Justin Blackmon Over Trent Richardson
April 24th, 2012
Gauging the pulse of Bucs fans, it seems no subject has fired up fans more than the debate about the merits and drawbacks of drafting Alabama running back Trent Richardson since the Bucs cut soon-to-be Hall of Famer and all-time favorite Derrick Brooks.
Joe has made his voice clear on this issue. So Joe’s trying to bring additional views into the mix.
Good guy Charlie Campbell, formerly of PewterReport.com, has been working for WalterFootball.com for just about a year now. Campbell’s main focus year-round is the NFL draft.
In a recent mailbag on his site, Campbell explains why he would take both Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon and/or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne over Richardson.
From Edmund Kuhn, Bangor, Maine
“I noticed in your big board you have Trent Richardson behind Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne. Most rate Richardson ahead of them. Why do you have Richardson behind them? “
That is another good question, and I can answer that in a number: 30. In doing the Big Board, I take into account longevity and how long a player will be playing. By the time those three players hit 30, Richardson could easily be on his last legs or he could already be done in the NFL. That is just the nature of the beast at running back. Wide receiver and cornerback are different. There are many effective wideouts and corners who are Pro Bowlers at 30 and even playing well into their mid-30s. You don’t see that at the running back position.
Thus, Blackmon and Claiborne could be in the middle of a second long-term contract and performing well while Richardson’s career is at the end. Blackmon and Claiborne could be starters for 10-plus years. Richardson won’t make it that far and is more like a 5- to 8-year player. That is the reason why I have Richardson behind Blackmon and Claiborne.
This spooks Joe a great deal as well. Few running backs short of Barry Sanders make it to 30 unscathed. Many are on fumes by the time they get to 30.
Richardson reminds Joe of one of his favorite running backs, another Crimson Tide man, Shaun Alexander. For seven years, Alexander was a wonderful back, thrilling, fantastic. One of the NFL’s best.
But the constant wear and tear and the brutal beating he absorbed finally took its toll. Alexander’s last year in Seattle, he was 30, and a mere shell of his former self. He was out of the league a year later.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
I like Charlie Campbell but that’s dumb, Seattle was thrilled to get the production they did out of Alexander. No one is drafting a player for how he’s going to be in his 30’s, odds are that Schiano won’t even be the Bucs coach by then.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
“Hey let’s find any blog or article that says Richardson shouldn’t go to the Bucs and post it.”
This is stupid. Richardson is 20-21, you really worried what he is going to be doing 9-10 years from now?
April 24th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I lived in Seattle when we drafted Brian Bosworth. He was’t chit w/o his steroids that he got away with in College.
Bo Jackson knocked him 10 yards back in the end zone, when one on one.
Richardson has been rumored to have superhuman strength.
One has to wonder if juice has helped him get so strong ?
That would really suck for a team to draft him, and find out he was juiced in College, like we found out in Seattle about Bosworth.
I wonder if Colleges have a strict steroid testing standards program, like the NFL does ?
April 24th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Smh, tell me I did not just read someone say Trent Richardson has “super human strength” and “could be on the juice”.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
By this logic the Bucs should draft a kicker in the 1st round since odds are he could play with Tampa until he’s in his 40’s.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Garbage.
When Mark took Bowers there were people that said he was only a 1 contract player because of his knees. Pat Kirwin even said if he was GM and he knew Bowers was only a 1 contract player he would take him anyway because of his talent.
If you’re going to sit here and say that you won’t take Richardson’s talent because he’s a 1 contract player, that’s just dumb. He’s far and away better than Blackmon, especially for the Bucs and our lack of depth.
Tell me I’m going to get one helluva back for 3-5 years and I’m drafting his ass, especially with a rookie cap.
Come on people.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
This is a win now league, not win in your 2nd contract league.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Joe,
Something is bound to stick and you have plenty of articles as to why the Bucs shouldn’t draft Richardson. Maybe, just maybe you could do an article as to why Richardson should be drafted by the Bucs. This way no matter what happens after the draft you can still do the I told you so and have an article in your archive to prove it.
Bones,
That is just another anti Richardson poster. They will try or say just about anything to make their argument that the Bucs need Mo Money Claiborne or the LB Kuechly.
