Sal Maiorana: Is Jason Croom Ready to Become the Bills' Starting TE in 2019?

[26CornerBlitz]

 

ORCHARD PARK – The 2018 season is just days from its conclusion and the Bills are out of the playoff chase for the 18th time in 19 years, but this unfortunate circumstance does not change a thing for Jason Croom.

 

It doesn’t matter that there’s nothing on the line in Sunday’s meeting with Miami. Like all young players trying to carve their niche, Croom understands there are only 16 games in a season, and this is one more opportunity for him to show what he can do as he tries to secure a roster spot for 2019.

 

That’s why, for the second-year tight end, the end of practice is never truly the end of practice because there’s always something to work on, especially for a former undrafted free agent who has so much to prove. 

 

So, when Sean McDermott blew his whistle to end the formal day of work Wednesday, Croom sought out tight ends coach Rob Boras, as he does every day, to work on his pass blocking sets. And after a few minutes, he trotted over to the JUGS machine and caught about 25-30 balls. After a quick trip through the locker room, it was off to the weight room to lift.

Edited December 27, 2018 by 26CornerBlitz

[CommonCents]

This is one of the worst ideas I have seen for 2019. 

[Halloween Land]

No! It's time to start over with our Tight End Group. 

[YsoSERIOUS?]

I guess it helps Croom that he's with The Pegula's Daughter.  - Croom might be owning the team in the future - Sad but True

Edited December 27, 2018 by YsoSERIOUS?

[Watkins90]

26 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

This is one of the worst ideas I have seen for 2019. 

How is having a guy with his kind of work ethic on this team bad? He is only a second-year player, he can continue to improve. 

 

I don't think the guy can be an every-down TE, but he is probably good depth at a cheap price.  

[Victory Formation]

He's shown flashes of being capable. Croom is the only TE on the roster I want back. He offers something as a receiver. I think he can be good. I'd like to see us develop him more, I think there is something there.

[BillyWhiteShows]

I’ve read a lot about 12 Personnel in the NFL - which is using 2 TE’s, 2 WR’s and 1 RB.  I see Croom as a TE who can contribute in this grouping especially as receiver.  He just needs to stop fumbling.

 

Also he is a terrible blocker and will need to improve

[Da webster guy]

I can't stomach reading Maoirana--(aka the New Jerry Sullivan) but I get the question.   

 

The answer is simple:  Bring him in camp, draft another TE and sign a free agent as well.   Did we conclude that Khari Lee is only a blocker?   He sure had a great clutch grab in early ball this year.  I don't know why but I feel like Logan Thomas isn't a gamer, despite his proven athleticism.

 

Lot of free agent TE's this year as well and a very deep draft for TE's.

 

Bring in 6 or 7, keep 4.   

[Freddie's Dead]

OP, you forgot the ***** no option...

[CommonCents]

13 minutes ago, Watkins90 said:

How is having a guy with his kind of work ethic on this team bad? He is only a second-year player, he can continue to improve. 

 

I don't think the guy can be an every-down TE, but he is probably good depth at a cheap price.  

“Is Jason Croom ready to become the Bills starting tight end in 2019”

 

So you agree it’s a bad idea. 

[WMDman]

i like him as depth thats it

[26CornerBlitz]

3 minutes ago, Freddie's Dead said:

OP, you forgot the ***** no option...

 

I think that would be a more vociferous form of no.  

[Mark Vader]

3 minutes ago, WMDman said:

i like him as depth thats it

Me too. I see no reason to cut him. Charles Clay & Logan Thomas on the other hand.....Bye-Bye!

 

Sign another Tight End in Free Agency and then draft Zach Gentry. That would make me happy.

[brianthomas]

Clay & Thomas need to go. The real toss up question would be which TE out of those 2 would you rather keep, because I wouldn't want either of them here.

With roster spots at a premium you just can't dedicate 5 or 6 years on a project tight end with his type of production. He may have good physical traits but they're not that great lol.

 

We haven't had a good TE here since Chandler or Metzelaars which is a big problem imo. They create mismatches on defense & help your QB out. Something Tyrod & Allen desperately needed. If theres 1 thing we do this offseason PLEASE get a good TE

Edited December 27, 2018 by brianthomas

[jjmac]

I think the choices are somewhat flawed.  "Needs More Development" means the same as "No."  If, 26CornerBlitz, you meant to have more of a difference, I think you could have said 'No, and never will be." 

