Sometimes it’s a protracted shot for an undrafted free agent to make an NFL group. For no matter motive, the Bucs have carved out a distinct segment of not simply discovering undrafted free brokers that make the 53-man roster, but additionally discover ones who can both starter or develop into a key contributor.
Tremendous Bowl champion tight finish Cam Brate is a superb instance of that. Proper sort out Demar Dotson, extensive receiver Adam Humphries, operating backs LeGarrette Blount and Earnest Graham, linebacker Shelton Quarles and defensive again Christian Izien all match that billing, too. Even operating again Sean Tucker, who simply inked a brand new one-year take care of the Bucs, is present proof that Tampa Bay has a watch for these undrafted skills.
In order that leads us to this 12 months’s group of undrafted free brokers. Is there anybody who’s going to crack the 53-man roster this time round? Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox made a prediction of the most certainly undrafted free brokers to make their group, selecting one participant from all 32 groups.
Can Eric Rivers Make The Bucs’ 53-Man Roster?
When it got here to the Bucs, Knox went with Georgia Tech extensive receiver Eric Rivers. Right here’s what was stated about him:
Bucs WR Eric Rivers – Picture by: Kim Klement Neitzel – IMAGN Pictures
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers misplaced longtime No. 1 receiver Mike Evans in free company, however they drafted 6-4 Georgia State receiver Ted Hurst to assist substitute the scale that Evans dropped at the receiver room. In fact, Hurts gained’t totally substitute the manufacturing that Evans often supplied. Georgia Tech’s Eric Rivers, who has reportedly signed with Tampa, will help in that division.
“The 5-10, 176-pound Rivers certainly won’t be the contested-catch threat that Evans was. However, he’s a blazing fast (4.35-second 40-yard dash) downfield threat who can give Baker Mayfield a legitimate downfield target. Rivers averaged an impressive 15.7 yards per catch in college. While he had a modest 658 receiving yards with the Yellow Jackets last season, he racked up 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns with Florida International the previous season.”
Bucs’ Entrance Workplace Weighs In On Eric Rivers
Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds had a dialog with Bucs vp of participant personnel Mike Biehl in his newest SR’s FAB 5 column documenting the undrafted free agent class for Tampa Bay. That is what Biehl stated about newest speedy extensive receiver Eric Rivers.
“Mike Biehl: “He kind of jumped off the tape a little bit with the speed and the twitchiness. He’s a guy we thought for sure was going to get drafted, so we were pretty excited that he was still there. We were able to recruit him and get him down here. I think he’s got a chance to be in the mix. It’s a pretty deep room, but we’re happy that he’s a part of it.”
Bucs VP of personnel Mike Biehl – Picture courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The pace definitely stands out essentially the most having run a 4.35 40-yard sprint. He was very productive at Florida Worldwide, recording 1,172 receiving yards as a junior with 12 touchdowns. Rivers then transferred to Georgia Tech to play towards harder competitors and held his personal by having 658 yards and two touchdowns whereas additionally returning punts.
Bucs’ WR Room Would possibly Be Hardest Place To Make Crew On
Does Eric Rivers have a official likelihood to make Tampa Bay’s roster? It’s onerous to say so. The Bucs have a loaded place group with Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, third-round rookie Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson. Tampa Bay would first off must be hold six receivers, and Rivers must surpass one of many J0hnsons for a spot.
Bucs WR Tez Johnson – Picture by: USA At present
Tez Johnson stood out final season as a seventh-round choose final 12 months, recording 5 touchdowns for the Bucs whereas making splash performs. Kam Johnson was primarily a kick and punt returner who gained an NFC Particular Groups Participant of the Week honor and in addition recorded his first profession receiving landing final season.
Given Tez Johnson’s means as a returner as properly, mixed along with his receiving means, his versatility makes him precious. As a result of Kam Johnson is extra concerned within the return recreation somewhat than as a receiver, that’s the place Rivers’ greatest likelihood is to make the group lies.
And that doesn’t even embody David Sills V, Dennis Houston and Garrett Greene, who’re all combating to make the group and contribute on particular groups.
Bucs WR Eric Rivers – Picture by: Brett Davis – IMAGN Pictures
Realistically, the apply squad is probably going the most certainly possibility for Rivers. It’s an effective way to develop his recreation whereas additionally getting an opportunity to be referred to as up for a recreation relying on how the place seems from an harm standpoint. Rivers is a really thrilling participant resulting from his pace and skill to trace the deep ball, and one to observe over the spring and summer season heading into coaching camp and the preseason.