I would like them to draft the BPA and if Trent Richardson (the Best Player Available in the draft next to Luck and RGIII) is not available, they should try to trade out of the spot.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
He would have a longer career with Blount spliting carries. That’s why more teams are using 2 backs.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
It’s amazing how frequently these facts are repeated by sportswriters, bloggers and forum posters and yet there’s still about 1/3 of our fanbase who wants Richardson. Some people just won’t listen.
btw I’ve had Richardson pegged as an elite RB prospect since he was a Fr in college, but RBs simply present poor value early in the draft.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Brain, smh – they’re not facts, they opinions. No one has any idea how long Richardson will play for in the NFL for god sakes, its possible that he could break the mold and play well into his 30s.
April 24th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Sure, RBs have a shorter shelf life. No kidding.
But they also have a greater direct impact. Shaun Alexander was a force in the league during his prime. A legitimate superstar that the offense was built around. Is that the case with a WR? Or a CB?
April 24th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
All of you that say Richardson is not worth the pick but want James from Oregon in the 3rd round. The same guy that only got 54 yards rushing against LSU and Oregon is supposed to be this elite rushing team but they only managed 95 yards rushing in the entire game. West Virginia another elite rushing team only managed 70 yards against LSU.
Richardson in his first meeting against LSU (arguably the best defense in the NCAA last year) had 89 yards rushing at 3.9 a carry. In the National Championship Game Richardson had 96 yards rushing 4.8 yards per carry and a 35 yard touchdown where he ran away from Mo Money Claiborne.
Not all RB’s are equal. I say no thank you to James in any round of this draft.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
#1 If Dominik doesnt win now, think he cares about what the Bucs are up too in 10 years ??? This is a win now league and Trent may be at a ProBowl level as most RBs first 4 seasons can be their best.
#2 Anyone remember who drafted MVP Shaun Alexander out of Alabama ?? Oh yeah … Mike Holmgren with the Seahawks … The same guy that is drafting 1 spot ahead of the Bucs.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
I gotta hand it to “joe,” at least they stick to their opinions, no matter how dumb they are. And even if it takes using an example from someone who “joe” roundly disparaged at their previous publication, “joe” has no shame in using said opinion if it lines up with their own.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Bowers (knee) was drafted at 51 and not 5. Big difference in value risk/reward.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
How many articles has this site written in the last two months? And how many of those articles have had a negative slant towards Richardson? I bet at least 50%.
You guys are amazing, and not in a good way.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
The argument that RB’s don’t have value early in the draft is wrong now. When there was no rookie cap, that argument has some merit…some.
The goal is to put the best players on your team now to win now. If that means a 1 contract player, regardless of position, and you feel that player helps complete your team and help you win now, then you draft him.
Richardson will go at #4 to the Browns, but I would love him to come here.
Regardless…we’ll get a good player and\or draft picks.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Shaun Alexander? That hack………….
Who would want a guy like that on our team. League MVP I think.
For only a measley 5-8 years or so. Let’s think ten years ahead……….yeah, yeah………….thats the ticket.
Seriously?
April 24th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
With TR we WON’T “win now.”
We’ll be too busy watching Brees/Cam/Ryan tossing 30 yarders over our depleted secondary.
Not that you’ll care, you’ll have your shiny new toy right! Sure, the team will suck but think of the fantasy football!
April 24th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Or watching Blount fumble and allowing Free to get killed on the blitz, and limiting our offense without a back who can catch and move the chains!
April 24th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
I’ve been down on Walterfootball ever since the site blasted the Bucs for signing Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks and Eric Wright based on last seasons losing record. The logic Walter used that these players were only signing with the Bucs for the cash (as if that logic isn’t used to dicate the movement of every player in the league) and not for, I don’t know, both the cash and promise of the team going forward was simply ridiculous. But that is another topic…
Regarding the logic of Blackmon over Richardson…Well, when it comes down to the two players, I’m picking Richardson over Blackmon. Richardson looks like a stud RB, while Blackmon looks like a great player, but he doesn’t jump out at me the way Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald did coming out of college. Now, I could be way off and he’ll end up being the next Andre Johnson, while Trent Richardson will be Curtis Enis, but I don’t think that will happen. I think Blackmon will be a very productive and one of the better receivers in the NFL, but I think Richardson will be an elite RB. Now, he’s likely to end up being an elite RB on a sorry Browns team, but I like what I see from the guy.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@D Don’t be such a dolt. It has nothing to do with fantasy football. Richardson in our offense = less predictability and more ball security. It also = less 3 and outs. That means more time for our D to rest and less time they are on the field. Not to mention we can still a draft a CB in the 2nd or 3rd round.
