Drafting A Wide Receiver
April 18th, 2014
Might FSU WR Kelvin Benjamin be too heavy and too inconsistent for the Bucs?
Yes, the Bucs need a receiver. It’s even more important than ever to draft one after the trading of mattress-in-the-yard, blade-in-the-thigh, stripper pole-owning (allegedly) Mike Williams. Joe would fall over backwards if the Bucs didn’t draft a wide receiver at some point three weeks from now.
A lot of people are banging a drum for Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, who is basically a clone of Vincent Jackson. Joe loves the guy but, with a draft so deep in wide receivers, taking Evans at No. 7 is a reach when there are so many other strong wide receivers that can be had later in the draft for better value.
One guy would be behemoth wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, as Evan Silva of Rotoworld.com believes. Now some wonder how Benjamin, who caught the national-championship-winning pass for Florida State in its win over Auburn in January, cannot be rated higher. Well, there are several reasons.
Joe is killing himself that he didn’t write this down. But there have only been three wide receivers drafted that have weighed 240 pounds or more; it’s a frightening list NFL Network revealed recently. Benjamin weighed in at 240 at the NFL combine in February.
Then there is Benjamin’s nasty habit of the dropsies. Per Gil Brandt, Benjamin had a drop ratio of nine percent. That’s not good.
It almost seems as if Benjamin’s more of a red zone receiver because he is a hulking 6-5. It would be interesting to see what a physical monster like Benjamin could do against NFL corners, expecially how he explained at the combine his love of getting physical with defensive backs.
“Off the jam, I love press coverages,” Benjamin said.
However, the history of heavy wide receivers and Benjamin’s struggles with the dropsies scare Joe.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:12 pm
It is irrelevant how deep the draft is in receivers if you believe you have the opportunity to get an elite WR. This draft isn’t full of elite receivers. I’d rather have a QB, but only if they believe the QB is a true franchise QB (not picking one just because they want a QB). But just because there’s a bunch of good WR’s available doesn’t mean we should pass on potentially getting a great one.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:12 pm
I would pass on Benjamin, unless he is not drafted and can be brought in post draft to compete.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:25 pm
He is a projected to be 1st round pick and you think their is a chance he will go undrafted? If you don’t know anything about the subject why comment on it?
April 18th, 2014 at 3:29 pm
We need some speed…..I like Sammy @ 7……but later I like Beckham……would be OK with Evans….but Benjamin is too slow…
Speed in space!!!
April 18th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Exactly. ..this draft is very deep with wide receivers. So why pass on one of the the best by some arguably the best receiver in the draft. If the draft is so deep at the position and evans and watkins are the obvious two best….dont you want that quality that makes them be at the top of theyre class? Why go for compromise at such a key position. Ol can get taken care of in the second round. Evans is more of a sure bet and much more of a position of need. I disagree.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:36 pm
Jordan Matthews in the 2nd and Jeremy Gallon in the 5th
April 18th, 2014 at 3:39 pm
If Mike Evans is a Vincent Jackson clone, then all I can say is “yes please”. The more players like Vincent Jackson and the less players like Skye Dawson and Louis Murphy the better in my opinion.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:40 pm
If you are the Bucs GM, you are looking at your best chance to win now and the the future positioning of your team. Just think speed in space and I can quickly dismiss the notion of Kelvin Benjamin to the Bucs. We already have that person in the body of pseudo-TE Timothy Wright.
Now mike Evans is a different story. Vincent Jackson will be 32 in January of next year and carry a cap hit of $12,209,777 for 2015. Looking forward a GM may think it is time to plan for obsolescence. Mike Evans best fits the mold for continuity beyond Vincent Jackson.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:42 pm
A drop rate of 9% is better than Vjax’s rate of 13%.
April 18th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Evans is not a reach at 7! and is a lot faster than Jackson…
April 18th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Hawaiian Buc, keep on rockin it brother!
April 18th, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Evans!!!!!!!!!!
April 18th, 2014 at 3:58 pm
stanglassman… I admit I never heard of Benjamin. My comment was from reading the article. I would still pass on him. Are you the comment police? Don’t trouble yourself. Scroll past my comments.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:13 pm
I’d consider converting this guy to a TE. He’s just a few cheeseburgers away right now.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:16 pm
evans is a reach at 7. manziel or Watkins, please.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:17 pm
Of course Calvin Johnson is 6’5″ 236. Almost identical in terms of size.
Of course he’s faster than Benjamin.
But that’s a big dent in the too big theory.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:17 pm
I’ve wanted Kelvin Benjamin from the start, but not until the 2nd or 3rd round.
Here is something I found on Buccaneers.com by Scott Smith
“A month ago, if the Buccaneers wanted to draft Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans, the popular consensus would be that they could trade down five or six spots and still be safe. Now Evans has become the go-to name for the Bucs at pick #7 in everyone’s updated mock drafts, and some think he’s not even a sure thing to make it that far.
