Tom Crabtree, Luke Stocker On Thin Ice
May 12th, 2014
Bucs TE Luke Stocker’s job security took a hit when the Bucs drafted Washington TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins in the second round Friday.
Joe had thought that entering the draft, tight end was a deep position for the Bucs. No need for an upgrade.
In fact, Bucs general manager Jason Licht said as much after he drafted Austin Seferian-Jenkins out of Washington. But it was what Licht didn’t say that had Joe’s antennae perked up.
“We didn’t go into this draft thinking we necessarily had to get a tight end,” Licht said Friday night. “But when a guy [ASJ] is sticking out there like a sore thumb to us, we felt like it was time to pounce.
“We felt comfortable with Brandon [Myers] and Tim [Wright] going into” the second day of the draft.
Notice Licht did not say “Tom” or “Luke?”
Both tight ends, at least with the Bucs, have been injury-plagued. Stocker has never broken out as a starting tight end, despite many chances. Crabtree, who was known more for his blocking with the Packers than his catching, was injured early last season and never really got healthy.
Now Licht told Joe to his face last year that Wright looked really good in his first year playing tight end after being converted from a wide receiver. Never playing tight end before, Wright finished 16th in reception yards for tight ends and ahead of guys like Zach Ertz, Tyler Eifert, Brandon Pettigrew and Zach Miller. Not too shabby.
Obviously, the Bucs brought in Myers as a free agent. It’s doubtful the Bucs keep four tight ends, barring injury. And since Stocker cannot stay healthy and his play when healthy is suspect, and Crabtree has done little to earn his salary, Joe hopes these two tight ends are renting.
May 12th, 2014 at 5:38 pm
I hope they’re leaving! We have some spots to fill with Oline depth and they have given us almost nothing.
May 12th, 2014 at 5:39 pm
is Noble still on the team? Haven’t heard a thing about him in a long while.
May 12th, 2014 at 5:39 pm
Stocker was another WASTED pick by rock star. Crabtree was a reach, and not worth his $. Wright, Myers, and ASJ is a hell of a TE group!
May 12th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
I wish they would have cut Stocker and kept Maneri
May 12th, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Couch Fan,
Danny Noble cut by the Bucs last year, resigned and then cut again. Picked up by Jags, recently cut on May 2nd, now a free agent. Did score a 67 yard TD with Jax!
May 12th, 2014 at 5:57 pm
Maneri would have been great for short yardage gains and goalline
May 12th, 2014 at 5:59 pm
Wright and ASJ in a double TE set with VJ and Evans flanked out wide and Doug Martin or Sims in a single back set gives us some damn good weapons with a lot of offensive options. I really love the addition of these players.
I only hope our line can freaking BLOCK. Hopefully this is an area where we can pick up a quality player for the Oline when other teams start to make cuts.
May 12th, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Thanks Mac, did not remember us cutting him.
May 12th, 2014 at 6:05 pm
Let’s not forget, Dominik traded UP for Stocker.
He actually gave up an extra pick to move UP for him.
Was there a worse evaluator of talent? Between that, extending Michael Clayton, and the Revis Trade… I don’t know what move was the worst of the 3.
May 12th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
WOW Joe, you must be a democrat, because you keep flip flopping on Crabtree. On Saturday you had an article that the Bucs should see if they can trade Crabtree for a 7th round pick because he is still young enough, does have some threat in the passing game and good blocker. Now today you say he is injury plagued (the ankle injury in the last preseason game was Stockers fault because he was doing a piss poor job block and got blown up into Crabtree ankle) and that he is not good enough. Well from what I have been reading Myers, Jenkins and Wright are very good in passing game but very poor blockers. You need to have one good blocking tight end in various formations so you can at least audible to a run if need be. Crabtree is not injury plagued, in 3 years witht the Packers he missed only 3 games, has playoff and Superbowl experience. I am not saying he should start but should merit time some time in the offense and special teams. Come on man, quit flip flopping.
May 12th, 2014 at 6:17 pm
Pay attention to football Jeff. Crabtree was healthy for packers because he sat on the bench . Come on man
May 12th, 2014 at 6:24 pm
I have my money on Stocker as the blocker…not his fault he has been plauge by mionr nagging injuries…he his smart…can block and catch…perfect 3rd TE
May 12th, 2014 at 6:33 pm
ASJ IS our blocking TE…
May 12th, 2014 at 6:34 pm
That’s what you are missing. Not are 3 rd TE ( Myers asj. Wright ) And like joe said we won’t carry 4 TE before an extra WR RB or OL
May 12th, 2014 at 6:38 pm
Thought Crabtree was here on League Minimum. He was good when given chances playing for the packers. Just didn’t get many chances. I would say Stocker is time to go. Crabtree was only here one year and had an unfortunate injury. I believe he has never had any questions about his durability prior to last season.
May 12th, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Gotta keep 4. Especially since we don’t have a real fullback.
