Moulds took time to develop (FOX Sports)

[editor's note, by Brian Galliford] Author sireric takes a look at some recent Pro Bowl wideouts to try to figure out if the Buffalo Bills can reliably count on a rookie receiver this season. His argument is convincing, and one I couldn't have made more convincing myself. End Note

Can you expect a wide receiver to give solid production in his rookie year? And what would you consider solid production for that matter?  For the sake of argument I will say that a solid season (statistically) for a wide receiver will be: 50+ catches, 750+ yards, and 3 or more touchdowns.  Those aren't superstar type numbers, but they do represent a solid season, particularly for a rookie.

It has been my argument that taking a receiver in the draft, anywhere, not just the first round, and expecting that player to give you a solid season, similar to the one I described above, is foolish. While some agree with me, others argue that given time, a receiver can develop into a great play-maker, and the Bills should be happy to wait and let said player develop. While that may be true I firmly believe that the Bills need production from the receiver position now, in order to contend and make the playoffs.
Here are some examples of what I'm talking about.

All three of these guys have made the pro-bowl in their careers, and all of them had sub-par rookie years. It took at least 1 year for these guys to finally turn themselves into a great receiver. Of course you can throw arguments like Anquan Boldin, he of the 101 catches and 1377 yards in his rookie year, or even Marques Colston, he of the 70 for 1038. But all that proves is don't take a receiver unless he has a "Q" in is first name. Seriously there are exceptions to the rule, but I simply can't justify the Bills taking a receiver and expecting him to produce quality numbers in his first year, it is just too rare of an occurrence.

The best way for the Bills to proceed in my opinion, is to sign a veteran, whether that's Bryant Johnson, Ernest Wilford, D.J. Hackett, or Justin Gage, then draft a receiver and allow him to develop, in much the same way that the three guys above did. This draft is loaded with talented receivers, many of whom could be had later than the 1st or 2nd round, such as Earl Bennett from Vanderbilt, Adarius Bowman from OSU, Lavelle Hawkins from Cal, or Donnie Avery from Houston. Furthermore acquiring a tall, pass-catching tight-end, along with a tall veteran receiver, will enable the Bills go get their hands on the best receiver available, not just the best tall receiver. Which is a variation of the drafting the best player available vs. drafting by need argument.

Make no mistake about it, the Bills need to add receivers, they just can't afford to hand the #2 spot over to a rookie hoping he will produce.