Monday, May 17, 2010

Top 10 Receivers of the NFC East

Source: http://pathtothedraft.com/?p=2077

10. Devin Thomas, Redskins
Devin was able to work his way into the starting role of the Washington Redskins last season and finished the season with 10 starts under his belt. Against the Superbowl Champion Saints, Thomas had 7 catches for over 100 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. Look for Thomas to become a household name in 2010.

9. Roy Williams, Cowboys
As the Cowboys selected Dez Bryant in the 1st round of the NFL Draft, Roy Williams became the 3rd best receiver on the Cowboys roster behind both Bryant and Miles Austin. Williams has not found his way in Wade Phillips system yet, but will hope to get back on track this season. If he does not however, his days in Dallas will be over.

8. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
Maclin had a decent 2009 season with flashes of greatness as a speedy deep threat. As he continues to learn the game, look for Maclin to breakout this season and help youngster QB Kevin Kolb establish a career.

7. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
Hakeem came in as a rookie last season and translated perfectly into the Giants’ offensive scheme. Nicks averaged 16.8 yards per catch, averaging more than 2 yards more than any other Giants’ receiver.

6. Mario Manningham, Giants
Manningham is speed. As this youngster continues to become a student of the game, he continues to improve as one of the NFC East’s best receivers. The Giants have a great spread scheme in which he, Hakeem Nicks, and Steve Smith provide solid targets for Superbowl Champion QB, Eli Manning.

5. Santana Moss, Redskins
Year in and year out Santana Moss puts up great numbers. As his performance begins to decline due to age, look for this veteran to have one last solid season as he’ll be receiving from the best QB he’s ever had the opportunity to receive from, Donovan McNabb.

4. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
Coach Wade Phillips is saying that this may be the most extraordinary talent he has coached in his 33 years in the NFL. Bryant impressed in the Cowboys’ rookie mini-camp, but will need to get in better shape if he wants to become one of the best young receivers in the league.

3. DeSean Jackson, Eagles
DeSean is a deep threat in every sense of that saying. Jackson exploded onto the seen a couple years back and continues to cause havoc for his opponents. Averaging 18.6 yards a catch, look for DeSean to continue his reign of dominance.

2. Steve Smith, Giants
Because Steve Smith is not a flashy receiver, you may not feel that he is among the top 3 receivers in the NFC East. Let’s take a look at his numbers though. Steve Smith caught 107 passes for 1220 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. He started in all 16 games and averaged more than 76 yards a game. When it comes down to it, Steve Smith is the most consistent receiver on this list.

1. Miles Austin, Cowboys
Can you say break-out season? Wow, what a treat it was to see Miles explode onto the scene last season. If I told you that he only started in 9 games, could you believe that he hauled in 81 balls for 1,320 yards? Imagine if he started the other 7 games… Miles Austin will enter the 2010 season as the best receiver in the NFC East and one of the best receivers in the NFL.