The Pewter Plank
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2016 NFL Draft, Round Two: Five Players the Buccaneers Could Select

By David Harrison

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November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller catches a pass and runs for a touchdown ahead of Stanford Cardinal cornerback Terrence Alexander (11) during the first half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller catches a pass and runs for a touchdown ahead of Stanford Cardinal cornerback Terrence Alexander (11) during the first half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

In a passing league, the team that spreads the defense the most usually wins.  The 2015 Carolina Panthers showed the entire league that a talented quarterback, with receivers to keep defenses from crowding the line, can make waves in today’s NFL.  With all due respect, the best Panthers receiver in 2015 is a third option on the Buccaneers’ roster.  So what’s missing?  The answer is speed.

Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins all produce big strong targets with the guts to go over the middle and height to go over the top.  What they don’t do is blow the lid off of the opposing secondary, and this leads to big hits on those big receivers.

Notre Dame’s Will Fuller is all speed and all excitement.  Perhaps one of the best candidates in this year’s draft to make a big impact early on in 2016, the receiver would be a dream fit who could justify the team using a second round pick on offense despite the big needs on defense.

Imagine the holes Bucs’ running backs could have if the safeties are provide top coverage for nickel and dime backs trying to keep up with Fuller.  Imagine how many times Evans won’t have to try to make a catch with two or three defenders on him just eight yards of the line of scrimmage.

Don’t think Fuller is just a gimmick guy who will make a few plays each season.  As Notre Dame’s best option, opposing defenses game planned against him all season long.  Still, the six-foot receiver turned in 62 receptions for over 1200 yards, and an amazing yards per catch average of 20.6 yards.  Showing he’s not just a big yards guy, Fuller finished plays often as he scored 30 touchdowns in 29 career starts.

The Buccaneers have many receivers who want to be the teams slot receiver, but Fuller immediately becomes the favorite if taken here.

Next: Vonn Bell

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