Positional Breakdown: Top 10 Wide Receivers

 Ladies and gentlemen, we have finally made it! Well, not quite. But we're almost there! The 2022 NFL season is rapidly approaching and with that, I've decided to spice things up a bit. Instead of making full-on predictions, I will be making my own list of top 10 NFL players at each position for the upcoming season. This will be based on a variety of things, including past performance, age, surrounding cast on their team, etc.

Next up, here are my top 10 wide receivers for the 2022 NFL season:

#10.

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

One of the best route runners in the NFL, Keenan Allen has been a baller ever since he was drafted by the Chargers in 2013. Allen has caught over 100 passes in 3 consecutive seasons, and has gone over 1,000 yards in 4 out of the last 5 seasons. He may be reaching the end of his prime years as he recently turned 30 in April. But he's just so good at getting open, and with a quarterback like Justin Herbert slinging passes his way, there's no reason why Allen can't continue to produce like this for a few more years.

Projected stats: 149 targets, 101 catches, 1,241 receiving yards, 8 TDs

#9.

A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Due to issues between Brown and the Titans front office during contract negotiations, he was traded from Tennessee to Philadelphia in a blockbuster move in the middle of the first round during April's NFL draft. Brown is now satisfied from a money standpoint, as he signed a four-year, $100 million deal with the Eagles shortly after the trade. Brown, 25, will now pair with DeVonta Smith to form a scary wide receiver duo for quarterback Jalen Hurts. With his explosive YAC and route running ability, I think Brown is bound to have a monster year with his new squad in 2022.

Projected stats: 130 targets, 84 catches, 1,287 receiving yards, 11 TDs

#8.

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers

Mr. Do Everything for the 49ers comes in at number 8 in my rankings. Samuel produced over 1,700 yards of total offence and scored 14 total touchdowns for the Niners in 2021. He was also named First-team All-Pro, while being the main catalyst for the 49ers, who came up just short of making their second Super Bowl appearance in 3 seasons. Deebo is fresh off of signing a three-year $73.5 million contract extension, tying him to the Bay Area for the long haul. Which means more plays like this.

Projected stats: 116 targets, 74 catches, 1,106 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs, 62 carries, 376 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs

#7. 

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If you want consistency in the NFL, Mike Evans is your guy. He's the only receiver in NFL history to record over 1,000 yards in eight consecutive seasons. And over the last two seasons with Tom Brady throwing passes his way, Evans has scored 31 touchdowns over the last two seasons (including playoffs). Evans is a touchdown monster and he's playing in a very pass happy offence with the GOAT throwing him the ball. Lock in another great 1,000 yard, 10+ touchdown season for Evans.

Projected stats: 127 targets, 81 catches, 1,105 receiving yards, 11 TDs

#6. 

Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase, going into his second season, falls just short of the top 5. But the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is already one of the best receivers and in general, playmakers in the entire league. He finished his rookie year with 81 catches, 1,455 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns, and 2nd in the league in yards per catch (18.0) while helping the Bengals reach the Super Bowl. He can beat you deep, and he can catch a pass, make you miss, and take it to the house for 80 yards on any given play. And the scary part is that he's only 22 years old and he's only going to get better.

Projected stats: 140 targets, 93 catches, 1,364 receiving yards, 10 TDs

#5. 

Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills

Diggs is coming off a second consecutive 100 catch, 1,200+ yard season with the Bills. Arguably the best route runner in the league, Diggs has gone over 1,000 yards in 4 consecutive seasons. With Josh Allen slinging passes his way, Diggs seems primed to have another monster season while helping the Bills reach their potential as one of the top contenders to win the Super Bowl.

Projected stats: 158 targets, 108 catches, 1,317 receiving yards, 9 TDs

#4. 

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

After 6 productive seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, the electric Tyreek Hill is now a Miami Dolphin. In his last year with the Chiefs, Hill put up a career high in targets (159) and receptions (111). Some are skeptical about Hill's move to Miami, as he will no longer be catching passes from Patrick Mahomes. However, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had a great training camp thus far, and their head coach Mike McDaniel is one of the most creative offensive minds in the league. Plus, Hill with his blazing speed is a such a dynamic playmaker that it doesn't seem like a change in scenery will hurt his production in 2022.

Projected stats: 163 targets, 106 catches, 1,312 receiving yards, 10 TDs

#3. 

Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams

Honestly, the top 3 was very hard to rank and I know some may disagree here. If you have Kupp as your #1 receiver in 2022, I wouldn't blame you. The guy was absolutely incredible in 2021, winning the Triple Crown (league leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns). And of course, he also won Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP. I doubt that he catches 145 passes for nearly 2,000 yards for a second consecutive season, just because that's extremely hard to do and regression is basically inevitable. But nonetheless, Kupp is a monster and poised to have another great year in 2022.

Projected stats: 178 targets, 113 catches, 1,438 receiving yards, 12 TDs

#2.

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

In my 2022-23 season award predictions article, I predicted that Jefferson will be this year's Offensive Player of the Year, so clearly that means that he's in for a monster season. If there's anyone in the league who I could see replicating what Cooper Kupp did last season, it's definitely Jefferson. The Vikings are primed to throw the ball much more now with the offensive minded Kevin O'Connell calling the shots. Jefferson is going to continue to do what he's been doing for the past two seasons, only with more aggressiveness: get open, catch the ball, and make plays. Don't be shocked when he's #1 on many rankings next year.

Projected stats: 175 targets, 120 catches, 1,705 receiving yards, 14 TDs

#1. 

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders

As a Packers fan, it's definitely weird seeing Davante Adams in a different jersey. But regardless, Adams is still top 2, and not 2. Adams tied his career high in targets (169), while catching a career high 123 passes for a career high 1,553 yards. Adams' 29 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons rank 1st in the league. Sure, he may not have Aaron Rodgers throwing to him anymore. But Derek Carr is still a good quarterback, plus, the Raiders have a better supporting cast (in terms of weapons) next to Adams with Pro Bowlers Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. He'll get targeted less, but still put up numbers as my number one wide receiver in 2022.

Projected stats: 154 targets, 107 catches, 1,295 receiving yards, 16 TDs

Honourable mentions:

DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals: Hopkins is still an elite player. But he missed seven games last year due to injuries and is now 30 years old. How much more does he have left in the tank?

Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders: McLaurin is such a great talent, unfortunately, he has below average quarterback play in Washington.

Ceedee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: Lamb is a special talent and also happens to play for one of the most infamous teams in sports. Could definitely see him making my top 10 next year.

Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints: We haven't seen Thomas play since January of 2021, but who can forget his legendary 2019 season? Let's see if he can regain his peak form with Jameis Winston throwing to him.