Best Wide Receivers Over 20 Yards Downfield

With the return of the run game and more controlled offenses with reserved play callers, explosive plays come at a high premium. Only a handful of offenses like Minnesota, Detroit, and Philadelphia were able to remain consistent down the field but all featured elite rushing attacks primarily.

The old adage of running the ball to set up the pass and play action is just one of the heartbreaking cliches bad broadcasters spill on Sundays and Saturdays, but it maintains its truth. Other teams like Pittsburgh may have relied too heavily on it, but their distinction from other offenses made them a tough scout for a few weeks. Front offices also value individuals like Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase but those athletic freaks don't grow on trees, so creativity from play callers is needed to surprise the best defensive minds.

(Threat/100 of top 5 wideouts over 20 yards down the field and at least 20 targets in that area)

1. George Pickens (Steelers, 82.44)

All of Pickens' targets 20+ yards down field

This is probably the most obvious appearance on this list. Virtually, the only productive and consistent play in Pittsburgh's repertoire was Russell Wilson launching a pigskin to the heavens before it inevitably landed in Pickens' enormous hands. No one would mistake Pickens as one of the elite wideouts in the league, but he surely one of the most exciting to watch. In between his questionable maturity moments, the player who has become affectionately known as "NFL YoungBoy" can rip a defense wide open at the most inopportune times. The one-dimensional nature of the Steelers' offense can only offer so much, but whomever takes Pittsburgh's snaps may have a lethal weapon on the outside if he can keep his head screwed on straight.

2. Terry McLaurin (Commanders, 70.43)

All of McLaurin's targets 20+ yards down field

The Washington offense, shepherded by Air Raid merchant Kliff Kingsbury, was bound to have some sort of creativity and with McLaurin's proven quality, his statistics stood little chance of tumbling. Jayden Daniels shocked even his biggest supporters this past season with an NFC Championship game appearance, but Scary Terry's contribution sprung the movement even further. He did most of his damage from the left-hand side, allowing for the quarterback to unfurl the football with the most velocity possible. With Kingsbury returning and not getting another crack at the head coaching ranks, expect McLaurin to encroach further onto the few players better than him at the position.

3. Jordan Addison (Vikings, 62.66)

All of Addison's targets 20+ yards down field

Justin Jefferson is clearly the best receiver in the league over the last half decade, but he just missed the qualifications for this list with just 19 targets greater than 20 yards downfield. His bookend has certified the duo as one of the most dangerous of its kind. The former Biletnikoff winner developed during Jefferson's absence and gave Sam Darnold another, though less talented, target with sharper cutting power being that he had less attention on him. Addison's work is done in many diverse parts of the field, leading him to become even less predictable than his counterpart. JJ McCarthy is beginning his career with a hitter's count with Addison, Jefferson, and the play caller to marry things together in Kevin O'Connell.

4. DK Metcalf (Seahawks -> Steelers, 62.63)

All of Metcalf's targets 20+ yards down field

At times, DK Metcalf appears to be the true alien from the pre-draft photo taken before he became an official Seahawk. Other times, his athleticism tumbles to the floor like the football he just dropped. Despite the slight disappointment, Metcalf was the #1 in Seattle and produced at that level behind defenses. Partnering with Pickens, who is at the top of this list, could be a double edged sword if personalities collide, but if the talents harmoniously combine, whomever their quarterback is will rejoice in his overwhelming resources.

5. Courtland Sutton (Broncos 62.18)

All of Sutton's targets 20+ yards down field

The Broncos' offensive revolution centered around Bo Nix's debut and Sean Payton's genius, but similarly to Jayden Daniels' need for Terry McLaurin's provisions as a security blanket, Courtland Sutton was an explosive presence. He cemented himself as a top 10 wideout for a signal caller and team with limited talent due to the Russell Wilson trade depleting resources. Sutton was the most dangerous from the outside, but with Payton's creativity, he found effectiveness all over the field in samples. Assuming money and other resources are returning, Sutton will only be supplemented by more talent around him.

As we dive in, we look forward to the conversation, debate, and your feedback. Hit us up at @fieldvisionmi on X, @fieldvisionsports on Instagram, or on our website www.fieldvisionsports.com.