We’ve hit the arms, and we’ve hit the legs. Now, let’s talk about the hands on the market. To be a complete NFL team you have to a staple of guys the QB can rely on to make the right adjustments and bring in tough catches. You don’t always need a superstar. Sometimes it’s the guys who do the little things who put the team over the top.
What WRs should you keep an eye on? These guys are a good place to start.
5. Michael Crabtree
Prior to the 2018-19 NFL season, Michael Crabtree signed a three-year $21 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. One year later, he’s been cut. In terms of yards, 2018 was Crabtree’s worst full season as a pro (607). It was clear he was passed up on the depth chart by John Brown. The fact that Baltimore committed heavily to the run didn’t help his cause either.
While I don’t think Crabtree can be a primary option on a team, he can certainly play the role of the #2 receiver. Plenty of teams are looking for depth, and Crabtree’s skill-set could be one that warrants some calls. Let’s all just hope he finds his way playing in whatever division Aqib Talib finds himself in (currently the NFC West).
4. Chris Hogan
This season was one to forget in some way for Chris Hogan. Yet, it culminated in another Super Bowl ring, his second. Statistically, he was up to par with the rest of seasons in New England, however, the eye test told a different story. There were many parts of the year where Hogan and Tom Brady weren’t on the same page. He also wasn’t getting the reps that he was expected to, losing some to Phillip Dorsett and Josh Gordon.
Hogan still has something to offer a contending team at 30 years old. He’d probably like to move closer to his family on Long Island, New York. If that were the case, the Jets and Giants may be looking for depth at WR. Other than Quincy Enunwa and Charone Peake the Jets have no other option at WR (Robby Anderson is restricted). The Giants, on the other hand, may be looking for a third-option behind Odell Beckham Jr and Sterling Shepard. Hogan would be a welcome addition to either.
3. John Brown
Brown has had an intriguing NFL career, thus far. He found himself as a top WR in Arizona, putting up 1,000+ yards and seven touchdowns in 2015. From there he dealt with some injuries, but he also appeared to fall out of favor with the coaching staff. This past season, Brown worked his way up once again, eventually surpassing Michael Crabtree as the top WR.
I’d expect a team looking for a deep-threat option to look at John Brown. I’m not sure he’ll become a 1,000+ yard receiver again, but he’ll be a good option to stretch out some defenses. His 4.3 speed should help him find a home pretty quickly.
2. Tyrell Williams
Williams was part of a three-headed WR group this year that really impacted games for the Los Angeles Chargers. Tyrell, alongside Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, helped set the Chargers up with a wild-card spot. Being the second or third-option on a high-powered offense, it’s tough to get your numbers up. Nevertheless, Williams has been able to rack up 2,440 yards and 16 touchdowns after his rookie season.
Williams will now look to become a legitimate second WR. Because he was undrafted, I’d expect to see Williams look to make as much money as possible on this contract. He’s set himself up nicely to do just that.
1. Golden Tate
Tate had an eventful 2018. The 30-year-old quickly fell on the depth chart behind Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. At the deadline, he was traded to Philadelphia for a third-round pick. He finished the year with 795 yards (fewest since ’12) and four touchdowns (fewest since ’11).
Some of this may have to do with his age, but I believe Tate still has ability left to show. He may not be the number one option that he was supposed to be after Calvin Johnson’s retirement, but he can be a more than serviceable number two. I’d like to see Tate go after a ring, and he knows just the place where to get one.