Welcome to SR’s Fab 5 – my weekly insider column on the Bucs that features five things that are on my mind. SR’s Fab 5 is now a quicker read, but still packs a punch. Enjoy!

FAB 1. Bucs Must Find Eventual Replacements For Mike Evans, Chris Godwin

When Jason Licht took over as the Bucs general manager in 2014, he knew Vincent Jackson wasn’t going to play forever. At age 30, he came through with his second 1,000-yard season in Tampa Bay since arriving as a heralded free agent the year before in 2012 when he made his third trip to the Pro Bowl.

In 2014, Jackson was entering his 10th season in the league and starting to slow down. His 15.7 yards per catch average in 2013 was down from 19.2 yards the season before, and it was the second-lowest mark of his career.

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Licht knew it would the perfect time to draft Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans with the seventh overall draft pick. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Evans would have a prototype to learn from in the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Jackson, who was a pro’s pro.

Jackson and Evans both topped 1,000 yards in 2014 and then injuries hit Jackson as he turned 32 in 2015, limiting him to 33 catches for 543 yards (16.5 avg.) and three touchdowns. The next year would be his last, as Jackson finished the season on injured reserve after playing in just five games and hauling in 15 catches for 173 yards (11.5 avg.).

Jackson’s career was over after five years in Tampa Bay and seven years in San Diego before that. But the baton had been passed from Jackson to Evans.

Evans, who is coming off 10 straight years with 1,000 yards receiving, just signed a two-year contract extension with the Bucs. But the future Hall of Famer and the greatest wide receiver in Bucs history won’t play forever.

It’s time for Licht to draft another wide receiver – and not another Day 3-type like Scott Miller in 2019 or Trey Palmer in 2023. It’s time the Bucs used a premium pick on a starting-caliber receiver – maybe two.

You see Chris Godwin is entering a big contract year in Tampa Bay. He’ll be 29 next year when he signs a new contract with the Bucs – or another team. And it may just be another team.

Godwin has a massive cap number of $27.534 million in 2024. And he’ll have a massive dead cap hit of $18.852 million next year regardless of whether he’s on the team or not.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

Godwin signed a three-year deal worth $60 million in 2021, averaging $20 million per year. Evans will earn an average of at least $21 million in each of the next two seasons with his extension. Does Tampa Bay want to have two receivers – ages 32 and 29 next year – making in excess of $20 million tying up that much salary cap room going forward?

It’s hard to imagine the Bucs would be willing to pay Godwin $20 million or more per year in a contract extension unless his production picks up in Liam Coen’s new offense. In 2021, Godwin caught 98 passes for 1,103 yards (11.3 avg.) and five touchdowns despite missing three games due to a late-season ACL tear.

In 2022, Godwin caught a career-high 103 passes for 1,023 yards and three TDs coming off that torn ACL, but his 9.8 yards per catch average was the lowest of his career as he seemed to have lost a step due to his knee injury. He rebounded somewhat last year, catching 83 passes for 1,024 yards (12.3 avg.), but finished with only a pair of receiving touchdowns, which were the fewest of his career since he caught one score as a rookie.

Coen is expected to move Godwin back to the slot on a regular basis where he had a ton of success in Bruce Arians’ offense from 2019-22. He was often lost in the game plan last year on the outside as a flanker (Z receiver).

Just like Evans was forced to play in a contract year last season, expect Godwin to have to do the same this year. The Bucs likely want to see if he is experiencing a decline in his skillset as his advancing age and past injuries take their toll. Or will he rebound statistically, as Evans did in 2023, with a move back in the slot in Coen’s offense?

Regardless, finding another young, starting-caliber slot receiver to replace Godwin – either next year or eventually – would be a wise move for Licht, Coen and head coach Todd Bowles. In this SR’s Fab 5, I have identified six receivers for the Bucs – three split ends that could eventually replace Evans and three slot receivers that could take over for Godwin – in this year’s deep draft class.

But before we discuss these players, let’s find out what traits Coen values in a wide receiver.

FAB 2. Bucs OC Liam Coen Values Catch Radius Above All Else

Liam Coen began his NFL coaching career as an assistant receivers coach with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. It was a position he held for two seasons before he transitioned to become L.A.’s assistant quarterbacks coach in 2020. In 2018, the Rams had a pair of 1,200-yard receivers, but Cooper Kupp wasn’t one of them.

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: USA Today

Instead, veterans Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks both topped 1,200 yards and combined for 11 touchdowns. Kupp, who was in his second season, missed eight games with an injury, and wound up catching 40 passes for 566 yards (14.2 avg.) and five touchdowns that year.

