Average Height of NFL Wide Receivers in 2024
In the NFL, the wide receiver position is often synonymous with extraordinary athleticism and, notably, height. As we dive into the 2023 season, it’s fascinating to observe how the average height of NFL wide receivers has become a critical aspect of the game’s evolving dynamics.
This article isn’t just about numbers; it’s a journey into understanding how these towering athletes impact the game and why their height matters more than you might think.
For this deep dive, I examined the heights and weights of almost 200 wide receivers on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. Get ready to elevate your knowledge and see the game from a whole new perspective!
NFL WR Avg Height
The average height of an NFL Wide Receiver in 2023 is 6’0 1/2″.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. For instance, there is almost an entire foot difference between the shortest and tallest wide receivers. I wanted to take a closer look.
So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of how NFL Wide Receivers stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 5’6″ all the way to 6’5″.
Wide Receiver Height Scale
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 5’6″ | 1 |
| 5’7″ | 3 |
| 5’8″ | 8 |
| 5’9″ | 12 |
| 5’10” | 14 |
| 5’11” | 14 |
| 6’0″ | 31 |
| 6’1″ | 34 |
| 6’2″ | 32 |
| 6’3″ | 15 |
| 6’4″ | 19 |
| 6’5″ | 4 |
This table provides some interesting insight into the wide receiver position.
For starters, no other position comes close to how spread out the range of heights is. There are at least 12 players from 5’9″ all the way up to 6’4″.
This is partly due to the fact that outside receivers and slot receivers are often completely different body types (Outside receivers tend to be taller and just overall bigger than quicker, more agile slot receivers).
Some of it, though, comes down to the fact that the skill set for an elite wide receiver – speed, agility, great hands, solid route running – can be impactful and coveted no matter what size package it comes in.
Which NFL Wide Receivers are the Tallest?
Because the 6’4″ receiver is always pointed out to us on television, I believe many fans have a skewed sense of how many guys that size actually exist at the position.
The fact is, there are only 23 (about 12%) receivers that are 6’4″ or taller.
Here are the four tallest WRs in the NFL this season, all measuring 6’5″ or taller:
| 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 |
Which NFL Wide Receivers are the Shortest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which players are actually the shortest.
The 12 shortest wide receivers in the NFL are all 5”8″ or shorter, led by a 5-year vet who stands at just 5’6″.
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Deonte Harty | 5’6″ | Buffalo Bills |
| KaVontae Turpin | 5’7″ | Dallas Cowboys |
| Greg Dortch | 5’7″ | Arizona Cardinals |
| Rondale Moore | 5’7″ | Arizona Cardinals |
| Deven Thompkins | 5’8″ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Derius Davis | 5’8″ | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Kalif Raymond | 5’8″ | Detroit Lions |
| Brandon Powell | 5’8″ | Minnesota Vikings |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | 5’8″ | New York Giants |
| DeAndre Carter | 5’8″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Demario Douglas | 5’8″ | New England Patriots |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | 5’8″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
Conclusion
As we reach the end zone of our in-depth look at the average height of NFL wide receivers in 2023, the diversity in their physical stature stands out as a key highlight.
It’s not just about being tall; it’s about how these athletes leverage their unique physical attributes to outmaneuver defenders and make those game-changing plays. The contrast between the heaviest and lightest wide receivers, each successful in their own right, illustrates the strategic variety and adaptability at the heart of the game.
As fans, understanding these nuances should deepen our appreciation of the sport, reminding us that in football, greatness comes in all sizes.
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