Schiano Talks Richardson, Having “That Guy”
March 28th, 2012
It’s clear to Joe that many Bucs fans are ready to go to war with each other over whether the Bucs should draft beastly Alabama running back Trent Richardson.
Joe’s of the belief that the Bucs already have a beast of a running back and don’t need Richardson when they can make a much smarter draft pick — for the short term and the long term — in cornerback Morris Claiborne.
Well, Schiano opened up a bit today at the NFL owners meetings about the running game. Rick Stroud, of TampaBay.com, filed a story that has Schiano talking about everything from fumbles, to riding a bell cow feature back, to the film of Richardson.
Most interesting to Joe, Schiano says “you’ve got to have that guy.”
“So I do believe if you have the right one, you just feed him. And great backs want the ball. Ray [Rice] used to come to me, I would check with Ray continuously. “How are you feeling, big guy?’ “Keep giving me the ball. Keep giving me the ball.’ That’s all he wanted. “Give me the ball, give me the ball.’
“When you have those types of backs, I’ve been around some of them – Kijana Carter was like that at Penn St. — at Miami we had a slew of them. They all want touches to get into a groove. But you’ve got to have that guy. I always talk about touches during a football game. It’s kind of like a pizza and you earn your slice of the pie. so the better the player you are, the more productive you are, we’re going to find ways to get you touches. And you earn them. They’re not handed out. You earn them.”
So do the Bucs and Schiano believe they “have that guy?” The answer should be coming in 29 days.
March 28th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I’ve been a die hard fan of Trent for 4yrs. I never imagined us being in position to draft him. Claiborne would fill a much bigger need, but I would shout jubilantly if we selected Trent!!
March 28th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
I Don’t think Morris or Richardson will be there at #5 unless the Vikings or browns take Blackmon.
March 28th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
I hope cleveland doesent draft T-rich.If we got him we would always win time of possesion this includes Blount helping out as well,the best d is the d thats rested.Plus can u imagine what would happen on play action now that we have V-jackson and a mike williams that will now have no double coverage and at worst he would have that teams second best corner on him wow,also winslow will have monster games with all the coverage playing the run and keeping their eye on V-Jackson.Their is know telling what the other widouts like parker,brisco will do,I see them being like green bays jordy nelson wow.Use the rest of the draft on d-fence and I smell Super Bowl.
If your with me give me a hell ya at the beging of your commments.GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BUCS Tampaaaaa BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY
March 28th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Well if nothing else, Schiano has picks 6 and further thinking TR will not be available for them. May be pimping for draft picks.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Claiborne !!!!!
March 28th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Kujolw
Why would the Vikes pass on Kalil?
March 28th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
I think Shiano has hi…..Pizza….yummmmm!
March 28th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
No MO Claibourne.
Richardson is a better player, and has a better chance to bring more the Tampa Bay.
I want to draft the Best Player availave at # 5, and with every draft pick.
Use FA to fill holes.
Richardson > Claibourne.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Well, my guess is that he has no idea if it’s Blount or not but if he’s going off of last years film he has some serious questions. He’s seen the good and the bad and I would guess a lot of it has to do with Blount’s work ethic and desire.
It’s very hard to predict what the Bucs will do at #5. There are solid arguments to be made for both Claiborne and Richardson. It really puts us in a win win situation so we should be very happy that we are in the position we are in. If we miss on Richardson we take Claiborne and maybe get Doug Martin in the second. If we get Richardson then we look for a LB or CB in round 2. Either way, we will come out of this draft with some more key pieces.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
No he does not have that guy.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
The drop off from Richardson to the next RB is greater than the drop off from Claibourne to the rest of the CB draft class.
Richardson can be our “bell cow”, lord knows the Buc’s offense needs an identity.
Who is the best player on offense?
Davin, Carl, or Donald? All 3 linemen. How about some star power at a skill position?
Freeman needs some help, and drafting Trent Richardson would undoubtedly open up another dimension on our offense.
Richardson can receive a pass, as well as pass protect. We need Freeman to have some time back there and find an open man.
