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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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs after a reception against Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen (69) and safety Kurt Coleman (20) in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs after a reception against Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen (69) and safety Kurt Coleman (20) in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

3. Demaryius Thomas

Number three has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the game over the last four seasons.

“DT” joined the Broncos as the 22nd overall pick in the 2010 draft.  After two modest seasons to begin his career, the arrival of Peyton Manning brought Thomas to the starting lineup, and brought his play to the level of elite.  In 2012, Thomas caught 94 passes for 1,434 yards and ten touchdowns.  He followed that up in 2013 with a near-identical 92 pass receptions for 1,430 yards and 14 touchdowns.

2014 marked the first of two straight seasons where Thomas posted over 100 receptions, with 111 in 2014 and 105 in 2015.  His performance from 2012-2014 earned him three straight Pro Bowl selections.  He has been a solid player in the playoffs as well 95 receptions for 759 yards and six touchdowns in ten games during the month of January.

So, why is he only number three?  His hands have been less than stellar.  According to Sporting Charts, Thomas has been at or near of the dropped passes percentage list in each of the last three seasons.  His hands have not been good over the years which keeps his position on the list behind the two leaders.

But that doesn’t mean he won’t be in need of a lot of attention when the champs face the Bucs.

Next: Number Two

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