2011 NFL Draft: What to Expect from Rookie Stocker and Buccaneer Kellen Winslow

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded up in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft to select tight end Luke Stocker. Does this spell an end for current tight end Kellen Winslow, or is this a perfect marriage?

Luke Stocker's draft value rose in his final year as a Tennessee Volunteer. To round out his blocking skills, he finished the season showing that he can do more than protect by displaying good hands over the middle, ending the season with 39 receptions for over 400 yards.

This could very well be a big red flag for Kellen Winslow, as Tampa Bay might be using this pick as a safety net if Kellen Winslow's knee acts up like it did last season. Or maybe this pick was made to replace him all together.

Frankly, Winslow hasn't been living up to his billing when the Buccaneers brought him in. In Winslow's second NFL season he had 89 receptions for 875 yards. His third year in the league saw 82 catches for 1106 yards. Of course, he hasn't been a slouch for the Buccaneers: 10 touchdowns, over 1600 yards and 140 receptions in two years. But he seems to be underachieving and tends to give up on blocking assignments.

But I don't think any of this is the case. Luke Stocker was selected for two reasons, and the Buccaneers will thrive with him.

Reason one is that Luke Stocker will provide a much-needed two tight end set for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With a power game behind them, Josh Freeman's arm, and the young talented receivers, Tampa will now line up in an even stronger package. Using Stocker as a blocking tight end will address the run game—making it more stout—and give Freeman the protection he needs to make the big throw in crucial situations. Using a two tight end set will allow Winslow to break off more often and look for more receptions, perhaps getting back to the numbers we all expected from him when he came to Tampa in 2009.

The second reason is that Stocker can just provide good, clean competition for Winslow.

Lighting a fire under this guy may be all the Buccaneers need to see a  80 catch, 900 yard season from their tight end spot. Luke Stocker can provide any tight end blocking assignment and stick to the short passing game. He's got the hands, he's got the size, he's got the heart, and he's got the ability to be a good tight end in this league.

This will open up Winslow to become a play-maker again. Adding yet another dimension to this talented Buccaneers offense.

One thing is certain: as long as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't have it in their minds that Luke Stocker is going to replace Kellen Winslow, this could be an incredibly dynamic tight end duo.

The combination of these talented players can take the Bucs' offense to a new level, and if both players are pushed hard enough, the Buccaneers can truly compete in the NFC South.