We also need a STUD ball carrier, that will not fumble.
Blount is a great piece to the puzzle, but Richardson is the whole package.
Morris Claibourne is a good player, but Richardson is going to be the better pro.
Dare we pass on Adrian Peterson again? We can’t be that foolish, or can we?
March 28th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
If Kalil drops to us @ #5, perhaps the Falcons would be dumb enough…. AGAIN to give up 5 draft picks to move up and take him they need a left tackle desperately!
If he drops to us and we can’t find a trade partner we HAVE to take him! You don’t pass on talent like that just to draft for a need! I’m not too worried though, seeing as there’s minimal chance he drops to us. I’ll be equally pleased with Caiborne or Richardson.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
This actually really bums me out. When teams start talking people up or bringing guys in for visits it could be a smoke screen.
Also, The Commish just mentioned that Schiano said that if Blount keeps fumbling that he won’t have a job. Can anybody find that quote?
March 28th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@steve
“The drop off from Richardson to the next RB is greater than the drop off from Claibourne to the rest of the CB draft class.”
BINGO!
March 28th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
RodfromOKC Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I’ve been a die hard fan of Trent for 4yrs. I never imagined us being in position to draft him. Claiborne would fill a much bigger need, but I would shout jubilantly if we selected Trent!!
Really? Wow you followed him in high school? Considering he played 3 years at Alabama.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
I’ve been thinking it would be great to get claiborne all along. Starting CB’s are harder to find in the draft and very expensive in FA. However, I’m starting to think about what a franchise RB can do for us and it feels really good. He’ll be the final piece of the offensive puzzle (except a future TE?) and allow us to focus on getting DEF talent later in the draft and next year’s FA period, for the a superbowl run next year.
I like it a lot because Freeman, O-line, entire DEF, and even Blount will look better with T-Richardson on board. While Claiborne may be good or great at CB and even returns, it may take a year or 2 to see it while a RB jumps right into the mix. So, I can see the argument that a great CB may not influence the entire DEF as much as a great RB influences the entire team.
PS. What if Claiborne is a bust? RB’s are less risky with quicker impact.
I’m happy either way, Kalil will go 3 or someone will trade to #4 for him, so we’ll get one of our guys.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Never mind on the quote
March 28th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@Sensi…that goes for any and all fumbling players.
See Sammy Smith.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@Sensiblebuc…..read the article by clicking on the link in the story. Schiano said that Blount has to take care of his fumbling issues because no one is going to get touches if they keep putting the ball on the ground. It’s a good article and it makes me think that if this is indeed his outlook toward offense then Richardson may very well be the pick if he is there at #5.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Smoke signals from Coach, Claiborne= Best player on D in the draft take a rb in later rounds Miller Martin Wilson James Pead
March 28th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@ sensible I posted it on the last thread.
PFT reporting Eagles will take a 3rd rounder for Asante Samuel. I hope you’re reading this Dom.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
J2.0,
Lighten up!
2 Time BCE Champ, was able to be the best RB in Minor League Football, and the best since 2006.
I still believe that if the Glazers would’ve paid Charles Woodson a few years ago, then their would be no clamouring for Claibourne.
Richardson is a BEAST, and we can not pass on him. The addition of Trent to this offense would be tremendous.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
I would send this year’s 3rd rounder for Asante Samuel, and I would ask if we can give them another 4th rounder next year for Demeco Ryans.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
lets get a RB at 5# who is gunna ride the pine and wear down after 5yrs ? also who hasnt had his pro day yet beacuse of a knee surgery thats a huge risk, or lets get the guy who is the best Defensive player in the draft with a minor wrist injury, no brainer !!! Claiborne!!!!!
