“Heavy” Trend A Draft Factor?
April 12th, 2021
Next “heavy” up?
One overlooked element to the Buccaneers’ run to Super Bowl glory was backup offensive lineman Joe Haeg (who left in free agency) racking up 64 offensive snaps through the Bucs’ four playoff games.
That was more than half of what Haeg had all through the regular season, and he got those postseason reps in “heavy” sets, meaning he was lined up as a blocking tight end.
Obviously, it worked great. And for the record, in the five regular-season games the Bucs went “heavy” with Haeg nine or more times, the Bucs were winners.
So two fair questions are, “Who will replace Haeg on the heavy sets?” and “Will the Bucs be using that formation more this season?”
Maybe that’s returning O-lineman Aaron Stinnie or Josh Wells, or maybe the Bucs are looking at drafting a tackle who could play the part, as was discussed on the recent Ira Kaufman Podcast (hear below)?
As those who have watched the Super Bowl many times have seen, the Bucs even went extra heavy against Kansas City. Haeg was in heavy sets 21 times and often he had a tight end outside him blocking in the run game. (See Leonard Fournette’s untouched TD run).
This is how great this offseason is, Bucs fans have the luxury of sitting around wondering who will be the heavy-set tackle versus, say, who will throw the football/not throw picks or who will rush the quarterback.
Joe’s got plenty to share about the big JoeBucsFan draft party on Thursday night, April 29, at Big Storm Brewery in Clearwater.
But for now, here’s your official video invite. Be there!
April 12th, 2021 at 6:06 am
This is the best offseason I can remember. I am usually into deep reading draft analysis and mock drafts by the end of Oct or early Nov. Right now, I have barely looked at them – still floating in my endorphin SB Pool. Thank you TB, Licht, BA, etc.
Go Bucs ’21
April 12th, 2021 at 6:42 am
One theory: healthy OJ and Gronk could be enough of a heavy blocking tandem. A 6th OL was necessary bc Brate just isn’t a strong blocker. He’s a possession receiver in a TE’s body.
Also this nonsense of VV being a heavy FB should stop. Just give him the pill on the goal line!
April 12th, 2021 at 7:01 am
Tevita Tuliʻakiʻono Tuipulotu Mosese Vaʻhae Fehoko Faletau Vea..aka Vita Vea – former running back. Problem solved.
April 12th, 2021 at 7:21 am
I agree that OJ Howard’s return will mostly replace the heavy….
April 12th, 2021 at 8:07 am
I don’t consider OJ as a great blocking TE. Another Offensive lineman would be superior for a “heavy” package. I am hoping the Bucs will pick a few OL in the 3-5 rounds of the draft.
April 12th, 2021 at 8:39 am
Disagree with a couple opinions.
Howard is the WR in a TE’s body. He is more often than not split out.
Brate is almost exclusively an in-line TE.
But it doest matter which one is in the game. Neither blocks anywhere near as well, as an offensive tackle.
Gronk being the only exception in memory. On ANY team. Hes a monster!
As Ive stated before, I hope our first 3 picks are OT, DT, and edge- in any order.
Wells looks like he can back up Donovan, so hopefully we draft a big road grader, to learn behind Tristan.
That would solve our heavy package, and get the kid lots of game time.
April 12th, 2021 at 8:57 am
bamafan
i agree….an OL would be better….i hoping we get 2 OL in the draft….
GO BUCS!!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 9:54 am
does this mean we’re gonna miss one joseph haeg ?
April 12th, 2021 at 10:35 am
OJ is injury prone and coming off a significant injury. Anything he provides is a bonus but the Bucs can’t count on him.
April 12th, 2021 at 11:53 am
Senor Harry: I, too, have traditionally spent a lot of time on draft analysis this time of year. This year, hardly at all. This is all so weird, still.
April 12th, 2021 at 1:35 pm
If the Bucs are able to draft Spencer Brown, OT from Northern Iowa (6’-8”, 311, 4.94 40) in the middle rounds, he was a TE in high school.
April 13th, 2021 at 8:02 pm
If you were at the game it sounded like they announced him as an eligible receiver most of the game
Shocked it wasn’t more than 21 times. It worked and worked and worked.