Picture this: a quarterback launches a spiral high into the end zone. As defenders leap to swat it away, a giant in cleats rises above the fray, plucking the ball from the air with ease. This scene isn’t from a movie – it’s the reality when the NFL’s tallest wide receivers take the field. In 2024, these towering talents are changing the game, one sky-high catch at a time. The 4 Tallest Wide Receivers In The Nfl (2024).
Let’s dive into the world of the NFL’s tallest wide receivers, exploring how their height gives them a unique edge and why they’re becoming some of the most sought-after players in the league.
Tallest WRs in the NFL: The 6’5″ Giants Dominating the Field
In the NFL, where the average wide receiver stands at 6’0″, a 6’5″ player is a true giant. These towering athletes bring a whole new dimension to the game, quite literally. Their height allows them to reach balls that would be out of bounds for most, turning seemingly impossible passes into spectacular catches.
But who are these colossal catchers? Let’s meet the four tallest wide receivers currently making waves in the NFL. The 4 Tallest Wide Receivers In The Nfl (2024).
Mike Evans: A Dominant Red-Zone Force
Height: 6’5″
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans isn’t just tall – he’s a tall order for any defense. Since joining the league in 2014, Evans has been a nightmare for cornerbacks and a dream for quarterbacks. His career stats speak volumes:
- 8 consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons (NFL record)
- 81 career touchdowns (as of 2023)
- 4-time Pro Bowl selection
Evans uses his height like a master chess player, always thinking two moves ahead. In the red zone, he’s particularly lethal. His ability to high-point the ball makes him nearly unstoppable near the goal line.
“Mike’s size and catch radius make him a quarterback’s best friend, especially in tight coverage situations,” says Bruce Arians, former Buccaneers head coach.
One of Evans’ most memorable height-advantage plays came in 2020 against the Los Angeles Chargers. With seconds left in the first half, Tom Brady lofted a Hail Mary to the end zone. Evans, towering over defenders, snatched the ball for a crucial touchdown. The 4 Tallest Wide Receivers In The Nfl (2024).
Allen Lazard: Undrafted to Unstoppable
Height: 6’5″
Team: New York Jets
Allen Lazard’s journey to NFL stardom is a testament to perseverance. Undrafted in 2018, Lazard fought his way onto the Green Bay Packers’ roster, eventually becoming one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets. Now with the Jets, Lazard is poised to make an even bigger impact.
Lazard’s height isn’t just for show – he uses it to dominate in several key areas:
- Blocking: His size makes him an excellent blocker, crucial for running plays.
- Contested catches: Lazard excels at winning jump-ball situations.
- Red zone threat: Like Evans, Lazard’s height makes him a go-to target near the goal line.
In 2022, Lazard had his best season yet, recording 60 catches for 788 yards and 6 touchdowns. With the Jets, he’s expected to be a key player in their offensive scheme.
Related Post: The 4 Tallest Wide Receivers In The Nfl (2024)
Equanimeous St. Brown: Size, Athleticism, and Potential
Height: 6’5″
Team: Chicago Bears
With a name as unique as his skill set, Equanimeous St. Brown brings a combination of size and speed that’s rare in the NFL. Drafted by the Packers in 2018, St. Brown now finds himself as a key piece in the Chicago Bears’ rebuilding offense.
St. Brown’s height allows him to:
- Run effective deep routes, stretching the field
- Win contested catches against smaller defenders
- Provide a large target for developing quarterbacks
While his stats haven’t been as flashy as some others on this list (28 catches, 323 yards in 2022), St. Brown’s potential is immense. As the Bears’ offense evolves, expect to see more plays designed to take advantage of his unique size-speed combination. The 4 Tallest Wide Receivers In The Nfl (2024).
A.T. Perry: A Towering Rookie Ready to Soar
Height: 6’5″
Team: New Orleans Saints
The newest member of our tall receivers club, A.T. Perry was drafted by the Saints in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming out of Wake Forest, Perry’s college stats were eye-popping:
| Year | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 71 | 1,293 | 15 |
| 2022 | 81 | 1,096 | 11 |
Perry’s height, combined with his 4.47 40-yard dash time, makes him a potential deep threat for the Saints. While he’s yet to play a regular-season NFL game, expectations are high for this towering rookie.
Advantages of Height: Outmatching Defenders and Becoming Red-Zone Threats
The advantages of being a tall wide receiver go beyond just being able to reach higher. Here’s how these giants of the gridiron use their height to dominate:
- Larger catch radius: Tall receivers give quarterbacks a bigger target, allowing for some margin of error in passes.
- Mismatch against defenders: Most cornerbacks are shorter, giving tall receivers an immediate advantage.
- Red zone effectiveness: Near the goal line, a tall receiver can outjump defenders for crucial touchdowns.
- Jump ball situations: On deep passes or Hail Mary attempts, height is a major asset.
- Blocking in run plays: Tall receivers can effectively block smaller defensive backs.
However, height isn’t everything. Tall receivers must work hard to maintain agility and speed, areas where shorter players might naturally excel.
“Height is great, but it’s what you do with it that counts,” says former NFL receiver Randy Moss. “You’ve got to have the skills to match.”
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, these four towering talents – Mike Evans, Allen Lazard, Equanimeous St. Brown, and A.T. Perry – are set to make big impacts on their teams. Their unique combination of height and skill creates mismatches that offensive coordinators dream about and defensive coaches lose sleep over.
The trend of tall receivers isn’t new, but it’s certainly gaining momentum. As the game evolves, we may see more teams prioritizing height in their receiver corps. However, it’s important to remember that great receivers come in all sizes – it’s the combination of physical gifts and hard work that truly makes a player stand out.
