When it comes to targets, the NFL is crazily competitive from the top all the way down the league. Every team is playing with fire – zipping it through the secondary while every defense is doubling up on the traps that come with receivers. Who has the most targets in the NFL?
Let me start off by saying that it really depends on the team you play for and the system you’re in when it comes to targets. That being said, there are few players who consistently make the top of the target leaderboard. The one man show that is DeAndre Hopkins stands at the top, for instance. He had 177 targets in 2020, and it’s no surprise since he is the focal point of the Texans’ offense. He uses every resource available for his team, and drives the formation with his sophisticated route running and impressive ball skills.
Who else can we find on that list? – Well, the Rams’ phenom, Robert Woods, is next in line. He had 148 targets last year, and he’s quickly become Jared Goff’s go to guy in sunny LA. He’s fast, elusive, and can run precise routes with high success rate. With weapons like Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee on the field, he still managed to count the most targets.
Stefon Diggs isn’t far behind either. He was the team’s primary weapon last season, counting 137 targets over the course of the year. His combination of speed, hands, and of course the Josh Allen-to-Diggs connection were key in the Bills making the playoffs for the first time in years.
YouI have to give it to JuJu Smith-Schuster, too. He was targeted 138 times and he continues to be a pivotal part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive system. His speed and elusiveness makes him the perfect go-to guy for Ben Roethlisberger, even in an off year.
Finally, Mike Evans placed fourth on the leaderboard with 136 targets in 2020. He is really the epitome of the Tampa Bay offense, helping Tom Brady and the Bucs take the games to the next level. He is a deep ball specialist, and despite the presence of Chris Godwin and guarantor Gronkowski, he still held his own in the passing game.
It’s clear that there is no shortage of talent when it comes to targets in the NFL, and these players provide just a small glimpse of that. Even more interesting is the fact that these leaders aren’t necessarily the aces of their respective teams, but rather the glue that helps keep their systems in order. It’s no surprise that their performances often make the difference when it comes to success.
Now, let’s move on to the next group of players who come close behind the top four. It’s important to note that most of these players’ production goes far beyond just numbers. Cooper Kupp, for example, was the driving force behind the Rams success last season. He had 128 targets, a seemingly low number for someone of his caliber, however, it was his ability to move the chains that really set him apart from the rest. His smart routes and ability to shake defenders up kept the offense flowing, leading to more opportunities overall.
Davante Adams comes to mind, too. He had 125 targets in 2020, and even with themarquisvictim DeVante Parker joining the squad,Davante was still the go-to guy for Aaron Rodgers during clutch moments. His precise route running, combined with superior ball skills resulted in countless explosive plays for the Packers offense and ultimately a Lombardi trophy.
DK Metcalf had 116 targets last season, propelling the Seahawks to the playoffs. I mean, he was the only option for Russell Wilson at times, and the two developed some sort of connection. His precise route running and reliable hands made every completion a potential explosive play.
Brandin Cooks follows in Metcalf’s footsteps with 115 targets in 2020. He’s been targeted a lot over his career, regardless of who his quarterback is. Well, he showed us why he is still highly coveted, winning many contested catches for the Texans, earning himself TD after TD, and forcing defenses to focus on him when he steps onto the gridiron.
Right behind Brandin Cooks is Tyler Lockett with 111 targets last season. Even with Metcalf andiggs both dominating, he still blended right into Wilson’s strategy with confidence and enthusiasm. His short and intermediate routes were responsible for many explosive plays, and ultimately, he helped the Seahawks reach the playoffs this year.
The list wouldn’t be complete without Larry Fitzgerald and his 108 targets in 2020. He has been in the league a long time and honestly, he continues to be a reliable target for whichever quarterback he’s playing with. On multiple occasions, he was Kyler Murray’s security blanket, proving that age doesn’t matter when you’re still this good.
Though targets don’t always dictate success, they certainly provide a good indication of which players are most consistent in the passing game. It can also tell us which quarterbacks like to spread the ball around and who favors a single target in particular. Ultimately, it’s all about who can be trusted when the ball is in the air.
In addition to the number of targets, we must also consider the formats and situations in which they were thrown. For instance, Adam Thielen had 108 targets in 2020, but most of them came in scattered intervals rather than concentrated periods. This wasn’t necessarily because of his lack of involvement but rather due to the football season being a short one.
Nonetheless, there are a few players who have consistently been in the target line-up despite their surroundings. Possession receivers like Jarvis Landry, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley all had more than 100 targets this season. Their focus on short routes and timely connections put them ahead of the rest.
We shouldn’t forget about tight ends, either. Zach Ertz had 108 targets while Darren Waller banked 104. They were both in tight situations throughout the entire season, whether it be in-game or on a roster. Ultimately, it speaks to their versatility and consistent involvement in the offensive system.
All in all, it’s clear that there are plenty of talented players in the NFL who are worth their weight in gold when it comes to targets. With the range of talent and the innovation surrounding the game, these players have been able to set the bar season after season. Passion, commitment, and skill are all displayed in this breakdown, and it’s just a short window into the amount of excellence we have in the league.