TOP NFL RECEIVERS THROUGH WEEK 4 2011-2012 SEASON

#5 Jimmy Graham New Orleans Saints

Jimmy Graham is off to a great start after four games and he has been a big help to this powerful offense in New Orleans. He is a big target for quarterback Drew Brees and has helped the Saints reach their 3-1 record. Although he plays tight end, he has been able to line up as a wide out and causes mismatches for the opposing secondary.

Graham has put up some good solid numbers so far this season. He has 24 catches for 367 yards and he is averaging 91.8 yards per game. He has 3 touchdowns and is averaging 15.3 yards per catch. He has caught 7 catches for 20 or more yards, which is great for a tight end. His longest reception for the year is 59 yards.

As the season moves on, look for Graham to continue to cause havoc in the secondary with his big body. He is becoming a popular target for Drew Brees and he is also a great blocking tight end. If he keeps this pace up, it might get him a Pro Bowl selection.

#4 Vincent Jackson San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are off to a rare fast start compared to recent years and Vincent Jackson is one reason why. Coming off injuries last season, he has come back in a big way and has provided some extra spark to the Charger offense. Charger quarterback Philip Rivers is enjoying Jackson back on the field, something he didn't have at the end of last season.

Vincent Jackson is back to his old ways so far this season. He has 20 catches in 4 games and has 374 yards receiving. He has averaged 93.5 yards per game and has averaged 18.7 yards per catch. He has 3 touchdowns and a season best 55 yard catch. He already has 7 catches of 20 yards or more.

Vincent Jackson gives the Charger offense the ability to stretch the field and open the running game. He is a top choice for Philip Rivers and Jackson and Antonio Gates are two great options. Jackson will look to continue to this great start in the next coming games.

#3 Mike Wallace Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Wallace has took over the role as the number one receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and rightfully so. Mike Wallace has showed the capability of beating anyone's best corner on the field. His ability to cut through the middle without hesitation has gave the Steelers a dangerous offensive weapon. Wallace was the leading Steelers receiver last season.

Mike Wallace has played very well for the first quarter of the season. He has been a constant target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has 25 catches so far with 454 receiving yards, which is 3rd in the N.F.L. He is averaging 18.2 yards per catch and is averaging 113.5 yards per game. Wallace has caught 7 passes for 20 yards or more and he has a season long catch of 81 yards. He also has 2 touchdowns on the young year.

Despite low scoring numbers so far, Wallace has showed he is a reliable number one option. His numbers will improve drastically if Pittsburgh can figure out their offensive line issues. None the less, Wallace is an outstanding receiver, at least top ten in the N.F.L.

#2 Steve Smith Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith is putting up large numbers so far, thanks to a rookie named Cam Newton. Newton and Smith have created one of the top duos in the N.F.L. Smith has become Newton's favorite target and go to guy. Despite their 1-3 start, in all 3 losses, they haven't lost by no more then 7 points. They have been in every game.

Steve Smith is leading the N.F.L. in average receiving yards per catch at 22.1. Smith has caught 24 passes for 530 yards, which is second in the league. He is averaging 132.5 yards per game and leads the N.F.L. in catches of 20 yards or more with 12. He has scored two touchdowns and his season long catch is 77 yards. He is on pace for a big season.

Steve Smith's connection with Cam Newton is crucial for this Panther offense. Newton has put his trust in Smith and things are going great. As the season moves along, they will only build more chemistry. In time, they both can possibly be great, their names right up there with the legends.

#1 Wes Welker New England Patriots

You can deny that he is the best receiver in the league right now. We are talking about New England receiver Wes Welker. Welker is off to the best start of his career. He has already tied a N.F.L. record with a 99 yard touchdown reception earlier this year. He lead all receivers in multiple categories and he is on pace to set a few more N.F.L. records. He is Tom Brady's favorite quarterback and that is a good thing.

Welker is off to a smoking start and his stats tell why. Welker leads the N.F.L. with 40 catches already this season. He also leads the N.F.L. in receiving yards (616), touchdowns (5), and average receiving yards per game (154.0). He is on pace to catch 160 passes, which would be a N.F.L. record. He also has 11 catches of 20 or more yards. His season long catch, which was 99 yards, tied the record.

With Tom Brady playing like he is, I really don't see Welker slowing down. He has the ability to play sideline to sideline and he catches almost everything that is near him. Although he is one of the smallest wide receivers in the league, he plays with an undeniable amount of heart. It will be interesting to see if he will be able to keep putting up these large numbers. If he can, he will have his name on all kinds of N.F.L. records.

SUMMARY

This is the top 5 receivers in the N.F.L. so far through 4 weeks of football. This is not a list of the best receivers overall, so keep that in mind, Thank you for your time.