March 28th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
worst bucs defense ever. draft a defensive player, and the BEST one on the board.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Ok, I am starting to turn to the Trent Richardson bandwagon. Not only because he is a stud, but people with drafting Trent Richardson posts have mor elogical arguments than those in favor of drafting Claiborne. Whereas the defense was terrible last year, drafting Claiborne doesn’t automatically put us as a top half defense. Whereas drafting Richardson atleast gives us a chance to be a top half offense immediately and for years to come. New Orleans, Green Bay, New England, and Atlanta are all teams that made the playoffs with horrible defenses. Drafting Richardson fixes our offense, drafting Claiborne does not fix our defense. Ergo, drafting richardson makes more of an impact.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Don’t get your hopes up…if Claiborne’s there, he’s the pick. Period.
March 28th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
We are thin at S. If the coaches like what they see from Samuel then they should keep him. As of now:
Round 1 – Pick 5 – 5th Overall
Round 2 – Pick 4 – 36th Overall
Round 3 – Pick 5 – 68th Overall
Round 5 – Pick 5 – 140th Overall
Round 6 – Pick 4 – 174th Overall
Round 7 – Pick 5 – 212th Overall
March 28th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Anyone else craving some pizza all of a sudden?
March 28th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@deminion
AMEN.
why would you go after Asante Samuel and didn’t do they last year, this team will still get built thru the draft, with a sprinkle of free agents, why waste a draft pick to the eagles for a 3 year Asante, when you got a deep draft of CB. Go with Claiborne, if he is off the board then think about T-Rich if no good trade offers come. There may be a drop off of rb’s after T-Rich, but with Blount all ready on the team, they are gonna use a 2 back tandem anyway. With Miller, Pead, Wilson or James you also get a special teams return guy.
March 28th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Claiborne fills a far more pressing need? I can’t believe someone on here said “what if Claiborne is a bust?” that is idiotic talk right there. We need to revamp this defense, and with Blount in the fold we would could pick up a compliment back for him later in the draft. The only was I see us drafting TRich is if the Vikings take MO and I wouldn’t mind that at all. But Claiborne will be the pick %100 if he is there @ 5.
March 28th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Hell Yeah!!!
I don’t know if I agree with you or not but I like your passion.
So Hell Yeah Again!!!
I don’t care which player the Bucs get because I know he’ll be a good one and he’ll definitely help the team. They will fill the holes as they can through the first and second draft and it will all work out. I’m starting to get a better feeling about the new coaching staff and I look for marked improvement this season. It is hard to believe a guy like Quincy Black is as bad as he is, considering his speed and athleticism. They may be able to finally coach his dumba$$ up. I respect them for trying anyway. I like Dakota Watson and hope he has improved enough to start and have a breakout season. I think we’re going to be okay no matter who they draft.
So I say again for Bucco…….. Hell Yeah!!! Go Bucs!!!
March 28th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Excuse me now, I gotta go to Rehab again.
March 28th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
I’m fine with either, honestly. Would rather trade down, but meh.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Lion Says: “what if Claiborne is a bust?” that is idiotic talk right there.”
Is Talib a bust? Or how about Myron Lewis?
Let’s fix “holes” in FA.
We do not need to draft anyone other than the Best Available Player with EACH and EVERY pick.
Leave the “holes” to be filled in FA.
No need to pidgeon hole ourselves into taking anyone other then the best available talent.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
TRADE DOWN TRADE DOWN!!!!
March 28th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
This conversation reminds me of an old Platters song.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Before you get “the guy” you need a defense that can stop other teams’ “guy”. Enter Luke Kuechly. I just don’t understand why our fanbase is disregarding the RBs and CBs we already have in their pursuit of Richardson or Claiborne. Blount and Talib have proven themselves as top players already, and at CB we just signed Eric Wright and have 3 young corners with upside. At LB we have a current starting group of Quincy the bust Black, Mason Foster, and Adam backup Hayward. This is a no-brainer…
March 28th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
steve and sensible, I agree there is a huge drop off in running back and there is deep talent at corner back. Before Talib, how many CB’s have the bucs drafted in the 1st round. Some of the greatest CB’s in Bucs history Brian Kelly, Donnie Abraham and Ronde Barber were all chosen after the 1st round and this year there are plenty of CB’s in the draft that would fit our need and only 1 franchise RB and that is Trent Richardson.
dominion and Rrsrq,
Stephon Gilmore, Alfonso Dennard, Janoris Jenkins and Brandon Boykin all have similar statistics in College with the exception of int’s and tackles. Where everyone in the group is more likely to make a tackle than Morris, a couple of them have nearly twice the tackles as Claiborne. Actually Boykin is also better in the return game than Claiborne. Boykin also has a TD on offense.
