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Are The Buccaneers Drafting Vincent Jackson’s Replacement?

By James Yarcho

Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) reacts after a touchdown catch past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (23) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) reacts after a touchdown catch past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (23) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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With an offense that truly began to come into it’s own in 2015, one of the Buccaneers’ key players may be reaching the end of his career soon. So, will the Bucs look to find

Vincent Jackson

‘s replacement in this draft?

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Now before people get crazy, no, this is not about replacing Vincent Jackson for 2016. However, for a 33-year old receiver who was hampered with injuries the last two seasons, the Bucs may be looking towards life without the Pro Bowl receiver. Dirk Koetter said recently he believes the receiver isn’t “anywhere close to being done”, but that doesn’t mean his production and playing time isn’t going to start dipping.

The Bucs used a fifth round pick on Kenny Bell in the 2015 NFL Draft, but Bell missed the entire season with an injured hamstring and is currently behind Adam Humphries and Donteea Dye, so it’s far-fetched at the moment to thing he is the heir apparent to Jackson’s starting spot. And as defensive heavy as the Bucs’ draft is likely to be, picking a wide receiver for the future within the first three rounds shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

A few players to watch for come day two are Braxton Miller out of Ohio State, Sterling Shepard from Oklahoma, and Kolby Listenbee from TCU. All three players, although not having the size Jackson possesses, bring a level of speed that this team doesn’t have. Pairing any one of these three prospects with Mike Evans for at least the next four years adds a new dimension to the offense and gives Jameis Winston a true home run threat.

Sterling Shepard seems like the least likely of the three to land in Tampa Bay’s lap, but Miller will likely be there for them in the third round. If he’s not, Listenbee certainly would. If the Bucs decide to take a receiver in the second round, despite the potential for Vonn Bell, Atrie Burns, or Mackenzie Alexander being there, then Shepard would have to be their guy.

Receiver is not a major need for this team in 2016, but it will become one soon after. After Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson on the depth chart, you’re looking at Bell, Dye, Humphries, and Louis Murphy. Should the Bucs get hit by the same injury bug that got them last year, Winston and the offense will suffer by not having a threat at the receiver position. It’s not something any of us want to see, obviously, but the possibility is there and Jason Licht may be planning for it.

Next: 5 Bold Bucs Draft Predicitons

What, if any, receiver would you like to see the Bucs target in the draft? Let us know in the comments!

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