List of NFL Top 100 Players of All Time Part 2

Receivers and Cornerbacks

The battle between offense and defense hinges on a thrilling clash in the aerial chess match that is professional football. On one side, the charismatic gunslingers and acrobatic wideouts orchestrate passing attacks designed to dissect defenses. On the other hand, lockdown corners and ball-hawking safeties stand as the last line, and their every move is dedicated to thwarting those aerial assaults. This article dives into the legends who have dominated these positions: the shutdown cornerbacks who turned receivers into ghosts and the record-breaking wideouts who soared over defenders with unparalleled grace. We’ll explore the all-time greats who redefined their roles, forever altering the game’s landscape and leaving fans breathless with their on-field artistry.

We take a deep dive into the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking meticulously compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts mixed with the database values of Pro-Football-Reference. We’ll unravel the criteria that distinguish the elite from the exceptional, examining factors like on-field dominance, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.

Prepare to embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic shutdown defenders who haunted opposing offenses and electrifying receivers who defied expectations. This list encompasses the best of the best, from the gridiron warriors of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars.

A few years ago, the NFL released a list called the NFL 100. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is a daunting task. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. We’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss by the end, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 2 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love.

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Wideouts and Wide Receivers That Were Wide Open to Stardom

The wide receiver position has become a stage for electrifying athleticism and game-changing plays. This section of top players delves into the pantheon of wideouts who have sculpted the evolution of the position. We’ll explore the pioneers who defied doubters and redefined the role, the dominant forces who rewrote receiving records, and the innovative route runners who left defensive backs grasping at air. Get ready to meet the captivating wide receivers who have etched their names in NFL history, forever changing how the game is played and leaving fans awestruck with their artistry on the gridiron.

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Lance Alworth was a dominant receiver in the early years of the AFL and NFL. He terrified defenses with his blazing speed, shifty moves, and ability to make acrobatic catches. Alworth racked up yards and touchdowns, paving the way for a new era of dominant wide receivers.

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“The Playmaker” was a dominant force in the 1990s. Known for his exceptional speed, leaping ability, and fearless sideline catches, Michael Irvin racked up over 11,000 receiving yards and helped the Dallas Cowboys win three Super Bowls.

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Randy Moss, with his unparalleled speed and leaping ability, transformed the wide receiver position. He terrified defenses with his deep-threat dominance, racking up touchdowns and forcing teams to adjust their strategies. Moss’s impact is undeniable. He redefined the role and inspired a generation of receivers built for explosive plays.

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With his unparalleled route running, sticky hands, and relentless work ethic, Jerry Rice shattered receiving records and rewrote the definition of a star wideout. He dominated for two decades, amassing the most receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in NFL history, leaving an undeniable mark on the game.

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Paul Warfield, a blazing-fast receiver with a smooth style, terrified defenses. He excelled despite playing in run-heavy offenses, averaging a remarkable 20.1 yards per catch throughout his career. Warfield’s presence alone stretched the field and opened up rushing lanes for teammates.

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Ends That Created a New Game

This group consists of players from a bygone era. The offensive formations were geared toward running the ball during their playing days, and the terminal line players’ position had yet to develop to the extent of the large splits and wide receiver position. These men are credited in some respects for creating modern wideout positions.

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Raymond Berry, before becoming a legendary coach, revolutionized the split-end position. His precise routes, strong hands, and ability to adjust to the pass rush made him a matchup nightmare, forcing defenses to adapt and proving the split end’s value beyond deep threats. 

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Don Hutson revolutionized the end position. Before him, ends primarily blocked. Hutson’s athleticism and route-running forced defenses to respect his receiving ability, opening up the passing game for future pass-catching tight ends and wide receivers.

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“Crazylegs” Hirsch revolutionized the end position, becoming one of the first well-rounded threats.  His speed and agility made him a deep threat, while his size allowed him to contribute to the blocking game. He opened the door for future versatile ends and receivers.

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Cornerbacks

Standing as the final frontier for opposing offenses are the defensive backs, the shutdown specialists entrusted with locking down receivers and disrupting passing plays. In this section, we’ll delve into the pantheon of these gridiron guardians, exploring the ball-hawking safeties who roamed the deep like heat-seeking missiles, the press-coverage cornerbacks who smothered receivers at the line, and the versatile defensive backs who excelled in both coverage and run support. Prepare to meet the lockdown legends who frustrated quarterbacks, ignited turnovers, and secured victories with their lockdown prowess.

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This stud DB was a shutdown cornerback for the Washington Redskins for 20 seasons. Renowned for his blazing speed (winning four NFL fastest-man competitions) and ball-hawking skills, he amassed 54 interceptions and a reputation as one of the game’s greatest defenders.

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Dick Lane, with his exceptional speed and instincts, revolutionized cornerback play. A lockdown defender known for his ability to jump routes and snag interceptions, he terrorized quarterbacks for a generation and secured his place among the NFL’s defensive greats.

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This shutdown cornerback, known for his physical play and interceptions, was a big man who could run with receivers or bully them. He anchored the Steelers’ vaunted “Steel Curtain” defense in the 70s, contributing to four Super Bowl victories.

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Known for his physical play and ball-hawking skills, Haynes amassed 46 interceptions throughout his career with the Raiders and Patriots, solidifying his place among the NFL’s defensive greats.

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Shutdown cornerback Herb Adderley revolutionized press coverage with his exceptional ball skills. A six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, he helped the Green Bay Packers dominate the secondary for a decade.

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Brown was a Hall of Fame cornerback who terrorized receivers for 16 seasons. With the Broncos and Raiders, his interceptions and lockdown coverage helped his teams reach multiple championships, solidifying his place as one of the game’s all-time greats.

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 “Primetime,” was a two-way weapon, starring as a lockdown cornerback with elite ball skills. He also terrorized opponents as a punt and kick returner, his electrifying speed making him a constant threat for a touchdown.

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A versatile defensive force, Rod Woodson excelled at both safety and cornerback.  He earned recognition for his ball-hawking skills, lockdown coverage, speed, athleticism, and longevity, becoming one of the most decorated defensive backs in NFL history.

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Conclusion

The aerial battle between wide receivers and defensive backs is near the core of the NFL’s drama and excitement. From the acrobatic catches and the clutch interceptions that extinguish drives, these players weave a tapestry of athleticism and strategic chess. This list is a tribute to the all-time greats who redefined their positions, pushing the boundaries of athleticism and tactical brilliance. Their legacies inspire generations, reminding us why the battles in the air remain some of the most captivating moments in football history. Stay tuned for the next two parts of this series, where we unveil the rest of the top 100 NFL players of all time.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 at 12:56 pm and is filed under Top Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.