The combination of a quarterback with a powerful, accurate arm and a receiving unit with speed, leaping ability and sure hands can make the difference between a team playing in the post-season or on the golf course. I'll be highlighting various receiving squads over the next few weeks and then offering some rankings as the NFL season draws nearer.

Let's take a look at what may be the best bunch of receivers around—the pass catchers of the New England Patriots. You may ask, "Are they really the best?" Many would certainly claim that they are and here are a few reasons why.

First and foremost they have the ultimate go-to guy in the league in the person of Randy Moss. Moss can virtually leap tall buildings in a single bound. There may be some who are almost equal but none who quite make the grade like the record-breaking Moss. Last season, the wideout broke Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's record for most touchdown receptions in one season. He caught 23—one more than Rice. Moss, who has been in the league for seven seasons, is a six-time Pro Bowler.

Additionally, the Pats feature Wes Welker. Welker, a former Miami player, offers great quickness and an elusive quality. His routes are crisp and exact. There's also Jabar Gaffney—who is a fine third receiver often open when Moss and Welker are covered.

And let's not forget the other end of the ball—quarterback Tom Brady. He's smart, strong and accurate. The best of his generation. In 2007, Brady also set a NFL record when he broke the mark for most touchdown throws in one season set by Peyton Manning . Brady connected on 50 TDs, beating the Indianapolis Colts' QB by one.

Watch out for the Pats in 2008. There's speed, intelligence and experience throughout their route running/pass catching unit.