Netflix received positive reviews for its original series “Quarterback,” and now they’re back to give a behind-the-scenes look at the life of elite pass-catchers with “Receiver.”
“We were thrilled last summer to see audiences all over the world diving into the lives of NFL quarterbacks,” said NFL Films supervising producer Joe Zucco. “We believe the extraordinary skills, dedication, and passion of the NFL’s great wide receivers — and one tight end — will make a perfect follow-up.”
“Receiver” features Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Deebo Samuel Sr., and George Kittle.
Ranking the 5 WRs Featured on Netflix’s ‘Receiver’
Netflix assembled a star-studded group of pass-catchers, but who is the best of the bunch? Today, let’s rank the five receivers featured on the Netflix show.
5. Deebo Samuel Sr.
At one point in his NFL career, Samuel looked like the face of a new wave of wide receivers that would dominate the game for years to come. In 2021, he led the league in yards per reception (18.2) while posting over 70 catches and a 1,400-yard season.
Since then, though, injuries and ineffective play have made Samuel an important but expendable piece to the San Francisco 49ers‘ offense. Yes, the South Carolina product put forth a solid 60-catch, 892-yard season, but there’s a reason why he — along with his teammate Brandon Aiyuk — are in trade rumors in San Francisco. Samuel is currently ranked No. 10 in Pro Football Network’s wide receiver rankings.
4. George Kittle
To be on a list of the best receivers in the game as a tight end, you have to be among the best of your era.
Kittle has certainly been that over the last seven years.
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The former fifth-round pick out of Iowa is a two-time first-team All-Pro and has recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in three of his seven seasons with the 49ers.
People may argue that Samuel is a better player in the San Francisco offense, but it’s Kittle who helps stir the drink that is the elite group. Also, Kittle is currently the top-ranked tight end in Pro Football Network’s positional rankings.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown, like many of his Detroit Lions teammates, is among the up-and-coming stars in the NFL today.
A first-team All-Pro last season, the former fourth-round pick out of USC has increased his receptions, yards, and touchdown totals in every year he’s been in the league.
In 2023, St. Brown recorded an excellent 119-catch season with over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has emerged as one of the best receivers in the NFL, ranking No. 7 in PFN’s wide receiver rankings.
2. Davante Adams
Of all the receivers on this list, Adams is far and away the one with the best résumé. He’s recorded over 100 catches in each of the last four seasons, and he showed that he is still among the league’s best and most consistent players.
The issue with Adams is that his production with Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell, while still elite at times, did take a bit of a dip in efficiency. He recorded the second-lowest yards per reception of his career and just eight touchdowns.
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While that dip could be blamed on his quarterback, there are also many questions about his age (31) and how that will affect his overall production moving forward. Adams is currently ranked No. 4 in PFN’s wide receiver rankings.
1. Justin Jefferson
A few years ago, Adams would have been the top overall player on a list like this.
He no longer sits atop the elite receiver throne. That spot belongs to Jefferson.
Despite missing seven games last season due to injuries, Jefferson caught 68 passes for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. That was with Kirk Cousins hurt and multiple quarterbacks throwing him the football. He’s the best wide receiver in the game today, without much debate.
The only question will be how well Sam Darnold or first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy gets him the ball in 2024 on the new-look Minnesota Vikings.