Top Five Projected NFL Wide Receivers in 2008

In 2007, Randy Moss surpassed all expectations placed before him when he signed with the New England Patriots. While playing for the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Daunte Culpepper was erratic at best, and when he was on, Moss was unstoppable. With the Oakland Raiders, Moss never connected with any of the quarterbacks during his two-year tenure there. With Tom Brady as quarterback, Moss enjoyed his best season to date. It is unlikely that he can duplicate his achievements of 2007, but he is still the NFL's top wide receiver.

2007 stats- 98 receptions, 1493 yards, and 23 TD

projected 2008 stats- 94 receptions, 1488 yards, 18 TD

2. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

It is no coincidence that the top two receivers play with the NFL's top two quarterbacks. With Marvin Harrison's nagging injuries in 2007, Reggie Wayne emerged as Peyton Manning's favorite target. Even prior to Harrison's injury, Wayne was becoming a go-to guy in Indianapolis. Wayne should improve upon his notable stats in 2007, including more end zone receptions. He has improved upon his individual statistics in each of the last three years.

2007 stats- 104 receptions, 1501 yards, 10 TD

2008 stats- 97 receptions, 1455 yards, 13 TD

3. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys

After years of perpetual feuding with teammates and personnel, Terrell Owens finally seemed to settle down a bit in 2007. He even wept in a press conference following their playoff loss to the New York Giants as he defended the censured quarterback Tony Romo. Owens is still feast or famine, as he has been throughout his entire career. However, unless hampered by an injury, the man they call TO is one of the most productive wide receivers, and has been for over a decade. Expect him to be among the reception leaders in 2008, even at the age of 35.

2007 stats- 81 receptions, 1355 yards, 15 TD

2008 projected stats- 87 receptions, 1394 yards, 16 TD

4. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

If only Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner were together seven or eight years ago when Warner was in his prime. Despite playing with sub par and injury-riddled quarterbacks, Fitzgerald has been one of the most productive wide receivers since arriving at the NFL level. He has broken the 1,400-yard mark twice in his four-year career with the underachieving Arizona Cardinals. At 25 years of age, Fitzgerald has at least a decade of productive seasons remaining, as long he stays healthy.

2007 stats- 100 receptions, 1409 yards, 10 TD

projected 2008 stats- 105 receptions, 1467 yards, 12 TD

5. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns

Some Cincinnati Bengals fans may think I am foolish for not listing Chad Johnson. But when I arrived at the number 5, I could not omit the less gaudy Braylon Edwards, who enjoyed his breakthrough season in the NFL in 2007. He became a leader on a once stagnant Cleveland Browns offensive unit. The 2007 season was no fluke, and Edwards will quickly prove that after the 2008 season commences. At 6 foot 3 inches, Edwards is a tall receiver with great speed.

2007 stats- 80 receptions, 1289 yards, 16 TD

projected 2008 stats- 92 receptions, 1344 yards, 17 TD

Also, keep an eye on Chad Johnson, Wes Welker, Torry Holt, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Steve Smith

Chad Johnson is not gung-ho with the idea of playing for the Bengals. That could be a distraction for him and the team. Welker must prove he is no one-season wonder. Holt and Houshmandzadeh will be productive as usual. Steve Smith needs Jake Delhomme to remain healthy.

Up and coming wide receivers include Marques Colston, Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe, Calvin Johnson, and Roddy White

Colston and Marshall were very productive in 2007. Roddy White needs a solid quarterback, as does Dwayne Bowe. Calvin Johnson should thrive in 2008 with the Detroit Lions.

Wide receivers on a possible downward spiral include Joey Galloway, Derrick Mason, Brandon Stokley, and Marvin Harrison

Harrison's best years are behind him. He will likely be the second option for Manning.