Fansided

Top 25 NFL wide receivers of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the side of the field during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 19, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 25
Next
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

15. Wes Welker

Is there a receiver who had better gigs throughout their career than Wes Welker? The Texas Tech product got to catch passes from Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and was great for both of them.

Welker started his career in 2004 with San Diego before going to the Dolphins that same year, primarily as a kick returner. He had 67 catches with Miami in 2006 before going to New England in 2007. That season, Welker led the NFL in receptions with 112, to go along with 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns. Mind you, 2007 was the year that Randy Moss came to New England, and Welker still led the team in catches.

Welker’s 2007 season was the first of five seasons in which he would total at least 100 receptions. In 2009, he had 123 catches, once again leading the NFL, and was named to his first All-Pro team. He was named All-Pro once again in 2011 after leading the league in catches for the third time with 122.

Welker was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He is arguably the best slot receiver of all time, and was one of the most reliable targets for two of the best quarterbacks in history.

Home/NFL