Sherman was a heck of a player. I personally don't discount his comments. I'd like to know how he defines true number one.
With 17 games though, in a pass happy era, the mark of a great number 1 go-to WR should be closer to 1500 yards.
Drew Pearson had 14 game seasons when teams didn't pass on every other down, and in 1974 he had 1087 yards. Back then QBs could be crushed and WRs paid the price for trying to go over the middle.
They went to 16 games in 1978 and he had 1026 yards in 1979 (again though, it still wasn't a pass-happy league and WR could still get smashed coming over the middle). Pearson's production dipped after that, but Roger Staubach retired in 1979.
So my only point is that the benchmark for determining a great WR, in today's era should probably be around 1500 (if not more given how CB and safeties have to play).
Cee Dee had 1359 last year. Close enough? But the year prior he had 1102. That probably won't cut it in today's game to qualify as great.
I'd like to hear Sherman's rationale. He's no dummy.