The Pewter Plank
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Five Best Wide Receivers the Buccaneers Face in 2016

By Alan Schechter

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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Jun 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) looks on during mini camp at the Arizona Cardinals Practice Facility . Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) looks on during mini camp at the Arizona Cardinals Practice Facility . Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Larry Fitzgerald

Our number four selection has seen a rebirth in the high-powered Bruce Arians’ offense.

Fitzgerald has been doing this a long time as we all know, and like wine, has gotten better with age.  He has posted 1,018 receptions, 13,366 yards and 98 touchdowns over his storied twelve-year career.  Besides production, Fitzgerald has been well-known for his durability as well, starting an incredible 184 games and being active for 186.  Death, taxes, and Fitzgerald putting up receptions have been the three constants over the last 12 years.

As mentioned, he has aged like a fine wine.  With Carson Palmer at the helm, Fitzgerald posted a career-high 109 receptions in 2015 and added nine touchdowns.  Keep in mind his age.  He is 32 years old and not showing any signs of slowing down.  Granted, the likes of Michael Floyd and John Brown on the outside helps, but the fact of the matter is that Fitzgerald remains a top receiver.

Fitzgerald has averaged 67.8 receiving yards in four previous games against the Bucs.  Putting him on the field as part of a three-headed monster makes him all the more dangerous, and makes for a real litmus test for the revamped Bucs’ secondary.

Next: Number Three

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