Top 10 receivers are almost impossible to lay your hands on at this point in the season. With so many big name running backs having off years you’re probably going to get the short-end of the deal in a RB-WR trade. So we may as well look for mediocre options on the FA wire or trade market who could pick up their play and become decent contributors in the second half of the season.

One guy who really sticks out at me is Reggie Williams. He was the 9th overall pick in the 2004 draft, and through seven games this year he’s almost matched his numbers from a 16-game ‘04/’05 season. Now those weren’t good numbers, but the fact that he’s getting more touches in encouraging. Right now he’s sitting at 21 receptions, 246 yards, and 0 TDs.

Some people like Byron Leftwich, others think he’s Trent Dilfer with a stronger arm. I think this guy has all the skills to win big in the NFL. He’s got a cannon for an arm and an offensive line who can block. He’s also got a running back in Fred Taylor who can take pressure off the passing game. What he lacks is the freedom to make big plays downfield. Byron hasn’t completed more than 20 passes in a game this season and he’s been sub-200 yards in all but two contests. Not a good sign if you’re drafting Jaguars receivers.

The Jaguars aren’t a big-play offensive team; they rely on short passes, running, and defense. At 4-2 I’m not sure they change their gameplan, but they will have to score points going forward. Williams is the Jaguars’ best, and most athletic receiver. He’s 6′4″, 223, and he seems to be able to hold onto the ball. If anyone emerges as a downfield threat on this team it’s going to be Reggie Williams.

I can’t see him catching more that 3-5 TDs this year. But he should post good yardage and reception totals. The Jags’ schedule is getting really cookies’n cream for the next 7 weeks, with games against Arizona, St. Louis, San Francisco, Houston, and Cleveland. There’s got to be at least 3 TDs in there for Reggie Williams. I know they’re a running team, but the ball is going downfield this Sunday. That’s a guarantee.

Out of the ten highest ranked WRs this season in terms of fantasy points, 6 were 1st round draft-picks. Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson made it past the opening number with Keenan McCardell and Steve Smith. Williams may not be as good as those guys, but he’s got the size and the soft hands to make a name for himself in this league. If I had to compare him to an active player I’d say Reggie Wayne/Rod Smith are good models for his game.

There’s value here. Just take a look. And start him this week if you’ve got him. St. Louis is going to get ploughed.