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Matt Bowen By Matt Bowen
Posted November 14, 2008
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The Friday List

It is time for another edition of The Friday List here at The National Football Post. Since we have already covered quarterbacks and running backs in recent weeks, I think it is time to focus on some stand out wide receivers in the NFL. And, as always, your opinion is welcome…

 

TOP TEN WRs

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona: 57-788-6TDs

Fitz is having another monster season out in the desert, and seems to get better with each week. There isn’t a corner in the league that can match up with him in terms of size, speed, and strength. He is the best WR there is right now.

2. Andre Johnson, Houston: 67-900-3TDs

If AJ had more touchdowns he might be in the number one spot, but you can’t help but notice his ability to get his hands on the football—whenever it is thrown his way. He doesn’t get the pub he deserves down in Houston.

3. Randy Moss, New England: 46-615-5TDs

Moss is still the most feared offensive player in the NFL. He isn’t going to put up the numbers like he did last season, but no one ever will. He is the only player on the list that can alter a defensive game plan.

4. Brandon Marshall, Denver: 57-714-4TDs

Marshall’s production has dropped since he opened up the season on fire, but he is still in the mold of a Fitzgerald—big and strong.  A tough match-up and a quarterback in Jay Cutler who loves to get him the ball.

5.Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis: 49-700-5TDs

As long as Peyton Manning is playing QB, Wayne will be on the list. It is pretty safe to say that he has taken over the role of the #1 guy in Indy from Marvin Harrison—and should be there for a long time.

6. Steve Smith, Carolina: 34-662-4TDs

We take Smith for granted because he plays on a team that lives and dies with running the football on offense—but he is still a game breaker. I would want this guy on my team, plus he is the most physical guy on the list (along with Boldin).

7. Anquan Boldin, Arizona: 49-606-10TDs

Imagine Adrian Peterson playing WR, and you have Boldin. He is the most dangerous receiver on the list after the catch, evidence of his 10 touchdowns and ability to break tackles.

8. Calvin Johnson, Detroit: 39-774-6TDs

If only this guy played on a winning football team with a stable QB situation. CJ averages almost 20-yards every time he gets his hands on the ball, and could be the next big deep threat in the NFL after Moss leaves.

9. Greg Jennings, Green Bay: 43-801-4TDs

Another big play guy in Jennings. Almost 19 yards a catch when Jennings hooks up with Aaron Rodgers.  What Boldin brings in physical nature after the catch, Jennings brings in the ability to make guys miss.

10a. Roddy White, Atlanta: 53-801-6TDs

Roddy is the next big thing at wide receiver. He is a big play guy who has built a nice relationship with rookie QB Matt Ryan. I can see White making plays for a long time down in the ATL.

10b. Wes Welker, New England: 72-718-1TD

Some Pats fans might think Welker should be higher, but he only averages 10 yards a catch and has only reached the end zone once. However, he does move the chains, and plays hard—every play.

Also Receiving Votes: Lee Evans, Santana Moss, Eddie Royal, Bernard Berrian, Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, Antonio Bryant, TJ Who’s Your Mamma, Vincent Jackson, Willie Gault

Fantasy Draft Guide

Remarks

30 comments for “The Friday List”

  1. Butch Coleman
    November 14, 2008
    3:44 pm

    Great List, but Welker has no business being on this list. He is a solid slot receiver at best.

  2. Wade
    November 14, 2008
    3:50 pm

    Not even an honorable mention for Colston?! Hmmm… who was doing the voting here? Dwayne Bowe is another notable absence and may finally be able to put up some big stats with the emergence of Thigpen at QB.

  3. R. Grange
    November 14, 2008
    3:55 pm

    Willie Gault…only if Vince Evans is @ QB

  4. Romo4MVP
    November 14, 2008
    4:04 pm

    No T.O.? He is the most dominant player at the position.

  5. Shannon
    November 14, 2008
    4:08 pm

    I agree with Butch. Welker is way over rated. All he does it catch the ball behind the line and run back and forth for forty yards to gain two. And what is with the slide into home plate?

    Hines Ward also deserves a few votes. Dude is a team player and doesn’t take plays off or drop the ball (TO Moss).

    Wayne is also better than Moss or Marshall. Every week he pulls in some circus catch and is the only offense the Colts have, while being double teamed. When is the last time he had a bad game, right, never.

  6. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    4:15 pm

    Shannon- This was the toughest list to make thus far, as I couldn’t quite fit all the guys I wanted to. Receivers are hard to do becasue there are so many out there, sometimes multiple guys on one team, but you bring up a good argument.

  7. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    4:15 pm

    Red Grange– Only if Jimmy Mac is the quarterback

  8. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    4:16 pm

    Wade- Probably another guy that should have been on the list, but it is the end of the week guy…

  9. Romo4MVP
    November 14, 2008
    4:16 pm

    Colston? Guy is nothing without Brees.

