2012 NFL Draft Projections: How Free Agency Affects 1st-Round WR Prospects

There are approximately three, maybe four, wide receivers with first-round potential in the 2012 NFL draft.

That doesn't mean all of them will go in Round 1 or that more won't go in Round 1, but that is the estimated number of players that fit team needs.

Free agency has changed some of that, though, and a few teams who had major needs may now look elsewhere on Day 1 of the three-day selection process.

Here's a quick look at how the early free-agency movements have changed wide receiver needs in the draft.

Top 10

Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State remains the only likely receiver to go in the top 10, but their could be a surprise because so many top-10 teams were/are in need of help.

The Washington Redskins need a wide receiver, but they traded up to No. 2 for a quarterback anyway. Their signing of Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan will help him immediately.

The Cleveland Browns, at No. 4, are still very much in play for a wide receiver, although they have needs just about everywhere. But with their inability or non-interest in landing a quarterback in free agency, they've very much become a prime target to scoop Blackmon up at No. 4.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have also been in the hunt at No. 5, but they signed Vincent Jackson, which eliminates their need for a big-play receiver immediately.

The latest Blackmon comes off the board is No. 6 to the Rams, who traded down with the Redskins. They have some visiting free agents, but haven't made a move yet and Sam Bradford needs all the help he can get anyway.

At No. 7, the Jaguars could certainly use more help than just Laurent Robinson, whom they recently signed, but will likely look to the defensive side of the ball now.

Miami could be the surprise team at No. 8. They traded away star receiver Brandon Marshall for two third-round picks and have no legitimate No. 1 receiver to speak of. They also don't have a quarterback, which isn't good, but they're still in the hunt for Matt Flynn and could be on the move for a soon-to-be available player out of Denver or Tennessee once Peyton Manning makes his decision.

Thus, Michael Floyd of Notre Dame, a proven scorer and potential No. 1 receiver in the league, may be the guy they opt for in the draft. Trading down for him would be more ideal, but the Dolphins have to be careful about how far they go.

The Bills, at No. 10, will likely find the field-stretching target they desire in free agency, although it may not be their first, second or third choice. If they looked at Kendall Wright of Baylor here, it would be a reach.

Picks 11-20

With Laurent Robinson gone, the Cowboys could potentially target a receiver at No. 14, while the rival Eagles, at No. 15, also want a red-zone target.

Floyd could be in play for both, and Wright, although still a reach, could be in play for Dallas.

San Diego, owner of the No. 18 pick, lost Vincent Jackson but signed Robert Meachem. That isn't an even trade-off for the Chargers, and they could still target another receiver with some toughness.

If Floyd is still available when they pick, he could very well be their selection. The former Notre Dame star would be a solid complement opposite the speedy Meachem.

The Bears didn't acquire Brandon Marshall via free agency, but they did address their need for a No. 1 wide receiver thanks to a trade with Miami. They would have easily been targeting the local product, Floyd, if available and may still be, considering all the other receivers they have still aren't much good unless they're running 40 yards downfield.

Picks 21-32

Remaining receivers available at this stage of the draft could include as many as four players, or as few as two.

Floyd, Wright, Stephen Hill and Alshon Jeffery would be the maximum number of potential late first-rounders. Or, there is a chance only Hill and Jeffery will still be available.

Houston at No. 26, New England at Nos. 27 and 31, and San Francisco at No. 30 could all be in the market.

The Texans would like to put a legitimate weapon opposite Andre Johnson and they don't have a ton of money to splash on anyone in free agency, so they're very much in play for Hill or Wright if available.

The Patriots could do a number of things, and it would be surprising to see them turn away from their defensive needs in the first.

As for San Francisco, they signed Randy Moss to a one-year deal so that should take them out of the running for a pass-catcher in Round 1.