CeeDee Lamb is NFL's fourth-best receiver in ESPN poll

Some may debate whether CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys is a true No. 1 receiver in the traditional sense, but the numbers and the tape are certainly trending in the right direction for Dallas' top target.

In 2023, Lamb put a bow on his fourth NFL season by leading the NFL in receptions with 135, and only Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins had more receiving yards than Lamb's 1,749. Add in his 12 receiving touchdowns, and his 80 catches for first downs, and it's tough to find a receiver in the NFL who's more important to his team. Lamb was rewarded with his third Pro Bowl nod, and his first nomination to the NFL's First-Team All-Pro list.

Recently, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler ranked the league's top receivers with help from executives, coaches, and scouts, and Lamb ranked fourth overall behind only Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, the aforementioned Tyreek Hill, and Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.

"He was able to move around the formation more this year, specifically outside, and he consistently won in critical situations over the course of the year," one NFL scouting director told Fowler about Lamb. "He proved to be a do-it-all receiver. Has great hands and outstanding pace to his routes and setup that gives defensive backs problems."

That positional versatility is important, Last season, Lamb lined up outside on 43% of his snaps, with 55% in the slot, and 2% in the backfield. Wherever he is in the formation, Lamb has proven to have the skills to be one of the NFL's best at his position.