The NFL's best wide receivers: We asked 50 execs, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 (2024)

We all love "best-of" lists, but what if people around the NFL created their own? To preview the 2022 NFL season, we surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us stack the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from edge rusher to interior offensive lineman. This is the third edition of these rankings, and there are several players who moved up or dropped from last year's lists. Today, we focus on the wide receivers.

Here's how our process worked: Voters gave us their best 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average, hundreds of interviews, research and film-study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, more than 50 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. We had several ties, so we broke them with the help of additional voting and follow-up calls with our rankers. Each section is packed with quotes and nuggets from the voters on every guy -- even the honorable mentions.

The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2022. This is not a five-year projection or an achievement award. Who are the best players today? Pretty simple.

We rolled out a position per day over 11 days. Here's the schedule: edge rushers (July 5), defensive tackles (July 6), off-ball linebackers (July 7), cornerbacks (July 8), safeties (July 9), interior offensive linemen (July 10), quarterbacks (July 11), running backs (July 12), wide receivers (July 13), tight ends (July 14) and offensive tackles (July 15).

Condensing a loaded receiver landscape into a top-10 list is a near-impossible task. The explosion of 7-on-7 football at the youth levels has accelerated the growth of the position. From high school to college, pass-catchers enter the NFL ready to produce. Passing numbers are steadily rising in nearly every category.

Most teams have at least one impact receiver. Most NFL drafts have a dozen or more potentially elite receivers drafted in the first two rounds. Catching 100 passes is less anomaly and more an expectation for a top player. And complicating matters is the ascension of several players who either didn't make the cut last year or were too young to do so.

Let's look at some of the game's top receivers as ranked by execs, coaches, scouts and players around the NFL.

1. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4
Age: 29 | Last year's ranking: 1

Adams was the runaway winner for the second consecutive year, picking up more than two-thirds of the first-place votes.

"Still the best," an NFC exec said. "Big, athletic, runs all the routes, competitive." Added an AFC personnel evaluator: "His spatial awareness and route feel are the best. There are times, because of how good he was with Aaron [Rodgers], where you couldn't guard him."

In 2021, Adams was coming off a historic 18-touchdown season and got even more attention from defenses. Yet he still delivered career-highs in receptions (123) and yards (1,553), catching a pass on 23.3% of his routes, good for second among receivers behind Cooper Kupp.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers recorded a 88.5 Total QBR when targeting Adams last season, but the star wideout now aims to elevate Derek Carr in Las Vegas, which traded for Adams in March. A good sign for Carr: Adams produced a 6.2% catch rate over expectation last year, good enough for sixth in the NFL among receivers with 100-plus targets.

"And his run after catch is underrated," an NFL offensive coach said. "He's impossible to cover, and then you still have to tackle him." Adams' 5.1 yards after the catch per reception ranked No. 21 in the NFL in 2021. Some evaluators wonder if his production will dip slightly in Las Vegas but still expect 100 or more catches.

2. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 28 | Last year's ranking: Honorable mention

I always go back to this quote from an NFL head coach a year ago: Kupp is "teach tape." Everything he does is exactly how you would coach it.

The Rams' 2021 training camp portended Kupp's big year. During a midweek visit to the Rams' facility last summer, I watched as nearly every offensive play ended with the ball in Kupp's hands for a first down. And what came next was a season for the ages. Kupp hit the Triple Crown for receivers, leading the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdown catches (16). And he led in nearly every other receiving category, too, from catches for a first down (89) to catches of 40-plus yards (nine).

"Just a natural football player -- instincts, nuance, quickness," a high-ranking NFL official said. "Born to play the receiver position."

Kupp's 111.9 expected points added was No. 1 among receivers by a mile (per NFL Next Gen Stats), and he ranked sixth in catch percentage (75.5%), a stellar clip considering his nearly 200 targets. It's worth noting Kupp never surpassed 1,200 yards in any of his first four NFL seasons -- all coming before the arrival of quarterback Matthew Stafford in L.A. -- but injuries were part of the reason, especially early in his career.

