NFL Rankings - the Top Five Wide Receivers in the NFL

When it comes to making big plays via the catch, there is nothing like a big-time wide receiver that can almost literally put his respective team on his back while moving the chains like nobody's business.

While I will admit that selecting the top five wide receivers in the NFL is a trying task that left me almost literally pulling my ample hair out, I am sticking to my guns when it comes to the list of impressive wideouts that I have compiled.

With that said, and the 2009 NFL regular season moving right along, let me get started with a look at my top five wide receivers in the NFL.

5. Calvin Johnson

Johnson recorded 78 catches for the Lions last season, to tie for 20th in receptions but totaled 1,331 receiving yards (5th) for a pitiful Lions team that became the first team in league history to go 0-16 during the regular season, while averaging a stellar 17. 1 yards per catch.

While every NFL aficionado knows that Johnson has almost unmatched athletic ability, I say his spectacular season in 2008 while playing for the absolutely atrocious Detroit Lions becomes even more stupendous when you realize that the Lions had almost no other offensive weapons their opponents had to worry about.

4. Wes Welker

Welker grabbed a whopping 111 balls last season to rank second among all wide receivers in receptions while also ranking ninth in receiving yards with 1,165. While Welker averaged just 10.5 yards per catch last season - and will never have jaw-dropping yards per catch average - I believe he is one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the game today - and is arguably the best chain-mover in the game.

Simply put, when in need of a first down, Welker always seems to find a way to get open despite his small physical stature. Sure, other receivers make more highlight reel catches and many have higher yards per catch averages, but for my money, I'll take Wes Welker on my team every single time.

3. Steve Smith

I love the ESPN commercial that features a lightning-fast Smith interacting with host Scott Van Pelt, particularly since it's not far off from Smith's true speed on the field. Despite being the Carolina Panthers' best (only) real receiving threat - not to mention the fact that he's playing with an aging quarterback whose skills are declining in Jake Delhomme - Smith just keeps blazing past defenders and making jaw-dropping catches.

Despite standing just 5-9 (if that) Smith has made a career out of routinely beating taller defenders, recording 78 catches in 2008 (20th) for 1,421 yards (third) and a whopping 18.2 yards per catch average.

2. Larry Fitzgerald

I don't think it's any secret that when you throw a ball towards Fitzgerald, no matter how many defenders are surrounding him, that he's most likely going to come down with the catch, a testament to his great hands and body control, which may be unmatched in the game today.

The fleet-footed, high-jumping Fitzgerald recorded 96 catches in 2008 (tied for fourth) for a whopping 1,431 yards (2nd) and a 14.9 yards per catch average and is undoubtedly one of the best wide receivers in the game today.

1. Andre Johnson

Despite playing for a Houston Texans team that doesn't have another receiving threat anywhere near his caliber - while facing constant double teams - Johnson just seems to keep getting better while routinely making game-breaking plays.

Johnson recorded a league-leading 115 catches in 2008 for 1,575 yards, also first in all of football while averaging 13.7 yards per catch, a statistic that may look like he's not a deep-threat, but is not that accurate as Johnson can beat defensive backs, both short and deep with the greatest of ease.