Small Wide Receivers Make Big Contributions

Steve Smith WR Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

In today's NFL, it's clear that small receivers are becoming big contributors in the passing game.

Last season, Carolina's STEVE SMITH, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL in receiving yards per game (101.5) and receptions of 25+ yards (19). All-Star WES WELKER of New England set an NFL record with at least six catches in each of the first 10 games of the season and leads the NFL with 223 receptions since 2007. Washington Redskins All-Star SANTANA MOSS notched his third career 1,000-yard season (1,044) in 2008 and Baltimore's DERRICK MASON, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, eclipsed 10,000 career receiving yards.

Even the newcomers are getting in on the action.

Denver Broncos wide receiver EDDIE ROYAL led all rookies with 91 catches and set team rookie records in receiving yards (980) and touchdowns (5). Fellow 2008 rookie DE SEAN JACKSON of the Philadelphia Eagles also set a club rookie record in receiving yards (912). Arizona Cardinals rising star STEVE BREASTON reached the 1,000-yard plateau (1,006) for the first time in his career and LANCE MOORE of the New Orleans Saints posted 928 yards on 79 receptions last season.

"The league is becoming more about little guys, because a lot of us are run-after-the-catch types," says Moss. "The whole idea is to get the ball in our hands and then let us do our thing."

There is a certain mutual respect amongst the smaller receivers, and now that respect is starting to come from the public as well.

"I definitely think smaller receivers are getting more respect," says Denver's BRANDON STOKLEY. "Over the past three or four years, you've seen more teams looking for that quick little slot receiver. They want guys who can make the catch, move the chains and put pressure on defenses."

Stokley knows a thing or two about putting pressure on a defense. In 2004 with the Indianapolis Colts, he notched 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns, prompting league MVP PEYTON MANNING to declare Stokley "the best slot receiver I have ever played with."

Now Stokley is passing off his knowledge to Royal, who also credits his understanding of the game to film study of other small receivers such as Smith and MARVIN HARRISON.

"I knew I'd have to overcome some limitations when I got to this level," says Royal. "What I learned from watching those guys is that you have to be a smart receiver, especially when you are small. I really had to learn how to avoid taking the big shot that a taller guy could take."

Their increasing success has made believers out of many. These days, personnel evaluators are starting to overlook some of the smaller receivers' shortcomings.

"I really don't look at size," says former Broncos head coach MIKE SHANAHAN. "I see the player. You look at a player like Eddie Royal or Brandon Stokley, and defensive backs have to respect their ability to get deep."

That respect is growing. One inch at a time.

 

NFL 2009 Preview | Small Wide Receivers Make Big Contributions