2012 NFL Free Agents: Identifying the Overrated Wide Receivers to Stay Away from

Considering how pass-oriented pro football has become, it's no surprise to see wide receivers changing teams to find the correct system in hopes of having numerous dominant seasons.

After all, remaining consistent year in and year out only builds a legacy and increases the odds of a shot at the Super Bowl. To that end though, there are overrated receivers who may be seasoned vets but are not worth the risk.

Here are a few to hope your team doesn't have in mind.

Roy Williams

From 2004-2007 Roy Williams had four respectable seasons with the Detroit Lions. During that span he averaged 61 receptions, 913 yards and seven touchdowns per season. But when 2008 began, everything went downhill and he ultimately ended up with the Dallas Cowboys.

Still, Williams had another excellent opportunity to perform, as the Cowboys offense remained with quarterback Tony Romo and had a respectable defense. Unfortunately, Williams was unable to revive his career and only saw mediocre numbers.

He then ended up with the Chicago Bears for 2011 and it hasn't gotten better.

The past four seasons, Williams has averaged only 37 catches, 515 yards and six touchdowns. By comparison of his first set of four years, it's obvious that without Calvin Johnson, Williams hasn't emerged as a true No. 1 receiver.

So, unless your team is in need of a No. 2 target that has been largely a disappointment of late, it's wise to look elsewhere.

Domenik Hixon

The sole concern is that Hixon has missed the majority of the past two seasons due to injury. Before his injuries though, Hixon didn't produce much as a receiver in catching just 15 balls in 2009 and 43 in 2008.

Combined between both seasons, Hixon did compile 783 yards but scored just three touchdowns. Obviously with Plaxico Burress not on the team in 2009, Hixon was expected to really step up, but he failed to answer the call.

Instead, rookie Hakeem Nicks took over the spotlight that season, and did so again in 2010 with Mario Manningham. Hixon's injures then were costing him a pivotal role on the Giants, and history repeated itself in 2011. So, with Victor Cruz emerging, it would be surprising if Big Blue re-signed Hixon.

And because of his injury history along with the lack of production even when healthy, it's safer to consider other options on the market.

Patrick Crayton

Mainly a second-tier receiver for the Dallas Cowboys from 2004-2009, Patrick Crayton only put up average numbers at best from 2006-2009.

In that span, Crayton never caught more than 50 passes, gained over 700 yards or scored more than seven touchdowns. However, one appealing aspect about Crayton was his ability to return punts.

After the 2009 season he earned a second-team All-Pro selection with 437 yards and two scores. Joining the San Diego Chargers in 2010 after a trade, Crayton saw limited time that season but was expected to have a breakout year in 2011 after Darren Sproles left for New Orleans.

Unfortunately, Crayton not only had minimal production at receiver and was outdone by rookie Vincent Brown, but he struggled as a return specialist, getting just 202 yards on 22 punt returns.

Once again, special teams cost the Bolts in a season and Crayton didn't rise to the occasion.

Whether your team needs a punt returner, a No. 2 or a slot receiver, Crayton has yet to provide consistent reliability at either position.

John Rozum on Twitter.