With the departure of DeAndre Hopkins in March, this division lost its most talented receiver. While the move was good news for the Colts, Jaguars and Titans, it did raise a lot of questions as to who would take the top spot.
The 2020 season will be a “prove it” year for a lot of receivers either on new teams or fighting for another contract.
Here are the top 10 wide receivers in the AFC South entering the 2020 season:
10. Michael Pittman Jr.
The addition of Pittman in Indianapolis is highly anticipated and he is expected to be an immediate part of this offense. With a rare combination of size and speed, he creates a matchup problem for many corners around the league. It should be an exciting 2020 for this reformed Colts offense.
9. Chris Conley
Conley did well with a change of scenery in Jacksonville last season. With 775 yards and five touchdowns in 2019, Conley proved he is a valuable target. Alongside Chark, these two will be a solid duo for Gardner Minshew this upcoming season.
8. Kenny Stills
Stills has quietly been one of the league’s most consistent receivers the past few seasons. He has proven to be a solid deep ball threat but has failed to really impress and take over a game. With a now crowded receiving corps in Houston, Stills will have a lot to prove in 2020.
7. Corey Davis
Another guy who has a lot to prove in a contract year, Davis has not seen the success in Tennessee that was originally anticipated. With A.J. Brown emerging as the No. 1 target for the Titans, Davis will have to find his role before he is given another deal.
6. Randall Cobb
After a decent year in Dallas, Cobb found himself in Houston as part of the new Texans receiving core. With 828 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, the 29-year-old slot receiver is looking to rebound in 2020 with Deshaun Watson.
5. Will Fuller V
Fuller has proven he can be a dominant threat on the field but that is his biggest issue—staying on the field. He has never played more than 14 games, which was his rookie year in 2016. As another player in a contract year, he has a lot to prove if he wants to stay in Houston.
4. Brandin Cooks
Cooks finds himself on his fourth team in five years. After concussion issues and inconsistency the past few seasons, a lot of questions have been raised about his future in the league. Houston is in need of a new No. 1 receiver and if Cooks can stay on the field, he is a good candidate to take over that role.
3. D.J. Chark
After having a breakout year in 2019, Chark has placed himself in the conversation of rising stars around the league. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, he had 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns while taking over as the No. 1 receiver of that offense.
2. T.Y. Hilton
After an injury-filled 2019 season that led to only 501 yards and five touchdowns, the veteran receiver is looking for a big year. To add more pressure, this is a contract year for Hilton and there has been a lot of speculation as to whether “the ghost” will receive a third contract from Indy.
1. A.J. Brown
Ryan Tannehill’s success in 2019 was largely attributed to the emergence of the rookie receiver. Brown finished with 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns, but what jumped off the tape was his 20.2 yards per catch. That was second only to Mike Williams. Look out for this young and talented receiver in 2020.