Are either of you SEC fans and watch any SEC game that is on tv?
I watch the SEC almost exclusively during college football season. I watched LSU on many occassions and I remember them having one of the best front 7 in college football. They had 39 sacks in 14 games and averaged 3 sacks and 7+ tackles for loss a game just last year. A CB’s best friend is pressure and LSU did not have any issue applying such pressure to opposing QB’s.
In his 3 years Claiborne had 95 total tackles both solo and assisted, 2 sacks, 11 int’s, 1 pick 6 and 1 KO rtn TD.
Brandon Boykin in his 4 years at Georgia (his freshman season was about the same as Claiborne’s) had 159 total tackles both solo and assisted, 1 sacks, 9 int’s, 0 int rtn td’s, 4 KO rtn TD’s and 1 punt rtn TD.
Stephon Gilmore in his 3 years at South Carolina had 181 total tackles, 7 sacks, 7 ints, 1 pick 6, 0 KO rtn td’s (only 2 career ko rtn’s) and 0 punt rtn td’s.
Janoris Jenkins in 3 years at Florida had 121 total tackles, 2 sacks, 8 int’s, 1 pick 6, 0 KO rtn Td’s and 0 punt rtn Td’s.
The difference between Claiborne and the next 3 to 4 cb’s is very slim as far as production and it looks like Boykin, Gimore and Jenkins don’t have an issue sticking their head in there to make a tackle. Which is something that Coach Schiano likes are CB’s that can tackle. I would also point out that LSU has been a much better team and defense than Georgia, South Carolina and Florida over the last 3 years.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
It seems to me, that this argument comes down to the proverbial question we’ve faced for years…do you draft for need, or do you draft best player available?
I am normally of the opinion that when all things are equal – you draft the best player available…at the position of greatest need.
…but it seems to me all things are NOT equal – even Mayock has come to believe Richardson is one of those rare running backs you find once a career…if that’s the case it throws “normal” strategies out the window…and draft that rare player.
If you can find a player, that when combined with existing talent, can offer you a force multiplier greater than having a balanced attack – you take that player regardless of need.
If Trent Richardson has the talent of a young Ladanian Thomlinson, or even close to that of Adrian Peterson….then you have to move heaven and earth to get them. I said it about Freeman, I said it about Ndamukan Suh…and I’m saying it abut Richardson…these guys are game changers, they’re beyond good players…they deserve special consideration.
I just don’t think Trent Richardson makes it past Cleveland…so once again we’ll get CLOSE to acquiring a spectacular player…but we’ll still come away with a very good player that will eventually be a solid talent…ala Gerald McCoy.
If you can build an offense that is capable of beating you to do death with a power back, exhausting you with a slasher/speed demon AND has the ability to sling it for an instant scoring strike from anywhere on the field….
It can hide your poor/average play at corner and maybe even linebacker…
The Colts did it for a decade.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Why does everyone think that he’ll be there at 5. I guarantee that the Browns are drooling all over him right now.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
They need to upgrade the defensive back position. D line will be fierce when you add coverage sacks to the mix.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
@rdbucfan
all good points but a RB at #5 just to be a tandem backfield? makes no sense
March 28th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
you still need to get the opposing offense off of the field or your back can get in 0 rythm. rendering him useless. blount would be much more effective if he could continue to bash the D’s continuously, but a defense will get worse and worse as the gae goes on if they cant stop people, even if they are ‘well rested’ prolonged effort followed by long rests is more exhausting than 4-8 downs of effort followed by short to long rest.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
With all of the new found love for Trent Richardson, I won’t change streams in the middle of a horse! I’ve said Claiborne before and I still think if he is there, he is the value pick.
