Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft has Corey Davis falling

It’s mock draft season, and the draftniks won’t let you forget. Least of all Mel Kiper, who’s still going strong despite having been on air since 1882, for as far as I can tell. Kiper came out with his second mock draft of the year today, and had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picking a somewhat unexpected player: Western Michigan receiver Corey Davis.

Mike Evans is officially a star, but Vincent Jackson is an unrestricted free agent, and the Bucs don't want a situation where defenses can just assume they'll be doubling Evans. Davis won't be running at the combine because of a small injury, but he's safely in Round 1 and would be a good value in this range (my buddy Todd McShay had him at No. 5 in his mock draft last week). Feed Jameis.

I would absolutely love to see Corey Davis on the Bucs, but I have a hard time seeing this happen. Kiper notes that McShay had him in the top five, and he’s been a common sight in the top 15 of mock drafts over the past month. Him falling to number 19 would be a stroke of luck — and not one the Bucs can really afford to pass up.

Because this is what you do with young, talented quarterbacks: you surround them with weapons, and watch them go to work. Peyton Manning dominated the NFL for years with Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison, and some Dallas Clark in there as well. When Tom Brady got Randy Moss and Wes Welker, he really went off.

Adding Corey Davis to play opposite Mike Evans would have that effect, while also adding some real speed to an offense that at times looks sluggish and struggles to produce explosive plays. Davis has size, speed, makes ridiculous caches and, oh yeah, produced over 1,400 receiving yards in each of his last three seasons despite some less-than-inspiring quarterback play.

So yes, please have Davis fall to number 19. It’d be awesome. I also can’t quite see it happening right now.