NFL Free Agency 2011: Grading the Top 15 WRs on the Free-Agent Market

NFL Free Agency 2011: Who Tops the List of Free-Agent Wide Receivers This Offseason?

With the NFL season over and labor talks underway, it's time to take a look at free agency. I know that because of the labor talks, we could be missing out of some level of free agency, but I say we don't dwell on the negativity and instead look positively.

Here at Bleacher Report, we have already given you Grades for the Top Quarterbacks and Grades for the Top Runningbacks. Well now, we are bringing you Grades for the Top Wide Receivers.

With a ton of pass receiving talent available in free agency including a few possible Hall of Fame players, we will be grading them on five basic levels; route running, hands, big-play ability, immediate impact and overall grade.

Let us know what you think. Which players do you want your team to target in free agency?

15. Brad Smith, New York Jets

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Brad Smith #16 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Phot

Route Running: C-

Brad Smith was a college quarterback so he is not a very polished receiver especially when running routes. He is a better athlete than a pure receiver.

Hands: B-

Like I said, Smith was a college quarterback so he wasn't really used to catching passes before he came into the league. He isn't bad at catching passes, but he isn't an elite pass catcher.

Big Play Ability: B

Smith is great at making the first guy miss. He also ran a 4.46 40-yard dash when he came out into the draft. With the Jets, Smith wasn't expected to make many big plays, but I think he is better at it than he gets credit for.

Immediate Impact: B

One thing that can't be understated is the fact that Smith is very good running the Wildcat. Not only is he a great runner, but he can also throw the ball out of the formation. He provides depth at receiver, but he isn't going to be a No. 1 guy.

Overall Grade: C+

Overall Smith can come in as a Wildcat guy and a special teams guy. He is a good kick returner and can be a good weapon for an offense that is already pretty well established.

14. Danny Amendola, St. Louis Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Wide receiver Danny Amendola #16 of the St. Louis Rams runs with the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated t

Route Running: A

Danny Amendola has been compared to Wes Welker ad nausium. They both are small in stature, but they make up for it with other skills. Amendola runs very crisp routes and is one of the better route runners among the younger NFL players.

Hands: B+

Amendola does have very good hands, but because of his stature, he is susceptible to struggling against longer defensive backs which forces him to maybe not catch everything thrown his way.

Big Play Ability: D+

The one thing that keeps Amendola from being a bigger impact receiver is the fact that he isn't a big-play guy. He is not overly fast and has difficulty winning jump balls.

Immediate Impact: B+

Amendola is coming off a good season for the St. Louis Rams. If he signs with a team that really utilizes a slot receiver or re-signs with the Rams, he could make a big impact in 2011. He could also help out as a punt returner and on special teams.

Overall Grade: B

Amendola's size and speed keep him from elite status, but he has great hands and runs great routes. If he makes another leap like he did in 2010, then he could be a steal of the 2011 free-agency class.

13. Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals loses a shoe as he eludes the tackle from Myron Lewis #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizo

Route Running: B+

Steve Breaston is a good, albeit not spectacular route runner. He has polish after having success with the Arizona Cardinals as the slot receiver and at Michigan.

Hands: B

Breaston has good hands but not great. He has dropped a few key passes in his career but not enough to keep a team from wanting to sign him.

Big Play Ability: B+

Breaston does have good speed and elusiveness. He is not the best big-play receiver, but if he finds a seam, he could make plays down field.

Immediate Impact: B

Not only could Breaston step in as a third receiver in the slot, but he can also be great as a punt returner.

Overall Grade: B

The only thing really keeping Breaston from being a much more sought-after guy is the fact that he is dealing with a knee injury. He could end up being a huge pick up if he is healthy, but he could also end up being a disaster.

12. Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars holds up the football after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jagu

Route Running: C+

The thing keeping Mike Sims-Walker from being a real consistent NFL receiver is his poor route running abilities. He is still learning how to really use his routes to get open. In college, he made a living off being faster than everyone.

Hands: B

Sims-Walker doesn't have bad hands, but they are just average compared with really every other NFL receiver.

Big Play Ability: A

The one thing that sets Sims-Walker apart is his big-play ability. Not only does he have great straight line speed but he is fast in and out of cuts.

Immediate Impact: B

Sims-Walker is really still trying to find consistency as an NFL receiver so I don't know that a team could expect to sign him as a big-impact guy immediately.

