Undrafted wide receiver Eric Rivers is identified as the most likely UDFA to make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' roster due to his vertical speed and potential contributions on special teams.
Key points
Eric Rivers is identified as a top UDFA candidate for the Buccaneers.
He has vertical speed and is seen as a developmental slot receiver.
Rivers competes with Kameron Johnson and Garrett Greene for a depth role.
Rivers enters as a developmental slot receiver with vertical speed, which gives him a defined lane to compete for. That matters in Tampa Bay, where Chris Godwin Jr. is locked into the starting SWR role, and the rest of the depth behind him is still being sorted out.
He is not competing with Godwin. He is competing with players like Kameron Johnson and Garrett Greene for a depth or developmental role. That shifts the conversation from talent to usefulness.
If Rivers can contribute on special teams while offering a vertical element out of the slot, he creates a case for a back-end roster spot. That is typically how WR5 or WR6 jobs are won.
This is where Tampa Bay’s roster construction shows a shift toward role-based depth. Rivers does not need a full offensive workload to stick. He needs to provide something that the others do not.
All of the above keep him firmly in the mix heading into camp. Rivers produced at multiple schools in college, including a 1,166-yard, 12-touchdown season at FIU, where he averaged 18.8 yards per reception, showing clear big-play ability. At Georgia Tech in 2025, he remained efficient with 649 yards on a 68.2% catch rate while aligning heavily in the slot, reinforcing his role versatility at 5-foot-11.
Position
Starter
Depth 1
Depth 2
Depth 3
LWR
Q&A
Who is Eric Rivers and why is he likely to make the Buccaneers' roster?
Eric Rivers is an undrafted wide receiver noted for his vertical speed, making him a strong candidate for a roster spot as he competes for a depth role.
What role does Chris Godwin Jr. play in the Buccaneers' receiver lineup?
Chris Godwin Jr. is locked into the starting slot receiver role, which influences the competition among other receivers for backup positions.
How can Eric Rivers secure a spot on the Buccaneers' roster?
Rivers can secure a roster spot by contributing on special teams and providing a vertical threat from the slot, which is crucial for WR5 or WR6 positions.
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