Kupp did post his first 1,000-yard season the next year, catching 94 passes for 1,161 yards (12.4 avg.) and 10 touchdowns, primarily in the slot. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Kupp was the Rams’ leading receiver that year, just edging out Woods, who finished with 90 receptions for 1,134 yards and a pair of TDs.

At 6-foot-5 with 35-inch arms, Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans has a huge catch radius – one of the biggest in the NFL. So it’s safe to say that Coen has been around enough talented NFL receivers to know what he’s looking for when the Bucs draft one this year.

“I got such a new appreciation for receiver play when I went and worked for the Rams,” Coen said. “How much they run. How much goes on their body. It’s a taxing toll that people don’t really emphasize – how much pounding [they take] and all that so. The ability to run for days is something that is really unique, and not everybody can do it. Those guys in L.A. really did have that trait where they were groomed and they practiced their tails off and they could run for days.”

It certainly sounds like Coen is putting an emphasis on athleticism and conditioning, doesn’t it? But that’s not the only trait that he’s looking for in wide receivers.

“Now the unique trait that you want in every receiver is catch radius, I believe,” Coen said. “Every quarterback – you want to be able to throw the ball in this area (makes a big circle with his hands), right? We all want that, but that’s not always what’s open.

“Obviously, we talked about accuracy for a quarterback – it’s catch radius and being quarterback-friendly. It’s just being able to be open. If the QB can trust you to put it in places that the defender is not and you’re going to make that play, I think that’s typically a unique trait that that’s probably the best for each quarterback to throw to.”

With that in mind, let’s look at six wide receivers the Bucs should target in various spots within the 2024 NFL Draft.

FAB 3. Finding The Next Mike Evans

The purpose of using a premium draft pick – identified as a Day 1 or Day 2 selection – on a wide receiver is not just to eventually replace former first-round pick Mike Evans or former third-rounder Chris Godwin. It’s also to help the offense this year by giving Baker Mayfield another primary weapon to throw to.

Bucs WRs Trey Palmer, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Rookie Trey Palmer occupied the third receiver role much of last season with mixed results. While he scored a couple of touchdowns in the Bucs’ first four games of the year and came on later in the year, Palmer struggled to get open at times operating outside and in the slot, and had some costly drops. Maybe the former sixth-round pick can eventually develop into a solid No. 2 in Tampa Bay, but the Bucs can’t bank on that happening.

Bucs general manager Jason Licht also knows that good defenses can game plan to take away two receivers. That happened in 2022 when Tampa Bay no longer had wide receiver Antonio Brown and tight end Rob Gronkowski retired. The Bucs scoring plummeting from 30 points per game in 2020 and 2021 to just 18 points per game in 2022.

Mayfield just signed a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason, so Licht is eager to find him another weapon in this year’s receiver-rich draft class.

“Absolutely,” Licht said. “We’re always looking for depth there, too. You know the best years we had – 2020 and 2021 – a lot of it had to do with the great depth that we had. We have to try to replicate that as best we can.”

Evans has been a touchdown machine in Tampa Bay, scoring 94 regular season TDs, which is a franchise record. He’s had five seasons with double-digit touchdowns, including 13 scores last year, which led the league, and 14 in 2021, which is a Bucs single-season record. Tampa Bay could use another prolific scoring machine at wide receiver.

3 WRs That Could Eventually Replace Mike Evans At Split End (X)

Round 1 – Florida State WR Keon Coleman

At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Keon Coleman is an extremely athletic big receiver capable of using his 38-inch vertical to go up and make contested catches. While his 4.61 time in the 40-yard dash was underwhelming, Coleman is not slow and did average a respectable 13.2 yards per catch last year at Florida State and 13.8 yards per catch at Michigan State in 2022.

Coleman is a touchdown machine, scoring 11 TDs on 50 catches for 658 yards last year with the Seminoles and had seven scores for the Spartans while catching 58 passes for 798 yards two years ago. If the Bucs are looking for another Mike Evans-type player in this year’s draft, Coleman is the guy, and could be drafted at the end of the first round or the early second round. Tampa Bay had a formal interview with Coleman at the NFL Scouting Combine and he’s coming in for a Top 30 visit.

