There’s been plenty of chatter this last week on whether Tyler Lockett is one of the league’s best wide receivers, Seahawks fans would certainly say so! There’s plenty to choose from, let’s have a look who makes our top 5 at the half way point of the season…
Michael Thomas
The
Saints ace is having another brilliant season, leading the league in
receiving yards with 875 with 4
touchdowns. Thomas is on pace for 1750 yards, over 300 greater than
where he finished last year (1405) despite having league all time
yardage leader Drew Brees for 5 games. Thomas figures to be a key part
as the Saints look to continue their strong season
(7-1) and with Drew Brees back behind centre he’ll take some stopping.
Julio Jones
Despite
a disappointing output from the Falcons so far this season (1-7)
Atlanta’s offense continues to
put up numbers with Jones averaging 89 yards per game (5th in the
league) and a score every other. The leagues highest ever paid receiver
(3 year $66m), probably won’t reach his total from last year, a league
leading 1677 yards and 8 touchdowns, as Atlanta
are now in somewhat of a nothing year thanks to an awful start to the
season.
Amari Cooper
A
lot has been said about how much the Cooper transformed the Cowboy’s
offense last season; 3-4 before
the trade, finished 7-2 making it to the divisional round of the
playoffs. Cooper continues his impressive form accounting for over 20%
of the Cowboys yards, not bad for a team with two time rushing leader
Ezeekil Elliot (who counts for over 25%). Cooper averages
88.7 yards a game and currently has 5 touchdowns. Coopers route running
and change of pace is one of the key factors contributing to Cowboy’s
offensive play this year, they lead the league with over 437 yards per
game.
DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins
sits second (68) behind Michael Thomas(73) for the most receptions so
far this season and leads
the Texans receivers by over 200 yards (665 vs. Will Fullers 450). Not a
huge season so far thanks to a few quiet games; both games against the
Jags, including this weeks in London Hopkins failed to reach 50 yards
receiving – but did catch a touchdown this
Sunday, to the delight of the London crowd.
Tyler Lockett
The
5th year receiver slides into our top 5, he’s become Russell Wilson’s
go-to guy and number one target
with 59 receptions – the most of his career and that’s only in 9 games!
At 5-10 Lockett isn’t your “average” receiver size but can do it all,
using his athleticism and insane catching ability to create space and
move the chains for the Seahawks. Locketts’
importance to the ’Hawks showed Sunday as he recorded 152 yards and 2
scores in their 40-34 overtime win against the Buccaneers.
Honorable Mentions:
OBJ: just hasn’t figured it out at the Browns this year – his lack of chemistry with Mayfield is evident.
Cooper Kupp: having a strong season on his return from an ACL tear which cost him the back end of last season.
Mike Evans: Jamis Winston’s long threat is 2nd in yards (842) to Michael Thomas and is joint top with Detroit’s Kenny Goliday with 7 touchdowns.