We all know the B1G is the land of great running backs and hard-hitting defenses. And even though college football is evolving into a more quarterback-friendly game, the conference still seems fixated on that old-school brand of football.

And while we praise the B1G for not abandoning its roots, let’s not overlook the fact that the conference has had some pretty efficient passing teams in the past and has produced some of the country’s top wide receivers for nearly two decades.

Since the 21st century, the B1G has had some really talented receivers line up along the edges, several of those coming in the early 2000s. If you don’t remember some of those names, don’t worry, we’ve broken it down to the top five.

First, there were a few names that deserved recognition but didn’t make the cut:

  • Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin (2010-2013)
  • Taylor Stubblefield, Purdue (2001-2004)
  • Eric Decker, Minnesota (2006-2009)
  • James Hardy, Indiana (2005-2007)
  • Devin Smith, Ohio State (2011-2014)
  • Mario Manningham, Michigan (2005-2008)

Some good names on that list alone, but just not quite enough to crack the top five.

Who is on that elite list? Here are the B1G receivers who have enjoyed the best careers since 2000:

5. Charles Rogers, Michigan State (2000-2002)

Career stats: 135 receptions – 2,821 yards – 27 TDs

Rogers’ accomplishments at Michigan State seem even more impressive considering he only recorded stats in two seasons in East Lansing. And still, he owns the school records for single-season receiving yardage (1,470), receiving yards in a game (270), career receiving touchdowns (27) and touchdown receptions in a single season (14).

In 2002, Rogers racked up the accolades, earning All-B1G and All-American honors, as well as winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. Between 2001 and 2002, he caught touchdown passes in 13-straight games, an NCAA record at the time.

But it wasn’t just the numbers that earned Rogers that recognition. He was thought to be one of the country’s most athletic receivers in the early 2000s and hauled in impressive catch after impressive catch.

At the end of his career at Michigan State, Rogers averaged 20.9 yards per reception, still one of the highest marks in B1G history.

4. Marvin McNutt, Iowa (2008-2011)

Career stats: 170 receptions – 2,861 yards – 28 TDs

Iowa fans still remember that game-winning catch against Michigan State in 2009. That was probably the most memorable moment in McNutt’s impressive career with the Hawkeyes, but it certainly wasn’t the only highlight.

Other strong performances against Ohio State in 2009 (six catches, two TDs) and Indiana (184 yards, three TDs) and Purdue (151 yards, two TDs) in 2011 are just a few other examples of why McNutt became one of the most feared receivers in the B1G during that time.

McNutt was an All-B1G selection in 2011 and was named the Richter-Howard B1G Receiver of the Year after leading the conference in receiving yards (1,315) and touchdown catches (12). Considering Kirk Ferentz’s typical smash-mouth mentality, McNutt’s accomplishments seem even more impressive.

The standout Iowa receiver also owns the school records for career and single-season receiving yards and touchdown catches.

3. Lee Evans, Wisconsin (1999-2003)

Career stats: 175 receptions – 3,468 yards – 27 TDs

Thirteen years removed from his final season with the Badgers, Evans was inducted into Wisconsin’s athletic Hall of Fame. And for good reason.

For his career, Evans had 3,468 receiving yards – fifth all-time in the B1G – and caught 27 touchdown catches, both records at Wisconsin. He was a Biletnikoff finalist in 2001 after a 1,545-yard season, a conference record that still stands today.

Evans’ career was delayed by a year due to an ACL tear in spring 2002. After missing that season, he bounced back nicely in 2003, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in his career and hauling in a career-high 13 touchdown grabs.

None of those yards or scores more important than the 79-yard touchdown catch against Ohio State.

The fourth-quarter score gave the Badgers a late lead at Camp Randall Stadium and the Buckeyes had their 19-game winning streak snapped.

2. John Standeford, Purdue (2000-2003)

Career stats: 266 receptions – 3,788 yards – 27 TDs

Standeford was a product of Joe Tiller’s basketball-on-grass style of offense and it earned the Purdue receiver some pretty high honors.

As a freshman, Standeford made an immediate impact for Purdue, catching 67 passes for 744 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Boilermakers notch wins over Michigan and Ohio State and claim B1G title and a trip to the Rose Bowl in 2000.

Following a bit of a sophomore slump, the receiver bounced back to post big numbers in his final two seasons.

Standeford had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2002 and 2003. His best year came as a junior, catching 75 passes for 1,307 yards and 13 TDs. He also eclipsed the 100 yard-mark 12 times in those two years. He also earned All-B1G honors in both seasons.

The 3,788 career yards still stands as the all-time B1G record and ranks 29th all-time nationally.

1. Braylon Edwards, Michigan (2001-2004)

Career stats: 252 receptions – 3,541 yards – 39 TDs

Was there really anyone else who could’ve owned the top spot?

It’s hard to count the number of incredible and unthinkable catches that Edwards made throughout his collegiate career and eventually earned the receiver Heisman Trophy consideration in his senior season with the Wolverines.

But the one outing – topped with some of the most memorable plays – came against Michigan State in 2004.

Edwards caught 11 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns against the Spartans. And you won’t see another performance quite like it:

Wow. Just wow.

Edwards had three-straight 1,000-yard seasons en route to tallying 3,541 yards for his career. He also caught 39 touchdown passes, a record still atop the B1G charts.

In 2004, Edwards caught 97 passes for 1,330 yards and 15 scores. For that effort, he was an All-B1G and All-American selection. He was the winner of the Belitnikoff and took home B1G Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards. He also received some Heisman consideration during his final year in Ann Arbor.

There have been plenty of talented receivers in the B1G in the recent past, but it’s going to be hard for anyone to outshine Edwards’ spectacular career.