Finding a gem in the WR free agency list (more realistic options)

[Deus Irae]

See, I wonder if I'm just not getting into a desparation mode where it's actually starting to make sense?

As much as I was insanely against the idea in the beginning, I think that it's going to take a guy like this, although maybe not with the character concern issues...

The prospect of him coming here on a cheaper deal with a high upside and good measurables for at least TC would be hard to pass up. A higher 2nd rd pick with extremely minimal risk, if any, should it come down to it.

If it doesn't work out, they should have a feel pretty early on as to his attitude/character concerns, and he could be released like the rest of the FA WR's who haven't worked out.

I don't think it's desperation mode as much as we're thinking "but if he comes to the Patriots, they can deal with him." After all, I can picture Mankins stuffing the kid into a locker the first time he got out of line.

Young would be an excellent addition, talent-wise, IMO, because he could learn the Branch role while also having that great speed of his own. I just don't think BB would want to risk the issues of having two major headcases in his WR corps, especially when one is a guy who's deliberately lined up wrong and has complained as publicly as Young has.

 

[supafly]

Them signing Hartline and Gibson would be imo the ideal signings at WR.

Gibson, while he hasn't put up huge numbers, he has been consistent with Bradford as his QB. McDaniels has a season of familiarity with him. He may not be that field stretching threat but he seems to be a guy that could fit into that go up and get it physical receiver category.

Gibson is a thought for sure, as is Avery's speed. My fear would be that Hartline may cost too much, and not produce to the effect that we'd need him to for that kind of money. While he's bigger at 6'2" and does have talent, I question his physicality at 180 lbs, and he has also only scored 1 TD in three straight years now. I think I'd personally pass on Hartline, but I wouldn't complain either.

 

[patsinthesnow]

I'd rather two rookies than two JAGs, but that's just me.

 

[DocHoliday]

Don't forget Jeremy Ebert, Kamar Aiken, or Andre Holmes - though in the past the Patriots practice squad has been nearly useless for providing WR talent (last player to move and play a bit was old friend Underwood).

I suspect the Pats use them more as scout fodder to simulate players than anything else.

There's no way this team brings in Titus Young, especially if Welker leaves. Not enough vet leadership - Welker never struck me as a bold leader type even if he did stick.

 

[supafly]

I'd rather two rookies than two JAGs, but that's just me.

I think we all expect at least one high rookie WR pick this year, so hopefully he will add to the talent of the position.

The main concern that I have is that I question how much they could produce in their first year in this specific system, as we've seen now multiple times and also one of the reasons why Belichick tends to look towards the middle/lower tiers of FA at the position. No doubt that we need a rookie WR here for this year and the future of the WR corps, but we also need someone to produce immediately.

And I'm not sure that I would consider all of those free agent WR's "jags" either. The potential for speed and physicality is surely there, and it was just a year ago that many posters here wanted names such as Devrey Henderson etc.

 

[andrewgarrr]

I think we all expect at least one high rookie WR pick this year, so hopefully he will add to the talent of the position.

Meaning it probably won't happen...

 

[supafly]

Don't forget Jeremy Ebert, Kamar Aiken, or Andre Holmes - though in the past the Patriots practice squad has been nearly useless for providing WR talent (last player to move and play a bit was old friend Underwood).

I suspect the Pats use them more as scout fodder to simulate players than anything else.

Yeah, as always they'll look to all possibilities at competition for every position, so it's nice to have those guys to look at in the offseason and TC, but I think that you also hit the nail on the head with the lower percentage of that happening too.

To be honest, I'm not even certain of the history or measurables with Aiken or Holmes, so that's something that I'll have to check out.

 

[DocHoliday]

Yeah, as always they'll look to all possibilities at competition for every position, so it's nice to have those guys to look at in the offseason and TC, but I think that you also hit the nail on the head with the lower percentage of that happening too.

To be honest, I'm not even certain of the history or measurables with Aiken or Holmes, so that's something that I'll have to check out.

Holmes is 6'5 and 4.5. It's really too bad such few of these giant receivers make it in the NFL, since if they can pull it together they're nearly always monsters.

 

[supafly]

Meaning it probably won't happen...

