Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Get to know offensive undrafted free agents

DaMarkus Lodge, WR, Ole Miss

The often overlooked Ole Miss receiver in the big three of himself, D.K. Metcalf, and A.J. Brown, was shockingly overlooked the entire draft and did not hear his name called this past weekend. Lodge comes into the league as the most polished of the three Ole Miss wide receivers, but is projected to have the lowest ceiling of the three.

Lodge is not the freak athlete like his former teammates are, but he is no slouch. Lodge really needs to hit the juggs machine and become a consistent pass catcher if he hopes to have a career in the NFL. If the drops can be taken care of the Bucs may have hit a home run with this signing; Lodge easily could’ve been a late day-two or early day-three pick.

Malik Taylor, WR, Ferris State

A Division II wide receiver out of Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Taylor was very productive in his two seasons of play at Ferris State. He reeled in 108 catches for 1,923 yards and 11 touchdowns in that two year span. Taylor will have a lot to prove to the Bucs and Bruce Arians, that while he was a Division II guy, he can still hang with the best of them.

Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo

Johnson was projected to be an early day-three pick in this years draft and wound up going undrafted all together. Johnson’s fall could likely be credited to his very average skill set and play style. Johnson has good size for a WR at 6’2 and 207 pounds, but has pretty slow feet and is not the greatest athlete.

Johnson has reliable hands and makes tough catches in traffic and can make plays after the catch. In his last two seasons at Buffalo Johnson totaled 2,367 yards and 25 touchdowns. Johnson is a trustworthy and productive receiver so do not be shocked if he is contributing in the offense this upcoming season.

Contrelle Simpson, WR, Richmond

Simpson if fairly unknown by the common fan having played at the FCS and being an injured underclassman on top of it. Simpson was granted early draft eligibility because he graduated already and opted to test NFL waters instead of returning to a below .500 team.

Simpson spent most of this season battling injuries but totaled 1,019 yards and six touchdowns the prior season. Simpson is a smaller player coming in around 5’10 and 185 pounds, and is a long shot to crack the roster.