AFC West positional rankings: Wide receivers
By Grant Tuttle
As training camp nears, we continue our series on ranking the positional groups in the AFC West. Today we look at the uber-talented WR position.
The AFC West has a plethora of talent on its rosters. Perhaps the most talented positional group in the division is at wide receiver. In fact, it would not be a stretch to suggest that this is one of the top two divisions in receiver talent.
Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and Courtland Sutton are just a few of the names on the rosters in the West. Sutton and Allen are two of the most underrated receivers in the NFL and Hill is considered to be one of the top deep threats in NFL history.
Among second receivers, the division has Jerry Jeudy, Mike Williams, and Mecole Hardman. So which team has the best overall group of receivers in the AFC West? Here are our rankings:
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Projected WRs: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Palmer, Tyron Johnson, and Jalen Guyton
To start us off, we have the Chargers. Although it appears that they will be fighting for an AFC Wild Card spot and be “little brother” to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Chargers have a very talented corps of receivers for second-year quarterback Justin Herbert. If the group can stay healthy, they rival any wide receiver group in the NFL.
Keenan Allen has quietly been one of the top possession receivers in football for the last four years, going for over 1,000 yards in each season with the exception of last year due to playing in only 14 games. In 2020, he was a mere eight yards from hitting 1k yards once again despite missing time.
Combined with Allen is Mike Williams, who is very good in his role. At 6’4, he is an incredible asset in the red zone. He provides an immediate mismatch against smaller defensive backs. He can quickly accelerate, high-point the ball, and take down a back-shoulder pass on the sideline. While he has been somewhat inconsistent, his overall ability is through the proverbial roof.
Beyond the top two, Josh Palmer provides an interesting third option. Palmer plays tough, tracks the ball well, and shows excellent body control. Tyron Johnson came down with three touchdowns last season from rookie Justin Herbert, showing excellent chemistry in the middle of the field. Jalen Guyton is a name to watch for a breakout season after starting nine games and going for 511 yards and three touchdowns including one on a 72-yard reception.
Overall, the Chargers have a very talented group of receivers. Unfortunately, they have a few issues with injuries on a yearly basis and have not shown as much consistency as they could. If they can stay healthy all year and play their best football, this is the best receiving corp in the AFC West.