What used to be the most dominant defensive division in the NFL has slowly turned into one of the best offensive divisions. As the passing game becomes more prevalent, the AFC North now holds a collection of the best wide receivers in the game. Here is how the AFC wide receivers stack up.
- Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens
The newest star of the AFC North has the most flash. Marquise “ Hollywood” Brown, his nickname says it all. He is going to be one of the most entertaining players over the next decade. He was one of the fastest college wide receivers we have seen and now he’s one of the fastest NFL players. While his route runner still needs major work, he bypasses any defender for huge chunk plays. He’s also one of the best screen receivers in the league setting up blacks after the catch. Brown has drawn close comparisons to Desean Jackson. As the Ravens offense continues to evolve around quarterback Lamar Jackson, Hollywood will make plays all year, especially off of play-action.
- Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns
Jarvis Landry is the best route runner in the AFC North. While he might not be a threat down the field he is a reliable 3rd down receiver that moves the chains. Landry has some of the strongest hands in the NFL. The 5 time Pro Blower has made 2 Pro Bowl with the Browns but has catch competition percentage has taken a hit with Mayfield as his QB. Landry will no doubt benefit from single coverage as Odell Beckham Jr. looks to return healthy and re-establish himself as a top tier receiver.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
Going into his fourth year we should finally see JuJu’s potential come to the forefront. He broke onto the scene with 111 catches and over 1,400 and 7 TD’s in 2018. With Big Ben returning Smith-Schuster has a chance to potentially elevate himself one as a primer receiver. He knows no doubt the number one receiver in Pittsburgh. His best play may come from the slot, but he has just enough speed to put pressure on cornerbacks to respect his downfield routes.
- A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
The veteran of the AFC North wide receiver is one of the best of the last decade. Before an injury-filled 2019, Green was a 7-time consecutive Pro Bowl player. He has been widely considered one of the best wide receivers since 2011 and a borderline Hall of Fame player. Green will stand to make a sizable impact in 2019. His long frame allows him to catch jump balls and has a catch radius above the norm. Green will be the second-best AFC North receiver for a few more years if he returns fully healthy.
- Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns
Beckham had 74 receptions, 1,035 receiving yards, and four touchdowns and that was a down year. His down year is some other wide receiver’s best years. His play over the years has shown he’s one of the best wide receivers in the league. The Browns suffered through a rocky year of inconsistent quarterback play and poor coaching. OBJ has undergone offseason hip surgery and he should return as one of the premier receivers. Beckham had one of the best 3-year spans we have seen at the position. He can run every single route on the wide receiver tree and has game-changing speed after the catch. Still, at just 27 years old, the sky’s the limit for Odell Beckham being partnered with another Pro Bowl receiver in Landry.
