Past Their Prime

With the season getting closer, the Bucs are equipped with a very talented and deep roster which is something they haven't had in quite some time. As we head into training camp, things like injuries or certain players become available does occur in which Bucs gm Jason Licht must be prepare for at all times. The current roster is not set and is always fluid as the team is always looking for ways to get better. Licht in the past has done a great job of finding key players in August to help this team during the season. For instance, Jacquies Smith two years ago, then last year in Godser Cherilus and Joe Hawely whom all have been big contributors for this team.

Now as we head into August this year, fans want to see the team add a big name like Dwight Freeney or Roddy White and while those two guys could certainly help sometimes it is just not the right move. Gm Jason Licht said it best yesterday while on 620am that signing the name player isn't always the best move.

#Bucs GM @jasonrlicht: "Signing the name isn't always the right thing to do. Sometimes, they're past their prime."

— Buccaneers on Scout (@TBBucsOnScout) July 26, 2016

Now this doesn't mean the Bucs haven't look at these guys as the Bucs look at all players available, but it means perhaps these two guys are just not what they used to be. Now again the roster isn't set and injuries do occur so maybe the Bucs give these guys a call in a few weeks. For now the Bucs have a more than capable roster and it should be a fun season in 2016.

Time to Bring in a WR?

Right now on paper the Bucs offense looks really strong and should be one of the better offenses in the league come this fall. The unit has their own triplet combo in QB Jameis Winston, RB Doug Martin, and WR Mike Evans plus a rising O-Line. However, the receiver position could use some more established depth as Vincent Jackson and Evans are a good 1-2 combo but after them are players that are full of question marks. It might be time to bring in a veteran to push these young receivers.

Realbucstalk has mention former Falcon Roddy White as a possible signing since he has history with Dirk Koetter and can still play if he is at full health. White would be cheap, provide leadership, outstanding work ethic, and would bring out the best in these young unknowns at the receiver position. There is a new name to consider that being former Brown, Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline who could come in and play in the slot or even do some returning on special teams. Hartline, 29 had really good numbers in Miami as a solid number two receiver and could put up good numbers with a Qb like Jameis.

Not saying the Bucs will sign either one of these guys, but to think the Bucs will be leaning on Adam Humphries, Donteea Dye, Kenny Bell, and Louis Murphy all of whom haven't done much recently is hard to believe. Pretty sure Bucs Gm Jason Licht will be looking at receivers if none of the mention above step up and take the reigns. Bringing in a veteran could be the way to go even if it is just to push these guys to a new level.

Does Licht Have Confidence in His Receivers?

The Bucs had holes all along the roster last year which is why they only came away with 6 wins last year and one of those holes was with WR depth. When Vincent Jackson and Louis Murphy went down last year the only target Winston had was Evans as no one else could get open. Many thought the Bucs would have addressed that position in the draft yet they passed on selecting one, why is that? Does Licht have confidence in the receivers on the roster or were the options in the draft just not that appealing?

Licht and company seem to be exellent eyes for talent and maybe beyond the top guys they didn't view a deep class worthy of WR's worthy of taking in the later rounds. I would agree with that if that was the thinking, as beyond Corey Coleman, Sterling Shepard and Tyler Boyd not many receivers in this class really jumped out at you. But the Bucs are still facing the fact that they haven't improved in a position that was a weakness last year.

The good news is that Murphy will be coming back healthy and they also will be getting back last years 5th round pick Kenny Bell back who seemed to have a nice connection with Winston in preseason last year before getting injured. There is still a possibility that the Bucs look to grab Roddy White, as he is still a free agent and has a great relationship with Koetter and his offense. The WR position is one to keep your eye on moving forward as there still lies plenty of question marks as to who can compliment Evans and be a viable option for Winston.