It would be interesting to know how much Evans’ name has really been moving up or down on the 32 draft boards that really matter, the ones safely hidden in the limited-access draft rooms at the respective team headquarters. If we think of Evans as, say, the 15th overall pick in mid-March but a month later believe he’s the likely #7, is our collective thinking catching up with what NFL general managers thought all along, or are we all gathering together to inflate the receiver’s real value?”
April 18th, 2014 at 4:19 pm
I’m wondering if that drop rate is career or just last season. Wouldn’t surprise me if it was career.
Big FSU fan here and I can say for certain that his first few years at FSU were a disappointment. Read last season how Jimbo had a talk with him over the offseason laying out what special talent he was and how he was throwing it all away. Jimbo said it was like a light switch went off and he became the hardest working WR in the group.
Don’t remember too many drops from him last yr, and the kid absolutely dominated games all year long. It was fun to watch.
I’m hoping for Chris Borland in rd 2, but if Benjamin was there and we grabbed him I would be absolutely thrilled
April 18th, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Take Evans and get a speed guy later in the draft.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Speed in space is meaningless when you drop a pass.
Pass on Benjamin.
…Connor Shaw is coming to Tampa
April 18th, 2014 at 4:38 pm
So you never heard of the national championship winning catch? Bucfan#37
April 18th, 2014 at 4:44 pm
CreamsicleBananaHammock says :
“Don’t remember too many drops from him last yr, and the kid absolutely dominated games all year long. It was fun to watch.”
Being a huge Noles fan myself I didn’t notice that many drops at all last season. So it must be over his career. Dominated games is an understatement btw.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:44 pm
For what, a good Cuban sandwich?
April 18th, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Huh???
April 18th, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Connor Shaw is coming to Busch Gardens.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Barker….. I was thinking the same thing. Take a look at Bruce Ellington from South Carolina. Smaller slot guy and possible returner as well. Ran just north of a 4.3 at the combine. Projected as a 3rd rounder. Would love to see Jackson, Evans and this guy on the field at the same time. Not to mention Martin, James and Wright as well. Or maybe Demps!!
I think if a couple QBs are on the board by the time we pick we should take Evans due to the QBs slipping a bit and maybe put a package deal together to get back into the first to grab the right guy. Maybe a spot or two ahead of Cleveland’s second 1st rd. Pick.
But no one knows wtf any teams will do and or is thinking, we’re all pulling it from our arse and hoping it sounds good. But it’s fun in the time being.
April 18th, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Perhaps Bucfan#37 just needs a look-see on Kelvin?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTkyr7Qv8mc
April 18th, 2014 at 4:58 pm
Joe, I normally don’t question your logic but I have to on this one.. If Evans is there and he’s the CONSENSUS #2 receiver in the draft, how is that more of a reach and less of a value than taking Manziel at 7 when there’s far LESS of a consensus of him being the #2 or even #3 QB in the draft?
April 18th, 2014 at 5:02 pm
We’ve had some nice luck with FSU products.
April 18th, 2014 at 5:29 pm
Joe-
I have to tell you the amount of times I get sent to the App Store to download a game from your site has gotten to be very annoying. I know you have to make money and pay the bills but I have to tell you, as a consumer it is really starting to effect my enjoyment on the site and will certainly reduce my visits. Just some honest feedback, do what you will with it.
As Joe’s explained, this is an intermittent issue for some mobile users. Joe makes no money from this glitch in the system. Thankfully, it’s not a widespread issue. But Joe is still working on it. Joe
April 18th, 2014 at 5:42 pm
WIth his size and loving to bang with the DBs, I have to wonder how Benjamin would do as a TE.
April 18th, 2014 at 5:50 pm
IMO Benjamin would probably be used as a TE by many teams. I like Allen Robinson, but would really be happy if the Bucs took Evans at 7. I also think Connor Shaw would be a great late round option. Well coached and one tough player.
April 18th, 2014 at 5:57 pm
There is one thing for which I am certain.
Conner Shaw ain’t good.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:08 pm
IMO Evans is nowhere near a reach @7. He’s talented enough to be a top 10 pick, and the Bucs are in desperate need of a No.2 and a slot with the departures of Williams and Underwood. Evans is far more likely to be there than Sammy is @7.
And Joe keeps saying it’s a reach to draft a WR @7 because of depth in the draft and they should get a QB (preferably Mancrush) instead. Well, the same could be said of QB. Not only is this draft filled with QB’s who had successful college careers, but QB is also argueably not the biggest need with gigantic holes to the O-line and WR. We also have no depth at CB. And again, this is just my opinion but, I don’t think they paid McCown $10 mil to hold a clipboard.
