Best I Ever Seen: Wide Receivers

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We'll start this week's Best I Ever Seen lists with the wide receivers and let me tell you it was the most difficult list to put together thus far. There has been so many great receivers that have come through the league since 1984. I debated myself on where to slot most of these players so I'm fairly positive that you readers will disagree with some placement and quite possibly most of the list all together.

Here's the list and feel free to comment or even start a debate on any or all of my list of Best I Ever Seen: Wide Receivers.

Best I Ever Seen: Wide Receivers

Jerry Rice (San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle)- Rice was that player I absolutely loathed watching. Why? Because he was so damn good and no matter what always seemed to be open, getting a first down or scoring a touchdown. He holds every imaginable receiving record and total career touchdowns. Even with all of that though and knowing he was the best I ever seen now and quite possible for the rest of my life I still hated putting him a top my list.
Randy Moss (Minnesota, Oakland, New England)- He may not give full effort out on the field at all times, but his half assing is so much better than others full blown effort it is almost ridiculous. His size, speed ratio is amazing and though he has slowed a bit in the past couple of seasons he is still plenty athletic enough to beat some of the best corners in the league. Some will only remember him for his childish on and off the field antics, but his play and numbers speak for themselves.
Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts)- Much like Jerry Rice, Harrison wasn't blessed with blazing speed. He was a tremendous stundent of the game along with being one of the best route runners ever. As with most great wide receivers he did have the advantage of playing with a great quarterback, but Harrison did work extra hard to get where he is at on my list. A quiet guy that played the game without flash that just got the job done.
Terrell Owens (San Francisco, Philadelphia, Dallas, Buffalo)- I'm one of the few that like TO. I don't mind his childish antics or at times what seems to be a bi-polar mentality. He has proved to me time and time again to be one of the most complete receivers I have ever watched. From his strength, to his speed and finally his desire to win. Some people handle losing better than others, Owens isn't one of those people. He isn't a bad guy he just has a propensity to stick his foot in his mouth. The only thing holding him back on my list is his tendency to have a case of the dropsees.
Chris Carter (Philadelphia, Minnesota)- Being a Bears fan I saw a ton of Chris Carter. So much so you may think I really wouldn't like this guy. That is far from the case. I love Chris Carter. Now that I look back he may have been my first official mancrush. Starting in Philly his career path looked to be headed straight for the dumpster, but a refocused and rededicated Carter was brought to the world when he went to Minnesota to play. Another tough receiver that had great hands and if he didin't catch something within his grasp it was a real surprise. Great when you needed a first down or in the redzone Carter will always remain one of my favorite players to watch.
Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)- This is where my list really had its hardest time working itself out. Choosing from some of the older greats that I witnessed to some of the young, up and coming talents playing today. Johnson falls in the later catergory, as I put him in this slot as he is the player I would like most on my team at this position right at this very moment. A physical freak with a great size and speed ratio combined with great route running ability. Johnson has some decent competition for best receiver in the league right now, but in my opinion doesn't get the credit he deserves. Because he is more reserved than most wide receivers today and the Houston franchise really hasn't caught the fans eyes since entering the league.
Michael Irvin (Dallas)- Another guy you don't mind hating on, but his play spoke for itself. A very strong receiver with great hands. Irvin caught everything in his vicinity and most likely did it while he was high. That is a feat in itself. As much as I don't like the man I respect the player that he was.
Brandon Marshall (Denver)- Here is one that is sure to spark a ton of debate. Marshall maybe known more for his off the field troubles, fights with coaches and yearning to get out of Denver, but you can't look past his talent and what he has accomplished the past couple of seasons. His size and speed are amazing enough, but for a guy to be as elusive as Marshall is along with his other positive attributes is insanity. He can run past, over and even break you off at the ankles. That is why he falls here on my list.
Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona)- Another great physical speciman playing at the wide out spot along with being what seems to be a great overall human being places Fitzgerad in my top ten. I'm a big fan not only for his play on the field, but the man he looks to be from a far. His size, route running and body control amaze every NFL fan matched with a great passion for the game will surely have Fitzgerald moving up this list before it is all said and done.
Torry Holt (St. Louis, Jacksonville)- The Greatest Show on Turf really took of when Holt and Warner grabbed a hold of Mike Martz's pass happy offense. One of the smaller guys on this list, Holt got it done with speed , great hands and precise route running. One of those guys that always looked to be open no matter what the situation was. Holt's career was also helped by the Rams offense and the fact he was surrounded by the likes of Issac Bruce, Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner, but without Holt it would have only been a three-wheeled car, which doesn't work so well.

Honorable Mention- Tim Brown (Oakland, Tampa Bay), Issac Bruce (St. Louis, San Francisco), Calvin Johnson (Detroit), Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson (Cincinnati), Herman Moore (Detroit), Steve Smith (Carolina)

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