In the ongoing debate over the NFL’s most dominant wide receivers, A.J. Brown stands out as a top NFL wide receiver thanks to his consistently elite performances since entering the league in 2019. Using the advanced WR+ metric, which combines efficiency and usage data, analysts have identified Brown among the highest-graded wide receiver seasons in the past six years, alongside rising stars like Puka Nacua and other NFL standouts.
The WR+ metric, launched by PFSN in 2019, offers a comprehensive lens into wide receiver performance beyond traditional statistics such as receptions, yards, or touchdowns. This method highlights players’ abilities in context of their opportunities, route running, efficiency, and impact on the field. Reviewing the top 10 highest-graded seasons from 2019 onward reveals a range of players who dominated with skill, consistency, and explosive production.
Wide Receivers with Legendary 2023 Campaigns
CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys secured the 10th spot with a career-best 2023 season, finishing with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lamb’s chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott improved significantly, as he consistently excelled both inside and outside, delivering eight 100-yard games. His efficiency metrics further established him as a true WR1, completing the season with 2.8 yards per route run and a catch rate surpassing expectations by 10.3%.
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers claimed the ninth place following his most productive year in 2023. With 1,342 receiving yards on only 75 receptions, Aiyuk averaged 17.9 yards per catch, showcasing his deep-threat capabilities. Despite competing with star teammates such as Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk converted 71.4% of his targets and was especially effective on third downs, amassing 61 first downs for the season.
Standout Seasons from Previous Years
Davante Adams delivered an elite 2020 season for the Green Bay Packers. Recording an NFL-best 18 receiving touchdowns in 14 games, Adams led the league in targets and receptions per game while maintaining a high 77.2% catch rate and posting 2.96 yards per route run. His precise route-running and reliable hands made him Aaron Rodgers’ primary weapon on a high-scoring offense.
Cooper Kupp achieved one of the most historic seasons in NFL history with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 season. He set the league lead in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, finishing with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 scores. Kupp’s 3.12 yards per route run and other advanced stats reflected his unparalleled dominance, and he capped it off with a Super Bowl victory and Offensive Player of the Year honors.
A.J. Brown’s Pivotal Seasons with Titans and Eagles
A.J. Brown announced his arrival emphatically in his 2019 rookie season with the Tennessee Titans. Despite a modest 52 receptions, Brown generated 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns, with a standout 20.2 yards per catch average—the second highest among his peers. His efficiency shines through his 12.5 yards per target, fueling the Titans’ late-season playoff surge after Ryan Tannehill took over as quarterback.
Brown’s return to elite status continued with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, where he posted one of his most efficient campaigns. Facing a stacked offense that included Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, Brown still secured 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns on 67 catches. He achieved a career-best catch rate of 69.1%, recorded zero drops, and maintained 3.04 yards per route run, reaffirming his role as a focal point of Philadelphia’s passing attack and a top NFL wide receiver.
Other High-Impact Wide Receiver Seasons
Michael Thomas was one of the most dominant receivers during his peak 2019 season with the New Orleans Saints. Breaking the single-season receptions record with 149 catches, Thomas amassed 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. His 14% catch rate over expected and ability to thrive despite frequent double coverage highlighted his technical prowess and chemistry with Drew Brees.
In 2023, Tyreek Hill delivered another explosive season with the Miami Dolphins. Leading the NFL with 1,799 yards, Hill’s 3.85 yards per route run remains the highest ever recorded by the WR+ metric. His unmatched ability to gain yards after the catch and create big plays made him a constant threat, contributing significantly to Miami’s offensive dominance.
Emerging Talent and Breakout Performances
Nico Collins had a breakout campaign with the Houston Texans in 2023, posting career highs with 80 receptions, 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns. Collins ranked among the NFL leaders in yards per route run (3.11) and EPA per target (+0.64), transforming from a relatively quiet player in his first two years into a primary weapon for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Rising star Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams made a major leap in 2024, delivering the highest-graded season in WR+ history. Averaging 90 yards per game and producing a 74.5% catch rate, Nacua excelled despite a limited 11-game schedule. As Matthew Stafford’s primary target with a 37.9% target share, Nacua’s 3.57 yards per route run and positive EPA per target showcased an exceptional all-around receiving profile.
Why These Performances Matter
These rankings and player evaluations underline the importance of advanced metrics like WR+ in distinguishing between prolific stat accumulators and truly impactful wide receivers. A.J. Brown’s emergence and sustained excellence highlight his elite skill set and adaptability across different teams and systems. Alongside Nacua and other notable figures, Brown exemplifies the evolving standards of receiver play in the NFL.
As teams focus on optimizing offensive efficiency and explosive playmaking, the performances of these receivers provide blueprints for success. Wide receivers who combine volume, efficiency, route running, and physicality continue to redefine the position and raise expectations for future stars in the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did A.J. Brown delete his Twitter?
A. A.J. Brown has switched off his Twitter account and removed all posts about the Eagles from his Instagram.
Q. Why didn’t A.J. Brown talk to the media?
A. Due to recent issues and claims of instability within the Eagles’ team, Brown chose not to speak with journalists. He wanted to avoid being “negative” and worsening the team’s tough period in December.