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TE Ben Troupe, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HT: 6-4, WT: 262, Born: 9-1-1982, College: Florida, Drafted: Round 2

2008 Projections

Best Case

Troupe was once a very hot fantasy prospect with the Titans, seeing 80 targets for 55 receptions, 530 yards and 4 TDs during the 2005 season. Since then, though, he's watched his role in the Tennessee offense decline to the point that he only caught 5 balls for 47 yards during 16 games (2007). However, he is now a Buccaneer, and figures to mount a challenge for playing time during training camp. We know that he has the potential to generate 50+ receptions and 500+ yards receiving - that would likely be his ceiling as the Buccaneer's starting TE (if he unseats incumbent Alex Smith during training camp).

Worst Case

Troupe could struggle to adapt to the Tampa Bay offense, and wind up on the curb looking for a new job half way through training camp, or he could end up buried behind Alex Smith on the depth chart. In either scenario, Troupe would be a fantasy non-factor during 2008.

Outlook

Troupe's outlook is not very exciting, unless you assume he can unseat Alex Smith as the starting TE with Tampa. We wouldn't bet on that right now, but if he manages to earn the top job in Tampa, Troupe would likely be good for around 300 yards receiving and 2-4 TDs in the starting role.

2007 Game Summaries

Week 2 - Troupe was targeted only once during the loss and finished the game with no receptions.

Week 9 - Troupe was thrown to once but the pass was incomplete near midfield.

Week 11 - Troupe was targeted a couple of times, but one was actually a backwards pass so it was scored as a run. He wasn't much of a factor in the game.

Week 12 - Troupe's only reception came on a juggling catch to give the Titans excellent field position inside the Bengals ten yard line during the fourth quarter.

Week 18 - Troupe ran a nice route on a perfect fade pass down the sideline from Vince Young, which by itself would have made Troupe Tennessee's leading yardage receiver in the game. With Bo Scaife out with a lacerated liver, Troupe had a great opportunity for a big day. Three receptions for 44 yards won't wow anyone, but it was a solid performance on a day when no other receivers really impressed all that much.