"I love him, but if I'm drafting pure receivers to dictate coverage and handle any scheme and win matchups, other receivers offer more flexibility," an NFL offensive coach said. "He's a byproduct of that [Rams] scheme a little bit."

Conversely, an AFC scout says Kupp's physical traits are probably still underrated. "I wouldn't be surprised if some DBs felt he's the hardest guy to cover," the scout said. "Why he may go overlooked now is the same reason he went overlooked in college -- he's faster and quicker and stronger than you think."

3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 8
Age: 22 | Last year's ranking: Unranked (rookie)

Scouts who considered Chase the best all-around player in the 2021 draft are feeling validated in a big way. Chase dominated the voting outside of Adams and Kupp, receiving several No. 1 selections for his banner rookie year in which he burst onto the scene with 81 catches, 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns.

"He might be the best in a year. He's got it all," an NFL personnel official said.

Chase is a walking splash play, with his 11.5 yards per target and 13 catches for 30 or more yards each ranking second in the NFL. His 658 yards after catch ranked third, and his catch rate over expectation (6.2%) tied Adams for sixth, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

He did all of this after sitting out his final year at LSU. And considering his chemistry with Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Chase is poised to contend for the top spot next year.

"He's 210 [pounds] but moves like an 190-pounder, strong as hell, fast as hell, great instincts," the exec said. "Ja'Marr is the next great one."

4. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10
Age: 22 | Last year's ranking: Honorable mention

Jefferson was an ascending star after his 2020 rookie year. Now, he's a bona fide star after his sophom*ore year. He put together a near-perfect season, recording a stellar 90.1 Pro Football Focus rating after catching 108 of his 168 targets for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jefferson also ranked 14th in yards per catch (15.0), which is impressive considering his usage.

The Vikings didn't hide their intentions to force-feed Jefferson the ball, no matter the coverage. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the LSU product recorded 2,060 air yards, which was 45.2% of the team's total output, 3% higher than any other player in the league. And despite the presence of Adam Thielen, Jefferson also saw 28.9% of Minnesota's targets, the third-most in the NFL.

"He's not a burner, but he's got everything else," an NFL offensive coach said. "Instincts, competitive, great route-runner, can win at all levels of the field."

But even the burner conversation seems moot after Jefferson ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash before the 2020 draft and broke 11 plays for 30-plus yards in 2021. As multiple scouts and coaches said, I'll take his speed all day.

"He wants to be the best in the game, and you can feel that," an AFC coach said. "He'll get a gazillion targets in that [new Vikings] offense."

5. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 9
Age: 28 | Last year's ranking: 4

People around the league understand why the Dolphins gave up several high picks via a trade with Kansas City for the right to sign Hill to a massive four-year, $120 million deal. He changes everything an offense can do.

"I'm so glad he doesn't play for the Chiefs anymore," said an AFC personnel evaluator. "I know they will still be good, but I don't think they will be the same. You can't be. That level of speed, he's like Steph Curry in that he keeps you in every game, keeps you honest, keeps you scared."

Over his past three healthy seasons, Hill averaged 95 catches, 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns. And since 2020, he totaled 15 catches over that time in which he hit at least 20 miles per hour, more than double any other receiver (per NFL Next Gen Stats).

His splash plays were down slightly in 2021, with 13 catches of 20-plus yards and just three catches of 40-plus yards (compared to 19 and five, respectively, the previous year), and he also dropped a career-high seven passes. But Hill also upped his reception total from 87 to 111 as the Chiefs had to adjust to defenses trying to take away Hill's length-of-field explosion.

"If you can pair him with the right quarterbacks, he can be No. 1 or 2 and justify it," the evaluator said. "Very underrated route runner. People don't talk about how good he is at running routes and how good his hands are. Extremely natural and extremely strong. He's a different level. Not sure if you can do anything against him."

6. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 28 | Last year's ranking: 3

The Bills' trade for Diggs two years ago turned into one of the best moves of the past decade. In Buffalo, Diggs has transformed from fringe top-10 receiver to unquestionable star, entering last year's rankings at No. 3.

