The 2020 NFL season is going to be different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, something that is going to present a lot of different challenges to any team. One thing that is ultra important in 2020 is depth — if one player tests positive for COVID, they don't want to shut down the league.
No one wants to lose a star wide receiver like Michael Thomas or whoever else, but some teams are in better shape to make up for the loss than other squads. Let's take a look at the five NFL teams with the best wide receiver depth entering the 2020 season.
Honorable mention – Carolina Panthers
The Panthers didn't have strong quarterback during the 2019 NFL season, which had a big impact on the wide receivers, and has caused some to forget about how good of group it is. The Panthers are led by stars D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, who should take a big step forward with Teddy Bridgewater.
The team also added Robby Anderson, who should have a big year with the attention to go to Moore and Samuel. The Panthers also have Seth Roberts and Pharoh Cooper on the roster; two proven to be solid role players for teams.
5. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills had a solid wide receiver group heading into the NFL offseason but they made a big splashy trade getting Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a first-round draft pick.
Last season, John Brown and Cole Beasley were standouts on the team. With Diggs getting a lot more attention, it's going to give Brown and Beasley even more chances to get open. Beasley finished the season catching 67 passes for 778 yards and six touchdowns. If Diggs goes down with an injury or the COVID hits him, Brown and Beasley have both proven they can carry the team.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
If you included tight ends, the Kansas City Chiefs would be higher up on this list, but this is strictly just focused on the wide receivers. Tyreek Hill is a burner and it's hard for anyone to cover him. Hill is just the start for the Chiefs and their success. The Chiefs also have Mecole Hardman, Sammy Watkins, and DeMarcus Robinson rounding out their talented NFL roster.
Robinson was the fourth wide receiver last season and he still had almost 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Even if Hill or Hardman go down, the Chiefs should still find some success.
3. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints arguably have the best wide receiver in football in Michael Thomas. Last season, Thomas finished catching 149 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. The Saints could have been happy with their offensive production from last season from their wide receivers, but they decided to go out and get better.
The team brought in Emmanuel Sanders, who is getting a bit older, but is still a sold wide receiver who could be number one on a lot of teams. If Thomas missed a game or two, Sanders can easily step in and fill that role.
The Saints also have Tre'quan Smith, who has been inconsistent at times, but he could step up when called upon. Don't forget about Taysom Hill who will play a wide receiver role for at least one more season.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys had a strong wide receiver corps heading into the 2020 draft, but Jerry Jones made it clear he didn't want just strong, he wanted elite. The Cowboys could have been very happy heading into the 2020 season with Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper out wide, but they also brought in CeeDee Lamb during the NFL Draft. As a junior in 2019 with the Oklahoma Sooners, Lamb caught 62 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Lamb will thrive in the third wide receiver role, but if some of the other wide receivers have to sit out a few weeks, he can easily move into the number two role.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers were elite last NFL season, and they only got better during the offseason. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were great last season for the Bucs. With Tom Brady under center, their stats should only go up this season. The one move that no one is really talking about is the selection of Tyler Johnson.
Johnson is one of the best wide receivers in Minnesota history, and being a middle round draft pick, the pressure won't be on him. He can come in and be the third or fourth receiver, a role he would thrive in. Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, and Cameron Brate all should open up more opportunities for Evans, Godwin, and Johnson.
Follow Us
Subscribe