Buccaneers meeting with perfect 2022 draft option to win now

The Buccaneers can never have too many viable wide receivers.

Wide receiver looked like it was going to be one of the greatest strengths for the Buccaneers on offense in 2021. The unit had great starters, highly-touted draft picks, and some quality depth options that stepped up well in past years, but the potential never materialized in the disappointing playoff run.

Injuries and unfortunate circumstances took Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown off the field, and the lack of consistency at the position beyond that point played a role in derailing the offense.

Fans may still like the upside of guys like Jaelon Darden, Scotty Miller, and Tyler Johnson, but the Bucs know they can’t count on this production to just show up during such a pivotal time. Instead, Tampa went after Russell Gage, re-signed veteran Breshad Perriman, and they aren’t stopping there.

In addition to free agency, the Bucs are making it clear that they are open to drafting a wide receiver by meeting with Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks this week.

The Buccaneers would love Treylon Burks

Some people may see this as a redundant pick with so many pieces already in the unit, but not being open to the idea does threaten the potential of wasting Tom Brady’s likely final season in Tampa. Yes, the other guys may pan out, but the odds are much greater that Burks will be a stud as the WR3 or WR4 in year one rather than anyone else on the roster.

Burks’ RAS may not impress anyone, but RAS is not everything. Christian Watson is one of the most athletic players in the class, yet both players still find themselves outside of the top group of receivers looking in.

Some poor testing at Pro Day and the Combine may cause some to pause for a moment in their evaluation of Burks, but the talent as a pass-catcher is still undeniably there, especially when some teams overvalue athleticism and ignore sound football mechanics, which could lead to the Buccaneers landing a steal of a football player without having to break the bank.

There is still plenty of time for the Bucs to evaluate their roster and make a decision, but it is at least nice to see them put some thought into the position after what we saw from the depth last year.

If winning now is the true goal for Todd Bowles and company, which it should be, going after another proven receiver is a great place to start.

Want to write about the Buccaneers? Apply below!

Want your voice heard? Join the The Pewter Plank team!

Write for us!