May 12th, 2014 at 6:49 pm
INDYbucsfan …
ASJ IS our blocking TE…
Bwhahahahahahaahahahaaaa
ASJ IS our blocking TE…
ASJ IS our blocking TE…
ASJ IS our blocking TE…
ASJ IS our blocking TE…
May 12th, 2014 at 6:53 pm
very surprised they cut Maneri over Stocker and Crabtree. Seems to me Maneri would be an outstanding goal line extra lineman but I guess they can bring in the swing tackle for that and not have a guy with limited skill set but man that dude is big.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:20 pm
Luke Stocker has become the new Myron Lewis. How he keeps surviving cuts is beyond me. Since he’s been with the team, he has done absolutely nothing but catch one TD (which was on a bust in coverage). It’s unfortunate he keeps getting hurt, but if he can’t survive a minicamp, how is he going to ever survive when the pads come on? No way he makes the final roster. I’d be shocked if he makes it to the preseason.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:43 pm
I’m all for cutting them, or trading them for 7th round picks next year.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:46 pm
Hawaiian Buc Says
“Luke Stocker has become the new Myron Lewis. How he keeps surviving cuts is beyond me.”
I think it was because they just didn’t get anyone better. I suspect Crabtree was originally going to replace him, but Stocker was better then the other camp bodies. Scary, I know.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:47 pm
I like Stocker, but he had time to earn props and did not.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:47 pm
You all underestimate a healthy Luke Stocker…
May 12th, 2014 at 7:52 pm
@ Hawaiian Buc
Heading your way June 2….Big Island…any restaurant suggestions…and in keeping with staying on subject….
I agree….Stocker can’t stay healthy…and even the few times he has been OK…not impressed…time to cut him loose.
He is soon to be my new (after Myron)….”who dat Buc?”
May 12th, 2014 at 7:54 pm
Why exactly are we underestimating him? He wasn’t that good in college, and we drafted him much earlier than it was projected. He has actually had moments of good health, and he has contributed absolutely nothing. What exactly has he done or have you seen that tells you he is going to ever be a good football player? Are you going back to high school days?
May 12th, 2014 at 7:56 pm
A healthy Luke Stocker is like saying a super buff MG8!! Aint never gonna happen!!
May 12th, 2014 at 7:59 pm
@Tampabaybucfan,
Are you headed to Kona or Hilo? Assuming Kona (there’s a lot more in Kona than Hilo), Beach House Restaurant is pretty good. I think there’s a Roy’s in Kona too. I’m not a great source of info on the Big Island, but those places have a good reputation. Have fun!!!
May 12th, 2014 at 8:00 pm
@RastaMon Says:
“…You all underestimate a healthy Luke Stocker…”
IMO, I disagree with you. On the rare occasion when Stoker was healthy, he was “ok” at best. But no matter. The major problem with him is he is never healthy; always has some kind of problem where he can’t play.
May 12th, 2014 at 8:05 pm
Who is Luke Stocker (joke)?
May 12th, 2014 at 8:09 pm
tampabaybucsfan
do yourself a favor and get some huli chicken it is the best chicken that I have ever had. Probably will not get to read this since it’s not a message board and joe is on a roll deleting today.
rastamon
Sorry but the Myron Lewis comparison fits. stocker has had more than enough time and has done nothing. he is useless if he is not on the field.
May 12th, 2014 at 8:11 pm
I didn’t think we needed a TE with our 2nd pick and was assuming QB or offensive line with that pick. However, we upgraded at the position and it was refreshing that that the team drafted who they felt was best available instead of need. Time will tell how it pans out.
May 12th, 2014 at 8:16 pm
I think with Maneri getting cut, if Crabtree stays healthy, he’ll make the team and play. His skill set is such that he could play the FB/blocking H-back role as well… I’m not sure any of the other TEs on the roster can do it… and I really don’t think we’ll be keeping a guy that’s a FB-only (Pryor).
May 12th, 2014 at 8:21 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
May 12th, 2014 at 7:52 pm
@ Hawaiian Buc
Heading your way June 2….Big Island…any restaurant suggestions…and in keeping with staying on subject….
I agree….Stocker can’t stay healthy…and even the few times he has been OK…not impressed…time to cut him loose.
He is soon to be my new (after Myron)….”who dat Buc?”
———————————————
If we’ve got some good eats advice going on here, I’m going back to Sarasota for a month and a half in late June, and will spending more than my usual 3-5 days, what’s the best places to eat in Tampa
Also, who all is going to training camp during the first week? I’m going for the first time, I might need some advice on how/where/what to do… Anybody?
May 12th, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Brandon
i agree with your analogy but can he stay healthy. just like stocker if you are not on the field you are useless
May 12th, 2014 at 8:26 pm
@ Hawaiian Buc
Will be staying at Mauna Kea….Kona….lots of golf..beach…cigars…beer….scotch
Will do the Beach House…& did Roys in Maui…we usually go to Kapalua…but doing something different.
@tmaxcon…..will try the huli chicken.
Thanks other posters for permitting me to check this out….not many of us get the opportunity to go to the land of…
HAWAIIAN BUC!!!
May 12th, 2014 at 8:30 pm
Tampabaybucfan
Now that’s a good time sir… enjoy yourself you only live once.
May 12th, 2014 at 8:34 pm
@ Hawaiian Buc
Mahalo!!!
