Where does Jeremy Maclin rank among AFC West receivers?

#2 Jeremy Maclin

Andy Reid’s new toy comes out of the package and already programmed with the offensive scheme having previous experience in it. This speedster has a habit of getting open and making big plays.

Robert Klemko of MMQB and Sports Illustrated recently shared his thoughts on Maclin.

“I think what they love about [Maclin] wherever he goes is what a great route runner he is,” Klemko said. “He’s very special at finding those passing lanes for his quarterbacks. When you ask cornerbacks around the NFL, “Who are the better route runners?’

“They will say Jeremy Maclin.”

In 2014 Maclin caught 85 passes for 1,318 yards (ninth-best in the league) and 10 touchdowns (fifth-best in the league). What separated Maclin from receiver ranked below was his higher average yards per catch and more receiving touchdowns despite catching 16 less receptions.

Pro Football Focus graded Maclin at a +9.0 which was 9th best among receivers in the league who took at least 75 percent of the snaps. His best performance came against Houston in the ninth week where he was graded with a +3.4 grade and his worst performance came against the Giants where he was graded out with a -1.6 in the 16th week of the season.

#3 Emmanuel Sanders

Similar to Maclin, Sanders possesses great speed which often results in gaining enough separation for Peyton Manning to go his way quite often. In 2014 Sanders caught 101 balls for 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns. This is the solid production that Denver was hoping for when they snagged him away from the Chiefs in the 2013 free agency debacle.

Pro Football Focus graded Sanders with a +17.2 overall grade which was sixth best in among wide receivers in the league who took at least 75% of the snaps. His best performance came against the Dolphins in the 12th week of the season where was graded with a +3.3 grade and his worst performance came against the Chiefs where was graded at a -1.5.

Next: Who comes in 4th?