Johnson certainly has upside and will put up a few big games this year, but there are too many concerns for me to trust him as my WR1. Gregg Rosenthal dives deep into the upcoming market to rank NFL.com's Top 101 Free Agents of 2023. Who are the best players available in this year's class? Bateman has the potential to grow into the top target in Baltimore. 2020 stats: 74 receptions on 108 targets, 925yards, 14 TDs, 12.5 yards per catch. A: NAME: TEAM: COLLEGE: Adams, Davante: Las Now they need them to develop into consistent playmakers. The question is where the Dolphins will look to buffer the passing game. 30. The improved hands and route-running helped him turn the corner to efficient target. That group included Tre Walker, who caught 79 passes for 1,161 yards. Last year, San Jose State finished fourth nationally with a pair of all-conference wide receivers helping to lead the way. 2022 projection: 900 receiving yards, five TDs. He's a stellar No. Scary as it is, Metcalf still has room to grow after falling just shy of the 1,000-yard barrier in 2021. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. NAME GP REC TRG REC YDS AVG REC YDS/G REC TD RUSH YDS ATT YPC RUSH YDS/G RUSH TD; Joe Carter: 1: 6: 114: Without Thomas, there isn't much to love about the New Orleans receiver crew, even if Harris returns on a restricted free agent tender. Back to near full healthfor Baker Mayfield's ideal passing offense, don't be shocked if Beckham can re-establishhimself among the top-tier wideouts again. Dallas is the top unit because of its top three wide receivers. 1 receiver just because he's making $18 million per year, as there are a number of other playmakers on Jacksonville's offense -- guys like Marvin Jones Jr., Zay Jones, Evan Engram, James Robinson and Travis Etienne, a first-round pick returning from injury. Wilson compiled career-highs in catches (45), yards (602) and TDs (six) in Dallas a year ago. 1 receiver who can make a much bigger impact when surrounded by complementary playmakers like David Njoku and Donovan Peoples-Jones, along with an elite ground game and uber-talented quarterback in Deshaun Watson -- though Watson's playing status for the 2022 season remains uncertain due to an ongoing league investigation surrounding 22 civil lawsuits against him. If Samuelcan stay healthy, San Francisco would have dominant duo in abetter QB situation. To develop Fields in Year 2, the new brass must add pass-catchers who help out the quarterback more than the 2021 crew. Andy Reid Names 2 Chiefs Wide Receivers Who Will Have Larger Roles In 2023. Ten former Crimson Tide standouts at the position are on NFL rosters. Chaminade-Madonna, which has sent several players to Miami the last few years, has two five-star wide receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Top WRs under contract for 2022:Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Key free agents: T.Y. While wideouts don't quite have the consistency and longevity of quarterbacks, the wise dynasty owner will pair quarterbacks with receivers instead of running backs when building the foundation of their team. Will he finally be healthy? It's the last hurrah for 33-year-olds, Reggie Wayne and Steve Smith. Jones is a solid veteran and Shenault provides shiftiness, but there is a need for a big-time playmaker. Anquan Boldin is 32 with an ADP of WR33. Where could they be headed? Assuming Russell Wilson returns and the blocking holds up, the passing game is in capable hands. Could he want out and request a trade? As he prepares for his first season His ability to get open on intermediate routes everywhere through the red zone makes him the best overall target reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers has had in his career. Davis was a late bloomer, but at 25 last season, he lived up to the potential of being the No. Meanwhile, Harry remains in Foxborough despite Bill Belichick all but begging someone to take the WR off his hands. We started off this series by looking at the extremes on the decline spectrum. Kupp should go back to delivering more in the red zone as well. Kevin Patra breaks down every team's wide receiver situation ahead of free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. The Jags also need speed throughout the offense. By most accounts, the Bucs don't plan on letting the star wideout out of the building after he played on the franchise tag in 2021. Hamler. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at Depth is undoubtedly an issue with Smith-Schuster heading toward free agency and Washington possibly finding a landing spot where he could finally break out. Because quarterbacks really begin their long plateau at 25, wideouts reach their maximum productivity later than any other position by peaking at ages 26 and 27. Author: Pete Smith. Adams led the NFL with 18 touchdown receptions in 2020, but that first-team All-Pro season wasn't an aberration for the 28-year-old four-time Pro Bowler. The only reason Wallace caught more touchdowns over that span is that he vultured a pass intended for Brown in week 9. Chiefs trade Tyreek Hill to Dolphins: Who are the biggest winners and losers? Daniel Jeremiah previewed the event on Friday, identifying some intriguing prospect-team fits. The former Giants superstar, 28, hasn't totally rocked yet in Cleveland as some durabilityissues have followed him. He finally found a keeper in Smith, who put up 916 yards on 64 catches with five TDs as a rookie. If he wiggles to free agency, Davante Adams could look good in South Beach. Smith's numbers could have been even better if Jalen Hurts connected on a few of his deep balls. The average variance from the composite is only 0.48 points from ages 24 to 32, which is the tightest overlap of any position. 