(Player name: Ht, Wt, 2011 season stats)
Baltimore Ravens
Anquan Boldin vs. Torrey Smith
Boldin: 6' 1", 220lbs, 57 receptions, 887 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Anquan Boldin is the more physical and more experienced of the two. He has strong hands and excellent body control. However, he seems to be declining in terms of speed and raw power.
 |
Torrey Smith catches his first of three TDs
in week 3 of the 2011 season.
|
Smith: 6'0", 205lbs, 50 receptions, 841 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
Torrey Smith had many bursts throughout last season, most notably that three-touchdown performance against the Rams in week three. He plays taller than he is, but doesn't have the surest of hands. His speed is exceptional and he has a yearn for the endzone.
Conclusion
Both of these play-makers could be a number one wide receiver on a lesser team, but Smiths flash and youthfulness should propel him ahead of Boldin and could make him the Ravens go-to guy through the air for the next five seasons.
Edge: Torrey Smith
Both of these play-makers could be a number one wide receiver on a lesser team, but Smiths flash and youthfulness should propel him ahead of Boldin and could make him the Ravens go-to guy through the air for the next five seasons.
Edge: Torrey Smith
Green Bay Packers
Greg Jennings vs. Jordy Nelson
Jennings: 5'11", 198lbs, 67 receptions, 949 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Greg Jennings has unpredictable route running skills and very soft hands. While his height may be an issue at times, he finds many ways to get to the ball in time. He can be a leader and a strategist and take apart a secondary.
Nelson: 6'3", 217lbs, 68 receptions, 1,263 receiving yards, 15 receiving TDs
Jennings: 5'11", 198lbs, 67 receptions, 949 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Greg Jennings has unpredictable route running skills and very soft hands. While his height may be an issue at times, he finds many ways to get to the ball in time. He can be a leader and a strategist and take apart a secondary.
 |
Jordy Nelson hauls in a catch over Saints DB
Patrick Robinson in the 2011 season opener.
|
Nelson: 6'3", 217lbs, 68 receptions, 1,263 receiving yards, 15 receiving TDs
Jordy Nelson is incredibly strong for a wide receiver. He is surprisingly fast and unsurprisingly durable. For a few plays a game, he can be rather stiff, but his reach makes up for it most of the time.
Conclusion
This is a much more lopsided comparison statistically last season, but many scouts believe Greg Jennings will be back to full power at the start of this season after a few scary dings last year. However, I am a big fan of tall receivers(who isn't), and as great as Jennings will be, I feel Jordy Nelson could be a top five WR when the 2012 season comes to a close.
Edge: Jordy Nelson
Atlanta Falcons
Roddy White vs. Julio Jones
White: 6'0", 211lbs, 100 receptions, 1,296 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Roddy White is a terror for one on one situations downfield, as he is both physical and quick. He uses his hands extremely well, both in catching the ball and in losing coverage. He, like Torrey Smith, plays taller than he is. Using his wrestling experience, he is can be an expert after the catch.
Jones: 6'3", 220lbs, 54 receptions, 959 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Also a strong YAC player, Julio Jones has a knack for splitting defenders using his speed and decisiveness. He doesn't slow down on long plays, and is a terrific route-runner. He is very similar to his mentor who lines up across the field from him.
Conclusion
While Jones is considerably taller than White, I believe they are the most similar duo on this list of elite receivers, making this matchup the toughest to decide. They both posses the deadly combo of strength and speed, and are very good at working together to destroy a defensive gameplan. Matt Ryan is very fortunate to have not one but two #1 receivers, and could use them to make a strong championship run in 2012.
Edge: Tie
White: 6'0", 211lbs, 100 receptions, 1,296 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Roddy White is a terror for one on one situations downfield, as he is both physical and quick. He uses his hands extremely well, both in catching the ball and in losing coverage. He, like Torrey Smith, plays taller than he is. Using his wrestling experience, he is can be an expert after the catch.