Round 2 – Washington WR Ja’Lynn Polk

While Rome Odunze garnered a lot of the headlines for the Huskies, Ja’Lynn Polk was equally effective for QB Michael Penix Jr., especially downfield. Polk caught 69 passes for 1,159 yards (16.8 avg.) and nine touchdowns in 2023 after snagging 41 balls for 694 yards (16.9 avg.) and six TDs the year prior. He has great hands and concentration in traffic.

While Florida State’s Keon Coleman is known for making circus-reel, contested catches – he was credited with 10 last year according to Pro Football Focus – Polk actually had 13 in 2023. At 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, he’s built more like Chris Godwin than Mike Evans and doesn’t have Coleman’s size, but he is faster than the FSU star, running a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash. Evans ran a 4.53 back in 2014. Polk would be an ideal selection in the second round.

Round 4 – Michigan WR Cornelius Johnson

If the Bucs wait until Day 3 to address the wide receiver position, Cornelius Johnson could be in the mix. Tampa Bay had an informal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine. Johnson brings good size at 6-foot-3, 217 pounds and ran an impressive 4.44 in the 40. But that speed doesn’t really show up on tape, as his route running needs work. Still, Johnson is a three-year starter and helped the Wolverines win a national championship with his ability to make contested catches (eight) and work the middle of the field.

He’s a team-oriented receiver who is also one of the better perimeter run blockers in this year’s draft class. Johnson averaged 15.9 yards per catch in his first two seasons where he totaled 70 catches for 1,112 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He caught 47 passes for 604 yards (12.9 avg.) last year, but managed just one touchdown. Johnson is certainly not in Mike Evans’ class, but if the Bucs are looking for more size at wide receiver, he’s certainly a size-speed option.

FAB 4. FSU WR Keon Coleman Could Be The Bucs’ First Pick In 2024

Bucs general manager Jason Licht believes in building up the trenches. He’s spent 10 first- or second-round picks on offensive and defensive linemen in his first 10 drafts in Tampa Bay.

And while the Bucs could use a starting left guard and an upgrade at center, in addition to another edge rusher, Licht won’t force a pick to fill a need at No. 26 in the first round. He learned that lesson with Logan Hall at the top of the second round in 2022 when the Bucs had a need at defensive tackle. Hall has yet to pan out and Licht corrected that mistake the following season with the selection of defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. So if the right outside linebacker or guard isn’t there in the first round, the Bucs could surprise some and select a wide receiver instead.

Bucs WR Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

But Licht’s first-ever pick as G.M. was wide receiver Mike Evans with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Licht even selected Evans, a future Hall of Famer, over another future Hall of Famer in defensive tackle Aaron Donald that year. The Rams drafted Donald with the 13th overall pick and he opted to retire this offseason, while Evans is still going strong entering year 11.

It’s important to remember that Licht drafted Evans while having star receiver Vincent Jackson already on the roster. With Jackson at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, he was the prototype for Evans to learn from during his first two years in Tampa Bay. Jackson was 30 years old when the Bucs drafted Evans, and Evans turns 31 this August. It might be time for history to repeat itself at wide receiver.

Licht and the Bucs will use the deep draft class at wide receiver to add another weapon at the position for Baker Mayfield. Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman could be targeted with the team’s first pick – either at No. 26 or trading down to get him later and stockpiling some draft picks along the way.

The Bucs were incredibly high on Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze when the team had a 4-7 record at one point in the 2023 season and it looked like Tampa Bay was going to be selecting in the Top 10 in the draft. Odunze is a big receiver and has some Evans-type qualities. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Coleman is a similar type receiver and could be the ideal eventual replacement for Evans when his days in red and pewter come to an end.

The Bucs had a formal interview with Coleman at the NFL Scouting Combine and will have him in for a Top 30 visit. Evans was only 20 years old when he was drafted by Tampa Bay, and Coleman won’t turn 21 until May 17.

Florida State WR Keon Coleman – Photo by: USA Today

Evans is known for making acrobatic catches, and so is Coleman, who made several at both Michigan State in 2022 and at Florida State last year. Coleman had one-handed touchdowns against Clemson and Wake Forest in 2023 with the Seminoles, in addition to a spectacular, one-handed grab across the middle versus Syracuse.

Coleman discussed the reason for transferring to Florida State, where he joined a trio of NFL weapons in wide receiver Johnny Wilson, tight end Jaheim Bell and running back Trey Benson.

“Why wouldn’t I want to go there and be with all of those pro guys so I can adapt to an NFL-like role?” Coleman said at the Combine. “You don’t go to the NFL and get 20 catches [per game]. You know what I’m saying? I went there so I could get a respectable amount of targets and go through that mental adversity of every game where you are not just going to go off. You still have to go out there and block and be consistent and be a great teammate.”

