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TE Alex Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HT: 6-5, WT: 255, Born: 5-22-1982, College: Stanford, Drafted: Round 3

2008 Projections

Best Case

Alex Smith held down his top slot on the depth chart last year, cranking out career-highs in yardage and yards per reception, while tying his career mark in TDs (53 targets for 32/385/3 - a 12.0 yards per reception average). Now that Jeff Garcia has been with the Buccaneers for a full year and is 100% up to speed in the Tampa offense, Smith could see further improvement in his numbers. It takes time to establish rapport with a quarterback - Smith and Garcia now have that mutual experience under their belts. It is possible that Smith could sneak into the top 10 fantasy TEs by year's end if everything goes right for him and Garcia during training camp.

Worst Case

Smith plays in a slower-paced offense that aims to chew time off the clock and keep the defense well-rested - the Buccaneers win games with a controlled attack that ranks in the middle of the NFL pack (last year, they were 18th in yardage generated and points scored out of the 32 NFL clubs). If Smith is asked to help out with blocking assignments more than last year, he could shed 10 or so receptions, dropping him out of the top 20 TEs during 2008. The arrival of Ben Troupe in town could also sap receptions from Smith during the coming season.

Outlook

Smith has room for improvement, but the most likely scenario has him performing roughly the same as he did last season, with 300-400 yards receivng and a handful of TDs during the 16 game season. He's a guy you might start in a bye week scenario, when your #1 TE is sitting on the couch at home.

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Smith caught both balls thrown his way for 23 yards.

Week 2 - Smith hauled in two receptions for 45 yards and was targeted three times. He was quick getting off the line, and was open on a few of Tampa Bay's other long pass plays, but just wasn't the primary target.

Week 3 - Smith tied for the team lead with five targets and caught three passes for 27 yards. He seems to be an effective weapon when Tampa Bay can afford to send him out in pass patterns and not have to use his extra body to help pass protect. If the Buccaneers line starts to gel, his production could increase.

Week 4 - Smith caught four passes for 17 yards. Garcia mainly tried to hit Smith on short passes. He got one red zone opportunity but it was just a one yard pass from the Carolina ten yard line.

Week 5 - Smith caught two touchdown passes for the Buccaneers, only being targeted three times. He dropped the other ball which killed a drive, but he caught the ones that counted.

Week 6 - Smith had just one reception for 15 yards on three targets, and was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter.

Week 9 - Smith caught two balls for only 13 yards and battled threw injuries in this game. He was seen limping off to the sidelines several times in the game.

Week 11 - Smith was targeted five times in the ball game, catching three passes for 51 yards that included a 21 yard touchdown reception. On the touchdown catch, Smith split the Atlanta zone down the seam, took a hit and was able to hang on for the score.

Week 12 - Smith was targeted four times and finished with three receptions for 41 yards. He's got some ability, and he showed that on one reception, with great athleticism and leaping ability to make a tough catch downfield.

Week 13 - Alex Smith was targeted twice, and came down with one reception for 11 yards.

Week 14 - Alex Smith was targeted five times and caught two passes for 39 yards.

Week 15 - Smith was targeted just one time in the game and failed to record a catch.

Week 16 - Alex Smith had a nice game for the Buccaneers, finishing with six receptions for 79 yards on 11 targets. Four of his six receptions resulted in Buccaneers first downs.

Week 17 - Smith was targeted twice and finished with 18 yards on one reception. On the play, Smith made a nice catch down the seam, took a nasty hit that drew a unnecessary roughness penalty and was able to hang on for a first down.

Week 18 - Alex Smith was targeted five times and finished with three receptions for 26 yards, including a six yard touchdown reception.