Round 3, Pick 89: Devontez Walker, WR/North Carolina
With Tampa Bay resigning legendary wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year, $52 million contract extension on Tuesday, the Buccaneers still hold one of the league's top receiving duos with Evans and Chris Godwin.
Outside of Evans and Godwin, however, the Buccaneers didn't have any other notable production from their wide receivers. In fact, rookie sixth-round pick Trey Palmer was the team's next productive wide receiver, catching 39 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games (18 starts).
Due to this, wide receiver should be one of the main positions Tampa Bay addresses this offseason. Here, the Buccaneers add Walker, one of the nation's standout vertical threats.
UNC Wide Receiver Devontez Walker quickly became Drake Maye's top target when he entered to lineup. Here is what he is offering NFL teams
— Bryce Huff’s Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) February 2, 2024
Positives
✅ Blazing speed. Reached 21 mph at the Senior Bowl
✅ Spectacular catch ability
✅ Speed warrants manufactured touches
Negatives… pic.twitter.com/W5jQi9N85o
Following a forgettable freshman season at Kent State in 2021, Newsome exploded as a sophomore in 2022. In 12 games for the Golden Flashes, Walker caught 58 passes for 921 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns and 15.9 yards per catch, marks that ranked eighth, second and first in the MAC Conference.
In the ensuing offseason, Newsome transferred to North Carolina in hopes of continuing to boost his draft stock. This past season, Newsome finished with 41 receptions, 699 receiving yards, seven touchdowns and an ACC-Conference-leading 17.0 yards per catch.
At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Walker is an explosive long strider who can quickly accelerate and find space up the seam. In addition to his respective seasons at Kent State and North Carolina, Walker showcased his elite athleticism at the draft combine last week.
For reference, Walker finished with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, an 11-foot, two-inch broad jump and a 40.5" vertical jump. According to Next Gen Stats, Walker earned an 81 total score at the combine, which ranks seventh among all wide receivers with an overall good standing. In the fourth round, Walker can be a true No. 3 or 4 wide receiver that Tampa Bay has desperately needed behind Evans and Godwin.