The 12 Shortest Wide Receivers in the NFl (2023)
In a sport where size and height are often seen as critical, the shortest wide receivers in the NFL are proving that talent and skill can defy physical norms. From a comprehensive analysis of nearly 200 receivers on the 2023 Week 1 rosters, a group of twelve remarkable players stand out, all measuring 5’8″ or less.
These athletes are redefining the wide receiver role, demonstrating that agility, speed, and precision can make a profound impact on the game, regardless of height.
This article will highlight the careers and unique abilities of these twelve shortest wide receivers. Each player brings a distinct set of skills that more than compensate for a lack of height, from remarkable route-running finesse to explosive after-the-catch playmaking.
Shortest WRs in the NFL
| 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 |
While the average NFL wide receiver is over six feet tall, these guys are all well under that but still performing at the highest level.
Deonte Harty
- Height: 5’6″
- Team: Buffalo Bills
Deonte Harty stands at 5’6″ and plays for the Buffalo Bills. Despite being one of the shortest players in the NFL, Harty has made a significant impact.
An undrafted free agent in 2019, he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic return specialist, earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. Harty’s speed and elusiveness extend beyond special teams; he has become a reliable receiver, showcasing his ability to create separation and make big plays in the open field.
KaVontae Turpin
- Height: 5’7″
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
KaVontae Turpin joins the Dallas Cowboys with a reputation as an electrifying playmaker. Turpin’s collegiate career at TCU was highlighted by his exceptional speed and agility, making him a threat both as a receiver and in the return game.
His professional journey took him through various leagues, including the Fan Controlled Football league and USFL, where he continued to impress with his playmaking abilities. Turpin’s ability to change direction quickly and accelerate makes him a dangerous weapon on offense and special teams.
Greg Dortch
- Height: 5’7″
- Team: Arizona Cardinals
Greg Dortch, also standing at 5’7″, plays for the Arizona Cardinals. Undrafted out of Wake Forest, Dortch has proven to be a valuable asset, particularly in the slot position and as a return specialist.
His agility and quickness make him an elusive target, and his reliable hands have been crucial in clutch situations. Dortch’s journey in the NFL, marked by perseverance and skill, highlights how under-the-radar players can make a significant impact.
Rondale Moore
- Height: 5’7″
- Team: Arizona Cardinals
Rondale Moore plays alongside Greg Dortch for the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted in the second round in 2021, Moore’s rookie season was notable for his versatility and explosive playmaking.
At Purdue, he was renowned for his athleticism and ability to make defenders miss, earning him the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player in 2018. In the NFL, Moore continues to showcase his speed and agility, making him a valuable weapon in the Cardinals’ offense.
Deven Thompkins
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Deven Thompkins, at 5’8″, brings his talents to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thompkins had a stellar career at Utah State, where he was one of the top receivers in the nation in terms of receiving yards.
His remarkable speed and route-running ability make him an excellent deep threat. Despite being undrafted, Thompkins’ collegiate success and natural abilities as a receiver give him the potential to be a standout player in the NFL.
Derius Davis
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Derius Davis, standing at 5’9″, joins the Los Angeles Chargers with a profile as a versatile and speedy receiver. At TCU, Davis was known for his multi-faceted skills, contributing not only as a receiver but also as a formidable return specialist.
His ability to rapidly accelerate and navigate through defenders makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. Davis’ agility and playmaking ability, combined with his experience in various roles on the field, offer the Chargers an exciting and dynamic option in their offensive and special teams units.
Kalif Raymond
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Detroit Lions
Kalif Raymond has established himself as an important part of the Detroit Lions’ offense. His journey from an undrafted player to a key team member is a testament to his skill and perseverance.
In the 2021 season, Raymond had a breakout year with over 400 receiving yards, demonstrating his value as both a receiver and a return specialist. His agility and speed make him a versatile weapon for the Lions, capable of making significant impacts both in the receiving game and on special teams.
Brandon Powell
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
Brandon Powell, standing 5’8″, now plays for the Minnesota Vikings. An undrafted player from the University of Florida, Powell has carved out his niche in the NFL with his work ethic and versatility.
He excels as a return specialist, where his quickness and open-field vision are most evident. Powell’s ability to evade tacklers makes him a valuable asset in the Vikings’ special teams, and his receiving skills provide additional depth to their offensive lineup.
Wan’Dale Robinson
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: New York Giants
Wan’Dale Robinson is a dynamic addition to the New York Giants. Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Robinson impressed during his college tenure at Kentucky with his versatile and explosive play.
His ability to line up both in the slot and on the outside, coupled with his return skills, make him a multifaceted threat. Robinson’s agility, speed, and exceptional ball-handling skills position him to be a significant contributor to the Giants’ offense.
DeAndre Carter
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
DeAndre Carter, another 5’8″ receiver, plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. His journey in the NFL, marked by determination and adaptability, has seen him develop from an undrafted player into a reliable team member.
Carter shines as a return specialist, leveraging his speed and ability to find gaps in the defense. Additionally, his development as a slot receiver has proven valuable, showcasing his quickness and route-running capabilities.
Demario Douglas
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: New England Patriots
Demario Douglas joins the New England Patriots as a 6th-round draft pick. His college career at Liberty University was highlighted by impressive performances as a receiver and return specialist.
Known for his agility and quickness, Douglas is a consistent threat in the open field, capable of making sharp cuts and eluding defenders. His ability to create big plays has positioned him as a promising addition to the Patriots’ roster.
Olamide Zaccheaus
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Olamide Zaccheaus, now playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, brings dynamic playmaking ability to the team. Undrafted from the University of Virginia, Zaccheaus has worked diligently to secure a significant role in the NFL.
His speed and capacity to create separation from defenders make him a reliable target in the passing game. With over 500 receiving yards in the 2021 season, Zaccheaus demonstrated his growth and potential as a key component of the Eagles’ receiving corps.
Final Thoughts
These twelve receivers, each standing at 5’8″ or shorter, are redefining the wide receiver role in the NFL. Players like Deonte Harty, KaVontae Turpin, Greg Dortch, and their peers are proof that height is just one aspect of what makes a great football player.
The success of these short-statured receivers is a reminder that the NFL is a league where diverse physical profiles can thrive.
Their ability to leverage their unique strengths — whether it be lightning-fast speed, precise route-running, or elusive agility — has not only made them valuable assets to their teams but has also challenged the traditional expectations of a wide receiver.
