Editor's note: This story originally ran during the 2016 season, but the debate has only intensified after the Steelers made Antonio Brown the NFL's highest-paid receiver.
It's difficult to pinpoint the golden era of wide receivers in the NFL, but this much cannot be argued: The league is saturated with stars at the position today. It's not just seasoned veterans; there's also a pipeline of young talent that should only get better as each player progresses.
The 2016 rookie class adds promise: Michael Thomas seems to make a highlight-worthy catch every week for the New Orleans Saints, putting defenders on roller skates and flexing an unbelievable catch radius. Sterling Shepard has fit right in alongside Odell Beckham Jr. in the New York Giants' passing game, while Corey Coleman is emerging as a building block for the Cleveland Browns. And while Minnesota's Laquon Treadwell and Washington's Josh Doctson have hardly played this season -- Doctson is now on injured reserve -- both figure to grow into key roles in time.
So who is the best wide receiver in the NFL right now? With the help of six NFL assistant coaches and personnel, we reached a verdict. And the results might surprise you.