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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
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    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
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    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
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    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
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    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
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    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
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  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
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  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
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2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt Harmon

High-end starters

None

Good starters

1)   DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles. Age: 27 *signed with Redskins*

  •  The Eagles released one of the most explosive players in the NFL because of his bloated salary and off the field decisions. DeSean Jackson is still a very good player, and coming off his best professional season. He doesn't profile as a traditional number one wide receiver, and isn't worth paying $10 million or more per season. He is a unique and dynamic weapon who would improve any offense, provided he doesn't have to carry it.

2)   Eric Decker, Denver Broncos. Age: 27 *signed with Jets*
  • No, Eric Decker is not a high-end starter. He is a good player in his own right, but his monster numbers are a product of the offense he plays in. Unless he gives Denver a big hometown discount, he will not likely return. Some other team is going to foolishly give him number one receiver money. 

3)    Julian Edelman, New England Patriots. Age: 28 *re-signed with Patriots*
  • Eldeman was excellent as Tom Brady’s top option in the passing game. He gave the Patriots similar output to what Wes Welker did, plus a few more big plays. Would he be as dynamic outside of New England? Maybe not. Nevertheless, he will at least be a productive slot receiver. His own price range is the biggest concern. 

Solid Contributors

1)   Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles. Age: 26 *re-signed with Eagles*
  • On talent alone, Jeremy Maclin should be a tier above this one, as he belongs in a higher tier. However, he tore an ACL very early on in training camp, and never played in 2013. The Eagles might be inclined to keep fellow free agent, Riley Cooper over him. Maclin would be a great addition on any other team. For the money, he will probably be the best free agent wide receiver signee.

2)   Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 26 *signed with Lions*
  • Tate had a nice year as the Seahawks number one receiver. Unfortunately, he is still a rather inefficient player and should not be a number one target elsewhere. He can be a fine complimentary piece to a passing game, but that’s it. 

3)    Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants. Age: 26 *signed with the Colts*
  • Hakeem Nicks is in the same boat as Maclin. However, he struggled last season amidst injury issues. Nicks also may have been holding back because he was in his contract year. If he comes cheap because of a substandard 2013 season, he could be a steal.

4)    Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 25 (RFA) *tendered by Seahawks (2nd round)*
  • He might be a hidden gem in the free agent class. Baldwin did a lot of what the Seahawks expected Percy Harvin to do for them. Given he is a restricted free agent, he likely remains in Seattle on a very high tender. If the Seahawks make Baldwin available for trade, some teams should be very interested. 

5)    Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 33 *re-signed with 49ers*
  • Boldin showed he still has plenty left in the tank. The 49ers relied on the veteran receiver, and he rewarded them. Given his advanced age, he probably only goes to a contending team. Still, he would be a valuable addition. The argument could easily be made that he belongs much higher on this list. 

6)    Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles. Age: 26 
*re-signed with Eagles*
  • Riley Cooper had some monstrous games this season, but he also tailed off late. Cooper seems like a great fit in Chip Kelly’s offense, and returning to Philly is probably his best bet. People seem to forget how athletically gifted Cooper is. Someone could be willing to pay big for him. 

7)    Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 27 *signed with Broncos*
  • Sanders never established himself as a consistent starter for Pittsburgh. He is very likely playing somewhere else next season. His skill set only fits a few teams, but he could be a nice signing for very modest money. 

8)    James Jones, Green Bay Packers. Age: 30 *signed with Raiders*
  • Might this finally be the end for James Jones in Green Bay? Many assumed him gone last time his contract expired, until Aaron Rodgers publicly lobbied for him. With so many other young players at his position, it feels like a certainty he is out. He could be a nice upgrade for some team. 

9)    Andre Roberts, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 26 *signed with Redskins*
  • Andre Roberts fell off a bit this season. In the past he was a pretty productive slot receiver. Bruce Arians did not seem to find much use for him in his offense. Maybe another coach can better utilize his talents. Probably my favorite potential signing on the receiver free agent market.

10)   Sidney Rice, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 27
  • He's been around the block, but since Sidney Rice came into the league at such a young age, he should have tread left on his tires. Unfortunately, with all the injuries, he has the body of a much older man. Rice will be a good reclamation project on a one-year deal for some receiver needy team. Even if his speed and separation ability is compromised, his jump ball skills should help him retain some value. 

Role players

1
)   Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers. Age: 34 *signed with Ravens*
  • An end of an era in Charlotte, as the Carolina Panthers have released the best player in franchise history. In reality Steve Smith will be missed more as an icon than for what he brought to the field on Sundays. He can still be a piece of a passing game, but there is not much left here. Smith's speed really evaporated quickly last season.

2)    Santonio Holmes, New York Jets. Age: 30
  • It's hard to say exactly what Santonio Holmes is at this point. He has extreme talent, but also has injury issues. Holmes also has had his fair share of personal problems as well. It isn't out of the question that he goes to a team with a better quarterback and produces.

