Uncatchable, Made Easy: Ranking The All-Time Best NFL Wide Receivers
Updated as of Feb. 18, 2024.
Welcome to the end zone of NFL greatness, where yards are the yardstick, touchdowns are the ticket, and the wide receivers are the real MVPs. If you think you know who the best of the best are, think again, because we’ve got the numbers to prove it. Using our scientific formula, we’ve ranked the top wideouts in NFL history based on their all-time yards, touchdowns, all-pro seasons, and depth of seasons. So, get your popcorn ready because this is about to be a celebration of stats, facts, and football legends!
Let’s get into it!
- 1) Jerry Rice – WR Score = 39.06 (Era: 1985s) – HOF
- 2) Marvin Harrison – WR Score = 12.88 (Era: 1995s) – HOF
- 3) Terrell Owens – WR Score = 11.61 (Era: 1995s) – HOF
- 4) Randy Moss – WR Score = 9.66 (Era: 1995s) – HOF
- 5) Steve Largent – WR Score = 8.67 (Era: 1975s) – HOF
- 6) Antonio Brown – WR Score = 6.53 (Era: 2010s) – Eligible for HOF in 2027
- 7) Larry Fitzgerald – WR Score = 5.92 (Era: 2000s) – Eligible for HOF in 2026
- 8) Tyreek Hill – WR Score = 5.84 (Era: 2015s) – Active
- 9) John Stallworth – WR Score = 5.80 (Era: 1970s) – HOF
- 10) Julio Jones – WR Score = 5.78 (Era: 2010s) – Active
- 11) James Lofton – WR Score = 5.66 (Era: 1980s) – HOF
- 12) Michael Irvin – WR Score = 5.21 (Era: 1985s) – HOF
- 13) Calvin Johnson – WR Score = 5.16 (Era: 2005s) – HOF
- 14) DeAndre Hopkins – WR Score = 5.07 (Era: 2010s) – Active
- 15) Paul Warfield – WR Score = 4.89 (Era: 1960s) – HOF
- 16) Lynn Swann – WR Score = 4.64 (Era: 1970s) – HOF
- 17) Hines Ward – WR Score = 4.58 (Era: 1995s)
- 18) Andre Johnson – WR Score = 4.40 (Era: 2000s) – HOF
- 19) Cris Carter – WR Score = 4.31 (Era: 1985s) – HOF
- 20) Mike Evans – WR Score = 4.22 (Era: 2010s) – Active
- 21) Charley Taylor – WR Score = 4.08 (Era: 1960s) – HOF
- 22) Art Monk – WR Score = 4.05 (Era: 1980s) – HOF
- 23) Andre Rison – WR Score = 4.04 (Era: 1985s)
- 24) Davante Adams – WR Score = 3.82 (Era: 2010s) – Active
- 25) Reggie Wayne – WR Score = 3.71 (Era: 2000s)
Hall of Fame Snubs
Hines Ward – WR Score = 4.58 (Era: 1995s) (Eligible Since 2017)
Listen up, football fans! It’s time to talk about a man who deserves a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – Hines Ward! This two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Not only was he one of the toughest, most physical wide receivers in the game, but he also had the hands of a god, racking up over 1,000 receptions in his career.
But that’s not all – Ward’s impact on the game extends beyond his stats. He was a true leader and an inspiration to his teammates, always willing to go the extra mile to get the win. And let’s not forget about his iconic smile, which could light up the stadium and put fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.
Sure, some might argue that his numbers aren’t quite as flashy as some of the other wide receivers in the Hall of Fame, but let’s be real – stats don’t always tell the whole story. Hines Ward was a game-changer, a true warrior, and a role model for generations of football players.
Andre Rison – WR Score = 4.04 (Era: 1985s) (Eligible Since 2006)
You want to talk about one of the most electrifying wide receivers in NFL history? Look no further than Andre Rison! This man was 2 Legit 2 Quit. This Pro Bowler and All-Pro had some of the best hands in the game, and he knew how to put on a show.
