receptions and total more receiving yards without a true WR2.
#9: T.Y. Hilton
2018-19 season stats: 76 receptions, 1,270 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns.
T.Y. Hilton bounced back after having a disappointing 2017 season. But, that was largely due to the fact that QB Andrew Luck missed the entirety of it. Despite his injury, Hilton still managed to put up a little under 1,000 yards. The next season, though, with Andrew Luck healthy, he put up the numbers above, further staking his claim as one of the best receivers in football.
The Indianapolis Colts are a very talented team. Their wide receiver unit is not one of the team’s strong point, though. Hilton played 14 games leading this not-so-talented corps as the Colts’ number one weapon. When it came down to the final stretch of the season, Hilton separated himself from the rest of the league. Although he battled injuries in the first half of the season, he bounced back in Weeks 11-17, posting 840 receiving yards in seven games. That’s the most in the NFL over that time frame.
This offseason, the Colts leveled up their offensive weaponry. Hilton will still be the offensive focus of this team who are expected to contend in the AFC. He’s 29 and not showing signs of exiting his prime soon. Another 1,000-yard season and perhaps his best season since 2016 is in store for Hilton in 2019.
#8: Adam Thielen
2018-19 season stats: 113 receptions, 1,373 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns.
The second half of, in my opinion, the best WR duo in the league is Adam Thielen. Looking at the way Thielen’s first eight games of 2018 went, you’d think he’s the best wide receiver in the NFL.
He started off his season with eight straight games of at least 100 yards. At the time, some argued that he propelled himself into the top three at his position. Then, he went on to plummet in regards to his play.
There’s a reason Adam Thielen is placed at eighth, and that’s largely because he failed to be consistent over the course of last season. After his 925 yards in eight games, he went on to have only one more 100-yard game. From 925 yards in the first half of the season to 448 the second. Thielen should’ve led the league in receiving yards, and there’s no question about it.
Obviously, not all the blame falls on Thielen who did notch the second-best catch percentage of his career (73.9). The Vikings, as a team, had a subpar year, to say the least. One has to wonder what went wrong, though, when looking at Thielen in the two halves of the season.
There’s no denying his talent. He’s a slick route runner who simply has some of the best hands in the league. Thielen will go into 2019 as the Vikings WR1 once again, holding a very strong role in the offense. The only thing that could hurt his numbers and overall production is the return of RB Dalvin Cook. Cook missed three quarters of his rookie year due to a left ACL tear and was slow to come back in 2018.
The main story here with Thielen is whether or not he’ll show up in 2019 – ALL OF 2019. He’s a star receiver who deserves all the praise he gets. But, if he’s going to have those top receiver numbers for weeks 1-8, he better bring that same energy for the remainder of the season.
#7: Davante Adams
2018-19 season stats: 111 receptions, 1,386 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns.
Although the Green Bay Packers, as a team, had a bad year, that wasn’t the case for Davante Adams. He tallied career-high marks in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
As an established and consistent receiver, Adams has now put himself in the ranks of some of the best at his position. He notched all of those numbers with an injured Aaron Rodgers. Meaning that now Rodgers is at a 100% coming into the season, we could see Adams set new career-highs while leading the league in some categories as well.
Barring any setbacks, Adams is a surefire lock to record over 1,000 yards. He’s separated himself from other receivers in the sense that he’s an elite red-zone threat. Proof of that comes in his 35 touchdowns in last three years.
Adams gets his fair share of praise for the media. The fact that he put up such numbers despite Rodgers being injured is impressive. However, the main concern is whether or not he can keep up that level of play now that Rodgers is 100% healthy. It’s tough to bet on players who are coming off a career year. But, the way the Packers’ offense is set up, Adams should be playing at that high-level once again.
#6: Tyreek Hill
2018-19 season stats: 87 receptions, 1,479 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns.
Tyreek Hill is the fastest player the NFL has to offer. He’s nicknamed
“Cheetah” because of the way he can use his speed to crack through any defense. Last season, with a bolstered offense led by the reigning MVP, Hill also achieved career-high marks. That included in the areas of targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Hill had one of the more impactful years among the WRs on this list, mainly because of the success he contributed to. The Chiefs had themselves a year where many saw them as Super Bowl favorites. But, of course, that didn’t come to fruition due to the greatness of the New England Patriots.
Nevertheless, you can’t deny how scary Tyreek Hill is. He’s the NFL’s most consistent home-run play threat. Hill possesses the ability to get behind any set of defenders in a matter of seconds.
The 25-year-old had six multi-touchdown games and six 100-yard games last season to continue to make his case as one of the best receivers in football. However, as good as Hill is, some may call him one-dimensional, and that holds some truth.
