I've been lurking on all these WR threads and I think most of you are looking at it wrong. There is absolutely no reason why we should be looking at the top WR in free agency or the first two rounds of the draft to get a WR--even if we have to cut Rice. Let me explain:
1. Our current WR corps: Harvin, Tate, Baldwin, Kearse, Lockette: I believe that each of these WRs has the ability to contribute next year if healthy with Lockette seeing more playing time if we have to cut Baldwin or Tate (I'd prefer to cut Tate if we had to cut one of these). Ideally, we wouldn't have to cut any of them and we could look to the draft, 3rd round or later, to supplement these WRs if we need to. Also, don't forget the Tight End, Willson, and McCoy, who is a free agent, but can be supplemented in the draft. I'll explain.
2. The Draft. In my, and evidently, in JS's draft philosophy, receivers can be had in the later rounds of the draft. Big, tall, speedy, possession receivers are a dime a dozen. We don't necessarily need a big playmaker in the draft at WR as we already have Harvin, Baldwin, and Tate, who fit that description with their ability to run after the catch and return kicks if necessary. WR's can be had in the later rounds in any draft and are less valuable picks in the first two rounds, where other elusive big linemen (on O or D) and strong linebackers are harder to come by IMO. I am looking at two Wide Receivers that I think can make it to the third round, which I say we should take if we cut Rice. These two guys are: 1)Rutgers WR Brandon Coleman--6' 5'' WR that can stretch the defense, and 2) Clemson's "other" WR Martavis Bryant--6' 4'' WR who has great hands and can also stretch the defense.
3. The TE position. Much more a position of need IMO than WR right now since McCoy is a free agent. Two tight-end sets are run frequently in our offense and they can be every bit as valuable as a WR for the passing game. Fortunately, there are a plethora of greater than 6' 5'' TEs in this draft, which fit our needs perfectly. I say we take one of these big boys in round 2 or 3. 1) Jace Amaro TE , Texas Tech, 6-5, 260, 2) Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington, 6-6, 276; 3) Troy Niklas ,TE 4 Notre Dame, 6-6, 270; 3) C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa, 6-6, 262; 4) Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia, 6-5, 258.