2011 NFL Draft: How Will Tampa Bay Bucs' Round 4 Pick TE, Luke Stocker Stack Up?

With the seventh pick in Round 4, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected TE Luke Stocker of Tennessee.

With a few positions more pressing, the Bucs opted to add a talented tight end to their young offensive arsenal with this pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Luke Stocker, from the University of Tennessee, is a big, physical tight end who can be lined up opposite Kellen Winslow. He will improve the blocking game and seal the outside, allowing LaGarrette Blount the opportunity to turn the corner and pick up the tough first downs.

Throughout his college career, Stocker showed signs that he has what it takes to be an NFL starter. He has impressive hands for a big man and will give quarterback Josh Freeman a reliable drop-down target.

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NFL.com Scouting Report: Stocker has prototypical size for a tight end at the next level, and he could develop into a weapon in the passing game. He is not athletic enough to separate in-man coverage, but he runs solid routes and works to find space in zone. He uses his large frame to shield defenders and has very reliable hands to make difficult catches in traffic. He has technical lapses as a blocker but has the frame, tenacity and strength to develop into a powerful run blocker.

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With his size, Tampa Bay will likely use him more as a blocker, but if Winslow can't live up to his hype from a few years ago, Stocker's value should go up, getting him more looks in the passing game. He definitely won't be a fantasy giant, but his ability to catch the ball in traffic and beat smaller defenders could get him some decent stats and red zone touchdowns. At best, he could see a season like New England's Aaron Hernandez—but will likely end the 2011 season with about 400 yards and five TDs.

After a solid first three rounds improving their defense, taking a skill player who can affect the offense immediately was a good, yet gutsy call from Mark Dominik. He will contribute to the passing game and has the strength and heart to get the job done. However, the 2011 NFL season will answer the question as to whether they should have taken a running back, cornerback or linebacker.