Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adam Humphries role in improved offense?

Adam Humphries looks to find his niche within the improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense in the 2017 season.

Lost in all the talk about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers explosive wide receiving corps is a man by the name of Adam Humphries. A former Clemson Tiger, Humphries had what could be considered a quiet career there. His best season came in 2013 when he caught 41 passes for 483 yards and two touchdowns. Although not exactly eye-popping numbers, he was a dependable target, catching at least five passes in five games he played in that season.

In what is an abnormal development, Humphries has found more success in the pro game. In 2015, he produced a solid season in which he caught 27 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown. Once again, those are not eye-popping numbers, but even still, he provided steady production.

Last season was the year he really burst onto the scene. Catching 55 passes for 622 yards and two touchdowns, he showed that he was an apt returner as well. Fielding 24 punts, he gained 237 yards and on kickoffs he took back four for 47 yards. He showed his versatility, and one could say he played the role of “utility man” as found in baseball, being able to do a little bit of everything.

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He was third on the team in receiving yards behind Mike Evans and Cameron Brate and in 2017, but he may slip down lower heading into 2017. With the addition of DeSean Jackson, I see the order going Evans, Jackson, Brate and then Humphries. The move down will not be for his lack of effort. Rather, it will be due to Tampa Bay’s depth at the position.

With that in mind, I still see Humphries having a productive season. Per the most recent depth chart from Ourlads.com, Humphries is listed as the No. 2 wideout on the left side behind DeSean Jackson. Although it will be hard to try to claim a starting role being behind Jackson, that is not the type of player Humphries is. I see him more as a “security blanket” type of receiver, someone that can come in and get those extra yards or make the necessary catches needed to sustain a drive.

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Numbers-wise, I would venture to say he gets at least 45 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns. The production will still be there and he will continue to be a factor in the offense. He is a steady depth piece, something that you need in today’s game.