Pining For A Quarterback
May 2nd, 2014
Bucs QB Josh McCown’s contract is only guaranteed for 2014.
When Joe looks at the Bucs’ roster, sure he sees holes, but Joe believes new Bucs coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht have done a fine job upgrading.
The defense, in Joe’s eyes, is set. On offense, Joe is worried as hell about the thin offensive line. A wide receiver or two will sure help in this deep receiver draft. Then there’s quarterback.
It sure smells like L&L are not Mike Glennon guys. Either that, or they expect him to start down the road. In the worst-case scenario, starting quarterback Josh McCown is a right-handed version of Scott Mitchell, who, replacing an injured Dan Marino in Miami, racked up a few good games and hit the lottery on the free agent market with the Lions.
Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski, “The Commish,” of WHFS-FM 98.7, looks at the roster of the Bucs and sees a crying need for a quarterback. Given the fact the Bucs are picking at No. 7, a position hopefully they won’t pick anywhere near for years, Pawlowski believes the time is now for the Bucs to draft a quarterback to lead them to glorious victories for the next decade. In the first round. At No. 7.
Looking at the roster, I’m sure there will be people that read this and roll their eyes, but quarterback is the most important position in sports, and if you feel the Bucs are set at that position, you’re fooling yourselves.
The Bucs signed Josh McCown to a 2-year contract this off-season, however, if you look closely at that contract, just the 1st year is guaranteed. One might also assume that McCown’s contract is structured in a way for him to be the starter at the beginning of the 2014 season, but eventually become the backup quarterback in Tampa Bay.
As for Mike Glennon, the Bucs are reportedly already actively shopping Glennon with a week until the draft even begins. This news tells me that the Buccaneers might be targeting a quarterback extremely early in the draft if they’re already looking to dump Glennon to another team. Lovie Smith said he wanted every position on his team to be fast and athletic. Mike Glennon is neither fast nor athletic.
Justin makes good points and how rock star general manager Mark Dominik of Licht to only guarantee the first year of McCown’s contract? That’s a helluva out if McCown disappoints.
The salary structure reinforces what Joe has been saying for months, that at some point next week, the Bucs will pick a quarterback and he will get a year to groom himself into an NFL signal-caller.
Like Pawlowski, Joe has the same name at the top of his wish list: Johnny.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:08 am
Maybe….but not in round 1 unless we trade down and one is stll available.
McCown could also be restructured and extended if he performs.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:20 am
@Joe
I forgot, but can you give US the reason- why you labeled former General Manager Mark Dominik; Rockstar?
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:21 am
LUVMYBUC:
Explained many times. All in the archives.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:21 am
If they wanted to trade Glennon they already would have. Nothing is stopping them. You think it’s possible they’re creating the strong impression they want a QB at #7 in order to drive up the trade value of that pick? You think Lovie is dumb enough to reveal his hand about wanting a QB early in the draft? I think he’s smarter than the media.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:22 am
I partially agree Joe. Our O worries me. But I also don’t think the D is set yet. We could still use a couple players to fill out that side of the ball and create different options. No doubt our D is ahead of our O right now, but I wouldn’t put it past Lovie to draft a bunch of D players to solidify depth. However, if we draft JF I will be thrilled. JF, Doug Martin, VJAX, an emerging Tim Wright = pretty nice base. Add a WR and some Oline depth and we might be a fun O to watch. Though there are many players I favor in the draft, I just hope L&L are able to get the most out of thier first draft together. We need to start hitting on these picks and find some gems in later rounds too.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:23 am
Was it because of during his tenure as GM, the Buccaneers went 28-52 with only one winning season and no playoff appearances?
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:25 am
@Joe
I forgot -As a loyal reader of your blog can you please repost?
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:33 am
I think they are saying that they are shopping glennon so that teams jump up passed us to get a QB and maybe waltkins drops to #7 for us to take
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:33 am
@ LUVMYBUC
I agree, Dominck was at the very least….a poor GM….and didn’t deserve the “Rock Star” moniker….
But….lets move on. I am now just beginning to get over Raheem…much less Schiano & Co.
Looking forward, we have reason to be optimistic…..after all, as Buc Fans….what else is new?
