Buccaneers Off-Season Position Preview: Wide Receiver

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch in front of Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch in front of Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

Potential Draft Targets

The Buccaneers may not need much in the way of free-agency when looking at wide receivers, but it doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily shy away from them in the NFL Draft.

Definitely not a priority, but with the news of Evans not wanting to re-sign until 2019 and Jackson’s aging career coming closer to an end, there are guys who could inspire the Bucs to draft one anyway.

Here are a couple of options to look at.

More from The Pewter Plank

Cedrick Wilson – Boise State

As a potential day three target, Wilson has solid fundamentals as a wide receiver, and the height to develop into a legitimate red zone threat a few years into his career.

In his rookie year however, he could turn his return experience into a role on an NFL team’s active roster.

Returning kicks and punts in 2016 and 2017, Wilson had 31 total kickoff returns and averaged 23.9 yards per return.

Giving guys like Adam Humphries the ability to focus solely on receiving duties would be beneficial to the entire offense.

D.J. Chark – LSU

Chark is a much less likely draft selection by the Buccaneers as he projects to go in day two. However, he’s still intriguing as a prospect and potential replacement for Jackson when he decides to retire.

With just one year of return experience, it’s a limited batch to look at, but successful nonetheless.

In 2017 he took 18 returns for 190-yards and a touchdown.

He’s a bit slight in the frame for an NFL receiver, but could definitely produce as a return man. When the day comes for him to step into a regular role for the offense, he’ll be a little slower than guys like Jackson but bigger and more of a route runner.

Next: Evans not worrying about extension

Again, the Buccaneers aren’t likely to draft a wide receiver, but if these two guys show up enough in workouts I wouldn’t put it past them to at least have them on their board.

What are your thoughts on all things wide receiver with the Tampa Bay Buccaneer? Are there other free-agents or draft prospects you have your eye one? Let me know in the comments or on social media to discuss.

David Harrison is one of the Buccaneers Co-Experts for The Pewter Plank. You can reach him about this or any other NFL topic on Facebook, or on Twitter.

"Reactions to Jimmy G’s new contract and a full first-round mock draft!"