WRs

Top 10 First and Second Year Receivers

Playing receiver in the NFL can be really tough. A receiver can have a tremendous amount of speed, but if he cannot catch the ball he will not last too long in the league. A receiver can have the ability to catch the ball, but if he cannot score or pick up extra yardage he will not last long. The days of receivers like Joe Jurevicius are long gone. Size and speed are only part of the equation, as the NFL is in high demand for game changing pass catchers. This position can be really tough to play and it used to take three years for a young receiver to be ready to play. Now, these receivers come into the league ready to take flight. Here's a look at the top first and second year receivers.

 

Honorable Mentions: Tavon Austin, Kenny Stills, Rod Streater

 

10. Terrance Williams

 

  

Terrance Williams benefited from an injured Miles Austin as he racked up five touchdowns on big plays. Now that Austin is back, the Cowboys seem to have forgotten about the big-play ability of Williams. He is a perfect complimentary receiver to Dez Bryant as he has recorded 531 yards with five touchdowns. Being surrounded by veterans like Austin, Bryant, Tony Romo and Jason Witten will help him polish his game as he progresses.

9. Reuben Randle

 

Reuben Randle is dynamic when Eli Manning has time to throw the ball. He is usually the third or fourth option in a New York offense that consists of Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and even Brandon Myers. Randle lacks consistency as he has games where he eclipses 100 yards and others where he disappears like Houdini. He does lead the Giants with six touchdowns.

8. Deandre Hopkins

 

Deandre Hopkins was exactly what the Houston Texans could ask for in a receiver playing opposite of Andre Johnson. Despite the disappointing play of the team, Hopkins has had games where he has been extremely difficult to cover. He is extremely fluid in running his routes, which makes it easy for him to catch passes. Not to mention, he can take a crossing route for 20-30 yards. So far he has 41 catches for 631 yards and two touchdowns.

7. Kendall Wright 

 

Kendall Wright was known as a deep-threat coming out of Baylor in 2012. However, in Tennessee, Wright has been Mr. Reliable, as he always seems to come up with a huge catch for a first down. Wright catches a lot of underneath routes and keeps the chains moving, but he has the ability to sneak behind the secondary with his deceptive speed. He leads the Titans passing attack with 71 catches for 840 yards and two touchdowns.

6. T.Y. Hilton

 

T.Y. Hilton came on strong during his rookie year in 2012. Hilton has not missed a beat in 2013 with 791 yards and five touchdowns. He has games where he can just light a defense up. Then, he has games where he leaves you waiting for him to show up and make a big play. He is clearly the number one target for Andrew Luck in the Colts offense as Reggie Wayne is done for the year. Nine times out of ten the Colts will win their games based on the production of Hilton. 

5. Michael Floyd

 

Michael Floyd, like Hopkins, excels as a receiver because of Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is the primary focus of defenses, as he should be, while Floyd is able to roam free in the secondary. At times, Floyd has been the receiver to keep the Arizona Cardinals offense moving. Floyd leads the Cardinals with 860 yards, 54 catches, and four touchdowns. A lot of people had Floyd graded higher than the next receiver on this list coming out of college, but Floyd has been able to produce. 

4. Justin Blackmon

Justin Blackmon is easily the top receiver on this list if he avoids using drugs. Since coming out of Oklahoma State, Blackmon has had numerous off the field incidents. Some people in Jacksonville question his work ethic as well. When on the field, he is a mercurial threat as he can easily catch the ball for 100 yards. He had a 200-yard performance early in the year as he carved up Denver. Then, he was suspended for breaking the substance abuse policy AGAIN. Blackmon's days in Jacksonville may be numbered as a new regime took the office during the offseason. One more off the field incident and he may not be a Jaguar anymore.

3. Keenan Allen 

 

In hindsight, it is easy to say Keenan Allen has been the steal of the 2013 draft. The Chargers drafted him and could not be happier. It is still early, but Allen is probably making some general managers around the league scratch their head's because they missed this guy. Allen has posted 843 yards on 58 catches with three touchdowns. He has often been compared to Anquan Boldin because of his lack of speed, route running ability, and exceptional hands. Allen has a certain swagger about himself, as he loves playing against corners that press him at the line of scrimmage. He will also let a defensive back know how he feels after he catches a pass on them. If Allen can keep his superb play up, he should receive rookie of the year and a trip to Honolulu for the Pro Bowl.

2. Alshon Jeffery

 

 

 

 

Guess who has the most yards at receiver for the Chicago Bears. I will give you a hint: It's not Brandon Marshall. Alshon Jeffery leads the Bears with 1,109 yards, five touchdowns, and a staggering 15.8 yards per catch average. It took him a year to get situated in Chicago, but in his second year he has shown the ability to be the primary receiver. How can anyone stick this guy? He is 6'3 and has speed for his size. It probably does not hurt to get to practice against two of the best corners in the league in Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman.
 

1. Josh Gordon 

 

To a certain extent Jeffery and Josh Gordon are interchangeable in regards to the top spot on this list. Gordon has produced 1,249 yards, seven touchdowns, and 19.2 yards per catch. You can even argue Gordon has had more success than Jeffery with less than stellar quarterbacks. You can even say Gordon has been more productive with virtually no one else around him on offense that can deflect some attention from him. This is why Gordon is on the top of the list because he is the Browns offense. If Cleveland did not have him, they would be better off starting guys from defense on offense.