“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost longtime No. 1 receiver Mike Evans in free agency, but they drafted 6-4 Georgia State receiver Ted Hurst to help replace the size that Evans brought to the receiver room. Of course, Hurts won’t fully replace the production that Evans regularly provided. Georgia Tech’s Eric Rivers, who has reportedly signed with Tampa, can help in that department.

“The 5-10, 176-pound Rivers certainly won’t be the contested-catch threat that Evans was. However, he’s a blazing fast (4.35-second 40-yard dash) downfield threat who can give Baker Mayfield a legitimate downfield target. Rivers averaged an impressive 15.7 yards per catch in college. While he had a modest 658 receiving yards with the Yellow Jackets last season, he racked up 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns with Florida International the previous season.”

Bucs’ Front Office Weighs In On Eric Rivers

Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds had a conversation with Bucs vice president of player personnel Mike Biehl in his latest SR’s FAB 5 column documenting the undrafted free agent class for Tampa Bay. This is what Biehl said about latest speedy wide receiver Eric Rivers.

“Mike Biehl: “He kind of jumped off the tape a little bit with the speed and the twitchiness. He’s a guy we thought for sure was going to get drafted, so we were pretty excited that he was still there. We were able to recruit him and get him down here. I think he’s got a chance to be in the mix. It’s a pretty deep room, but we’re happy that he’s a part of it.”

Bucs VP of personnel Mike Biehl – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The speed certainly stands out the most having run a 4.35 40-yard dash. He was very productive at Florida International, recording 1,172 receiving yards as a junior with 12 touchdowns. Rivers then transferred to Georgia Tech to play against tougher competition and held his own by having 658 yards and two touchdowns while also returning punts.

Bucs’ WR Room Might Be Toughest Position To Make Team On

Does Eric Rivers have a legitimate chance to make Tampa Bay’s roster? It’s hard to say so. The Bucs have a loaded position group with Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, third-round rookie Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson. Tampa Bay would first off have to be keep six receivers, and Rivers would have to surpass one of the J0hnsons for a spot.

Bucs WR Tez Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

Tez Johnson stood out last season as a seventh-round pick last year, recording five touchdowns for the Bucs while making splash plays. Kam Johnson was primarily a kick and punt returner who won an NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor and also recorded his first career receiving touchdown last season.

Given Tez Johnson’s ability as a returner as well, combined with his receiving ability, his versatility makes him valuable. Because Kam Johnson is more involved in the return game rather than as a receiver, that’s where Rivers’ best chance is to make the team lies.

And that doesn’t even include David Sills V, Dennis Houston and Garrett Greene, who are all fighting to make the team and contribute on special teams.

Bucs WR Eric Rivers – Photo by: Brett Davis – IMAGN Images

Realistically, the practice squad is likely the most likely option for Rivers. It’s a great way to develop his game while also getting a chance to be called up for a game depending on how the position looks from an injury standpoint. Rivers is a very exciting player due to his speed and ability to track the deep ball, and one to watch over the spring and summer heading into training camp and the preseason.