Giving Up On Luke Stocker, Dallas Clark?
October 27th, 2012
Bucs fans and media are darn good at knee-jerk reactions.
For example, a few weeks ago Joe was fielding calls to oust Josh Freeman and maneuver for Geno Smith.
Hey, Joe’s been guilty before, but Joe thinks he’s far more reasoned than most.
In the category of way-too-early-to-react, ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas is declaring that rockstar general manager Mark Dominik will have to work on the fixing the Bucs’ tight end situation for the third consecutive offseason, so Yasinskas typed during a live chat yesterday.
Justin (Minneapolis) : Is TE tampas greatest need? Clark is done and Stocker has done nothing
Pat Yasinskas: Well, Clark at least has gotten involved a bit the last two games. But they’ll have to address that spot in the offseason. Think defensive backfield also will be an area of heavy emphasis.
Jimminy Christmas! Yasinskas is jumping the gun. For one, Clark is in a radically different offense from what he had in Indianapolis and is coming on in his production. If Clark can be a weapon through the final nine games, Joe sees no reason why he can’t return next season. In that scenario, Clark should be even better in 2013.
As for Stocker, Joe hasn’t put in a lot of homework studying Stocker’s run blocking, but give the kid at least a little time before writing him off. Stocker is lacking what seems to be the necessary quickness to be a premier tight end, but he does have hands and the raw size and strength to be a good blocking tight end.
Joe’s not of the mind that one can make an October call that tight end is an offseason priority for the Bucs.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:30 am
In the draft, Dominik should be replacing Black, Benn, Davin Joseph, and land another DE.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:35 am
Vic, how can you not mention cornerback in that?
Joe, I wouldn’t be surprised if Pat simply forgot about Stocker. You can tell from previous articles he really doesn’t pay as much attention to the Bucs as he’s supposed to.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:35 am
We are the New York Football Giants of the south. Before this year the GMen didn’t really have the TE as a focus in the passing game. Dallas Clark & Luke Stocker are plenty capable of manning down the position for Bucs purposes.
IMO, biggest need going into next year has gotta be RT, CB, and depth for the DL.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:39 am
Simple, Charlie. I’d take another corner in FA. Not sure how many years of guarantees Eric Wright has, but it’s likely only 2, and then the Bucs can draft CB again in 2014
October 27th, 2012 at 10:52 am
I wouldn’t replace Davin till we see what he can do.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:54 am
@Vic, I agree with Black, I don’t think replacing our fourth wideout is a huge need though and why do we need to replace Joseph?
October 27th, 2012 at 11:02 am
If Underwood keeps playing well, with his speed and size and still being only 25, he’s going to command a strong free agent payday. Don’t think the Bucs will invest.
October 27th, 2012 at 11:02 am
I agree with Pat. Clark is getting up there in years;Stoker isn’t the all-around TE they envisioned when they moved up to select him.Me, I fantasize about what it would be like to have a Graham or Gronkowski on the Bucs–the match-ups would be impossible for opposing secondaries.There will be some tall prospects at the position available in the 2013 draft.
October 27th, 2012 at 11:09 am
A decent TE may not be a priority, but if we want a game-changer it definitely is. The problem is that there isn’t one of those available in the upcoming draft. Very weak at that position. So it’s either free agency or stick with what we’ve got. They may draft a developmental prospect who has great physical tools but who lacks experience, though.
As for those who say cornerback wasn’t mentioned in the article, what do you think “defensive backfield” means? Try reading a little more closely next time.
October 27th, 2012 at 11:15 am
I think Stocker is playing serviceable enough. Offenses have been moving toward these big tight ends but it’s not necessary for an effective offense. We could use an upgrade at the position but if the current trend continues then defense is our need. Who cares I ou TE is getting catches. We go Clark and Stocker the ball when we needed to and we have been putting up points. Wha we haven’t done is get consistent pressure on he qb.
I would hate to have o spend an early round pick on d line again so what I am thinking is draft a SAM to replace Black. A guy that can make plays pass rushing wise and maybe be moved to d end on third downs. Kill two birds kind of thing by upgrading a position and helping to solve our bigges problem on d.
October 27th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I’m sorry, but I have seen Clark throw a couple key blocks and he has caught every catchable ball thrown to him. I think he will continue to get opportunities as he progresses in the offense. It would be nice to address the position in the 4th round possibly, but greatest need!?!? What are they putting in the water in Minneapolis?
Too early for draft talk, but it is essential to continue building our defense. Depth and talent are sorely needed. Would be grat if Leonard continues to show up and winds up being a steal. The right side of the Offensive line will also need to be addressed….Tight end pretty far down the list.
October 27th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Freeman is just now starting to figure out how to maximize his WR corps. I’m sure we’ll see the TEs get more involved as the season progresses and #5 continues to see the field better.
I would be more concerned if Jackson and Co. weren’t lighting it up right now.
As far as next years draft and FA… I think you need to draft in the trenches and go FA in the secondary.
Go Bucs!!!
October 27th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Bucs biggest need is CB period! pass rush will be better next season when AC gets back and Bowers is healthy, that gives them a little more depth but a few of our CBs are flat out gettin beat. never too early to look into the draft or FA because the Bucs brass is already scouting it im sure of it. LB in the draft and CB maybe in FA but not sure how much $$$ we have to spend and who might be available. happy with the team tho!!! BUC IT IM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 27th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
How about a caption contest.
Clark: …Payton always thru it this way.
Freeman: Well, Dallas. Denver is about 2500 hundred miles that way.
October 27th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Clark is a good leader for us right now and is doing what’s asked of him.
October 27th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
What we really need are some players that can return kicks and punts, without looking at stats I would be willing to bet that we are dead last in the league in those categories.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Im starting to like Underwood!
….and his hair
October 28th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
I would be happy if the first 4 picks were cornerbacks and oline at this point.
October 28th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Lion Says:
October 27th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
What we really need are some players that can return kicks and punts, without looking at stats I would be willing to bet that we are dead last in the league in those categories.
.
We have a player that should be groomed for it…and he’s been inactive for weeks. Michael Smith.