In the 5th part of our “Does It Matter?” series, we took a deep dive into NFL statistics to unearth the factors that contribute to a wide receiver’s success. We’re thrilled to share that our number crunching has not only confirmed the significance of weight but also pinpointed two weight ranges to aide in the evaluation of players.
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Methodology: Cracking the Code
Our journey began by punching in the weight of the top 50 fantasy football wide receivers from 2003 to 2023. To ensure the consistency and reliability of our data, we exclusively utilized NFL draft combine data. We then charted the averages for the top 1, 5, 10, 11-30th, and 31-50th place finishers. That chart can be seen below:
Initial insights from this chart revealed a slight trend: the bulk of higher performers more times than had had a higher weight compared to their lesser performing counterparts. Especially evident in the top 5 and top 10 finishers where they both are at or above the median top 50 finishers for 13/21 (61.9%) of the seasons. Further, the top 5 finishers are at or above the 31-50th place averages finishers 15/21 seasons (71.4%).
However, we wanted to find more clear trends, so we segmented the top 10 finishers’ weights since 2003 by each pound. A comparative analysis with the lower-tier finishers unveiled striking peaks at specific weights, notably 195 and 198 pounds. The top 10 and Bottom 10 charts can be seen below:
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Tiered Wide Receiver Performance Ranges
We wanted to pinpoint an applicable weight range that corresponds with peak performance amongst NFL wide receivers. Therefore, we constructed a differential chart comparing the frequency of weights plus the next 10 pounds. Essentially, the top 10 performers against the bottom 10 performers in 10 pound increments beginning at each labeled weight. This examination brought us to a discovery: an optimal range (204-249lbs) where we observed a significant surge in performance metrics.
Verifying the Optimal WR Weight Range: Bottom 10
We now wanted to verify whether this is a typical WR weight, or a typical top performing WR weight. Therefore, we are going to see at what rate this weight occurs in the bottom 10, then compare it back to the top 10, then fine-tune it to verify whether this is the optimal weight or not.
So here the bottom 10 goes: In the bottom 10 since 2003, there were 210 Wide Receivers. Out of this 210, 93 finished within this weight range, which accounts for 44.3%. This sets the baseline for comparison back to the top 10, which you will see next.
Verifying the Optimal WR Weight Range: Top 10
If we find a higher percentage in the top 10, then we found the weight of an average top performing WR, not just an average WR. In the top 10, there once again was 210 athletes. From this 210, 114 measured between 204 and 249lbs. This accounts for 54.3%, and a 10.0% increase from the bottom 10 to the top 10! This may be great, but our work won’t stop there. Next, we will attempt to fine-tune this range to verify this as the top performing weight range, or to find a higher producing one.
Verifying the Optimal WR Weight Range: Fine-Tuning
As mentioned, we next looked to verify this as the optimal WR weight range, or to find a higher producing one. By fine-tuning our spreadsheet numbers, we were able to beat our initial optimal range by finding a higher producing one. This range occurs in the top 10 16.2% more frequently than in the bottom 10. The range is as follows: 210lbs to 239lbs. This optimal range will be the subject of our study going forward.
Establishing the Critical Weight Threshold
In an effort to establish a critical number, we looked to find what weights have not occurred in different leaderboard thresholds since 2003. Here are the minimum weights seen across different leaderboard thresholds since 2003:
- Top 10 min: 170lbs
- Top 20 min: 169lbs
- Top 30 min: 166lbs
- Top 40 min: 165lbs
- Top 50 min: 165lbs
From this, 169lbs will be our critical value. This is for our StarPredictor Score (SPS) model, where we will be attempting to predict NFL successes or busts. Essentially, athletes must weigh in at or over 169lbs in order to not be considered a bust. We are hoping to have this model fully functional by the beginning of the 2025 NFL season.
