Bucs Go On the Offensive in First Round

photo USA Today Kim Klement

The NFL draft is upon us and for just the third time since 2010 (no 1^st round pick in 2013) the Bucs have a pick outside the top 10.

After picking Vernon Hargreaves III with their first pick last year, the Bucs will be looking to the offensive side of the ball this year.  The Bucs need help at the skill positions of Wide Receiver and Running Back, and while most pundits think the Bucs will go Running Back with their first pick, I predict the Bucs will draft a Wide Receiver.

It’s no secret that Mike Evans is a superstar.  The fourth year pro had a breakout season last year catching 96 passes for 1,321 yards in route to being named to his first Pro Bowl.  The signing of DeSean Jackson will alleviate some of the pressure on Evans, but adding another Wide Receiver will help an offense that failed to score more than 20 points in eight games last year and only had four pass plays of 40 yards or more.

That’s why it makes sense for the Bucs to draft Western Michigan WR Corey Davis.  At 6’3’’, he is as one anonymous AFC scout said “A man among boys.”  He has good separation skills and is an excellent route runner.  His height will allow the Bucs to improve on a Red Zone scoring offense which finished 20^th in the NFL in 2016 converting on 51% of their opportunities.  He will also give the Bucs a down field threat to compliment Evans.

The best player at his position doesn’t always fall to the 19^th spot in the draft, but in the case of Corey Davis and the Bucs, the best Wide Receiver in this years’ draft (my opinion) falls into the Bucs lap and the Bucs would be hard pressed to pass up on someone with his skill and talent.