Hold on tight, football fans - before you know it, youll be using your football tickets to games that matter. As the games draw near, we want to be able to help you decide which games you must see on your favorite teams schedule. Today were going to rank the best WRs in the NFL, and this subjective ranking goes much farther than just statistics. Certain players are great because of their statistics, while others are great despite the lack of great stats. Of course, there are a few WRs who could easily crack the Top 5, so well include an Honorable Mention section as well.
1. Torry Holt
Although he does it somewhat quietly, Holt is the most consistent top-end performer at WR in the NFL. Over the past four seasons, Holt has AVERAGED 101 catches per year and has piled up at least 1,300 receiving yards in every season as a pro except for his rookie year. Holt is not big, not a sprinter and not enormously powerful. He just does everything really well and is the picture of consistency, even when circumstances around him, such as oft-injured QBs, would disrupt many others. Not to mention, his very nickname is Big Game, which should tell you all you need to know about how he performs in pressure situations.
2. Chad Johnson
Johnson is a bit of a polarizing figure with football fans, but we think that even though hes got a bit of a big mouth, his trash talk is mostly good-natured and he definitely backs it up. Johnson catches the long ball, can catch the quick outs and help move the chains, and is someone who needs to be accounted for on every snap. Hes had 90+ catches and over 1,200 yards in each of the past three seasons, and he brings an element of fun to the game as well. Not to mention, hes one of the hardest-working WRs in the league. Johnson alone is worth the price of admission, so make sure to get your hands on football tickets if hes headed your way this season.
3. Hines Ward
Ward is the ultimate do-everything WR that is an integral piece of the World Champs offense. Hes not going to wow you with huge stats, and hes not dominant in one particular aspect of the game. However, hell beat you in every way imaginable. He can get deep, he can catch the short pass and turn it into a long gain, he can run, he can throw, and if youre going to be cheating up to stop Pittsburghs running game, watch out - hes a lethal blocker. Every team would be better with a player like Hines Ward.
4. Steve Smith
Smith would be higher on the rankings, but he had to come back last year after missing almost all of 2004 with an injury. However, did he ever come back last year, with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was almost impossible to stop towards the end of the year, and almost single-handedly destroyed the Bears in the playoffs. Smith isnt big, but hes tough, extremely fast, and is lightning-quick in and out of his cuts. Hes also got Velcro hands, so anything thrown in his direction is going to be caught.
5. Terrell Owens
Owens would also be higher on the list, as he may be the most talented WR in the game. However, despite his freakish size and speed, hes a team killer. If you want proof, just take a look at what he did to the Eagles last year. If Owens just worried about playing football and forgot about his contract, hed be pressing for Jerry Rices all-time records. As it is, hes too super-talented not to crack the Top 5, and given that he usually behaves in his first year with a team, hell do great things in Dallas this season.
6. Honorable Mention
Three WRs are just outside the Top 5 for different reasons. Rod Smith is Mr. Reliable, and is as consistent as any WR in the NFL. However, hes not a game breaker, and an average-at-best QB keeps his game down a bit. Larry Fitzgerald could soon crack the Top 5, but hes still learning the position. If he stays healthy, hell be a premium WR for a long time. Donald Driver makes the most of his ability, but until theres another WR in Green Bay to help, hell never be able to take over games. Regardless, all three of these players are worth the effort of obtaining football tickets all by themselves.
