NFL
The NFL's 10 Best Deep-Ball Wide Receivers in 2016
Based on advanced metrics, which wide receivers were the best at hauling in deep passes during the 2016 season?

7. DeSean Jackson, Washington

Deep Targets: 37 | Target NEP per Target: 1.11 | Success Rate: 51.35%

You knew DeSean Jackson would make this list. Sometimes, perception and reality do mesh.

Kirk Cousins went Jackson's way 37 times this year, accounting for 33.04% of Washington's deep targets, and only one of those targets turned into an interception. That's compared to 4 touchdowns for Jackson and 670 yards on 19 receptions. Cousins was good overall on deep passes, and Jackson was a huge part of that.

Because Jackson has been producing for so long, there is a constant assumption that he'll eventually slow down. However, 2016 was his age-30 season, and he was still among the best deep threats in the league. There's immense value in that, and he should make a team very happy through free agency.

Jackson, though, did have the help of a solid quarterback to boost his metrics. The next guy on our list most certainly did not, and yet he still managed to put up absurd numbers. Oh, and he's younger while simultaneously hitting free agency.

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