All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Is James Cook ready to be the Bills' RB1? With Watkins headed to free agency, GM Eric DeCosta could look to add a veteran, but with bigger holes along the line and on defense, shelling out to woo a big name doesn't appear in the cards. Then we'll wrap up the series by using age trends to identify some tight ends to target and others to avoid. Peoples-Jones flashed at times but was too inconsistent as a No. Smith's numbers could have been even better if Jalen Hurts connected on a few of his deep balls. In his second mock of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bucky Brooks has the Raiders taking a quarterback to replace the jettisoned Derek Carr. Green (33), and Emmanuel Sanders (34). Jefferson is a star, yet it feels as though he hasn't even reached his peak. 2020 stats: 92 receptions on 130 targets, 1,114 yards, 5 TDs, 12.1 yards per catch. ", He has now graduated to be known as an elder player on the team, saying, "that's the position I'm in now. He'll fall short of those marks in 2022. NFL.com's free agency tracker provides real-time team-by-team updates of all the key additions and trades in this frenzied period. It won't be quite the same ashis locked-in connection with Drew Brees, but Thomas will keep excelling with his unique style of play. Brown proved he's a field-tilting weapon; his absence for four games left a hole that was arguably harder to fill than that left by injured back Derrick Henry. Descending Gradually (28-34 years old) Theres a fairly steady downhill slope for receivers in their late 20s and early 30s that isnt nearly as dramatic as it is with With Tyreek Hill now out of the mix, JuJu will play a much bigger role than initially thought when he first signed with the Chiefs, but he'll still be a secondary target behind all-world tight end Travis Kelce. However, in Cleveland, Cooper could again emerge as a true No. With the emergence of two 1,000-yard backs, a stellar offensive line, and a much-improved defense, they tied Denver for the most rushing attempts and had the third fewest passing attempts last year. WebIncluded are player stats for the New England Patriots (NFL) from 1971-2022, the Boston Patriots (NFL) in 1970 and the Boston Patriots (AFL) from 1960-1969. The improved hands and route-running helped him turn the corner to efficient target. His big-play element needs to come through in a deep, revamped receiving corps. Anderson wasn't nearly as explosive last season, thanks partly to the lack of a vertical attack. Odell Beckham Jr. has been rumored as a target if healthy, and the Chiefs were in on JuJu Smith-Schuster last offseason and could revisit the free agent. 1 receiver who can make a much bigger impact when surrounded by complementary playmakers like David Njoku and Donovan Peoples-Jones, along with an elite ground game and uber-talented quarterback in Deshaun Watson -- though Watson's playing status for the 2022 season remains uncertain due to an ongoing league investigation surrounding 22 civil lawsuits against him. Should he return healthy soon, Thomas' combination of size, hands and routes should be a big factor helping Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill. And Patrick adds an enticing big-body target. Cooper was drafted in 2015 and has learned a lot through his years in the league, something he is finding valuable when it comes to his leadership skills. More than 300 draft hopefuls are heading to Indianapolis, looking to put on a show at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Carolina could attempt to trade him, but would they find a taker with $8 million guaranteed? 2020 stats (with Titans): 65 receptions on 92 targets,984 yards, 5TDs, 15.4yards per catch. We just didn't see it play out on the field in 2021. 2022 projection: 900 receiving yards, 5-6 TDs. Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects might your favorite squad be eyeing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis? Ensuring Williams remains in L.A. is priority No. His ability to get open on intermediate routes everywhere through the red zone makes him the best overall target reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers has had in his career. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2023. Both are being drafted five spots too high with ADPs of WR20 and WR35, respectively. 1. His running prowess will likely lead other clubs to attempt to mimic that usage, but there is only one Deebo. Golladay, 29, was set to count $21.4 million against the cap. It's the last hurrah for 33-year-olds, Reggie Wayne and Steve Smith. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Probably the greatest wide receiver from 2013-2018 (ages 25-30), Brown Very efficient.". Hilton (UFA), Zach Pascal (UFA). The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Key free agents: Byron Pringle (UFA), Demarcus Robinson (UFA). Lockett, who turns 29 in September,has been Russell Wilson's most reliable all-around target for three seasons. That possibility could very well be determined by whether the Rams retain OBJ -- if he genuinely is considering taking a team-friendly offer to remain with the Super Bowl champs. The 28 year old wide receiver appeared in 13 games in 2021 and ended with 27 receptions, 394 yards, and 1 reception. Included are player stats for the New England Patriots (NFL) from 1971-2022, the Boston Patriots (NFL) in 1970 and the Boston Patriots (AFL) from 1960-1969. 