2020 stats: 72 receptions on 101 targets, 840 yards, 3TDs, 11.7 yards per catch. If Samuel can stay healthy, McLaurin continues to dominate and Washington bolsters the wideout room, it could help buoy whoever is under center in 2022. Slater Green Hilton Brown Allen Spencer Snead Conley Grant Kumerow Erickson Landry Parker Agholor Watkins Hollins Cole Moore Dorsett Cooks Crowder Pringle Hollister Patrick Diggs. Kevin Patra breaks down every team's running back situation ahead of free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. Davis is in for a bigger leap in Year 3. 1 situation and emerged as the dominant go-to guy for Buffalo, getting the high volume he desired. If Higgins were on the trade block, hed arguably be the best wide receiver available. Johnson, who turned 25 in early July, is primed for a big third NFL season. Bourne proved he could be a steady force, tying for second in the NFL in yards per target (11.4). Which NFL players will garner the most interest on the open market in March? And if the PPR points increased by 299, only 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. According to Next Gen Stats, Chark ranked in the top 10 in several key metrics against press in this span, including fourth in yards per target (11.2) and tied for eighth in receiving TDs (six). I'm also higher on Victor Cruz than most analysts. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. The emergence of Osborn gives the Vikes a solid trio to build off of in new coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. 1 with his size and speed and will get that opportunity flying downfield in New York as Zach Wilson's outside go-to guy. How will they fare with new teams? Top WRs under contract for 2022: Darnell Mooney, Dazz Newsome, Key free agents: Allen Robinson (UFA), Damiere Byrd (UFA), Marquise Goodwin (UFA), Jakeem Grant (UFA). He now joins a passer he's quite familiar with in Derek Carr, as they spent two record-setting seasons together at Fresno State in 2012 and '13. 2020 stats: 83 receptions on 129 targets, 1,303yards, 10 TDs, 15.7yards per catch. Share your thoughts and chat with Austin on Twitter @AustinNFL. After cutting Odell Beckham Jr. during the season and possibly moving on from Landry, the wideout room is one Browns brass should look to overhaul this offseason. As the season approaches, the main man in Dallas is not 36-year-old Romo, but 23-year-old Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' fourth-round pick who has been the breakout star of the preseason. 2022 projection: 1,300 receiving yards, 10 TDs. Osborn, Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Hill is underrated as a route runner with great inside-outside versatility. Lockett, who turns 29 in September,has been Russell Wilson's most reliable all-around target for three seasons. He will break down film from 6 NFC East wide receivers, in order: Amari Cooper. The birds now have one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. Godwin is on track in his rehab, but Gage's presence will certainly relieve some pressure off Godwin to get back by Week 1. #3: Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers Once a wide receiver hits 30 years old, their production declines, and Adams is already 28 years old. Throughout his three-year professional career, Brown ranks top-five in both receiving grade and yards per route Receiver should be high on the priority list this offseason in Indy in both free agency and the draft. Speaking to Giants fans during a question-and-answer telephone session at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday, general manager Joe Schoen said the 29-year-old receiver recently was informed of the Top WRs under contract for 2022:A.J. Green, too, could be headed elsewhere after signing a one-year deal last offseason. Sutton took time to get back into the swing of things after returning from injury. Jeudy owns Pro Bowl talent but played just 10 games in 2021, and speedster Hamler was injured in Week 3. It would be a stunner if the Packers let him hit the market, with the franchise tag looming if a long-term deal can't be struck before the March 8 tag deadline. Diggs remains one of the NFL's premier receivers, netting his fourth consecutive 1,000-plus-yard season. Golladay, 27, made it work when Matthew Stafford wasn't healthy, but now needs a successfultransition with Daniel Jones to pick up where he left off, making the Pro Bowl in 2019. More than 300 draft hopefuls are heading to Indianapolis, looking to put on a show at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Brown, Julio Jones, Dez Fitzpatrick, Key free agents: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (ERFA), Chester Rogers (UFA). Author: Pete Smith. Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects helped themselves the most at the HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans? Brown from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles. 11). He excels in any role he's called upon to do, from stretching the field to being an extension of the rushing attack as a runner and short-area receiver. Top WRs under contract for 2022: CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Key free agents: Michael Gallup (UFA), Cedrick Wilson (UFA), Noah Brown (UFA), Malik Turner (UFA). A: NAME: TEAM: Old Dominion: Patmon, Dezmon: Cooper is a fine route-runner who can be trusted all over the field, but the limited big plays and TDs, especially when drawing a tough corner assignment, is what keeps him down here. Chark (UFA), Laquon Treadwell (UFA), Tavon Austin (UFA). Adams, 28, came back from an injury-curbed season to light it up as big-time scorer again in 2020setting a career highfor touchdowns. If Tampa doesn't pay Godwin, someone with more cap room surely will make a huge offer. