As far as salary goes, quarterbacks dominate the list of the highest-paid players in the NFL. However, beyond the quarterback position, the players who excel at pass-rushing and pass-catching also earn significant salaries. Offensive tackles rank high in terms of pay as well. It is undeniable that the passing attack holds immense value in the NFL. This is why, we here at Virlan, want to rank the best NFL wide receivers in 2023.
The elite wide receivers in the league are known for their ability to attract attention from the defense. Despite facing increased pressure, they consistently deliver exceptional results. These receivers beat press coverage, effortlessly create separation, and display outstanding catching skills even when faced with off-target passes.
Nevertheless, it is essential to note that being a top receiver is not solely determined by production. Even if the leading wide receiver in the NFL led the league in targets, receptions, and yards in the previous season, additional factors contribute to their overall performance and standing.
1. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
While many consider Justin Jefferson to be the best wide receivers in the NFL, I don’t see any signs of surrender in Adams’ career. Despite last season being his first without Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, Adams had an exceptional performance, catching 100 passes for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns. His touchdown count surpassed Jefferson’s by six. Adams also maintained an impressive average of 2.45 yards per route run. Over the past three seasons, Adams has held the top position in the NFL for PFF, receiving grade (94.5) and yards per route run (2.67), with Jefferson closely following in second place in both categories. Until someone surpasses his accomplishments, Adams remains the dominant force among wide receivers.
2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
It is uncertain to claim that Jefferson surpasses Davante Adams, but he has undoubtedly reached the same level of excellence. Since entering the league, Jefferson has consistently ranked second to Adams in various statistical categories, showcasing his remarkable productivity for the Vikings in his early career. He stands out as an exceptional route runner, excels in contested catches, and has already achieved one of the greatest catches in NFL history—an incredible one-handed snag on a fourth-and-18 play against Buffalo.
3. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
Hill stands as the most threatening receiver in the league due to his exceptional speed and immediate acceleration, making him a potential scoring threat every time he handles the ball. During his debut season in Miami, Hill achieved an astonishing 3.2 yards per route run, surpassing any other receiver by almost half a yard. Despite being a smaller receiver, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability in catching contested targets, boasting a remarkable 52.0% success rate in the last season. This is why he is among the best wide receivers in the NFL in 2023.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
In 2022, Chase couldn’t fully match the extraordinary performance of his rookie season. However, he proved that he can still be highly effective without relying solely on surprise plays, even though some of the unsustainable big plays diminished. Passes targeted towards Chase during his first two NFL seasons resulted in an impressive 112.4 passer rating for Joe Burrow, and this number even rose to 118.2 during the playoffs last season. Chase’s dominance as a receiver is evident, and it’s clear that he is only at the beginning of his promising career.
5. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has allowed Diggs to fully display his potential after being limited in terms of opportunities while playing in Minnesota’s offense before the trade. Since joining Buffalo, Diggs has received 469 targets, ranking second in the league behind Davante Adams. His impressive receiving statistics include over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and making him one of the most well-rounded and best NFL wide receivers in 2023.
6. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Despite playing in only nine games in 2022 amidst a struggling Rams offense, Kupp accumulated an impressive 95 targets and 75 catches following his exceptional single-season performance in NFL history. Kupp’s skills as an elite route runner, technician, and blocker are noteworthy, primarily lining up in the slot but proving to be a threat to defensive backs on the outside as well. Notably, he has broken ten or more tackles for three consecutive seasons.
7. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Last season showcased the significant impact Brown can make on an offense. Already excelling with elite stats against any coverage or defender, Brown’s addition to the Philadelphia team brought about a remarkable transformation and significantly improved DeVonta Smith’s performance as a receiver and Jalen Hurts’ performance as a quarterback. Brown achieved an average of 2.59 yards per route run and passes targeted towards him resulted in an impressive 118.8 passer rating.
8. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Samuel stands out as the most unique receiver on this list due to his exceptional effectiveness as a ball carrier, often overshadowing his conventional skills as a receiver. Throughout his career, Samuel has maintained an average of 2.29 yards per route run and an impressive 43.4% catch rate on contested targets. Additionally, he has broken an astounding 128 tackles on 223 catches, showcasing his elusiveness and strength. Moreover, Samuel poses a significant threat as a rusher, making him one of the most dynamic and versatile threats in the game.
9. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
Lockett, who will be 31 during the 2023 season, may have reached his peak, but he continues to excel as an undersized receiver. Throughout his career, Lockett has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, showcasing some of the best hands in the game. He has dropped only three passes in the past two years and has an impressive rate of just 3.8% of catchable targets missed during his entire time in the NFL.
10. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
Fans of the Commanders are hopeful that Jacoby Brissett or Sam Howell can provide the consistent passing McLaurin needs to fully utilize his potential as the best receiver in the NFL who hasn’t yet played in an ideal outside situation. However, it is unlikely that either of them will enable him to achieve the same level of production as Burrow does with Chase or even as Kirk Cousins does with Jefferson.
McLaurin is exceptional at receiving difficult passes, and his combination of speed and agility makes him a challenging target to defend in the intermediate and deep parts of the field. While he could still improve his ability to manipulate space against zone coverage, few receivers are as challenging to handle in one-on-one situations as McLaurin.
Also Read: Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of 2023