With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, it is again time for the league’s true insiders to make their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This is the fifth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players have moved up or fallen off last year’s lists.
A reminder of the rankings process: Voters give us their best 10 players at a position, then we compile the results and rank candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, nearly 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed help us break any ties.
Each section includes quotes and nuggets from the voters on every ranked player — even the honorable mentions. The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2024. This is not a five-year projection or a career achievement award. Who are the best players today?
We will roll out a position per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (7/8), defensive tackles (7/9), edge rushers (7/10), safeties (7/11), tight ends (7/12), interior offensive linemen (7/13), offensive tackles (7/14), quarterbacks (7/15), off-ball linebackers (7/16), wide receivers (7/17), cornerbacks (7/18).
The competition at wide receiver knows no rival.
The NFL’s deepest position breeds new stars every year. Greatness can come from anywhere. This year’s top 10 features a bevy of former first-rounders — and three gems from the fourth and fifth rounds of years past.
Putting up 1,000 yards isn’t enough to crack the elite. Twenty-seven different receivers surpassed that threshold just last season. Fittingly, 28 players earned at least one vote from league scouts, execs and coaches in this year’s Top 10 wide receivers, which featured a cheetah racing for the top spot.
In fact, 1,400 yards might not get you in the honorable mention on this list, which left out plenty of big-money stars.
Let’s look at some of the game’s top wideouts as ranked by sources around the NFL.
1:21
Stephen A.: Justin Jefferson ‘deserves every penny’ of new contract
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe react to Justin Jefferson’s new $140 million contract extension with the Vikings.
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 3
Age: 25 | Last year’s ranking: 1
Jefferson is the wideout king for the second consecutive year despite a “down” year, by his standards, courtesy of a hamstring injury that cost him seven games.
But even Jefferson’s 10-game output — 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five scores — is better than most over 17 games.
“He’s the best route runner in all of football in my opinion,” an NFL wide receivers coach said.
Jefferson’s historic pace through four seasons places him on an early Hall of Fame track. Since his 2020 debut, Jefferson leads all receivers in yards per game (98.4) and most 100-yard games (29).
Nearly 37% of his catches went for 20-plus yards in 2023, one of the top clips in the NFL.
“Play speed. Constant production. Instincts. Elite hands. Do-it-all route runner,” a high-ranking personnel man with an NFL team said.
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4
Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 4
Hill has been a revelation for Miami.
His 3,509 receiving yards since joining the Dolphins in 2022 leads the NFL during that span. After falling short of a 1,500-yard season over six years in Kansas City, Hill now has back-to-back 1,700-yard campaigns to his name.
Last year, Hill was well outside of the top three in our voting. This year, he pushed Jefferson for the top spot, with more than 25% of the first-place votes.
The reason is simple: He wrecks a game plan.
0:45
Tyreek Hill’s kids show off Griddy dance moves on NFL Live set
Tyreek Hill brings three of his kids on the NFL Live studio set to show off their best touchdown celebration moves, including the Griddy.
“His speed changes your preparation and how you have to play defense,” an NFC executive said. “Only a few people on earth can do that.”
Hill led the NFL in drops (10), but his elite playmaking helps offset that. And he handles a massive workload, leading the NFL with a 38.1% target share off routes run.
Will Hill hit a wall in his 30s?
“He’s just so freaking different, man,” a veteran AFC coach said. ” I cannot see him getting slower but for injuries. He’s been so durable, so maybe his age shows with a few more nicks and bruises and he’s not 100% as often, but as far as his speed and quickness I can see him running fast to age 34 easily. Him slowing down just doesn’t compute to me.”
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 24 | Last year’s ranking: 3
Chase occupies a mystifying space in the receiver pantheon. Not many players scare defensive coordinators more than Chase, who can break a big play at any time.
But he hasn’t followed up his stellar rookie performance with a signature season, which both receivers ahead of him have. He got more No. 1 consideration last year than in 2024, when Hill overtook him.
He’s still clearly in Tier 1, with a big drop-off in voting after the top three.
“He’s still the league’s best vertical threat and yards-after-catch player,” a veteran NFL coordinator said. “The fear factor with him is thick.”
Maybe Chase’s 100-catch, 1,216-yard season should be commended because of Cincinnati’s quarterback upheaval. Joe Burrow began and ended the year unhealthy, and backup Jake Browning was not Burrow’s equal but performed admirably in seven starts.
Chase is the first Bengals player with a streak of three or more 1,000-yard receiving seasons since A.J. Green (2011-15). Chase did that despite missing five games due to injury in 2022.
But that rookie explosion of 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns raised the expectations.
