Fantasy Football 2011: How Will Rookies Impact Tampa Bay Bucs Fantasy Stats?

There are a handful of us out there who love football.

Sure, the draft was okay—we probably sat through the first round. And like everyone else, we are praying for this NFL issue to clear up. Unlike a lot of people, the reason we want these things is a split one.

Yes, we want to have an NFL season to watch the games and cheer on our team. But, as much as that, we want fantasy football. Bad.

There's something special about being a fantasy football owner. But I know that right after the draft it's time for me to start researching. So, let's take a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Who to take, who to avoid and how the draft will impact the fantasy statistics of their starters.

Quarterback Josh Freeman's 2011 Fantasy Impact

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

When it comes to the 2011 NFL Draft, Josh Freeman might be a big winner. Tampa Bay failed to take an offensive player before the fourth round, but even that selection, Luke Stocker, and sixth-round pick, running back Allen Bradford will have enough of a push on the offense to put some once-rusted gears in motion on the Tampa Bay offense.

Freeman just got two great blockers to help his third-down efficiency and a tight end with good hands to help him if he gets in a jam. Expect these two newcomers to open up the field for him a bit, making him a solid fantasy backup, and even a starter in some leagues.

Fantasy Outlook: 3,800 yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 275 yards rushing, two rushing touchdowns.

RBs Blount, Williams and Bradford 2011 Fantasy Impact

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

I think that Blount can perform just as well has he did last season. He could see the sidelines in short yardage if the Buccaneers opt to put in rookie Allen Bradford. I expect Blount to remain a first two-downs back, having Cadillac or Bradford sub in on thirds to receive out of the backfield or pick up the tough yardage, respectively.

He'll make a solid draft pick when you are looking for a second running back, and since he is just in his second year, you may be able to steal him in an upper-middle round. Blount can end the season with more yardage than last year, but I think that Bradford can steal a few of the touchdowns.

Fantasy Outlook: 1,225 yards, six touchdowns.

As for Williams, I honestly have no clue how much he will be used, if ever on the Buccaneers this year. He remains the only running back who is a real receiving threat, so I have to imagine that he will be sharing time with Bradford on third downs. Not worth a draft pick though.

Fantasy Outlook: 150 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 30 receptions, 275 yards, one score.

Bradford could be all over the place this year. He may be used primarily for blocking. He could come in on thirds and be strictly a short-yardage back. Or he could impress everyone and end up splitting carries completely with Blount.

He had good stats in college, and we know that he has the potential to be a big-time runner in the NFL. Primarily, he will be a short-yardage and blocking guy. I expect some scores from him, but not enough yards to justify drafting him yourself. Pay close attention to the preseason on this guy though.

Fantasy Outlook: 325 yards, six touchdowns.

WRs and TEs Williams, Benn, Winslow and Stocker 2011 Fantasy Impact

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 21: Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Mike Williams turned into the go-to guy last season. But this was along with an injury to fellow 2010 rookie Aurrelious Benn, and tight end Kellen Winslow being the only other true target for Josh Freeman. There are, of course, other wide receivers on the Tampa Bay Bucs roster, but they are not really worth mentioning.

I expect their statistics to even out a little bit this year. Mike Williams now has more of a report with Freeman, so will likely remain the wide receiver of choice, but Benn will get his looks as he is finally healthy enough to become a starter.

Another key change this year is the addition of tight end Luke Stocker.

Last season, Kellen Winslow had the most receptions of any Buccaneer, and it wouldn't be surprising to see that happen again. With Stocker now acting in two tight end sets, and serving as a blocker, this gives Winslow the freedom to go out and get open.

The fantasy status of all of these players is pretty much up in the air at this point, but I can see Williams winning the yardage battle, Winslow winning the receptions battle, and touchdowns being pretty evenly split.

Mike Williams remains safe to draft and start and should be a legitimate WR2 for your team. The jury is out on Benn, but I can see him being taken as a security bench player. Winslow might have the season to bump him back into starting fantasy tight end status. And I'd stay away from Stocker in the draft, but keep an eye on him if he is targeted in the red zone a lot.

WR Mike Williams Fantasy Outlook: 70 receptions, 1,025 yards, nine touchdowns.

WR Aurrelious Benn Fantasy Outlook: 45 receptions, 625 yards, four touchdowns.

TE Kellen Winslow Fantasy Outlook: 75 receptions, 875 yards, five touchdowns.

TE Luke Stocker Fantasy Outlook: 25 receptions, 250 yards, three touchdowns.

Buccaneers Defensive Fantasy Impact

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks is stopped at the goal line by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Imag

The Buccaneers rookies will show a lot of talent in improving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fantasy defense. They dedicated their first two picks to solidify a pass rush and got a starting linebacker in the third round. The addition of a lot of playmakers coming back from injury is a big help as well.

Rookies could have more fantasy impact on the Buccaneers than any other NFL team. Expect huge increases in stats and fumble recoveries, and probably an increase in interceptions. I had no problem using Tampa Bay's defense last season in certain games, and the confidence in using them should only increase in the 2011 season.

Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers in the defensive end spots will provide endless pressure, sacks and fumbles. Mason Foster can contribute to locking up the middle and causing some confusion, and if Ahmad Black steps into a starting role, he could have a few additional picks.

All in all, I expect at least 40 sacks from the Buccaneers, 21 interceptions and 16 forced fumbles. Points per game remains below 20.