Free Agency Frenzy: Wide Receivers

Yesterday, I started my free agency preview with the running backs and which ones I feel best fit with the Bucs. Today I want to discuss the wide receiver position and who might be potential targets for the Bucs. The Bucs have two really good starters in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, but after those two the rest are inconsistent and inexperience. Here are my top 5 targets who I feel could provide a boost to the receiving corps.

1. Jermaine Kearse, 26 - 49 rec 685 yds 14.0 avg 5 tds

Kearse has been getting better every season, and was a quality starter for the Seahawks last season. Kearse brings big play ability, has downfield speed, and can return kicks as well. Would start in the slot for the Bucs and could share snaps on the outside with Vincent Jackson at times.

2. Travis Benjamin, 26 - 68 rec 966 yds 14.2 avg 5 tds

Benjamin is pure speed and loves to run the go route. Provides big play ability in the passing game and the return game as well. Had a breakout season in 2015 and for the most part was a reliable target for the Browns.  Will have the occasional focus drops, which is why he is not number one on this list. Much like Kearse would be a big boost to the Bucs receiving corps.

3. Andre Holmes, 27 -  14 rec 201 yds 14.4 avg 4 tds

Holmes is a sleeper target that I think could make a lot of sense. Now his 2015 season doesn't look impressive, but you go back to 2014 when he started 13 games, and the production is pretty good. He had 47 rec 693 yds 14.7 avg 4 tds. He has great size and speed standing 6'4 210, and he could be a solid slot receiver and spot starter for the Bucs.

4. Riley Cooper, 28 - 21 rec 327 yds 15.6 avg 2 tds

Similar to Holmes, not great production in 2013, but could be a good value addition. Cooper was outstanding in 2013, where he average 17.8 yards per catch along with 8 tds. Cooper still has deep threat speed, and is core special teams player as well. 

5. Roddy White, 34 - 43 rec 506 yds 11.8 avg 1 tds

White is on the downside of his career and not sure how much is left in the tank. Roddy White would bring a veteran presence and a winning attitude. He is comfortable with the Bucs offense since Dirk Koetter was the Falcons offensive coordinator from 2010-2014. Wouldn't be a bad signing, since Roddy did do very well under coach Koetter.

Will the Bucs Find a Return Man This Year?

The main topic of discussion this off season for the Bucs has been about improving the defense and rightfully so as that unit was putrid to say the least, but what about special teams? I think its time for the Bucs to get a legit return man, someone who can put fear into teams when they have to punt or to kickoff. Last years returner Bobby Rainey was decent, but was inconsistent and really doesn't provide the explosiveness and speed needed to pose a threat. In a previous post, I had mention that the Bucs should look to sign pending free agent wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, who can add speed to the slot receiver position as well as handle the return duties. However, Kearse might be a little expensive as he is looking for starter type money.

The good news is there are quality options in the upcoming draft which the more effective and cheaper option for the Bucs. I have two favorites in the draft, whom both could instantly make an impact in the return game for the Bucs. The first one is cornerback Cyrus Jones out of Alabama, who is an explosive athlete and displays great instincts in the return game. Jones had a breakout season in 2015 as a returner, taking 4 punts back for touchdowns which is just outstanding. Plus Jones is a pretty decent corner as well and could be a slot corner or starter down the road. Jones is projected to go somewhere in the 5th to 7th rounds. 

The second favorite is Texas Tech receiver Jakeem Grant, who is just electric as a player and brings some real juice to the field. Although he is only 5'7 168, he brings toughness and shiftiness for his team, and is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands. Grant has put up respectable numbers during his time with Texas Tech, and could end up being a pretty good slot receiver in time. Grant was mainly kickoff returner, but took back 4 for touchdowns and had a career average of 25 yards per return. I think either Jones or Grant would be instant upgrades for a special teams unit that has been lacking explosiveness. This highlight of Grant is what the Bucs need, this is what I call speed.

Is Kearse a Potential Target?

I'm a firm believer in surrounding your quarterback with as much weapons as possible, and unfortunately last season, Jameis just didn't have enough around him. Now granted Vincent Jackson and Louis Murphy were out with injuries which hurt the offense dramatically, but the team should have capable depth to step in to ease the loss of those two. Now Adam Humphries and Dontaye Dye played their hearts out and did what they could but their play was average to say the least. Which is why I think the Bucs should take a look at Jermaine Kearse in Free Agency if he becomes available, Kearse would bring speed and a guy that is consistent and reliable. Kearse would bring a veteran presence even though he just turned 26, and has a winning mindset like what Jameis is trying to establish here in Tampa.

I think a receiving corps of Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, Jermaine Kearse, Louis Murphy, and Kenny Bell gives you five really good wide outs and provides good flexibility for the offense. Kearse is already a pretty good slot guy, but has shown he can be a quality number 2 wide out and would be a good complementary receiver to Mike Evans. If the Bucs can sign Kearse to a good value contract, I am all for it and would provide another weapon for Jameis to attack defenses with. Here is some of his highlights below, he can return kicks as well.