Talking Draft
December 10th, 2011
Justin Pawlowski of WDAE wants to see cornerback Morris Claiborne change from LSU purple and gold to Bucs pewter and red.
Bucs fans are excited about the 2012 NFL Draft far earlier than they expected. Joe is of the mind that given the option, Bucs fans would have preferred to wait until February to talk draft.
But with the 2011 season, a season that started with so much promise, circling the drain, Bucs fans have already started discussing the draft. There’s not much else to look forward to.
Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620, was fielding so many questions about the draft he finally quit talking about it because he said there were four more games in the regular season and talking draft so much was a bit premature.
Now Joe has been of the mind that since the Bucs need linebackers in the absolute worst way, Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik should pick two linebackers with his first two picks (Joe’s preference for a second round pick is Lavonte David of Nebraska. This will not be the last time you see that name on this here site, trust Joe.)
But Pawlowski changed Joe’s mind. Justin believes that, in a division with Drew Brees, with Matty Ice, with Cam Newton, the Bucs will need a signature cornerback for the next decade.
And that lockdown cornerback is Morris Claiborne of LSU.
It was such a novel idea and concept, it has changed Joe’s mind. That’s why Joe likes Justin. He’s smart and likes food (FGU!).
December 10th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Joe
What do think about the Bucs possibly taking Montee Ball in the 1st round? Don’t think RB is our biggest need, but I’ve they’ve been showing a lot of his college highlights today on ESPN because he’s a nominee for the Heisman. Seems like a hell of a running back. I think he’d give Blount some much needed help.
Just a thought…..but really it should probably be CB or LB in the 1st.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
I think Karaoke guy GM should look corner also. However, team speed desperately needs to be addressed and it is about time to abandon the Williams and Benn “slow show.” i am not saying get rid of one or both, but it makes no sense to have 2 identical (good size and route running but slow) receivers.
Make Benn your 3rd/slot receiver and draft a guy who can run. The 2 Arkansas receivers are both reportedly sub 4.3 – take one.
Also, the bucs need a tall (6’5+), rangy outside linebacker type to rush the passer and cover the Jimmy Graham’s and Tony Gonzalez’s. We also need to find a 6’8 tight end with hands. Luke Stocker is really about 6’5 and underwhelming. Graham is an awesome weapon who will kill us for years if we dont stop him, and give some of him back to them.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Bucs fans all over are irate that we are under-achieving, won’t make the playoffs and have lost several games straight.
Why?
The Glazers are committed to building through the draft, and seemingly in an exclusive fashion. WHY WOULD WE WANT TO WIN AGAINST THE JAGUARS???
I, for one, will be furious if we lose tomorrow. Valuable draft order real-estate is at risk tomorrow and we can not afford to run Blount more than 3 times tomorrow.
Rudy Carpenter should start tomorrow, and Ronde Barber should play 3-technique.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Patrick:
Joe is dead set against drafting a running back in the first round for a myriad of reasons. One is the Bucs have FAR more needs than running back. They already have one, they just won’t use him!
Joe thinks Montee Ball may be better than Trent Richardson.
December 10th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
furious if we win* (another tongue in cheek post ruined by typos!! oh no!!)
December 10th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Thomas, I see you subscribe to the Al Davis WR draft policy, that has panned out really well out in Oakland. Uh maybe its just me, but I’d rather have the best hands in the draft to help improve the team in the NFL with the most drops, and a speed wr is just going to get crushed on an end-around play next year by a LB blitzing through the backfield unblocked by Kregg Lumpkin.
Luke Stocker underwhelming? He is arguably our most valuable tight end. Without him, Jeremy Trueblood can’t run block a 14-year old, and Luke has caught most balls thrown his direction, which have unfortunately been few and far between.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
I know what our needs are at CB, But we are going to get a top ten pick, probably 5th or 6th. With all the questions about Colt McCoy, the Browns are going to be forced to go QB and if Trent Richardson is sitting there, I’m taking him. This is a game changing opportunity that will sell way more tickets than a CB. This pick would change our minds about Blount. There, I’ve said it and I stand by it!!
December 10th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Leighroy:
I am not advocating drafting a player who cant catch just one who can run and stretch the field. Williams and Benn have had the drops I concede – but I think Will can play if we replace the coaching staff. Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem helped the Saints get over the top, as did Jennings with Nelson and Jones in GB, also Garcon in Indy.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Thomas 2.2
Mike Williams has actually not had as bad of a season as some people think. He’s on pace to actually have more catches than last year. He’s also been missed wide open several times by Freeman.
And when offensive genius Olsen never uses Benn except on his famous “end rounds”, how do we even know what we truly have in Benn?
We need a guy who shreds defense and who can beat people down the field. Someone who scares other teams. I’d like to see DeSean Jackson in a Bucs uniform this offseason.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Didn’t Tampa used to take the best athlete available when we picked, vs drafting for need.
Maybe that’s why we had so many difference makers back then.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
please, no more big 12 guys(big 12), nothing against denard of nebraska, but SEC players dominate, Claiborne or Kirkpatrick(Alabama) or former UF Janoris Jenkins. if we go RB in second round, UM’s Lamar Miller if available, go get linebackers in free agency, need vets to help the the youth.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
macabee: I agree with you completely if T Rich is there, and we have a real coaching staff it would be very hard for them not to take him.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Two very different paths in the top 10 this year. CB LB vs. RB LG. The debates leading up to April should prove more entertaining than the season has. Still like the Stocker pick last draft, but I am beginning to miss the 2012 4th round pick. Go JAGS, er uh, bucs.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Trent Richardson !
December 10th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Yea, replacing one CB with issues, with another who can’t quit rolling joints in Gainesville clubs after being arrested TWICE FOR THE SAME CRIME IN THE SAME PLACE, is ALWAYS a great idea!!!
If Janoris Jenkins joins this team, I’m walking. Mark the tape.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Leighroy: that list you just rattled off on Jenkins:
That is the model player for a Rah Rah Morris defense; sounds like Talib Jr or Preston Parker or THC Jax etc to me.
December 10th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Lol, Touche Thomas.
December 10th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Vontaze Burfict with the 1, slide Foster to SAM.
Love the Claiborne idea, too – but adding an intimidator LB would be tough to pass up. Just a fan’s opinion.
December 10th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@ Thomas –
i sincerely hope that first post was a joke. there really aren’t many 6’5″ OLBs…especially ones that can rush the passer AND cover the top TEs in the game. and if there were, they would surely be in very high demand for having such a versatile skill set.
and ditto for a 6’8″ TE with hands. the only TE in the NFL near 6’8″ is Leonard Pope, and im not sure if u are aware but he is garbage. there just aren’t many guys that big at that position. (for your information Jimmy Graham is more like 6’6″)
its really easy to come up with a prototype in your head. i can say i would love to see a 7 foot tall 400 lb RT who runs a sub 40 yd dash to replace Trueblood. or a 240 lb RB with homerun speed, excellent hands and impeccable pass protecting skills. its much harder to be realistic about things like that.
please stop polluting these boards with your nonsense imaginary wishlists.
December 10th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
srqrr:
Hate to break the news, but Nebraska doesn’t play in the Big XII.
December 10th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
the quickest way for this team with young promising potential talent….to buy time….is via a strong running game…Blount is not a #1 RB….Trent Richardson…is the player that can single handily change the dynamics on both sides of the ball.
We need first to keep our offense on the field before worrying about stopping to other team…
December 10th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
If he is there I think I want Courtney upshaw. Guy is a beast tackler and I think can help are run d. I think we should trade up and take a DB and a LB In the 1st round. Then in the 2nd draft another DT. GMC / price can not be relied on for health reasons.
December 10th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
If Morris Claiborne is still on the board when we pick, then we MUST take him.
Yeah, Trent Richardson is INCREDIBLE with a great work ethic/attitude but we just don’t have the luxury of drafting a RB if we have a top 10 pick. Our team desperately needs help on Defense.
I love Claiborne in the first, if not him, then we need to go after an SEC LB. hopefully one of the two studs from Alabama.
But I love Joe’s suggestion for LaVonte David. He is undersized but he could be a great replacement for Geno. And he could be available at the beginning of the second because of concerns about his size. (remember Derrick Brooks?)
Our first 3 picks from last year were all homeruns.
So let’s see what our GENIUS rockstar GM has in mind this year. I hope 1 corner and 2 LB’s.
I am not worried about our offense or our WR’s.
We could find a speedster WR in the 5th.
Just wondering. Could Florida’s Jenkins still be on the board in the 5th?
Look at Oakland. They found Jacoby Ford and Denarious Moore in the later rounds. 4th and 5th round picks I think. And they can flyyy!
Building through the draft?
Great idea. Just keep picking up players for defense. I personally want some combo of 1 CB and and 2 LB’s.
December 10th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
“Yeah, Trent Richardson is INCREDIBLE with a great work ethic/attitude but we just don’t have the luxury of drafting a RB if we have a top 10 pick.”
On another board..in another time…I was banging the drum for Adrian Peterson….after we had drafted Carnell Williams….I was hounded out….football has always been about the ability to run the ball on your opponent ….and stopping your opponent from running the ball on you….nothing else is of that importance….
December 10th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Big marlon: I agree that what you mention are not easy to find, payton found one, bellichick found arguably 2. I would put Jason Taylor in the mold of player in my head. I like Dekoda Watson but he is too small for Graham and Gonzalez.
Now: somehow we are great at finding every broke down defensive lineman that is available in each draft, I think we have hit our quota there. (i am pleased with Clay and Bowers for rooks but we’ll see over a few seasons).
