We're getting down to the nitty-gritty in NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2015," with the countdown revealing Nos. 20 to 11 on Wednesday night. Here's a spoiler alert: When it comes to the top 20 players on the entire list, wide receiver is the most well-represented position of all.
Yes, it's a golden age for wideouts in today's pass-happy NFL. This leads us to a simple question: Who is the best receiver in the NFL heading into the 2015 campaign?
From a statistical standpoint, Bryant's dominance is reflected by the 56 touchdown receptions in his five-year career, including 41 over the past three seasons. Considering the fact that he has also posted three straight 1,000-yard campaigns during that span, Bryant has been the anchor of a Cowboys offense that routinely makes fireworks.
Given Dez's impact and production leading up to 2015, I can't imagine a better WR to build around going forward.
The other thing that's worth mentioning about Brown -- besides his 129 catches and 1,698 receiving yards (both league highs in 2014) -- is the fact he can still take a punt to the house for ya. There is no overrating the kind of value he brings to the
Pittsburgh Steelers.
Johnson is still at an age (29) where he can be a top receiver. When healthy, he still will force double-coverage because of his size and wingspan (which help on the deep ball and in the red zone), as well as his exceptional hands.
I still think
Calvin Johnson can bounce back and crack that list in 2015, but at the moment, I see the aforementioned four guys as the leading contenders for top-dog status.