The NFL's Top 25 Wide Receivers Since 1985, Part IX

Accolades: 7-time Pro Bowler, 4-time All-Pro, 1998 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Statistics: 926 career receptions (10), 14,465 receiving yards (6), 148 receiving touchdowns (2), 77.8 receiving yards per game (3), 1,000+ receiving yards in ten different seasons, 10+ receiving touchdowns in nine different seasons, season highs of 111 receptions (2003), 1,632 receiving yards (2003), and 23 receiving touchdowns (2007).

Analysis: After off-field concerns contributed to a significant draft free-fall, Moss subsequently established himself as one of the league's elite receivers, totaling an NFL rookie record 17 touchdowns in 1998 and six consecutive 1,200+ yard seasons in Minnesota. Moss displayed the prototypical blend of size and speed, unprecedented deep-threat ability, and a miraculous sense of spatial awareness and body control. Without question, the future Hall-of-Famer ranks as the most talented red-zone target of all-time. Furthermore, Moss's imposing prowess as a relentless vertical threat dictated coverage unlike any other receiver in NFL history. Ultimately, Moss significantly altered the draft landscape for years to come, as teams subsequently drafted receivers of similar physical stature to Moss, including top-ten selections David Boston (1999), Plaxico Burress (2000), David Terrell (2001), Charles Rogers (2003), Andre Johnson (2003), Larry Fitzgerald (2004), Roy Williams (2004), Reggie Williams (2004), Braylon Edwards (2005), and Mike Williams (2005).

Although controversy routinely mired a stellar career, Moss has totaled fewer than 1,000 receiving yards merely twice, while remarkably recording double-digit touchdowns in nine out of twelve NFL seasons. If Moss's astonishing production continues, a run at 200 career receiving touchdowns (Rice, 197) remains within reach. In the end, Moss arguably ranks as the most talented NFL receiver of all-time; whose historically-productive years in Minnesota and New England established the first-round steal as the greatest receiver since Rice.

1. Jerry Rice, Mississippi Valley State (San Francisco 49ers, No. 16, 1985)

Accolades: Hall-of-Fame, 13-time Pro Bowler, 10-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXIII MVP, Offensive Player of the Year (1983 and 1987), 3-time Super Bowl champion.

Statistics: 1,549 career receptions (1),22,895 receiving yards (1), 197 receiving touchdowns (1), 75.6 receiving yards per game (7), 29 playoff appearances (1), 22 postseason touchdowns (1), 151 postseason receptions (1), 2,245 postseason receiving yards (1), 100+ receptions in four different seasons, 1,000+ yards for 11 consecutive seasons, 1,500+ receiving yards in four different seasons, season highs of 122 receptions (1995), 1,848 receiving yards (1995), and 22 receiving touchdowns (1987), elected to 11 straight Pro Bowls, and earned All-Pro status ten times during an eleven-year span.

Analysis: Inevitably,Rice emerges as the most productive receiver in NFL history. Rice served as the consummate professional during a remarkable 20-season career in the league. Although the Hall-of-Famer did not possess the elite speed or size of other receivers on the list, Rice's unrivaled work ethic allowed him to become one of the greatest route runners, run-blocking receivers, and clutch performers in NFL history. Certainly, Rice benefited from Bill Walsh's legendary West Coast Offense, as the primary target for a pair of Hall-of-Fame quarterbacks. The accuracy of Montana and Young allowed Rice to repeatedly transform short passes into big gains. Although Walsh's West Coast concepts became pervasive elements of NFL playcalling, the greatness of elite players, such as Rice, transcends system and strategy. As the quintessential leader for the 49ers, the ten-time All-Pro receiver repeatedly elevated the performance of teammates, while personally leading the league in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in six different seasons. Ultimately, Rice ranks as one of the greatest players in football history, whose place as the NFL's greatest receiver appears secure for the foreseeable future.

References: All statistics and biographical information as referenced on Pro-Football-Reference.com.