“We can still draft a RB in the 2nd and 3rd round too!” You say. Well, it’s simple really. Richardson is a much better prospect than Claiborne(there’s no debate about Richardson outside of “oh he won’t play 15 years”, whereas Claiborne has been called the 3rd best CB in this draft, yeah really worth that 5th pick). The 2nd and 3rd round projected CBs are much better than the 2nd and 3rd round projected RBs this year(very deep CB class, only position potentially deeper is WR).
I’ve posted these numbers before but they apply here. 37.5% of the starting CBs last year were drafted in the first round, roughly 47% of the starting RBs were. 25% of the starting CBs last year were drafted in the 2nd round, 12.5% of the starting RBs were.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I get a kick out of the notion that if the Bucs don’t draft a a good corner, right now and in round one, that the defense is destined to be terrible for a generation. People will convince themselves of anything, won’t they?
If Richardson is gone, I hope they draft Like Kuechly. TB needs a middle linebacker in the worst way, and this cat can cover with the best of them (think about Graham and New Orleans).
April 24th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
“It’s amazing how frequently these facts are repeated by sportswriters, bloggers and forum posters and yet there’s still about 1/3 of our fanbase who wants Richardson. Some people just won’t listen.”
——–
I guess I should spend more time listening to bloggers and forum posters. Obviously they are experts at everything NFL, because they blog and post. What they say is the law, and I apologize for breaking the law. Rule #1 in life: never question a blogger!!!!
April 24th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Honestly I am not a TR supporter I want the bucs to draft Claiborne but after each article on JBF I just think maybe joe is Claibornes agent or something because the amount of anti TR articles is amazing. At this point I hope the Vikings don’t take Claiborne and Cleveland take TR which is also looking more and more likely to happen and the bucs won’t have a good enough offers to trade out.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
OH.
But I will say, even though I’m anti-drafting Richardson, I definitely think he’s the better pick over Blackmon. 10 years looking ahead? That’s ridiculous– if you get a good 5 out of Richardson, that’s probably higher calibre than Blackmon’s ceiling.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
@bones
Really? Less predictability? I mean, drafting Doug Martin in the second gives us the same “less predictability” without overreaching for a lower value position but whatever, I guess.
RBs are not top five in value. AP was a 7th pick. He isn’t essential– a corner *is* and he’s the best in the draft.
Blount is a beast, we all agree, and where, exactly, did we get him?
A practice squad.
Arian Foster?
Same deal.
Seriously. You can find that position anywhere.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Seriously Joe, of all the arguments and examples you have made against Richardson, bringing up Shaun Alexander is the worst. The guy was a freaking league MVP!!!!!!!!!! How many league MVP’s have we had in the entire history of our franchise? And you think we should get someone of lesser talent, because he may be able to play into his 30s??? Hell, no one makes it to 30 in Tampa anyway, unless his name is Barber. Why are we so worried about 7 years down the road? Are you willing to endure mediocrity (or worse) for all that time? I’m sick and damn tired of losing, I want to win NOW. A CB just doesn’t have the impact of an elite back. Argue that all you want, but it’s the truth. A RB is involved in every offensive play, whether it be running, passing, or blocking. CB’s, not so much. But let’s go ahead and find another talking head that says we shouldn’t draft TR, and ignore the larger majority that are saying we should, including guys like Charley Casserly and Bill Polian (guys that have, you know, been successful GM’s in the league). I’m much more concerned with what Dave Moore and Charlie Campbell have to say.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
If you want to win now, either TRich or J Blackmon are superior picks to Claiborne.
Kaput: you are correct. Corner is probably the most easily covered-up position of weakness.
Offensive fire power is much harder to acquire and when you pick this earlier – try to get it, anyone with experience will tell you that.
The problem, other team’s know it too, so T Rich is gone. Blackmon probably wont be and I would be excited to add him.
The Bucs, Vikes and others are interested in trading down to avoid having to take Mo that early. Why? Not because mo is not good bc he is, but bc everyone knows adding a corner does little to upgrade the team.
