Free Agent Wish List: Ernest Wilford

Ernest Wilford is a physical specimen at 6' 4", 223 lbs. A Restricted Free Agent for the Jaguars, Wilford was drafted in the 4th round out of Virgina Tech. Coming out of high school and into VT, Wilford was supposed to play Defensive End but later made the switch successfully to Wide Receiver. The 2004 draft was filled with good WR prospects, with 7 receivers picked in round one alone. The Jaguars took Reggie Williams with the 9th pick in the draft, and then picked Ernest Wilford at 120.

What makes Wilford's story interesting is that Jacksonville had a number one WR in Jimmy Smith the year they drafted Williams and Wilford. The following year, Jacksonville again took a first round receiver, Matt Jones with pick 21. And in the 2006 draft, the Jags once again picked up a pass catcher in the first round, this time it was Tight End Marcedes Lewis from UCLA.

Since Jimmy Smith's retirement prior to the 2006 season, there has yet been a player to step up and take Smith's place. While the Jags get contributions from their WR corp, there is no player on the roster that had 55+ catches last season.

Wilford is a bargain for the Jaguars as a fourth round pick playing a position that commands big money from top playmakers. His size/speed combo is attractive to teams, but the Jags are loaded with big and fast receivers. Jacksonville already has a lot of money tied with their receiving corp, and could potentially allow Wilford to leave to another team.

If the Chargers were to make a solid offer to Wilford, the Jags would likely not match and instead take the compensatory pick in the draft. I feel Wilford would be an excellent addition to the Chargers and brings great size, speed, and physical play to the WR corp. He is a strong blocker, can make plays with the ball in his hands, and provides another big target for Rivers to go along with guys like Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, and Malcom Floyd.

Instead of spending their first round pick on Wide Receiver, the Chargers would be better off signing Wilford to a deal and using that pick elsewhere, or packing a pick to move up in the draft. Wilford has the added benefit of being in the league for a few years now and would have limitless potential if added to the Chargers offense with QB Philip Rivers at the helm.