Who exactly is going to block or catch for Mancrush? Sure, they will obviously draft O-line and WR later but the farther back you go, the more questionable the potential and talent are.
Take the slam dunk in Evans.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:08 pm
Not meaning to hijack a WR discussion but I’m curious to see what role Tim Wright will play in the new double secret probation offense. Ike Hilliard possession guy out of the slot maybe?
BTW, you absolutely do not want to spend the 7th overall on a WR.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Click the back button. Joe gets these, too. Only an intermittent issue for some, not all, mobile users.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:18 pm
Kelvin Benjamin reminds me of Mike Williams………..the other one who played for Seattle a few years back. He was mildly successful until he let his weight get the best of him.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:19 pm
I think marqise lee is a far better reciever than evans and benjamin.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:19 pm
IMO
If Greg Robinson is not there at #7 (Trade Down)
(*If possible workout a trade with Cleveland or San Francisco)
-Trade our Number #7 (2014) 1st Round Pick to Cleveland
• 26th Cleveland to Tampa Bay (1st 2014)
• 35th Cleveland to Tampa Bay (2nd 2014)
• 83rd Cleveland to Tampa Bay (3rd 2014)
or
-Trade our Number #7 (2014) 1st Round Pick San Francisco
• 30th San Francisco to Tampa Bay (1st 2014)
• 56th San Francisco to Tampa Bay (2nd 2014)
• 94th San Francisco to Tampa Bay (3rd 2014)
April 18th, 2014 at 6:24 pm
@biff…I think they’re taking Evans at 7. I really do. We’ll see.
@LUV…Cleveland would laugh at that thought imo.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:26 pm
Nope unless he drops to the 3rd round, this team needs speed on offense and a Qb to develop into the offense.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:28 pm
@Buc1987
Explain why If you don’t mind
April 18th, 2014 at 6:29 pm
LUVMYBUCS,
Do not be surprised if OT Greg Robinson is there at #7. As interesting a specimen as he is, right now he is at best a right tackle or a Guard. He has all the measurables and potential, but he cannot pass protect or play Left Tackle in the NFL yet. And you know what Bill Parcells says about potential.
If the Rams trade out or Atlanta takes Mack at #6, Robinson will be there. Jake Matthews is not a sexy pick, but he can play every position on the line at an NFL level. BTW, Fisher at the Rams has never taken an OT in round one in his NFL history.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:34 pm
If a blue chip lineman is there at #7 and he’s on out board, you take him. Not a sexy choice for many but it’s still the right one.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:38 pm
@Buc1987
Cleveland Browns have the ammunition to move up! And still smell like roses
1st Round Picks
4
26
2nd Round Pick
35
3rd Round Picks
71
83
4th Round Picks
106
127
5th Round
145
6th Round
180
7th Round
218
April 18th, 2014 at 6:44 pm
I think there is a good chance there will be a surge of oline again this year.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:45 pm
@Macabee
IMO-He’s one of the more dominate offensive line prospects-I’ve seen since maybe Walter Jones/Steve Hutchinson. You can easily kick him in at guard for two years, before you move him over to LT.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:45 pm
LUVMYBUCS,
I doubt the Browns would trade the first half of a deep draft for any one player.The Browns have pick #4 and pick #26. Mike Evans is going to be there when the Bucs pick at #7. What if the Browns offer the Bucs pick #26, their 2nd, 4th and the 2015 1st to get Evans to pair with Manziel?
For the Browns, it would make Manziel less of a risk and provide a potent offense with Gordon and Evans. The Falcons did it for Julio Jones in the 2011 draft.
April 18th, 2014 at 6:51 pm
@Macabee
As you know, anything is possible
April 18th, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Taken I mean
April 18th, 2014 at 7:15 pm
LUV…. I don’t have to explain now thanks to Macabee.
April 18th, 2014 at 7:21 pm
You reckon every person commenting here knows about all top players at every position available? I highly doubt it! Is that the criteria for posting here? I had the national championship on the tube, pulling for Auburn, not interested in the catch that won it, turned it off as it happened. Was he the one taking pictures as Winston raped the girl?
April 18th, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Detroit passed up taking a franchise QB in the first round and instead took Calvin Johnson. Did Calvin lead them to a SB? No! Then they took the top DT in the first round when we took McCoy. Did Calvin and the top DT together even get Detroit to the SB? You know they didn’t. So why do you think taking the top WR this year–which isn’t going to hold a light to Calvin Johnson–will get the Bucs to the SB? L & L are smart enough to know the way to get to the SB and actually win it is drafting either Bortles or Carr this year and let Tedford develop him. They know there is no way sack magnet Glennon will ever even get them there and Josh is just a transition QB while Tedford trains the Franchise QB. They know exactly what they are doing. Let them win their SB and start a Buc’s Dynasty til they retire.