April 24th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Very astute points Hawaiian. Obviously Hawaiian knows a lot more about building a football team through the draft than Joe.
Although Hawaiian’s track record on coaches and D Linemem isn’t very good. 🙂
April 24th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
If we dont draft kuechly the panthers will at 9.we will regret that for years.plenty of corners grade close to claiborne.not much of a drop taking a cb in the 2nd.one who is a more aggresive tackler and more physical would b my choice.and if our line is as good as the $$$ we have thrown at it then blount should be a 1500 yd back and whoever we get in the third should prosper as well.pead?? Miller??
April 24th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@D,
You are conveniently forgetting that the majority of the best backs in the NFL are first round picks, and there are very few backs like Arian Foster. There are so many busts in the later rounds it’s not even funny. People take the success story of one or 2 guys and get carried away. That’s like saying since Brady was a 6th rounder, you should wait until later to draft a QB. By the way, AP was picked 7 because he had some injury concerns coming out, as well as the teams that were drafting earlier really didn’t need him. Was he not the best pick out of that draft? Don’t you think most of those 6 teams ahead of him would probably want a do-over (including us)?
Blount is a good runner, but not complete. He’s not a back we can ride all season. He hasn’t proven that he can block or catch. That’s 2/3 of a RB’s job.
I’m curious, have you ever seen Doug Martin play? Be honest. I don’t see how anyone in Florida (assuming you live in Florida) would have much access to Boise games. I have, I’ve seen him in person. He appears to be great, but you have to consider how much better Boise is than their competition, particularly in their offensive line. Boise State is an SEC caliber team playing in the Mountain West Conference (before last year in the WAC). Before you say they aren’t SEC caliber, take a look at what happened when they played Georgia last year (not saying they are LSU or Alabama caliber, but as good as anyone else). They blow teams off the ball at the line, giving Martin huge dump truck size holes to run through. I’m not saying he won’t be good, but I am saying he is unproven. Do you know what happened to their last great RB, Ian Johnson? Yeah, nobody else does either.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Option the Bucs should consider if Claiborne is off the board. Draft Blackmon and trade Mike Williams for a 2nd rd pick. Draft either of the following positions in round 2: LB, SS, CB, RB.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
“Although Hawaiian’s track record on coaches and D Linemem isn’t very good. ”
——-
GMC is going to be a stud and you are going to have to eat your words. Part of the thrill in that happening is going to be watching that happen. On the other hand, I may have been wrong on the coach, lol. Nobody’s perfect!
April 24th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
more post first round starters at running back than first round picks starting at running back
April 24th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Richardson’s running style makes it likely he will have a short career even by running back standards. RBs in general are only in their prime for 3 to 4 years average….so I wouldn’t expect to see Richardson doing much of anything in 6 or 7 years. If all we care about is the short term, then he’s probably going to be very good for the next 3-5 years…..if he can stay healthy in the NFL. He is use to being the “beast” and powering thru everyone in college, but guys are bigger, stronger, and nastier in the NFL.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@D The only 2 positions that are “essential” on the football field in todays NFL are QB and pass rusher. You want us to take one of either of those at 5?
You can also find a CB anywhere. 8 starting CBs last year were UDFAs vs 10 starting and back-up RBs being UDFAs. You can find any position anywhere. Go and look and you will find 5th, 6th, 7th round picks and UDFAs starting at every position.
Also Blount is not a “beast” and it’s why we need a RB. If i had to bet Doug Martin won’t even be there in the 2nd round, he’s too good to slide past all of the teams that pick in the 20s that could use a RB. And even if he is there he is not near the prospect Richardson is, no RB in this class is. I can count at least 2 CBs that on the field are just as good if not better than Claiborne(Gilmore and Jenkins).
April 24th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
No way, Joe.
“I aint buying that”, says the Tuna.
From a talent stand point, Trent Richardson is far more talented than Justin Blackmon.
The gap of talent from Richardson to Blackmon is FAR GREATER then the talent differential from Morris Claibourne to Stephon Gilmore.
Richardson is the pick, if he his there at # 5.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Its always been the case that running backs usually don’t play as long as some players at other positions.