Overall Grade: B

Sims-Walker is a boom-or-bust free-agent target. He could end up being a steal as a free agent, but he needs to progress a little more.

11. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Baltimore Ravens

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: T.J. Houshmandzadeh #84 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Route Running: A

T.J. Houshmandzadeh made it into the NFL because he is a very good route runner, and he is very hard working. He is better than most at setting up defenders with his routes.

Hands: B+

Houshmandzadeh is an above-average pass catcher, but he has declined a little bit in his receiving skills.

Big Play Ability: B

The biggest flaw in Houshmandzadeh's game is his big-play ability. He doesn't have good speed, but he plays well off of a top receiver.

Immediate Impact: B+

While Houshmandzadeh is not a No. 1 receiver he could help a team that needs a possession guy.

Overall Grade: B+

No Houshmandzadeh isn't going to immediately transform a team with no receivers, but if he were teamed with an elite guy, he would be a great addition.

10. Terrell Owens, Cincinnati Bengals

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Route Running: A-

Terrell Owens is a crafty veteran. He has always been one of the better route runners in the NFL, and he always is able to use that skill to over produce.

Hands: B-

Despite the unbelievable physical skills, Owens has always struggled with drops.

Big Play Ability: B+

Owens has lost a step in speed, but he is still one of the more physical receivers in the NFL, and he is able to break tackles and make plays down the field.

Immediate Impact: B+

Honestly, this could be the last season that Owens is able to make much of an impact at all, so if a team was looking to sign him, a one-year deal makes sense.

Overall Grade: B+

Owens is on the decline but might as well give him an incentive-laced contract that would allow him to make more money with more success.

9. Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers catches a pass against Terence Newman #41 of the Dallas Cowboys during their pre-season NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (

Route Running: B+

Malcom Floyd was given the highest tender of any player last season, meaning the Chargers obviously have a high opinion of the former Wyoming receiver. Floyd is a good route runner but is still developing.

Hands: B+

Floyd didn't have a season that would make people think he has outstanding hands. He had just 37 receptions, and despite having the ball thrown his way a lot, it seemed like he just couldn't pull in everything.

Big Play Ability: A

The strength of Floyd's game is his big-play ability. He has the size, speed and body control to be a great target down the field.

Immediate Impact: A-

Floyd didn't make the impact people thought he would this year, but he still has the chance to break out.

Overall Grade: B+

Despite just 37 receptions in 2010, Floyd looks like a receiver that is ready to break out. He could end up being the steal in the 2011 NFL season wherever he ends up.

8. Mike Williams, Seattle Seahawks

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks completes a reception over Jabari Greer #33 of the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jona

Route Running: B+

Mike Williams had a rebirth in 2010. He got to play for his college coach, and he actually was able to have a successful NFL season after being out of the league for two years. He worked on his route running a lot, and it really showed on the field.

Hands: B+

Williams also worked hard on his hands. He got by at USC by just being bigger than everyone, but Williams really became a receiver this season.

Big Play Ability: B+

Williams is not the fastest receiver. He plays more like a tight end at times, but he is still able to go over corners to make big plays down the field.

Immediate Impact: A

I would like to see how Williams does playing for a coach other than Pete Carroll, but I think he could be another break out star in 2011.

Overall Grade: A

Definitely some nice parts of Williams' game, but I need to see another season before I put him at elite status.

7. Randy Moss, Tennessee Titans

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Route Running: B

Randy Moss has gotten lazy in his route running. At his best, he was never a great route runner, but in the last year or so, it has really dropped off.

Hands: A

Moss lives and dies by his god-given abilities. One of them is his hands. He has always been a great pass catcher, especially in traffic.

Big Play Ability: A

Another thing that made Moss a name for himself is the fact that he is an unbelievable deep target. He has speed to stretch the field, and he has the athleticism to get to balls downfield.

Immediate Impact: A

I think Moss is really going to be looking to prove himself wherever he signs. I expect a big season from the former Patriot in 2011.

Overall Grade: A

Moss might not be the player he once was, but he is still an elite receiver with the ability to stretch a defense.

6. Steve Smith, New York Giants

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Route Running: A

When Steve Smith came into the league, he was drafted because of the fact that he was a very polished receiver. He runs precise routes and has great body control that helps sets up defenses.