What we dont need is another player with some talent but also problems and we need to advance with league. Rah and Dom have failed to do that, I guess Luke Stocker was an attempt but come on, look at his College stats he is no aaron hernandez.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Claiborne isn’t going to be there (assuming we’re picking 5-10) If Justin Blackmon is on the board you take him, if not, I would think about somebody like Dre Kirkpatrick or Vontaze Burfict.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
but u are talking about finding 6’8″ TEs, and u go and mention Aaron Hernandez….who is around 6’3″ or 6’4″ TOPS.
and Jason Taylor was not a coverage LB by any stretch. he was primarily a 4-3 DE, and when he did play OLB it was in a 3-4 where he rushed the passer on 90-95% of his snaps.
on a side note, i dont know how it is possible for so many people on this board to be able to function for this many years and not be able to distinguish the difference between the words OUR and ARE. sorry if that sounds like nitpicking, but it blows my mind how people can formulate sentences while being that stupid. unreal.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
what everyone needs to pray for is one of the top qb’s to be on the board when our time comes so we can trade back. after that it has to be either cb or lb. rb’s should never come off the board in the top 10, never.
December 10th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I think we need to draft richardson and worry bout defense in free agents landry from the redskins is a solid choice to replace jones a explosive play maker expesually if we aint playin the cover 2 anymore plus he can help out on.the run flowers from kansas city is a fa that would help the corners and on offense I would love to see jackson in a bucs uniform that would spread the defense for.both blount and richardson to run.the.ball is a 2 back leauge the more.u run the.bettee you r and it helps freeman get even better and stop makimg so many mistakes
December 10th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
My dream scenario would be the Browns, having two 1st rounders, wanting someone so bad that they give both of their 1st rounders to the Bucs. Who would the Bucs pick with two 1st? A linebacker would be one.
December 10th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@2goodbucs
A linebacker and a cornerback for sure.
December 10th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Trent Richardson is about one more off-season weight lifting regiment away from running a 5.0 40 yard dash. He has regressed since he was a freshman. His speed is gone and it’s only going to get worse. I do not waste a pick on him, especially when we already have Blount. Richardson would have at least 100 more yards if he wasn’t so damn slow.
Claiborne, Kirkpatrick (love him), Dont’a Hightower, or Janoris Jenkins. Maybe even trade down and take Burfict.
December 10th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Trent Richardson is about one more off-season weight lifting regiment away from running a 5.0 40 yard dash. He has regressed since he was a freshman. His speed is gone and it’s only going to get worse. I do not waste a pick on him, especially when we already have Blount. Richardson would have at least 100 more yards if he wasn’t so damn slow.
Claiborne, Kirkpatrick (love him), Dont’a Hightower, or Janoris Jenkins. Maybe even trade down and take Burfict.
December 10th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
You guys it doesnt matter who we draft! He has to be the best player on board …except Quarterback……We need some difference makes on this team.. we only got blount imo………
December 11th, 2011 at 2:33 am
Wow I surprised by some of the names being thrown out there, actually more surprised by the names missing. LB’s in the 10-15 range are Keuchly and Brown right now, then Teo and Burfict grading out late teens to mid 20’s. Hightower, Lewis, Lewis, Upshaw, and David 25-50.
Morris is atop the CB food chain and if we lose out should be the pick, if we land 8-12 Keuchly is the pick.
Look at Minnefield, Hosely, and Heyward as 2nd rd CB’s and if Jenks slides to the 2nd round……take him, he is Top 10 talent.
There are two real deep threat WR, Kendal Wright who might last to the second round, and Hilton from FIU who could slide to R3 due to small school.
Too many needs to take Richardson, and the value just isn’t there. There are more Ronnie Browns and Carnel Williams than there are Adrian Ball, Miller, Polk, and Martin are much better values. Truth is James needs to be the pick in R3, his skill set and electricity even in a limited 10 touches role would be a game changer. Demps is looking like a late rounder and Rainey might go undrafted.
Keuchly/Heyward/James
Claiborne / Lewis /James
Trade back please Dom trade back to 20, and pick up another 2. Take Teo 1, Wright 2a, David 2b and James 3.
I also think one of the 4 will slide to our 2nd, Burfict/Teo/Hightower/Jenkins…who will be this years “Bowers”
December 11th, 2011 at 11:15 am
The reason you’re seeing these names is becasue Bucs fans are tired of taking people we don’t know, who the fans have never heard of before. We want an SEC playmaker that we’ve watched play lights out for the last 3-4 years. No more boring picks!
December 11th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
^^So Clayborn, Bowers and Foster were boring picks?? Last years draft was awesome, in my opinion.
I think Clayborne is a must-pick player for us, simply because of the uncertainty in our corner department. I doubt they double dip like the last 2 years, our need for an outside linebacker is gonna require we take one in the second round. But I’ve said it before, keep an eye on Zach Brown from UNC, he could be a guy we take over Clayborne.
December 11th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
And @ Captain Stagger I like your idea to trade for picks, that’s a good idea. If we’re in position to draft Richardson that could be a really popular place to trade out of, a lot of teams will want to take Richardson. Good idea.