“I think Chase is proof of how much targets, volume and QB play can affect even the best receivers,” an AFC scout said. “Chase’s play didn’t fall off at all. He’s in his prime.”
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 25 | Last year’s ranking: 10
Our NFL polling group called its shot with Lamb.
Lamb cracked last year’s top 10, earning the 10th spot over the likes of Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans and Tee Higgins.
He validated that faith with a resounding performance, becoming the first Cowboys receiver with 1,700 or more yards in a season. He led the NFL in receptions (135) and finished second behind Hill in yards (1,749) despite constant attention from defenses as the No. 1 option.
9:53
Should the Cowboys prioritize extending CeeDee over Dak?
The “First Take” crew debates whether if the Dallas Cowboys should focus on extending CeeDee Lamb’s contract over Dak Prescott’s next season.
Eighty of Lamb’s catches went for a first down, the second most in the NFL.
“He was able to move around the formation more this year, specifically outside, and he consistently won in critical situations over the course of the year,” an NFL scouting director said. “He proved to be a do-it-all receiver. Has great hands and outstanding pace to his routes and setup that gives defensive backs problems.”
Lamb is at his best with the ball in his hands, leading the NFL with 680 yards after the catch.
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 31 | Last year’s ranking: 2
Adams was our back-to-back No. 1 in 2021-22 and finished No. 2 behind Jefferson last year.
The drop to No. 5 isn’t all his fault. Adams has played with five different starting quarterbacks since joining Las Vegas via trade in 2022, as multiple voters pointed out.
And he’s on a Hall of Fame track, with his 95 touchdown receptions since 2015 the most among NFL players over that stretch.
But his 11.1 yards per reception last season was his lowest average since 2015.
2:06
Woody: Jets trading for Davante Adams would ‘make no sense’
Damien Woody and the “Get Up” crew discuss the potential of Davante Adams joining the Jets after recent comments from Aaron Rodgers.
“He’s still a blue-chipper,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “Still can win on the outside and get you tough yards. But you wonder what you’re getting from him next year with the quarterback situation unsettled.”
Adams will be catching passes from second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell or veteran free agent signing Gardner Minshew next year.
“Still really good but failed to make a few plays I’ve seen him make and it seemed he was playing through a few nicks and bruises at the end,” an AFC offensive coach said.
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: 7
Brown fought Lamb and Adams for the top five but didn’t record enough Tier 1 votes for consideration.
Regardless, he’s a matchup nightmare who’s the only Philadelphia receiver to post back-to-back 1,400-yard receiving seasons in his first two years as an Eagle. The last to do so in one season was Mike Quick in 1983.
“Rare blend of excellent size, athleticism and skill,” an AFC exec said. “That’s why the Eagles have paid him twice.”
Eagles GM Howie Roseman traded for Brown in the 2022 NFL draft, gave him a four-year, $100 million contract, then doubled down with a three-year, $96 million extension in April.
“Other receivers might be better all-around but if you need to win one-on-one on a slot fade or a slant, [Brown] can play through contact and makes contested catches better than just about anyone,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 24 | Last year’s ranking: Honorable mention
St. Brown famously watched 16 receivers get drafted ahead of him in 2021. From that group, only Chase has more receiving yards than St. Brown, whose Year 3 breakout vaulted him from the honorable mention category to Tier 2 alongside Lamb, Adams and Brown.
“Has elite football instincts for the position,” an NFL coordinator said. “Understands how to attack leverage. Runs hard every play. Plays inside and outside. Makes all the tough catches on high-leverage downs. Blocks, plays physical. The only thing he doesn’t do is win outside the red line [close to the sideline], but that’s not how the game works anyway.”
St. Brown’s 13 games with 100-plus receiving yards the past two seasons is tied for the third most in the NFL during that span.
0:59
Amon-Ra shines light on teammates and coaches after playoff win
Amon-Ra St. Brown reflects on the Lions’ progress and gives props to his teammates and coach Dan Campbell for the team’s success.
St. Brown connected with quarterback Jared Goff for 1,515 yards in 2023, the fourth most in a season in Lions history, behind Calvin Johnson (twice) and Herman Moore. He recorded two drops on 165 targets.
This work earned St. Brown a massive four-year, $120 million extension this offseason.
The biggest issue with St. Brown is size (6-foot, 202 pounds), but he plays big.
“He’s really tough,” an NFC offensive coach said. “You know where the ball is going on third down and he’s usually coming up with it.”
One NFC executive countered: “That scheme and what [offensive coordinator] Ben Johnson has done makes him look really good. Not taking anything away from him, but he’s more dependent on the scheme than some of the other receivers on this list.”
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: Honorable mention
Evans’ fall to honorable mention last season turned out to be an aberration. In 2023, Evans posted his fourth career season of 1,200-plus yards and led the NFL in touchdowns with 13.
