Bucs’ Best Bets: Wide Receiver

Bucs’ Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III

If the Bucs miss out on the top offensive tackles in the first round and are forced to stick and pick at No. 14, don’t be surprised if the team pulls the trigger on Ruggs at No. 14. Ruggs is the fastest receiver in the draft, running a 4.27 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine at 5-foot-11, 188 pounds, in addition to posting a ridiculous 42-inch vertical jump. Bucs general manager Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians love speed the receiver position. Arians had John Brown and J.J. Nelson in Arizona, while Licht signed DeSean Jackson in Tampa Bay. They both drafted Scotty Miller last year, and would love to add another speed receiver to replace Breshad Perriman, who left for the New York Jets in free agency.

Ruggs was the No. 3 receiver at Alabama behind DeVonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy, so he’s used to sharing touches as he recorded 98 catches for 1,716 yards (17.5 avg.) and 24 touchdowns in his three years with the Crimson Tide. Ruggs posted back-to-back years of over 700 yards an averaged nine touchdowns over the past two seasons. Ruggs’ speed is special – like Tyreek Hill kind of special. Ruggs also returned kicks at Alabama, averaging 21 yards per return, so in addition to playing receiver alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, he would bring additional value to Tampa Bay on special teams. – Scott Reynolds

Bucs’ Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Memphis WR Antonio Gibson

Gibson is an interesting prospect because he only had 77 touches on offense in his two years at Memphis, but it’s his speed and athleticism that really intrigue the Bucs and other NFL teams. The 6-foot, 228-pounder blazed a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and had a formal interview with the Bucs in Indianapolis. Gibson had 44 catches for 735 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing 33 times for 369 yards and four touchdowns as a senior as a part-time running back. Simply put, Gibson is a bona fide weapon, given his 19.3 yards per catch average and his 11.2 yards per carry average for the Tigers. The only reason why he didn’t get more touches on offense is because of the likes of running backs Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, Patrick Taylor, Jr. and freshman running back Kenneth Gainwell, in addition to receivers like Anthony Miller, who is in the NFL, and Damonte Coxie, who has an NFL future.

Gibson, who had a great showing at the Senior Bowl as a runner, has great versatility and can be used as runner or receiver out of the backfield, in addition to being used as a slot receiver or split out wide. The only thing Gibson needs is more experience, as he didn’t get a chance to shine until his senior year due to the logjam of offensive talent at Memphis. Gibson also brings return ability to special teams, and he averaged 28 yards per kick return in 2019 and scored a touchdown. His production suggests a late Day 3 selection, but Gibson will likely be drafted in the fourth round near the top of Day 3 due to mix of size, speed and ability and potential. – Scott Reynolds