Carlos Henderson Checks The Boxes
March 21st, 2017
Mid-round magic?
It would be naive to think DeSean Jackson is the only speed injection the Bucs will make to their receiving corps this offseason.
Remember what Dirk Koetter said the day after the season ended.
Koetter hopped on the Buccaneers Radio Network and clarified that his craving for speed extended to the returner role.
So far, the Bucs haven’t addressed it. And their kick return game in 2016 was the worst in NFL history, per the Tampa Bay Times.
Back in 2014, general manager Jason Licht had ex-Gators running back/returner Jeff Demps on the roster, but he proved his elite speed didn’t translate into anything worthwhile in the NFL. Undrafted rookie Solomon Patton was giving the kick return gig, but he was gone after a couple of months and now works in the CFL.
In 2015, Licht invested a sixth-round pick in Kaelin Clay, one of the best returners in college football. He didn’t make the final cut after training camp. Wide receiver Kenny Bell was a fifth-round pick that year with kickoff return experience, and he was a disaster when he got his shot in the 2016 preseason.
So the Bucs handed the job last year to rookie cornerback/safety Ryan Smith and Josh Huff, and the result was the NFL record for ineptitude.
Welcome to Square 1.
Joe fully expects the Bucs to address returner in the draft as they also try to add legitimate depth and more speed at returner.
That has Joe keeping an eye on the Louisiana Tech pro day today, where receiver and returner stud Carlos Henderson will be working out for scouts.
Henderson is a true double threat who likely could be had in the fourth round. Nola.com penned some accomplishments for the 5-11, 200-pounder.
“As a junior, he caught 82 passes for 1,535 yards and 19 touchdowns, with 133 yards rushing and two more scores. He averaged 18.7 yards per catch and excelled in yards after the catch. His career receiving numbers were 147-2878-28. He also had 25 kickoff returns for 805 yards (32.2 yards per return) and two TDs as a senior.”
Henderson, if drafted, is a guy who likely could be versatile in the NFL as a receiver, playing outside and underneath.
And the Bucs have to feel great about how any rookie receiver might develop on wide receivers coach/offensive coordinator Todd Monken. He did a hell of a job with Adam Humphries and Mike Evans last year. Kenny Bell? Well, Joe won’t pin him on Monken.
March 21st, 2017 at 10:25 am
Ive been saying that Henderson should be a target for a little while now. He is healthier, bigger, and more physical than John Ross. Now onto the next guy I will pound the table for….
Mack Hollins out of UNC. 4 time special teams captain for the Tarheels. 6-4 220 lbs. Didn’t produce much on offense (played less than 50% of offensive snaps) but he had 20 TDs on 81 catches in his career and was over 20 yards per catch.
He could be Shep’s replacement on special teams and good depth. Projected 6th round pick.
March 21st, 2017 at 10:27 am
How about Adoree Jackson from USC in the 2nd. He can play corner, returns kicks and punts and could play some WR
March 21st, 2017 at 10:29 am
KD Cannon is my choice
March 21st, 2017 at 10:35 am
Totally agree. The bucs still need more receiver depth behind Evans and DJax. Another WR and maybe a TE would definitely put us over the top. Imagine the rest of the NFCS trying to gameplan for us
March 21st, 2017 at 10:37 am
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, former Buccaneers safety Bradley McDougald visited the Browns Monday.
He has also visited the Seahawks this offseason, but obviously left without a deal.” – PFT
Okay, I have a question.
Bradley McDougald is getting turned down by teams. It makes no sense because he has improved each year and is right on the verge of breaking out. Not that I’m complaining. I’m hoping he decides to come back to the Bucs.
However, because no teams are offering him a deal, it got me to wondering.
Is it possible each GM covertly has a ‘hand’s off’ name they supply each team with each year? One player that other teams refuse to sign?
I know, it sounds silly at first, but think about the benefits. The list would go out to every GM. That way they would have one player that is a free agent each year that they can potentially hold onto.
It would be collusion if it were proven, but it’s pretty easy to keep an emailed list hidden. If it did not state on the email what the list was, nothing could be proven.
March 21st, 2017 at 10:40 am
Assuming Cook is off the board at 19 and McCaffrey is available – our longstanding returner “problem” will be solved on day 1.
March 21st, 2017 at 10:41 am
Did Nosbos get acces to your account Bonzai? Quite the conspiracy theory lol.
March 21st, 2017 at 10:47 am
@Pickgrin- I was thinking the same thing. Not to mention he can play WR as well. I’m not sure why he’s not getting more mention. The guy can do it all.
March 21st, 2017 at 10:48 am
Is it so naive? Licht had no issue avoiding the lack of speed in our receiving corps in 2016, whole offense really. So what’s the evidence that he is going to go further addressing speed after we now have DeSean Jackson?
March 21st, 2017 at 11:00 am
Bonzai that’s an interesting thought but I have to think one owner – like Mark Davis – would shout it from the rooftops. IMHO he remains unsigned because he overvalues himself and is waiting for star money instead of solid player money. I wouldn’t mind him back at a reasonable rate but don’t believe the fate of this team depends at all on him.
March 21st, 2017 at 11:01 am
“DallasBuc Says:
March 21st, 2017 at 10:48 am
Is it so naive? Licht had no issue avoiding the lack of speed in our receiving corps in 2016, whole offense really. So what’s the evidence that he is going to go further addressing speed after we now have DeSean Jackson?”
The difference is the offseason narrative was never about adding speed or weapons in 2016. It was all about the fact that we’d just had 2 drafts of nothing but offense basically besides kwon; and that we needed to address that side of the ball.
Also VJax & ASJ at this point last year were on the team and expected to play in 2016.
March 21st, 2017 at 11:17 am
Love Henderson. Not a huge guy but has a very good route tree and is tight coming out of breaks. In his films you can see how good his vision is when returning kicks and the guy, when he gets up to top speed, looks like a track star on the field. As for going 4th round, I have heard buzz around him as high as the second round so if we were able to get him in the 4th I would be ecstatic!
March 21st, 2017 at 11:17 am
Lots of WR prospects that can become very good WR2, no doubt we will get 1 or 2 guys, this would be a great time to trade down a collect picks, Chris Godwin, Josh Reynolds, Josh Malone, Chris Hansen, Taywan Taylor, Henderson, Juju, Curtis Samuel, and many more can be had in rounds 2-4
March 21st, 2017 at 11:31 am
Keep an eye on Chris Godwin.. bucs went to his Pro-day talked to him at combine and have a private workout with him.. could be a solid selection
March 21st, 2017 at 11:48 am
Bonzai just using common sense. You folks live in this everything that the tv tells you is absolutely so. That’s insane to me. We as citizen’s are lied to routinely everytime we turn on the tv. You believe the world of sports is honest. You might wanna check the pats resume. Only thing I would add Bonzai that same rule can be said for homegrown talent on draft night. And again I’m taking all bets.
March 21st, 2017 at 11:48 am
I read where, after the first 15 picks of the first round, player picks from 16 to 60 are pretty much interchangable. Great time to trade back in the draft. Problem is every other team will be trying to do the same thing. Good news is that this draft is deep at all the positions the Bucs need: Running back, WR, Defensive line, and safety. The cornerback talent is above average this year as well.
March 21st, 2017 at 11:51 am
And with what you stated uck it would lend a level relevance to my belief that entire first round is staged.
March 21st, 2017 at 11:52 am
Bonzi
let me simplify it for you. it’s not a conspiracy it’s just another all too frequent example where bucs fan thinks a mediocre player is better and has more value than they really do. No fan base falls in love with mediocre players, has beens and local feel good stories like buc fan. MdDogual is nothing special thus he is walking the street. teams that win consistently do not pay attention to the BS they pay attention to talented football players that can help their team win. nothing more. bucs have been more worried about the BS thus the last decade plus without a meaningful win… talent wins championships nothing else matters. conspiracy theories, smiles nor ice cream have never ever won a single game.
March 21st, 2017 at 11:58 am
Absolutely LOVE Carlos Henderson. He would be the perfect value option for the bucs as a slot receiver too. I have but one issue with your assessment Joe; there is no way Carlos Henderson “likely” could be had in the fourth round. Barring some crazy medicals or being absolutely horrendous in the interview process, Carlos Henderson will, at the very least, be gone by the end of day 2. Look out for him to be plucked in the second round. If Licht wants him, it’ll cost more than a fourth round pick.
March 21st, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Hoping the Browns or someone sign McDougald so we can get a comp pick at least
March 21st, 2017 at 12:14 pm
IF they dont take McCaffrey. Hope so tho, if he is still available. Go bucs
March 21st, 2017 at 12:16 pm
I hear what you saying Tmax but I think its lunacy that people don’t believe organizations place dibs on certain players. Why??? Dollas and cents. If you’ve had a following since you were 9 years of age an I’m an owner I am telling other owners that’s my guy simple and plain. I want all those dollas that will follow you from school to the pros. I’ve seen it over the years way tip often. Owners and GM’s make up a small fraternity. Why some don’t believe they are in cahoosts is crazy to me.
March 21st, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Nosbos I would think that happens in college more than the NFL. High School recruits have the choice of who to play for. In the NFL you play for who picks you.
March 21st, 2017 at 12:34 pm
I’m sure Pablo would be ok with a WR named Carlos. LOL
March 21st, 2017 at 12:35 pm
@ nole
I am so glad you took my bet. I need to update my gameday wardrobe.
@ tmax
Our fan base live getting rid of talented players for potential and unknowns or the mediocre…..You know get rid of talib because we have biggers or lewis etc.
March 21st, 2017 at 12:36 pm
I did not mean lewis, i meant leonard johnson
March 21st, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Henderson would be a great pick…in the second round, if he makes it to the Bucs. There is no way he makes it out of round 2. Do you even do research?
March 21st, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Would be a good value pick for the 4th round
March 21st, 2017 at 1:03 pm
If you don’t stand behind Jason licht and trust in him then your a complete idiot! Best gm this organization has had yet by far! Ppl wanna wine about maybe making one bad pick with Roberto agueyo. If I remember correctly mark domonick made a bunch of bad picks!
March 21st, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Pop Eli’s dad decided he wasn’t playing in San Diego. And he didn’t. Y’all don’t really think those owners meetings are all about nfl rules do you???
March 21st, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Yeah the Eli thing wasn’t a conspiracy. The chargers Drafted him and they pulled a Bo Jackson/ John Elway. They made it clearthey wouldn’t play for that team, so instead of wasting their pick, they traded him for Rivers.
Its that simple.
March 21st, 2017 at 1:17 pm
“YeahISaidIt Says:
March 21st, 2017 at 11:31 am
Keep an eye on Chris Godwin.. bucs went to his Pro-day talked to him at combine and have a private workout with him.. could be a solid selection”
I’d be fine with this guy in the 2nd if Zay Jones isn’t there. I doubt he falls to the 3rd or 4th as he’s probably in my personal top 5-7 WRs (1-Davis 2-Williams 3-Ross 4-Jones 5-Godwin?)
solid tape – catches with his hands and attacks balls; can run most every route and has good feet / separation ability; blocks ok; and has the measurable’s of a potential WR1 – reminds me of Hakeem Nicks when he was good:
6’1 210 lbs
4.42 40
36″ vert, 19 bench presses, very solid 20 yard shuttle
Him & Zay Jones would be dream R2 selections if we go WR there
March 21st, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Why do y’all keep using the term conspiracy??? This has nothing to with any conspiracy. More like normal NFL business that has been going on for year.
March 21st, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Mr. Do everything McCaffery would certainly fill the return problem void.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Maybe you can help me out here Nosbos because I’m struggling to understand this.
You said Dalvin Cook purposely tanked his combine to lower his stock so he will fall to the Bucs, but if the draft is rigged and teams call “dibs” on their local talent then he would be a Buc anyway. So why tank the combine?
