We hear the Buccaneers believe they need to add a legitimate vertical threat to bolster a receiver corps that very rarely gained yards in big chunks during their disappointing 2011 season. The Bucs had only six passing plays of 40 yards or longer — the Jaguars, Jets and Rams are the only teams that had fewer.

QB Josh Freeman regressed last season, and WR Mike Williams took a step back, too, after showing No. 1-receiver potential as a rookie. The Bucs were hopeful that WR Arrelious Benn, a 2010 second-round pick, would flourish in his second season, but he finished sixth on the team in receptions (30) after starting 14 games. An undrafted player (Preston Parker) and a sixth-round pick (Dezmon Briscoe) had more catches than Benn, even though Benn started ahead of them.

The Bucs think they have some decent talent and solid depth at the position, but a true No. 1 wide receiver is a piece that is still missing.

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