Breakout
July 18th, 2015
If healthy, Bucs TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins could be a weapon.
Right now, less than a year removed, the 2014 Bucs draft looks to be a one-man band. Mike Evans has been nothing less than a home run.
The rest of the draft? Shaky, to be polite.
Running back Charles Sims sure looked to be forced into playing duty. Nothing he did impressed Joe. But Joe is willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt since he got hurt in preseason.
Then, there are the Milk Cartons. No further comment. Self-explanatory.
But the one guy who could join Evans in the ranks of a true weapon this fall is tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. In his look at four topics to monitor in training camp, Buccaneers.com multimedia maven Scott Smith believes ASJ will show up big time.
The Buccaneers have a number of big targets for the red zone, but the presence of the 6-5 duo of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson should only help Seferian-Jenkins work the middle of the field. The fade pass to either corner is always in play when Evans and Jenkins are on the field, and the concern over that play means wider spaces in between for Jenkins. Expect the Buccaneers to work extensively on their red zone package during camp, and ASJ will be a noticeable part of that.
Even away from the goal line, the second-year player, who was drafted with the highest pick the franchise has ever used on a tight end is likely to be an emerging force in the offense, and that should be plain to see on the training camp practice field. Dirk Koetter has a proven track record at making the most out of his team’s strengths, whether it be Maurice Jones-Drew or Matt Ryan, so one should expect that he is devising ways to find mismatches for all three of Evans, Jackson and Seferian-Jenkins. For ASJ, that means working him into one-on-one matchups with slower linebackers or smaller cornerbacks.
Training camp crowds love the big plays above all else, so the loudest cheers are likely to come from Mike Evans catching a pass from Jameis Winston deep down the sideline. Still, if this prediction is right, at some point we should be hearing an “A-S-J!” chant at One Buccaneer Place in August.
ASJ’s biggest problem was staying out of the tub. He arrived dinged off foot surgery, and Joe doesn’t think the guy was truly healthy at all last year. You can have the biggest heart and greatest skillset in the world, but if you can’t stay out of the tub, it doesn’t matter.
So the key with ASJ this summer and fall is health. The way offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter likes to use tight ends, and the way “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, loves tall receivers, ASJ really could have a breakout year and make last year’s draft class that more appealing.
July 18th, 2015 at 4:06 pm
Two people on the Bucs that love their TE’s. Koetter and Famous Jameis.
July 18th, 2015 at 4:46 pm
No more excuses for Seferian-Jenkins. even though he only had 21 receptions he did not have a single tackle either avoided or broken. That is alarming for a man of his size. He has the potential, you could see it at Washington. ASJ kust needs to hold on to the ball and bust some tackles for extra yardage. I too feel the same about last years draft. I still like Sims but need to see something from Pamphile and Edwards. It will be interesting to see if Herron makes the team?
July 18th, 2015 at 4:53 pm
I see no problem with last years’ draft. Our late round Offensive Linemen have just needed a year to adjust to the NFL. At those latter rounds you get developmental players that take awhile until they are starter material. I felt ASJ was the best TE in the draft last year. Don’t forget that McCoy appeared for awhile to be a durability mistake his first two years and now he is one of the best DL in the NFL. I believe ASJ will have his breakout year this year! Sims has good quickness and great hands and Koetter will show how to use his skills in his new offense. Sims runs too upright to be an every down back between the Tackles. I really think Sims would make a super slot receiver if he can’t compete that well as a back. I am hoping Dominique Brown becomes the big back we have lacked in our offense since he can open his own holes if our OL isn’t that good immediately this season while they learn the new scheme!
July 18th, 2015 at 5:32 pm
Did the NFL get rid of the dunk over the crossbar after scoring a TD? If not, the Bucs have a trio of receivers tall enough to do it with ease. Anyway, this offense should light up the scoreboard like a pinball machine.
July 18th, 2015 at 5:32 pm
Hmmm… I wonder if J-Win loved his TE at FSU 😎
July 18th, 2015 at 5:50 pm
@Buccfan, I know they banned dunking and hanging on the bar, I’m not 100% positive about dunking it over (basically getting high enough to throw it over the bar). I’m pretty sure if there is contact, it will be a penalty.
And we all know how the refs have treated this team throughout history… If there is any doubt, it will be a penalty against us.
I think ASJ needs to get a few more TDs under his belt before he starts worrying about the celebrations.
July 18th, 2015 at 5:51 pm
He sure did jbeachbuc.. Wishing my guy O’leary much success up there in Buffalo.
July 18th, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Tony Dungy said it best. The greatest ability you can possess is availability. Without that no other ability can even be considered.
July 18th, 2015 at 6:06 pm
This is going to be a top ten offense by next season a long as Koetter stays. They may even be a top ten offense down the second half.
You’ve got Winston now throwing to
Vjax on his left
Evans on his right
ASJ in the middle
Kenny Bell terrorizing the rest of the entire field like a killer bee flying around your head!
There is no excuse to not be able to create first downs with those receivers. It should be EASSSSSSSSY to get a running game going with these guys.
If they don’t Koetter will be getting promoted because it will be Lovies fault not his. Cuter has proven to move the chains. There is only one man than could keep him from doing it. And if he does, it will be a similar situation to 2002. We will put an offensive mind in charge with an established defense in place.
I would prefer Lovie and Koetter both be coaching this team for years to come…but I don’t think it will happen. Hopefully Lovie really is hands off with the offense.
