With some downtime before training camp, we will be ranking each positional group in the AFC West entering the 2019 season to gear you up for the upcoming campaign.
Yesterday, we ranked the quarterbacks. Today, we will be ranking the six best wide receivers in the division.
No. 6, Mike Williams, Chargers
Williams had a slump in his first season as a Charger. The former Clemson product dealt with a back injury throughout the course of the year and failed to live up to his first-round expectations. Even when he played, he was underwhelming to say the least.
This past season, the big-body wideout showcased the reason why the team spent the No. 7 overall pick on him. Williams totaled 11 touchdowns, good for No. 5 among all wide receivers in the NFL. His 664 receiving yards ranked No. 2 on the team behind Keenan Allen, and Williams posted a three-touchdown performance to pave the way to end the losing the streak to the Chiefs.
With the departure of Tyrell Williams, the former Tiger should expect a great amount of targets to top his production in 2018.
No. 5, Tyrell Williams, Raiders
It was unlikely that Williams was going to be brought back by the Chargers after proving that he was worthy of receiving a No. 2 wide receiver label and good chunk of change. The Raiders knew his worth, signing him to a four-year, $44 million deal.
Williams made his presence known back in 2016 when WR Keenan Allen suffered a season-ending injury. He went off for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns on 67 receptions that year. This past season, his numbers dropped, finishing the year with 41 receptions for 653 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Now, Williams will finally be a No. 2 option in an offense led by quarterback Derek Carr. The former Charger should see an uptick in targets right behind his teammate Antonio Brown.
No. 4, Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos
Sanders suffered from poor quarterback play led by Case Keenum last year, which didn’t help him be able to showcase his true No. 1 wide receiver potential.
Saunders tore his Achilles 12 games into the 2018 season, but still ended up amassing 71 receptions for 868 yards and four touchdowns. He was outplayed by Courtland Sutton down the stretch because of the injury, helping the rookie’s case to show what he was capable of.
Going into this upcoming campaign, Sanders should be in better shape and the quarterback situation is already better than last year. Joe Flacco will be behind center to start 2019, but we could see rookie Drew Lock, who had a good college campaign, later on if Flacco shows signs of regression.
No. 3, Keenan Allen, Chargers
The former Cal product spent the majority of the early stages of his professional career off the field, as he dealt with various injuries. But the 26-year old wideout has picked things up, showing why he belongs among the top-tier receivers.
Allen has totaled 420 catches for 5,206 receiving and 28 touchdowns. The last two years alone he’s caught 199 receptions for 2,589 yards and 12 touchdowns, which are the most catches over a two-year span in franchise history.
Allen, the premiere route runner, should only see an uptick in his production as he’s proven to be the clear cut No. 1 target for quarterback Philip Rivers, barring any injuries.
No. 2, Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
Hill didn’t have the ideal start to his offseason that he would have preferred. The Chiefs wide receiver was under investigation for child abuse which involved his three-year old son. Fortunately for him, that case is no longer active but he could face some suspension time when the season begins.
Nonetheless, Hill has been a problem to opposing defenses, whether that be through the air or as a ball carrier on sweeps or reverses. Last season, he posted 1,479 yards, along with 12 touchdown receptions and one rushing score. His production has increased every season and it should only keep going up with Patrick Mahomes under center.
No. 1, Antonio Brown, Raiders
The Raiders acquired arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL via trade back in March. Brown joins Oakland as a four-time first-team All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowler.
In 130 games, his 837 receptions, 11,207 yards and 74 touchdown receptions rank No. 4 among all active players. Brown is nearly impossible to cover one-on-one. He possesses the speed, prolific route-running ability and is a threat after the catch to dominate against opposing secondaries.
With a young Derek Carr under center coming off the best season statistically, we should only expect Brown to see his numbers remain near the top once again and keep his status as not only the top wideout in the division, but in the league.
