Charles Tillman: Calvin Johnson still the best WR in the NFL

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman said that he believes Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is still the best in the NFL.


Charles Tillman is one of the best cornerbacks to play in the NFL recently, and he is one of the most respected players in the NFL. That being said, he had some words about who he thinks is the best wide receiver in the NFL today with all of the young talent coming into the league.

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It was pretty obvious who he thought was the best, and he talked quite awhile about why he thought Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was still the best in the game.

“I still think he’s a badass,” Tillman said. “Arguably the best receiver in the game today, in my opinion. I go against him twice. We match up well, and you have to bring your big-boy pants when you’re going against him.”

There is a chance that Tillman will be back for another NFL season next year, and the Bears would likely welcome him back. He spent all but two games on the injured list due to a triceps injury. It hurt the Bears defense in a big way, and he finished the year with just eight tackles and a broken up pass.

During his 12-year NFL career, Tillman has racked up 857 total tackles to go along with 36 interceptions, 42 forced fumbles, eight defensive touchdowns, and 133 passes broken up.

Obviously those numbers show just how good he has been throughout his career, which makes these comments hold a bit more weight. He has faced quite a few great receivers throughout his career, and not many competitors talk about their opponents with the respect that Tillman showed Johnson.

Johnson’s numbers have looked pretty good throughout his career as well. He has caught 643 passes for 10,405 yards and 74 touchdowns throughout his eight-year NFL career. It’s hard to believe that he is 29 years of age now, and unfortunately had to deal with some nagging injuries throughout the 2014 season.

It isn’t surprising that Johnson was Tillman’s pick, but there are plenty of players out there that are great competition. Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, and even Odell Beckham Jr. are right behind him.

All of that being said, it is always entertaining and helpful when Tillman comes out and shares his thoughts on a topic. He usually knows exactly what he is talking about and doesn’t show favoritism. There aren’t going to be many cornerbacks that would disagree with Tillman’s take on this particular question.

H/T DetroitNews.com

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