11). He hasnt been a championship-caliber fantasy starter since the middle of 2008, averaging a mere 7.9 PPG over the past three-and-a-half years. So far, there are has been a wide array of veterans (and rookies) electing to take advantage of this new rule. Gregg Rosenthal provides an early look at the top 51 prospective free agents for 2023, and the class is headlined by two players on the same playoff-bound team. While Cooper led the Cowboys in catches (292), receiving yards (3,893) and receiving TDs (27) over the past four seasons, his 2021 production (68 catches for 865 yards and eight TDs) didn't justify his lucrative contract, leading a frustrated Jerry Jones to trade away his star receiver to Cleveland. There's a reason Tom Brady recruited Gage -- a former sixth-round pick who emerged during back-to-back 700-yard, four-TD seasons in Atlanta -- to sign with Tampa during free agency. Edwards remains inconsistent. Check out the full rundown, 1-50. 2020 stats:100 receptions on 132 targets,1,054 yards, 10TDs, 10.5yards per catch. Hill, 27, is the most dangerous deep threat in the game, enhanced by having a QB, Patrick Mahomes, who has the high-velocity downfield arm to catch up to his speed. Conversely, be on the lookout for other owners bailing on receivers too soon. With a mountain of cap issues to overcome, the obvious mode of adding talent is through the draft. Allen, at 29, also has the calling card of precise route-running, using his strong frame well to get open. Still special after several years in the league, it was difficultto separate him, Diggs and Adams after similar all-around seasons. 1s, his usage is setbe expanded to create mismatches in the slot in 2021. The emergence of Osborn gives the Vikes a solid trio to build off of in new coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. With a consistent quarterback and talents like Amon-Ra St. Brown and T.J. Hockenson around him, Chark should help take Detroit's offense to the next level. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Key free agents: T.Y. The 28-year-old's size also allows him to cause coverage problems everywhere. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Key free agents: John Ross (UFA), Dante Pettis (UFA). Depth is undoubtedly an issue with Smith-Schuster heading toward free agency and Washington possibly finding a landing spot where he could finally break out. Upside is clearly ramped up for wide receivers from age 21 all the way up to age 27, with an odd dip at age 28, then the biggest number of them all at age-29, as a Hardman didn't prove consistent enough in that role in 2021. If anything, this dynamic, game-changing target will help Tua in his development. Ridley, 26, elevates to unquestioned No. Nick Shook reveals team fits for nine notable free agents. Jumping off of the Cliff (35-plus years old). Chicago could look at adding a Michael Gallup- or Christian Kirk-type boundary presence in free agency while also adding a receiver early in the draft. Danny Amendola, 37 Football Player. Lockett and Metcalf represent a dangerous duo who can win at all levels and offer explosive playmaking. Maurice Jones-Drew examines seven sack artists' relocations, providing 2022 stat projections and analysis. Lamb is in for a big leap in one of the league's most explosive passing attacks. Osborn, Ihmir Smith-Marsette. He now joins a passer he's quite familiar with in Derek Carr, as they spent two record-setting seasons together at Fresno State in 2012 and '13. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown, Key free agents: Adam Humphries (UFA), DeAndre Carter (UFA), Cam Sims (UFA). Much like we saw in the quarterback and running back breakdowns, the decades have a distinct overlap during the most productive ages. Adams led the NFL with 18 touchdown receptions in 2020, but that first-team All-Pro season wasn't an aberration for the 28-year-old four-time Pro Bowler. Look for improved routes and hands to boost Brown'scatch rate this season. Antonio Brown had 309 more receiving yards than Wallace over their last 11 games despite playing 183 fewer snaps. 2022 projection: 1,300 receiving yards, 10 TDs. Now, the Lions must add more weapons. He profiles as a prototype No. Last year, San Jose State finished fourth nationally with a pair of all-conference wide receivers helping to lead the way. Impressive late-career seasons from Jerry Rice, Irving Fryar, Cris Carter, and Tim Brown create the resurgence at 34 and 35 for rookies from the 80s. St. He will be helped by second-year stud CeeDee Lamb getting attention from using hisown alignment versatility. 