Kevin Ogletree’s Job To Lose

May 3rd, 2013

Free agent pickup Kevin Ogletree likely will be given every shot to win the open competition at slot receiver.

The signing of Dashon Goldson, the trade for Darrelle Revis, the drafting of Johnthan Banks all the drew cheers from Bucs fans, but Joe hears murmurs of grumbling from Bucs fans dissatisfied with the Bucs receivers.

Oh, sure they love Vincent Jackson and are fond of Mike Williams, but these same fans wanted something more dynamic from a slot receiver.

Per information Woody Cummings of The Tampa Tribune has, the job is virtually Kevin Ogletree’s unless he plays himself out of a job, Cummings writes in a TBO.com Bucs Q&A.

Q. Who do you see getting the nod at Slot WR day one?

– Ashton Clayton, Jacksonville

A. I think the Bucs are going to give Kevin Ogletree every chance to win that job. The Bucs know what Tiquan Underwood can do, and they’re fine with that, but I think they’d like to get a little more out of the position. My guess is that Ogletree gets the chance to prove he can provide more.

– Woody Cummings

Sure, the Bucs would like see Ogletree grab the job and thrive, but there are other receivers. Yes, there’s Underwood and also free agent wide receiver Steve Smith from the Giants.

In other words, there is lots of competition for this gig, and that the way Greg Schiano likes it.

20 Responses to “Kevin Ogletree’s Job To Lose”

  1. Jacko101 Says:

    I’m not too sure about this guy, he had Witten,Bryant and Miles and still managed to do nothing. I hope he can get it done this year.

  2. DjoshFreeman Says:

    Two reasons why ogletree isn’t as well known as he should be: 1. He played behind dez Bryant and miles Austin 2. He had tony blomo throwing him the ball…we all know romo can only hit Jason witten or dez and miles deep.ogletree is a slot guy.not afraid to get dirty or take a hit.look at his production when he was a starter last year, even the first game! Kid has tons of potential and now gets to play his natural position behind two great wrs in vjax and williams.

  3. DjoshFreeman Says:

    @ Jacko
    I agree he had those guys, that’s why his production was in spurts…

  4. Tampa2 Says:

    I agree. Underwood is more of an outside Z Receiver. Not an X guy but more of an outside number 2 to run ‘go’ routes. Def NOT a slot receiver. Bucs fans can disagree, but the coaches do not. Hence why they picked up Olgletree AND Steve Smith.

  5. Architek Says:

    Joe,
    Is there any grumblings about the Bucs looking to at least talk to veteran John Abraham. Shouldn’t cost much and he did have 10 sacks last year.

    He would be solid acquisition and great depth for a playoff run if Freeman decides to live up to his billing.

    Hell can we get our voice heard to have the Bucs do this Bowers and Clayborn are both coming off injuries.

  6. Bucs34 Says:

    I might be crazy but I am thinking Demps might be the guy! He is the same size as Welker and a lot faster. GO BUCS…

  7. jason jones Says:

    smith was a pro bowler at this same postion in the same system with same coach! steve smith it is! ps. mark I know you gave me everything I asked for, but please go sign freeny or abraham for 3rd downs pretty please

  8. Macabee Says:

    I have no reason to doubt that Ogletree has a leg up on the slot position. He is certainly well known by the WR coach. Now you got to take Youtube highlight videos with a grain of salt because they only show the good points not the warts. But if Eric Page is healthy and anything like his highlight reel, I would say that Ogletree will get serious competition for the spot.

  9. Capt. Tim Says:

    Jason Jones- yup. That summed it up nicely. It’s Smith, unless he has gone lame.

    Ogletree has had chances. Never impressed anyone.

  10. Biff Barker Says:

    @Joe
    Selling on “it’s his job to lose”. He may be the peceived favorite now but that’s not how this squad works.
    Also, don’t be surprised if another FA is given a shot. Ditto at TE.
    @ Bucs34
    I thought the same thing about Demps if he plays. Would love to get him the ball in open space. Think Darren Sproles.

  11. BucoBruce Says:

    Do any of you guys play fantacy football,because at the end of last year ogletree blew up ,he was one of the best pick ups for fantacy.He will win the job and I think he is going to put are offence over the edge to help us be one of the best offences if not the best,I promise you he is a baller.

  12. Biff Barker Says:

    @Joe
    Selling on Cumming’s “it’s his job to lose” opinion. He may be the peceived favorite now but that’s not how this squad works.
    Also, don’t be surprised if another FA is picked up. Ditto at TE.
    @ Bucs34
    I thought the same thing about Demps if he plays. Would love to get him the ball in open space. Think Darren Sproles.

  13. Patrick Says:

    Ogletree made some nice plays in Dallas; this is a great depth move at the very least. Don’t know why some people are down on this signing.

  14. Biff Barker Says:

    @Joe
    Selling on Cumming’s “it’s his job to lose” opinion. He may be the peceived favorite now but that’s not how this squad works.
    Also, don’t be surprised if another FA is picked up. Ditto at TE.
    @ Bucs34
    I thought the same thing about Demps if he plays. Would love to get him the ball in open space. Think Darren Sproles.

    .

  15. Andrew 2 Says:

    1. Jackson 2. William 3. Page 4. Ogletree 5. Underwood

    Page is a slot-only guy, he could be a Wes Welker type player in our system with Jackson-Williams on the outside. Plus he’s a 1st Team All-American returner.

  16. Cassidy Says:

    All we heard about last offseason was how Underwood had a special connection with Freeman, and he was making unbelievable catches consistently (that is often what it takes for receivers to catch balls from Freeman). If history repeats itself, Underwood will clearly win the slot job — but he’ll be cut in favor of the newcomers.

  17. Biff Barker Says:

    @Cassidy
    Underwood is built for speed downfield, not to be a slot guy.
    Hence all the new additions for the position battle.
    Hope Steve Smith’s knee is healthy, if so, Sully knows what he can give us.

  18. CanadianBucsFan Says:

    STEVE SMITH

  19. Hendawg Says:

    What about Preston Parker…he is excellent in the slot…and was one of Josh’s favorite targets

  20. baby girl Says:

    Hey what about Sammie Stroughter is he coming back at all.