• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA

2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp Preview: Tight End

July 23, 2018
NFL Pioneer Irv Cross

Opinion: Farewell to Irv Cross, Pioneering TV Analyst

March 1, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

2021 Raiders Mock Draft: Early March Edition

March 1, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

February 28, 2021
2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

February 28, 2021
“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021
The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021
Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021
NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021
Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins

February 26, 2021
Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

February 26, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

February 26, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Monday, March 1, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC South Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp Preview: Tight End

Benjamin Wilson by Benjamin Wilson
July 23, 2018
in Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Reading Time: 5min read
0

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) is tackled by New Orleans Saints free safety Vonn Bell (48), New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Stephone Anthony (50) and New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) after catching a pass during the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11, 2016, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Photo courtesy of wikimedia.org

More FromFPC

Baby, Even the Losers…Win Super Bowls Sometimes

Baby, Even the Losers…Win Super Bowls Sometimes

February 22, 2021

Buccaneers, James White Are A Match Made in Heaven

February 21, 2021

Bucs Free Agency: Will They Stay or Go?

February 18, 2021

What Has an NFL Wild Card Champion Done For an Encore?

February 12, 2021

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2018 Training Camp has officially started with the rookies starting today. Over the next week we will be breaking down each position group during their battles at Training Camp. What better way to start then to start with the dynamic tight ends the Bucs have on their roster.

When OJ Howard was selected 19th overall in the 2017 draft, tight end immediately became a position of strength for the Buccaneers. Some assumed he was the heir apparent to Cameron Brate. However, that idea was nullified when Cam was signed to a big extension earlier this off season.

Second year player Antony Auclair out of Canada is also likely to once again make the team. Auclair filled in admirably for Howard when he ended up on injured reserve late in the season. He’s still a raw prospect who will likely take over the Luke Stocker role as the blocking tight end as he continues to develop.

The other tight end who has a good chance to once again make the team is third year player Alan Cross. He fills the role of an H-Back quite well, and allows the Bucs to not have to spend a roster spot on a fullback.

Free Agents Battles

Behind the aforementioned known commodities at tight end, the Bucs will have four undrafted free agents vying for a roster spot this training camp. Jason Reese has ideal size at 6-5 and 255 lbs. However, he had limited production with only 29 receptions over four years at Missouri.

Tanner Hudson is a D2 prospect out of South Arkansas. He racked up 143 receptions for 2,152 yards and 25 TD’s over his career. These numbers are impressive, but temper your expectations. He did play at the D2 level and at 6-4 200 lbs he’ll have to put on some weight to have a legitimate shot at playing in the NFL.

Western Michigan prospect Donnie Ernsberger recorded 45 catches for 528 yards and 5 touchdowns over his time at WMU. Ernsberger’s strength lies in his ability to play fullback. He led the way for the countries 21st ranked rushing offense in 2017.

Who wins the battle for the 5th spot?

In Dirk Koetter’s two seasons in Tampa, he has kept five tight ends out of training camp. I think the four returners are all a safe bet to make the squad, but who will fill the fifth spot?

I believe that Jason Reese is camp meat that is unlikely to make the team. He has great size, but limited athleticism and will struggle to stand out. Ernsberger is the most likely to make the roster. He played an extensive role on special teams at WMU, which will help him succeed at the next level. With his experience as a fullback, I look for him to take over the H-back role of Alan Cross at some point.

Tanner Hudson is an interesting prospect. He is the most polished receiver of the rookies. I look for him to be a practice squad candidate. He needs time to put on weight and adjust to the level of competition. I can see him taking a similar path as Cameron Brate. It will take some time but I think given some patience he has the potential to contribute to the team down the road.

A dynamic duo in the making?

Lets get to the good stuff. Tampa Bay has a chance to be truly special at tight end. Cameron Brate has 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons. That’s good for third place in the league among tight ends. OJ was no slouch in his rookie season. He scored six touchdowns while statically being the most efficient player in the NFL on deep balls.

Brate and Howard were the only tight end duo in the league to both have over 400 receiving yards and at least six touchdowns each. While individually impressive, the most intriguing aspect of the pair is what they could possibly do on the field together.

We saw last season that Howard has a knack for getting behind defenses for deep play action passes. If the Bucs can get the running game rolling, it should create even more of these opportunities.

While Howard excels with the deep ball, Brate shines in the red zone.

