Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings (2013)

By: Matt Harmon
July 26, 2013

1)    Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
  • Just like Adrian Peterson with the running backs, this ranking should have a very unquestionable feel to it. Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s long-standing receiving yardage record last season, but came up with just five touchdowns. Do not expect that to happen again as he was tackled inside the five yard line about seven times. Johnson is an otherworldly talent who, at his career’s end, could be considered the best who ever played. 

2)    Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
  • You almost have to throw away last year for Larry Fitzgerald, as he has to deal with some of the worst quarterbacking we have seen in awhile. Seriously, after Kolb went down, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley took turns failing to get Fitzgerald the ball. This year Carson Palmer, while a shell of himself, will probably help Fitzgerald’s numbers return to form. He is easily the second best receiver in the league to me. 

3)    AJ Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
  • Yes in only two years this guy has ascended to the upper echelon of his position. Green is a very special talent who excels at every aspect of the wide receiver position. He is a great route runner and also extremely adept at going deep and snagging the ball at its highest point. Green is a transcendent talent who gets it done without a superstar quarterback. Imagine what if he could do if he was paired with an elite quarterback. 

4)    Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
  • Johnson has slipped just a tiny bit. His scoring rate has fallen, and he is beginning to age. However, I do wonder if his fall is due to the fact that the Texans have failed to given him an adequate receiving compliment…until now. The drafting of DeAndre Hopkins could really assist Johnson as he was considered the most pro ready receiver in this past year’s drafts. The 2013 season should be a very telling one for Johnson.

5)    Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
  • Jones is a physical animal who is just getting started. At 6’3 220 pounds Jones can out-physical most defensive backs, and is fast enough to outrun them as well. Jones has been consistently ascending as a player since entering the league and I expect that ascent to continue this season. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will be an elite tandem for years to come.

6)    Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears
  • Marshall is back to elite status now that he is reunited with Jay Cutler in Chicago. Statistically, Marshall is a monster. He snags over 100 catches, over 1,400 yards and double-digit touchdowns like its second nature. He was the focal point of the Bears’ passing game last year, and he shall remain so, however this year he will have some assistance. Continue to expect some of the elite stats we are used to from Marshall. 

7)    Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys
  • Dez Bryant showed us all what he is capable of last season. From Week 10, he caught 50 passes for 879 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final eight games. Dez tore apart almost every single defense he faced, and at one point did so with a few broken fingers. This is just the beginning for Dez Bryant, and as long as he stays off the police plodder, and sticks around his baby sitters, he could be even closer to the top of this list.

8)    Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
  • Harvin’s move from Christian Ponder to Russell Wilson will no doubt be a positive one for the dynamic playmaker. Harvin was a favorite for the league MVP award before missing the last nine games with an ankle ailment. He is a multidimensional weapon who threatens the defense in a number of ways. His problem? Harvin is a bit of a headache. He needs to remain injury free, and check some of his antics at the door. Out in Seattle with Pete Carroll is the perfect spot to do just that.

9)    Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
  • White grabbed 92 receptions for 1,351 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and that is on par with what we are used to seeing. However, I expect White is going to start to take a back seat to the younger, more explosive Julio Jones. The good news is White’s game translates very well to that of an aging receiver. White is big, and physical which should help him if the Falcons put him in the slot more or as more of an inside the numbers perceiver. White is unquestionable still a top ten receiver.


10) Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
  • Thomas began to break out with Tim Tebow at the helm in 2011, and with Peyton Manning in the fold Thomas showed what a dynamic talent he is. He stayed healthy and was a true number one option for the Broncos last season. Blessed with incredible size and speed, Thomas has the skill set to be a dominant player in this league. As long as he keeps his health, teaming with Manning could be the exact thing that propels Thomas to elite status in this league. 



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