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:34 am
No worries
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:34 am
would love to have a franchise qb , however , there’s not one apparent in this draft. even if there were one , who will block for him and who will catch his passes.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:36 am
I predict a QB, 2 WRs, 2 OL and a safety will be picked.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:37 am
But that still won’t fix the online this year.
The safety is because of Goldson, who will not stay past this year.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:37 am
Maybe, just maybe L & L think enough of Kafka to trade Glennon. Just a thought.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:47 am
@Buccaneer Bonzai,
I wouldn’t put it past Lovie to draft primarily D players. Part of me says, “Just finish building an awesome D”…another, bigger part of me says, “goodness, we need help on O…lol.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:49 am
Or, the Glennon smoke is to make Jerruh think Licht is serious about drafting Manziel.
We just all have to admit that this is all pretend, and we might as well be talking about what we will do with our lottery winnings.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:49 am
@Tackleblockwin
At least we can take comfort knowing that some of the best offensive guards have been drafted in round 4 or later.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:51 am
@ Bonzai
Don’t know about the Safety….agree about Goldson…but we would have to draft one pretty high to expect him to replace him as a starter in 2015.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:54 am
Tampabaybucfan, that’s true.
Bare in mind though that Goldson will only be playing 12 games this year.
He will certainly get himself a 4 game suspension.
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:54 am
Uh oh the Mike glennon boys won’t like this.
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:12 am
bonzai! ding ding ding, O line can be found late in the draft.
also almost every mock has JF going before we pick and Bortles going to Minnesota right after us. isnt bortles projected to be the best qb prospect but needs to sit a year or so before taking over. they say Minn has Ponder and Cassel to mentor but isnt that exactly the situation we keep talking about, only difference is we only talk like this in regards to JF. and if he isnt there we say draft Evans.
you obviously dont want the 7th pick to not start right away but thinking long term doesnt it seem like bortles is the smartest pick for us if he is available?
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:19 am
Im all about Bortles, especially before Manziel….and thats the only 1st rounder QB for me. Draft the trenches and especially supersize the D line with Donald. He’s my bpa if Robinson, Matthews, Mack, and Watkins are gone….maybe Evans (he’s growing on me)
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:23 am
Can someone please tell me what they have against Glennon? He is better than any QB in the draft & with just as much upside
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:26 am
JP’s quote sure makes a strong case for the Bucs to be preparing to pick their franchise QB. They’ve said before they believe there are several potential franchise QBs available in this year’s draft, let’s just hope they get the one they REALLY want.
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:30 am
6 days. Thank god. Can’t wait to put all these smoke screens to bed.
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:37 am
Lovie isn’t drafting a lineman in the first two rounds. What do they sign 3 lineman? That’s one offseason. Look at the list of tackles that were pro bowlers that hit the market. Now look at all the franchise qbs that have or will hit the market. ZERO. It’s a no brainer you take the position with 7 u won’t be able to take for a while. U can always drafted a Taylor Lewan and even draft a Mike Evans. However we will not always have the chance to get a top QB without surrendering multiple picks. Idc if it’s teddy blake or john(would prefer JF) they need to draft a QB. Signing McCown will likely make no impact on them drafting a QB.
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:51 am
LUV…no one is helping you out. If you didn’t find it in the archives, I can help ya out.
Joe simply labeled him “rock star” because when he became GM he was always in front of a camera or a microphone. Like a rock star.
You’re welcome.
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:54 am
ODB…my first purchase would be 50 yrd line seats at RJS and a red Hummer all decked out it in Buc gear just for games.
May 2nd, 2014 at 11:59 am
I agree with te commish We do need another are for training camp. But it isnn’t likely we find better value at qb than gleenon. I am a Murray guy but he can be had in 3rd or lower.
I wouldnt be suprized if lovie went all defensive front 7 with 2 of the first 3 picks.
With the 2 chicago dbs (saftey and cb) lovie can focus on the front side. I hope we snatch a ol in the early rounds.
We need wr some where in this draft aswell.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:05 pm
1st round QB’s aren’t groomed. They start on day 1, unless they are in line to replace a soon-to-be retiring “franchise” QB.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:06 pm
I think trading Mike during or before the draft would be a mistake ! Until the QB we draft PROVES to the coaches he can play a this level trading Mike scares the heck out of me. If Josh goes down with even a minor injury we know at least we have a capable, proven QB in Mike. GO BUCS !!!!!!!