Brate appears to be the favorite target of Jameis Winston inside the 20. This is a testament to the chemistry they have developed over the past 3 seasons. Brate and Howard both have their own unique skill set but can they be utilized better? No knock on either of them but we should expect more from them this season.

Can Dirk make it work?

There are a lot of mouths to feed on the Bucs offense, but it should be a priority to get Howard and Brate on the field together. Last season the Bucs ran a two tight end set on 17% of their offensive snaps. That was about the league average and the Bucs are anything but average at the tight end position.

To really take advantage of their talent, it’s important to get the pair on the field together more. They cause defenses fits individually, but imagine what they could do together. Could Brate and Howard be the key to success for the Bucs offense?

It’s no secret that Jameis Winston struggled to connect with Desean Jackson on the deep ball last season. While I hope he improves in that area, why not take some of that pressure off of him? We’ve all heard the saying that a tight end is the QB’s best friend. Well, why can’t Winston have two best friends?

Instead of forcing deep balls to DJax ,let’s get Brate and Howard on the field more and take advantage of mismatches. Over the past two seasons Winston is the ninth most efficient QB in the league when he has two tight ends on the field. The numbers show this is what Winston does best so why is the coaching staff not putting him in position to succeed more often?

With Winston’s suspension it’s imperative that the Bucs play to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s strengths in the first three weeks. Fitzpatrick is the 5th ranked QB out of two tight ends sets the past two seasons. Cam and OJ play a huge role in weathering the Jameis storm.

Talent Aplenty

The Bucs should be set at the tight end position for years to come with Brate and Howard playing prominent roles in the offense. Auclair and Cross round out the position group nicely.

The success of the Bucs tight ends lies squarely on the coaching staff. Todd Monken is set to play a more prominent role in game planning this season. It’s up to Koetter and Monken to take advantage of the wealth of talent at tight end.

Let’s not make the game any harder than it needs to be. Get Brate and Howard out their together. You can’t argue against the success they have had and getting them on the field together should make things easier on the quarterback. With two quarterbacks on the roster who are prone to turnovers, keeping it simple may just equal success.

 

Ben Wilson was born and raised in the Tampa area and has been following the Buccaneers for as long as he can remember. He is currently a contributing writer for Full Press Coverage Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Follow @FPC_Buccaneers on twitter to see more of his work and similar work.

Tags: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Share596Tweet373
Previous Post

Bengals’ 2018 Roster Projections: Wide Receivers

Next Post

Jets In Line for Heavy Workload in 2019 Offseason

Benjamin Wilson

Benjamin Wilson

Next Post
Jets In Line for Heavy Workload in 2019 Offseason

Jets In Line for Heavy Workload in 2019 Offseason

Several Patriots Will Open Training Camp on the PUP List

Several Patriots Will Open Training Camp on the PUP List

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • 3/1 - Rodgers/Brady, This Day in History; Wilson/Watson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9357618891.mp3
  • Ep. 57: Free Agency Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1398047175.mp3
  • Ep. 70: Commissioner's Classic Wrap: Justin Robinson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7823044541.mp3
  • Predicting the Yankees 2021 Opening Day Roster
    by Full Press Coverage on February 28, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9671934669.mp3
  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807
  • Ep. 188 - Potato Head / Wrestlemania Predictions
    by Talkamania on February 27, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43665499/talkamania_episode_188.mp3
  • Full Press EP 7: Chris Rosvoglou joins the show!
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43663692/full_press_ep_7_thu_1830.mp3
  • Ep 52: Jacqueline
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7559085259.mp3?updated=1614399614
  • Ep 170: NFL Coaching Changes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4500828715.mp3?updated=1614437073

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

More Wrestling News

  • The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against
    by Bob Duff on February 28, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Who are some of the best and worst bets through the first half of the NHL season? The post The Best […]

  • Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy
    by Lyle Richardson on February 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    As we near the midway point of the shortened 2021 NHL season, two players have separated themselves […]

  • Short Bench is No Problem for Cleveland
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 28, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters managed to have a successful night despite playing with only nine forwards […]

  • The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”
    by Murray Pam on February 27, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    The Senators opened the season 2-12-1 in the first 15 games, but are now hitting stride, winning […]

  • Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres
    by Michael Augello on February 26, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    Problems continue to pile up for the Buffalo Sabres, whether it be injuries or their own making. […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage