Wide receivers are supposed to have the best hands on the field, but not every pass-catcher lives up to the hype. Whether it was stone hands, butter fingers, or just plain bad luck, these wideouts developed a reputation for dropping the ball—literally.
Some still managed long careers thanks to athleticism or speed, while others flamed out before they ever got going. Either way, these guys couldn’t seem to hold on to the football when it mattered most.
13. Darius Heyward-Bey
He had world-class speed but hands that belonged in the lost and found. For a first-round pick, Heyward-Bey dropped way too many sure things.
12. Donte Stallworth
Stallworth had flashes of brilliance but was wildly inconsistent with his hands. You never knew if he’d make a big play or let the ball bounce off his chest.
11. Stephen Hill
Hill looked like a star on paper but couldn’t catch anything on Sundays. Jets fans are still shaking their heads about this one.
10. Kevin White
Injuries slowed his career, but even when healthy, his hands didn’t inspire confidence. White struggled with both staying on the field and securing the ball.
9. Marquise Goodwin
Olympic speed didn’t translate to soft hands. Goodwin could burn defenders deep, but often left the football behind.
8. Devin Funchess
Built like a tight end but didn’t have the mitts to match. Drops plagued him throughout his time in the league.
7. Breshad Perriman
Drafted for his size and speed combo, Perriman never quite figured out how to hang on. He had stone hands that drove coaches mad.
6. Travis Taylor
The Ravens hoped he’d be their go-to guy, but he couldn’t hold up his end of the bargain. Drops and miscommunications defined his tenure.
5. Nelson Agholor
He turned things around eventually, but early on, Philly fans wanted to glue the ball to his hands. His drop issues were legendary for a stretch.
4. Darrius Watts
Watts came into Denver with some promise, but it evaporated after a barrage of dropped passes. His career fizzled out almost as quickly as it started.
3. Troy Williamson
Speedy but unreliable, Williamson never lived up to his draft status. Vikings fans learned the hard way that fast doesn’t always mean effective.
Read more: 20 NFL Wide Receivers Who Went in Round 1 – But Shouldn’t Have
2. Corey Coleman
First-round pick, first-class drops. He had every opportunity to shine and couldn’t keep his grip on a roster spot—or the ball.
Read more: 15 MLB Players Who Fell Short Under Pressure
1. Braylon Edwards
For a guy with elite talent, Edwards had baffling hands. His drop totals often outpaced his touchdowns, making him the poster child for frustrating receivers.
Read more: Ranking the Top 7 Fastest NFL Players of the Last Decade
