Investigating Wide Receiver Situations

By Scott

In the wake of reports that Braylon Edwards will be dealt to the New York Giants before April 25th's NFL Draft, Mel Kiper's Hair investigates the current situations of other wide receivers around the league, and which uniform they should be wearing, come September. (It's too bad the only way Braylon can actually catch the football is in a viral commerical...)

1. Anquan Boldin
Boldin has repeatedly voiced his displeasure with Arizona and the manner by which the organization has gone about restructuring his contract. Boldin's anger originally stemmed from Larry Fitzgerald's massive contract extension last summer, but Boldin has since become irritated by the Cardinal's hesitation and resistance to both his trade and contract restructure requests. Even after an 89-reception, 11-TD season which included Boldin fighting through a career threatening injury which led to him essentially receiving a new face, which reportedly went something like this. Regardless, Anquan's frustration is understandable. Earlier this offseason Boldin stated that if quarterback Kurt Warner would return for another season, he would likely stay with the team; however, even after Warner signed a 2-year deal in March, rumors of Boldin's unhappiness still persist. There is a long list of teams who could use the services of Boldin, but the list of teams who may be willing to pay the hefty price the Cardinals are asking (Likely a 1st and 3rd round pick) is much smaller. Potential suitors could include the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Prediction: The Eagles finally grow a brain cell and dish out one of their two first round picks to Arizona for Boldin.

2. Chad 'Ocho Cinco' Johnson
With the departure of veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh this offseason, the Bengals have little reason to hold onto the 31-year-old prima donna receiver. Johnson recorded his lowest statistical numbers in virtually every category since his rookie season in 2008, and has consistently displayed simply odd behavior. In his defense, Johnson suffered a partially torn labrum in the preseason which may have handicapped his preparation for the season and was also without Carson Palmer for almost the entire year; if Johnson can stay healthy this offseason he could easily get back to his old form and put up big numbers this year. There has been plenty of speculation of the team contemplating trading Johnson, but they cannot seem to either find a suitor or bring themselves to deal him. Dealing Johnson would make sense for the Bengals considering they are in no shape to contend for a playoff spot this year, and the opportunity to gain either a high or a handful of draft picks should entice the the Bengals; however, the team's incapability to draft and manage personnel effectively leads me to believe that they will find a way to make the wrong decision. Potential suitors for Ocho Cinco are essentially the same as Boldin's, however, I'll throw the Raiders in the mix for Johnson's list due to Al Davis' love for controversy. If Johnson can get this athleticism back into his game, then well.... he'll probably still have a mediocre year.

Prediction: Marvin Lewis insists that Ocho Cinco will be a Bengal in 2009, and I agree. As much sense as it would make to trade him, he does bring a valuable cockiness to a team with no confidence. Which doesn't necessarily mean they shouldn't trade him, because they should, but they won't, because they're the Bengals. The only means by which I see Johnson getting moved is if Oakland decides to jump in the mix. Al 'Sea Monster' Davis and Chad 'Ocho Cinco' Johnson together? Sweeet.

3. Torry Holt
The fact that the future hall-of-famer is yet to be signed is a mystery. Although he posted the worst statistical numbers of his career in 2008, there's no doubt Holt has a few years left in him. Holt played on a battered-up Rams team that dealt with mounds of injuries and a midseason coaching change. Also, the fact that the Rams receiving corp (besides Holt) was one of the worst in the league, and that Steven Jackson missed large portions of the season, allowed opposing defenses to focus plenty of their attention on the 32-year-old. Holt is obviously past the point where he can be a #1 receiver, but still possesses the skill set to be a productive asset on a team with other offensive weapons. Wherever Holt decides to sign, he obviously won't be a featured target, but could seriously help a team with a young receiving corp that needs some polishing. And with the disrespect the Rams treated Isaac Bruce with, don't expect Holt to re-sign with St. Louis. Potential suitors: Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Chicago Bears (Basically any team with a need at WR).

Prediction: Holt visited Tennessee, but left without a deal, and then fell off of the radar. The Titans need him badly and I think he'll end up a Titan soon. If not Tennessee, expect the Jags who have failed too many times with unproven receivers to give Holt a roster spot.

4. Marvin Harrison
Harrison's case is an interesting one considering he apparently tried to kill a guy, but it appears as though he will won't be facing any legal troubles. While this is one cause for hesitation amongst teams interested in him, his decline in overall skill and durability is the reason Harrison is struggling to find a team. After suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2007 season, Harrison has been unable to revert back to his prior level of play. Concerns about Harrison's character have also come into view after stories of Harrison lashing out with unpredictable violence. Though Marvin is no longer a deep threat, his sure-handedness is enough for some team to bring him in as, at the least a 3rd down receiver. Regardless of the concerns, Harrison will definitely have himself a roster spot once training camp rolls around. Because of Marvin's Philadelphia roots, the Eagles would make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Harrison, considering they also need a receiver. Other possibilities include the Bears, Titans, Jets, and Bucs.

Prediction: There is a good possibility that Harrison doesn't find himself a team until late into training camp, and I half expect that to happen. However, I think if Holt signs elsewhere, then the Bears should take a serious look at him. And, if the Eagles don't pursue Boldin, they would most likely become the best suitor for Harrison.

Photo Courtesy of ESPN