Hands: A

Smith also has very good hands and has been known to match most balls thrown his way.

Big Play Ability: B+

Despite the fact that Smith makes some plays down field, he isn't a very fast receiver, and he doesn't have ideal size to win balls downfield.

Immediate Impact: A

With the Giants, Smith had a 1,000-yard season and was on his way towards repeating that in 2010 before injuries derailed his progress. He will make an impact wherever he ends up.

Overall Grade: A

Smith might not look like a prototypical receiver, but he would be a very good addition to any passing game.

5. James Jones, Green Bay Packers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers tries to avoid the tackle of LaMarr Woodley #56 and Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Ph

Route Running: B+

Route running is one area that James Jones is really improving. He played his college ball at San Jose State and has had to really learn how to play football in the NFL.

Hands: B+

Jones had some big drops this season. A number of times he dropped catchable balls including one in the Super Bowl.

Big Play Ability: A+

The strength of Jones' game is his big-play ability. He has the speed to stretch the field.

Immediate Impact: A

Jones is a young guy that is really ready to break out. He could come in and quickly become a top-tier receiver.

Overall Grade: A

I think 2011 will be a season that Jones breaks out if he sings somewhere outside Green Bay. That isn't to say that he wouldn't be good for the Packers, but I think he would be over-shadowed by some of the other guys on the roster.

4. Braylon Edwards, New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Wide receiver Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets reacts to a call during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by

Route Running: B+

Braylon Edwards has not progressed in the way that people would have expected of him when he first came into the league. He is a decent route runner, but he isn't great at it.

Hands: B+

Had I been judging Edwards' hands a year ago, he probably would have gotten a B-, but he really worked on his ball skills this year. He is still prone to the occasional drop, but he is a good receiver.

Big Play Ability: A+

Edwards is a very good deep target. He can break tackles well, and he has a good ability to adjust to balls in the air.

Immediate Impact: A+

Edwards is still a rather young player, and he will make an impact in 2011 as a team's top receiver.

Overall Grade: A

Edwards isn't quite the whole package, but if he stays out of trouble, then I think he could end up being a nice player.

3. Santonio Holmes, New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

Route Running: A

Santonio Holmes is outstanding at keeping his speed in and out of cuts. It is that ability that makes him so dangerous when running his routes.

Hands: B+

Holmes does have a tendency to drop the occasional easy pass, but he usually makes up for it by catching the one no one expects him to.

Big Play Ability: A

While he might not have the perfect speed to stretch the field outside or the size to go up over cornerbacks, he makes plays that few expect of him.

Immediate Impact: A

Edwards missed the first four games of the season after being suspended to start the year, but he will be looking to put numbers up next season.

Overall Grade: A+

After some negativity directed at Edwards last offseason, he came on really strong at the end of the season. 

2. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Route Running: A-

Sidney Rice runs very good routes, but that isn't really his strength as a receiver. He is still progressing though, and he could really get better at it as he progresses.

Hands: A

Rice does have good hands. He catches the ball away from his body, and while he might not be a guy that is going to catch 100+ balls, he will rarely drop balls.

Big Play Ability: A+

Despite the fact that Rice doesn't have elite speed, he has ideal NFL size, and he makes great plays down the field.

Immediate Impact: A+

After playing in just a handful of games in 2010, Rice will be looking to make a big impact in 2011. He could end up having his best season as a pro next year.

Overall Grade: A+

Rice is one of the few guys that I would really want to target in free agency at the receiver position.

1. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Don

Route Running: A-

Vincent Jackson is one of the most polished receivers in the NFL today. He does have a tendency to not quite run the best routes, but he is improving at it greatly.

Hands: A+

In the years of watching Jackson, I can't remember Jackson dropping a ball thrown his way. He also catches balls that I don't think anyone else could get.

Big Play Ability: A+

Jackson has uncanny speed for a guy his size. He can out stride most cornerbacks, and he also has the size and leaping ability to make plays downfield.

Immediate Impact: A+

After holding out last season Jackson played sparingly in 2010. He will really be looking to put his stamp on the 2011 season by making some plays.

Overall Grade: A+

Jackson is not only one of the best receivers in free agency, he is also one of the best receivers in the NFL. I would take him on my team any day of the week.