There is no question that the NFL has shifted to more of a spread offense, in which the passing game and quarterbacks throw the ball all over the field. Gone are the days of tough hard-nosed football in the trenches.
Sure, we still do have that. But you can’t deny that the offensive schemes have gravitated towards the shotgun, five-wide, wildcat formations etc..
So it only seems logical that the wide receiver is becoming one of the most important players on the field. A team that has a dynamic playmaker on the outside will have an advantage every time the ball is snapped.
So who are the best wide receivers coming into the 2012 NFL Season? We list our top-five here for you. What are your thoughts?
No.1 – Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson is a rare mixture of great size, speed, agility, and hands. He is the total package when it comes to a wide receiver. Simply put, if you as an NFL coach could draw up a wide receiver for your team, he would look a lot like Calvin Johnson. And it has shown on the field. Johnson had over 1,600 yards receiving last season in Detroit, helping the Lions reach the playoffs. Johnson requires at least a double-team on the outside. And even when there are three players on him, Matthew Stafford has the confidence to throw the ball up and have Johnson make a play. That must be nice.
No.2 – Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Like Johnson, Fitzgerald also has tremendous play making abilities to go along with his size and speed. Fitzgerald might have the best hands of any receiver in the league actually. But Johnson gets the edge in playmaking, and the ability to go up top and haul in a reception that no one else in the league could, Fitzgerald included. That being said however, fitzgerald is definitely in the elite receiver category with Johnson. Now, if he could only have a quarterback as talented as Matthew Stafford in Arizona.
No.3 – Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Andre Johnson is the third member of this elite three in the NFL with Calvin Johnson, and Larry Fitzgerald. Johnson is another big wide receiver, who can break tackles and run around secondaries. Johnson is a nightmare for opposing secondaries, and will play a big part in the Texans 2012 NFL season if he stays healthy.
No.4 – A.J Green, Cincinnati Bengals
We know Green is only going into his second season, but his rookie year was enough to put him up into the category of an elite receiver in the NFL. He proved worthy of the No.4 overall selection in 2011. Green is a huge asset to fellow second year quarterback Andy Dalton. It seems that everything thrown his way is hauled in. That is the best trait in a wide receiver. Green is tall at 6’4, and has breakaway speed.
No.5 – Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
Nicks is known for having the biggest hands for a receiver in football. So it certainly helps that his job is catching the ball. While Nicks is not typically associated with the likes of being a top-five receiver, we think he should be. He, along with Victor Cruz, formed arguably the best receiving tandem in the NFL. Eli Manning has two fantastic targets to throw to. Nicks can catch anything thrown to him, and is proving why he is among the elite receivers with each season.