Sure, Rison’s career numbers might not be as eye-popping as some of the other receivers in the Hall of Fame, but that’s not the whole story. This man was a game-changer, a true talent, and a highlight reel waiting to happen. His route running was a thing of beauty, and he could make even the toughest catches look like a walk in the park.
And let’s not forget about his personality – Rison was a force of nature both on and off the field. He had a flair for the dramatic and knew how to get the crowd fired up. He was a true showman, and fans couldn’t get enough.
Now, some might say that Rison’s off-the-field antics overshadowed his on-the-field accomplishments, but let’s be real – we’re talking about the Hall of Fame, not the choir of angels. Rison was a force to be reckoned with, and he deserves recognition for his contributions to the game. He also won a Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL before he retired, but that’s more of a fun fact than a resume builder.
Reggie Wayne – WR Score = 3.71 (Era: 2000s) (Eligible Since 2020)
Reggie Wayne’s case for the NFL Hall of Fame is anchored in his exceptional career achievements and significant impact on the Indianapolis Colts’ success. Accumulating 1,070 receptions, 14,345 yards, and 82 touchdowns, Wayne’s stats rank him among the elite receivers in NFL history. His postseason performances, including a pivotal role in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory, highlight his ability to excel in high-stakes moments. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection, Wayne’s precise route running, reliability, and leadership on and off the field make him a standout candidate for the Hall of Fame. His contributions to the Colts and the NFL at large showcase a legacy deserving of recognition in Canton.
Players Who Are in The Hall of Fame, But Maybe Shouldn’t Be (Based on the Data)
- 51 – Tim Brown (HOF)
- 54 – Charlie Joiner (HOF)
Rounding Out The WR Score – Ranking #26 to #50 (plus Other HOFers)
- 26 – Sterling Sharpe
- 27 – Cliff Branch (HOF)
- 28 – Fred Biletnikoff (HOF)
- 29 – Andre Reed (HOF)
- 30 – Brandon Marshall
- 31 – Chad Johnson
- 32 – Gary Clark
- 33 – Isaac Bruce (HOF)
- 34 – Torry Holt
- 35 – Rod Smith
- 36 – Steve Smith Sr.
- 37 – Demaryius Thomas
- 38 – Harold Carmichael (HOF)
- 39 – Drew Pearson (HOF)
- 40 – Wes Welker
- 41 – Jimmy Smith
- 42 – Herman Moore
- 43 – Mike Quick
- 44 – Harold Jackson
- 45 – Stefon Diggs (Active)
- 46 – A.J. Green
- 47 – Odell Beckham Jr. (Active)
- 48 – Bob Hayes (HOF)
- 49 – Justin Jefferson (Active)
- 50 – Gene Washington
- 53 – Tim Brown (HOF)
- 59 – Charlie Joiner (HOF)
Summary: Closing Thoughts
And there you have it! The ultimate ranking of the best NFL wide receivers in history, according to the numbers. Jerry Rice is on top of the list with a WR score of 39.06, followed by Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, and Steve Largent. Regardless of where your favorite player ranks, there’s no denying the incredible talent and impact that these wide receivers have had on the game of football. Whether it’s their speed, agility, hands, or leadership, these players have shown us what it takes to be the best of the best. We hope you enjoyed this celebration of stats, facts, and football legends!
See you next time.
Also, check out our other All-Time NFL articles:
Link: UNCATCHABLE, MADE EASY: RANKING THE ALL-TIME BEST NFL WIDE RECEIVERS
Link: THE MOUNT RUSHMORE OF RUNNING BACKS: THE ALL-TIME GREATS OF THE NFL
Link: FIELD GENERALS: THE DEFINITIVE RANKING OF THE NFL’S GREATEST QUARTERBACKS
Link: ENDZONE GIANTS: RANKING THE ALL-TIME BEST TIGHT ENDS IN NFL HISTORY
