New England Patriots Wide Receiver Wes Walker
New England Patriots WR Wes Welker

Last season, a trio of All-Star wide receivers -- ANDRE JOHNSON of the Houston Texans, WES WELKER of the New England Patriots and BRANDON MARSHALL of the Denver Broncos (now with the Miami Dolphins) reached historic NFL milestones.

Johnson, who has led the NFL in receiving yards each of the past two years (1,569 yards in 2009 and 1,575 yards in 2008), joined Pro Football Hall of Famer JERRY RICE (1989-90; 1993-95) as the only players since 1970 to lead the league in consecutive seasons. Johnson also became the second player in NFL history (MARVIN HARRISON) to record back-to-back seasons with at least 1,500 receiving yards.

"Andre is so big and strong, and he has great ball skills," says Broncos Pro Bowl cornerback CHAMP BAILEY. "He is the standard for receivers to measure themselves up against in terms of being one of the greatest in the game today."

Welker hauled in a league-high 123 receptions last year and tied HERMAN MOORE (1995) for the second-most catches in a single-season in NFL history. He also tied Harrison for the fewest individual games played (11 games) to reach 100 receptions in a season in league annals.

"He catches the ball every time you throw it to him," says Patriots All-Star quarterback TOM BRADY. "He's consistent, reliable and durable. He's an explosive player. His quickness is second to none."

Marshall, who was acquired via trade by Miami in April, will be a key addition to the Dolphins' passing attack in 2010. Last year, he totaled 101 receptions with Denver, including an NFL single-game record 21 catches against Indianapolis in Week 14.

"Brandon has a rare combination of size, speed and toughness that few wide receivers in the league possess," says STEVE MARIUCCI, NFL Network analyst and former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers (1997-2002) and Detroit Lions (2003-05). "He has an athletic confidence and determination when the ball is in his hands and that's something you just can't teach. When he's at his peak, he's a defender's worst nightmare."

Marshall and Welker joined Harrison, Moore and Rice as the only players in NFL history to record three consecutive 100-reception seasons.

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