“He still commands a double-team, he still can bully corners at the line of scrimmage or downfield, still makes tough catches,” an NFL personnel man said. “He’s been atop the Bucs’ game plan on who to stop for a decade.”
Evans’ nine drops were less than ideal, but he does just about everything else well, from red zone efficiency to physical plays on go balls.
The Bucs did a good job managing Evans’ workload to keep him fresh. He played 78.2% of Tampa’s snaps (863), less than receiving mate Chris Godwin (892).
“He’s been one of the most consistent players of the last decade, with uneven quarterback play,” an AFC scout said.
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 6
One of the most polarizing figures on this list, Diggs’ presence — and complicated legacy — leaves voters torn.
He’s been one of the most electric coverage-beating receivers of the last half-decade, a player who elevated the play of Josh Allen in Buffalo with toughness and timely catches in traffic. His 445 receptions over four seasons with the Bills led the NFL.
But his production took a serious dip in the back half of 2023, when he failed to surpass 35 yards in six of his last 10 games, including playoffs. And he’s now worn out his welcome in two spots, Minnesota and Buffalo.
Some evaluators say the dip was a byproduct of Buffalo’s transition to a run-oriented attack. He still led the NFL in tight-window receptions (17).
“He still has some left in the tank and [I] didn’t see a dip in his overall ability,” an AFC executive said.
Not everyone agrees.
“I saw a little decline — I think his vertical speed has tapered off a bit,” another AFC exec said.
Diggs is now a Houston Texan. The team reworked his contract so that he’s a free agent in 2025. The pressure is on.
“I question the fit in Houston,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “They’ve already got plenty in the passing game with Nico Collins and Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. And you wonder how his personality fits with a young nucleus.”
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Aiyuk won a tiebreaker with Rams receiver Cooper Kupp thanks to his breakout 1,342-yard season in 2023.
Aiyuk has come a long way from starting his career in Kyle Shanahan’s doghouse due to inconsistencies as a rookie. He’s worked his way into premier status.
“More downfield production, huge jump in yards per catch, quietly has almost 300 [career] catches,” said an NFL executive who voted Aiyuk top-three. “Excels as a blocker. Lower body ability is as good as anyone.”
Aiyuk, who has 269 career catches through four seasons, upped his yards per catch from 14.8 to 17.9 in 2023, trailing only George Pickens (18.1). More than 37% of his receptions went for 20-plus yards, tops in the NFL (minimum 100 targets).
In a loaded 49ers offense, Aiyuk has emerged as the top target with 218 targets, far ahead of Deebo Samuel (181) and George Kittle (176).
“Premier route runner with open-field juice,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: Kupp ranks fourth in Rams history with 7,066 receiving yards. He’s been hampered by injuries the past two seasons but is still productive. “Hasn’t been quite the same as the player from that triple crown season (2021) but still a high-level player — will have a lower target share with emergence of Puka [Nacua],” an AFC executive said.
Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers: Still one of the best playmakers in all of football, averaging 8.8 yards after catch per reception, leading the field. “Durability has been a bit of a concern, but he’s the ultimate weapon,” an AFC exec said.
Garrett Wilson, New York Jets: Managed back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons despite anemic quarterback play. Could experience his true breakout with Aaron Rodgers healthy. “I think he’s the next young star,” an NFL personnel director said.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: Remarkably consistent with 3,385 yards through his first three NFL seasons despite the presence of Hill as the No. 1 option. “Elite speed and an underrated route runner,” an NFL offensive coach said.
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles: Similar to Waddle — an elite No. 2 with No. 1 abilities, a sure bet for 1,000 yards each year. “So smooth. Could be a No. 1 somewhere,” an NFC scout said. “Has held up physically, which was the knock on him coming out.
Nico Collins, Houston Texans: Breakout 1,297-yard season earned him a $72.75 million extension. “He’s awesome — combo of size, speed and RAC ability,” an AFC scout said.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns: Posted 1,250 yards with four different quarterbacks. His 14.22 air yards per target led the league among receivers with a minimum of 100 targets. “His game has aged well,” an NFC scout said. “Consummate pro. Always a good route runner.”
DJ Moore, Chicago Bears: An underrated playmaker with four 1,000-yard seasons despite uneven quarterback play throughout his career. Gave Chicago a bona fide No. 1 option with 1,364 yards in 2023. “Has the ability to take a game completely over,” an NFL executive said.
Also receiving votes: DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks), Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears), Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders), Calvin Ridley (Tennessee Titans), Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals), Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers), Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints), Michael Pittman Jr., (Indianapolis Colts), DeAndre Hopkins (Tennessee Titans), Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos)