People act like they are breaking some kind of code or something.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
@kaput
I’d just rather defensive help, though Luke is a little small (maybe another brooks, who knows) than a Blackmon or Richardson.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Richardson is the best player available after the Redskins pick.
If he is there at #5, you bet your ass we get him.
Blackmon is not in TR’s league.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
I do like Joe and Tim’s reasons for not drafting Richardson.
You don’t draft RB’s in the top 10.
RB’S have shorter careers.
This is a passing league.
You can get a RB later in the draft.
He is too slow.
Reasons why we should drag Richardson if he is available.
He is the 3rd or 4th best player in the draft according to most experts.
He isn’t even 21 yet.
RB’s usually have an immediate impact.
He is a complete RB.
He knows how to convert in short yardage.
He is not scared of contact.
He rarely fumbles.
He doesn’t tip toe to the line or hole.
He is a good blocker.
He is a good receiver.
He is good in the community.
He is not Joe and Tim’s mancrush Mo Money Claiborne.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
@Bones
Blount isn’t a beast?
Automatically disqualifying your opinion. His YPC compared to how little we used him shows your just short-sighted and hungry for the shiniest new thing.
Any team would want Blount about now and with the O-line potential we have? Psht….
April 24th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
thegregwitul Says:
April 24th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
I’ve been down on Walterfootball ever since the site blasted the Bucs for signing Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks and Eric Wright based on last seasons losing record. The logic Walter used that these players were only signing with the Bucs for the cash (as if that logic isn’t used to dicate the movement of every player in the league) and not for, I don’t know, both the cash and promise of the team going forward was simply ridiculous. But that is another topic…
Im with you 100% … The guy made it clear he doesnt like the Bucs (Which is fine, not many people do) but to let that get in the way of his Analysis of what the Bucs have done is Pathetic.
I hate the Eagles .. but if they make good moves they deserve credit .. It just showed me that site is completely amateur
Then they did a mock draft for Emmit Smith, guess the guy has a grudge with how EMmit talks … either way I dont waste my time there anymore
April 24th, 2012 at 5:36 pm
@D You realize his YPC would be higher because of how little we used him? More carries generally means lower YPC.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
“more post first round starters at running back than first round picks starting at running back”
—-
So we are comparing first round starters vs. the other 6 rounds plus free agency? Ok, but by that same token, the same could be said for CB’s right? That proves nothing. We are talking about one specific guy, and how much of an impact this one player will have. He is generally agreed upon to be the best back coming out since AP. You want to pass that up if it’s there?
April 24th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Heres some interesting data from NFL.com
“The shortest careers among NFL players tends to be those who hit and get hit the most during games and practice. Running backs have the shortest average careers of just 2.57 years. Wide receivers have average careers of 2.81 years. The average career for cornerbacks is 2.94 years.”
According to these folks were talking about the difference of 2.57 vs. 2.94 as between Richardson and Mo.
or .37 years…………..or 5.92 games.
For that we dont take the next Alexander?
April 24th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
I also know that Footballoutsiders had him in the top five for broken tackles….
April 24th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
@D,
It’s not that Blount isn’t a beast, it’s that he’s only a beast when it comes to running the ball. He does nothing else. He can’t get on the field on 3rd down. Blame coaching all you want, but it was the same in college. Trust me, if he was oozing with talent to catch the ball and block, he would have been on the field.
I like Blount a lot, but YPC does not tell the whole story. First off, he is AWFUL in short yardage. I mean awful. That is a critical part of success for teams in the NFL, being able to convert short yardage. Second, he doesn’t pass protect very well at all. It’s all good until Freeman gets hurt because he missed his assignment. Then what? Orlovsky to the rescue I guess. You just can’t ignore a RB’s other responsibilities because he is really good at one thing. That’s why he will be an amazing complimentary back. But let’s not fool ourselves into believing he’s an every down player.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
“For that we dont take the next Alexander?”
——
i don’t know Eric, what’s going to happen in 9 years when TR hits the big 3-0? I don’t know if I’m willing to get a league MVP if he’s not going to be tearing it up in 2022.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Eric: excellent points and info.
Too often, people regurgitate these notions, like RB’s have short careers or D Tackles can’t get sacks, without actually reviewing stats – this short career argument is inconsequential – I didn’t realize how much though. Thanks
April 24th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Again…we are assuming that Claiborne is an elite corner back. Claiborne is far from can’t miss and I would be more comfortable with Kalil, Keuchly, or Richardson. Instead of worrying about how they play when they are over 30, how about they become productive, elite at their position players before this discussion is even under way.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
I honestly partially want the Bucs to draft Richardson just to hear the Joes and fans on this site react to it.
I don’t understand why anyone would cry about drafting what will most likely be a probowl caliber RB for the next 7 years. And Freeman is a BEAST at the play action, getting a guy like Richardson along with Blount in there? Defenses won’t know what to do with themselves, they’ll be getting pounded by the run and then burned on the play action.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Eric,
Awesome post, thanks for painting the picture.
Also, with bounties not being an issue twice a year, ehmmm Saints, we should have healthy players.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Schiano wants to pound the will out of his opponents.
Run, run, throw deep, run.
Bring in Trent. The guy is the “Answer”.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
“For that we dont take the next Alexander?”
——
i don’t know Eric, what’s going to happen in 9 years when TR hits the big 3-0? I don’t know if I’m willing to get a league MVP if he’s not going to be tearing it up in 2022.
_____________
haha, well played sir.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
All the more reason to draft Kuechly. That’s my final answer.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Trade back and draft Kuechly. His impact will be far less than that of: Richardson, Kalil, Claibourne, or Blackmon.
I like Keuchly if and if we trade back.
# 5 pick warrants a big time playmaker.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
I love the argument that goes, “you can find a good running back everywhere, just look at Foster.”
It reminds me of college recruiting. People sometimes say, “Look at so and so, he was two star nobody and now he’s going to be a first round pick. It just goes to show you that the ratings are terrible and shouldn’t be used.”
How many two star players ever amount to college superstars? Several, no doubt – but there are literally hundreds and hundreds of them every year that fail to ever even play! Undrafted running backs are undrafted for a reason – only every once in a while do they prove the scouts wrong.
Let’s not ignores the percentages.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Justin Palowski makes a very strong case today for trading up for Richardson. Honestly, Richardson and Claiborne are the only two players I can imagine changing the outcome of a Bucs game in their first year.
In light of the somewhat nice,but mostly ‘meh’ results the Bucs got from former first-round-RB-pick Cadillac Williams, I had been of the mindset that Claiborne, as a defensive back, was the far better ‘investment’. However, I’m beginning to lean towards the outlook that Richardson may actually be close enough to the greatness many are projecting for him; close enough that he’s worth the pick.
As Bucs fans, we have no real prior experience with what it would feel like to have our team’s offense almost unstoppably shoving the ball down the rest of our division’s throats. With the free agent acquisitions and a new regime’s focus, it’s an image of the team this draft might actually stand a chance to help bring forth… So… I’m with Palowski. It would be cool to create a culture where the other teams in the division have to start prioritizing defensive draft picks because of us. No guarantees come with the draft, but I’d feel good about taking the shot.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Deeg: congrats – you with Justin’s help just entered the arena of the informed NFL draft fan.
We will never know but I believe that Caddy would have been a Hall of Famer and career buc legend if not for his knees. With 2 horrific patella tendon complete tears – he still was a very solid and complete NFL back.
T Rich has better measurables than did Caddy – the closest player to TRich is Adrian Peterson – yes Peterson rated higher than Caddy but in different drafts.
April 24th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Dunn played 11 years and 10k yards rushing.
12th pick in draft.
April 24th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
We would only be able to drop back a few spots and still nab Kuechly. I don’t give a coon’s sack if we pick him at 5.
April 24th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
RB’s are a dime a dozen. The league is full of RB’s that were late round picks or UFA’s. How is it that Richardson presents so much value at #5? Is there a Superbowl winner lately that got there on the merits of their RB?? Let’s see…did the Giants or Patriots have a first round RB or even a top 5 rd RB? GM’s try to build a ‘team’ not bring in some new toy for the fan base. We desperately need a top CB. That is a ‘must’ with the QB’s we face. We don’t need the best RB in the draft. We just need a good one to compliment Blount.
April 24th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@Bobby Is there a Superbowl winner that got there on the merits of their CBs? Lets look at the Giants and Patriots CBs. Extremely average groups at best, with a handful of failed 1st round picks at CB. A “must” is having a pass rush. Cornerbacks aren’t a must have.