4 wide receiver in Dallas to being a No. 1 in San Francisco, with plenty of support from George Kittle andDeebo Samuel. He can take over games and also break free in a big-play moment even whenteams scheme to try to take him out of games. Will the Titans be able to build around Treylon Burks? Part of that is because the team has reason to feel good about second year wide receiver David Bell. Lockett also offers fine inside-outside versatility. The first-rounder showed good route-running and ball skills. Chiefs trade Tyreek Hill to Dolphins: Who are the biggest winners and losers? NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. May 20, 2021 10:07 am CT. He hasn't slowed down too much going into his age 31 season and his production is big in relation to his team's run-heavy attack, now complementing Jefferson instead of Diggs. The bigger question for the Seahawks' receiver corps is whether Eskridge, a 2021 second-round pick, can grow into a role after playing sparingly as a rookie. Johnson, who turned 25 in early July, is primed for a big third NFL season. The Panthers got next to nothing out of rookies Marshall and Smith, but with other areas of need (QB, O-line), I don't expect significant changes in the wideout room. JuJu gets the benefit of playing with one of the top quarterbacks and playmakers of his era in Patrick Mahomes. We'll see if that changes in the coming weeks. Injuries held back Thielen in 2021, but he remains as reliable a receiver as there is in the league when healthy. Adding a burner to stress the defense would help make life easier on Lawrence. Veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper is 28 years old and in football years he is considered by some to be the "old guy" on the team. The birds now have one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. 1-receiver talent. Sammy Watkins, 29 Several big-name quarterbacks have been on the move this offseason, including nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. 29. Top WRs under contract for 2022:Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Cole Beasley, Key free agents: Emmanuel Sanders (UFA), Isaiah McKenzie (UFA). Donald Driver may be getting slower (he's 36 years old), but hes still regarded as one of the toughest and most physical receivers there is in the league.. Lamar Jackson and Daniel Jones have reached the end of their respective rookie contracts. Raiders acquiring Davante Adams from Packers: Who are the trade's biggest winners and losers? Webcurrent afc wide receivers that 28 years old. But there isn't anything behind Mooney to help quarterback Justin Fields. So, what's the next move for each quarterback? 1 status in Atlanta with Jones moving on to Nashville. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants have told wide receiver Kenny Golladay he will be released after two horrible seasons. 1. 1 target to take the pressure off Wilson. Shepard and Slayton could be cut candidates this offseason as the Giants dig out from salary cap hell. Could he want out and request a trade? 2020 stats:88 receptions on 125 targets, 1,400yards, 7TDs, 15.9yards per catch. These guys look at me like an old guy.". Nearly half of the wide receivers in our study (12 out of 28) hit their peaks between the ages of 26 and 27. He could be one of the top wideouts to hit the market, depending on how the franchise tags shake out. Like much of the Packers' offseason, things could look drastically different in the coming months, or GM Brian Gutekunst could go all-in once again and find a way to bring most of the crew back. Publish date: Feb 27, 2023 7:00 AM EST. In those two seasons, he was one of the most efficient wideouts in the league vs. press coverage. Moss may be worth a late-round flier as the sixth receiver on your team, but there are plenty of young players that Id prefer to take a chance on. Hill is certainly in the company with the best wideouts in the league when it comes to production with 1,239 receiving yards and 111 receptions during the 2021 season. 2020 stats: 23receptions on 43 targets, 319yards, 3TDs, 13.9yards per catch. Smoothis the best word to describe how Hopkins, 29,works himself open and sets up defenders. Not only do the Bucs need a WR3 -- we all saw the offensive decline after Antonio Brown's late-season walk-off -- but they need a WR2 while Chris Godwin recovers from knee surgery. Outside of Adams, there are questions up and down the Packers' receiver corps, with key contributors in line for new deals. Kliff Kingsbury's offense overly relies on the star wideout making plays without much scheme help. Whose production will fall? WebOne former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver has recently been relased from prison. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. They've been doing a good job. The foursome fits well together from a schematic standpoint and could dominate in new coach Nathaniel Hackett's system. 5 overall pick in 2017. Even with a QB mess and early hamstring injury, Aiyuk displayed his dynamic skills in full. Top WRs under contract for 2022: Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown Key free agents: Adam Humphries (UFA), DeAndre Carter (UFA), Cam Sims (UFA) Emmanuel Sanders ( 34 ) however, in Cleveland, Cooper could again emerge as a true.... Could have been on the field in 2021 heading toward free agency tracker provides real-time team-by-team updates all. Of Adams, there are has been a championship-caliber fantasy starter since the middle of 2008, averaging a 7.9! ( 34 ) possibly finding a landing spot where he could be one of the 2023 Draft! 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Probably the greatest wide receiver David Bell provides real-time team-by-team updates of all the key additions and trades in frenzied. Third NFL season and rookies ) electing to take advantage of this new rule are questions up and down Packers...