Is A Receiver Bucs' Biggest Draft Need?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense under Liam Coen was one of the best in football this season and played a major role in the franchise, claiming yet another NFC South title.

But as attention turns to the offseason, the Buccaneers offense could look vastly different in a variety of ways.

Coen is a head coach candidate, with the Jacksonville Jaguars a potential destination, while Chris Godwin is coming off that nasty ankle injury and is a free agent. Plus, Mike Evans will be a free agent after 2025.

So because of that, NFL.com thinks that the Buccaneers, who pick at No. 19 in the draft, should target a receiver for Mayfield.

"Slot receiver Chris Godwin, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in October, may depart in free agency, and 2025 is the final year on future Hall of Famer Mike Evans' contract," NFL.com writes. "Jalen McMillan has stepped up with Godwin sidelined, but Tampa could use another elite pass-catcher to bring the best out of Baker Mayfield for next year and beyond."

Of course, there's every reason to think that Godwin will be back for another run with the Bucs, but as for Evans, 2025 might be his last so why not try and get his replacement in the doors to learn from him for a season?

Jalen McMillan has already shown in his rookie season that he's got something special, so he's one for the future.

We have seen several mock drafts that have the Buccaneers taking a receiver, with Missouri's Luther Burden III and Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka being mentioned as possible choices.

It makes sense for the Buccaneers to plan for the future and while Godwin and Evans might be around in 2025, drafting a receiver and having them learn might be the smart move here.