NFL Free Agency Speculation: Why Mike Sims-Walker Is the Best Value WR Available

Although the NFL hasn’t started it’s free-agent period, yet because of the continued problems related to the NFL lockout, it’s never too early to speculate what might end up happening when free agency does finally get going.  The Jaguars made one of the most talked about moves of the offseason before everything “fell apart” by letting their No. 1 wide receiver, Mike Sims-Walker, go. 

Walker had been a productive player in the Jaguars system, but they let him go seemingly because their co-existence with one another was no longer working out.

So could Sims-Walker end up being the top free-agent wide receiver in this year’s free-agency period?  What makes him a top prospect?

Let’s take a close look and see what teams may like and dislike about Sims-Walker.

Injuries

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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

Sims-Walker’s career started out a little bit rocky as he was injured for seven games of that season after playing in nine games.  His production in those games wasn’t that spectacular as he had just 16 catches for 217 yards and no touchdowns.  Not a great way to enter the league.

After having a good season in 2009, Walker struggled last year with an ankle injury that hampered his production.  This may have led to the Jaguars thinking that he might not be a part of their future plans.

Anyone interested in Sims-Walker will need to be wary of his injury history.  This might turn off a few teams interested in a wide receiver, but if he checks out healthy, then he might be a hot commodity.

Production

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the game against the Washington Redskins at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

As previously mentioned, Sims-Walker’s production has been hot and cold for the most part.  After the injury-riddled 2008 season Sims-Walker had a decent season in 2009 catching 63 passes for 869 yards and seven touchdowns (in 14 starts).  Last season, he started 13 games catching 43 passes for 562 yards and seven touchdowns.

Sims-Walker hasn’t had “great” production during his time in Jacksonville and some of that can be traced to both the quarterback situation there as well as his own problems.  Perhaps in another environment, Walker will be able to get that “spark” he needs and become much more productive.

Intangibles

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a touchdown pass reception against Alan Ball #20 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Pho

Good wide receivers are going to be hard to find in this draft and while some may not consider Sims-Walker an elite talent, he does have the ability to be a contributor in a passing offense.  But does he have what it takes to be a true No. 1 wide receiver? 

That is unknown because he really hasn’t stayed healthy enough nor been in an offense that passes the ball as much as others do so consider this a big question mark.  Depending on where he lands, he could end up helping the team that picks him out a lot by giving them another target to throw the ball too.

He has also developed well and understands the game.

Knowledge

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Mike Sims Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars misses the ball as Terrell Thomas #24 of the New York Giants defends during their game on November 28, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Speaking of understanding the game, Sims-Walker has spent three years in the league and knows how to play the game.  He will be able to learn an offense quickly and can absorb the playbook very well.  Something unknown about him is that he can read defenses well and could even help tutor younger receivers as needed.

His knowledge could be limited, however, depending on where he goes.  If he goes to a complicated offensive team like the Indianapolis Colts, he could struggle, but if he winds up somewhere like Oakland or Kansas City he should be fine.

Need

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a catch against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 36-26. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

If free agency shakes out the way that most people think that it will there will be a serious shortage of good talent at the wide receiver position.  This is going to make Sims-Walker one of the “hot commodities” at the position. 

He has proven himself to be a valuable wide receiver for the most part and depending on where he lands, he could make the team that picks him up much better.

Who needs Sims-Walker?

There are several teams out there that could use a guy like Sims-Walker.  Some of the top teams (in terms of need) that come to mind include the Chicago Bears, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins among others.  With the free-agency market so poor this year, that lack of quality depth may make Sims-Walker a hot commodity.

Conclusion

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty

There is going to be a lot of interest in Sims-Walker, no matter what his history because of the lack of top talent at the position.  Look for him to be one of the top three wide receivers courted (if there is limited free agency like there is believed to be) and be gone early to a team that really needs help at the wide receiver position.