By Tim Graham
The countdown of my top 25 AFC East players continues, one weekday at a time ...
The choice
New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker is the NFL's most prolific target. Welker is one of only three players to catch over 100 passes in four seasons, joining Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison, and the second to catch at least 120 passes twice, joining Cris Carter.
Over the five seasons since he became a Patriot, he leads the NFL with 554 catches (81 more than the next-closest receiver, Brandon Marshall) despite undergoing reconstructive surgery to repair two knee ligaments in that span.
Welker has been selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls and was voted first-team All-Pro for the second time last season. He has been second-team All-Pro twice.
He is coming off the most productive receiving campaign in Patriots history. Welker's league-leading 122 receptions fell one short of his team record and tied for fourth all-time in the NFL. His 1,569 yards set the team record. His nine touchdowns were a career-best.
Welker also tied an NFL record with three games of at least eight catches, 150 yards and a touchdown. His 16-catch, 217-yard performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 tied New England's record for catches in a game and broke their yardage record.
Fast fact
Welker became the 13th player in NFL history to score a 99-yard touchdown when Tom Brady hooked up with him on opening day last season.
How acquired
2007 trade with the Miami Dolphins for second- and seventh-round draft choices.
Hint about No. 4
He has been chosen for four straight Pro Bowls.
Picks to date
5. Wes Welker, Patriots receiver
6. Mario Williams, Bills defensive end
7. Vince Wilfork, Patriots nose tackle
8. Jake Long, Dolphins left tackle
9. Logan Mankins, Patriots left guard
10. Cameron Wake, Dolphins outside linebacker
11. Fred Jackson, Bills running back
12. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets left tackle
13. Kyle Williams, Bills defensive tackle
14. Sione Pouha, Jets defensive tackle
15. Jairus Byrd, Bills safety
16. Brandon Lloyd, Patriots receiver
17. Stevie Johnson, Bills receiver
18. Reggie Bush, Dolphins running back
19. Jerod Mayo, Patriots inside linebacker
20. Randy Starks, Dolphins defensive lineman
21. Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots right tackle
22. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots tight end
23. Marcell Dareus, Bills defensive tackle
24. Antonio Cromartie, Jets cornerback
25. Eric Wood, Bills center
