Maybe it's the way the game is changing. Increasing emphasis on short passing = greater need for quickness. Nah, a savvy route runner like Rice would flourish in any age and any environment.
Printable View
The last CBA has put even more emphasis on younger, cheaper, salary-controllable players versus veterans. Its this way for all positions.
I don't think you can say WR is appreciably younger when you just lost 37 year old Steve Smith and 4 34 year olds are running around. Its always been a young man's game.
4 out of a list of 96 players. Stop it. And some of those 4 may retire before 2018 season.
You or somebody gave me a long list of old greats. Hardly any today, although Larry Fitzgerald grinds on. I was surprised at how many WRs are under 25. I expected a half dozen guys over 35. Maybe it has always been this way, but I wonder.