Bucs Draft Breakdown: Slot ReceiversJustin Pawlowski @CommishOnlineApril 23, 2015
This is a breakdown of the slot receivers in this draft from a Bucs perspective. We tell you why the Bucs should and should not take each of the top 10 slot receivers that fit the Bucs in this draft.In this positional breakdown, we look at the slot receivers in this year's draft from a Bucs perspective.Here's a look at my top 10 "slot" receivers in this year's draft:1. Nelson Agholor - USC6'0'' - 198 lbs - 4.421st/2nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Smooth athlete and extremely hard worker. Agholor is a former running back who is still learning and improving at wide receiver. Should develop into an excellent route runner.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: If the Bucs want Agholor, they'll have to take him at the top of the 2nd round. That might be a bit rich for a team with much bigger needs in a deep receiver draft.2. Phillip Dorsett - Miami5'10'' - 185 lbs - 4.332nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Speed. Dorsett is the fastest player in the draft, but also runs smooth routes and catches the ball well.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Overall size is a concern. I think he will be limited to slot receiver. I just don't see him as an outside receiver.3. Tyler Lockett - Kansas State5'10'' - 182 lbs - 4.402nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: He's always open and rarely drops a pass. He'll be a good leader and valuable asset on 3rd down.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: He's smaller than most. I am slightly concerned his frame could lead to more injuries if he gets hit hard.4. Chris Conley - Georgia6'2'' - 213 lbs - 4.352nd/3rd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: It's impossible to teach the size-speed combination Conley possesses. I think his film matches up with his ability. If developed properly, Conley could start at slot receiver before moving on to a bigger role in an offense.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Hands consistency is my biggest concern. Will he catch the ball when I need him to catch the ball?5. Devin Funchess - Michigan6'4'' - 232 lbs - 4.702nd/3rd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: I mean, we're talking about the "Dunkaneer," right? Funchess is a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. I think he makes a living in the slot much like a tight end who has been split out. He will be a wide receiver, not a tight end though.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Funchess lacks a burst and long distance speed. He's not what Kelvin Benjamin was a year ago.6. Tre McBride - William & Mary6'0'' - 210 lbs - 4.403rd/4th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Shhh. McBride is supposed to be under the radar. When I watch him on film, the thing I love most is thge way he goes up and gets the football with his hands every time.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: I don't see much separation between McBride and defenders almost ever.7. Rashad Greene - FSU5'11'' - 182 lbs - 4.534th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Greene has experience being the top weapon on offense and he has had success with it. He's fluid and reliable.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Greene is obviously not very big. I also want him to become a crisper route runner.8. Justin Hardy - East Carolina5'10'' - 192 lbs - 4.564th/5th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Loved watching this guy in person. Everyone always knew he was getting the ball, yet he still made every catch.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Hardy has to become an elite route runner if he's going to create separation in the NFL.9. Stefon Diggs - Maryland6'0'' - 195 lbs - 4.464th/5th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Diggs is a big time playmaker. He can be electric with the ball in his hands. Diggs should make an immediate impact as a a return man.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Injuries and durability are the biggest concerns with Diggs.10. Darren Waller - Georgia Tech6'6'' - 238 lbs - 4.465th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Waller might present some of the best value in this draft. He has rare size-speed combination. While Georgia Tech doesn't throw the ball a lot, Waller did show the ability to get deep and catch the ball with his hands.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: As is with most Georgia Tech receivers, you don't really know what you're getting. Waller is raw in all aspects of his game. With proper development and patience, he could become special, but there is risk he never fully gets it.
