Arrelious

Benn

“Regis,” as he’s known in Champaign, likely would’ve been on the first-round radar most years. Though his production was down due to horrendous QB play in the Big Ten’s worst offense, Benn is a physical wideout with an NFL-ready game coming from a pro-style system. He immediately becomes a “No. 1" target option for Josh Freeman in the Bucs’ receiver-needy offense. It’s high time the Tampa admitted its Michael Clayton mistake and released the veteran.

He has flashed his talent in the past and the Bucs made a concerted effort to get him going in the screen game today, but Benn has yet to produce anything but mediocre numbers this year. His rotation partner, Dezmon Briscoe, had two catches for 18 yards. Neither are fantasy options.

Coming off a three-catch, 83-yard performance, Benn was targeted just one time, and appeared to be replaced in the game-plan by Dezmon Briscoe. Averaging 2.1 catches and 34.7 yards through his first seven games, Benn is a poor bench option outside of deeper leagues.

Williams’ work ethic and physical strength remain concerns after a disappointing season. The feeling is that both Williams and Arrelious Benn are No. 2 receivers, as Benn’s speed would be wasted in the slot. If that’s the sentiment in Tampa, free agent Mario Manningham would be more of the same as opposed to a solution.

Jackson will earn $26 million over the first two years and $36 million over the next three, topping Santonio Holmes’ $24 million guaranteed from last year. The Bucs jumped in feet-first, causing V-Jax’s other suitors to fall by the wayside. Jackson will immediately slot in as the No. 1 receiver in Tampa, sending Mike Williams to No. 2 and Arrelious Benn to a situational role. Expect Jackson’s fantasy stock to decline with a quarterback downgrade and coach Greg Schiano’s traditionally run-heavy offensive attack.

Dezmon Briscoe would start against the Cowboys if Benn can’t get medically cleared before Saturday night. It’s still a situation to avoid in fantasy.

Benn was not cleared to practice on Thursday. The Bucs will take another look at him before Saturday night’s game, but they won’t rush him. Dezmon Briscoe would start opposite Mike Williams if Benn can’t go.

Morris called Benn the Bucs’ best big-play receiver. The offense has been severely lacking in big plays, so it makes sense to draw up more plays for Benn. If he can keep Dezmon Briscoe on the sidelines in comeback mode, he’ll have a better chance of flirting with WR3 value.

Dezmon Briscoe replaces Benn and makes his first career start opposite Mike Williams. Myron Lewis continues to struggle to be active on gameday and has only been active for eight games this season. Stroughter is dealing with a ''nagging’’ foot injury.

Dezmon Briscoe could be a sneaky fantasy play for desperate or deep league owners on Saturday night. Preston Parker also may see a few more targets.