Robert Herron And Consistency
July 30th, 2014
If there is one thing that lights up Lovie Smith’s eyes — aside from watching big ol’ double-D Demar Dotson high-step with the football into the end zone — it’s the topic of speed. Lovie loves speed.
Who doesn’t?
Speed is a game-changing trait that cannot be coached. That’s why Lovie is smitten with Jeff Demps, despite his rash of the dropsies. The plays Demps makes in wheel routes on linebackers are intoxicating. But when Demps puts the ball on the ground, it ignites indigestion.
Enter sixth round draft pick, wide receiver Robert Herron. If there is Buccaneers capable of challenging Demps’ speed (in football gear), it would be Herron. Like Demps, however, Herron too often can’t hang on to the ball. Regardless, the “Custodian of Canton,” eye-RAH! Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune, also has taken notice.
Rookie WR Robert Herron is having a better day today at Bucs practice. He’s in the mix for slot duty between Jackson and Evans — Ira Kaufman (@IKaufmanTBO) July 28, 2014
Joe can excuse Herron for his inconsistency. This is the NFL, after all, not his alma mater, Wyoming. The NFL is just slightly higher competition than the Mountain West. Also, given that he is a rookie, consistency is often the biggest obstacle to overcome.
In the spring, Herron’s speed was evident on crossing patterns. Defensive backs couldn’t keep up with Herron as he just pulled away from defenders. But no matter how open you get, it doesn’t matter if you cannot pull the ball in and secure it.
Joe’s not even close to writing off Herron. The Bucs have only had 3 1/2 practices. To suggest in such a short time that Herron cannot handle the rigors of the NFL is way, way, way too premature.
July 30th, 2014 at 6:44 am
Hopefully he is not ex-gator Jacquez Green all over again…
…come on Herron! You are the missing receiver we are looking for.
July 30th, 2014 at 7:18 am
Herron will make the team….
July 30th, 2014 at 7:42 am
The guy who preached speed years ago was Jimmy Johnson, when he was at Miami, then with the Boys in Dallas. That worked out pretty well for him.
If Herron had “great” hands, he would have been a higher pick in the draft. Sounds as though he is a bit of a project but one worth exploring.
Would think, at worst, he’s a practice squad guy if he can’t increase his consistency in camp. But who knows, he could be a star in the preseason, hopefully that would be how it goes for him and they find their slot receiver.
July 30th, 2014 at 7:54 am
Tom Edrington Says:
July 30th, 2014 at 7:42 am
The guy who preached speed years ago was Jimmy Johnson, when he was at Miami, then with the Boys in Dallas. That worked out pretty well for him.
If Herron had “great” hands, he would have been a higher pick in the draft. Sounds as though he is a bit of a project but one worth exploring.
Would think, at worst, he’s a practice squad guy if he can’t increase his consistency in camp. But who knows, he could be a star in the preseason, hopefully that would be how it goes for him and they find their slot receiver.
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Tom, perhaps you should’ve watched game film like the countless draftniks that know a lot more about Herron than you do. He does not have bad hands. His hands have been inconsistent at times, but he has soft hands and has shown he can make the difficult catch. Herron’s biggest issues are his size, 5’9 190 lbs, and his level of competition. Of course those same draftniks saw him absolutely scorch Texas in a game and know that he can bring it against the big boys.
This was a deep, deep draft for WRs, any other draft and he would’ve been a 3rd rounder, like many had him rated.
July 30th, 2014 at 8:44 am
If Herron can step up that’d be great. We need some speed to offset Jackson and Evans. Just get him some StickUm like the Little Giants.
July 30th, 2014 at 8:44 am
Practice squad
July 30th, 2014 at 9:15 am
2 rookies starring in prominent roles will not be a recipe for success this year. I’d rather have Murphy start in the slot until herron is ready.
July 30th, 2014 at 9:26 am
This guy is all but guaranteed a spot on the 53. Going to be an exciting player to watch this season
July 30th, 2014 at 9:33 am
Having him plus Demps and the towers outside on 4-WR sets will be dangerous and/or with TE Jenkins in Empty-Sets.
While not the biggest Demps/Herron, Tedford comes in play with sheme and/or playcalling.
Imagine the Bucs as offensive powerhouse with a Lovie coached D!
Mouthwatering, GoBucs!!
July 30th, 2014 at 10:00 am
@touch_down_tampa_bay
Jacquez Green good!
What are you talking about?