Ernest Wilford

Wilford remains a long shot to make the team. He probably needs a few injuries at either the wide receiver or tight end position to have a chance at breaking camp with Miami.

Wilford signed a four-year contract with Miami after four mediocre seasons in Jacksonville. Miami is desperate for production from Wilford and he should have plenty of looks with Ted Ginn being the only other threat at receiver. At 6-4, 221, Wilford is a great red-zone threat. In 2005, Wilford caught a career-high seven touchdowns and receive plenty of looks inside the twenty. Miami's uncertainty at quarterback is one variable that may hinder Wilford's chance at a breakout campaign.

Wilford's production dropped off in 2006, and there is no reason to believe that he will bounce back in 2007. While Wilford may enter the 2007 in a starting wideout spot, it would be on a team with a shaky quarterback situation that overly stresses the run. Wilford's questionable speed also prevents him from getting open very often, leading to less catches and relatively poor fantasy production. Avoid him on draft day and pick him off the waiver wire only if he starts seeing a drastic increase in targets.

Wilford had a fine second season with the Jaguars a year ago, catching 55 percent of his targets and averaging 16.6 yards per catch, good for 9.2 yards per target. At 6-4, 221, Wilford is a massive receiver, able to outreach and outmuscle defenders for the ball. He doesn’t have much speed or quickness, but in the red zone he’s deadly, pulling down four of his 12 targets for touchdowns a year ago. With Jimmy Smith’s retirement, it’s an open competition for the targets in Jacksonville, and at press time, Wilford and Matt Jones are the front-runners to start – both Wilford and Jones practiced with the first team during spring minicamps. Bump up Wilford’s value in touchdown-heavy leagues.

Wilford had 19 catches for 271 yards in a promising rookie season with team. He is currently forth on the team's depth chart for next season and is part of a rather crowded recieving core.

Jacksonville traded veteran Kevin Johnson for the right to move up in the draft and select Wilford. They like his size and will give him the chance to win the fourth or fifth wideout job.