We’re just about midway through the third and final day of the 2011 NFL Draft. A short while ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected in the fourth round, and for the first time in this year’s draft, the Buccaneers turned their attention to the offensive side of the ball. After improving their pass rush with the selections of Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers in rounds one and two respectively, the Buccaneers then added tackling machine Mason Foster in the third round.
Finally on Saturday the Bucs looked to upgrade their offensive assets, but not in a way that will turn any heads. Tampa Bay added a pass blocking tight end, Luke Stocker in the fourth round. Stocker, a 6’5" 260 pound TE out of Tennessee, will be a nice compliment to the play-making TE Kellen Winslow. While it may not seem like an area of need, because of how much the Buccaneers like to run two TE sets, the pick of Stocker is actually quite a good one. Then there’s of course the issue of injuries that have plagued Winslow Jr., but assuming the mercurial TE stays healthy, Stocker will still be a nice addition to an offense that’s looking to improve its run blocking.
For more reaction to the selection, head on over to Bucs Nation for more fan discussion and analysis on the pick and the rest of the Buccaneers’ 2011 NFL Draft selections.