The wide receiver position throughout the NFL in 2021 continued to stay strong. On this top 10 list, there are a few players who were not expected to be on here prior to the season. In terms of honorable mentions, a couple of wide receivers were tough to leave out of the top 10. The top two were CeeDee Lamb and D.J. Moore. Lamb had a successful year two for the Dallas Cowboys leading to a Pro Bowl appearance. He finished the season with 79 catches, 1,102 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Even with the poor quarterback play, Moore remained incredibly productive for the Carolina Panthers. He totaled 93 receptions for 1,157 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Let’s take a look at the top 10.
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10. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
In his ninth year with the Chargers, Allen was an exceptional contributor. Allen finished the 2021 season with 106 catches. This was the third year in a row he had at least 100 receptions and the fourth time in his career. Allen had 1,138 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He was the top target for young star quarterback Justin Herbert. Anticipate another great year from Allen in 2022.
9. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
In year three, Johnson broke out for the Steelers and emerged as a true No. 1 receiver. Across the board, he had impressive production considering the offense he was in had some inconsistent moments. Johnson finished 2021 with 107 catches, 1,161 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He is explosive and quick as a route runner and with the football in his hands. Regardless of who the Steelers’ next quarterback will be, Johnson will remain productive.
8. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
If it were not for the missed time in 2021, Brown would be higher on this list. As a result of four missed games, his stats for the year were a bit lower. When he was on the field though, he propelled the Titans’ offense tremendously. Brown recorded 63 catches for 869 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year. He had some moments of dominance throughout a handful of regular-season games and was awesome in the Titans playoff game. Expect Brown to be one of the best in the NFL next year.
7. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Diggs continued his strong play for the Bills last season. He finished the year with 103 catches, putting him over 100 in each of his first two years with the Bills. Diggs recorded 1,225 yards receiving, the second-best for his career. For the first time, Diggs had double-digit touchdowns in a season with 10. He has been instrumental in the progress made by Josh Allen the last two seasons. Diggs will remain productive for years to come with Allen and the Bills.
6. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Hill remained a key piece to the Chiefs’ immense success offensively. In terms of receptions, he had a career-high of 111 last season. Hill totaled 1,239 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. He and Patrick Mahomes continued to be amongst the best in the league. They ended up falling just short of a third straight Super Bowl appearance. Hill will have another big season for the Chiefs next year.
5. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Through his first two NFL seasons, Jefferson has been special for the Vikings. He had a big year of production in 2021 finishing with 108 catches, 1,616 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. Jefferson is a fairly complete wide receiver with size, speed, route running, and inside-out versatility. He is still a very young player who will continue to be one of the best in the game for years to come.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Jefferson’s college teammate, Chase, had a generational type of rookie year helping the Bengals nearly win the Super Bowl. He finished the season with 81 catches for 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Chase and Joe Burrow continued to show their special connection, which will continue for years to come with the Bengals. He easily won the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Chase has a future that is as promising as it gets.
3. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Samuel had a unique season of dominance. He was utilized as a hybrid wide-back the second half of the season when the 49ers started to play as good as any team in football. As a wide receiver, Samuel had by far his best season with 77 catches, 1,405 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. On the ground, Samuel had 365 yards and eight touchdowns. In total, he had 1,770 yards and 14 touchdowns. Samuel helped lead the 49ers on a playoff run and near Super Bowl appearance. He has a very exciting future ahead.
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2. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
It was business as usual throughout 2021 for Adams, his eighth season as a Packer. He concluded the regular season with 123 catches, 1,553 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Adams was a key piece to Aaron Rodgers‘ success as he won his second-straight MVP. Adams is a fantastic route runner. He is currently scheduled to be a free agent. Regardless of what team he is on, Adams is as good as any receiver in the game.
1. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Kupp just had one of the best seasons ever for a wide receiver. He won the Triple Crown as he totaled 145 catches, 1,947 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, all leading the NFL. As a result, he was awarded Offensive Player of the Year. His first season alongside Matthew Stafford was special. At the end, when it mattered, Kupp stepped up and was as clutch as one could be and helped his team win the Super Bowl. It was the ideal way for him to end a season that will be remembered. In year two with Stafford, Kupp will remain one of the best players in the entire league.
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