Ranking The Greatest Wide Receiver Draft Classes in NFL History- Catching the Ball and Breaking Records

1. The Superstars: The 1985 Wide Receivers Class

The 1985 NFL Draft class produced a group of wide receivers who would go on to become some of the most dominant players in NFL history. Here are some of the most notable wide receivers from the 1985 class:

• Jerry Rice - Drafted 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, Rice is widely considered the greatest wide receiver of all time. Over his 20-year career, Rice earned 13 Pro Bowl selections, 10 First-Team All-Pro honors, and three Super Bowl championships. He also holds numerous NFL records, including most career receiving yards and touchdowns.
• Andre Reed - Selected 86th overall by the Buffalo Bills, Reed played 16 seasons in the NFL, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and helping the Bills reach four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990-1993.
• Al Toon - Chosen 10th overall by the New York Jets, Toon played eight seasons in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and finishing his career with over 5,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.

2. The Playmakers: The 1996 Wide Receivers Class

The 1996 NFL Draft class produced a group of explosive wide receivers who could change the game with their speed and playmaking ability. Here are some of the most prominent wide receivers from the 1996 class:

• Marvin Harrison - Drafted 19th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Harrison played 13 seasons in the NFL, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor. Harrison finished his career with over 14,000 receiving yards and 128 touchdowns, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
• Terrell Owens - Selected 89th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, Owens played 15 seasons in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors. Owens finished his career with over 15,000 receiving yards and 153 touchdowns, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.
• Muhsin Muhammad - Chosen in the 2nd round (43rd overall) by the Carolina Panthers, Muhammad played 14 seasons in the NFL, earning two Pro Bowl selections and helping the Panthers reach Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

3. The Dynamic Duo: The 2001 Wide Receivers Class

The 2001 NFL Draft class produced a dynamic duo of wide receivers who would go on to become two of the most dominant players in the league. Here are some of the most notable wide receivers from the 2001 class:

• Steve Smith Sr. - Drafted 74th overall by the Carolina Panthers, Smith played 16 seasons in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor. Smith finished his career with over 14,000 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns, and is known for his toughness and competitive spirit.
• Reggie Wayne - Selected 30th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Wayne played 14 seasons in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor. Wayne finished his career with over 14,000 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns, and helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLI in 2007.

4. The Young Guns: The 2014 Wide Receivers Class

The 2014 NFL Draft class brought forth a new wave of talented wide receivers who have already made a significant impact in the league. Here are some of the most prominent wide receivers from the 2014 class:

• Odell Beckham Jr. - Drafted 12th overall by the New York Giants, Beckham Jr. burst onto the scene as a rookie, making one of the most memorable catches in NFL history and earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his seven-year career, Beckham Jr. has earned three Pro Bowl selections and one Second-Team All-Pro honor.
• Mike Evans - Selected 7th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans has played seven seasons in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor. Evans is known for his size and athleticism, and has established himself as one of the league's premier red-zone threats.
• Brandin Cooks - Chosen 20th overall by the New Orleans Saints, Cooks has played seven seasons in the NFL, earning one Pro Bowl selection and finishing his career with over 6,000 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns.

5. The Future Stars: The 2020 Wide Receivers Class

The 2020 NFL Draft class brought forth a new crop of talented wide receivers who have already shown great promise in the league. Here are some of the most notable wide receivers from the 2020 class:

• Justin Jefferson - Drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings, Jefferson had a standout rookie season, earning Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors while setting the NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in a single season.
• CeeDee Lamb - Selected 17th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, Lamb had a strong rookie season, finishing with over 900 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
• Jerry Jeudy - Chosen 15th overall by the Denver Broncos, Jeudy showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, finishing with over 700 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

These five wide receiver draft classes have produced some of the most exceptional talent in NFL history, showcasing incredible skill, durability, and production. From the legendary Jerry Rice to the up-and-coming stars of the 2020 class, each group of wide receivers has left an indelible mark on the league. As we look forward to the future of the NFL, we eagerly anticipate the new crop of wide receivers who will continue to amaze us with their athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability.