Humphries Downplays Promotion Talk
August 2nd, 2016
Anointed
Dirk Koetter let the cat out of the bag: With Louis Murphy on the PUP list (he can be activated any time before Week 1), Rudy Humphries is your new No. 3 wide receiver.
Yesterday, much like Noah Spence previously said not to count chickens before they are hatched, Humphries believes he has a long way to go.
“Yeah, I mean obviously, it’s early in camp and we still got a lot of work to do,” Humphries said. “Obviously, that’s good to hear from the head man, but got to keep the edge and keep working hard every day, and I’ve got to earn the spot every day no matter what he says. I can mess up or I can keep getting better. …”I just came out here [last year in training camp] with an edge. When I came out here last year, no one knew me; [I] didn’t really know anyone out here, so I just tried to work hard and get noticed. But it’s good to come in this year and be a guy that the quarterback can rely on and just earn that No. 3 spot.”
Joe knows this news was met with disgust among many Bucs fans. Like some fans, Joe hasn’t seen the potential in Rudy. He looks like a JAG to Joe, which in football scouting vernacular means “just a guy.” Joe doesn’t see anything special about Humphries and is guessing neither did 32 NFL general managers — otherwise he would have been drafted or claimed when he was cut by the Bucs last October.
Joe gets scolded by Bucs types for not seeing what they see in Rudy, but Joe has kept an open mind. Hey, an undrafted free agent somehow falls through the cracks each year and makes a name for himself. Maybe Rudy is one of those guys?
To be fair, Rudy did play behind stud receivers at Clemson.
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:07 am
32 teams passed on Welker too…just sayin
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:15 am
32 GMs passed Antonio Brown 6 times Julian Edelman 7 times, Welker not drafted, but what those players had that helped make them studs is they had elite QBs, Hump should be the kind of guy fans can really root for, hard working no diva, as far as college, I’m pretty sure 90% of the receivers that came out the last 4 years would’ve sat the bench behind Hopkins Watkins and Bryant
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:19 am
Sometimes we see what we want to see. Sometimes we don’t see what’s there. Joe’s man crush on Johnny Football comes to mind. I trust Koeter’s opinion in this more than anyone on this board.
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:23 am
Until someone out performs Humphries for that spot, which they apparently have not, deal with it. I don’t have any problem with him and coach knows best. I can understand those not as high on Humphries, that seems in the minority now.
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:27 am
Hes good in short space but I wish we can have someone more explosive and be able to break tackles in the slot.
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:28 am
Fans will say that WR then TE will be the biggest “need” for the 2017 draft!!!
August 2nd, 2016 at 9:59 am
I am not big on Humphries either, particularly because like many of you have said he is not explosive. However, what he does well is find the sticks and catch the ball. Not everyone can be Wes Welker or Julian Edelman. Besides if Evans and VJax comes back strong its all we will need from Humphries, a reliable target.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:13 am
No one saw anything in Wes Welker, he just worked his @$$ off and made a name for himself. Similar beginnings undratfed free agent.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:15 am
D@$! I did it again, neglected to read anyone’s post first. Joe knew we would mention him.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:20 am
Like everyone, I like Humphries. But you are crazy as hell if you think he’s Wes Welker. Anyone who would say that never saw Welker play. He’s not anywhere near the quickness of Welker. He’s nowhere near the route runner Welker was. Welker is a borderline hall of fame WR. It’s not fair to Humphries to compare him to Welker. How about we just hope he is a good player for us in the slot? Run good routes, don’t drop any passes, and stay healthy.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:21 am
Love Hump’s response –
” I’m a starter? Cool. That just means I have to work harder”.
The little engine that could has been turning heads since the day he got here as an UDFA.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:34 am
I like hump….I think he will do very well…besides vjax, he’s the most consistent wr….GO BUCS!!!!
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:37 am
Agree with CaptStagger and especially Guzzie’s observation about the impact of a QB like #3 on a WR’s career opportunities.
Here’s another thought…Humphries is here on his heart…he is driven…now he’s going to be getting pushed really hard everyday by the new kid in town Krause.
Joe did a great piece on this kid who probably has more explosion than Hump.
Here’s a prediction….3rd receiver is going to be a tandem of Krause and Hump.
Krause to provide a little more stretch to the offense and of course…as I think it was Luvmybucs said……3rd and Hump Humphries seems to have won #3’s confidence. He’ll be as good as his hands and heart.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:41 am
Look out stagger.
YOU CAN’T COMPARE HIM TO WELKER HOW DARE YOU!!!
HUMPH IS THE MAN!!! PROVING |HATERS WRONG ONE FIRST DOWN AT AT TIME!!!
KOETTER IS A SMART MAN!!!
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:42 am
Not only that Joe, but YOUR AMERICAS QN JAMEIS WINSTON singled out humphries as the example of the attitude and effort this entire team needs to adopt. That should mean a lot too you!!!4
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:44 am
He’s not this, he’s not that, he’s not Welker. Fools.
He catches everything that comes his way. Anyone remember how valuable Ike Hilliard was to us? Same concept. Get over it. We don’t have a burner. Kenny Bell is lost on a milk carton.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:47 am
I haven’t seen anything to dislike about Humphries. He’s not someone that has great measurables, but he catches what Jameis throws to him. That’s all I want from him. He’s not going to be a #1 and probably not a #2. If he’s a solid #3 that we can count on to lock up that need for the next 5 years so it’s not an issue any more, I’ve got no problem with that. Just be reliable. That’s all I care about.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:54 am
@Realist- With VJax nearing retirement, that is not a stretch. I’m not sure what your implying there.
There’s a list of obscure WRs a mile long, Wes Welker’s one of the favorites. Wayne Chrebet’s another. Right place, right system, hard work, and most of all AN OPPORTUNITY all play a factor in breaking into the line-up.
Whether he lives up to those players’ careers remains to be seen. It’s all up to him and Jameis.
Good luck Hump! Make us proud!
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:02 am
Wes Welker was an undated free agent out of Texas Tech by the San Diego Chargers back in 2004.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:04 am
Is Rudy his first name, not short for Rudolph?
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:16 am
“Like everyone, I like Humphries. But you are crazy as hell if you think he’s Wes Welker. Anyone who would say that never saw Welker play. He’s not anywhere near the quickness of Welker. He’s nowhere near the route runner Welker was. Welker is a borderline hall of fame WR. It’s not fair to Humphries to compare him to Welker. How about we just hope he is a good player for us in the slot? Run good routes, don’t drop any passes, and stay healthy.”
No one is saying he IS Wes Welker but if you want to look for a comparable player in terms of raw athleticism and ability and what they were able to do Welker is a pretty accurate comparison.
Humphries beat Welker’s combine numbers in everything except 20 yard shuttle (which is supposed to be short area quickness – but so is the 3 cone which Humphries was faster at). He’s 1″ taller. His physical attributes are between Welker & Edelman. It’s very close actually.
Welker had 1 catch as a rookie and 29 as a 2nd year player. He had 67 his 3rd year. Humphries is only entering his 2nd year. I agree it’s dumb to try and compare them now.
But do me a favor Joe and go watch Wes Welker highlights. I just did for fun and the guy doesn’t look special. His highlights are him just making a ton of short area catches. Maybe every once in a while a screen where he breaks a tackle for a solid gain. But there are not a bunch of long TDs or plays where he is making dudes miss or flying by people. He did one thing effectively – which was to get open underneath and be reliable with his hands.
Even everyone whose ever played fantasy knew that Welker was a PPR machine that didn’t get a bunch of chunk yardage. He was a volume guy on catches / yardage but he typically would have to have 10 catches to crack 100 yards.
I don’t mean this as disrespect to Welker. I’m just saying Humphries skill set is similar so if there is any person we can point to as a hopeful comparison it’d be Welker. Edelman is a decent bit more athletic than Welker imo and can play on the outside pretty well.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:21 am
Fans will say that WR then TE will be the biggest “need” for the 2017 draft!!!
Meh I duno about TE. We have 5 options there right now(Stocker/Brate/ASJ/Vitale/Myeres). We may not have a superstar if ASJ busts like most think he will but we would have 2-3 guys who are very capable for 2017 still.
WR / DT / DE / S / O-line is where I’d rather further invest looking at our roster now. Even if hump can be a dependable slot guy he will never be a #2 and we need a threat opposite ME.
Free Agency will also determine a lot along with the development of corners/ safeties this year.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:23 am
Hawaiian you nor anyone else in league had any idea Welker would become who became when he entered the NFL. Again he made it thru not just hard work but extra work. Who are we to say what Hump will or will not become. We are merely stating the similarity in two individuals beginning is all.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:24 am
A receiver that doesn’t watch well-thrown passes glide effortlessly through his hands? Guess that’s the bar to reach for a starting spot in this receiving corps.
Pay attention Mike Clayton-Evans
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:25 am
Welker was great in New England and Denver. Miami not so much. Didn’t hurt taking passes from two future HOFers.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:28 am
Sense a little envy in you dallas. Could it be ME13 is living out a dream you once had as kid but failed to realize.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:34 am
@Lord of Corn
I do agree with your list, One of the TE’s will need to step up!!! Otherwise the fans will be screaming for TE, They all look like they just do one thing well. Maybe S needs to be a higher as well??? or Free agents!!!
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:44 am
“@Lord of Corn
I do agree with your list, One of the TE’s will need to step up!!! Otherwise the fans will be screaming for TE, They all look like they just do one thing well. Maybe S needs to be a higher as well??? or Free agents!!!”
For sure. You never know who will surprise us or disappoint us this year as well. Maybe this Smith kid can play S. Maybe McDougald will do better in this scheme. Or not.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:46 am
Realist we really haven’t seen Spence yet. So until then my vote still goes to the DL.
August 2nd, 2016 at 11:54 am
It’s his second year Joe. Last year he was just ‘next in line’. Now he can go through camp as the 3 receiver. I’m not expecting huge numbers from him but I think he will play much better this year. Hey! Remember Charles Sims first year? He turned out to be an OK player. 😉
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:22 pm
You guys keep talking about what he isn’t. Why not focus on what he is? He’s a solid #3 that catches what’s thrown at him. Check the box. We’ve got it covered with him in the lineup. We knew that VJax leaving meant that we needed a #2. We still have that to address. That doesn’t mean that we need to take away from Humphries being a solid #3 just because he isn’t a #2. If anything, I’m happy that they’re not trying to make him something more than he is. Let him be a #3 and let him be great at that. Then go out and get a legit #2.
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:24 pm
NosBos- not sure where you would get that notion from based on my comment wanting a receiver that doesn’t have a problem dropping passes? Kind of strange when you think about it because why would I be envious of a guy who’s primary job is to catch footballs which he fails to do reliably?
Just looking for any reason you can to take a dig at me! Keep trying.
My guess is you are envious of me and my spot on analysis of incompetent Lovie Smith over the last few years!
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Yo I tell you one thing he’s pretty ripped wearing that little musckle shirt. Don’t look soft like I thought he would be. Was turned away from rooting for him because of the seeming undeserved mancrush some guys up here had on him. It’s not not like he put up such great #s. Though now I do hope he does great has a Welker like career for us cause he’s a Buc.
Joe it’s good seeing you call him Rudy. I believe I was the first one to call him that. Kinda like when you coined ‘coach my scheme’ then all the mindless sheep up here ran away with it, but of course you’re not a mindless sheep . Nice to get subtle recognition from doing something up here than just being one who cause problems. Ha ha ha!
August 2nd, 2016 at 12:56 pm
I like what St Pete said about heart. How many guys we’ve seen with boo coo talent but a weak ‘heart’. Heart can turn a mediocre player into a very strong and long lasting player! To quote a favorite movie the Replacements ” we gotta have heart!
August 2nd, 2016 at 1:38 pm
^^^Hands help too
August 2nd, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Why didn’t you call him that after his rookie season then dallas??? As for lovie you still talking bout that guy???
August 2nd, 2016 at 2:09 pm
NosBos- he wasn’t dropping passes at an alarming rate during his rookie year. I have said many times that I would prefer to not have a reason to criticize his play but until he proves it on the field I am going to call it out.
Sorry about your uncle incompetent Lovie Smith. Is he happy up there with the Crying Illini?
August 2nd, 2016 at 2:53 pm
lol Uncle Lovie.
August 2nd, 2016 at 2:55 pm
David…yeah whatever.
August 2nd, 2016 at 3:50 pm
We’ll see what he does this year but I’m always amazed by people’s opinions or perceptions..if he’s a decent 3 that catches passes than that’s great vs what we’ve had. Or nothing. A lot of guys look amazing and are fast but are unproductive. Production is all that matters not looks. Like that little receiver for jets like 7-8 years ago? Short white guy. Name? He wasn’t great or athletic but found a niche. Hopefully hump can be like that?
August 2nd, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Snappy comeback 87. To something that doesn’t require your endorsement. You musta pulled way down in your dark place to come up with that one.
August 2nd, 2016 at 5:50 pm
lol Yea Hump didn’t do much last year, he was Winston’s most reliable 3rd down WR, by JW’s own admission.
Many fans are delighted about this decision, I know I am.
I won’t compare him to anybody though, he’s Hump.
I look forward to many Hump Day references throughout game day.
August 2nd, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Dont think its fair to call him JAG. You cant get JAG to be your posession reciever. Im expecting Humphries to be asked to do that job for us this year and if hes JAG we may be in for a long season on 3rd and 3.
August 2nd, 2016 at 6:50 pm
#1 and #2 receivers are your flashy home run hitters. #3 has just 1 job, catch the effeing ball every time. Hump does that. The majority of his catches this year will be over the middle for 6 or 7 yards and a first down. I believe the term is “possession receiver”. I am slightly biased. Met Adam last year on one of the rookie outings, really cool dude.
August 2nd, 2016 at 7:32 pm
Wayne Chrebet did use to get the job done.
August 2nd, 2016 at 8:02 pm
I thought that they would at least compete for the #3 wide-out job!
August 2nd, 2016 at 8:24 pm
@ nole on sat buc on Sunday. Yeah Chrebet thanks.
August 2nd, 2016 at 10:08 pm
I like that PRBuc …… Hump Day !!!!!!! With no camel!