In the fast-paced world of the NFL, wide receivers are often celebrated for their lightning speed and agility. But there’s a group of players who quite literally stand above the rest.
As of the 2023 season, four extraordinary athletes have emerged as the tallest wide receivers in the league, each measuring an impressive 6’5″.
These towering talents are redefining what it means to be a wide receiver in the NFL, using their exceptional height to outmaneuver defenders and make seemingly impossible catches.
Let’s dive into the world of these giants of the gridiron and explore how they’re changing the game, one spectacular catch at a time.
The Fantastic Four: Meet the 6’5″ Giants
While the average NFL wide receiver stands just over 6’0″ tall, our featured quartet towers above their peers. Here’s a quick look at these exceptional athletes:
| Name | Height | Team |
| Mike Evans | 6’5″ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Allen Lazard | 6’5″ | New York Jets |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | 6’5″ | Chicago Bears |
| A.T. Perry | 6’5″ | New Orleans Saints |
Now, let’s get to know each of these players and what makes them stand out beyond just their impressive stature.
Mike Evans: Tampa Bay’s Touchdown Machine
Mike Evans has been a dominant force for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since being drafted 7th overall in 2014.
His career has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by an NFL record that speaks volumes about his consistency and skill:
Evans has achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons (2014-2023), a feat unmatched in league history.
Evans’ playing style is a perfect blend of power and finesse. His 6’5″ frame makes him an ideal target in the red zone, where he can outjump smaller defenders to snag touchdown passes. But he’s not just a one-trick pony.
Evans combines his height with exceptional route-running skills and strong hands, making him a threat all over the field.
“Mike’s ability to high-point the football is second to none. He’s not just tall; he knows how to use his size to create separation and make plays that other receivers simply can’t.” – Bruce Arians, former Buccaneers head coach
Evans’ impact on the Buccaneers’ offense is undeniable. He’s been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and has consistently been one of the most reliable targets for his quarterbacks, whether it was Jameis Winston or Tom Brady. His presence on the field often requires double coverage, opening up opportunities for his teammates.
Allen Lazard: New York’s Undrafted Gem
Allen Lazard’s journey to NFL stardom is a testament to his perseverance and work ethic. After going undrafted in 2018, Lazard signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent but was waived before the season started.
The Green Bay Packers saw potential in the tall receiver and signed him to their practice squad, where he worked his way up to become a key player in their offense.
Lazard’s breakout came in the 2020 season, where he showcased his ability as a deep threat and reliable target. In just 10 games, he amassed 451 receiving yards and three touchdowns, proving that he could be a valuable asset to any NFL team.
Now with the New York Jets, Lazard brings a unique skill set to their offense:
- Deep threat capability: His combination of height and speed makes him a dangerous downfield target.
- Precise route-running: Lazard has worked tirelessly to refine his routes, making him difficult to defend despite his size.
- Blocking prowess: Often overlooked, his blocking ability in the run game is exceptional for a wide receiver.
Lazard’s role in the Jets’ offensive scheme is likely to be significant. His ability to create mismatches and provide a large target for his quarterback could be crucial in helping the Jets improve their passing game.
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Equanimeous St. Brown: Chicago’s Athletic Marvel
The Chicago Bears’ Equanimeous St. Brown brings a rare combination of size and athleticism to the wide receiver position.
Drafted in the 6th round by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, St. Brown has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career.
In his rookie season, St. Brown made an immediate impact, recording 21 receptions for 328 yards. While injuries have somewhat hampered his progress, his potential remains evident. St. Brown’s unique skill set includes:
- Exceptional body control: Despite his height, he shows remarkable agility in adjusting to poorly thrown balls.
- Speed for his size: St. Brown can stretch the field, keeping defenses honest.
- Versatility: He’s capable of lining up both outside and in the slot, giving his offense flexibility.
The Bears are hoping to tap into St. Brown’s potential, using his size and skills to create mismatches in the secondary.
His ability to high-point the ball makes him a particularly attractive option in red zone situations.
A.T. Perry: New Orleans’ Rookie Sensation
A.T. Perry joins the New Orleans Saints as a 6th-round draft pick in 2023, but don’t let his draft position fool you.
Perry’s college career at Wake Forest University was nothing short of spectacular. In the 2021 season alone, he recorded 71 receptions for 1,293 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a game-changing receiver.