In the media session at the Combine when asked what he does best, Coleman was quick to answer.

“Score touchdowns,” said Coleman, who had 11 TDs last year at FSU. “I’m going to be the guy that motions a lot, going to get open, going to make the highlight plays and get the offense started. Whenever we needed a play, it was going to come to me.”

Coleman went on to describe what other traits he would bring to an NFL team.

Florida State WR Keon Coleman – Photo by: USA Today

“Lateral movements, vertical jumping, and aggression when attacking the ball in the air,” said Coleman, who has a 38-inch vertical leap. “My football I.Q., my willingness to work hard, my confidence, the work that I’ve put in, and the ability to make the plays that I make. When I get into that right system that just allows me to go all out and do everything as a receiver we’re going to see.”

The Seminoles star said he had a great visit with the Bucs’ brass in Indianapolis, and would love the opportunity to learn from Evans.

“We had a great interview actually, it was formal,” Coleman said. “That would be great [to play with Evans]. Mike has been a 1,000-yard receiver since he got in [the NFL]. That would be great learning the ins and outs from him and learning how to be a pro and a great football player. That would be a great experience.”

Licht would love to have lightning strike again with another first-round wide receiver like it did with Evans back in 2014. Perhaps Coleman, who actually is more athletic than Evans despite posting a slower 40-times, will be the next one.

FAB 5. Finding The Next Chris Godwin

Now that we’ve examined some options to eventually replace Mike Evans at split end, let’s round out the wide receiver conversation by taking a look at some receivers the Bucs could be interested in when it comes to finding someone to take over at slot receiver and flanker when Chris Godwin is no longer in Tampa Bay.

3 WRs That Could Eventually Replace Chris Godwin In The Slot/Flanker (Z)

Round 2 – Florida WR Ricky Pearsall

One of the best slot receivers in this year’s draft, Ricky Pearsall also brings good size at 6-foot-1, 189 pounds. He has a knack for getting open with his 4.41 speed, as he showed over the last two years at Florida. Pearsall caught 34 passes for 669 yards (19.7 avg.) and five touchdowns with Anthony Richardson in 2022, and had 65 receptions for 963 yards (14.8 avg.) and four scores last year. Pearsall is fearless across the middle and has a good catch radius for an average-sized receiver.

He displays a high football I.Q. and has the moves to manipulate coverage as he works to get open downfield. Pearsall began his career at Arizona State with LSU Heisman Trophy-winning QB Jayden Daniels and Bucs running back Rachaad White. Tampa Bay could bring him in for a local visit in April. If Pearsall has a knock, it’s his age, as he’ll be 24 later this year.

Round 3 – Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley

Malachi Corley has been dubbed “YAC King” for his ability to produce yards after the catch. He was often lined up in the slot at Western Kentucky and caught 79 passes for 985 yards (12.5 avg.) and 11 touchdowns last year. Those numbers were down slightly from 2022 when Corley caught 101 passes for 1,282 yards (12.7 avg.) and 11 TDs. At a well-built 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, Corley is adept at breaking and slipping tackles, and has drawn comparisons to 49ers Pro Bowler Deebo Samuel.

Corley was second in the nation in screen catches (42) last year and produced the most amount of screen yardage (330). He needs more work learning how to run the whole route tree, but his level of physicality and competitiveness are rare traits that will attract the eyes of NFL teams in the second or third round. The Bucs will have Corley in for a Top 30 visit in April.

Round 4 – Virginia WR Malik Washington

After two years of modest product at Northwestern, catching 108 passes for 1,276 and three touchdowns, Malik Washington erupted when he transferred to Virginia. The 5-foot-8, 191-pound receiver may not be tall, but he’s well-built. He used his 4.47 speed to catch 111 passes for 1,384 yards (12.5 avg.) and nine TDs with the Cavaliers as a slot receiver. Washington was Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 ranked receiver last year, earning a 91.1 grade. He has some of the best hands in the draft and makes catching the ball look easy.

With an insane 42.5-inch vertical, the highly competitive Washington plays bigger than his size and finished with 11 contested catches last year. His size and speed are very reminiscent of 5-foot-8, 185-pound Wan’Dale Robinson, who was Kentucky’s leading receiver in 2021 when Liam Coen first called plays for the Wildcats. Washington had 10 100-yard receiving games last year at Virginia. The Bucs had an informal interview with Washington at the Combine.