Humphries is Ready to Compete for Playing Time

Adam Humphries has some stiff competition for the slot receiver and returner positions as we get closer to July. Humphries was one of the few bright spots on the team last year as he stepped up nicely filling in for the injured Louis Murphy as the slot receiver. He is not the biggest or the fastest but reliable and that is what you want from your third receiver. Humphries had a decent rookie season hauling in 27 catches for 260yds and one touchdown. Humphries is working hard to improve in all areas and feels he has already improved via Buccaneers.com.

"I do feel like I'm a better player [this year]," said Humphries. "I feel like every year I need to improve and that's what you have to do to stay in this league. I had a good offseason and I feel like so far in OTAs we've improved. Personally, I feel like I've improved and that I've performed well this offseason.

Humphries looks up to New England's star receiver Julian Edelman and wants to evolve his game similar to him by being precise in his route running and overall lateral quickness. If Humphries can become anything close to Edelman then the Bucs got another steal and the offense will be in good hands. Humphries is going to have to earn it as he faces tough competition from Kenny Bell and Evan Spencer. The receiver position will be a fun one to watch come training camp.

Potential Sleeper at the Receiver Position?

The Bucs have talent at the receiver position with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson leading the way, along with Louis Murphy, Russell Shepard, and Adam Humphries. Evans is a true number one and will be a dominant force for years to come. Jackson is on the older side as he is 33 but is still very productive and should bounce back if healthy. Murphy and Shepard are both decent players but nothing special as both have plateau. Humphries has potential as a slot receiver and displays consistent hands and hopefully can continue to get better.

However, there is one receiver that was mainly on the practice squad this past season that is starting to make noise and that is Evan Spencer out of Ohio State. Spencer is only 23 and has good size at 6'2 208lbs plus he has the speed and hands as well. Teammate Mike Evans had good things to say about Spencer per pewterreport.com.

“He’s a hard worker,” Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans said. “He’s 6-foot-1 and he has good speed, but he has really good hands. That’s what people don’t realize. He has really good hands.”

If Spencer can provide consistency and show the ability to make big plays, he could very well beat out Louis Murphy or Russell Shepard for a roster spot on the team. The Bucs need a speed/deep threat and perhaps that is Spencer. Maybe this is why the Bucs passed on drafting a receiver this year.