Much like last season with the front 7 players in the first round, I don't think that they have much of a choice this year to be honest. Even though history doesn't make it as likely based on past results, they have their work cut out for them at the WR position right now. Especially when you consider the odds of the high pick being blended into the offense a bit more slowly than the high percentage of other teams. We need that higher pick WR not just now, but obviously for the future, so they'd better get on it and quickly

Of course retaining Welker and/or making some type of bigger move would instantly change that outlook, so if they don't address the position early on it may still work out to our advantage. It will likely just cost a lot more money.

 

[patsinthesnow]

I think we all expect at least one high rookie WR pick this year, so hopefully he will add to the talent of the position.

The main concern that I have is that I question how much they could produce in their first year in this specific system, as we've seen now multiple times and also one of the reasons why Belichick tends to look towards the middle/lower tiers of FA at the position. No doubt that we need a rookie WR here for this year and the future of the WR corps, but we also need someone to produce immediately.

And I'm not sure that I would consider all of those free agent WR's "jags" either. The potential for speed and physicality is surely there, and it was just a year ago that many posters here wanted names such as Devrey Henderson etc.

Hartline definitely isn't a JAG but I could see the Dolphins overpaying him. He won't come cheap either.

Henderson has a great 17.9 reception average, but he only averages 30 receptions and 500 or so yards a season. Pass.

Avery showed some promise last season but does have stone hands. I wouldn't mind him on the cheap. Same with Gibson.

This is a deep WR class. I would love to double down on WRs in the fashion of the 2010 TEs and 2011 RBs. The higher drafted one would hopefully be our WR3/deep threat and the other kid depth with good upside.

 

[Bhelmet]

Hartline definitely isn't a JAG but I could see the Dolphins overpaying him. He won't come cheap either.

This is a deep WR class.

That could make Hartline cheaper - for either side.

 

[ausbacker]

I know he's a head case off the field but would Kenny Britt interest anyone? He's got some talent, is a biggish receiver and is in the final year of his contract with the Titans.

 

[BradyBranch39]

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

This.

Also, I'd like to cross off a few more guys:

---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 (CAR)
---Derek Hagan (OAK)
---Legadu Nannee (FA)

 

[Deus Irae]

This.

Also, I'd like to cross off a few more guys:

I'm a bit befuddled by one pairing that stuck out to me right away:

Why would you want Henderson, but not want Avery?

 

[JMC00]

This is a deep WR class. I would love to double down on WRs in the fashion of the 2010 TEs and 2011 RBs. The higher drafted one would hopefully be our WR3/deep threat and the other kid depth with good upside.

Ideally if they were to double down on WRs I want them to go with a combination of the following DeAndre Hopkins, Quinton Patton, Justin Hunter, Da'Rick Rogers or Markus Wheaton

Resign Edelman and sign Brandon Gibson.

Let Edelman and Hernandez play the slot. With Ballard you could still run a two TE set with Hernandez playing the slot.

 

[JackBauer]

I know he's a head case off the field but would Kenny Britt interest anyone? He's got some talent, is a biggish receiver and is in the final year of his contract with the Titans.

Dude got a DUI driving onto a military base.

Perhaps if there's a version of the playbook consistently wholly of infographics.

 

[Ring 6]

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 (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.

If Wes Welker is reading, he is feeling pretty good right now.

 

[The_Riddler]

Let Welker walk and use that money on Bowe and use Hernandez and Edelmen inside.

Bowe, Lloyd, Gronk, Edelman and Hernandez

Vs

Lloyd, Welker, Gronk, Hernandez and Edelman.

I will take option one, thanks. Option one makes us strong in all areas of the football field and makes it extremely tough to defend. Even in the playoffs.

 

[Spergon Wynn]

Carolina Steve Smith is a FA? Why aren't more people talking about this?

Obviously he's getting up there in age but I think he can still produce and has some speed.

 

[BradyBranch39]

I'm a bit befuddled by one pairing that stuck out to me right away:

Why would you want Henderson, but not want Avery?

That's a good question. Going with my gut, I guess.

How about this one: Earlier in the season, I heard that before NO traded Reggie Bush to Miami, teams wanted him as a WR if he got cut. He is now a FA... and if he finds little $$ out there, might we value him as a WR higher than other teams do as a RB?