There is a strong chance the Bucs will be looking for a wide receiver early in the 2022 NFL Draft. Even if Chris Godwin is re-signed, a gaping hole exists at the No. 3 wide receiver spot. One option could be Ohio State pass catcher Chris Olave. The lanky vertical threat is one of the best receivers in the class, but could be available at No. 27 overall, when the Bucs pick in the first round. Tampa Bay has shown some interest in Olave in a Combine meeting.

“I met with the Bucs I think on Monday,” Olave said. “It might have been Tuesday. It was a great meeting. They asked a lot of questions and we watched a lot of film. I think the meeting went well. That’s another great organization I would love to be a part of.”

Bucs Search For WR3 Continues

The release of Antonio Brown means the Bucs are searching for a WR3 who can make an impact. Second-year receiver Tyler Johnson received ample opportunity to impress last year, but failed to do so. Later in the year, Breshad Perriman and Scotty Miller were mostly underwhelming. On top of that, fourth rounder Jaelon Darden also struggled when on the field.

Ohio State WRs Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson – Photo by: USA Today

Ideally, the Bucs re-sign Godwin and add two wideouts from outside the team this offseason. Perhaps one or both of those moves come in the draft. Tampa Bay’s interest in Olave isn’t that surprising. The Buckeyes star caught 35 touchdowns in 38 college games, including seasons of 12 and 13 scores. Somehow, Olave never topped 1,000 yards in a season, finishing with 936 in 2022. But he was playing with two other first round wideouts in Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He’s a vertical threat that the Bucs may consider if he runs a strong 40-yard dash this week.

I wrote about Olave’s potential fit with Tampa Bay in a recent Bucs Briefing column.