NFL: Andrew Luck, 10 best players to start a franchise

Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver – Detroit Lions

It is by alphabetical coincidence that the “other” receiver follows A.J. Green, but Detroit Lions stud Calvin Johnson has been the best player at the position for at least three seasons, with no signs of slowing down. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound behemoth is one of the older players on this list, but Johnson’s separation between himself and the rest of the league’s wide receivers makes him a perfectly logical candidate.

There is some reason to believe that his “best” is behind him, especially with the absurdity of a 122-catch, 1,964-yard season in 2012, but Johnson’s physical tools have seemingly remained stable despite his ascending age. The Lions made an effort to give the big man some help with the acquisition of Golden Tate during the off-season, but until this point, Johnson has done the lion’s share of his damage without the benefit of a big-time secondary option, and his pedigree as a top-5 pick was certainly fulfilled.

Aside from the greats like Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, the wide receiver spot can drop off in a hurry after age 28, but in the case of Johnson, he has made the case for that level of respect.