NFL Combine Weight Regression Testing
Now we turn our attention towards standard statistical methods, namely linear regression testing. This is to find a correlation between WR weights and fantasy points. The P-value we are hoping for is 0.05 and under, which would indicate strong correlation. Further, when studying world-class athletes, the Rsquared value we are hoping for is a minimum of 1.0%. Here are the weight regression testing numbers:
- P-Value: 0.229
- Rsquared: 0.002637
You can see above that there is a strong correlation between WR weights and fantasy points. Further, the Rsquared value is showcasing that 1.6% of the variances in fantasy points can be explained by weight. These are great findings, and verify the importance of weight when considering Wide Receiver prospects! The regression chart below also shows that as weight increases, fantasy points can be expected to increase as well.
Decadal Differences
Further, we wanted to compare our data from the most recent decade to two decades ago to reveal time based trends. Those results are seen below:
2004-2013 | |||
Top 10 | 11 through 40 | Bottom 10 | |
All count | 100 | 300 | 100 |
Between 210 and 239lbs | 50 | 100 | 31 |
% (hard zone/all) | 50.0% | 33.3% | 31.0% |
2014-2023 | |||
Top 10 | 11 through 40 | Bottom 10 | |
All count | 100 | 300 | 100 |
Between 210 and 239lbs | 47 | 106 | 30 |
% (hard zone/all) | 47.0% | 35.3% | 30.0% |
From this chart, there are no real trends to be seen. The top 10 to bottom 10 percentage increase remains relatively the same (19.0% and 17.0%, respectively).
Rookie Wide Receivers to Watch
Our analysis didn’t stop at historical data. We’ve applied our findings to the most recent rookies. We’ve identified three standout prospects within the “hard range” and eight promising talents within the “soft range.” We broke it down into each range below:
NFL Rookies Between 210 and 239lbs:
- Cornelius Johnson: 212lbs
- Rome Odunze: 212lbs
- Keon Coleman: 213lbs
- Xavier Legette: 221lbs
- Bub Means: 227lbs
- Johnny Wilson: 231lbs
Rookies outside the optimal range:
- Xavier Weaver: 169lbs
- Anthony Gould: 174lbs
- Tahj Washington: 174lbs
- Troy Franklin: 176lbs
- Lideatrick Griffin: 181lbs
- Isaiah Williams: 182lbs
- Roman Wilson: 185lbs
- Ladd McConkey: 186lbs
- JhaQuan Jackson: 188lbs
- Jamari Thrash: 188lbs
- Ricky Pearsall: 189lbs
- Ainias Smith: 190lbs
- Tayvion Robinson: 191lbs
- Malik Washington: 191lbs
- Devontez Walker: 193lbs
- Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint: 195lbs
- Jermaine Burton: 196lbs
- Jalen McMillan: 197lbs
- Luke McCaffrey: 198lbs
- Malik Nabers: 200lbs
- Javon Baker: 202lbs
- Ryan Flournoy: 202lbs
- Jordan Whittington: 202lbs
- JaLynn Polk: 203lbs
- Devaughn Vele: 203lbs
- Adonai Mitchell: 205lbs
- Malachi Corley: 207lbs
- Jalen Coker: 208lbs
- Brenden Rice: 208lbs
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: 209lbs
- Brian Thomas Jr.: 209lbs
Rookies below 169lbs (Critical value):
- Xavier Worthy: 165lbs
- Jacob Cowing: 168lbs
In Conclusion
Our analysis has shown how the 210-239lbs weight range influences the success trajectory of NFL receivers. More than just a number, weight emerges as another tool in fantasy football enthusiasts’ evaluation tool-belt for wide receivers.
More Data Next Week!
Our series has always sought to push the boundaries of sports analytics, and this latest installment reaffirms our commitment to uncovering the hidden dynamics that define the game. Every Saturday We will dive deep into the most intriguing questions, bust myths, and settle debates with thorough analysis similar to this. We thrive on curiosity and welcome your input — so please, leave comments or reach out to us with topics you’re eager to see dissected next. All of our research can be found on our Analytics Page. Up next on our agenda for Part 7 of “Does It Matter?” is an examination of Wide Receiver Hand: Does that impact performance? If so, what’s the ideal Hand Size for a WR? Mark your calendars; every Saturday we shed light on the topics that matter to you. All it takes is a short question and we will go to work for you!
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