by Juan Leer

Created on: January 31, 2007   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

There are many different candidates when you are talking about the best wide receiver in the NFL. In a lot of ways, the NFL has become more and more of a passing league, and that means that there are more wide receivers that have been able to flash their impressive skills and show the league what they can do. This leads to a lot of stars at the wide receiver position, and a lot of different guys that can stake some claim to being the best receiver in the League.

In my opinion, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals is the guy that tops the list as the best receiver. He showed at the end of last season and into the playoffs how big of a threat he can be, and how much attention opposing defenses have to pay to him. He's a very big and physical receiver, which helps him get open, especially in the red zone. He's got exceptionally good hands and goes up to get the ball. He's got good enough speed and is a hard worker. He can use his body very well to go up and make catches, catching the ball at its highest point before the cornerback has a chance to make a play on the ball. This is why he is so good.

Another star at the position is Terrell Owens. Even has he is getting older, you still have to put him on the list. He led the NFL in drops, but he also led the NFL in TD grabs. He's extremely athletic, gets open, and can get the ball in traffic. I wouldn't want TO with his attitude on my favorite team, but he's still a top WR. When you are looking solely at athletic ability, Owens can still bring just about as well as any wide receiver in the NFL.

Andre Johnson is a guy really brokeout and became a star in 2008. Playing in relative anonymity with the Houston Texans, the numbers were too good to ignore last year. He has always had the athletic tools to dominate, and last year he finally got some consistent QB play to go along with it, which allowed him to match the elite skill with elite numbers. Many people feel the argument is only because Johnson and Fitzgerald for the best receiver in the NFL.

Finally, there is Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers. He's a small WR, but enormously productive. He's especially good when he gets the ball in space and has room to create after the catch. He was plagued by some injuries in 2006 but was still excellent when he played. He can be one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL, and is a threat to go all the way whenever he touches the ball.

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