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:12 pm
“Justin makes good points and how rock star general manager Mark Dominik of Licht to only guarantee the first year of McCown’s contract?”
Forgive my ignorance, but I don’t understand this sentence at all. Ive read it over and over and cant make heads or tails out of it. Does it mean that Licht found his inner Dom when making out the contract?
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:21 pm
I said exactly all of this yesterday, with the exception of McCown’s contract only being guaranteed for one year – that I did not know. Specifically, I said:
Harry Says:
May 1st, 2014 at 12:35 pm
“…There is no doubt in my mind L&L are drafting a QB next week. Lets read the obvious:
1) Lovie brought in McCown bc he did not have faith in MG8 (sorry MGMers, but ur crazy if you argue this point),
2) McCown is Rex – its the best he can do for now, there were no other alternatives;
3) That does not mean Lovie thinks McCown is going to be a franchise QB after 11 years in the league and being 34 yo;
4) As Eric pointed out, Lovie understands the importance of the QB position after giving up a lot for Cutler
Lovie will draft a QB this year bc he is just hoping to squeeze enough out of McCown until our new rookie franchise QB is ready, be that this year or next. But Lovie likely knows he can’t wait an entire year to start grooming a new QB – that could put him 2 years out and it is ridiculous to think he is ok with waiting that long…”
Yeah, you guys keep your head in the sand that L&L are not drafting a QB.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:41 pm
@ Harry
You could make that argument….or just the opposite….
Lovie brought in McCown because he thought he could win with him now…..likes Glennon, but thinks he needs to sit behind a vet for a while.
Realizes that if McCown doesn’t work out as planned (one year guaranteed) he can select a QB in 15 or go with Glennon.
If McCown does work out, then he can extend him another year taking Lovie through 16…..and he still can draft a QB in 15.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:47 pm
LUVMYBUCS:
Joe’s archives are free for anyone to use and available on any type of browser. If you want the answer bad enough, you’ll do research.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Yes. Dominik always front-loaded contracts so that if a player had to be jettisoned later, it would be less painful.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:53 pm
“Yes. Dominik always front-loaded contracts so that if a player had to be jettisoned later, it would be less painful.”
It’s almost like he realized how bad he was, and planned accordingly. I appreciate that.
May 2nd, 2014 at 12:58 pm
They’ll take a QB I’m not questioning that. I don’t think it is 1st rd unless they trade back and I don’t think any of these guys are franchise QB. Unless you have an Aaron Rodgers sitting on a team for 4 yrs then playing. Noy right out if the gate and not in his 2nd year either. Sorry but not Cam, Russel, Kap, or even RG3 in this.
Wonder who we will draft at QB next year? Mariotta?
May 2nd, 2014 at 1:45 pm
@TBBF;
IMO, I think my points fit perfectly with drafting a QB this year, not next year. I guess we will find out in just 6 days…
May 2nd, 2014 at 1:47 pm
The alarm clock numbers are still awful.
May 2nd, 2014 at 1:50 pm
LOL@ODB
May 2nd, 2014 at 2:07 pm
@Bonzai- Don’t forget, they scooped up Major Wright to bolster the safety position as well.
There are so many scenarios that might play out next week. My head is starting to swim in all this uncertainty.
I do believe they will draft QB. In what round though? I keep hearing “value” and associate that with later rounds considering the other glaring needs on the team. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for getting a franchise guy in the 1st. Problem is, they will be compelled to start him because of it.
May 2nd, 2014 at 2:38 pm
listen linda linda look it Glennen will not be a buc for much longer
May 2nd, 2014 at 3:06 pm
BUCSsince96 Said:
“Can someone please tell me what they have against Glennon? He is better than any QB in the draft & with just as much upside”
Not so loud. You’ll awaken the knobs.
May 2nd, 2014 at 3:39 pm
Funny that people question how I know Glennon isn’t very good after just 13 games, then turn around and say Glennon is better than any QB in this draft when all they have to go on is the same 13 games for Glennon (if we can’t tell how bad, we can’t tell how good either) and no pro games by the potential draft picks. Nobody knows anything about Glennon or these draft picks yet. We have opinions. Mine is that Glennon is a pretty good backup. Mine is that at least 2, possibly more, QBs in this draft are either already better or will be better over the long term than Glennon. My opinion is different than yours and that’s OK. I still think Bridgewater is the best QB in this draft and will make everyone forget his pro day before this coming season is over.
