We’ve already given you our NFC South rankings for both the quarterback and running back positions as we towards the 2019 NFL season.
Today, it’s all about the wide receivers. You could make a legitimate case that the NFC South contains three of the top five receivers in entire league. From future Hall of Famers to a strong group of up-and-comers, here’s our list of the top 10 in the division for 2019. The first name on the list will come as a surprise to absolutely no one.
1. Julio Jones – Falcons
2018 Stats: 113 catches, 1,677 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns
It’s Julio’s world and the rest of these wide receivers are just living in it. In 2018, Jones further cemented his status as the alpha dog in a very talented era for the position. Last year he led the NFL with 1,677 receiving yards and also ranked No. 1 in yards per route run for the fourth straight season. His size alone makes him one of the toughest covers in the NFL, but he still has elite speed and his extremely polished route-running makes him practically uncoverable. Until age or injuries begin to slow him down, this is his spot to lose.
2. Michael Thomas – Saints
2018 Stats: 125 catches, 1,405 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns
Thomas also had a strong 2018, leading the league in catches with 125. He’s developed into Drew Brees’ favorite weapon, which means a ton of targets. Thomas’ production in the last three seasons is astounding. He’s totaled 321 catches, 3,787 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. Thomas should only get better as he enters him prime. 1,000+ yards and double-digit touchdowns will be business as usual.
3. Mike Evans – Buccaneers
2018 Stats: 86 catches, 1,524 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns
Evans is perhaps the only other receiver that’s near Julio’s level of physical dominance. Evans is long, quick and a has knack for bailing quarterbacks out of bad decisions with his amazing contested catch skills. With Bruce Arians coming in as head coach, Tampa’s passing offense should get on track as he’ll make sure that Evans will get the ball. If Jameis Winston can develop into the franchise quarterback the Bucs believe he can be, Evans could be in for a career year.
4. Calvin Ridley – Falcons
2018 Stats: 64 catches, 824 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns
Ridley exploded onto the NFL scene in 2018 with an impressive 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Playing next to Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu, Ridley still stood out with his ability to get behind NFL defenses with ease. In many ways, he’s a perfect complement to Jones and produced despite Steve Sarkisian’s system. Ridley should find even more success with Dirk Koetter calling the plays this season.
5. Mohamed Sanu – Falcons
2018 Stats: 66 catches, 838 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
Sanu completes the Falcons’ three-headed monster at wide receiver. He had a career season in 2018, despite Ridley and Jones also having great individual years. He’s a perfect No. 2 wide receiver, but as a No. 3 otion, he’s a true nightmare. There’s a reason Atlanta is a popular choice to have the best wide receiver corps in 2019. Sanu may not have the numbers he had last season if Koetter focuses more on utilizing tight ends, but at just 29, he’s still got a lot to offer.
6. Curtis Samuel – Panthers
2018 Stats: 39 catches, 494 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns
Samuel is an intriguing young outside receiver for Carolina who had a ridiculous touchdown rate last season. If he can stay healthy, Samuel has the talent to to become a Pro Bowler every year. D.J. Moore may be the safer bet to become Cam Newton’s No. 1 wide receiver going forward, but don’t write off the former second-round pick out Ohio State to make his case for that spot. Moore is going to be a special play-maker. However, Samuel’s ability to get over the top of a defense could make him even more dangerous.
7. D.J. Moore – Panthers
2018 Stats: 55 catches, 788 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Calvin Ridley had better traditional numbers but D.J. Moore definitely showed some promise as a rookie, leading all NFL receivers in several advanced metrics, including forced missed tackles per reception. Moore looks to be the future for Norv Turner’s offense in Carolina. However, it’s not guaranteed. The team also uses running back Christian McCaffrey a lot in the passing game (he led them in targets last year), which could potentially hinder Moore’s growth.
8. Chris Godwin – Buccaneers
2018 Stats: 59 catches, 842 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns
Godwin had a quiet rookie year in 2017, but he made plenty of noise for the Bucs last season. His 842 receiving yards and seven touchdowns showed he can be a solid No. 2 option behind Mike Evans with DeSean Jackson out of the picture. Bruce Arians is sure to find a key role for the speedster who has averaged just under 15 yards per catch for his career. He’ll be another potential breakout receiver candidate for the Bucs if Winston gets his act together.
9. Tre-Quan Smith – Saints
2018 Stats: 28 catches, 427 yards, 5 touchdowns
Michael Thomas is still the man for the New Orleans passing game, but Smith has a whole lot of upside and might be the next Saints star with the help of Drew Brees. He averaged 15.3 yards per reception last season. If he improves his catch rate, he could be a problem for NFC South cornerbacks to cover for a long time.
10. Torrey Smith – Panthers
2018 Stats: 17 catches, 190 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Smith may not be the burner he used to be. Still, he provides some much-needed veteran leadership for a young Panthers receiver corps. That’s not to say he can’t still be a difference-maker. Smith’s clutch catch on fourth down against the Eagles last year proves that he can be a valuable contributor for Carolina if he stays healthy. Smith is also the definition of a team player. He took a big hit for his team recently by agreeing to a $2 million pay cut, which helped them sign Gerald McCoy.
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