Jones: 6'3", 220lbs, 54 receptions, 959 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Also a strong YAC player, Julio Jones has a knack for splitting defenders using his speed and decisiveness. He doesn't slow down on long plays, and is a terrific route-runner. He is very similar to his mentor who lines up across the field from him.
 |
Julio Jones(left) and Roddy White could be considered the
top wide receiver duo in the NFL.
|
Conclusion
While Jones is considerably taller than White, I believe they are the most similar duo on this list of elite receivers, making this matchup the toughest to decide. They both posses the deadly combo of strength and speed, and are very good at working together to destroy a defensive gameplan. Matt Ryan is very fortunate to have not one but two #1 receivers, and could use them to make a strong championship run in 2012.
Edge: Tie
New England Patriots
Wes Welker vs. Brandon Lloyd
Welker: 5'9", 185lbs, 122 receptions, 1,569 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Wes Welker is one of the smallest receivers in the NFL. While this makes his cover area less than desirable, it also makes him incredibly quick and tough to take down. He can contort his body to make plays, and has ball-magnets for hands. His title as the King of YAC was crowned on him for a reason.
Welker: 5'9", 185lbs, 122 receptions, 1,569 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
 |
Wes Welker holds many Patriots receiving records,
and is just 4 receptions away from getting the most
receptions in franchise history.
|
Lloyd: 6'0", 200lbs, 51 receptions, 683 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs
While last year was far below expectations for Brandon Lloyd, he should bounce back strong with his new pass-happy team. He excels at deep plays, something the Patriots wide receiving corps has been lacking since the departure of Randy Moss. While not the strongest player on the field, he has the potential to make spectacular catches.
Conclusion
As the previous battle was the closest, this is probably the farthest apart. Wes Welker has been and still is Tom Brady's go-to guy in New England. However, Brandon Lloyd adds the new threat of a true downfield receiver, which will just make life tougher for all defensive backs playing the Patriots this upcoming season.
Edge: Wes Welker
New York Giants
Victor Cruz vs. Hakeem Nicks
Cruz: 6'0", 204lbs, 82 receptions, 1,536 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Victor Cruz had nine catches of 40+ yards last season, 2nd only to Calvin Johnson. He is small and quick to the ball, with great hands and a very flexible torso, which makes for some very entertaining displays of body control and focus. His toughness is there, although his strength may be lacking.
Nicks: 6'1", 208lbs, 76 receptions, 1,192 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
At only one inch taller than Cruz, Hakeem Nicks plays like he is five inches taller. While his hands are above average, he uses his arms as the secret weapons. He utilizes them in a way that confuses the cover man and forces that cover man to lose focus on the ball. His vertical rivals that of Brandon Marshall. His energy and stamina are a bit slow.
Conclusion
Victor Cruz danced his way to the top of the depth chart at the end of last season and into the postseason, and it looks like it will continue that way. He is 2nd on my list of top WRs in the NFL, and shows no signs of slowing down. While these two maybe the most dangerous one-two punch on this list, Cruz is the new dominant receiver for Eli Manning and the New York Football Giants.
Edge: Victor Cruz
 |
Victor Cruz leaps past Jets DB Eric Smith on his way
to a 99 yard receiving TD, the 2nd in the 2011 NFL
season (the 1st going to Welker) and 13th ever in
NFL history.
|
Victor Cruz had nine catches of 40+ yards last season, 2nd only to Calvin Johnson. He is small and quick to the ball, with great hands and a very flexible torso, which makes for some very entertaining displays of body control and focus. His toughness is there, although his strength may be lacking.
Nicks: 6'1", 208lbs, 76 receptions, 1,192 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
At only one inch taller than Cruz, Hakeem Nicks plays like he is five inches taller. While his hands are above average, he uses his arms as the secret weapons. He utilizes them in a way that confuses the cover man and forces that cover man to lose focus on the ball. His vertical rivals that of Brandon Marshall. His energy and stamina are a bit slow.
Conclusion
Victor Cruz danced his way to the top of the depth chart at the end of last season and into the postseason, and it looks like it will continue that way. He is 2nd on my list of top WRs in the NFL, and shows no signs of slowing down. While these two maybe the most dangerous one-two punch on this list, Cruz is the new dominant receiver for Eli Manning and the New York Football Giants.
