Packers: NFC North wide receiver rankings ahead of 2021 season
The NFC North features some of the best wide receivers in the league, even after losing stars Stefon Diggs and Kenny Golladay over the past two offseasons.
As the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions battle it out for the division crown this year, there will be no shortage of great pass catchers to throw to for each quarterback. Well, maybe not including the Lions.
Who are the top five receivers in the NFC North entering 2021?
1. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Adams led these rankings a year ago and has only strengthened his grip on first place since then. A first-team All-Pro in 2020, Adams was unstoppable with an incredible 115 receptions for 1,374 yards and 18 touchdowns.
We’re not just talking about the best receiver in the NFC North, but also one of the greatest in Packers franchise history. Imagine saying that after the 2015 season.
2. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
With Justin Fields arriving in Chicago, Robinson might finally have a quarterback.
Even having played with the likes of Mitch Trubisky, Blake Bortles, and Nick Foles in his career, Robinson is still productive. Robinson has put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Bears, giving the team no choice but to use the franchise tag to keep him.
3. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
There’s reason why so many Packers fans wanted Jefferson to fall in last year’s draft.
He’s a special talent and put together a simply sensational rookie season. A second-team All-Pro, Pro Bowler, and part of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his debut year, Jefferson caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns.
It’s scary to think how good he can become, as much as it hurts to say with him playing for the Vikings.
4. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson’s teammate isn’t a bad player either. While it’s been two seasons without hitting 1,000 yards for Thielen, he came close last season with 925 and an impressive 14 touchdown catches, despite missing two games.
Jefferson has become Minnesota’s top receiver, but Thielen is a great number two.
5. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers
MVS took a big step last season. He averaged just under 21 yards per reception, a league-best, while also bringing in six touchdowns, four of which were at least 45 yards in length.
Valdes-Scantling has become a home-run hitter for the Packers and a player defenses always need to be worried about.