"So much of Josh Allen's rise has to do with the fact he can throw Diggs the ball," an NFL offensive coach said. "Makes life so much easier."

Diggs' numbers dipped slightly in 2021, but his 103 catches for 1,225 yards on 164 targets were all still in the top eight for WRs. (He produced 127 catches and 1,535 yards on roughly the same target share in 2020.) And he proved lethal in the end zone this past year with 10 touchdowns, his first time cracking double-digits for a season. Diggs' production earned him a four-year, $96 million extension this offseason.

"If we're talking about beating a corner, winning one-on-one coverage, I don't know if there's anybody better," a separate NFL offensive coach said. "That's his defining trait. He can break you down."

One knock on Diggs, from an AFC scout: "Can struggle a bit with high-end corners who press him at the line. Doesn't have the elite speed to leave those corners."

7. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10
Age: 30 | Last year's ranking: 2

Hopkins was on a route to potentially becoming the No. 1 receiver -- he ranked No. 2 last year -- but then missed seven games because of injury, including a sprained knee that required surgery. Then in May, Hopkins was suspended six games this season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Hopkins admitted to a November drug test that contained traced elements of a banned substance, which shocked and confused the player. So Hopkins has work to do to re-enter the top-five discussion.

"He's still a high-end guy for me because of his ability to battle and make contested catches," a veteran NFL coach said. "If the ball's in the air, I trust him to get it. Simple as that."

The production was still there in limited action, with Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray posting a 95.9 Total QBR when targeting him, including eight touchdowns to zero interceptions. But 42 catches and 572 yards -- a pace short of 1,000 yards over a 17-game format -- were career lows, and Hopkins has now failed to produce double-digit touchdowns in three straight seasons.

8. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10
Age: 28 | Last year's ranking: 7

Evans is the player who almost always gets mentioned, even if he's off a top-10 ballot -- and the response is usually "I can't believe I'm leaving him off."

After eight seasons, Evans hasn't shown signs of regression. He's the lone NFL receiver to record eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons once entering the league, and over the past two years, he has done it with a reasonably low target share (223 total targets since 2020). That's what makes his 27 touchdowns during that span so special. He's scoring on every 8.3 targets.

"As far as the high-end guys, he's one of the most underrated in football," an AFC scout said. "That's how his career has been. When he's done, he'll have so many yards and production that you'll have to put him in the Hall of Fame. He's not always respected as he should be."

Evans produced 0.54 expected points added per target last year, and Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady recorded a 92.8 Total QBR when targeting him. One knock on his game? His 508 yards after catch in 2021 was well below the top guys, ranking 37th in the league among receivers.

"You can see with some guys you can throw them a hitch or a slant or a screen, and they can take it to the house," the scout said. "That's not Evans' game."

9. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers

Highest ranking: 7 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10
Age: 26 | Last year's ranking: Unranked

Samuel's hybrid receiver/running back role complicated his voting for some evaluators.

"As a pure WR, I'm not sure where to put him," an NFL personnel director said. "As an offensive skill player, he's elite and belongs in there."

Samuel's increased workload at tailback in 2021 has been a prime topic this offseason, as Samuel requested a trade from the 49ers. The 2019 second-rounder rushed 59 times in the regular season and another 27 times in the playoffs, many of which were between the tackles. Becoming more of a full-time receiver can preserve Samuel's long-term health.

Either way, Samuel is among the game's best with the ball in his hands, averaging 10.0 yards after catch per reception, tops in the league among receivers. Nearly 30% of his catches last season gained at least 20 yards, and his 77 catches for 1,405 yards remind that he's more than capable as a pass-catcher.

Some voters say he's not a refined route-runner like others on this list. But there's one problem with that line of thinking.

"I don't think he's ever had to sit and do routes exclusively because he's always been so talented that every offense gets him the ball quickly and takes the full route tree off the table a little bit," an AFC scout said. "He's like Tyreek [Hill] in that, get him the ball, even as a handoff, and can be successful. So maybe he can't run as many routes as Keenan Allen or Justin Jefferson. But the balance is healthy because he's so good. And he can run routes and break you down. He has to be schemed up a little bit, but not to the point where he can't be a No. 1."

10. DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks

Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10
Age: 24 | Last year's ranking: 9

Metcalf narrowly won a heated tiebreaker with the Chargers' Keenan Allen for the 10th spot, a process that included at least 20 recasts. The results were fascinating because Metcalf and Allen couldn't be more different as receivers. Allen is a fantastic route runner, while the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Metcalf is an unfinished product with an incredible size/speed combo.

"More explosion, more scoring upside with him over Allen," an NFL personnel evaluator said. Added an NFL receivers coach: "He's a better route-runner than you'd think. He can bend."

Metcalf -- who is in line for a massive contract extension from Seattle -- played through several issues last year, including a nagging foot injury, erratic quarterback play and consistent double-teams from the coverage. But he still produced 12 touchdowns on 75 catches, along with 967 yards. He is not considered an elite route-runner but has improved considerably since entering the league in 2019.

As one scout pointed out, Seattle seems to give Tyler Lockett more deep-ball opportunities, which seems backward. Lockett's 14.8 air yards per target was more than two yards deeper than Metcalf's 12.6 last season. But Metcalf also gets more double-team coverage, which plays a part.

Honorable mentions

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: Allen's game hasn't changed much. He still makes cornerbacks look silly. He is still automatic for 100 catches and 1,000-plus yards every year. And he is still relatively low on splash plays (11.7 yards per catch for his career) and isn't a big scorer (six touchdowns last season, and 48 scores over nine seasons). "He gets open on his own -- that's the biggest thing with him," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "He can do many different things and win with so many routes. That's why, if you're building a team, you'd probably start with Keenan Allen above many others." Allen was Justin Herbert's primary target when he needed a first down last season, as 66 of Allen's catches moved the chains, tied with Diggs for sixth overall.

A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: To understand Brown's impact, watch the tape for last season's Tennessee-San Francisco game in Week 15. Brown threw up 145 yards on Thursday Night Football. He can take over a game. "Incredible ball skills," an AFC offensive coach said. "Put him in an offense with play-action where he can get over the top and he can win. Violent, explosive style."

Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders: Since entering the league in 2019, McLaurin has averaged 1,030 yards per season despite playing with eight different starting quarterbacks. "Very natural at the position," an AFC offensive coach said. "I wasn't high on him coming out, but I was wrong. He's really fast, polished. Not necessarily twitchy, but he wins, makes contested catches." Added an AFC scout: "I wish he had a good quarterback. So underrated."

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Godwin was dominating last season before his torn ACL, recording 98 catches for 1,103 yards over 14 games. "It's too bad he got hurt, because he was really coming into his own, with his chemistry with Brady," an NFC scout said. "I really like him. He can win at all levels."

Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints: Thomas was a fixture in the top 10 before injuries cost him 26 games over the past two years, but he's expected to be ready for the 2021 season. That he set an NFL record for receptions (149) in his most recent full season sparks optimism for the Saints' offense in 2022. But much has changed, too. "Sometimes that window of dominance is small, and I'm not sure if he'll get it back," a veteran NFC scout said. "He'll be really solid regardless, but he had that timing with Drew Brees, and now he must reinvent himself a bit."

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: Some evaluators think Lamb is on the cusp of the top 10 after 79 catches, 1,102 yards and six touchdowns in Year 2. With Amari Cooper now in Cleveland and Michael Gallup recovering from a torn ACL, Lamb will be the focal point for Dallas' offense. "He's so talented that the game comes very easily for him," an AFC scout said. "He'll be going through the motions and then suddenly he's breaking off two guys for a touchdown."

Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers: Williams had a career-year in his fifth NFL season, posting 76 catches for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. The production earned him a three-year, $60 million extension. "Size, contested catches, big plays, TD production," an NFC scouting executive said. "Perfect complement to Keenan Allen."

Also receiving votes: Adam Thielen (Minnesota Vikings), Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks), Diontae Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers), Odell Beckham Jr. (free agent), Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)