Tampa, May 6: Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has spotlighted undrafted wide receiver Eric Rivers as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ most promising UDFA candidate to secure a spot on the roster. This assessment is closely tied to the current dynamics of the receiver group.
Rivers enters the team as a developmental slot receiver known for his vertical speed, which positions him well in the competition. In Tampa Bay, Chris Godwin Jr. is firmly established in the starting slot receiver role, while the depth chart behind him remains uncertain.
Rivers is not vying for a position against Godwin but is instead competing with players like Kameron Johnson and Garrett Greene for a depth or developmental role. This shifts the focus from sheer talent to overall utility.
If Rivers can make an impact on special teams while adding a vertical threat from the slot, he strengthens his case for a spot on the back end of the roster. This is often how WR5 or WR6 positions are secured.
Tampa Bay’s roster strategy reflects a shift toward role-oriented depth. Rivers does not require a full offensive workload to remain on the team; he must offer something unique that others do not.
These factors keep him in contention as training camp approaches. Rivers has demonstrated his capability at various colleges, including a standout season at FIU with 1,166 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 18.8 yards per reception, showcasing his big-play potential. In 2025 at Georgia Tech, he maintained efficiency with 649 yards and a 68.2% catch rate, primarily playing in the slot, which highlights his versatility at 5-foot-11.
Position
Starter
Depth 1
Depth 2
Depth 3
LWR
Emeka Egbuka
Ted Hurst
Dennis Houston
—
RWR
Jalen McMillan
Tez Johnson
David Sills V
—
SWR
Chris Godwin Jr.
Kameron Johnson
Garrett Greene
Eric Rivers
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