[The Goat]

I think the criterion set forth in just the few posts already pretty much define a true #1 WR.

Where I strongly differ in opinion is our WR corp in that we have NOT had a #1 WR under the Snyder era. Moss has great hands part of the time, good hands most of the time, and downright awful hands the other part of the time. Specifically in our last playoff appearance Moss couldn't catch a cold, but truth is he gets the dropsies at least a few games every season. True #1 WRs miss a ball here and there but overall they have to be very dependable. Also a true #1 WR, like GTripp said, must be able to make plays running a variety of routes. Moss rarely makes a catch in heavy traffic, partly due to his size but then you look at Steve Smith about the same size and see him making huge leaping grabs. Moss for all his speed doesn't seem to have much burst to get in the air and fight for the ball.

So the lesson is w/o a #1 WR it's very hard to have a dominant offense. Moss never has been and never will be that guy, though working out of the slot I could see him lead the team in catches and have his best season ever. But for that to happen Thomas or Kelly have to emerge as the #1 possession WR. Based on sheer ability Thomas easily has the edge but he has to become a student of the game and master his routes to really breakout. I wonder if he's working w/ any of the greats during the off-season?