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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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Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) breaks the tackle of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) to score a touchdown in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) breaks the tackle of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) to score a touchdown in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dez Bryant

Number two may be best known for sideline antics and a “non-catch” in the playoffs that some are still talking about, but when healthy, he is one of the most dynamic weapons in the game today.

The man known as Dez was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 24th overall pick in the 2010 draft.  After posting a mere 45 receptions in his rookie year, which wasn’t a bad showing, he took over a starting role in 2011.  That year he just missed the all-important 1,000 yard plateau by a hair, finishing with 928 yards and nine touchdowns.  Nine scores, however, was only foreshadowing what was to come.

Over the next three seasons, 2012-2014, Bryant posted no less than 88 receptions in a season.  He also posted 41 touchdowns during that time.  To put that in perspective, he averaged over 13 touchdowns per season, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and 2014.  That is in a word, “dominant”.

Bryant’s production is somewhat tied to the health of Tony Romo, who has had some difficulty staying on the field of late.  He really becomes the only weapon that anyone pays attention to when the backup quarterback is in, but if Romo can stay healthy, watch out.

Dez has averaged 49 yards per game in three previous contests against Tampa.  The Bucs had better be ready for him.

We will get to number one in a moment, but first…

Next: Honorable Mention

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