Robert

Herron

Herron (5-foot-9, 193) plays bigger than his size as a former running back and has plus speed (4.48 forty). There isn’t much in Herron’s way toward playing time. Veterans Louis Murphy and Lavelle Hawkins are options, along with Chris Owusu. But none of the three are very intriguing. Herron can also return kicks.

Murphy worked with the first-team offense with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans sidelined. He’s in the mix for the Bucs’ slot receiver job along with Chris Owusu, who has drawn praise from Lovie Smith on multiple occasions. Sixth-round pick Robert Herron “needs time to develop” and could be limited to special teams.

Despite size limitations, Herron (5-9, 193) is a physical wideout with 4.48 speed and run-after-catch ability. He should contribute on special teams initially and will compete for the Bucs’ slot receiver job.

Herron (5-foot-8 7/8, 193) is built more like a slot receiver but ran a lot of deep routes for the Cowboys, compiling 152 career catches for 2,030 yards (13.4 YPR) and 20 touchdowns. An early-career tailback, Herron is a physical, tough-to-jam wideout with 4.48 wheels and an explosive 10-foot-5 broad jump. Herron is likely to focus on the slot in the pros, and has the makeup to excel there with sure hands and aggressive run-after-catch ability. We don’t like this landing spot from a fantasy standpoint, but Herron will have a chance to contribute quickly in Tampa Bay’s thin receiver corps.

“Robert has excellent speed and quickness. You noticed that right away,” Smith said. “He’s had nagging injuries, but he’s out there making plays. ... He’s a good slot player.” It’s good news for Herron that he’s caught his coach’s eye, but Louis Murphy and Kenny Bell are still likely ahead of him in the slot. Herron caught six passes across eight games as a rookie.

Preseason snap counts aren’t usually a good indicator of how teams use their players during the regular season but it’s clear the Bucs are eager to see what Herron can bring to the table. Despite the heavy workload, the second-year slot wideout only logged two receptions for 38 yards. Herron didn’t catch a pass after Week 6 last season and is unlikely to make much of an impact in 2015.

Both will revert to injured reserve if they pass through waivers. A sophomore out of Wyoming, Herron had just six receptions his rookie season and was struggling to make a mark in training camp. Louis Murphy will open the season as Tampa’s slot receiver.

They were all reserve/future players. A Bucs sixth-round pick in 2014, Herron has now been cut by two teams in as many years. The Dolphins tried moving SPARQ freak Aultman from wideout to defensive back, but he couldn’t hack it.

Herron played with the first team, ahead of Chris Owusu and Louis Murphy. He appears to be the favorite to open the season as the No. 3 receiver. The Bucs are expected to use heavy two tight-end formations in their base offense. Herron should see limited snaps.