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.
