NFL Combine: Three wide receiver prospects the Bucs should keep an eye on
It's hard to argue that Chris Godwin isn't the Buccaneers' top priority when it comes to re-signing their free agents. Carlton Davis III is about as close as you can get to topping Godwin, but even he doesn't move the needle enough. Godwin's role on the Buccaneers offense is vital. Bruce Arians has made it […]
It's hard to argue that Chris Godwin isn't the Buccaneers' top priority when it comes to re-signing their free agents. Carlton Davis III is about as close as you can get to topping Godwin, but even he doesn't move the needle enough.
Godwin's role on the Buccaneers offense is vital. Bruce Arians has made it clear on several occasions that no one can do what Godwin does.
But, the Bucs may have priced themselves out of the sixth-year player's range after failing to extend him in 2021. If that turns out to be the case, you can bet that Jason Licht and Co. will be looking for a potential replacement in the draft.
But it's not just about Godwin. Antonio Brown is no longer the team, who was somewhat of an all-around guy, himself. Breshad Perriman -the guy who caught the game-winning touchdown against the Bills- is also a free agent.
So, who could the Bucs look to when it comes to potentially replacing those guys? Let's take a look at three possibilities.
*Please note this exercise only lists healthy players that have been invited to the combine
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati Bearcats
Pre-combine target range: Round 2-3
Pierce has the size at 6-foot-3, 213-pounds and the skills as a blocker to potentially fill Godwin's shoes.
But that's not all. He can beat defensive backs both intermediate and deep, especially when tasked with reeling in 50/50 balls.
That's one thing a lot of people don't realize about Godwin: He can win both over the middle and on the perimeter. Add in his elite run blocking skills and you can see why he's going to make around $18-$20 million per year, on average.
One of the question surrounding his game is whether or not he's effective at gaining yards after the catch. I really couldn't find any examples of where he made plays with the ball in his hands. That doesn't mean Pierce is incapable of doing so, but that was a big part of Godwin's game, so it's worth mentioning.
Pierce is like Godwin with some Mike Evans sprinkled in. I don't know the Buccaneers will be able to contain their excitement if he tests well (which he will) at the combine.
Tyquan Thorton, Baylor Bears
Pre-combine draft range: Round 3-4
Unfortunately, the Buccaneers will never be able to replace Antonio Brown.
But they can sure as hell try. And that's what they're going to do if they draft Thorton.
Brown stayed mostly on the perimeter in Tampa Bay. He was primarily used through screens, quick passes, or deep balls. Rarely was he asked to go over the middle or make tough catches in traffic. The Buccaneers wanted him in space where he could use his elite shiftiness, route-running, and quickness to beat opposing defenders.
Thorton is a lot taller (6'3") than Brown (5'10"), but he's just as quick and his acceleration in and out of breaks is deadly. He can also rip through a defense with ease with the ball in his hands. He can take the top off a defense, like Brown, evidenced by his career average of 17.7-yards per catch at Baylor.
His height also allows him to be a better target for contested deep catches. Imagine a 6-foot-3 Scotty Miller and you essentially have Thorton.
But Thorton isn't the type of guy you want to target on a screen pass and I was unable to find anything about his effectiveness in the run game. He's also a bit limited in what he can do in the passing game when it comes to route-running and his overall role.
How he tests will give teams a better idea of what he can do. He should test well, too, which can't hurt at the end of the day.
David Bell, Purdue Boilermakers
Pre-combine target range: Round 3
Bell is more of a complete receiver who can play both inside and out, make tough catches, bring in 50/50 balls, and is a willing run blocker.
However, it appears that he lacks a lot of quickness, burst, and overall explosion to be a true every-down threat in the NFL.
Fortunately, there's this thing called the NFL Combine that happens before the NFL Draft. The Buccaneers should keep all eyes on Bell and his 10-/20-yard splits, broad jump, short shuttle, and 3 cone numbers.
Those workouts will go a long way in unlocking the answer that is Bell and his potential abilities as a receiver in the NFL.
Obviously, the Buccaneers hope they won't have to draft Godwin's replacement, but they'll still be on the hunt at the combine, regardless.
Featured image via- Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
