With the Draft Combine now behind us, the NFL is buzzing with the promise of fresh talent—rising stars Travis Hunter, Tetairoa, Golden Boy, and more are ready to take center stage. As these newcomers prepare to make their mark, I couldn’t help but look back at the players who shaped up this past NFL season. So—here goes, MY personal top 10 picks for NFL wide receivers.
Let’s dive in—starting with the lowest spot :
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
C/O to YahooSports.com
It's tough knowing just where to put this kid. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 23-year-old sophomore phenom has proven to be just as deadly a WR as anyone in the West. In 17 games, he hauled in 100 receptions—tying Tyler Lockett’s single-season franchise record—and racked up 1,130 yards at an average of 11.3 yards per catch, along with 6 touchdowns. With DK Metcalf requesting a trade, the Seahawks will lean heavily on Smith-Njigba to step up as their leading receiver and help drive the team back into playoff contention.
Nico Collins
Nico Collins led the NFL with 567 receiving yards before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Bills. Despite the setback, he ended the season on a high note, posting a career-high 195 yards and a touchdown in Week 18. Thanks to his unique blend of size and speed, Collins thrives as a deep-threat target, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top receivers—particularly when teamed up with quarterback C.J. Stroud in Houston.
Malik Nabers
This was a no brainer for me. Selected sixth overall last summer, Nabers wasted no time making his mark as a rookie. He became the first player in NFL history to record at least 20 receptions and three touchdown catches within his first three career games, and at 21 years and 56 days old, he surpassed Mike Evans as the youngest wide receiver EVER notch two touchdown receptions in a single contest. Later in the season, Nabers broke Odell Beckham Jr.’s rookie record of 91 receptions, and by Week 18, he passed Steve Smith’s 2009 franchise-best 107 catches. Finishing the season with 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and 7 touchdowns, Nabers earned a well-deserved spot in the Pro Bowl, solidifying his status as one of the league’s brightest emerging stars. It's scary just thinking about how good he'll be.
Mike Evans
Coming in hot at number seven is Tampa Bay’s finest, six-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Champion Mike Evans. Paired with quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers' offense has the potential to be great. Evans made history in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens by hauling in his 100th career receiving touchdown, becoming only the eleventh player in NFL history to reach the mark. Over the past decade, he’s steadily climbed the all-time leaderboards, tying Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in league history, and putting himself on track for a top-10 finish in career touchdowns and receiving yards—of all time. It’s been a thrill to witness his evolution from a promising rookie to a bona fide superstar, making a strong case for himself as the greatest Buccaneer in franchise history.
Puka Nacua
Following a historic rookie season, Nacua’s sophomore campaign was derailed by multiple injuries—from a bursac sac issue to a PCL sprain. Still, in the 11 games he did play, he managed 79 receptions for 990 yards and 3 touchdowns. Last winter, he accomplished an unthinkable feat—162 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, and one rushing touchdown in a 44–42 victory over the Buffalo Bills, making him the first player in Rams franchise history to do this in a single game. Although the Rams’ season ended in disappointment and Nacua didn’t take home any individual awards, there’s no doubt that when healthy, he’s among the league’s most dangerous receivers—fully capable of holding down a Top 10 spot.
CeeDee Lamb
You knew this was coming—CeeDee Lamb has been one of the league’s most consistent threats since his rookie season. This season, he logged 101 receptions for 1,394 yards, maintaining the high level of production with an exceedingly increasing usage rate. Despite playing on a struggling Cowboys team, Lamb remains a cornerstone of the franchise, signing off on a four-year, $136 million extension in August. The only question now is whether Dallas can surround him with the talent needed for a deep postseason run—should Prescott walk—and only time will tell.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
C/O to nfl.com
No one could have seeing the Lions picking someone like this up in the fourth round. After a record-breaking rookie year where St. Brown set the Lions’ all-time rookie receiving yards mark, some wondered if his production would wane. The results say otherwise: This past NFL season, he notched 115 receptions for 1,283 yards and 12 touchdowns, propelling Detroit to a 15-2 record alongside quarterback Jared Goff. On December 15th, St. Brown posted a career-high 193 receiving yards against Buffalo, tying the franchise record with 14 receptions in a single game. Clearly the focal point of the Lions’ passing, he remains one of the league’s rising stars, and I'm excited to see what he accomplishes next season.
Closing in on the top 3...
AJ Brown
C/O to bleedinggreenation.com
It seems the NFL needs an "AB" at all times, and thankfully this one comes without the drama. While his 2024 numbers may not mirror last season’s totals, his impact remains undeniable. Injuries had kept the man out of the Pro Bowl, Brown showed up when it mattered most. In this year's Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown snagged three catches for 43 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown, en route to a 40–22 Eagles victory and his first championship ring. Since 2019, he has led all receivers with a 15.7 yards-per-catch average (minimum 300 receptions), underscoring his dynamic, and intense physical style. A true “glue guy,” Brown’s consistency and explosiveness make him the kind of weapon every championship-caliber team needs.
Ja'Marr Chase
This was a tough one. Coming in at number two is none other than Ja'Marr Chase, and I don't fault ANYONE who ranks him at the very top. A four-time Pro Bowler, he made history as the first player ever to notch multiple games of 250-plus receiving yards and two-plus touchdowns. This season, he earned himself the triple crown by leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and the most receiving touchdowns—becoming just the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to achieve that feat. With a First-Team All-Pro selection under his belt, Chase shows no signs of slowing down. Chase turned the Bengals into must see T.V.—built like a running back, he breaks tackles with ease and consistently tacks on extra yards after the catch. His body control makes him a truly special talent and if he stays healthy, there’s little doubt he’ll be enshrined in Canton someday, and I can't wait to see it unfold.
And coming it at number one is...you guessed it :
1. Justin Jefferson
Need I say more? Coming in at number one is Justin Jefferson, and I’ll admit, I’m a little biased. I’ve watched him transform a once 7–9 Vikings team into a contender, seemingly overnight. This season alone, Jefferson tied Lance Alworth as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 6,000 career receiving yards—doing so in just 62 games—and became only the fourth receiver in league history to notch 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons. He capped it off with yet another First-Team All-Pro nod. A true triple-level threat, Jefferson consistently cuts through defenses on short, intermediate, and deep routes, and his consistency and playmaking ability have been nothing short of dazzling. If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if he becomes the face of the NFL in the years to come.
And there you have it folks——my Top 10...for now. But hey, it isn't simply my way or the highway—how does it stack up with YOUR list? What would you change? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time 🏁
JP