In today’s pass-happy NFL, the wide receiver position is as important as ever. With many of today’s rules significantly favoring the offense, teams are throwing the ball more than ever, and receivers are being asked to do more in order to attack defenses in a number of ways. While most NFL receivers possess a certain level of physical tools (size, speed, quickness), what sets apart the good from the elite is their route-running and ability to create separation. These are the five best route-runners in the NFL today, each of which have unique styles or approaches that allow them to dominate their matchups.
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5. Justin Jefferson, Vikings
Justin Jefferson just had one of the most prolific rookie seasons in recent memory. According to PlayerProfiler, the 22-year-old ranked inside the top-ten among all qualified receivers in target rate (25.7%), receiving yards (1,400), and yards after catch (450). The LSU product averaged 15.9 yards per reception, and a +92.4 EPA on 125 targets, establishing himself as a complete receiver capable of winning matchups at any and all levels of the field. What sets Jefferson apart, aside from his game-breaking 4.43 speed, is his advanced route tree and ability to create separation throughout his routes. His footwork, as well as his ability to disguise and mask his route progressions, makes Jefferson already among the league’s best route-runners. With his first NFL offseason and (hopefully) a full training camp and preseason in 2021, Jefferson could take another massive leap under the tutelage of veteran Adam Thielen. The kid can play, and he just might be the best receiver Thielen has played with.
4. Calvin Ridley, Falcons
We may be witnessing a literal changing of the guard in Atlanta, where the 2018 first-rounder Ridley looks ready to become an alpha WR1 in the NFL. Ridley has benefitted tremendously from being able to learn from the legendary (and fellow #BamaBoy) Julio Jones, and the 32-year-old Jones could very well be closing the book on his Hall of Fame career. Lauded coming out of Alabama for his field-stretching ability and game-breaking speed, Ridley has shown steady progress over each of his first three seasons in the NFL, developing into a more complete receiver. In his true breakout 2020 season, Ridley still displayed his signature home-run ability (he led the league with an eye-popping 2,063 total air yards), but the 26-year-old showed tremendous growth with an expanded route tree and a nose for the end zone (his 22 red zone targets were 2nd-most among all qualified receivers). With Jones’ days in Atlanta potentially coming to an end, Ridley could be in line for an even greater target rate than the 25.9% he saw in 2020, and could catapult himself into the top-five dynasty receivers. Ridley was lucky enough to learn from a legend in Jones, and it’s looking like the student is ready to become the teacher in Atlanta.
3. Keenan Allen, Chargers
Keenan Allen is, admittedly, one of the most universally underrated receivers in football, and has proven to be as consistent as anyone in the league since he came into the NFL in 2013. He is a target hog (his 26.8% target rate was 5th-highest among WRs in 2020), and is absolutely dominant out of the slot. Allen is one of the most evasive and shifty route-runners in the NFL because of his creativity and improvisational skills off the line. He has so many releases he can hit defenders with, and his ability to change direction and read his coverage allows him to win matchups at any level. Allen can read what the defender is about to do and setup his double moves, allowing him to break any play open at any point. Much more than just a possession receiver, Allen is any young QB’s best friend and a top priority in the Chargers offense.
2. Amari Cooper, Cowboys
Amari Cooper is a route-running savant, and his calculated approach to beating defenders makes him one of the most dangerous receivers in football. Another Alabama legend, Cooper is a cerebral assassin whose sole goal is to break opposing defenses any way he is able to. It is very well-documented that Cooper is an avid chess player, and the 26-year-old brings that same approach to his matchups. His footwork and timing with his cuts have been forged over countless reps and long hours poring over film. Cooper is calculated beyond belief, and able to think one step ahead of his coverage at all times. Pair this with the dynamic Dak Prescott under center, and you see why Cooper had 37 receptions and 401 yards (on 51 targets) in just four games with Prescott in 2020.
1. Davante Adams, Packers
Davante Adams is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and he has elevated the technique of route-running, specifically the release, to an artform. Adams has the unique ability to vary his releases without tipping anything about the incoming route. A trademark of Adams’ is his “hop-step” release, in which he actually leaves both feet and rolls into the next level of his route while forcing the DB to square up and engage with him. This allows Adams to use his quickness and elite footwork to beat his defender off his first step before he even gets into his route. Once he gets into his route, Adams and Aaron Rodgers have one of the best connections in football, and they are able to pick defenses apart in a number of ways. Perhaps Adams’ biggest improvement since coming into the league has been his tracking of deep balls and attacking the ball at its highest point. Adams is lethal in the red zone as well, as evidenced by his 27 red one targets and absurd 18 touchdowns, both of which led all receivers.
