Build your 5 WR unit with a $15 budget

Assume everyone is healthy. And that each team has Brady at QB and will operate from an empty, five-wide formation the entire game. Anything goes -- jet motion sweeps, shovel passes, bubbles, screens -- so be sure to appreciate ball carrier vision and YAC ability...and I guess run blocking has small value, too. Preexisting chemistry does not exist (i.e. Brady doesn't have more chemistry with Edelman, nor do Diggs and Thielen perform better if you draft them together). Ranking the top NFL receivers in dollar-value tiers was extremely tough because there's a lot to consider: statistics, average yards of separation per route, their team's talent, their QB's skill, and teammates that take from their statistical value. Players with lingering injuries were particularly hard to place because there just wasn't a whole lot to judge from, especially if we're considering this season alone. So here we go. If we're playing a pickup game tomorrow -- black ops basketball style -- who ya got?

Jim’s Team

@jimmylambmusic

$5 DeAndre Hopkins: I’ll start off with arguably the best receiver in the game. The man’s a surgeon with every route in the tree, has a pair of the strongest hands we’ve seen, and produces despite who’s under center. That grind and versatility provides a foundation for the rest of the receiving core.

$3 Mike Evans: I think Evans at this price is a steal -- i’d assume it’s connected to his checkered injury history. I’ll take a physical freak here, a prototype to function as my offense’s number two. He’s strong at the catch point, has the speed to stretch the field, and has a solid frame at 6’5 225lbs.

$3 Alshon Jeffery: I confess, this may be a bit of a homer pick. Now, though, is when i want to round out my WR core with diverse skill sets to target specific matchups, and they’re may not be a better big body receiver in the league than Jeffery. He abides by the old TO adage: even when i’m not open, i’m open. Give me the red zone threat here.

$2 Julian Edelman: this dude is a borderline HOF due to his clutch playoff performances. He’s turned himself into the most dominant slot guy in this era. He’s consistently working the middle to find creases, and he makes it look easy.

$2 Brandin Cooks: Cooks had a big playoff run as well, and he joins my team as the gadget guy and speed threat. Would have loved to slot in Tyreek Hill, but I think the value here’ll do nicely.

Deane's Team

@deanethedream

$5 DeAndre Hopkins: Nuuuk. Strongest hands in the game. Can make all the catches in the tree. He’s clutch. He can take the drag/slant to the house. Just ask the cowboys. Doesn’t matter if you bracket, he will make the contested catch. Tony toe tap. Doesn’t matter if you press at the line. He can jell with any QB. He’s had Yates, Osweiler, and Weeden.

$4 Tyreek Hill: scariest player in the game. As soon as his hands touch the ball he’s a threat to score. Not many players can say that. He’s not just straight-line speed like Darrius Heyward-Bey. He’s effective inside and out, jet motion, orbit, etc. Very versatile.

$3 Mike Evans: physical specimen. More than just a "go" route, jump ball guy. Thrives in contested catches but has worked hard to master all the routes. Hard to do for taller receivers and their stride length. He’s been dominant with inconsistent QB’s.

$2 Larry Fitzgerald: Larry Legend; enough said.

$1 Doug Baldwin: re-wrote the book on slot releases. Undersized receiver with reliable hands. Larger catch radius than expected. "Hop cross" press release is killer.

Nick's Team

@84footwork

$4 Tyreek Hill: by far, the most dangerous and electric player in the NFL. Can score from anywhere on the field. Just as effective as a decoy; can be used to manipulate and shift the defense away from where you want to go with the ball. 5'10 but plays like he's 6'3. He'll make a ridiculous catch while getting decleated, his body bending in ways that it shouldn't, yet he'll get up and shake it off. Gimme speed, gimme hands, gimme grit.

$4 Davante Adams: if you know me, then you know I'm a big fan of Tae Adams. Shows up and does his job every week. Can work the sideline quite well, known to make ridiculous toe-tapping catches. Can step into the slot and toy with DBs. A tough cover inside because there's more room for him to work laterally. Let me read this to you: 111 receptions (tied for 6th), 1,386 yards (7th), 13 touchdowns (2nd). Had less than 5 catches only once this season and scored twice that game.

$3 Amari Cooper: not only saved the Cowboys from tanking, but also revitalized his own career, reminding folks why he is a 3x pro-bowler and 4th-overall draft pick. Sprinkled in a few career highs and was even awarded offensive player of the week twice, but needs to perform at a high level consistently. Fumbles and dropped passes are holding his arms and legs from climbing to the $4 tier.

$3 Mike Evans: will out-jump defensive backs on any occasion. 50/50 balls are 90/10. Notched 1000 yards every season he's been in the league. Career high yards this season, although receptions and touchdowns took a dip from two years ago. Known to take some plays off, which is a result of inconsistent QB play and poor Bucs leadership. I'll ensure he's completely involved by throwing him a hitch to begin every possession. From there, he'll be a nice vertical threat and an automatic lob target if matched 1-on-1 without any safety help.

$1 Robert Woods: actually beats Brandin Cooks statistically, albeit it's very close. The reason Cooks is ranked above Woods is because of their playoff performances. Cooks had a more productive stretch, recording 2 catches and 120yds more than Woods. If you think about the weapons on the Rams -- Woods, Cooks, Kupp before his injury, Gurley, Anderson -- it's impressive to see two 80 rec., 1200 yd receivers. Gimme the guy for $1!

Who are you choosing? We'd like to know! Leave a comment.