While Davante Adams’ first season with the Las Vegas Raiders didn’t have the team success that he or the Raiders were hoping for, the All-Pro wide receiver was still one of the best in the business.
He finished the season with 100 receptions for 1,516 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdown receptions. It was his third consecutive season with at least 100 receptions and fourth in his last five campaigns. The same can be said for 1,000-yard seasons, with the 1,516 being his second-highest career figure (1,553 in 2021).
The 14 touchdowns were also his second most (18 in 2020) and his sixth double-digit touchdown season. Adams is undeniably still at the top of his game.
And clearly, football analysts agree. Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson ranked Adams as the No. 1 receiver in the NFL heading into the 2023 campaign.
The masses think Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL, but I see no white towel thrown in on Adams’ career. Last season, his first without Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, Adams caught 100 passes for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns, six more than Jefferson. He averaged 2.45 yards per route run, and over the past three seasons he leads the NFL in PFF receiving grade (94.5) and yards per route run (2.67), with Jefferson placing second in each category. Adams remains the king of receivers until somebody topples him.
Adams was named to the All-Pro First Team for the third consecutive season and got his sixth straight Pro Bowl selection. As Monson says, Adams remains on top until he no longer plays like the best receiver in football. Regardless of the Raiders team success, Adams absolutely did that.
Now, with a new quarterback at the helm, it remains to be seen if Adams can continue his production. Jimmy Garoppolo is undoubtedly a solid quarterback, but he is not at the same level as Adams last two passers in Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers. But of course, a great receiver can make it work with any QB, especially one that has Garoppolo’s reliability.
Monson ranked the 32 best receivers in football, with Adams being the only Raiders player to make the list. The top 10 of his list are posted below.
PFF’s top 10 wide receivers
1. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
3. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
5. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
6. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
7. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
8. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
9. Ceedee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
10. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
