The Once Walking Wounded – these guys either started their careers with a year on IR or have consistently caught the injury bug for a few years. If 100|PERCENT| in training camp, they warrant either late flier picks or become priority free agents to monitor closely.
- Chaz Schilens, WR, Oakland Raiders (6-4, 225 ; age 25)
After missing most of the past two seasons (his 2nd & 3rd) with foot and knee injuries, Schilens is finally healthy and could be primed for a breakout if he remains that way. If his speed is even close to the sub-4.4 it was pre-injuries, he could become a nightmare matchup with his tremendous size and sure hands. Don't be shocked if he's the first 1,000-yard Raider receiver since some guy named Randy Moss did it in 2005.
- Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans (5-11, 218 ; age 22)
Before an ankle injury landed him on IR in the preseason, Tate was expected to not only compete with Arian Foster for the lead back role, but to beat him out of it. While there's no question that Foster is the man going into '11, Tate could still get a chance to shine if Foster were to get injured (and Arian did have a history of injuries in college). Tate has good size and excellent speed, making him a good fit for the Texans' zone blocking scheme. He must at least be considered as a handcuff to Foster.
- Montario Hardesty, RB, Cleveland Browns (6-1, 215 ; age 24)
The Browns opted not to draft a RB this year to provide depth behind the bruising Peyton Hillis. I take that as a clear indication they are expecting that depth to come from Hardesty, their 2010 2nd rounder that missed all of his rookie campaign after tearing an ACL in the preseason. If they are confident that he can return healthy, then he's worth a gamble as a late round flier. There really isn't anyone to back up Hillis and with his monster-truck style of running there are sure to be carries to spare in Cleveland so they can keep Peyton upright. And they should be Hardesty's.
- Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants (6-1, 200 ; age 24)
Mr. Cruz showed off some serious skills in the '10 preseason after landing with the Giants as an undrafted free agent. He debuted in the preseason with a 6-catch, 145-yard, 3-TD game that opened eyes. But with a crowded rotation he was unable to see regular season action before a hamstring injury derailed his season in early October. If the Giants were to either incur injuries to their starting receivers or opt to cut Cruz because of their depth at the position, keep him in mind as a free agent pick-up. Maybe his skills will get displayed in primetime this year.
- Jarett Dillard, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10, 187 ; age 25)
The Jags are likely to let Mike Sims-Walker leave in free agency and unless they add another receiver they look to be very thin at the position. Dillard was a remarkably productive college star at Rice, posting over 3,500 yards and 55 TD's in his last three years, but has yet to catch on in two years in Jacksonville as a broken ankle cut short his rookie year and he sat on IR all of 2010 with a foot injury. He's just the type of sneaky, quick-twitch slot receiver that could emerge as a major chains-mover for the Jags if he can remain healthy for a full year. He's not worth drafting but could become a quality bye week replacement if he works into the starting lineup.
- Marcus Easley, WR, Buffalo Bills (6-2, 210 ; age 23)
Buffalo found their clear-cut #1 last year in Steve Johnson, but their former #1 Lee Evans is both aging and declining, leaving a chance for another youngster to emerge. Easley should compete with David Nelson to add a physical weapon opposite Johnson this year and if he's recovered fully from a knee injury that kept him sidelined as a rookie he could develop into a nice #2 or #3. With Ryan Fitzpatrick showing his skills last year there could be as many as 800 yards and 5 scores that find Easley's huge hands. He's worth keeping an eye on for the upside that his size and athleticism bring.