Bullish On ASJ
June 11th, 2015
A former NFL scout expects big plays from the Bucs tight end this fall.
Yes, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht has taken risks in his 16 months or so on the job. Of course, hoping a pair of second round rookies, one a Division-III product, can keep the uniform clean of “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, is a gamble by any measure.
As Joe has stated, early in his tenure, Licht will be defined by his second round picks.
The one he made last year happens to be the twinkle in the eye of cranky Gabe Gabriel of the National Football Post. Gabriel, a long-time former NFL scout who worked with Lovie Smith, believes Bucs fans should be prepared for a breakout season by ASJ.
If it wasn’t for a foot injury that prevented Seferian-Jenkins from doing much as far as pre-draft workouts last year, he very well could have been drafted in the later part of the first round. Still, he went with the 6th pick of the second round and had a strong rookie season.
My feeling is that he has only begun to scratch the surface of his rare talent. Seferian-Jenkins has the size, speed, athleticism and overall skill set to be a Gronk-like tight end in the NFL. There are some tight ends who are really just big wide receivers, while there are others who are predominantly blockers, but few can do both at an elite level. Seferian-Jenkins has the skill set to be a dominant receiver and blocker, and if he reaches that potential, he will be one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Pairing Seferian-Jenkins with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson gives the Bucs a receiving trio that compares with the top groups in the league. That will make rookie quarterback Jameis Winston’s job much easier.
Well, the thing about ASJ is that he has to stay out of the tub. Joe doesn’t care how talented a guy is, if he’s not on the field, he cannot contribute. So ASJ’s first and most important hurdle is staying healthy.
Joe does agree with Gabriel in that most folks talk about the Twin Towers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, both 6-5. Even Jameis always talks about those two. But if ASJ can stay healthy, that’s three receivers that are 6-5 for young Jameis.
June 11th, 2015 at 8:10 am
I was always a bit surprised when hearing him left off the list of weapons at Jameis’s disposal. I’m noticing more and more people are adding AJS to the list. FF sleeper for sure.
It’s good to see the Joe has dropped the ‘hot’ before the tub since it’s normally ice.
June 11th, 2015 at 8:14 am
I really hope that we can see him healthy and develop this season. Now that the Bucs have a legitimate QB, defensive coordinaters will have nightmares game planning for those three receivers. Just need the o-line to play a little and hopefully have some production running the ball. If that happens watch out. I think the defense has a lot of holes, but if the two rookies on the o-line can come in and progress this year, this team could be very good in a year or two.
June 11th, 2015 at 8:34 am
A strong rookie season for ASJ seems a statement a bit over the top. If he plays up to his high pick spot it will certainly provide Winston and the offense with more real threats and give the defense longer breathers between going back on the field. That will be a win win situation.
June 11th, 2015 at 8:55 am
I remember the day when we were suppose to have the best offensive line with Davin Joseph, Donald Penn and Carl Nicks all Pro Bowl level. Of course we never got to see them all play together because Joseph got hurt and then Carl Nicks had toe Mersa.
Then, we were suppose to see the dunkaneers, which we did see a little bit of, but once again not all of the trio were healthy at once. Evans had that hammy issue, then ASJ had injuries.
Now, this year it can all come together if the Oline allows Winston and everyone to stay healthy. Just please let us have at least one good year!
June 11th, 2015 at 9:10 am
American’s Qb………..phhhhhh how about American Gangster Qb
June 11th, 2015 at 9:36 am
The ceiling on this kid is high! Hope he stays healthy. With our young offensive line he may have to showcase some of that blocking skill.
June 11th, 2015 at 10:06 am
wonder why we aren’t hearing more about him in practice session updates being posted!?!
June 11th, 2015 at 10:13 am
Lovie better quickly undo his mistake last season and go grab Tim Wright since he was released by the Patriots. He was much better than ASJ anyway.
June 11th, 2015 at 10:35 am
The great Tim Wright was released from the Patriots, doubt well pick up someone who can’t block. I like ASJ think he will be our most improved player this year.
June 11th, 2015 at 10:50 am
Wright won’t be brought back. He was tossed out like a paper plate in the Mankins trade. A 4th by itself should’ve been enough to get an old OL like him. Smith/Licht don’t value what Wright can do. And that’s a shame.
June 11th, 2015 at 11:00 am
The Extended PR arm of the Yuccaneers has spoken. Winston is now America QB. I guess America likes thugs that disrespect women and break the law. Please JBF. As for Jenkins, watch his film please. You can tell by watching him when the ball is snapped whether it’s a run or pass play. He extremely slow off the snap on every run play. He needs to at least sell that it’s a pass play.
June 11th, 2015 at 11:32 am
I’m not convinced that Mr.Softy will have a great season. He’s more like Ricky Dudley. And as far as Gabe saying he had a strong rookie season… that’s fluff to it’s finest. Yea yea he has all the upside and intangibles. I’ve heard it all. It doesn’t do the team any good if he doesn’t put it all together.
June 11th, 2015 at 11:54 am
People are going to be very surprised at what we have in ASJ, a huge nightmare match-up that will have DC’s pulling out their hair! A Mackey recipient, he could be a productive TE for years to come as he and Winston create an unstoppable connection!
June 11th, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Meh…if ASJ is still available in the ninth or tenth round of my fantasy league I’ll probably pick him up, but until he can prove durable enough to play healthy in 75% or more of the season he’s not really anyone you can count on for steady production in real or fantasy football. Please bring Tim Wright back and move Stocker.
June 11th, 2015 at 1:05 pm
I’m pulling for ASJ, haven’t seen one vid of him making a catch in OTAs,
June 11th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Interesting comment, kinda agree that Licht will be judged by what he does with his second rd picks. Too much is made of the slam dunk, top10 pick u make coming off a feces season.
I’m pullin for ASJ but I’ve never watched a UW football game, so other than what I’ve read and where he was drafted…. I don’t have any expectations.
June 11th, 2015 at 7:06 pm
For the billionth time, Buccaneers.com is lazy, ASJ was measured in officially at 6’5.5″, which rounds up to 6’6″ which is what he should be referred to as.
June 11th, 2015 at 8:13 pm
ASG and Brandon Myers should have solid seasons in Dirk Koetter,I can see Brandon Myers returning to his days as a solid receiving TE.