Summer Sleeper: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.
These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.
We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.
While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.
Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!
The 2012 season was the first for a new coaching staff on the Buccaneers. While it made several fantasy owners very happy with the breakout rookie running back Doug Martin, it was a little bit of a disappointment to their fans. Finishing below .500 and last in the division for the second year in a row isn’t what everyone was hoping for especially after the high priced addition of Vincent Jackson and the veteran presence of Dallas Clark. It was better than the 4-12 season the year before, but the result has put pressure on a lot of members of the organization.
While the new coaching staff is likely safe for the time being, a large portion of the pressure is going to fall squarely on the shoulders of fifth year quarterback Josh Freeman. With a now established running game and this being the second year in the new staff’s system, Freeman is going to need to produce and lead the team or the Bucs will have a new starting quarterback in the 2014 campaign.
The Bucs have solid talent at their starting skill positions. They have Freeman at quarterback, a rising star in Martin running the ball, and then Jackson is flanked by Mike Williams out wide. Luke Stocker will be taking over the starting tight end slot and is currently being undervalued by a lot of people in the fantasy community in my opinion as he is likely to be the third pass catcher on the team. Unfortunately for their fans, they lack quality backups or even subpar backups at a lot of positions meaning that one injury could sink their chances. It also means that there isn’t a whole lot to look at in terms of fantasy sleepers, but I’ll do my best.
Mike James, RB TB
No one is going to challenge Martin for the starting running back role after what he did last season. There is a gaping hole where his backup should be. 2012 seventh round pick Michael Smith didn’t show much last season. The Bucs then went out and signed veteran Brian Leonard in a move I think was purely veteran depth and leadership. The real backup is going to be 2013 rookie and sixth round draft pick Mike James.
The coaching staff and front office clearly see James as the backup as well. Not only have there been several comments to the press about him, but they traded up in order to draft him. James isn’t explosive in neither speed nor agility. What he brings to the table is a big, strong, powerful running style in a body to match. He has good vision and balance that allow him to break tackles and be a very productive runner behind a decent line. His style fits perfectly with the kind of game the Bucs want to play.
While he isn’t very likely to wow anyone, he has the talent to be a good number two runner to help take some of the load off of Martin. Should anything happen to Martin, James has the build to step in and be the major part of a committee. Don’t get your hopes up too high. I don’t think he will ever be a lead back even with a Martin injury, just because he lacks explosion and hasn’t ever been in that role. He could push for a flex spot on your starting lineup though if Martin goes down, but that might be his ceiling.
Tiquan Underwood, WR TB
The top two spots on the Bucs’ wide receiver depth chart are locked in. Jackson is going to be the lead while Williams is the wingman for this year at least. Jackson’s salary takes a massive jump up next season with most of his guaranteed money already paid out. Williams is slated to be a free agent after this year, but there have been reports that he is on the verge of signing an extension. There is a chance that Jackson could be cut after this season and Williams could step into the number one role, leaving the number two spot open. If that happens, it will go to someone currently not on the roster.
Regardless of what happens long term in their receiver group, there is an opening for the number three wide receiver. For the most part, the players currently on the roster are young and unproven or in the case of someone like Kevin Ogletree had very brief moments of fame that surpassed their talent. None of the players currently on roster are a good bet to be a long term starter on the Bucs or any other team for that matter. However, if I had to pick one sleeper to be the third receiver this year it would be Underwood.
He has shown flashes of his talent from time to time such as in week 12 of last season when he posted five catches for 77 yards while working as the third receiver in the offense. The fact he is a former Rutgers player helps his standing on the roster, but he isn’t a good bet for much fantasy production except for in the deepest of leagues. He’ll definitely be out produced by Jackson and Williams and most likely Stocker as well.
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