“Last One To Leave, Definitely.”
June 25th, 2021
Rookie has a story
Barring injury, one guy destined to get a ton of work at Bucs training camp and in preseason games is rookie receiver Jaelon Darden.
Joe suspects he will become a fan favorite in a hurry.
Yes, lightning-quick and short receivers catch everyone’s eye. And that’s what Darden is at not quite 5-8, 175 pounds.
Joe has little to add to Darden’s longshot story, but the way Darden talked about it in a new Meet The Rookies segment produced by the Buccaneers was quite moving. He had a challenging childhood and has devoted himself to making his late father proud. (Mr. Darden passed away last year.)
Joe paid extra attention to Darden talking about how he will be the first to arrive to One Buc Palace and “last one to leave, definitely.”
If he really pulls that off, then that means he’ll have plenty of extra time around Tom Brady, and that can only help Darden earn Brady’s trust. Without that, how will Darden see the field ahead of the Bucs’ historic arsenal of pass catchers?
Regardless, Darden is an easy guy to root for, and he should have a leg up on the punt return gig assuming he doesn’t get a case of K-Y hands in August.
June 25th, 2021 at 1:03 am
Darden is our #4. This guy is already better than TJ and definitely better than the one trick pony!!! He’ll see plenty of PT.
June 25th, 2021 at 6:24 am
Gonna have to prove that Redblud. He might be, but there’s no evidence of that quite yet. And I think Miller while yes a one trick pony, has his spot secured on the field/team, and is solidified in that role. Doesn’t mean he’s better or worse than JD or TJ.
June 25th, 2021 at 7:18 am
Not even going to respond to first post. I’m rooting for all my guys. That’s what makes everyone better. GO BUCS!
June 25th, 2021 at 7:32 am
Some posters are hilarious. Miller isn’t a “one trick pony”. Yes.. greatest strength is that fly pattern. But if you watched the Bucs last year, you would find that he can be used in various ways…it is on Lefty to call the plays. And Tyler has shown great hands and a brain that is just waiting for an opportunity to grow and shine, Darden might be more dangerous in the totality of his game. But I’m happy with the skills and diversity of talents we possess in this receiving corp. Just hope Darden is just what we need in the return game above his other skills.
June 25th, 2021 at 8:09 am
He’s already missed some time with a mild hamstring injury. I think the hardest thing for the young skill players to learn is the conditioning and hydration techniques necessary to prevent soft tissue injuries that can derail a young players first season before it starts. As well as learning to dial it back just a little bit in practice and save the 100% effort for the games that count.
June 25th, 2021 at 8:23 am
When your game is speed and you pull your hammy five minutes into your first camp…I’m not optimistic. He’s just as likely to become Dexter Jackson 2 than Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.
June 25th, 2021 at 8:59 am
How are all these good receivers going to get their touches? Simple, score 45 points a game with everyone contributing.
June 25th, 2021 at 9:55 am
I’m looking forward to Darden’s role in kick returns. He should be able to get the Bucs better field position than Mickens ever could. Although Mickens played well in the playoffs, he was all but non-existent during the regular season.
June 25th, 2021 at 10:22 am
Hodad’s got it right. Pour it on and don’t stop.
June 25th, 2021 at 11:28 am
Darden and Trask are going to make preseason fun to watch… Hopefully.