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

Hope he has more ball security with Pegs daughter or we are really going to be in trouble. Croom is not starting material.

[blacklabel]

I don't think he's ready to be "the guy" of the tight end group but I certainly think he can play an important role. Remember, the dude played wide receiver for most of his college career. Don't quote me, but I think he shifted to TE in his senior season. He's got size and athleticism, obviously he's still learning how to be a well-rounded TE but, I think he's a guy you keep working with and see where he can go. He definitely seems to have the right type of character and mindset McBeane prefer. I'd just like him to learn to know when he's beaten, and by that I mean, if you're surrounded by five defenders with four of them already on your back, maybe just say "screw it" to the extra half-a-yard you're trying to get and get down so you don't fumble. That's happened twice to him this year and once last year if I recall correctly, can't cough it up like that. Especially this past Sunday's situation. I mean, I get it, he was trying to break free and score but he has to know when he's beat and when to secure the ball and just hit the turf. Didn't do that and he cost the team points. That extra half-yard ain't worth losing the ball. He'll learn...maybe... 

 

I had high hopes for Logan Thomas but that drop on Sunday basically closed the door on him for me. He's JAG and he's just barely made the cut last year and this year so...unless he shows immense improvement next season, I think he'll be shown the door.

 

They need a tight end with a wonky last name like Metzelaars or Riemersma, those guys panned out alright, maybe a guy named Jablonkski or Grundlesnork can come in and be the guy.

Edited December 27, 2018 by blacklabel

[26CornerBlitz]

6 minutes ago, jjmac said:

I think the choices are somewhat flawed.  "Needs More Development" means the same as "No."  If, 26CornerBlitz, you meant to have more of a difference, I think you could have said 'No, and never will be." 

 

Modified the choices based on your suggestion. 

[FeelingOnYouboty]

I'd bring him back. He serves a purpose but we should be looking at an upgrade.

[Boatdrinks]

Crook might be a decent TE 2. As with most TEs his blocking ability is poor, he’s more of a receiving threat. He also needs to work on ball security. Draft a TE that has legit starting talent unless a FA option should emerge. I’d keep Croom as he’s shown  some ability, but all others should be let go. 

[Just Joshin']

Why can we not develop players and keep them as depth?  I do not understand the thought process of many here.

 

He is not a complete TE now.  He could be with improved blocking.  I am willing to give him a chance with additional time.

 

Thomas has not developed - time to move on.

 

[BuffaloBillyG]

He can be "ok" as a #2 or 3 guy if he can stop the fumbles. Id rather see the Bills sign a Jesse James, draft a guy and then have Croom for depth. 

[chef4131]

I don't think he will be a good TE

 

Sincerely,

Reuben Gant

[John from Riverside]

I would like him to be on the team as the 2nd TE.....but def not number 1.

 

He is not a great blocker.......he is more of a oversized wide receiver

[Thriftygamer83]

Needs more development, good work ethic, and could picture him as the second tightend if we drafted Mitchell Wilcox.  

[ExWNYer]

I didn't vote due to no option for 'Depends on whether he's still shagging the owners' daughter'...

[Aussie Joe]

I wouldn’t object to them drafting a TE as early as Day 2 if there is someone they really like..

 

Sign another one in FA...

 

Croom needs more development.. a lot more at this stage..

[billsfan89]

2 hours ago, Watkins90 said:

How is having a guy with his kind of work ethic on this team bad? He is only a second-year player, he can continue to improve. 

 

I don't think the guy can be an every-down TE, but he is probably good depth at a cheap price.  

 

He is a backup with some potential. I wouldn't roll into a season with him as the starter but if he is your backup TE you have decent depth. Will he ever be starting caliber? I don't honestly know but I think he could be if he takes positive steps in development. I would more or less project his ceiling as a low end starter or a high end backup. 

[tbarg12]

2 hours ago, YsoSERIOUS? said:

I guess it helps Croom that he's with The Pegula's Daughter.  - Croom might be owning the team in the future - Sad but True

The Triple H of the Buffalo Bills? lol

[Beast]

He will be a good 2nd TE but the guy can’t block to save his life.

[whatdrought]

Seems unwise to go into the season with that as the plan. I would be okay with bringing in Jessie James and having Croom behind him.

[CincyBillsFan]

For sure we need to upgrade TE but I do like what I'm hearing about Croom's work ethic.  And he has made some nice catches.  In the fullness of time that fumble against NE at the 5 yard line will fade away.  After all he was trying to get extra yardage and it's not like he has a lot of experience running with the ball in the open field.

 

If Croom can be a contributing factor next season it means we only need one more TE from FA and that frees up money to look at other needs - of which there are plenty.  So I'm rooting for this guy to make the leap to the next level in the off season. 

[The Now Moment]

6 hours ago, No Place To Hyde said:

He can be "ok" as a #2 or 3 guy if he can stop the fumbles. Id rather see the Bills sign a Jesse James, draft a guy and then have Croom for depth. 

The guy "can" be a number 2 or he could be much better next year and become a starting caliber tight end.  They will bring in more competition I'm sure but when you see a player continue to develop in the time they are here, you have to give them the chance to compete for the job.  Certainly worth seeing what he can do next year.  

[BuffaloBillyG]

59 minutes ago, Buffalo30 said:

The guy "can" be a number 2 or he could be much better next year and become a starting caliber tight end.  They will bring in more competition I'm sure but when you see a player continue to develop in the time they are here, you have to give them the chance to compete for the job.  Certainly worth seeing what he can do next year.  

Worth seeing? Of course. Counting on it and not doing something to upgrade the position? Absolutely not. No, you don't "have" to give anoyone a chance to compete. You "have" to upgrade and if Croom can step up his game, great. If not the cupboard isn't bare. 

[The Now Moment]

4 minutes ago, No Place To Hyde said:

Worth seeing? Of course. Counting on it and not doing something to upgrade the position? Absolutely not. No, you don't "have" to give anoyone a chance to compete. You "have" to upgrade and if Croom can step up his game, great. If not the cupboard isn't bare. 

I said they will likely bring in more competition...my point was don't label a player a backup too early. And you should give someone a chance to compete who has shown continuous improvement.  

[BuffaloBillyG]

Just now, Buffalo30 said:

I said they will likely bring in more competition...my point was don't label a player a backup too early. And you should give someone a chance to compete who has shown continuous improvement.  

Yea, read what you said about compitition. And I disagree. I don't want someone on Crooms level brought in so he can have a chance. I want someone brought in that is better than what we have. I have no issue having him compete for a roster spot. Hope he makes it.

[Buddo]

Me, I'd get rid of the lot of our so-called TEs.

 

Clay is done, and the rest have had their chances.

 

Thomas has been around for years, and still isn't any good.

 

Croom has had two years, and although he's flashed ability, he's also nowhere near being starter quality. As his blocking is rubbish, he's not really even a useful backup at this point.

 

Even with prior staffs, we seem to keep trying to develop TEs, for years, and none of them have amounted to anything. We need to go to FA for a proven vet, and draft someone who actually knows how to play the position in the first place.

[dlonce]

He cannot block, a TE that cannot block isn’t a TE.

Crooms isn’t  even back up quality. He’s Logan Thomas.

He runs terrible routes as well and his hands are suspect.

 

This teams management is fascinated with marginal projects who take up a spot on special teams. Our special teams are terrible because of the lack of talent.

They truly need to cut these players like Crooms and get some real talent in here.

[GunnerBill]

No.

 

Next question.

 

He is the one of our three TEs I would be least annoyed to see back, but no way as a starter and my actual preference is to cut ties with all three and completely start over. Still say that the guy we cut and will play against on Sunday would have outperformed all 3 guys on this roster this year. No, Nick O'Leary is not a superstar. He is not even starting calibre himself. But we have persisted with a bloke with no knees, a practice squad level talent and a failed ex QB who has no business being on any NFL roster.

[Thriftygamer83]

The heads up play he made for a touchdown after Zay Jones fumbled shows he’s almost there.  Adding on another season with his work ethic and he’ll be a top tier #2 TE in sets.  As for blocking the centers missing his assignments in point outs.