Austin Seferian-Jenkins believes he will be ready for Buccaneers camp
By Brian Miller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought enough of tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins that they used their second-round pick, the sixth in that round, to select him. They haven’t had much of a chance to see him this offseason, though.
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NFL rules prohibit players from participating in offseason work until after their college has completed its academic year. The University of Washington ran a little late. Adding to the issue of getting work in on the field was a foot injury that Seferian-Jenkins has been battling. He needed surgery in February and missed the team’s rookie camp and the mini-camps.
Seferian-Jenkins does not, however, see this as an issue that will keep him out of training camp.
"“I feel really good. My foot feels really good,” Seferian-Jenkins said, via the Tampa Bay Times. “I’ve been running route, doing all the exercise and workout drills that they’ve asked me to do. I feel very comfortable and confident that I’ll be ready to go when it comes to training camp.”"
The Buccaneers camp will start in a couple of weeks and his confidence is a good sign. Missing his entire first off-season has put Seferian-Jenkins behind with the team and he will need to quickly get up to speed if he is going to have any early impact with the Buccaneers’ offense.
Seferian-Jenkins came into last May’s draft a highly rated tight end prospect. The Buccaneers are hoping his addition and pass catching ability will open the offense for quarterback Josh McCown. The team was not very good last year in the passing game. The additions of Seferian-Jenkins and veteran free agent wide receiver Mike Evans should help.