Is Garrett Wilson too low on ESPN’s wide receiver rankings?

New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson doesn’t crack the top 10 of ESPN’s wide receiver rankings
On Wednesday, ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler released his top 10 wide receiver rankings, the results of which were generated by surveying more than 80 league executives, scouts, and coaches.

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson was unable to crack the top 10 but earned himself an honorable mention.

Fowler stated, “Managed back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons despite anemic quarterback play. Could experience his true breakout with Aaron Rodgers healthy.” An NFL personnel director told Fowler, “I think he’s the next young star.”

Entering his third season in the league, Wilson has been able to thrive with inconsistent quarterback play. Across two seasons in the league, Wilson has accumulated 178 receptions for 2,145 yards and seven touchdowns while playing with seven quarterbacks.

In 2023, Wilson averaged 9.9 targets per game, ranked fourth in the league behind CeeDee Lamb, Davante Adams, and Tyreek Hill.

Is this a fair ranking for Wilson?
Some Jets fans might be disappointed in Wilson’s exclusion from the top 10. However, I think this is a fair evaluation of Wilson.

Wilson has undoubtedly put up astronomical numbers considering his incompetent quarterback play, but his production does not warrant top-10 recognition just yet.

Last season, Wilson finished 13th in receptions (95), 22nd in receiving yards (1,042), and T-54th in receiving touchdowns (three). While he is capable of posting much better numbers with more consistent quarterback play, he needs to prove it first before he deserves a spot in the top 10.

Wilson looks to have a breakout season with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. Rivka Boord of Jets X-Factor thinks there is a chance for Wilson to break the single-season franchise records for receptions and yards. Brandon Marshall set both marks in 2015, recording 109 receptions and 1,502 yards.