Perry’s attributes that make him stand out:
- Exceptional leaping ability: Combined with his height, this makes him a nightmare for defenders on jump balls.
- Strong hands: Perry has shown a knack for making difficult catches in traffic.
- Route-running potential: While still developing, his route tree is more diverse than many give him credit for.
The Saints are likely to utilize Perry’s height and jumping ability in the red zone, where his size can create significant mismatches.
As he develops, he could become a key part of the Saints’ passing attack, providing a big target for whoever is under center in New Orleans.
The Height Advantage: Towering Over the Competition
The advantage of height in wide receivers cannot be overstated. These 6’5″ giants bring a unique set of skills to the field that can change the dynamics of a game. Here’s how their height gives them an edge:
- Outjumping defenders: In one-on-one situations, especially in the end zone, taller receivers have a distinct advantage in high-pointing the ball.
- Expanded catch radius: Quarterbacks have a larger target area, allowing for passes that might be uncatchable for shorter receivers.
- Red zone dominance: Tall receivers excel in tight spaces near the goal line, where their ability to reach over defenders is crucial.
- Blocking in the run game: Their size makes them effective blockers, adding value beyond just catching passes.
- Psychological edge: The mere presence of a 6’5″ receiver can intimidate defenders and influence coverage schemes.
These advantages are borne out in statistics. For instance, Mike Evans has consistently been among the league leaders in touchdown receptions, with many of those scores coming in the red zone where his height is a significant factor.
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Challenges and Adaptations
While height provides numerous advantages, these tall receivers also face unique challenges:
- Speed stereotypes: There’s often an assumption that taller receivers lack speed, which these players work hard to disprove.
- Route-running precision: Longer limbs can make quick cuts more challenging, requiring extra work on technique.
- Staying low: Maintaining a low center of gravity, especially off the line of scrimmage, is crucial and often more difficult for taller players.
However, each of these receivers has shown the ability to overcome these challenges.
They’ve adapted their training regimens to focus on agility and explosiveness, proving that height doesn’t have to come at the expense of quickness.
The Future of Tall Receivers in the NFL
As these 6’5″ receivers continue to dominate, they’re changing perceptions about the ideal size for the position.
NFL teams are increasingly valuing height in their receiving corps, recognizing the mismatches it can create.
Looking ahead, we might see:
- More emphasis on tall receivers in the draft and free agency
- Offensive schemes designed to maximize the advantages of height
- Defensive adaptations, possibly including taller cornerbacks to counter these towering targets
Conclusion
The 4 tallest wide receivers in the NFL (2024) – Mike Evans, Allen Lazard, Equanimeous St. Brown, and A.T. Perry – are more than just statistical outliers.
They represent a shift in how the wide receiver position is viewed and utilized in the modern NFL. Their ability to dominate in the red zone, win jump balls, and create mismatches is changing the game.
As we look to the future, these towering talents will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the football field.
Whether it’s Evans adding to his impressive records, Lazard becoming a star for the Jets, St. Brown realizing his potential with the Bears, or Perry emerging as the next big thing in New Orleans, one thing is certain: the impact of these 6’5″ giants will be felt for years to come.
In a league where every inch matters, these receivers are proving that sometimes, bigger really is better.
FAQ’s
Who is the tallest wide receiver in NFL history?
While our featured receivers are all 6’5″, the tallest wide receiver in NFL history was Harold Carmichael, who stood at an impressive 6’8″.
Do tall receivers have longer careers in the NFL?
Career longevity depends on many factors beyond height, including skill, durability, and adaptability. However, tall receivers who can consistently create mismatches may find sustained success.
How do teams defend against extremely tall wide receivers?
Defensive strategies often include double coverage, physical play at the line of scrimmage, and sometimes using taller defensive backs or linebackers in coverage.
Are there any disadvantages to being a tall wide receiver?
Potential disadvantages include challenges with quick changes of direction, maintaining a low center of gravity, and overcoming speed stereotypes.
Which NFL team has the tallest receiving corps on average?
This can change season to season with roster moves, but teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (with Mike Evans) and the New Orleans Saints (with A.T. Perry) have been known for featuring taller receivers in recent years.
Hello, I’m Dan Brown, a writer at Matchplayerstat. I explore the dynamic world of players and celebrities, delivering captivating insights and updates. Join me on Matchplayerstat.com for the latest in player stats and celebrity news.”