Bucs tight end Payne Durham is someone Pewter Report has been following closely throughout training camp, as he is our offensive Camp Diary. Durham has provided two insightful installments so far detailing his desire to become a dominant blocker as well as his excitement about catching his first two NFL touchdowns last season.
After the third-year tight end played more of a role, especially when starting tight end Cade Otton went down late in the year with an injury, Durham is willing to do whatever it takes to see the field more.
Even if he is used as a “human battering ram.”
Payne Durham Focused On Technical Blocking And Putting People In The Dirt
Payne Durham is all of his listed 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame. Durham looks every bit like a blocking tight end, but it was not something he was polished at entering the NFL. He has noticeably grown in that area since then, but Durham has made that his priority in the hopes of being the guy offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard turns to in two tight-end sets and short-yardage situations this season.
Bucs TEs Payne Durham and Cade Otton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
In fact, that is his main focus throughout camp.
“A lot of the technical blocking side of stuff,” Durham said when asked about what he is working on during the dog days of summer. “That was the role that I found myself in last year, being the human battering ram. I love it, I like doing that and [tight ends coach Justin] Peelle has worked with me extensively. He has done a great job [of] getting me to hone in on my hand placement, my pad level, my base on contact – stuff like that. [I’ve] really been hammering that home just to try and dirt people this season.”
You usually hear that kind of talk from an offensive lineman, say left tackle Tristan Wirfs or right tackle Luke Goedeke. Players who solely get paid to do that in the trenches. Hearing that Durham wants to be an extension of that is encouraging, and it signifies that he is willing to do anything to provide a spark.
Bucs TE Payne Durham – Photo by: USA Today
“I’m not the yelling for no reason kind of guy, but I’ll say something in the room or pick someone up, [let them know] we [have] to get out stuff going,” Durham said about adding energy on offense. “But there are so many guys on the team that are like that, it’s never a confrontation or an argument, it’s always people uplifting. That’s what I love about this team and this culture – we have a bunch of guys that truly care about each other on and off the field. Really cool to see.”
Payne Durham Also Looking To Make His Mark In The Bucs’ Passing Game
After playing in 16 games and recording 11 receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns, Payne Durham might have more of a role if his blocking can take that next step.
If he truly can batter and bring the pain to the defensive player matched up across from him.
Still, in such a talented room with Cade Otton’s jack-of-all-trades skillset, Devin Culp’s athleticism, and Ko Kieft’s blocking and special teams’ prowess, Durham is also looking to make strides hauling in passes from quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Bucs TE Payne Durham – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
With his size, expect him to be utilized in the red zone and times when the offense has to move to the chains.
“Short-area stuff,” Durham said about where he is hoping to make improvement in the passing game. “Getting open in a five-yard box, really [being] able to create separation – I made some contested catches but it’s a lot easier when there is nobody on you. [I’m] trying to work on my bursts, in and out, quick speed changes – stuff like that.”
Payne Durham and the Bucs got their first taste of competition during Thursday’s joint practice with the Titans. Now, Durham and the rest of the team are gearing up for their first preseason game against Tennessee Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. Durham, who will get the start in place of Cade Otton, who is injured, will not be afraid to throw his weight around and put guys in the dirt – even if he is no longer provided smelling salts by the team.