Edge: Victor Cruz
Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant vs. Miles Austin
Bryant: 6'2", 220lbs, 63 receptions, 928 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Dez Bryant has had many issues off and on the field. His lack of enthusiasm on certain plays is similar to Terrell Owens' a few years ago, although less dramatic. On plays he does attempt to make, his strength puts the outcome in his hands. He can be very fundamental when it comes to catching, something many receivers seem to lack.
Austin: 6'2", 217lbs, 43 receptions, 579 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
Miles Austin is the Cowboys' cowboy. He has a rowdy yet almost charismatic personality on the field and the sideline. He is a smooth and agile route runner, and has a natural feel for the catch. His durability can be an issue.
Conclusion
Dez Bryant seems to be the favorite to win the X receiver position for the Cowboys, even with his off the field troubles. However, Miles Austin will not go down easily, and I feel he has the better skill set and mental thoughts that will have him coming out on top.
Edge: Miles Austin
Bryant: 6'2", 220lbs, 63 receptions, 928 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Dez Bryant has had many issues off and on the field. His lack of enthusiasm on certain plays is similar to Terrell Owens' a few years ago, although less dramatic. On plays he does attempt to make, his strength puts the outcome in his hands. He can be very fundamental when it comes to catching, something many receivers seem to lack.
 |
Miles Austin dives into the endzone in the 4th quarter for his 3rd receiving
TD of the day in week 2 of the 2011 season. This brought the Cowboys
within a field goal of tying the 49ers, and they ultimately won it in overtime.
|
Miles Austin is the Cowboys' cowboy. He has a rowdy yet almost charismatic personality on the field and the sideline. He is a smooth and agile route runner, and has a natural feel for the catch. His durability can be an issue.
Conclusion
Dez Bryant seems to be the favorite to win the X receiver position for the Cowboys, even with his off the field troubles. However, Miles Austin will not go down easily, and I feel he has the better skill set and mental thoughts that will have him coming out on top.
Edge: Miles Austin
San Francisco 49ers
Michael Crabtree vs. Randy Moss
Crabtree: 6'1", 214lbs, 72 receptions, 874 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
Michael Crabtree has a solid mix of determination and raw talent that assisted him at Texas Tech and now in the NFL for the past three years. He is skilled at moving around defenders, and can show hints of a showmanship that could match up against any receiver. Considered a strong playmaker, he has the potential to lead this new receiving corps.
 |
Michael had 7 receptions for 120 yards
in the Niners week 11 win against the
Cardinals.
|
Moss: 6'4", 210lbs, N/A
Randy Moss didn't play football at all last season. Before his 'retirement', he had a fierce aggressiveness about him, and a strong downhill speed. His awareness was matched with a solid football IQ. Whether or not this is all still with him after a year off the field is a mystery.
Conclusion
Neither Michael Crabtree nor Randy Moss had an orthodox first half of their career in the NFL. Now however Crabtree is starting to be loved by his city, and this can only increase his will to push himself to the next level. How Moss will do is still tough to decipher, but one thing is for sure; he will take away coverage from the other side. As the question marks get taken off Crabtree's back, he should become the premier wide receiver for the 49ers of the future.
Edge: Michael Crabtree
Best wide receiver duo: Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks
Note: I wasn't planning on including wide receiver groups where there's an obvious number one, i.e. the Lions (Calvin Johnson), the Bears (Brandon Marshall), etc. These two in my opinion together create the best receiving duo based on how talented both of them are.
Here are many others to watch for:
Jets-Santonio Holmes vs. Stephen Hill
Jaguars-Justin Blackmon vs. Laurent Tobinson
Broncos-Eric Decker vs. Demaryius Thomas
Redskins-Pierre Garcon vs. Santana Moss
Buccaneers-Vincent Jackson vs. Mike Williams
Raiders-T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Denarius Moore
update 8/08/12: Seahawks-Terrell Owens vs. Sidney Rice
update 8/08/12: Seahawks-Terrell Owens vs. Sidney Rice
As training camp begins and the regular season gets one step closer, these matchups will surely mold many different ways. Three other teams have primary receivers in contract disputes(Steelers Mike Wallace, Chiefs Dwayne Bowe, Vikings Percy Harvin), and many are still holding tryouts for free agents.
No comments:
Post a Comment