As the 2019 season approaches, the AFC South is a division that could be considered on the rise and also one that will be up for grabs by just about every team.
We took a look at ranking the best quarterbacks and the best running backs in the division entering the 2019 campaign. Now, we move on to ranking the five best wide receivers in the AFC South.
5. Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars don’t boast a prominent wide receiver corps, and their passing offense was one of the worst in the NFL with Blake Bortles at the helm in 2018. However, there is some upside in the group, especially with Cole.
Though he had a bit of down year compared to 2017 when he recorded 42 receptions for 748 yards and three touchdowns despite starting just six games, that could likely be attributed more to the quarterback play than his talent.
The Jaguars brought in Nick Foles to replace Bortles hoping the offense will take a step forward. At the center of the passing game will be Cole, who has shown to be a big-play receiver at times.
4. Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
Selected in the first round of the 2017 draft, Davis was hampered during his rookie season due to a foot injury. He bounced back nicely in 2018 en route to recording 65 receptions for 891 yards and four touchdowns despite the Titans offense lacking for the majority of the season.
The Titans had the sixth-fewest passing yards per game in 2018. However, Davis was a bright spot. He had a pair of 100-yard games mixed in throughout the season and even though his touchdown numbers leave more to be desired, he’s somewhat limited with the offense he’s in.
Entering Year 3, Davis faces a big role again as the expected WR1 in the offense, but he’s likely to be limited if Marcus Mariota continues his trend of passing.
3. Will Fuller, Houston Texans
There is so much upside to be had in Fuller’s game, but he simply struggles to stay on the field. A true vertical threat, he’s proven to be a perfect pairing with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Fuller has been a big-play machine since entering the league in 2016. He’s averaged over 15 yards per catch in each of the last two seasons but has been limited to just 17 games in that span due to a hamstring injury in 2017 and a torn ACL that ended his 2018 season.
Fuller has all the makings to be a significant producer for the Texans. He simply has to stay on the field.
2. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Ghost bounced back in 2018 with one of his signature campaigns—one that was arguably his best. He finished the season recording 76 receptions for 1,270 yards and six touchdowns. He did so battling injuries throughout the entire season.
Despite his size and some believing he doesn’t have what it takes to be a consistent WR1 in the NFL, Hilton has combated that by putting up some truly impressive numbers throughout his career.
Even entering his age-30 season, Hilton will continue to be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and has shown no signs of slowing down.
1. Deandre Hopkins, Houston Texans
This spot was reserved for Hopkins since the beginning. The former first-round pick has embodied exactly what it means to be a WR1. Though he lacks elite speed, Hopkins has the best hands in football and has the ability to carry an offense.
Hopkins had one of his best seasons in 2018. He finished with 115 receptions, 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns—all of which he did without dropping a single pass.
Nuk is likely carrying the mantle as the best overall wide receiver in the league given his production and consistency. He’s still in his prime and should continue to carry that title as long as he stays healthy.
