Top 10 Free Agent Wide Receivers: 10-6

Even though the NFL lockout is seriously jeopardizing whether or not there will be an NFL season in 2011-2012, I miss talking football. So here's to hoping the two sides get a CBA worked out sometime in the near future.

10. Santana Moss - Redskins

Age: 32
2010-2011 stats: 93 rec., 1,115 yards, 6 TD, 12.0 YPC

Moss may be up there in age, but his stats don't lie. He still possesses great blow-by speed, a good set of hands, and the desire to continue to be a special NFL receiver. A lot of teams would kill for a deep threat receiver of Moss' caliber, which is why I see Washington making a huge push to keep him on their roster. Moss is a solid veteran who could be a huge asset to many teams.

Prediction: Moss ends up staying in D.C., they need all the help they can get at wide out which means they may over pay to keep him.

9. James Jones - Packers















Age: 27
2010-2011 stats: 50 rec., 679 yards, 5 TD, 13.6 YPC

Jones has been hiding behind Greg Jennings and Donald Driver for his entire NFL career. Despite not being a starting WR, Jones still put up some pretty solid numbers. He has extremely strong hands, and at 6-1 208lbs, with decent speed, Jones is a perfect option in the slot for a team looking to upgrade their receiving corps. The only problem with Jones, is he likes to run before the catch, resulting in dropped passes and fumbles. If Jones can take care of that problem, he could be a breakout receiver in the right system.

Prediction: The only prediction that I can make is that Jones will not stay with Green Bay. A lot of teams have a need at the position, so look for Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Kansas City to be in on the James Jones sweepstakes.

8. Steve Breaston - Cardinals



















Age: 27
2010-2011 stats: 47 rec., 718 yards, 1 TD, 15.3 YPC

We can't put too much stock on Breaston's stats last year for one reason: the QB situation in AZ last year was horrific. Like Jones, Breaston has spent his entire NFL career behind two great receivers, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin (4 out of 5 seasons). Last season, Breaston missed three games with a knee injury but still came back and had a few strong performances. One of his best qualities is his speed off the line; Breaston is a lightning bolt in the slot. The most telling stat about how solid of a receiver he really is: 187 career receptions with zero fumbles. Everyone knows the talent that Breaston possesses, it's just getting past his knee problem.

Prediction: I think Breaston stays in Arizona.

7. Terrell Owens - Bengals




















Age: 37
2010-2011 stats: 72 rec., 983 yards, 9 TD, 13.7 YPC

My boy Skip Bayless likes to refer to T.O. as Team Obliterator, which is a very fitting nickname. Unfortunately, you can't deny the production that Owens has brought to every stop on his tour of the NFL. Despite being 37 years of age, Owens is still one of the best conditioned athletes in any sport. He has great strength, speed and hands, and has a knack for the end zone - he had 9 TD's last season. If Owens can keep his mouth shut, which may take some surgery, he can be a solid receiver for any team.

Prediction: I see T.O. hooking up with a contender in need of some WR help. Maybe Baltimore? I think the veteran leadership, and the Ray Lewis intimidation factor could keep Owens with his eyes on the prize.

6. Malcom Floyd - San Diego















Age: 29
2010-2011 stats: 37 rec., 717 yards, 6 TD, 19.4 YPC

Floyd got some more looks last season due to the absence of Vincent Jackson, and it paid off. Even though he missed five games, Floyd produced at a very high rate. He has great size (6-5 225) and Floyd has been highly praised for his ability to control his body while making difficult catches. He has great downfield speed, and a solid set of hands: he has fumbled just once in 134 career receptions.

Prediction: San Diego may have to choose between Floyd and Vincent Jackson. Because of the problems they had with VJax, and the price he may demand, I think the Chargers will retain Floyd.

AFC North Preview and Predictions

1. Baltimore Ravens - 11-5
In the past, the Ravens have been feared for only their defense, now, their offense has joined the party. Third year QB Joe Flacco has blossomed at the position, and is primed for a huge season. Dynamic second year RB Ray Rice reminds me a lot of Maurice Jones-Drew down in Jacksonville, and will now be the featured back in a very potent offense, look for Rice to have a huge season. The acquisition of Anquan Boldin in the offseason gives Flacco another threat alongside veteran WR Derrick Mason. Also, look for WR Donte Stallworth to spread the field with a lot of targets deep down field.
The Ravens defense is still one of the most feared in the league, thanks to veteran LB's Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Although CB Dominique Foxworth is out with an injury, the Ravens core of DB's can still be considered one of the best in the league. Guys like All-Pro Safety Ed Reed, CB Fabian Washington, CB Chris Carr, and Strong Safety Dawan Landry make it very tough on opposing teams ariel attacks.

2. Cincinnati Bengals - 9-7
I'm banking on Ochocinco and T.O. NOT turning this team into a reality show, but I can't guarantee it. If "Team Obliterator" (compliments of ESPN First Take analyst Skip Bayless) can keep quiet for an entire season, the Bengals have a chance to be very dangerous. Not only do they have a couple of top notch receivers, they have a good QB in Carson Palmer and a resurgent RB in Cedric Benson at their disposal. Benson had a breakout season in 2009, setting career highs in carries (301), rushing yards (1,251), and TD's (6), now with more attention being paid to Ochocinco and T.O., look for Benson to build on those numbers.
Cincinnati has put together a very nice defensive unit. When looked at one by one, it is very tough to find a glaring weakness. The real strength is their Linebacking core of Rey Maluga, Keith Rivers and Dhani Jones. Look for Right Defensive End Antwan Odom to have a massive season in 2010; in 2009, Odom was on a record setting sack pace with 8 through the first six games, unfortunately, his season was derailed by a ruptured achilles.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers - 8-8
With two-time Super Bowl winning QB Ben Roethlisberger suspended for the first four games of the season, the Steelers will find themselves in a deep hole by the time he comes back in week 6 against the Browns. It has not been decided who will start the season at QB in the Steel City, but it's between former Oregon star Dennis Dixon and veteran Charlie Batch. As of today, on the official website of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is no QB listed on their depth chart. One positive to start the season is the emergence of third year RB Rashard Mendenhall as a full-time back. Mendenhall was one of many RB's to have a breakout 2009 season, setting career highs in carries (242), rushing yards (1,108) and TD's (7). With Roethlisberger sidelined for the first four games, Mendenhall should see a ton of carries.
The Steelers field one of the best and most intimidating defense in the league along with the Ravens. Nose Tackle Casey Hampton Is a force on the Defensive Line, and it allows the Linebacking core of LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons and James Farrior to blitz and attack at will. Strong Safety Troy Polamalu is coming of a disappointing, injury plagued 2009 season, so look for him to make up for lost time.

4. Cleveland Browns - 2-14
The Browns are a mess. I think the front office of the Browns are still mourning the loss of LeBron James, and forgot that they have an NFL team to run. They traded QB Brady Quinn to the Broncons, and chose QB Jake Delhomme, a guy who is far past his prime, to lead this "offense". Not only did they sign a QB who has thrown 30 interceptions in the last two seasons, they gave him no one to throw to. The one bright spot could be RB Jerome Harisson who should see a ton of carries this season.
The Browns don't even have a defensive depth chart to refer to. That must mean that they don't plan on playing defense this year, not a surprise to me.