By Dean Michaels, NFL Writer

On each passing play, a quarterback assesses the lineup of eligible receivers. Frequently, his initial instinct to connect with his No. 1 receiver is correct, and can be the offense's biggest threat for a game-changing completion.

Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl wide receiver RODDY WHITE has been the most targeted active player since 2007. White has been targeted 809 times while tallying 471 catches for 6,015 receiving yards during that span.

In 2011, White led the NFL with 180 passes thrown in his direction.

"I've got a great bond with my quarterback (MATT RYAN)," says White. "We've been on the same page since he started here and our bond has gotten closer and closer each year."

Arizona Cardinals All-Star wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD has totaled the second most targets (800) among active players since 2007 and ranks first in the NFL in receiving yards (6,480) during that span.

"He's just an incredible football player," says Seattle Seahawks head coach PETE CARROLL of Fitzgerald. "He's as good as you can get at this game. I just marvel at the things he does."

The most targeted receivers since 2007 among active players and the 2011 leaders, as per NFL statistics:

Most Targeted Players Since 2007 (Active)

Player Target Rec Yards Avg
Source: NFL *Now with Chi.
Roddy White, Atl.8094716,42213.6
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.8004636,48014.0
Brandon Marshall, Den./Mia.*7914745,93812.5
Wes Welker, NE7525546,10511.0
Reggie Wayne, Ind.7424726,23413.2

 

Most Targeted Recievers in 2011

Player Target Rec Yards Avg
Source: NFL
Roddy White, Atl.1801001,29613.0
Wes Welker, NE1731221,56912.9
Calvin Johnson, Det.158961,68117.5
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.154801,41117.6
Jimmy Graham, NO149991,31013.2

On Target Receivers in the NFL - NFL 2012