Luke

Stocker

Stocker returns to Tennessee after spending the past two seasons in Atlanta. The in-line tight end made 13 starts on a 45% snap rate last year and has 91 starts over 10 seasons. Stocker is a potential threat to breakout candidate Anthony Firkser’s chances for an every-down role.

Atlanta released Stocker a few months back to save $2.6 million, but they’ll reunite with a near veteran minimum contract. He’ll be a depth option behind Hayden Hurst and will mostly focus his time on run-blocking.

It saves Atlanta $2.6 million. Stocker made nine starts in an H-back role for the Falcons last year. He should resurface as a veteran blocker.

Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and Christian Blake will start in three-wide sets with Justin Hardy AND Olamide Zaccheaus available as reserves. Jaeden Graham becomes a streaming TE2 option with both Austin Hooper and Luke Stocker sidelined.

Diagnosed with a sprained MCL earlier this week, Hooper could be facing up to a month-long absence. Luke Stocker and Jaeden Graham will pick up the slack at tight end in Hooper’s absence. Neither are realistic fantasy options.

Stocker spent time with new-Falcons OC Dirk Koetter in Tampa before joining the Titans during the 2017 season. He will serve as a blocking complement to Austin Hooper. With Hooper entering the final year of his rookie deal, it would not be surprising if the Falcons added another tight end in the draft.

Stocker’s rookie season ends with 12 catches for 92 yards and no touchdowns in 14 games. With Kellen Winslow under contract and surprisingly healthy throughout this year, Stocker holds little upside.

The Bucs aren’t saying whether Stocker was concussed, but he’s been medically cleared and will return to practice on Monday. Stocker had one catch for 14 yards in the preseason opener. We believe he will help the Buccaneers’ offense as a do-it-all tight end this season, but will struggle for any fantasy impact.

The Bucs have improved their wide receiver corps and plan to operate a more run-oriented offense under Greg Schiano. Kellen Winslow’s 114 targets were fourth-most among tight ends last season. Dallas Clark won’t come close to that number while splitting snaps with Luke Stocker.

In new coordinator Mike Sullivan’s scheme, the priority is going to be the run game. “Certainly that’s a point we hope he can get to, to hold that point of attack,” tight ends coach Brian Angelichio said. On passing downs, Dallas Clark figures to be the primary tight end.