Everything that is said about Richardson is true – excellent RB. But I’ve seen the tape and I’ve seen the stats. 75% of his yards come after contact, which means that he runs over people more than he runs around them.
That is a hand-delivered invitation to IR in the NFL – a probability supported by the eventual landing spot for the first 4 high octane RBs taken in last year’s draft – Ingram, LeShoure, Ryan Williams, and DeMarco Murray.
You know why we keep screaming for that MLB that can bring the heat? We’ve seen them before and we know what they can do. What we really want ourselves is the anti-TR MLB and they’re out there waiting for Trent to bring that running style to the NFL!
You can’t get on the field if you’re on IR until the next year (NFL did not change that rule) and they’re not going to put you on the field if we’re 21 points behind in the 4th quarter.
Love the Guy, but we gotta go defense!
March 28th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@Macabee
AMEN this is true
whats the point of having a GOOD RB when he is either on the bench or were down every game we just start
March 28th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Macabee,
Richardson is elite, and will prove to be the more “valued” pick.
Claiboune is a wonderful prospect, but CB is much deeper than RB in this draft.
Also, Trent Richardson is a great talent than that of Morris Claibourne.
Fill your “holes” in FA, the draft is all about bringing in the Best Player Available.
We didn’t follow the rule in 2006, and Adrian Peterson should’ve been the pick.
IMHO,
Draft Trent Richardson @ #5, if he is not available then Ryan Kalil, and then Morris Claibourne.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
I love Claiborne and am happy either way. He’s supposed to be better than Peterson, just like Richardson is supposed to be better than his predecessor, Ingram.
But, if Richardson is the best pass blocker in the draft, best runner and best prospect in years, it’s a tough call. Make no mistake, he can make people miss and is as quick as he is powerful. As far as a RB tandem goes with Blount, it won’t be. Richardson would play passing downs, short yardage, and goal line……Blount’s weaknesses BTW. No question he blows Blount out of the water and sends him to 5-10 carry a game spot duty, and clock killing situations.
As far as Claiborne being a bust? Just a hypothetical, but CB’s are tricky. If he’s not one of the best in the league, we’ll wish we had Richardson. The same people screaming for Claiborne so we can cut Talib, you need look no further than Talib for the bust scenario. He was a Top 10 talent at one time too, now just an adequate starter.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
IMO we win no matter what happens. Trent, Mo or Justin? Wow!
But you can count me in to being converted into really liking Trent Richardson at 5 if he’s there. His stats are outstanding and he fits Schiano’s style of offense.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
If great RB’s were so easy to find later in the draft, everyone would have one. You can hide a CB in a decent DEF, but RB sets the tone and gets the ball a lot. If you are a Blount fan, then you know this is true because when he is hot, he is great and our team gets a boost. That’s why you like him, but does he do it enough? What if he gets hurt, scary idea with a late round rookie backing him up.
March 28th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Pick needs to be Claiborne too many good receivers in NFC
South and too many holes in our “D”
March 28th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
“dare we pass on Adrian Peterson again?”
Why? Has Adrian Peterson won something in the NFL?
Last time I checked- no. Nothing.
RB is a smoke screen . It’s the same every year. Everybody talks about RBs, then drafts everything else.
Ron Cooper is here for a reason
March 28th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Schiano did not say he had to have Trent Richardson, from what I heard.
He said he had to have a Bell Cow Running back who wanted the ball, he could depend on, and ride.
This may all be posturing, remember that ?
That said, I would love to have Trent Richardson here in Tampa.
I just wonder if we can afford that luxury, with so many other urgent needs.
March 28th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@Capt.
What exactly has Darrelle Revis won? Nnamdi? I’ve asked you this before, and you never answer. You don’t win in this league without a QB, period. That’s what virtually all championship teams have in common (minus Trent Dilfer, who still had a pretty good year). Do you think the Giants have great CB’s? How about the Patriots? Hell, the Patriots even used a WR to play CB this year!
March 28th, 2012 at 5:02 pm
I also question why people believe RB is not a position of need. Does anyone really believe Blount can carry the entire load all by himself? He’s literally the only RB we have right now (no disrespect to Madu, but I sure don’t want to have to ride him out should something happen to Blount). Everyone says we can just grab a back later in the draft like it’s easy or something. It’s just not. It’s such a major misconception that RB’s can be easily found late in the draft.
Look, we don’t have Aaron Rodgers. I still believe in Freeman, but he’s just not an extremely accurate QB like the great ones. He’s not the type of QB that can throw the ball 45 times a game and not make mistakes. He’s going to need a running game, and a RB that can catch the ball and actually do something with it. He’s going to need a RB that can protect him. Most importantly, the team needs someone who brings an attitude and toughness to offense. Everyone loves Blount because he runs people over and he’s a load to bring down. Richardson does the same thing, but he has more speed. He has more quickness. He’s a smoother runner. He can also convert short yardage. He doesn’t fumble. He will be a great guy in the community. He’s exactly what I think this team needs, and there are a ton of experts who agree.
March 28th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Lol it’s amazing to me how some of you think Claiborne is going to walk into the starting line up and fix our D over night… It’s not going to happen. Our D will still be garbage unless they add alot more pieces besides him… on the flip side Richardson will complete the offense. Then you can concentrate on the D side of the ball. I keep hearing it makes no sense to Draft a RB to be a tandem.. Really? It makes no sense to hopefully have the best RB tandem in the NFL?… I beg to differ that makes perfect sense to me. I will be happy with whoever they draft but Richardson completeing the offense is much more appealing than adding just 1 piece to the defense that will need alot more pieces to even be competively good.
March 28th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
^^^^^Exactly what he said
March 28th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
NO to Samuel, older expensive player no thanks.
March 28th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Still waiting to be enlightened by the almighty Captain. Don’t you have an answer to my very simple question?
March 28th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Unless Talib gets convicted, RB is a bigger need than CB, so that need vs. BPA argument is stupid. What the argument really boils down to is whether or not RBs (even elite prospects like Richardson) are worth a top 5 pick. I say no, not when an elite OLB (Kuechly) is available and you need one desperately. We’ve had plenty of good productive RBs pass through One Buc over the years, and some of them have been UDFAs. One thing we haven’t had (since Brooks) is a good LB. Those are much harder to find.
Good CBs are also hard to find, but we have enough options on our roster already that we should let them have a 1-year trial with the new staff. Biggers, Lewis, Wright and even Gaitor have shown flashes…Quincy Black and the rest of our LBs have not.
March 28th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Hawaiian,
I’m not going to enter the arena with you and the Capt. this evening. You two capable combatants can hold your own. But, I wanted to make my earlier point clear regarding Richardson.
I can’t disagree with a word that you and other posters have to say in support of Richardson. He is an outstanding RB and even though he would not be my selection at #5, I will not frown if he is indeed the selection. That is why I was careful to use the term “value pick”. He is a higher risk pick at that point in the draft given the transition of his running style to the NFL.
Imho, I think his running style invites an injury (here’s hoping that regardless of who picks him that that never happens). But I have to deal with the realities of the NFL. I could have also mentioned AP, Mendenhall, McFadden, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, Foster (for a while), to ad infinitum. All are great RBs that never won anything, but were certainly not immune to serious injury. Nobody is immune, but certain positions are more prone to injury than others, like RB. There’s a reason Ronde is still playing and Tiki is not!
Schiano is going to find out that a bell-cow RB is a hard way to make a living in the NFL. Even his protégé, Ray Rice was not a first round pick (2nd,pick 55). And to your point regarding the Giants and Pats RBs, They have nowhere near the resume of Richardson, yet they were effective enough to make it to the Super Bowl.
March 28th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Macabee,
No real argument with you either. I also will be fine with a Claiborne pick. As for his running style being prone to injury, you may be right. However, the exact same thing can be said for Blount, but Blount doesn’t possess the speed of Richardson. I happen to believe all his work in the weight room (he is a freakish weight room guy) will help his cause, but obviously you just never can tell. I don’t believe you can go into drafting a guy because you think he may get injured (unless he has a past serious injury history). With no risk, there is no reward. As for Tiki, he didn’t retire because he was injured. He didn’t have the love for the game anymore.