March 21st, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Watch Joe Nammoth’s NFL network the Life. It’ll give you an illustration of what I mean. Year,1965. This ain’t nothing new homie.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:04 pm
And on the topic of returners. I see a lot of people saying McCaffrey will fix that problem. If we take McCaffrey at #19 then he will most likely be expected to be the every down back. Idk about anybody else but I wouldn’t want to see him back there returning kicks if he is our feature back, not full time anyway.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Easy Pop. To sale your intention. There are regular folks like you and me that require fooling. If he tears up the combine after having a stellar career at FSU. Would it not make some say “how in h3ll could be have lasted to 19”??? Wouldn’t make sense to some bro. Nothing is by chance my G. Him saying what he said on front of thise mics and cameras was well thought out prior to him doing so.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:10 pm
You folks really believe Kyle Shanahan and Matt Ryan weren’t smart enough to kill more clock??? Y’all really believe that..
March 21st, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Conspiracy – A plan, plot, or scheme devised in secret.
Makes no sense for owners to be in cahoots together. Because they are in direct competition with eachother.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:11 pm
And why exactly did they take a vote for Broad way Joe to go to NewYork???
March 21st, 2017 at 2:13 pm
I told you where ypu can find the episode bro. Your reality is alot different from mines. You believe what you hear and see I’m skeptical of ehat I hear and see.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:13 pm
So he “tanked his combine” so fans wouldn’t “catch on to the secrets of the league”?
March 21st, 2017 at 2:18 pm
Why??? Why after having scored a touchdown against the pats did they’re kicker kick the ball out of bounds giving Brady a short field to operate resulting in a vinny game winning kick. Why did Carrol throw when the whole football world felt it made more sense to run. Not mention having a timeout left.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:20 pm
I meant the rams. And Pop in the movie the matrix Morpheus told Neo people will fight you of you attempt to unplug them from the matrix. Ignorance is bilss. We’ve all been sleep for a very long time my friend.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:24 pm
“Broad way” Joe went to Alabama and is from the south you nincompoop.
March 21st, 2017 at 2:55 pm
lol Nole you’re losing it man
For one – if you really believe all this then why even watch the NFL? If i believed all that sh1t then this sport would basically be a glorified WWE entertainment joke of a sport. F*ck that.
Second – why would the NFL rig it so that the Pats keep winning? The league thrives off parity. It doesn’t help ratings to have the same teams win every year. The opposite argument has actually been used in support of the idea of NBA games being rigged.
Third – the NFL is a HUGE business compared to back in the day. It’s not even close. If people found out sh1t was rigged in ANY way then it destroys one of the biggest products in this country and the whole thing falls apart.
If Dalvin Cook is trying to drop himself to 19 vs going top 10 he’s simply an idiot costing himself a lot of $$ ($10 mill contract vs like $15-20). Not like the guy is rich and he should be doing whatever he can to get his stock as high as possible and put himself & his family’s future over being a fanboy of a team or a QB. That’s just insane.
I say all this as a die hard FSU fan who would love Cook on the Bucs
March 21st, 2017 at 3:29 pm
I’ll be a nincom whatever but the fact remains they voted on his pro location partner. And Lord I respect your mind too much to debate with you bro. I’ll just leave at you see things the way you do and I see things the way I see’em man.
March 21st, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Why spend a valuable pick on a thoroughbred and then risk him to the rigors of a roller derby? Everybody can’t be a good KR/PR guy. You have to have speed, vision, quickness, and a death wish to be good at it and then you have to be resilient enough to withstand the onslaught of gunners each week.
Some have it, some don’t. Some are content to receive the ball without a turnover. Those guys are there and they can usually be found in the ranks of UDFAs. Don’t spend a draft pick, make your scouts earn their pay. Go get you a Brisly Estime or someone like him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FH0bnLV1f8
March 21st, 2017 at 5:37 pm
If there’s a conspiracy among gms it definitely doesn’t involve Bradley mcdougal, lol
March 21st, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Christian McCaffery
March 21st, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Respect Nole still love you and I hope we get Cook man
March 21st, 2017 at 7:13 pm
What Pick and Craig said.
March 22nd, 2017 at 2:28 am
The Bucs have worked out Chris Godwin now three times. It seems obvious to me that they like him more than they like Curtis Samuel, Zay Jones, or any of the other WRs you archair GMs think that would be a good fit in the second round here.