The receiver spot in the NFL always seems to be in abundance. Many teams have two top tier receivers at their QB's disposal every season. Many receivers have the talent to be one of the best in the league, but they don't have a QB to get them the ball, or their system is more geared towards the run game.
The receiver position in the NFL is known for making insane catches, having lots of speed, and having great hands. These all are key for a receiver, and these traits, along with others were considered in making this list. These are the top five receivers coming into the 2017 NFL season.
Julio Jones
Julio Jones is one of the receivers who lets his play do the talking besides his mouth. His play says a lot, and he is arguably the best receiver in the league at this moment. Jones caught 83 passes for 1,409 yards last season. In one game alone he had himself a 300-yard performance.
Jones caught almost everything in his catch radius last season, making him a reliable target for Matt Ryan at QB. Julio averaged 100 yards per game last season and averaged 17 yards per catch. Jones is a big receiver with speed, which means he can get a good release of the line, and once he catches it, he will be a tough man to catch.
He was second in the league in receiving and now is reaping the benefits of playing the game without running his mouth as much.
Jones is coming into 2017 with a little anger, as he was on the team that gave away a 25-point lead in Super Bowl LI. Expect Jones to rip apart defenses once again this season.
He was second in the league in receiving and now is reaping the benefits of playing the game without running his mouth as much. Jones is coming into 2017 with a little anger, as he was on the team that gave away a 25-point lead in Super Bowl LI.
Expect Jones to rip apart defenses once again this season.
Antonio Brown
You can debate Brown's antics on Facebook, but you can't debate his game on the field. Antonio Brown was a reception magnet for the Steelers last season. Brown caught 106 passes last season, which means he was grabbing six receptions a game. He finished with 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Browns ability to run crisp routes compensates for his small size. His
Browns ability to run crisp routes compensates for his small size. His quickness allows him to get separation against some of the best corners in the league. Brown's hands are one of the most reliable hands in the league, and Big Ben can count on him to bring in the most difficult passes. Brown's been playing with a chip on his shoulder since he entered the league, and this year he will need to prove the doubters wrong once again.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. had a very interesting year last season. Many people criticized him for being too emotional throughout the games, as he let the emotions got the best of him a few times last year.
Even with that negativity around him, he still managed to have a great year. He caught 101 passes and had
He caught 101 passes and had ten touchdowns. He was in the top five in receiving last year, totaling 1,367 yards. Even when Beckham is guarded, he is open, and that is a great feeling for Giants QB Eli Manning. Beckham can catch anything you put in his range, making sensational one-handed catches throughout his career. He now has another receiver on the other side in Brandon Marshall, so defenses can't focus on just Odell now. With the defense having to worry about two great receivers, Beckham should be excited to touch the field in week one.
T.Y. Hilton
T.Y. Hilton wasn't discussed last season because of the Indianapolis Colts' average year.
That was unfortunate because Hilton dominated his matchups every week in the NFL. Hilton led the NFL in receiving with 1,448 yards receiving last season. He caught six touchdowns and averaged 90 yards per game. He had 28 catches for 20 yards or more, making him one of the best deep threats in the NFL.
Hiltons deceptive speed allows him to get separation from his defenders. Hilton was the top target for the Colts, catching 91 of his 156 targets. Andrew Luck is coming into a year where he needs to rely on his receivers to make plays for him. He is lucky he has Hilton, as he has climbed the ladder and is now one of the best receivers in the game.
Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks is coming into the perfect situation for him.
He went from playing with an NFL great in Drew Brees, to playing with another great in Tom Brady. Cooks was a deep bomb threat last season, catching 15 passes of 20 yards or more. One of those passes being a 98-yard touchdown. Cooks finished last year with
Cooks finished last year with 1,173 yards and 8 touchdowns. Cooks will be another weapon at Brady's disposal, and with the deep receiving core they already have, Cooks is expected to put up big numbers. Cooks blazing speed makes defensive coordinators stay up late at night trying to find a way to contain him. Cooks' situation and obvious talent make him a top receiver coming into this season.
These receivers are coming into the 2017 season with high expectations.
All of them are talented and are ready to continue their dominance over defenses in the NFL. The QBs of these receivers shouldn't have to worry about dropped passes or busted routes because these receivers are the best of the best. Cornerbacks better watch out this year.