May 12th, 2014 at 8:56 pm
@Brandon
Depends on $$$ high dollar can’t beat Berns Steak House…Flemings….
On a budget…..lunch….West Tampa Sandwich Shop (cuban sandwich)
In keeping with the article…I understand that Crabtree & Stocker both like Berns…….
May 12th, 2014 at 9:12 pm
@Tampabaybucfan,
That part of the island is beautiful. Definitely not for those who love the fast city life, but great for golf, beach, etc.
May 12th, 2014 at 9:15 pm
@ Hawaiian Buc
We will leave the fast city life to MW19 & Johnny,,,,,,
May 12th, 2014 at 9:24 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
May 12th, 2014 at 8:56 pm
@Brandon
Depends on $$$ high dollar can’t beat Berns Steak House…Flemings….
On a budget…..lunch….West Tampa Sandwich Shop (cuban sandwich)
In keeping with the article…I understand that Crabtree & Stocker both like Berns…….
=================
Thanks, got it, stay away from Berns unless I want to tear an ACL stepping off the curb after I eat there 🙂
May 12th, 2014 at 9:26 pm
tmaxcon Says:
May 12th, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Brandon
i agree with your analogy but can he stay healthy. just like stocker if you are not on the field you are useless
===================
Right, but hopefully last season’s injury issues were just a blip on his career radar and not a sign of what is to come. I’m pretty sure that is the first time in his career he was hurt.
May 12th, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Brandon
I’m fairly certain Stocker has been on IR or hurt each and every season. Am I correct stocker fans?
Don’t see him moving away from that trend of injuries. Couple that with he has never had competition like he will this year. Just don’t think he makes it but food lion and publix offer very good health coverage that he clearly needs.
May 12th, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Hey Dougy Balls, next time you come to a gun fight don’t bring a knife. Crabtree played in 54 games with Pack and Bucs, starting in 22 of them, plus he averaged 25 offensive plays a game. In Green Bay, when Rodgers drops back here are his receiving options; Jennings, Nelson, Driver, Cobb, Jones, Finley then anyone else. There is only 1 ball to go around so Crabtree did his job trying to keep Rodgers upright. Plus he was not signed to the league min. The Bucs will need his help blocking since they did not pick up any other linemen except thru free agency.
May 12th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
ASJ won the Mackey award as the nations best TE and seems to be a good draft choice. For the first time in a loooong time (since Ken Dilger, Maybe?), we finally have a well rounded TE who can block and play receiver, both at a very high level. I’m trying to temper my expectations a little bit, but just watching his game film has me really excited about the future.
May 12th, 2014 at 10:27 pm
@tmaxcon
“Stocker Fans”?…..I think its past his Mom’s bedtime so you probably won’t be getting an answer…
But, I think you are correct…
May 12th, 2014 at 10:30 pm
I think Stocker is gone…and Crabtree will be on the bubble….they will try to trade him (he is tradeable)…
The question may come down to how many TEs vs
RBs, WRs, QBs, CBs…..
If Tedford likes to use TEs alot in his offense…I could see them going with 4….
May 12th, 2014 at 10:30 pm
Tampabaybucfan that’s to funny
May 13th, 2014 at 12:07 am
Can we just finally declare Luke Stocker a bust already, oh and he should officially change his first name to IR. IR Stocker has a nice ring to it.
May 13th, 2014 at 12:10 am
Doesn’t one have to be highly-rated first to become a bust? 🙂
May 13th, 2014 at 1:01 am
I read numerous “experts” say that ASJ is the best blocking TE in the draft. He also can run and catch allegedly. Good enough for me. Stocker is hurt every year! Crabtree hurt once, so he gets a fighting chance to be the 4th, I think he looks like a better special teamed and blocker than stocker too. As far as h-back reps (starting in backfield and motioning out or vice a versa) Sims, Wright, Crabtree give us lots of options and looks to throw at defenses on passing plays. Crabtree best FB type probably for runs.
May 13th, 2014 at 2:19 am
Do you guys remember when they had Crabtree blocking as a fullback last year? It was god awful. Up on the line as a TE, maybe. Pretty excited to see ASJ develop over the next few years. I’m excited to see our tight ends and receivers actually blocking downfield.
May 13th, 2014 at 2:50 am
Joe,
Yes, typically only players drafted high can be considered busts, but I also like to group any player that a team moves up and wastes extra picks on as potential busts as well, to an extent that is. All the hype from the previous regimes promising us how good Stocker is or will be warrants the bust label.
May 13th, 2014 at 6:36 am
Crabtree and Stocker can be added to the Rock Star’s ever growing list failed acquisitions.
May 13th, 2014 at 4:41 pm
What about the possiblity that they move Wright to slot receiver and keep ASJ, Myers, and Crabtree as tight ends, with Crabtree playing more of an H-back roll?
May 13th, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Also how do you explain that the Bucs yards per game were the highest of the season when Crabtree was health but dropped off when he was out.
May 14th, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Brandon,
Go to the College Hill neighborhood in Tampa. There’s a great Pop-Eyes there. Be sure to flash a lot of cash around. 😉
May 17th, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Cut. It was fun.