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          NFL Nation

          Best hands in the NFC South?

          • Pat Yasinskas, ESPN Staff WriterDec 14, 2011, 09:47 AM ET
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            • Previously covered NFC South for ESPN.com
            • Covered Panthers for The Charlotte Observer from 1999-2008
            • Began journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990
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          We have a new leader in NFC South catch percentage for wide receivers and the name probably will surprise you.

          According to ESPN Stats & Information, it’s Tampa Bay’s Preston Parker, who is ninth in the NFL with a 97.2 catch percentage (receptions divided by receptions plus drops). Parker has 35 catches with only one drop. Hey, there’s a stat that actually is positive for the struggling Buccaneers.

          Carolina’s Brandon LaFell (31 receptions with one drop) is tied for No. 11 at 96.9 percent. New Orleans’ Marques Colston (58 receptions with two drops) is No. 13 at 96.7 percent. New Orleans’ Devery Henderson is tied for No. 17 at 96.3 percent (26 catches with one drop).

          Parker, LaFell, Colston and Henderson are the only NFC South receivers in the top 20 in this category.

          Here’s a look at where other NFC South receivers stand: