However, there are exceptions to this rule, and these commonly hinge on the ability of a team’s #2 WR. Jon Kitna is far from a great passer, but he has orchestrated one of the league’s best aerial attacks, largely because he has had more than one great receiver to throw to. For blue-chip QBs like Tom Brady, having a deep, legitimate group of receivers boosted very good production up to record-breaking numbers.
This list ranks those WRs who aren’t necessarily the first look in their respective passing attacks, although many could very well be that player on other teams. The players aren’t categorized as elite, solid or adequate #2 options, but rather as elite, solid and adequate receivers in general.
Elite
1. Anquan Boldin – Arizona Cardinals – Boldin battled nagging injuries throughout the 2007 campaign, but when healthy he is arguably as good if not better than teammate and fellow Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald.
2. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Cincinnati Bengals – He and teammate Chad Johnson were teammates at Oregon State. Johnson was drafted in the second round and Houshmandzadeh lasted until the seventh. However, with excellent route running, sticky hands and steady production in the red zone, he has rivaled Johnson in ability and even tied for the league lead in receptions last season.
3. Marvin Harrison – Indianapolis Colts – Manning to Harrison had become the model QB/WR duo. Now 36 years old and a veteran of two knee surgeries, Harrison has passed the torch on to Reggie Wayne. Still, as steady and reliable as it gets when healthy.
4. Wes Welker – New England Patriots – The Patriots traded Miami a 2nd round pick for Welker last off-season. It seemed like a high price to pay for a guy who had never amassed more than 700 yards in a season. Never question the Patriots; Welker proved to be the ultimate fit in New England’s offense and tied for the league lead in receptions.
Solid5. Laveranues Coles – New York Jets – Injuries hurt him last year, although 52 of his 55 receptions came in just 8 games. He has been an extremely solid performer his entire career despite never having a great QB to get him the ball.
6. Greg Jennings – Green Bay Packers – Awesome deep threat showed flashes in his rookie year, but really emerged as a playmaker his sophomore season averaging 17.4 yard per catch with 12 TDs. Complements Donald Driver perfectly.
7. Santonio Holmes – Pittsburgh Steelers – Lethal deep threat in the mold of Joey Galloway led the league with 18.1 yards per catch last year. Compares a lot to Greg Jennings.
8. Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions – Biggest WR prospect since Randy Moss failed to satisfy unrealistic expectations as a rookie, but should be a perennial Pro Bowler if he stays healthy.
9. Amani Toomer – New York Giants – Production has taken a dip since arrival of Plaxico Burress, but Toomer is a steady, clutch receiver who plays very well when it really counts.
Adequate
10. Reggie Brown – Philadelphia Eagles – All signs pointed to a breakout year in 2007 for Brown, but inconsistency, especially early on, led to a slightly down year. A healthy McNabb could lead to a belated coming out party.
11. Donte Stallworth – Cleveland Browns – Stallworth has absurd deep speed and good run-after-the-catch ability, but also has inconsistent hands and isn’t a reliable target.
12. Vincent Jackson – San Diego Chargers – Led the NFL in postseason receiving yards last year. Enormous target thrived after addition of Chris Chambers.
13. Ronald Curry – Oakland Raiders – Has been a fairly reliable target in an offense that has seen an impressive collection laughable Quarterbacks.
14. Nate Burleson – Seattle Seahawks – Has two 10 TD seasons under his belt. Both have come when there has been a legitimate threat opposite him. Last year, Bobby Engram was that guy. He will continue to start until Deion Branch returns from injury.
15. Mark Clayton – Baltimore Ravens – Clayton had a baffling demise last year when it appeared he was on the cusp of breaking out. His name is far too close to Michael Clayton’s to not worry about a similar decline.
16. Reggie Williams – Jacksonville Jaguars – Inconsistent player, but often wrongfully labeled a bust. He had 10 TDs in 2007, but probably won’t match that with the arrivals of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson.
17. Kevin Walter – Houston Texans – Houston entered last year with no proven receiver opposite Andre Johnson. Enter Kevin Walter, who doubled his career production in 2007 with 65 catches for 800 yards.
18. Patrick Crayton – Dallas Cowboys – Strong slot receiver was moved into starting lineup after Terry Glenn’s injury. Had better numbers, but was far less effective.
19. Justin Gage – Tennessee Titans – Performed CPR on his own career in first year with Titans despite questionable play at QB position.
20. David Patten – New Orleans Saints – Had a nice bounce-back year last season after two MIA years in Washington.
21. Darrell Jackson – Denver Broncos – Former Seahawk has been a good NFL WR, but he had a bad 2007 season, has brittle knees and will have to fend off Keary Colbert and Samie Parker to start opposite Brandon Marshall.
22. Arnaz Battle – San Francisco 49ers – Battle has very good hands, yet only 48.1% of passes thrown his direction ended up in his hands, a testament to the abysmal QB play in San Fran. Will battle newcomer Bryant Johnson for starting job.
23. Antwaan Randle-El – Washington Redskins – Very versatile WR is jack of all traits, but master of none, and will not be a starter for much longer with rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly waiting in the wings.
24. Drew Bennett – St. Louis Rams – Veteran wideout has great size, but catch total has declined the past four seasons and injuries rendered his first year in St. Louis a big disappointment.
25. Ike Hilliard – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Had best season since rookie year, has good hands and is a clutch third-down target. Maurice Stovall, rookie Dexter Jackson and the mystery that is Michael Clayton will battle for his job, however.
26. D.J. Hackett – Carolina Panthers – When healthy, he’s a decent starter. Was brought in to take some pressure off of Steve Smith opposite him. If he gels in offense, he’ll get a lot of single coverage.
27. Ted Ginn Jr. – Miami Dolphins – He has exceptional speed and is a great return man, but with the 11th overall pick you generally try to get someone who you think can be an elite #1 WR. Few scouts think that of Ginn. Still, he has the ability to be a gamebreaker, especially if he gets more talent around him.
28. Sidney Rice – Minnesota Vikings – Had a decent rookie season. Big receiver added some weight to become a better possession receiver.
29. Laurent Robinson – Rookie out of Illinois St. was a rare bright spot for Falcons in 2007. Falcons really are intrigued with his potential.
Fringe
30. Jeff Webb – Kansas City Chiefs – Nobody is in greater rebuilding mode than Kansas City. Webb, a former 6th round pick who started two games and caught 28 passes last season, enters training camp penciled in as the starter.31. Mark Bradley – Chicago Bears – Bradley is a former 2nd round pick with all the physical tools, but had just six receptions in 2007. Bears’ receivers are so bad that Brandon Lloyd, third round rookie Earl Bennett and even Devin Hester, a college CB, all have opportunities to be starters.
Rookies
32. James Hardy – Buffalo Bills - Enormous second round pick provides much needed size to the NFL’s smallest receiving corps. He should move Josh Reed to a slot role, where his skill set is much better suited.
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