NFC West: Top 5 Wide Receivers

With such a pass happy league and offense now ruling the roost in this league, it’s hard time we take a look at the top crop of wide receivers in the Rams division. We rank the top five here.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (81) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: Kenny Britt

It’s a shame that as a Rams blog the St. Louis squad has failed to place a wide out in the top five for the division. However, it’s obvious the Rams do not have a playmaking threat they can go to with reliability. Britt, however, is the best of the bunch. Posting just over 700 receiving yards last season and three touchdowns, Britt was good enough for tops in a poor St. Louis bunch. Playing in all 16 games last year for just the second time in his career, Britt has struggled with consistency in both Tennessee and St. Louis. He looks to right the ship in 2015 with a legitimate shot at filling the Rams gaping number one receiver role. Look for Britt to make an impact early and post season totals around 800 receiving yards and, at the very least, double his touchdown total from last year.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) catches a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#5 Doug Baldwin- Seattle Seahawks

Baldwin has made plenty of headlines in his four years in the NFL. Mostly for his strongly opinionated voice, but hey a headline is a headline right. Shockingly, he has also showed consistency at his position in those four years as well. Baldwin has become a favorite target of quarterback Russell Wilson posting at least 770 receiving yards in 3 out of 4 seasons. He’s thin in the touchdown category posting no more than five in four years, and averaging a paltry four per year. Baldwin comes in a bit smaller frame-wise than Britt, but has posted better numbers over a shorter period of time to garner the 5^th spot on this countdown. Look for Baldwin to continue his consistent play in 2015 with 850 receiving yards and another five touchdowns

Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) tries to elude the tackle of New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

#4 Torrey Smith – San Francisco 49ers

Smith is the newest wide out to join the NFC West, signing a free agent deal in March with the San Francisco 49ers. Smith is entering his fifth season in the NFL and played the previous four with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith saw an increase in targets, receptions and receiving yards each consecutive year for the first three years with Baltimore. He would go on to break the 1,000 yard mark receiving in 2013, but paired that with his lowest touchdown total at four. Ironically, his highest touchdown total of 11 came last year when he posted his lowest receiving yards number of 767. Smith cannot be ignored due to his big play ability. His first year with a new team may see a bit of plateau statistically, but expect another solid year of 800 receiving yards and 6-7 touchdowns.

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald has been one of the true architects of his position in the last decade. Heading into his 11th season, Fitzgerald has gone over 1,000 yards receiving six times, and four of those six exceeded 1,400 yards. He has also posted double-digit touchdowns totals in five of the last ten years. However, he has looked a little more human the past couple of seasons, struggling to find his once dominant groove. Two of the last three years Fitzgerald has failed to break 800 receiving yards, and recorded only two touchdown passes last year. Fitzgerald will look to return to form in 2015. Another year with quarterback Carson Palmer should help, and some teammates like John Brown and Michael Floyd on the rise to help divert the attention of the defense. Fitzgerald may not have another 1,400 yard season in him, but expect another 900-1,000 yards and a handful of scores next year.