Hill can fit into any system that’s geared towards slinging the ball through the air. However, in the most important moments, the right coach can break that down with ease. Looking at last year’s playoffs, Hill tallied only 114 yards and zero touchdowns. In the AFC Championship at Arrowhead, against New England, the biggest game of Hill’s career, he had only one reception for 42 yards.
This begs the question as to whether or not teams will pick up on the same system the Patriots used for Hill last January. Of course, that game was for a trip to the Super Bowl which is bound to bring out the best in players. But, who’s to say that Hill won’t get locked up like that more often during the season?
Hill is an elite level talent who, with Patrick Mahomes, will have standout numbers. Despite what was said previously, Hill will always find a way to be a productive player. Those concerns mostly fall into the postseason where Hill was very disappointing.
#5: Odell Beckham Jr.
2018-19 season stats: 77 receptions, 1,052 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns.
Is it safe to say that Odell Beckham Jr. (along with Antonio Brown) is the biggest headcase in the NFL among receivers? The former New York Giant comes in at fifth even though he had an underwhelming season himself. Despite all of the drama and his trade to the Cleveland Browns, people seem to overlook the fact that he didn’t have the elite season we all expect.
Beckham missed the Giants’ final four games due to a quad injury. That along with numerous other factors could’ve played a role in why Beckham’s numbers didn’t look too good. Outside of his injury, Beckham dealt with off-field issues revolving around a supposed beef with coaches and front office personnel. This season, Beckham can leave all of that behind him.
Now that Beckham is on on a new and improved Cleveland Browns team, he has the opportunity to have his best season yet. In fact, everything around the organization seems to be working in his favor. You can start with quarterback Baker Mayfield who’s ready to take control of a team looking to contend. And, with Beckham entering his prime years, Mayfield and OBJ create one of the most critical, young QB-WR duos in the league.
Beckham must have a breakout season. After everything that’s happened, he needs to show the world he’s the elite WR we all believe he is. No one with the ego of Beckham can go out and not have a notable season. After Baker Mayfield, Beckham is the key to the Browns’ success in 2019.
#4: Michael Thomas
2018-19 season stats: 125 receptions, 1,405 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns.
Michael Thomas is one of the best players to watch on Sundays. In the first quarter of the 2018 season, he set new NFL records in receiving production. Thomas tallied 10+ receptions in each of the first three games. The first half of the season saw him total 70 receptions and 880 yards. Thomas’ cherry on top was his 12 reception, 211-yard game against the eventual NFC champions, the Los Angeles Rams. He led the league in receptions and set a franchise record in receiving yards.
Too many numbers? That’s how good of a player he is. Thomas is an extremely efficient player who’s only going to get better. If you want to work your way up the field rather than go for the home run play, Thomas is your guy. Each of his three years have seen him set career-highs in receptions and receiving yards. Why shouldn’t you expect the same for 2019?
He’s playing with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time (who isn’t slowing down) in Drew Brees. And, since Sean Payton is Thomas’ HC, expect the same system geared towards putting the ball through the air and utilizing the talented weapons the team has. Thomas will be the focal point of the offense over Alvin Kamara. Catching a mind-boggling 85.6% of your 146 targets is no easy feat. That’s a part of what makes Thomas such a great player. Considering all factors, Thomas is the receiver I’d start a team with today. And, in 2019, he’ll further my case as to why.
#3: Julio Jones
2018-19 season stats: 113 receptions, 1,677 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns.
Julio Jones is usually a player who you see in the top-two on these positional rankings. However, that’s not the case here. Jones has been great, but the two players ahead of him have separated themselves in a sense. But, that’s not the focus of these rankings. The real focus is the fact that Julio Jones is one of the best players in all the NFL.
As fantastic of a player as Jones is, he’s just getting better and better. This past season saw Jones record his fifth straight 1400+ receiving yard season. This season, he led the league in receiving yards for the second time. His reception, receiving yard, and touchdown totals were all the second-most of Jones’ career.
For 2019, expect more of the same for the superstar WR. Give him a 99% chance to hit over 1,200+ if healthy throughout. Jones is a part of what could be the best offense in the NFL. He’s an elite-level talent who isn’t regressing in his production or talent at all. Jones and “Matty Ice” have formed one of the more special QB-WR connections in the league. Jones knows that Matt Ryan will get him the ball in the biggest moments. There’s nothing more to say, but expect continued greatness from the 30-year-old.
#2: Antonio Brown
2018-19 season stats: 104 receptions, 1,297 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns.
