NFL Trade Speculation: Power Ranking the Top 9 Wide Receivers on the Block

Several teams in the NFL are crying out for help at wide receiver. With greater emphasis being placed on spread-style multiple-receiver sets, teams are now more anxious than ever to have several game-changing options at the wideout position.

That need has become so great in recent seasons that teams have been more willing to trade draft picks and talent in order to secure playmakers for the passing game.

In the last two seasons the New York Jets have traded for Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. The Miami Dolphins followed suit, parting with draft choices to secure former Bronco Brandon Marshall, while the Ravens were prepared to provide compensation to the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan Boldin.

Assuming league business is allowed to resume, there are likely to be several trades on the agendas of NFL franchises. Most trade rumours have so far focused on quarterbacks, but there are receiving talents some teams would be willing to trade for.

Here is a list of the nine most intriguing options potentially on the trading block. The list includes players nearing the end of their contracts, players who could be shipped out due to behavioural concerns and two unheralded performers in need of a fresh start.

9. Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams

Blighted by injuries, Donnie Avery could find himself the odd man out in new Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' plans for the passing game. Having once seemed primed to put up big numbers, Avery has missed much of the last two seasons through injury.

The young speedster has the ability to stretch a defense and was badly missed during the season. With Danny Amendola firmly in place and the Rams having drafted two receivers, the pressure is on Avery to prove he can stay healthy and provide an impact.

Given Avery's shaky fitness record, the Rams may opt to move for a more reliable, proven pass catcher whenever free agency commences. Likely to command very little compensation from any prospective trading partner, Avery could still be worth taking a chance on for some teams.

Exchanged for a seventh-round draft choice, Avery could be a nice fit for the Cleveland Browns. New Browns coach Pat Shurmur is familiar with Avery, having served as offensive coordinator in St. Louis for the past two seasons. Avery could help increase the vertical threat in Cleveland's offense.

8. Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins

Like Avery, Brian Hartline could benefit from a change of scenery to help boost his career. Hartline has never developed into a legitimate starter and seems destined for the third receiver role. Still, he has managed to snare 74 passes in his first two seasons.

A classic possession receiver, Hartline offers a skill set similar to former New York Jet Wayne Chrebet. With good hands and a natural instinct for the soft spots in the underneath zones, Hartline could be a useful weapon if offered an expanded role.

With Miami's passing game tailored to the talents of Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, Hartline figures to again struggle for playing time. Similar in style to Bess, the Dolphins may deem Hartline surplus to requirements as they seek to surround quarterback Chad Henne with more explosive targets.

A team could probably secure the services of Hartline without dangling the most tantalising trade bait. A seventh-round draft choice could fetch Hartline, who would prove valuable to a team with an inexperienced signal caller.

7. Michael Jenkins, Atlanta Falcons

Following their bumper draft day deal with the Cleveland Browns to move up and select Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons might be ready to finally part ways with Michael Jenkins. The former 2004 first-round pick has largely disappointed down in Georgia, never managing to mature into a No. 1 receiver.

Since Roddy White took up that mantle, Jenkins has failed to consistently force defenses away from double-teaming White. His inability to provide enough of a threat on the opposite side is one of the main reasons the Falcons were willing to make such a big push to land Jones.

Atlanta could now use Jenkins to claw back some of what they gave away in April. Finding takers may not be that easy. Jenkins lacks explosion and doesn't always finish plays. He is not the most polished route-runner either.

One thing that could appeal to teams is the former Ohio State product's size. Standing 6'4" and weighing 217 pounds, Jenkins has the prototypical attributes of the modern flanker. The opportunity to move on and finally prove himself capable of being the focal point of a passing attack would no doubt appeal to Jenkins.

Given his relative youth at 29 and his previous high draft status, the Falcons would likely want decent remuneration for Jenkins. A fifth-rounder or maybe even a fourth-round choice may be required from a team that thinks it has a better chance of motivating Jenkins.

6. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals

2011 could be the year that the Bengals at last decide to part company with the talented but controversial Ochocinco. His ongoing spat with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis shows no signs of abating, and Lewis proved by drafting A.J. Green and Andy Dalton that he is committed to a youth movement on offense.

Slaking Ochocinco's desire to get the ball on every play has become as difficult as trying to assuage his appetite for the limelight. Although he makes it extremely difficult to look past the theatrics and stroppy outbursts, for any team that can, Ochocinco represents great value.

His insistence on being the target for the lion's share of his team's passes unfortunately overshadows his talents as a genuine playmaker. Blessed with great hands and especially tough across the middle, Ochocinco could provide a huge boost to teams in need of an elite receiver.

Any team interested in acquiring Ochocinco would have to measure its need for receiving help against its tolerance for his inevitable antics. If a trade partner cannot be found, the Bengals might simply to choose to release the loquacious wideout.

5. Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans

Britt's numerous run-ins with the law could mean the former Rutgers star has exhausted the patience of the Titans hierarchy. But the Titans would still want good value for their 2009 first-round draft choice.

While his temperament off the field is dubious, Britt's talent on the gridiron is beyond question. A precise route-runner with downfield potential, Britt maximises his tremendous strength and size to gain separation from defensive backs. A player in a mould similar to ex-NFL starter Keyshawn Johnson, Britt possesses superior hands and greater speed.

Tennessee may still feel it can overcome Britt's issues and continue to develop him as a No. 1 receiver. But with Mike Munchak recently installed as head coach, a new regime may wish to move toward a cleaner image and surround rookie quarterback Jake Locker with less controversial players.

A trade could be difficult for the Titans to manufacture. They would likely seek high draft picks in any deal. Britt's catalogue of off the field incidents would make him too much of a risk for such premium compensation.

4. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

Having recently been adorned with the franchise tag in San Diego, potential trade suitors would be forced to put together a lucrative package to land Chargers burner Vincent Jackson.

Having all but disappeared in 2010 amidst a holdout, a swirl of trade rumours and subsequent injuries, Jackson's missed time makes him something of a trade risk. But receivers offering the skill set of the former Northern Colorado standout are at a premium in today's NFL.

Jackson's speed, acceleration and leaping ability make him one the more lethal deep threats in the league. His propensity for the big play can force defenses into predictable coverages, constantly keeping safeties over the top. This can open up running lanes and underneath zones, giving Jackson enormous value in any offense.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is notorious for driving a hard bargain. He would be unlikely to settle for anything less than first- or second-round draft selections or the equivalent talent level for an asset like Jackson.

3. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith is perhaps the most unappreciated wide receiver in the NFL. The diminutive burner's talents provide a rebuilding Panthers team with a valuable commodity on the trade market.

Having begun life as a kick returner, Smith dismissed concerns about his lack of size to put together an incredibly consistent run as an elite target in the passing game. With a natural knack for getting open, Smith has put together five 1,000-yard seasons in a 10-year stretch. This is despite often being the only viable receiving option for the Panthers.

Aside from Randy Moss, there may be no better deep threat in the league than Smith. At 32 he still has the speed and moves to leave cornerbacks and safeties trailing in his wake.

After spending 2010 watching his numbers decline in the absence of a passer capable of consistently getting him the ball, Smith faces an equally difficult time as the Panthers look to bed in another green signal caller in rookie Cam Newton.

There have been mixed signals from the team and Smith concerning a trade. But with the Panthers having many holes to fill and Smith's desire to seal his career with a championship, a few playoff-calibre teams could do worse than part with fourth- and third-round picks for this outstanding veteran.

2. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

With one year remaining on his contract and age a factor at 33, the time could be ripe for the Colts to cash in on Reggie Wayne.

Any trade involving Wayne would certainly send shock waves around the NFL. Yet in recent seasons the Colts have indicated a desire to get younger on offense before their window of opportunity for a second championship slams shut.

Indy have incorporated many young wide receivers into the offense, although not always through choice. In this year's draft they made a point of injecting some youth into their struggling offensive line. With Peyton Manning still orchestrating the play, many would feel that the Colts would comfortably survive without Wayne.

Despite Wayne's age, it would still take a lot to persuade the Colts to offload the league's finest route-runner. Equally adept underneath as he is going over the top, Wayne is a cerebral receiver with outstanding hands. Thirty-three may be too old to convince teams to put together a favourable package, but Jerry Rice was able to provide a huge impact for the Oakland Raiders at 38.

A playoff team deeming itself close to claiming a Super Bowl should certainly consider Wayne. He would be an outstanding fit in Baltimore, where T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth have largely failed to impress.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Many will mention Andre Johnson or Calvin Johnson when discussing the game's premier wideout, but Larry Fitzgerald truly deserves recognition as the best wide receiver in the NFL.

Fitzgerald's precise route-running, soft hands and spectacular leaping ability, along with his deceptive strength and speed, make him the complete receiver. The idea of the Cardinals trading away their most potent offensive weapon would seem fanciful.

But Fitzgerald is in an identical contractual situation to Reggie Wayne. The Cardinals will certainly do all they can to secure Fitzgerald for the long term. Yet any efforts they make must begin with bringing in a quarterback competent enough to get him the ball. With the lockout delaying this crucial first step, there is a risk of Fitzgerald becoming increasingly disillusioned and contemplating pastures new.

Any attempt to pluck Fitzgerald from the desert would require a monster, blockbuster trade. A team serious about acquiring Fitzgerald would have to be prepared to mortgage future first-round draft picks and probably established talent as well in order to make it happen.

With many teams desiring more weapons at wide receiver, those looking to trade are likely to find plenty of takers. Potential suitors will have to be prepared to give up a lot for the rewards that a top-notch wideout can provide.