Top 6 Most Underrated NFL Wide Receivers of the 2000s

by Jeremy Block - 8/26/2025

Top 6 Most Underrated Wide Receivers of the 2000s Laveranues Coles

The 2000s were filled with wide receivers who lit up the league, made insane catches, and were the focus of fantasy teams everywhere. But, as with any decade, there were a handful of wideouts who got lost in the shuffle.

Whether it was a lack of media coverage, playing for a smaller market team, or just not getting the recognition they deserved, these guys were consistently solid and yet often overlooked. Here's a rundown of six wide receivers who should’ve gotten a lot more love in the 2000s.

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Reggie Wayne

Despite spending most of his career as Peyton Manning’s sidekick, Reggie Wayne still put together an exceptional resume during the 2000s. With over 14,000 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns on his career, Wayne was a consistent producer, yet his name often got lost in the shuffle, especially with Marvin Harrison being Manning’s usual top target on the pass.

Wayne was a receiver who didn’t necessarily scream for attention but showed up week in and week out. His ability to stretch the field, combined with his incredible hands, made him an underrated target that helped the Colts stay competitive all decade long.

Laveranues Coles

Laveranues Coles might not be a household name, but during his peak years in the 2000s, he was a dangerous receiver. Coles didn’t really play for any high-profile teams—he was mainly a standout for the Jets and Commanders (then Redskins)—but that didn’t stop him from putting up solid numbers. He racked up over 8,000 yards and 49 touchdowns during the decade and was a key weapon in any offense he was a part of.

His speed made him a threat on deep routes, but he was also known for his toughness and ability to make tough catches in tough situations. Coles had the kind of game-breaking potential that didn't always get him the national attention he deserved, but for those who paid attention, he was one of the more reliable receivers of the 2000s.

Lee Evans

If you claim to know your 2000’s football, then you must know Lee Evans. While the Buffalo Bills were a team that rarely made headlines, Evans was a consistently underrated weapon for them. From 2004 to 2010, Evans racked just shy of 6,000 yards and 43 touchdowns. But despite his talent, Evans’ name was rarely mentioned alongside the elite wideouts of the era.

Evans might not have had the consistent receptions that some other receivers had, but when the Bills needed a big play, Evans was usually the guy to provide it. His lack of national recognition was largely due to playing for a small-market team and the Bills’ struggles during this time, but Evans was one of the most dangerous deep threats of the 2000s.

Steve Smith Sr.

For a guy who stood just 5’9”, Steve Smith Sr. played much larger than his size. A physical receiver with an unique edge and swagger to his game, Smith made a career of embarrassing cornerbacks twice his size. He spent the majority of the 2000s as the best weapon on a mediocre Panthers offense, racking up over 14,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in the decade.

Smith’s trash-talking ways often led to more attention than his skills on the turf, but when he was on the field, his ability to break tackles, make contested catches, and turn small slants into big plays made him one of the most feared receivers in the league. Look, in short: Smith was the perfect example of a receiver who could do it all—catch the deep ball, run after the catch, and be the go-to guy in crucial moments.

Joey Galloway

Like Smith, Joey Galloway had the kind of speed that made him a deep-ball specialist—and in an era when big plays were everything, Galloway was an absolute menace. He spent the 2000s primarily with the Buccaneers, where he posted solid numbers despite the team’s inconsistent offense. By the end of the decade, Galloway had racked up over 10,000 yards and 77 touchdowns, but was never considered one of the top-tier wide receivers, even though he had the big-play ability that most teams crave.

Even with inconsistent quarterbacks, and being a part of a run-heavy offensive system, Galloway still managed to make defenders look foolish with his acceleration and speed. His low-profile role in Tampa Bay may have kept him out of the spotlight, but his ability to consistently make plays when it counted was undeniable.

Chris Chambers

Chris Chambers didn’t play for a team with a ton of postseason success in the 2000s, but his ability to be a consistent target in Miami’s, and San Diego’s offense is often overlooked. With over 7,000 yards and 58 touchdowns during the decade, Chambers was a versatile receiver who could be used in a variety of ways. Whether it was stretching the field or making tough catches in traffic, Chambers was a reliable option, despite the team's quarterback struggles.

While he didn’t always get the recognition he deserved, Chambers was a reliable receiver in the passing game. His consistent production throughout his career made him one of the more underrated receivers of the 2000s, often flying under the radar while quietly keeping his team’s offense alive.

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Start:	August 27, 2025 @ 11:00 PM
Expert:	Griffin Murphy
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Top 6 Most Underrated NFL Wide Receivers of the 2000s

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