The Bucs would be wise to use the majority of their 4 first-day picks on defense, but wide reciever is still a rather big need.  Joey Galloway is on his last legs (which are still some of the fastest in the league), Michael Clayton is still an enigma, and Maurice Stovall has yet to prove much.  However, it seems like the talk is that if the Bucs don’t land Calvin Johnson, drafting a receiver heads beyond the back burner.  This shouldn’t be the case.

If the Bucs lose out on Johnson and end up with a player like Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams, they should take a hard look at the receivers who could be available when their pick comes around at the top of the second round.  There will still be a few very talented receivers who could make an immediate impact for the team, as well as providing some young depth for the future.

Dwayne Jarrett, USC - Jarrett is definitely a first round talent, but because of the deep receiver class and depending on other teams’ needs, there’s still a slim chance that he could fall into the 2nd round.  Jarrett’s size and ability to catch jump balls, as well as throws over the middle, would make him a serious threat, especially in the red zone. 

Sidney Rice, South Carolina - Another year in school would’ve done Rice some good, but he’s still a dynamic play-maker with great leaping ability.  He would do well to add some bulk to his lanky frame, though.

Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State - While teammate Ted Ginn, Jr. was making all the highlight reels, it was Gonzalez who was the more consistent receiver of the two.  Gonzalez is a great route runner with exceptional hands, and while his speed may not be quite on Ginn’s level, he still ran in the low 4.4s at the combine.

Steve Smith, USC - Jarrett’s counterpart at USC could also merit consideration for the Bucs at the top of round 2.  Smith is a smaller receiver, but he has sure hands and runs superb routes.

Craig Davis, LSU - Davis’ value lies more around the bottom of the 2nd round, so the Bucs could give him a look at pick #64.  Davis was overshadowed a bit by Tiger teammate Dwayne Bowe, but his combination of size (6-2, 210) and speed (4.46 40), as well as his solid hands, shouldn’t be overlooked.  Davis is full of talent, but is a bit raw and could take a little longer to fine tune his game.

A wide receiver would be a smart pick if the value simply isn’t there at the defensive positions of need in the 2nd round (provided the Bucs pick Thomas or Adams).