April 18th, 2014 at 8:38 pm
Everywhere I go I hear a voice saying “Connor Shaw”. At night I hear a voice outside saying “Connor Shaw”. I am now on the Connor Shaw train. He is tough as nails and is mobile.
April 18th, 2014 at 9:09 pm
Once again. Winston is innocent until proven guilty. Hell he wasn’t even charged for ef’s sake. The feds want to investigate a cover up, but they say there STILL is not enough evidence to charge him anyways. Case closed.
If Winston decides to play in the NFL over baseball he will be thee #1 overall pick in the draft. Allegations are exactly that allegations.
April 18th, 2014 at 9:33 pm
I like Connor Shaw too!
April 18th, 2014 at 10:16 pm
Tampa will Take a receiver in 1st AND 3rd round. Mike Evans at 7, and a speedster in the 3rd round. I got a question Joe, If Johnny football and Mack and Clowney are gone by pick 7. Will you take a receiver?
April 18th, 2014 at 10:49 pm
What makes anyone think Mike Evans will be more successful in the NFL than Mike Clayton who had better career stats in college? Lets hope the Bucs draft someone who is more “can’t miss” than him.
April 18th, 2014 at 11:29 pm
Benjamin had an overall disappointing career at FSU. As an FSU fan, and as a few others have pointed out, this kid figured it out last year. He grew up, learned to work, and the results speak for themselves. He is a physical freak. He’s a little less then CJ in every regard, speed, jump, hands….but he can jump, he’s faster than most, and he doesn’t have brick hands either. I’d say he’s a bargain in the late first, and if he falls to us in the 2nd it’s a no brainer.
April 19th, 2014 at 12:41 am
i wouldn’t be upset if the bucs didn’t draft a wr early in the draft.if robinson fell to #7, and the guard with the Samoan name in the 2nd, de from stanford in the 3rd, linebacker in the 5th, logan thomas (qb) in the 6th, bpa in the 6th, and bpa in the 7th. Or no qb at all and see if logan thomas is an undrafted free agent and pick-up a wr in the 6th, go into camp with a stong defense, re-tooled offensive line and good special teams. Then go offense in 2015 and best player available in that draft, trade glennon and the muscle hamster (not sold on him) for more picks, move up in the draft to take winston if possible. the qb’s in this draft need weapons to make them better winston made his wr’s look better that’s the kind of qb we want not matt ryans, joe flacco’s, cutler’s, etc.
April 19th, 2014 at 1:39 am
@Mr Magoo – with that logic the Bucs shouldn’t draft a QB because Ryan Leaf was a bust. The Browns shouldn’t draft Mancrush because Colt McCoy was a bust, and he had the most wins out of any QB ever and went to a national championship.
April 19th, 2014 at 7:20 am
Not sure why people on here are so worried about his weight. The kid is a lean 6’5 250 and about 10 pounds of that is the dreads. Pretty much the same build as Megatron. I could see him playing that Jimmy Graham hybrid type position. As much as i would love to have him i just don’t think the senario plays out.
April 19th, 2014 at 7:23 am
If anyone wants to read a detailed analysis on Benjamin, Steve White did a piece on SB Nation.
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/4/15/5593804/2014-nfl-draft-kelvin-benjamin-breakdown-hand-speed.
April 19th, 2014 at 9:40 am
Mike Evans isn’t any more of an elite prospect as Mike Wiliams (USC), Reggie Williams, and a bunch of other big bodied busts that couldn’t separate at the NFL level. That isn’t to say Evans isn’t a very good prospect, but he certainly isn’t a “can’t miss” guy. There are WRs that are just as good to be had later.
I’m with Joe, great WRs can be found as late as the 3rd in this draft…also, part of building a good receiving corps is diversity…and there is no diversity with VJax and the VJax clone.
Trade down and get Brandin Cooks, hope Benjamin falls, there are many other options later.
April 19th, 2014 at 11:49 am
Brandon …there is a great possibility VJax might not even be here after next season. I expect an even slower Vjax this season.
April 19th, 2014 at 8:25 pm
i don’t care what the bucs do in the first three rounds, just as long as they pick up logan thomas/ 6″6 coleman and another linebacker in the later rounds. I don’t think a tight end or qb is necessary in this draft except fore the a fore mentioned logan thomas.
If they could trade down and go cb, O-line, DE (from stanford preferably) in the first three rounds I would be cool with that. As a new fan I can say that I am not sold on your starting runningback and would trade him, glennon, and vincent jackson for future high draft picks along with picks this year. let the team learn the systems and build a solid foundation and next years class will just fall in line with the seasoned group. NO window is closed, ATL will be a joke (bad o-line and no defense/running game), and carolina will have fired their coach cut their runningbacks leaving tampa bay to own the division for 3 to 4 years.