Oldskool Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=2324579&CMP=ILC-INHEAD Updated: Feb. 13, 2006, 4:23 PM ET After Brees, QB pool drops off Insider Scouts Inc. Wide receiver Few sure starting wide receivers are available in unrestricted free agency this year, but Reggie Wayne clearly is the head of an ordinary class. Wayne has become an invaluable piece of Indianapolis' offensive machine, which is why the Colts will do everything possible to keep him off the market. Although he has yet to prove he can be a No. 1 receiver who can handle consistent double coverage, he is a big-time playmaker. Numerous teams will be beating a path to Wayne's door if the Colts don't lock him up before the free-agent signing period begins. Antwaan Randle El Antwaan Randle El isn't an ideal No. 2 receiver, but he'll want to get paid like one. David Givens, Joe Jurevicius, Antonio Bryant and Antwaan Randle El are the only other starter-caliber unrestricted free agents at the position. Randle El started in Pittsburgh last season out of necessity, but he is better suited to be a No. 3. Givens is a physical No. 2 receiver who takes care of the little things. He is a consistent route runner, has extensive big-game experience and is an excellent blocker. Givens has been in the league only three years and should continue to improve. He is a hard worker who wants to get better. Jurevicius, the steal of last year's free-agent market, was a huge asset for Seattle as Darrell Jackson battled injuries for much of the season. Jurevicius has excelled in big games and runs very well for such a huge target. He is a physical presence in the run game and probably has convinced several teams that he can be a successful No. 2 wideout. Bryant has a ton of potential but has yet to tap into all of it, which has been his M.O. since he entered the league. Since being traded from Dallas, he has improved his attitude and his game, but he still hasn't developed into a consistent No. 1 target. Cleveland would like him back, but the team won't overpay to make it happen. Randle El is versatile and has room to improve even further, but he is vastly undersized and, in the ideal situation, would be a slot receiver and punt return specialist. Expect Randle El to hit the open market and demand more money than he probably deserves. Four restricted free agents could garner some attention: Nate Burleson (Minnesota), Brandon Lloyd (San Francisco), Shaun McDonald (St. Louis) and Kevin Curtis (St. Louis). Depending on how these players are tendered, each could field a few contract proposals. Lloyd has good size and is San Francisco's only weapon to speak of in the passing game. Although he lacks great speed, he has excellent hands. He needs to get a little tougher and more physical, but he is capable of outstanding numbers if afforded better quarterback play. The 49ers certainly can't afford to lose Lloyd. Burleson failed to step in as the Vikings' No. 1 receiver after the departure of Randy Moss, but he still has some value as a No. 2 or No. 3 if he is surrounded by other playmakers. Curtis will be the more sought-after player of the two Rams receivers. He has solid speed, has improved his route running and is explosive with the ball in his hands. Still developing, Curtis has the potential to ascend to a No. 2 receiver in a good passing offense. McDonald, the Rams' fourth receiver, likely never will be more than a No. 3 in the NFL. He lacks height and size, but he is a very quick route runner. David Tyree is a special teams demon who would be a major loss for the Giants should they fail to bring him back. He could be attractive to a contender in need of a special teams leader. Overall, this is just an ordinary free-agent group, and the draft doesn't have much top-end talent at receiver. Those facts could compel teams to overpay for the position in the offseason. Tight end This group is seriously lacking in star power. None of this year's free-agent tight ends figures to make a big impact with a new team in 2006. However, a handful of players are experienced pros who can contribute as spot starters and role players. Chris Baker, Christian Fauria, Jerame Tuman, Aaron Shea, Justin Peelle, Dan Campbell and Matt Schobel won't be top priorities for their current teams, but each potentially could help his career -- and a new team -- with a change of scenery. Baker is young and has pass-catching upside because of good athletic ability and above-average speed. He can stretch the seam, but is very inconsistent and needs to play with more passion. Fauria is lost behind New England's two talented young tight ends, but the veteran still is a reliable receiver who knows how to get open in the middle of the field. Tuman is tough and intelligent, but he really doesn't excel in any one area. He seems destined to be a career backup. Shea, who lacks adequate lower-body strength and power, is more of an H-back. But he is a reliable receiver who will make some plays. Shea tends to get nicked up a lot, though, which could hurt his value. Peelle shows some athleticism as a receiver and still is young enough to have some upside. He has improved as a blocker, but with Antonio Gates on the roster, Peelle isn't a top priority for San Diego. Campbell isn't much of a playmaker, and he lacks quick-twitch route-running skills. But he has excellent size and is a powerful blocker in both the running and passing games. Schobel has good size and speed, but his blocking is a liability. He had a history of hamstring problems early in his career but recently has stayed relatively healthy. A team in the market for a tight end to contribute solely in the passing game could get some big plays out of Schobel. Although there isn't an upper-echelon option in the bunch, plenty of solid No. 2 tight ends will be available in free agency. edited for my stupidity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLongshot Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Overall, this group is below average. There are more teams with quarterback needs than there are viable options available on the market. Which is why I think we will get some pretty good offers for Ramsey. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 The opinion seems pretty split on Randel-El. Honestly, I think he is a good #2 WR, and that alot of "experts" are sleeping on him. He isnt all flash and dash, it just seems he is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redman Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 The arguments about Randle El's size seem to echo those about Santana Moss. I don't buy them. OTOH, we already have Santana so I'd rather get a bigger guy to help us in the red zone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsHokieFan Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 I am still not sold on Randel-El's hands Getting a big presence is key though. We have to be able to rely on more then Chris Cooley over the middle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadkill Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Yeah, I'd really like seeing Jurevicius in burgundy and gold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neophyte Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Hmmm, I notice that Robinson is not on that list anywhere even though he will be somewhat on the market (MN has a clause that they can match any offer). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweet Sassy Molassy Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Honestly from reading that. David Givens sounds exactly like the type of guy Joe Gibbs would want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chow184 Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 I want to sign Dan Campbell and David Givens Campbell to replace royal,Campbell is a beastly blocker for a TE Givens is already a great #2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimster Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Jurevicius sounds like the best for us, but I thought I remember hearing that he's from Seattle and wants to retire there. I also am interested in Lloyd and Burelson, but it would depend on what pick we'd have to give up. ...I wonder if we could trade Minny a low round pick and Bowen for Burelson? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fdarugar Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Jurevicius sounds like the best for us, but I thought I remember hearing that he's from Seattle and wants to retire there. I also am interested in Lloyd and Burelson, but it would depend on what pick we'd have to give up....I wonder if we could trade Minny a low round pick and Bowen for Burelson? I wonder what caused Burlesons' slump last year? Id like to get a Vikes' fans take on him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchief wyhoo Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 givens is the man for us but, we took a shot on another New England guy last year it didn't yield much, am I wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtyler42 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 JJ or Givens are perfect fits for us...We already have our Randle El in Moss or even a cheaper version in Brown, we need a WR w/size and good hands... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the burgundy and gold Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Yeah, I'd really like seeing Jurevicius in burgundy and gold i completely agree Jurevicuis would be great here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sisko Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I agree that Givens sounds like just what the MD ordered. The really ironic thing is that there were a lot of us that called for the team to draft Nate Burleson/Shaun McDonald/ Kevin Curtis. How valuable would any one of those guys be to us now? I know, hindsight and all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty Gut Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Burleson failed to step in as the Vikings' No. 1 receiver after the departure of Randy Moss, but he still has some value as a No. 2 or No. 3 if he is surrounded by other playmakers. Burleson had quite a season when he played #2 to the other Moss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spm Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Let's not overpay for Randle-El. He's the second coming of Az Hakeem--a nice slot receiver and returner, but not a true starting WR. Randle-El had 35 catches (and only 1 touchdown) last year in 16 games. Patten was on pace for more catches than that before he got injured. Not enough production to warrant a big free agent contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasRoane Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 I'm still partial to K-Curt. I think he has the most potential out of the whole crew. And he's worth a 3rd rounder. Failing that, I think Gibbs would still go after Randel El. I don't care that much if we get him or not. But just seeing his character and his versatility he seems more like a Gibbs style acquistion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#98QBKiller Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 I don't really want Randle-El, but I disagree with the comment that he is 'vastly undersized.' WR is a position that isn't necessarily dominated by the big guys. Randle-El is bigger than Steve Smith and Santana...the two most productive receivers from last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggface gremlin Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 After seeing all the threads started about the #2 wr the Redskins need,i think David Givens fits the mold. I could be wrong but this little piece on him is by far the best...... Givens is a physical No. 2 receiver who takes care of the little things. He is a consistent route runner, has extensive big-game experience and is an excellent blocker. Givens has been in the league only three years and should continue to improve. He is a hard worker who wants to get better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Dave Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Count me in on the David Givens and/or Antonio Bryant bandwagons. I think either of them could explode here and be just what we need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shallyshal Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 I don't really want Randle-El, but I disagree with the comment that he is 'vastly undersized.' WR is a position that isn't necessarily dominated by the big guys. Randle-El is bigger than Steve Smith and Santana...the two most productive receivers from last season. yes, but i think his hands are really suspect. that is something that never was a question with either smith or santana. a guy who is a 50% receptor of passes thrown is not what you want for a number 2 receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shallyshal Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 yes, but i think his hands are really suspect. that is something that never was a question with either smith or santana. a guy who is a 50% receptor of passes thrown is not what you want for a number 2 receiver. a couple of more things about randle el.. he was supposed to become the number 2 guy when plaxico departed, never happened. cedric wilson stepped up and over him. plus, they have quincy morgan coming back from a broken leg. makes me think the steelers aren't going to try very hard to retain him if the price jumps up. also, he gets separation by being in motion most of the time. that is not what your number 2 receiver is drawn up to do. he usually comes off the line. of course that is not carved in stone, but moss is usally moving around and you cannot have 2 guys in motion so i worry about taking motion away from moss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.