Rolling with the Tide: Alabama’s Top 10 NFL Receivers Ranked

Rolling with the Tide: Alabama’s Top 10 NFL Receivers Ranked

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama has a long history of producing talented wide receivers who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. From Don Hutson to Julio Jones, the Crimson Tide has a rich tradition of developing top-notch receivers.

 

In this article, we’ll rank the top 10 NFL receivers from Alabama, based on their performance and achievements at the professional level.

 

1. Julio Jones (2011-present)

 

Regarded by many as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, Julio Jones is the gold standard for Alabama wideouts. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Jones has been one of the most dominant receivers in the league for over a decade.

 

2. Don Hutson (1935-1945)

 

A pioneer of the position, Don Hutson was one of the first great receivers in NFL history. A four-time NFL champion and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Hutson was a trailblazer for Alabama receivers in the NFL.

 

3. Ozzie Newsome (1978-1990)

 

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Ozzie Newsome was a dominant receiver for the Cleveland Browns in the 1980s. Newsome’s success on the field was matched by his accomplishments off the field, where he became a pioneering executive in the NFL.

 

4. David Palmer (1994-2000)

 

A versatile receiver who played for several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars, David Palmer was a consistent contributor in the NFL. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Palmer’s speed and agility made him a threat on the field.

 

5. Freddie Milons (1998-2001)

 

A speedy receiver who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals, Freddie Milons was a deep threat in the NFL. Milons’s 4.2 40-yard dash time made him one of the fastest receivers in the league during his playing days.

 

6. Dennis Homan (1968-1974)

 

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Dennis Homan was a reliable receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s. Homan’s sure hands and route-running skills made him a favorite target for Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach.

 

7. Kevin Norwood (2014-2016)

 

A fourth-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks, Kevin Norwood played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl XLVIII championship. Norwood’s size and strength made him a red-zone threat in the NFL.

 

8. ArDarius Stewart (2017-2018)

 

A third-round draft pick of the New York Jets, ArDarius Stewart showed promise as a rookie before injuries derailed his career. Stewart’s speed and agility made him a threat on the field, and he remains a talented young receiver with upside.

 

9. Calvin Ridley (2018-present)

 

A first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, Calvin Ridley has quickly become one of the top young receivers in the NFL. Ridley’s speed, agility, and route-running skills make him a threat on the field, and he’s already earned a Pro Bowl selection in his young career.

 

10. Henry Ruggs III (2020-present)

 

A first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, Henry Ruggs III has quickly become one of the fastest receivers in the NFL. Ruggs’s 4.27 40-yard dash time makes him a deep threat, and he’s already shown flashes of brilliance in his young career.

 

These 10 receivers represent the best of Alabama’s rich tradition of producing talented wideouts. From Don Hutson to Henry Ruggs III, the Crimson Tide has a long history of sending top-notch receivers to the NFL.