supafly

It's my opinion that this team will not spend the kind of money necessary for a "bigger name" WR who many here clamor for, so I would instantly cross someone like D.Bowe/G.Jennings off the list pretty much immediately. Others may feel differently, but I just think that there are many hints to the contrary in the past with this kind of system (not to mention Belichick's feelings), and I also believe that both re-signing some of our own + the needs on defense would prevent us from going after one of these 10 million dollar guys due to financial factors.

It's also my opinion that although we'll almost certainly be drafting at least one WR in the upcoming draft, but in 9/10 times that WR is going to be a developmental prospect of sorts for the first year. That is simply due to the complexity of the offense and other variables that go into it. Belichick tends to prefer many of the proven vets at this position, so free agency in terms of a middle to lower tier will need to be explored for options here too.

Obviously, the Welker situation (along with the Edelman situation) is an important factor to keep in mind. That said, here are some of the prospects for "rejuvenation," and some that may still be growing and progressing. Many have speed, hands, or at least some of the skills that are needed to be a somewhat productive WR, but have not shown enough of the overall quality to be in the list of elites. Many do not, and were overhyped to begin with.

In other words, we may once again look to the FA list in terms of cost efficiency and trying to turn rocks (some of them shiny rocks) into gold. We all want more of a downfield threat, not to mention a physical presence. Here are some of the middle/lower tiered players who can potentially stretch the field and/or offer a more physical presence:


---Louis Murphy (CAR)
---Johnnie Knox (CHI) EDIT: may not be a FA due to remaining on PUP for the 2012 season like M.Pryor
---Josh Cribbs (CLE)
---M.Massaquoi (CLE)
---Donnie Avery (IND)
---Devery Henderson (NO)
---Ramses Barden (NYG)
---Dominic Hixon (NYG)
---Jerome Simpson (MIN)
---Brian Hartline (MIA)
---Ted Ginn (SF)
---Brandon Gibson (STL)
---Steve Smith (STL, not CAR)
---Derek Hagan (OAK)
---Legadu Nannee (FA)


We also have the "usual suspects" of the following, but who are already pretty much crossed off the list due to obvious reasons:

---Braylon Edwards
---Plaxico Burress
---Terrell Owens
---Randy Moss
---Mark Clayton
---Mike Williams
---Mike Sims-Walker
---Lee Evans


We can also assume that these following WR free agents will command too much money or are RFA's, so they would not fall into this category of middle/lower tiered:

---Greg Jennings
---Mike Wallace
---Dwayne Bowe
---Danny Amendola
---Victor Cruz (RFA)
---Emanuel Sanders (RFA)


Does anyone have any idea or opinons on any of these "lesser" free agent WRs who may be more realistic and cost effective? The WR corps is pretty much depleted, so we're somewhat likely to be signing someone off of this list at some point in time.



mod edit: fixed Steve Smith from Panthers to Rams

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patsfaninpa

If we don't keep Welker, my replacement idea would be Percy Harvin. He's not a free agent. He's entering the last year of his contract. Will be a UFA after the 2013 season. Has had some beefs with Minny Coach Leslie Frazier. Cap hit is only 2.6m. I'd trade a 3 or 4 to get him if he passes physical. Has had concussion issues in the past and season ended early because of ankle injury. Would also draft one in the 2nd. Quinton Patton or Markus Wheaton. Gives us 2 speedy guys on the outside. If Harvin doesn't work out, hopefully the rookie is ready to take on a bigger role in 2014.

RIpats88

I think Hartline would be a stud with brady throwing to him....the guy had 1000 yards with Ryan Tanehill throwing the ball.

mayoclinic

The idea that the Vikings would trade Percy Harvin to us for a 3rd or 4th round pick is pretty far-fetched, IMHO, to put it nicely. Minny may not trade him at all, and if they do, they won't give him away.

Leslie Frazier expects Percy Harvin to return to Vikings - NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings GM has

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Deus Irae

Just an FYI....

Given recent developments, the already-discussed-elsewhere Titus Young will probably soon be a free agent.

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supafly

I too would have concerns that wouldn't be nearly enough to get it done.

It is certainly a decent idea, and would bring not only an upgrade, but plenty of excitement to the position too.

I think we'd be looking at least at a 2nd, plus even a potential additional player or pick.

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mayoclinic

Personally, I wouldn't want him even for free. He would be subtraction by addition, IMHO.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi

supafly

He fits perfectly into this grouping for some (IMO). Lots of talent, a high upside, but yet certain concerns that don't make him a sure thing.

He could potentially be the kind of player that we'd have taken this year or last year in a very early round, yet we wouldn't have to spend that kind of high price or high pick to acquire him.

Of course there are questions with him, but that is the premise of the thread..finding a gem in a group of questionable concerns that may be much more realistic than going after a high priced FA.

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patsfaninpa

We got a hall of fame receiver for a 4th round pick in a similiar situation. And, a very good cb in a similiar situation for a 4th. Why far-fetched?? This article says signs point to him leaving minny. If he plays the season out and signs somewhere else in 2014 they will get a 2015 3rd rounder. A 3rd rounder this year is much more valuable than one two years from now if he's leaving.

Signs point to Percy Harvin leaving Vikings | ProFootballTalk

supafly

That was my initial thought when Deus originally brought up the idea about a month ago, but after re-consideration I have come to the conclusion that he may very well be worth a flier considering the need, upside, and low risk.

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