Five Best Wide Receivers the Buccaneers Face in 2016

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a pass while being defended by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a pass while being defended by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
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The return of Buccaneers’ football is rapidly approaching.  Continuing our preview of the season, who are the five best wide receivers on the upcoming schedule?

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (28) works 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 cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (28) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

70%.  It’s a figure that has haunted the Buccaneers and their fans since the 2015 season ended.  Why?  Because it is the completion percentage of opposing quarterbacks last year against the “vaunted” Lovie defense.  Despite the four game improvement from 2014, it’s not hard to imagine that one of the reasons that Smith was fired was this unfortunate figure.

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In short, there had to be an improvement in the Tampa secondary.

To his credit, that is exactly what Jason Licht sought out to do.  He drafted Vernon Hargreaves.  He signed Brent Grimes, who unretired thanks to Jameis Winston.  They also signed Josh Robinson and drafted Ryan Smith.  There has been a concerted effort to make the back-end of the Bucs’ defense better.

It’s a good thing because they will be facing some tough wide receivers this upcoming year.  Here are the five best.

Next: Number Five

Schedule