We’re not going to talk about how Antonio Brown forced his way out of Pittsburgh. Or, how he somehow got himself out of being traded to the Buffalo Bills. Or, how he initially denied playing for the Oakland Raiders over not being able to wear his signature helmet. All of those things play no factor as to why Brown is ranked as the second-best receiver in the NFL. His play and consistency do.
Brown, in final season as a Steeler, tallied over 100 receptions and 1,250 receiving yards for the sixth time. His touchdown total of 15 led the entire league. Despite his drama, he makes up for it with his play on the field.
The story surrounding Brown this season will be an interesting one to watch. Brown is on a new team with a new coach, system, and quarterback. I’d rank Ben Rothlisberger over Derek Carr, Mike Tomlin over Jon Gruden, and just about the whole Pittsburgh roster over Oakland’s. With Brown having to adjust to a new environment, it’s questionable as to whether or not he can take them back to the playoffs.
Based off everything Brown accomplished in Pittsburgh, he’s certainly a top-three receiver. But, Oakland hasn’t been the best team lately. Can he put his ego and off-field issues aside for the sake of winning? That has yet to be seen in Oakland. Brown, along with the previously ranked Odell Beckham Jr., are the only receivers in our top-20 rankings that will be wearing new colors this season. For Beckham, he’s joining a better situation in the Browns as compared to the below-average Giants. Brown, however, left a team that found themselves contending in the AFC for most of the years he had been on the team.
Antonio Brown hasn’t gotten the quality time he needs with his new team this preseason. But, as past years have proven, he always comes through when it counts. Is another 1,200+ yard season on the horizon for him? Yes. Will he suppress his ego for the sake of Raider wins? Maybe. Can he be the piece the Raiders need to get to the point where he is an AFC contender? We’ll have to wait and see.
#1: DeAndre Hopkins
2018-19 season stats: 115 receptions, 1,572 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Heading into the 2019-20 NFL season, the best wide receiver in the NFL is DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins isn’t the physically-gifted player that appeals to fans rather quickly. At 6’1″ and 214 lbs, Hopkins isn’t as fast as Tyreek Hill. Last season, he didn’t snag as many touchdowns as Antonio Brown or even rack up as many receiving yards as Julio Jones. But, it’s evident, based on his play last year, that Hopkins can catch any ball thrown to him.
In regards to his route-running ability, he’s as slick and crafty as any receiver on the list. To add to that, a rather underrated part of Hopkins’ game is his elite body control. His composure and ability to keep his body in a certain position even when the ball is thrown in the wrong direction is something that’s better seen than explained.
Since his rookie year, DeAndre Hopkins has had a multitude of below-average quarterbacks. That list includes Brock Osweiler, Tom Savage, Brandon Weeden, T.J. Yates, Matt Schaub, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, Case Keenum, and Taylor Heinicke. The one name that wasn’t said, the best quarterback Hopkins has had in his career, is Deshaun Watson. But, the point is that Hopkins has found a way through a bad rotation of quarterbacks. Despite the lack of talent at the position, Hopkins still has notched 1,200+ yards in four of his six seasons.
“Nuk” didn’t have the most receiving touchdowns or targets this past season. However, he’s tied for the most in both categories since the 2017-18 season.
Hopkins finished the 2018 season with the fewest dropped passes in the NFL – zero. He didn’t drop a single pass no matter how terrible of a throw it was on Watson’s part. Hopkins has distinguished himself as not only the most reliable receiver but the best one. He has a high chance to finish 2019 with career-high numbers. To heighten those chances, the Texans will need to give him a chance to operate. That means moving away from leading the league in the most sacks allowed over the past two years.
DeAndre Hopkins is the best receiver in all of football. This season, he’ll continue to stake his claim. It’s not Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, or Odell Beckham Jr. It’s DeAndre Hopkins.
Final Rankings
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Antonio Brown
- Julio Jones
- Michael Thomas
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Tyreek Hill
- Devante Adams
- Adam Thielen
- T.Y. Hilton
- Mike Evans
- Keenan Allen
- A.J Green
- Juju Smith-Schuster
- Stefon Diggs
- Brandin Cooks
- Amari Cooper
- Jarvis Landry
- Robert Woods
- Julian Edelman
- Tyler Boyd
Wrapping it Up
As you can see, we took a different approach to our player rankings this time. Instead of constantly going on and on about each player’s skill-set, as we did in the RB rankings, we’re shifting the talk to the upcoming season. Each player is going into a different situation headed into the new season.
We look to highlight each player’s specific situation for 2019, give a season outlook, and provide analysis as to how the past impacts their current rankings. For each player, there’s an opportunity to grow and move up in these ranking based on season performance. Some players will continue to grow and flourish while some should see a drop in production.
Who was ranked too high or too low? Let me know.