  10. RedSox Nation
    November 14, 2008
    4:17 pm

    Its hard to argue against Welker- as he does lead the league with 73 grabs.

  11. Shannon Sorensen
    November 14, 2008
    4:37 pm

    This was the toughest list to make thus far, as I couldn’t quite fit all the guys I wanted to. Receivers are hard to do becasue there are so many out there, sometimes multiple guys on one team, but you bring up a good argument.

    Matt - that is it? I have better discussions with my toddler. How about playing a little defense? ;-)

  12. Wade
    November 14, 2008
    4:44 pm

    How can you say that Colston “is nothing without Brees” when he hasn’t played with any other NFL quarterback? Colston racked up 168 receptions and 19 TDs in his first two NFL seasons prior to his injury woes this year. Not exactly chopped liver there. By contrast, the highest-ranked Saint for receiving yardage this year is Devery Henderson, way down at 30th in the NFL. To the contrary, I’d say that Colston is a dominating target when he is in the lineup.

  13. Fred
    November 14, 2008
    4:45 pm

    As a biased Pats fan who sometimes says “Throw it to Jesus” when he sees Welker open, I think what makes Welker special is his ability to block like he was Jonathen Ogden (just a slight exageration there).

  14. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    5:02 pm

    Long day Shannon, long day… was giving you the benefit of the doubt today.

  15. R. Grange
    November 14, 2008
    5:02 pm

    Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    4:15 pm
    Red Grange– Only if Jimmy Mac is the quarterback

    Agreed…but only if you are covering him

  16. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    5:15 pm

    Probably guy, probably…. I couldn’t cover anyone, as you like to point out.

  17. R. Grange
    November 14, 2008
    5:21 pm

    Just giving you some grief on a Friday, Matt…Besides with those 4 int’s you had to have been able to cover SOMEBODY…

  18. Mark DeLeo
    November 14, 2008
    5:30 pm

    How can you not include D Hester on this list?

  19. The Linc
    November 14, 2008
    6:08 pm

    Not even an honorable mention for Plaxico Burress. Interesting. I can’t stand the guy but he is a major threat and a tough matchup.

  20. b roo
    November 14, 2008
    6:45 pm

    The list isn’t bad but Colston and TO have to be top 10 unless we ignore this year’s stats; in which case, Moss would be excluded, too.

  21. b roo
    November 14, 2008
    7:33 pm

    The concussion article was excellent, I was a little taken aback since it was so personal and therefore different than your normal writing style. Reading your prose; although I’m not a doctor, you probably have more brain cells working than the rest of us. I was knocked out three times in high school football but realize that can’t compare to pros. As a Cowboys fan I was sad to see Aikman go down but certainly couldn’t blaim him for retiring when he did.

  22. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    8:13 pm

    Red- Those were overthrows, except the one I got off Tom Brady…The same ball that my kids now spit up on and play with.

  23. Matt Bowen
    November 14, 2008
    8:13 pm

    B Roo- Appreciate the comments from a loyal reader of the NFP.

  24. CK
    November 14, 2008
    10:59 pm

    I think Fitz has the best hands I have seen in a long long time. The guy is just amazing. And the body control. Whew. Boldin is one tough hombre. They are definitely the best pair in the league.
    Moss hasn’t done much honestly since late last year and through the playoffs. This year he isn’t even fighting for the ball like he did last year. Welker deserves props because he is a very good all around receiver plus he contributes in the kicking game on punt returns. His skills are his quickness and elusiveness. He leads (or led before last night) the NFL in YAC. I love to watch him.

  25. CK
    November 14, 2008
    11:01 pm

    By the way Matt, congrats on your INT of Matt Cassel’s backup. ;)

  26. Matt Bowen
    November 15, 2008
    9:34 am

    CK- I hear you guy

  27. Jason
    November 15, 2008
    1:30 pm

    Someone voted for Roy Williams and Bernard Berrien? Those guys are mediocre, at best.

  28. dwhorton
    November 15, 2008
    8:31 pm

    wow welker is 1st in yac easily 100 yds over boldin,and 7th in catches for a 1st down.

  29. dwhorton
    November 15, 2008
    8:32 pm

    woops boldin has played in 3 less games

  30. WC
    November 15, 2008
    9:27 pm

    It’s too tough of a task to get right, because there are so many guys that do so many different things well.

    Group 1a) Fitz, Moss, and Calvin Johnson are in a class of their own with legendary ability and production. CJ’s on pace for 1375 and 11 on an awful team with a turnstile at center, so I feel fine putting him in this group given our expectations.

    Group 2a) White, Colston, AJ, Wayne, and Marshall are dominant, consistent producers who don’t have the game-breaking ability the dudes above have.

    Group 2b) Boldin, Smith, and Welker do very unique things at the position and are invaluable in certain situations.

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