Jack Follman’s All-Time Conference WRs by NFL Success

There are some players who are still in the league who are going to keep climbing up this list

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Posted on May 30, 2022


  By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports

The history of wide receivers from current Pac-12 schools who have had success in the NFL might not be as prominent as one might think given the Pac-12’s history of passing offense innovation and quarterback success in college and the NFL.

That’s not to say there aren’t some Hall of Famer wide receivers from current Pac-12 schools across several generations.

I also think there are some NFL players who are going to keep climbing up this list.

James Lofton | Journal Sentinel File Photo

1. James Lofton, Stanford

Lofton isn’t as well known as he should be for what he did in his career. He made four All-Pro teams and eight Pro Bowls and finished his career with more than 700 receptions and 14,000 yards with 75 touchdowns.

2. Chad Johnson, Oregon State

Johnson was an elite receiver in the league in the mid-2000s for the Bengals. He made three-straight first-team All-Pro teams, six total Pro Bowls, and finished his career with more than 700 receptions, 11,000 yards, and 67 touchdowns.

3. Charley Taylor, Arizona State

The Hall of Famer and former Sun Devil made six All-Pro teams and eight Pro Bowls with Washington and was named to the 60s Decade Team.

He finished his career with more than 600 receptions, 9,000 yards, and 79 touchdowns. Oh, he also ran for more than 1,000 yards and 11 TDs.

Cliff Branch | Focus on Sport/Getty Images

4. Cliff Branch, Colorado

Another Hall of Famer, he made three First-Team All-Pros and four Pro Bowls while winning three Super Bowls with the Raiders.

He finished with more than 500 receptions for more than 8,000 yards and 67 touchdowns.

5. Lynn Swann, USC

Swann is a playoff legend and Super Bowl MVP, which helped fuel him to the Hall of Fame. He’s also a four-time Super Bowl champion with a handful of All-Pro honors and Pro Bowls.

Steve Smith Sr. | Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports

6. Steve Smith Sr., Utah

The former Ute put together one of the greatest NFL receiving careers ever. He made three All-Pro teams and several Pro Bowls, but it’s his career numbers that tell the most.

He finished with more than 1,000 receptions, 14,000 yards and 71 touchdowns.

7. Mac Speedie, Utah

Speedie’s NFL career was brief, but it was fantastic and included six First-Team All-Pro honors with the Browns in the 40s and 50s.

Despite his brief career, he finished with more than 7,000 yards and caught 45 touchdown passes.

8. Keyshawn Johnson, USC

Keyshawn made three Pro Bowls and his career numbers are stunning. He finished with more than 800 receptions, and 10,000 yards, scoring 64 touchdowns.