Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rookie wide receivers getting big opportunities

TOLEDO, OH - OCTOBER 15: Bowling Green Falcons wide receiver Scott Miller #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl on October 15, 2016 in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Andrew Weber/Getty Images)
TOLEDO, OH - OCTOBER 15: Bowling Green Falcons wide receiver Scott Miller #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl on October 15, 2016 in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Andrew Weber/Getty Images)

After losing two of their top wide receivers from a season ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are giving their rookies plenty of opportunities to step up.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened up their mini-camp yesterday, and it was open to the public. Our own Jamil King (@jamilking96) was present and gave his observations; sticking out in his thoughts on the Bucs’ practice was the opportunities given to the rookie receivers yesterday.

"“A few Rookies had a great first day. Scotty Miller, the sixth round selection from Bowling Green was able to catch a deep pass in seven-on-seven drills and also reeled in a touchdown in the red zone period. Undrafted rookies Anthony Johnson from Buffalo and Spencer Schnell also had a few nice plays on the day” (King via The Pewter Plank)"

The Buccaneers lost DeSean Jackson and Adam Humphries this offseason as Jackson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and Humphries signed a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Tampa Bay will need young receivers to step up in their absence.

More from The Pewter Plank

It is a relief to see the youngsters are up to the task to begin their mandatory practices. While it is early and the pads are not on, this development is not one to glance over and is worth keeping an eye on as the summer progresses.

King was especially impressed with the newest undrafted rookie receiver to join the Buccaneers yesterday:

"“The best day belonged to another undrafted rookie Xavier Ubosi he was making plays left and right throughout the seven-on-seven period. He looks like he will be able to make an impact on offense throughout camp. He was spotted gathering up some knowledge from [Mike] Evans between plays as well” (King via The Pewter Plank)"

With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Breshad Perriman set to lead the young receiver room, there is plenty of room behind the veterans for these four rookies to make an impact. While the roster cannot support all of them, the young pass catchers are sure making the receiver battle an interesting one to watch this summer.

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