Devin McCourty

Patriots DB McCourty says Steelers' Brown is best receiver in NFL

Published Jul. 10, 2015 2:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty doesn't agree with at least one of the results of the recently released NFL Network's top 100 player list.

McCourty called Steelers receiver Antonio Brown the best in the league when he was asked to rank his top five wideouts in an appearance on ESPN Thursday.

"You look at the receiver position and the first thing you want to do is put these freak athletes like Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant [at the top]. But I started my list with Antonio Brown. We talk about all these guys that are big and talented and fast -- they can do everything. But this little guy led all receivers last year. He did everything, while still punt returning. You can look at everything that a guy brings to the table, but don't disregard production and I thought he was the No. 1 productive receiver last year so I put him there."

Rounding out McCourty's top five from second to fifth were Detroit's Calvin Johnson, Dallas' Dez Bryant, Denver's Demaryius Thomas, and Atlanta's Julio Jones.

Brown landed eighth in the NFL top 100 countdown, two spots behind Johnson despite leading the league in receptions (129) and yardage (1,698) last season.

McCourty will get an up close and personal look at Brown when the Patriots host the Steelers in the NFL opener on Thursday, Sept. 10.

h/t: CSN New England

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