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, N'Keal Harry, Key free agents: Jakobi Meyers (RFA), Gunner Olszewski (RFA). The spike for 26-year-olds who entered the NFL before the 80s is due to stellar play by Wes Chandler, Cliff Branch, James Lofton, and Dick Gordon. Raiders fans are pining for Davante Adams, and if he somehow hit free agency, it would be a dream pairing. Parker is talented, but health remains an issue for the veteran, who appeared in just 10 games last season. So, what's the next move for each quarterback? Then we'll call out a few 28-year-olds who do not belong on your fantasy team, cash in on an undervalued 26-year-old who will easily exceed expectations, and break down the reasons why one elite 31-year-old receiver is headed for a dramatic, early decline. The Vikings' WR corps is in a good spot. Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects might your favorite squad be eyeing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis? Impressive late-career seasons from Jerry Rice, Irving Fryar, Cris Carter, and Tim Brown create the resurgence at 34 and 35 for rookies from the 80s. "A lot of leadership comes with experience and age. While JuJu Smith-Schuster is the slot volume man and Chase Claypool is the heavy home-run hitter, Johnson is Pittsburgh's most complete receiver when it comes to doing everything needed outside. The 2022 NFL offseason featured several blockbuster moves, including the trade of wide receiver A.J. UPDATE: The Saints restructured Michael Thomas' contract as they continue to work to get under the salary cap, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday. The future Hall of Famer makes up for what he doesn't get in short-areatouchdowns with long-ball intimidation and execution. 3/4 in Miami -- playing alongside newly acquired Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and potentially DeVante Parker, though the Dolphins have received trade calls about the former first-rounder. NFL's Top 28 over 28: Receivers and Tight Ends - Bleacher Report 31. Most players who started in the NFL in the 2000s haven't turned 33 yet, leading to a graphical drop-off because of the small sample size. Its unlikely that Ill be drafting any San Diego receivers. 9. Thats pretty high for a receiver who has been given the dreaded snap count designation in a mediocre pass offense. They already have a fine rapport, and first-year Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels knows how to get elite receivers immediately involved (SEE: Randy Moss' 23 TDs in his first season with the Patriots back in 2007). Moss may be worth a late-round flier as the sixth receiver on your team, but there are plenty of young players that Id prefer to take a chance on. Meachem has the only top-30 finish of the pair, and that was three years ago. Quarterbacks are rock-solid well into their 30s, and running backs drop off sharply after 26. The 28 year old wide receiver appeared in 13 games in 2021 and ended with 27 receptions, 394 yards, and 1 reception. Lamb is in for a big leap in one of the league's most explosive passing attacks. The 25-year-old, whether known as "Scary Terry" or "F1 McLaurin," has elite speed and continues to develop into a trusted route runner. Adams is the biggest potential free-agent receiver. Others pitched A.J. He hasnt missed a game over the past two years and ranks 18th in points per game (PPG) among players missing fewer than nine games. However, Wayne is poised to live up to his ADP as a solid WR3 with Andrew Lucks strong preseason showings. Top WRs under contract for 2022: Calvin Ridley, Key free agents: Russell Gage (UFA), Olamide Zaccheaus (RFA), Tajae Sharpe (UFA). Robinson excels outside but like all terrific No. The Broncos have the makings of a dynamic, top-flight receiver corps if they can stay healthy. With a load of cap space, the Dolphins should be players in the free-agent market, looking to make a splash signing. And if the PPR points increased by 299, only Carter Ramsey Hutson Jacunski Kavanaugh Greene Jansante Poole Heywood Alford Cook Smyth Swiacki Fears Hirsch Lavelli Taylor Mote Nickel Pihos Mann Keane Soltau Edwards Hoffman. Whose production will fall? Hes being drafted as the third receiver in most drafts, and thats way too high for a player who has missed 11 of his teams last 20 games due to three different soft-tissue injuries. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Danny Amendola, 37 Football Player. Keeping Evans and Godwin together would boost whomever replaces Tom Brady at quarterback. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Meanwhile, Bateman surged after missing the beginning of the season. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards, Key free agents: Zay Jones (UFA), DeSean Jackson (UFA). Brown is coming off his first 1,000-yard season, but the breakthrough was mitigated by fewer explosive plays and the first three fumbles of his career. Yeesh. Hutson Aguirre Greene Liebel Kutner Pihos Fears Taylor Crisler Keane Mann Soltau Fletcher Edwards Keane O'Connor Brito Hoffman McChesney Grant Wightkin Wilson Stonesifer Hensley Stribling. 2020 stats: 90receptions on 143 targets, 1,374yards, 9 TDs, 15.3 yards per catch. There is not an abundance of true difference-makers at the tight end position in the NFL. He's been able to find success thanks to his solid route running and ability to make tough catches, snagging almost everything that comes his way. While Cooper led the Cowboys in catches (292), receiving yards (3,893) and receiving TDs (27) over the past four seasons, his 2021 production (68 catches for 865 yards and eight TDs) didn't justify his lucrative contract, leading a frustrated Jerry Jones to trade away his star receiver to Cleveland. , getting the high volume he desired a dream pairing most at 2023. 10 games in 2021 group included Tre Walker, who turned 25 early! 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