10 NFL wide receivers who can lead the league in receiving

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 23: Wide receiver Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

60. WR. Minnesota Vikings. Adam Thielen. 7. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Thielen is the only receiver on this list who should expect his target share to increase dramatically in 2020. The Vikings’ questionable decision to trade Stefon Diggs leaves Thielen as the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver in Minnesota.

The question Thielen must answer is whether or not he can thrive without Diggs attractive attention from safeties on the other side of the field. He’s not the NFL’s most explosive athlete, but Thielen has more wiggle than casual fans believe.

Justin Jefferson’s development as a rookie might be the key for Thielen’s chances of leading the league in receiving. If he can get up to speed relatively quickly, it’s going to give his veteran teammate a lot more room to operate. The Vikings would love for Jefferson to soak up all of Diggs’ target share from a season ago, but that’s not a realistic expectation.

It’s also worth mentioning that Thielen needs to stay healthy in 2020 if he wants to deserve inclusion on this list. He missed six games for Minnesota last year. He’ll need to play all 16 if he wants to lead the league in receiving without Diggs’ help.

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