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Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Ja'Marr Chase Lead Top 10 WR Rankings by NFL Insiders

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVJuly 17, 2024

EAGAN, MINNESOTA - JUNE 04: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings practices during Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on June 04, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

It's been quite the offseason for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

First, he agreed to a contract extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Then, he was recognized as the best player at his position by those around the league.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler relayed the results of a survey of NFL executives, coaches and scouts that asked them to rank the top 10 players at different positions. The wide receiver list was released Wednesday, and Jefferson checks in on top:

  1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
  2. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
  3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
  4. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
  5. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
  6. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
  7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
  8. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  9. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
  10. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

It's hard to argue with Jefferson being No. 1.

In just four years in the league, he already has a resume that includes an Offensive Player of the Year, three Pro Bowl selections and three seasons with at least 1,400 receiving yards. He even reached the 1,000-yard mark last season when injuries limited him to just 10 games.

NFL @NFL

These 2023 Justin Jefferson catches are nothing short of spectacular 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/JJettas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JJettas</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vikings</a> <a href="https://t.co/GfYwCJ4QIG">pic.twitter.com/GfYwCJ4QIG</a>

"Play speed. Constant production. Instincts. Elite hands. Do-it-all route runner," an NFL personnel figure said of Jefferson's game.

The 25-year-old, who led the NFL with 1,809 receiving yards in 2022, is the headliner, but the rankings underscore just how loaded the wide receiver position is in today's NFL.

Tyreek Hill, Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb and Davante Adams round out the top five, and they all appear well on their way to reaching the Hall of Fame after their playing days. Hill in particular stands out, as going from being a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs to leading the Miami Dolphins has only improved his production.

He led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards last season, which was his second straight year with more than 1,700 yards through the air.

"His speed changes your preparation and how you have to play defense," an NFC executive said of Hill. "Only a few people on earth can do that."

NFL @NFL

119 catches<br>1,799 receiving yards<br>13 TDs<br><br>Tyreek's second season in Miami was a memorable one. <a href="https://t.co/u2Xrqd4DR1">pic.twitter.com/u2Xrqd4DR1</a>

One notable inclusion in the top 10 was Stefon Diggs, who will be on a different team this season after the Buffalo Bills traded him to the Houston Texans. Fowler said he was "one of the most polarizing figures on this list," with rankings as high as No. 5 and others leaving him out of the top 10 entirely.

It is a testament to Diggs' consistency, though, that 1,183 receiving yards was something of a down season for him in 2023.

He may not be the only receiver on this list to switch teams this offseason, as Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers checks in at No. 10. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that Aiyuk requested a trade, although ESPN's Adam Schefter noted "the 49ers have no intention of trading" him.

It will be a storyline to watch as training camp begins, as teams don't often have the opportunity to add a top-10 wide receiver to their offense via trade this close to the season.