With the Combine getting started this weekend, it will only be a few weeks before free agency begins.  scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa is back to talk about the talented group of free agents WR’s.  Any team in need of some help has plenty of options to consider, including some big names.

Greg Jennings

In my opinion, I think he is the best of the bunch and the most valuable.  He can play on the outside, in the slot, has a great work ethic and no off the field problems like some other free agent WR’s (Dwayne Bowe and Mike Wallace).  Miami seems like a logical fit, as they are desperate for a WR1.  Also, they are way under the salary cap and have plenty of money to spend.  Dolphins HC Joe Philbin was Green Bay’s OC from 2007-2011, and during that period Jennings averaged over 1,100 yards per season while hauling in 46 TD’s.  Philbin is clearly familiar with him and I’m sure Ryan Tannehill wouldn’t mind throwing to the two time Pro Bowler.

Possible destinations:  Dolphins

Will Jennings take his talents to South Beach?

Mike Wallace

I think he is right behind Jennings in this class and could see the Chiefs making a run at him if they don’t end up keeping Dwayne Bowe.  New Chiefs HC Andy Reid likes smaller, faster WR’s (Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin), and that’s exactly what Wallace brings to the table.  He can really stretch a defense deep with his 4.3 speed, evidenced by his 21 yards per reception in 2010.  If they want similar money, I think Kansas City would choose Wallace over Bowe.  The Dolphins are another team that could target Wallace.  They are weak at WR and could definitely benefit from his big play ability.

Possible destinations:  Chiefs, Dolphins

Wes Welker

First off, I think the Patriots are going to trade for Percy Harvin.  Bill Belichick likes him and he can step into Welker’s role while injecting some youth and speed into the offense.  Furthermore, Harvin can stretch a defense deep and also line up in the backfield.  With that being said, they are going to let Welker walk.  He is going to get quite a bit of money and should attract attention from multiple teams.  It all depends on cap room, but one team that makes sense is Dallas.  Miles Austin is always hurt and Welker would pair well with Dez Bryant.  Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones could view him as the piece to get them over the hump into the playoffs while providing a safety valve for Tony Romo.  Denver would also be a good fit.  He could be that slot guy, but with two young WR’s in Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas who are going to need new contracts soon, it might not work financially.  The Bengals are in need of playmakers to go with A.J. Green, and he would be a great complement to him.  This is a playoff caliber team, but they still need a guy like Welker to solidify the offense and help Andy Dalton out.  A few more teams that make sense are the Falcons and Steelers.  If Tony Gonzalez does end up retiring and they don’t sign a free agent TE, he could step in and take his catches in the middle.  That’s a big part of their offense, and Welker would pair well with outside threats Julio Jones and Roddy White.  Lastly, if Mike Wallace ends up leaving Pittsburgh, they are going to need a new WR.

Possible destinations:  Cowboys, Bengals, Falcons, Steelers, Broncos

Welker has had 100+ catches in five of the last six seasons.

Dwayne Bowe

He is no doubt a talented player, but his off the field issues will raise concern with anyone looking to sign him.  From conditioning and work ethic questions to a suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, he has quite a bit of baggage attached to his name.   A team with a veteran coach who can control him would be an ideal fit for Bowe.  If Mike Wallace leaves Pittsburgh, the Steelers could work.  Mike Tomlin is a no-nonsense kind of guy and would provide some tough love that Bowe needs.  Although he had some run-ins with Todd Haley while he was in Kansas City (now the Steelers OC), Bowe had his most productive seasons under Haley.  He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2010 and 2011, notching a career best 15 TD’s in 2010.  Another team that could make sense is Minnesota.  If they end up trading Harvin like I have predicted, they will be left with basically nothing at the WR position.  Adrian Peterson can’t do everything, so they would have to make some moves and get Christian Ponder some weapons to work with.

Possible destinations:  Steelers, Vikings

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back next week for Nelson’s review of the NFL Combine.  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO!