EXPECTED COMPENSATORY PICK
Round 4: Memphis WR / RB Antonio Gibson
6-0, 228 – Senior – 4.39

PREVIOUS PICK: Syracuse OLB Alton Robinson

The Bucs use their compensatory draft pick to add another weapon to the offense in the versatile Gibson, who can play running back or wide receiver. Gibson was lost in the shuffle in the backfield at Memphis, playing behind the likes of Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard and Patrick Taylor, so he saw most of his playing time at wide receiver where he used his 4.39 speed to create separation and torch defensive backs.

Arians loves speed on offense, and after drafting Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor in the first round he adds another blazer in Gibson that could help the Bucs in a variety of ways. Gibson, who had a formal interview with Tampa Bay at the NFL Scouting Combine, can line up as a wide receiver, a slot receiver, a running back or a receiving back out of the backfield running screen passes, flare passes and wheel routes.

What Arians has to like is the 19.3 yards per catch that Gibson averaged during his senior season with eight of his 38 receptions going for touchdowns. Gibson came on as a running back as a senior when Taylor was injured, averaging 11.2 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. Gibson went to the Senior Bowl as a running back and had a game-high 66 yards on 11 carries, including a 23-yard dash.

Gibson’s Memphis Career Rushing Yards
2019 33 attempts, 368 yards (11.2 avg.), 4 TDs

Gibson’s Memphis Career Receiving Yards
2018 6 receptions for 99 yards (16.5 avg.), 2 TDs
2019 38 receptions for 735 yards (19.3 avg.), 8 TDs

Gibson’s Memphis Career Kick Returns
2018 1 return 2 yards
2019 23 returns 645 yards, 1 TD

Gibson could come in and challenge Dare Ogunbowale for the team’s third down back role, as well as contend for a spot on the wide receiver depth chart. With his speed, Gibson could also help out on special teams as a rookie, which is important for Day 3 draft picks. Gibson could be a gunner on punts and on the coverage unit on kickoffs, in addition to being a kick return candidate. Gibson had one kickoff return last year during his senior campaign.

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