July 18th, 2015 at 6:22 pm
I hear ASJ and J-win have a bromance going on, which is great.
I agree that Simms should slide to the slot. I also think kwon should slide to safety too, but what do I know?
You can’t use the ball as a prop as ASJ should be well aware so if you shoot it, dunk it or step on its its 15 yards.
I really truly wish the best players play this year regardless of draft pick or regime.
I’d like to hear an A-S-J chant but I have a feeling it’s going to sound more like T-IM-WRIGHT.
Oh and did I mention mike the caveman Williams is available. He’s 6’2? But jumps like he 8′ tall. Vjax has some ups too.
July 18th, 2015 at 8:29 pm
Screw mike williams…..bum
July 18th, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Ah, the one-millionth ASJ article that uses those amazing two qualifying words:
“If healthy…..”
July 18th, 2015 at 9:24 pm
OK guys, I’m back. Everyone is safe so no need for 911. I am really tired and am enjoying my second alcoholic beverage of the day. We saw Elk, Deer, a Moose and a momma Grizz and her two yearlings. You guys should come see this place before you kick the bucket.
July 18th, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Leave it to Owlykat to put it in perspective.
July 18th, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Jeesh guys! it is only 7:45 here and it doesn’t get dark until 10:30. Help me out here. I am married with child and basically have no other life than family on a Sat nite.
July 18th, 2015 at 9:59 pm
Joe has to give Father Dungy credit there.
July 18th, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Sorry Joe. I thought the Flip Flops glued to the floor was funny. My bad
July 18th, 2015 at 11:00 pm
hey guys anyone still up? looks like interesting talk of our tight ends.
July 18th, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Buc-A-New, I hear ya, I have 3 boys now and 1 on the way! Family life is awesome. (as long as you still have football)
July 18th, 2015 at 11:15 pm
85 The three things that mean the most to me in life is Family, Friends, and Laughter. Everything else is superfluous in reality.
I am teaching my boy hard lessons in life but, Hey, Im a Bucs fan of 39 yrs so I know about hard lessons
July 18th, 2015 at 11:23 pm
yes sir life lessons are a must. Yes you’ve been a bucs fan of 39 years, and me only about 20. You and I as well as a lot of us have witnessed some hard lessons. But you know what? Optimism is what keeps us going. We look ahead and live and love. Go Bucs!
July 18th, 2015 at 11:34 pm
Yes 85, optimism is important in our Daily lives. If we believe at the beginning of the day that we will have a bad day then what is the point in living it. I was not optimistic last yr. I am this yr. Here is to hoping that I am right.
July 18th, 2015 at 11:45 pm
Here’s to it Buc-A-New! 2015 is a new start. Gdnight JBF.
July 18th, 2015 at 11:52 pm
Michael Clayton seemed like a home run after his rookie season also. I’m optimistic, but as a Bucs fan you have to have a dose of realism.
July 19th, 2015 at 12:16 am
Dam Str8 85!! Let’s kick this season off with some belief that training camp will bear Good news. Let’s believe that the additions and subtractions are better this year than last yr. Let’s Pray that we have a Franchise QB and an OL upgrade. We already Know that our OC position is improved in Spades.. 6 wins should be our floor in our weak division
July 19th, 2015 at 1:24 am
This guy is a bust. There is a reason guys that big don’t play tight end. He has the agility of a sofa placed on a dolly slightly downhill. Of course he has health problems, the demands of the position exceed anything reasonable from the normal profile and metrics for a tight end.
July 19th, 2015 at 1:32 am
Buc-A-New
Hope springs eternal before preseason!
But I’m with you. The two drafts looked good and made Sense. The off seasin moves look like players who know the system, and can help. More importantly- will help!
Our New OC is a procen success. Our new QB displayed every skill needed to be a winner in The NFL
I cant wait for the season to start. I am excited! But been a Buc fan since season one, So its always guarded optimism!
Better than last 8 years!
July 19th, 2015 at 2:04 am
Big ups to all of you that includes Realist!!! and Dallas. I might not always agree with you but you if claim Buccs ultimately I’m down for you. Much love my bros,let’s do it again first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks Joe,you gave me voice a homie.
July 19th, 2015 at 2:12 am
Drafts are like recruiting classes. Got to give them a couple years at least before you can truly give an accurate grade.
Father Dungy should have also said that inheriting Peyton Manning, and more importantly Tom Moore, are the greatest gifts a coach can receive.
Tony Dungy, no doubt a class act and fine human being, would have never won a Super Bowl in Tampa. Both he and the Bucs were better for his leaving. If you think he would have won it here, you never truly looked at his hirings for offensive coordinator. And Gruden would have never won it in Oakland. Just say no to bongs.
What are the specs on Mariota’s contract in Nashville? Oh……………
July 19th, 2015 at 10:33 am
BoltIsle Says:
July 19th, 2015 at 2:12 am
“Drafts are like recruiting classes. Got to give them a couple years at least before you can truly give an accurate grade.”
That’s not so with Tampa Bay fans, they expect instant success from all rookies or they’re a bust. Seen it time and time again. Same thing goes with ASJ.
July 19th, 2015 at 10:35 am
Example :
Brion Says:
July 19th, 2015 at 1:24 am
“This guy is a bust”
July 19th, 2015 at 11:28 am
Will ASJ be our version of Gronk?