Who is the Buccaneers’ Jonathan Krause?

Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83), wide receiver Evan Spencer (85), wide receiver Jonathan Krause (10), wide receiver Adam Humphries (11) and teammates work out at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83), wide receiver Evan Spencer (85), wide receiver Jonathan Krause (10), wide receiver Adam Humphries (11) and teammates work out at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buccaneers’ newly acquired Jonathan Krause has turned heads early in team camp. That brings us to the question, who is this mystery man who has made such an immediate impression?

On July 24th, the Buccaneers decided to acquire Jonathan Krause off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles.  Krause is already considered a journeyman although he has only been in the league for three years.  Krause has only logged two catches for a total of 11 yards, but he is a player who, believe it or not, already has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the New England Patriots in 2014.

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From the Browns, to the Patriots, to the Eagles, to the Bucs, Krause is looking to make an impression on coaches to finally stick on a 53 man roster.

How can a man with hands like this go so unappreciated?  Apparently Jason Licht feels like this talent has just gone under the radar like he has with so many past players, and that is why he jumped at the opportunity to have Krause play for the Bucs.

So just who is Jonathan Krause?  This 5’11” speedster is a Vanderbuilt alumni who played and dormed with current NFL receiver Jordan Matthews. T he receiving duo put some great numbers up in their time at Vandy with Krause logging a total of 1,197 yards through the air along with 196 yards on the ground.

During his college years, Krause was one of only two true freshman to earn a starting spot, and he was considered to be the one of most explosive offensive players on their team for four years. Although Krause was known for his offensive talents, he was also able to take his talents to the  special teams.  During his junior year Krause returned two punts for touchdowns, one of those being a long one of 83 yards.

Although most of his career was overshadowed by fellow Commodore Jordan Matthews, Krause gained enough attention to be able to sign an undrafted rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns as a practice squad member.  Although his time was cut short in Cleveland, he was able to sign with the Patriots and eventually win a ring for being a part of their practice squad.  Hey, practice squad players get rings too!

Eventually Krause was once again cut and managed to get another shot in Philly where he was

finally promoted to the 53 man roster and was able to get his only two catches.  Krause’s typical narrative left him without a job, again, but this time Jason Licht and the Bucs were able to pounce.

In just a little time on the roster, Krause has been able to turn the heads, especially that of head coach Dirk Koetter.  Coach Koetter said in a recent interview with the Pewter Report, “Jason Licht and his scouts, they knew about this guy.  When he popped up on the waiver wire, we had a spot for a wideout.  We like what we’re seeing from this guy.”

Next: Buccaneers Training Camp: Notes and Quotes Day 6

Does Krause actually have a chance on making the 53 man roster?  Yes, there definitely is a chance.  Now that the Bucs have finally named their third receiver, Adam Humphries, that leaves that lost few spots up for grabs.  Although his competition will be concentrated against returning players such as Louis Murphy, Donteaa Dye, and Kenny Bell, he still has a chance.

With Murphy recovering from a serious injury, Kenny Bell’s inconsistency, Russell Shepard‘s lack of talent and Donteea Dye‘s ability to disappear, there is a chance.  Krause needs to prove himself early.  A wideout who has special teams ability is a wideout with a chance to make the 53 man.

What is your opinion, Buc fans?