AFC North Top 5: Wide Receivers
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates after making a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The complexion of the wide receiver position in the AFC North has changed quite a bit as we head into the 2015-16 season. Two big names will not be suiting up this year. Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith is now in San Francisco. Browns star wideout, yet their biggest bane, Josh Gordon is facing suspension.
However, there are a handful of stars who expect to have big seasons in 2015, some of whom we know well, and others we will get to know.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 AFC North receivers for 2015.
Honorable Mention
- Mohamed Sanu, Bengals
- Markus Wheaton, Steelers
- Andrew Hawkins, Browns
- Marvin Jones, Bengals
5. Dwayne Bowe, Cleveland Browns
The AFC North welcomes the former Kansas City Chief star to the mix. The Browns are hoping that he can fill the void that is left by Gordon’s suspension. Well, if that is going to happen, Bowe needs to put up huge numbers, similar to what he did in 2010. That year, he caught 72 passes for 1,162 yards and a league-leading 15 touchdowns. Bowe certainly has the talent to have a big season, but his performance will largely depend on whether or not new quarterback Josh McCown can get him the ball.
4. Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) runs the ball after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Bryant, in his first NFL season out of Clemson, sort of broke onto the scene. He appeared in 10 games, three of which he started, and snagged 26 passes for 549 yards and eight touchdowns. Drafted as a fourth-rounder, Bryant may even be considered a steal, especially given the impact he has on the Steelers offense. Expect Bryant to come back even stronger in 2015. He’s a big-time playmaker and there’s no doubt that Big Ben will find him if he’s open. Bryant will likely solidify his position as the No. 2 receiver in Pittsburgh this season.
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3. Steve Smith Sr, Baltimore Ravens
The old man is still trucking along, huh? Smith is sure-fire Hall of Famer, having amassed 915 receptions for 13,262 yards and 73 touchdowns over a 14-year career. He’s 36 years old, but don’t let his age fool you. Smith Sr. is still very young at heart. He’s not only up here on this list because of his skill, but because of the impact he has on his team. Smith is one of the toughest players in the NFL and you can tell that his attitude rubs off on those around him. He’s infectious.
2. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
May 26, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) looks on during OTAs at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
There was one heck of a toss-up for the first and second spots on this list. But, simply judging the outlook for 2015, we’ll put Green at No. 2. Green is virtually un-coverable, standing 6’4 and 205 pounds. It’s nearly impossible to win a jump ball against him. In four seasons with Cincinnati, he’s accumulated 4,874 receiving yards. The only factor that’s ultimately holding the ex-Georgia Bulldog from reaching his full potential is the guy throwing him the ball.
1. Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
In his 5th NFL season, Antonio Brown was an absolute monster. He reeled in 129 passes, racking up 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him his third Pro Bowl nod. Brown just seems to get better and better each year. While A.J. Green can’t be stopped because of his size and athleticism, Brown is unstoppable because speed kills. You can’t catch what you can’t see. Give Brown a one-on-one matchup and more often than not, he’s going to win. He’s a playmaker, simple and plain, and a threat to score any time he has the ball in his hands.
Check out some more AFC North Positional Previews: Quarterbacks Running Backs