2021 NFL Top 10 WR Rankings
This is a pre-draft view of where I expect WRs to fall in the 2021 season. This isn’t ranking them on 2020 performance but where I expect them to be in terms of yardage and TDs this coming season. I am not adding TEs into this ranking. With the Draft still to come, a lot can change. Also take into consideration, the NFL owners just voted and approved a 17th game added to the schedule.
#1. DeAndre Hopkins, Ari. “Nuke” goes nuclear in 2021. After getting a year of work in with Kyler Murray, he is more impactful in 2021 than in 2020. With the addition of AJ Green, it takes more pressure of Hopkins. 2021 prediction: 131 Rec, 1780 yds & 14 TDs
#2. Stefon Diggs, Buf. Like Hopkins, Diggs played his first season with his new team in 2020. Diggs immediate impact was felt throughout the AFC. Now with more comfort in this new system and more chemistry with Josh Allen, Diggs enjoys a healthy season. Prediction: 139 Rec, 1745 yds & 10 TDs
#3. Davante Adams, GB. Last year, Adams had a monster season even though he missed 2 games. You can’t even say this is a “rebound” after his dominance in 2020. Prediction: 138 Rec, 1695 yds & 16 TDs
#4. DK Metcalf, Sea. In just his 3rd season in the NFL, DK destroys his competition. His combo of size, speed and strength is unmatched and DBs stand no chance. When RW3 has time to air it out, this is the most potent duo in the NFL. Prediction: 105 Rec, 1570 yds & 13 TDs
#5. Justin Jefferson, Min. JJ enjoyed a lot of success as a rookie. He set rookie receiving records and continues to build on that. No “sophomore slump” for this talented WR. Prediction: 102 Rec, 1565 yds & 9 TDs
#6. Tyreek Hill, KC. Reek has often been overlooked as being a top WR in the NFL. He has breakaway speed and can lose defenders easily with his routes. Mahomes has a knack for getting him the deep ball but also on hot routes for Hill to roast DBs underneath. Prediction: 96 Rec, 1490 yds & 14 TDs
#7. Chase Claypool, Pit. “Mapletron” was brought along slowly at times in the Steelers struggling offense as a rookie in 2020. Claypool had multiple dominant games that had fans screaming for more looks. In 2021 he gets it. His 2nd season with Ben equals big things as he emerges into a #1 WR. Prediction: 99 Rec, 1410 yds & 16 Total TDs
#8. Calvin Ridley, Atl. Two hot streaks in 2020 boosted Ridley to a top 10 finish in several WR stat categories. Ridley is taking over as the #1 WR in ATL as Julio winds his career down and pushes himself less to stay healthy and on the field. They’re dynamic together. Prediction: 101 Rec, 1405 yds & 10 TDs
#9. Keenan Allen, LAC. When Allen is healthy, is easily a top 5 WR any given week. Missing time is what has knocked his season stats down. With a young, slinging & accurate QB, Allen will see a lot of targets. Prediction: 111 Rec, 1380 yds & 10 TDs
#10. CeeDee Lamb, Dal. Lamb’s rookie season was marred by injured QBs. With Dak back, healthy and PAID, Lamb will be the biggest beneficiary. Prediction: 97 Rec, 1350 yds & 8 TDs
*Honorable Mentions: T.Y. Hilton - IND, Chris Godwin - TB, Allen Robinson - Chi, Tyler Lockett - Sea, Juju Smith-Schuster - Pit, Cooper Kupp - LAR, Amari Cooper - Dal, Terry McLaurin - Was
by Ryan Samuelson
