The Pewter Plank
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Projecting Buccaneers’ Camp Battle Winners

By James Yarcho

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Number Three Receiver

Yes, many Bucs fans are excited about Kenny Bell returning after missing his rookie season with a hamstring injury. Yes, Adam Humphries had a good year filling in when called upon. That being said, Louis Murphy is still going to be your number three receiver to start the year, barring any crazy and unforeseen signings (yeah…looking at you, Roddy White).

Since joining the Bucs, Murphy has 41 receptions on 74 targets, netting 578 yards and two touchdowns. This job is his to lose.

There’s a lot to be excited about with Kenny Bell, but it’s on him to prove he can catch the ball in full pads as well as stay healthy. It’s silly to crown him the third receiver on the depth chart without having seen him play extended time against legitimate competition, not shorts and helmets. Many fans, too many, are putting all their eggs in the Bell basket and that’s just not a viable choice at this exact moment.

It would take the camp of a lifetime to unseat Murphy for week one. That’s not saying Bell won’t be able to unseat him by season’s end.

Next: Cornerback

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