I can respect the opinion that we should draft Claiborne. I’m sure he will be a very good player. I’m not criticizing anyone for that. I just don’t like the fact that some people believe we are idiots for wanting Richardson. That’s just plain stupid, as this is a very valid debate (one that I imagine is ongoing at One Buc Place). I just don’t appreciate the arrogance of these wanna-be-but never will-be Gm’s.
March 28th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Also to clarify, I’m not saying that a CB isn’t important to winning a SB. I was simply pointing out that the argument that elite RB’s don’t win SB’s can be easily flipped to CB as well. It’s as if some people are saying you shouldn’t have a great RB if you want to win a SB. AP, for example, is the furthest reason why Minnesota hasn’t won anything. Anyone who thinks otherwise is an absolute moron.
March 28th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Glad to see we have this guaranteethat anyone we draft will step right in, be a starter and all problems solved. News flash. All could be good,great or BUST. What makes anyone think this way? Get on you high horses all you want. It’s a Crap Shoot. These kids did not play the best of the best as they will in the NFL.
Just because other teams had good offense with bad defense and won shows nothing. It only shows it can be done. If the holes in our defense are not fixed, it will be a long year no matter how good the offense is. You can use the argument offense eats up time but if their offense scores twice as fast as ours because of our defense what good is that?
March 28th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@Brian, Are you Kuechly’s Agent or something? I swear you have such a man crush on that dude. We’re not drafting him, get over it.
And I think I’m joining the TR band wagon now. Mo will not make our defense that much better by himself. I don’t care who we have playing corner (Nnamdi, Revis, Deon in his prime), if our DLine can’t generate some pressure, QBs are goona throw all over us regardless.
God forbid Blount gets hurt, (which is a total possibility since he likes to leave his feet on a lot of occasions) who are we goona put in. Madu? Really?
March 28th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
I said they would get Richardson months ago. They passed on AD and look what happen. Oh. and newsflash: one guy doesn’t win a Superbowl ya tards. They have tried this find the running backs in a later round thing for years and it hasn’t worked for us. Dude, I love Blount but they will take Richardson if hes there. It has been and always will be a no brainer. Either way we win the #5 pick. Its Kinda like a free lap dance in Vegas.
March 28th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
I do have a man crush on Kuechly. Everything points to him being our pick. We filled other needs in FA and didn’t sign a LB even though it’s the weakest position on our team. Dominik keeps talking about wanting to trade down – who do you think he’s targeting after a trade down? Kuechly has already visited and he fits the traits of what Dominik likes in a football player: leader/captain, high intangibles, functional strength and speed that shows up on tape, etc.
It’s frustrating that our fanbase ignores a talented player that fills a need who’s staring us right in the face. At least you responded to my post. Just don’t be surprised if we draft Kuechly and he turns out to have the best career out of anyone in this draft class.
March 28th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
I never said anything about Kuechly ….. because we’ll probably never pick him at #5 since he’s rated anywhere between 10th and 20th. That must have been “Brain”. I gotta change my name I guess, happens all the time
March 28th, 2012 at 11:27 pm
I am really on the fence with this one. At first, I was all for Claiborne, but the more I hear about Richardson the more I think I like that pick. No matter what happens, I don’t think we can go wrong with either one.
March 29th, 2012 at 1:54 am
ummm…just a little suggestion here, Bucs will now need to trade with the Vikings to get TR which I new would be the case when the steelers beat the Brownies in the last game of the year giving them the 4th pick and Richardson. So we may as well say how we are going to trade up with them Vikings…I say offer a 3rd to trade down only two spots…The Vikes still get who they want either Kali or Blackmon and get a additional 3rd to boot…good deal for both…
March 29th, 2012 at 2:25 am
My bad Brian, I was referring to brain, just read the name too quick.