The Bucs have quite the battle brewing for their depth receiver roles. Behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage, the competition is wide open.
The favorites for those WR4 and WR5 – and potential WR6 – roles are likely the team’s incumbents. Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller, Jaelon Darden, Breshad Perriman and Cyril Grayson, Jr. aren’t likely to relinquish their roster spots without a fight. But could a dark horse emerge and impress enough to earn his way onto the team?
Tampa Bay has plenty of receivers on its roster. Then again, Tampa Bay has plenty of players on its roster. That’s why it felt so significant for head coach Todd Bowles to single out one undrafted free agent receiver – Deven Thompkins – when asked who impressed him during the team’s mini-camp this week.
“I would love to see what Thompkins does in training camp,” Bowles said. “He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s explosive off of the ball and he’s made some good catches. So, we want to see how he continues to learn and how he does in training camp and preseason. I’ll be looking at him.”
Utah State WR Deven Thompkins – Photo by: USA Today
Bowles had more to say on the 5-foot-7 pass-catcher. When asked again later in his Thursday press conference about any players who improved their stock during mini-camp, he brought Thompkins up again.
“Nobody’s improved their stock until we get in pads. But, there are guys that run around in [a] t-shirt and shorts that look good,” Bowles said. “Like I said, Thompkins is quick and fast and I look forward to seeing him in training camp.”
Of course, the Bucs have seen stories like this before. Much was said about Kenny Bell, the team’s fifth-round pick in 2015. He starred in the summer and early in training camp, but when the pads came on, he wasn’t the same.
Even Darden, a fourth-round pick last year, struggled to acclimate to the NFL during his rookie season. So, the big challenges lie ahead for Thompkins, an undrafted free agent out of Utah State.
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About the Author: Bailey Adams
Yeah we have heard this before, and have been disappointed. However at some point the law of averages has to swing our way. If he is really any good, Tom will find him. Looking at our wideout room Tyler Johnson just doesn’t stand out. We hoped he’d be like Chris Goodwin, not even close. Doesn’t have elite speed, or size, doesn’t have any kick returner ability. Very average, I don’t think he makes the cut this year.
I agree
Glad to hear you qualify your statement this time, past PR has pumped us full of hope (Darden) only to see us get the air knocked out of us when season starts. I don’t mind getting it wrong sometimes but everytime! Man do I miss Trevor Sikiema
Yeah, really didn’t help their creditability and career too
First of all, trying to read an article or post something on this site has gotten so annoying with all the pop up ads. I understand you have to pay bills, but it’s just out of control.
Secondly, Darden is Dex Jackson 2.0. I super wuss with zero heart.
Hopefully this t-shirt superstar won’t crumble once the pads come on. We shall see.
Pop ups are even worse when viewing on my phone. just to much going on.
5’7” 155 lbs? No way he makes it overall or when pads come on. One good hit he will crumple. Lol. I’m 5’8” 162 and now way I would be able to take a hit from 250 lb line backer. Lol. Same for Kenny Bell and Darden. Too small.
Darden even shrinks when the pads come on , he has no heart!
I m scared to watch him bot sure he makes the team
Totally agree on the popup ads. Scott, I hope you guys are making enough money because you’re about to lose one PR fan. So annoying!
Thats right, I remember Darden impressed everyone at camp last year, until pre season against another team. The writers keep calling him Speedy Darden
Poor Deven Thompkins. Youngster receives a nice compliment from the head coach, Pewter Report does a brief article about him, and all the fans can do is poo-poo it and bring up the names of a couple of other players who received early accolades and failed to live up to the hype. No doubt Kenny Bell and Dexter Jackson (the WR) ultimately were “more fluff than substance”, but I’m not quite ready to give up on Jalen Darden until we see him in his second Training Camp. Not all players shine right away.
From what I’ve been reading Darden has been putting in the work, all you can ask for. Did anyone really expect him to make the pro bowl last year? That said, it’s time to bow up. Never label a player after his rookie season.
I try not to get excited about any players until at least preseason. We’ve been burned too many times before