3)   Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 32 *signed with Panthers*
  • Cotchery made a surprisingly big impact for the Steelers this season. His ten touchdowns showed he is still proficient in the red zone. He is aging, but still has a place in the league.

4)    Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears. Age: 26
  • He had some productive years with the Bears, but Earl Bennett fell out of favor this year. He isn't anything special, but he can provide decent production from the slot receiver position.

5)    Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints. Age: 30 *signed with Steelers*
  • The Saints slot receiver had a rough go of it last season, but has been a solid player for a long time. Lance Moore could be in the midst of a decline, or it could have just been an off year due to injury. Its not out of the question Moore rebounds as a productive slot receiver on a new team next year.

6)   Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions. Age: 32 *signed with Browns*

  • He was an easy cut for the Lions to make due to his inflated salary, but Burleson can still contribute on Sundays. He missed a lot of time with a pizza related broken arm, but played solid football when available. Burleson can be a number three receiver somewhere next season. 

7)    Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles. Age: 30 *signed with Panthers*
  • Far from a prolific offensive weapon, Jason Avant was a nice slot receiver for the Eagles for many years. Avant has actually become a bit overrated by fans, due to the enormous media attention his team receives. His performance has begun to drop off in recent years. Maybe he can be a third receiver for for a team next season, but even that might be a stretch. 

8)    Andrew Hawkins, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 28 *signed by Browns*
  • Hawkins was injured to begin this season, and never recovered his footing. When healthy, the diminutive receiver can provide a nice option from the slot. Given the wealth of talent on Cincinnati’s offense, he might be best moving on. Imagine what he could do with a creative offensive mind. 

9)    Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 29
  • The former undrafted free agent had some very good years, but Miles Austin might be broken down. His health situation is very tenuous and he might very well be done.

10)    Tedd Ginn, Carolina Panthers. Age: 29 *signed with Cardinals*
  • The former first round bust had a few pretty impressive outings with the Panthers. Of course, that was mixed in with his usual bouts of drops and disappearances. Bringing him back on another cheap one-year deal would be a wise move for Carolina. 

11)    Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs. Age: 26 *signed with Titans*
  • McCluster was a Pro Bowl returner, but has never turned into a dynamic offensive weapon. He can give you a few productive moments, but that’s about it. 

12)    Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings. Age: 28 *re-signed with Vikings*
  • Simpson actually spent the first part of this season stuffing the stat sheet. Not surprisingly, he began to fade as the year wore on. 

13)  Jacoby Jones, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 30 *re-signed with Ravens*
  • Jacoby Jones proved unable to be a consistent number two receiver for the Ravens. Still, he is fine piece on offense and a good returner. 

14)  Brandon LaFell, Carolina Panthers. Age: 27 *signed with Patriots*
  • LaFell is young, and it is probably the only reason he makes this list. He has never developed, and does not do anything particularly well. There is not much to see here. 

15)  Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 28 *signed with Giants*
  • Manningham has had tough luck with injuries, but he is still a decent player. A number three receiver that is just fine when he remains in that role. 

16) Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints. Age: 29
  • Meachem shouldn’t even think about leaving New Orleans. It did not work last time at all. He is an inconsistent deep threat, but nothing more. 

17) Josh Morgan, Washington Redskins. Age: 29
  • Morgan was a total bust in Washington. His best attribute is as a blocker; that should tell you all you need to know. 

18)  Austin Collie, New England Patriots. Age: 28
  • Collie bounced off and on the Patriots roster all season. He used to be a very good slot receiver, before a myriad of concussion issues. Perhaps there is still something to be mined here. 

19) Devin Hester, Chicago Bears. Age: 31 *signed with Falcons*
  • Hester is a legendary return man, but is not the same game breaker he once was. He is also no longer a factor on offense at all. 

20) Trindon Holliday, Denver Broncos. Age: 28 *signed with the Giants*
  • Another non-factor on offense. It also does not help the Broncos do not even seem to trust him on returns. His future has to be in question. 

Diamond in the Rough

1)    Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans. Age: 25 *signed with Rams*
  • The ultimate reclamation project. Britt is extremely talented, but hasn’t been able to stay out of trouble, or the trainer’s room. If he goes to the right situation, Britt could easily become an All-Pro type of receiver. However, he could just as easily be cut in this year’s training camp. He is worth a look for a contending team with depth. 

2)    Damian Williams, Tennessee Titans. Age: 26
  • Williams never really caught fire in Tennessee, but there is some talent here. He is a bit inconsistent and injury prone. Williams also is not flashy in any particular regard. Perhaps he can shine in a new home with a better quarterback. 

3)    Andre Caldwell, Denver Broncos. Age: 29 *re-signed with Broncos*
  • Caldwell shined when given the chance in the Peyton Manning offense. He still has all the talent to be a very good slot receiver. If Eric Decker moves on, he would be wise to return to Denver. If not, he could make an impact for another team. 

4)    Danario Alexander, San Diego Chargers. Age: 26
  • He has probably used up his nine lives, but there might still be something here. He has big time talent, but is incredibly fragile. Bring him on your tem, but do not count on him in any way. 

QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P

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