Below is a list of 12 wide receivers, currently not on 53 man NFL rosters (11 street free agents and 1 practice squad member), who may garner interest when teams go looking depth.....We started this list a few days ago, and since then, we've had to delete/replace a pair from the list because they were recently signed -- Koren Robinson, Packers, and Rod Gardner, Chiefs.
Charles Rogers ~ This 6' 3", 220 pounder with reported 4.3 speed was a total bust in 3 seasons with the Lions, despite being drafted 3rd overall out of Michigan State. He's only 25, and injuries did play a part in his struggles, so don't be surprised if he gets another chance soon, despite all his problems in Detroit -- Miami and Tampa are looking at him.
Darius Watts ~ Broncos surprised some, including Watts, when they cut the cord on their 2004 2nd round pick after a poor sophomore season in Denver (2005). Has decent size (6' 2") and very good speed, but his hands have been deemed "suspect". He's only 24, and showed enough talent as a rookie to be considered a potential N.F.L. starter (at the time), so he deserves another shot at some point -- Chicago is already looking at him.
Alex Bannister ~ 6' 5", 200 pounder, with 5 seasons of NFL experience, has only 9 career receptions and has battled injuries in recent seasons. However, when he's healthy he can make an impact on special teams coverage. Bannister even played in the 2004 Pro Bowl as a special teamer.
Chase Lyman ~ Imagine missing most of your college career due to a string of serious knee injuries, but having the size (6' 3"), speed (4.45) and hands to still be a 4th round pick? Unfortunately for Lyman, he also missed his rookie season (2005) with another serious knee injury. But he's back and healthy and currently on New Orleans' practice squad. Might be the most intriguing prospect on any practice squad, but he just needs to prove he can stay healthy.
Marc Boerigter ~ As recently as the summer of 2004, he was seriously vying for a starting spot in Kansas City, until a major knee injury knocked him backwards. Came back and made the Chiefs in 2005 as a role player, but was sent packing by K.C.'s new coaching staff last spring. Good size and speed, so he might get more chances in the N.F.L. If Boe doesn't get a chance by the end of the season, he may return to the C.F.L., where he was young superstar for Calgary coming out of Hastings College.
Reggie Newhouse ~ Son of former Dallas Cowboys fullback Robert Newhouse, who played briefly for the Arizona Cardinals the last 2 seasons and was stellar for the Jets in the most recent preseason. Not real big or real fast, but he's a quality receiver and can contribute on special teams. Could be considered by teams looking for depth at wide receiver or help on special teams coverage as the season goes forward.
Brad Pyatt ~ At one point, Pyatt looked like a rising star as a return specialist for the Colts -- was among the N.F.L.'s leaders in kick and punt return average as a rookie until he suffered a neck injury in a game at Miami. Since then, he's been out football the last 2 seasons due to reasons we don't fully understand (minor injuries?). Possesses great speed (sub 4.4), and good balance, vision and strength as a returner. Is also coming off a very solid preseason for the Rams -- as a returner and receiver. But again, will he ever get another shot in real games? We think he sure deserves it.
Jabar Gaffney ~ Former Florida Gator spent the last 4 seasons with the Houston Texans and recorded 171 receptions for 2,009 yards and 7 TD's. Gaffney, son of former New York Jets wide out Derrick Gaffney, possesses a nice set of reliable hands, but isn't real fast and struggled picking up the West Coast offense in Philly. May get another shot, if a team needs depth at receiver, but his days of getting extensive playing time are likely over.
Tyrone Calico ~ Once considered an elite prospect in Tennessee due to his exceptional size, strength and foot speed. Was often compared favorably to Terrell Owens when he broke into the league. Played sparingly for Tennessee the last 4 seasons, when healthy, but questionable hands and an inability to stay on the field has derailed his once very promising career. If he can check out healthy, this 26 year old may get another chance in the N.F.L., as teams love to chase potential.
Peter Warrick ~ Make no mistake about it, Warrick was a huge reach as the 4th overall pick in the 2000 draft -- we even believed that at the time. He lacked the ideal size and, more importantly, speed to be a big time N.F.L. receiver, but the hype machine from F.S.U. got so intense, Cleveland even considered picking him #1 overall. At 29 years old, he finds himself out of football right now, and doesn't seem to offer a lot potential going forward. But if a rash injuries hits a contending team's receiving core (like Seattle in 2005), will some N.F.L. team give him another look due to his experience? We think they might.
Chas Gessner ~ Some Jets fans dubbed this former Ivy League Lacrosse star "Mr. August". The last 3 preseasons, various coaches around the N.F.L. have lauded Gessner's size, stamina and leaping ability during the summer months. However, when the regular season starts, the former N.F.L. Europe star is usually no where to be found. Really impressed Tampa's coaches this summer, but again fell victim to the numbers game. If he ever gets a shot, could be valuable player in the mold of Brian Finneran.
David Terrell ~ Another player with excellent overall skills: size, speed, leaping ability and tremendous agility. However, for whatever reason, he's never really been able to catch on in the N.F.L. as a legit threat at wide receiver. Some site "attitude problems" and poor route running skills for Terrell's downfall -- went from high #1 pick by the Chicago Bears (2001) to a complete non factor by the summer of 2005 (at age 25). Was Denver his last real shot to make an impact in the N.F.L., or will another team give him a long look based on potential?
Note: No rookies were included
