During the hype leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft, experts and analysts spoke about a deep, dynamic wide receiver class. Now, as that group heads into the final stretch of its rookie season, the hype has been more than justified.

No wide receiver class since the dynamic and illustrious 1996 group can compare to the early returns from the current crop of rookies catching passes and scoring touchdowns on a weekly basis.

Fans of the Giants and Eagles can certainly attest after watching Odell Beckham Jr. and Jordan Matthews, respectively, throughout their inaugural campaign in professional football. In total, eight of the 12 highest picked receivers taken in May's draft have already surpassed 400 yards receiving—including both Beckham Jr. and Matthews.

Odell Beckham stands out from the crowd in a historically great rookie WR class, writes @ChrisWesseling http://t.co/LW3uPxqfIG — Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 20, 2014

When then 1996 class—led by Keyshawn Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, Amani Toomer and Joe Horn—left the game, the group had amassed 26 Pro Bowl selections and over 10,000 more yards than any other draft class in history.

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Nearly two decades later, a group has arrived with the talent to dethrone the special class of 1996.

Agree? Disagree? Will the 2014 wide receiver class be one of the best in NFL history? Sound off below in the comments section!

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.