NFL Player Power Rankings Week 3: Wide receivers

No. 25-21

25. Steve Smith – Baltimore Ravens

Steve Smith would never have made my top 25 NFL WRs list before the season started. I thought his best days were behind him. Thirteen receptions and 189 yards through the first two games say otherwise. We’ll see if he can keep it up for an entire season.

24. Kelvin Benjamin – Carolina Panthers

Another WR that I was wrong about. I thought Benjamin had bust written all over him. He looked like more of a Jon Baldwin than a Vincent Jackson to me, but the early returns in Carolina are very positive. It looks like Benjamin may be Cam Newton’s top weapon for years to come.

23. Sammy Watkins – Buffalo Bills

While Benjamin’s spot on this list was a surprise for me, Sammy Watkins’ isn’t. Watkins appears to be the elite playmaker that he was advertised as. There was some doubt that EJ Manuel would be able to get him the ball enough for him to be a factor, but so far it isn’t slowing Watkins down.

22. Emmanuel Sanders – Denver Broncos

If you want to argue that Emmanuel Sanders impressive production through two games (14 receptions and 185 yards) have more to do with Peyton Manning being his quarterback and Wes Welker being out thus far, I wouldn’t argue. However, Sanders has made the most of his opportunity and his skill set seems to be a perfect fit for their offense.

21. DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans

If DeAndre Hopkins wasn’t on a run first team and fighting for targets with Andre Johnson he would probably get more attention. Despite those factors that are working against him he’s still totaled 111 yards and a couple of TDs. His arrow is pointing up.