May 2nd, 2014 at 4:17 pm
I think Carr is the best QB prospect in this draft if he goes to the right team with the right coach.
May 2nd, 2014 at 4:19 pm
LUVMYBUC Says:
May 2nd, 2014 at 10:20 am
@Joe
I forgot, but can you give US the reason- why you labeled former General Manager Mark Dominik; Rockstar?
—————————————————————————————————-
I really WISH Joe would stop calling Mark Dominik a “Rockstar” also.
The reason Joe gives is “because everyone wanted to interview Mark Dominik, like a Rockstar”
Well, by that standard, every GM in football is a “Rockstar”, because the press want to interview them too.
I love this site, and I am quite fond of both of the Joe’s as well, having had the pleasure to meet both of them on one occasion.
But I really would like to see them stop calling Mark Dominik a “Rockstar”.
I frequent several sports bars, as well as having club seats for the Bucs.
When I am asked what football sites I frequent, JBF.Com is always at the top of my list.
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this from fellow fans “That Joe Bucs Fan don’t know shit, he calls Mark Dominik a Rockstar”!
In the eyes of many Tampa Football Fans (including me), Mark Dominik is public enemy number one. The name Rockstar is much too flattering, for someone who has hurt us as bad as he did, for so long.
May 2nd, 2014 at 4:26 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
“…I predict a QB, 2 WRs, 2 OL and a safety will be picked.”
I agree, but with one change. Instead of a safety, I predict a D-lineman, probably DE; Lovie loves his DEs.
May 2nd, 2014 at 4:28 pm
@BamBam;
My feeling exactly, except I lean more towards Manziel.
May 2nd, 2014 at 4:38 pm
@ Harry – I wouldn’t be disappointed with Manziel. I just think his mechanics break down more on the move than Bridgewater. He also loses vision on the move, preferring to run. Bridgewater was great under pressure, on the move, against the blitz, rolling out. Bridgewater’s options were throw, throw on the run, run. Manziel was throw, run, throw on the run. I also prefer Bridgewater’s pocket presence, pre-snap reads, and footwork (working under center, drop back)
May 2nd, 2014 at 5:51 pm
@BamBam
Nice Bridgewater breakdown. I agree with some of what you say. But I think JF has very good pocket presence, a great arm, very athletic, very competitive and a good leader. He does not to run less, which he reduced greatly from Freshman to Soph season.
But bottom line, whoever L&L love, I love. I don’t claim to know what it takes to be an NFL talent evaluator and most of them can’t seem to agree amongst themselves. But I am dying for a real honest to goodness “FRANCHISE QB” to take my Bucs back to the SB!
May 2nd, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Chris@ARC Makes a very good point.
Personally I like the nicknames. All of them. I love how Joe keeps on them, never wavering. But I understand this fast food force fed type of media now, (Drive byes as Rush would say) and that the people don’t understand its kind of tongue and cheek, and it might cost Joe some business.
But hey, maybe Joe is a humble man and don’t need to pander to the masses for a larger profit.
May 2nd, 2014 at 7:13 pm
Eric Adelson of Yahoo sports had a very good write up regarding the falling stock of Teddy Bridgewater and why it was so puzzling. Good read, worth a Google.
May 2nd, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Calling Dominick “rockstar” is sarcasm…jusst like calling Tedford a “Quarterback Guru” is.
May 3rd, 2014 at 12:14 am
News Flash: Tedford is a guru. FACT
How many first rounder did he have? I’ll wait.
No one is saying he is the worlds best.
That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
I guess you know more than Lovie. Tell the Glazers they hired the wrong guy.
lol I’m just funnin. I just wanted to see how it felt to spew out some cliche hyperbolies. And Honestly, it felt good… Real good. No wonder everyone always does that. I might keep doing it now.
May 3rd, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Right Joe because everyone has depth and starter quality on the o line just sitting around….Dominick was around 5-6 years and drafted how many lineman? I think it’s wise enough to assume depth can be found after the draft, with that second free agency period or undrafted rookies. It’s kind of pointless to talk about depth before the draft and training camp but i guess the media have to have something worth talking about. We’ll still here that simple minded talk in season as if everyone has to starters at every position