“He’s Got That Burst”

February 21st, 2013

Loads of pundits out there are uneasy about the Bucs’ tight ends situation, but Joe’s not in that camp.

Dallas Clark shocked the world by staying healthy through 2012. He displayed some great hands, never fumbled, and Mike Sullivan found ways to work him into the offense more during the second half of the season. Clark is no punishing blocker by any stretch, but Doug Martin had plenty of holes to work his magic.

Joe wouldn’t be so quick to toss aside Clark, who will be a free agent in a matter of days, though Joe would be intrigued by the versatility of free agent Martellus Bennett. Joe also thinks Luke Stocker could be poised to perform quite well in his upcoming third season.

Former Bucs defensive end Anthony “Booger” McFarland has another name in mind that he would be excited to see wearing pewter and red. That would be Jets tight end and soon-to-be free agent Dustin Keller.

Speaking on 98.7 FM yesterday, McFarland said he’s spent time training with Keller and he’s a tight end that has the speed to make the Bucs’ offense more dangerous in the middle of the field. “He’s got that burst,” McFarland said.

Keller’s an interesting option. He was hurt much of last season but hadn’t missed a game in his previous four seasons with the Jets. A near freakish athlete, Keller was a favorite target of Brett Favre and he’s got plenty of playoff experience.

A few big questions hang out there: How much does Mike Sullivan want to use the tight end? Would the Bucs prefer a major upgrade at slot receiver versus tight end? And just how many weapons does Josh Freeman need to become a star?

8 Responses to ““He’s Got That Burst””

  1. Meh Says:

    I have no problem adding more weapons. The defense needs major, multi-year work, but the offense is nearly complete once everyone is healthy. Upgrade some combo of RT, TE, and slot WR. Even if Freeman doesn’t end up as our guy after next year, we’re still poised to add a QB to an otherwise complete offense.

    So, I think we should focus on fixing the defense this offseason, but I wouldn’t be upset if we added another big piece or two to the offense.

  2. Justin P's Dwindling Radio "career" Says:

    I can’t handle anymore hurt players. Makes my blood boil

  3. Legarrettes Blunt Says:

    This would be an interesting pick up. I really like the “burst” as you said that Keller brings. However the question remains, do we want a blocking tight end like Martellus Bennett and upgrade with a speedy slot receiver, or do we get a tight end who could open up the middle of the field like Keller. That is the question that only Mike Sullivan can answer because it is his offense. I would like to see the blocking Bennett with an upgrade at the slot position, but Keller could be a nice pick up for Freeman. Way more of an upgrade than the aging Dallas Clark.

  4. 4everBucsFan Says:

    And don’t forget, additionally to Luke Stocker, we still have last years rookies Danny Noble 6′ 5″, 248 lbs., Drake Dunsmore 6′ 3″, 235 lbs. and, 4th year TE. Nate Byham 6′ 4″, 264 lbs.

  5. WestCoastBucsFan Says:

    The answer for how many weapons a quarterback needs is the same answer for how many points you need or how much money do you need, its always MORE! I don’t think we should ignore the defense in favor of the offense but I wouldn’t mind a few decent-priced upgrades.

  6. Espo Says:

    I don’t know what they didn’t see in Noble. They used him in the beginning of the season and he disappeared. He must not be performing well in practice. If a “freakish athlete” is what you want, theres your man. Plus, Dustin Keller reminds me too much of K2.

  7. 76buc76 Says:

    Sign Wes Welker and the Bennett brother’s.Draft or sign a FA RT then draft all defence.defence phhhhh who need’s it with that offence.That’s a 30+ point per game offence even if Orlovski was the QB.

  8. Karl Says:

    I dont understand why you keep saying “how many weapons does Josh Freeman need?” . Matt Ryan would have NEVER won a Playoff game or become the #1 Seed in the Playoffs without having the Tri-Fecta of WR’s Roddy White,Julio Jones & TE Tony Gonalez.And Ryan probably wont get there next year if Gonzalez does retire and the Falcons know it.That’s why the Falcons are trying so hard to get Gonzalez to come back in 2013.The mor great weapons you have the btter the chance someone will be open.Just say’n.