As a Buccaneer fan, I am excited about the team’s pursuit of Penn State’s Mitchell Tinsley in the upcoming NFL draft. Tinsley is a talented wide receiver who has shown impressive speed and agility on the field. He has the ability to make plays downfield with his exceptional route running skills and is also a reliable target in the red zone. His contributions to the team could provide a significant boost to the Buccaneers’ offense, and I am eager to see him in action on the field this season.
Buccaneers Draft Needs
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for ways to improve on what was an outstanding 2020 season. With quarterback Tom Brady at the helm, the Bucs are well-positioned to make another run at the Super Bowl. However, the team has some areas that need to be addressed in the draft, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
At the top of the list of needs is a wide receiver to complement the talented trio of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown. The Bucs’ offense lived up to its billing as one of the best in the league last year, but injuries to Evans and Godwin highlighted the need for depth at the position. Drafting a receiver would also provide insurance in case Brown, who is on a one-year deal, doesn’t return in 2021.
Mitchell Tinsley: A Viable Option for the Bucs
One prospect who could fill that need for the Bucs is Penn State wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley. While not a household name, Tinsley possesses the skill set and experience to contribute right away in the NFL.
Strengths
Tinsley’s biggest strength is his ability to make contested catches. At 6’2 and 203 pounds, he has the size and strength to go up and get the ball in tight coverage. His catch radius is impressive, and he has shown the ability to snag passes outside of his frame.
Another area where Tinsley excels is in the intermediate passing game. He runs crisp routes and has good awareness of zone coverages, finding the soft spots and settling in for easy completions. Tinsley’s ability to make quick, sudden movements helps him create separation from defenders.
Weaknesses
Tinsley is not a burner and doesn’t possess game-breaking speed. He won’t be a deep threat that scares defenses, but he does have the ability to make catches in traffic and move the chains.
Another weakness for Tinsley is his lack of experience on special teams. As a receiver, he has never returned kicks or punts, which could limit his value to the Bucs. With the team’s current return options being limited, adding a player with special teams potential would be ideal.
Fit with the Buccaneers
Tinsley’s skill set would fit well with the Bucs’ offense. With Evans and Godwin taking most of the attention from defenses, Tinsley could utilize his size and catch radius to become a reliable target for Brady. He could also help in the red zone, where his ability to make contested catches would be invaluable.
One area where Tinsley could improve the most is in his run blocking. At Penn State, he didn’t have many opportunities to showcase his ability in this area, but it’s a critical skill for receivers in the Bucs’ offense. If he can develop this skill and contribute on special teams, Tinsley would be an excellent fit in Tampa Bay.
Conclusion
As the Bucs look to build on their Super Bowl victory, adding depth at wide receiver is one of their top priorities. Mitchell Tinsley, with his size, catch radius, and ability to make contested catches, could be an excellent addition to the team. While he may not have elite speed or experience on special teams, his skill set and potential make him a viable target for the Bucs in the upcoming draft.