April 24th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
rdbucfan:
This would simply be intellectually dishonest of Joe because he does not believe this to be so.
Writing such an article would be akin to writing that Rachel Watson is a foul, unattractive woman.
April 24th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
“Is there a Superbowl winner lately that got there on the merits of their RB?? Let’s see…did the Giants or Patriots have a first round RB or even a top 5 rd RB?”
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Great argument to not draft TR at #5. Too bad its also a great argument to not draft MC at #5.
What Round 1 CBs are on the Pats or Giants? Only 1. And he’s hardly a game changer.
I love how people underestimate the value of RBs on here yet go on and on about how important CBs are. If you don’t have a pass rush, it doesn’t matter who you’re CBs are.
April 24th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
I think the Bucs will draft Trent Richardson and convert him into a MLB.
April 24th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Who are the star CBs on Saints, Falcons and Panthers rosters anyway? We already may have the best CB in division in Aqib Talib and did we not sign some CB to mega bucks to cover #2 receivers?
If our offense and Freeman cannot get their act together and start performing like a top 15 unit, our team is doomed even if we have the best secondary in the league. Get TR, instantly make our offense significantly better, start competing with teams offensively. Others in the division may not have what we have at RBs.
April 24th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
What’s telling is that The Commish Justin Palowski posted an article today as to why the Bucs should trade up to get Richardson. This is the same Palowski that JBF would partner with to bring us draft coverage over the years. Yet Joe makes no mention of the article. But he will go look for any article written by any scrub that aligns with his opinion.
Joe….WE CLEARLY UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT OF VIEW!! Please, no m
April 24th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
What’s telling is that The Commish Justin Palowski posted an article today as to why the Bucs should trade up to get Richardson. This is the same Palowski that JBF would partner with to bring us draft coverage over the years. Yet Joe makes no mention of the article. But he will go look for any article written by any scrub that aligns with his opinion.
Joe….WE CLEARLY UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT OF VIEW!! Please, no more of the same repetitive crap over and over. I loved the website for its varied content. So please, move on.
April 24th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
Joe here,
@TommyBoy – Take a deep breath. The Commish only posted that late this morning, and Joe will address it. JOe has posted many varying opinions on the draft. Joe only posts the one’s he finds interesting. Sorry to disappoint.
April 24th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@Eric,
Yeah that was a great post on longevity. You get a gold star for that one. BamBamBuc Statmaster would be proud.
I’m totally on board with T Rich and even possibly trading up to 3 for him. I still hope they trade back a little if possible. I would like to get Mark Barron. I like Hightower to because of his instinct and run stopping ability. I think a big thumping MLB could sew this defense up, moving Foster outside with Watson.
I can’t remember a recent draft that had so much contradiction on the top 5 or 6 picks. Some love them, some hate them, but I think most are sold on Luck. With all the praise they get, every other day someone is predicting they’ll bust.
2 more days, can’t wait, really tired of all the speculation and ready to move forward.
If I had a choice between T Rich, Kalil, Blackmon, or Claiborne. T rich is the pick hands down, not even close. He has the highest potential to be a superstar. But I’d rather trade back about 5 or 6 spots and get another 2’nd round pick, maybe a 4’th too,
April 24th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
“This would simply be intellectually dishonest of Joe because he does not believe this to be so.
Writing such an article would be akin to writing that Rachel Watson is a foul, unattractive woman.”
Very well played Joe and thanks for another Rachel Watson photo.
April 24th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
If they trade up from #5 my remote will be going through my TV screen.
April 24th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Joe,
Best damn RB prospect in years, brother.
Trent Richardson to the Bucs is very very “interesting”.
April 25th, 2012 at 1:47 am
Didn’t Seattle cut a pro bowl o lineman/men that year that went on to block for Adrian Peterson?
April 25th, 2012 at 6:00 am
The closer we get to the draft, the more truthful the expert opinions get.
Blackmon is a much smarter pick than Richardson.
As I said a month ago
LOL
Hard times for the T Rich crowd
April 25th, 2012 at 7:06 am
Blackmond isn’t even the best receiver in the draft.
April 25th, 2012 at 8:28 am
CB>RB for the Tampa Bay Bucs. It will be Claiborne if he’s on the board.
April 25th, 2012 at 11:44 am
Richardson, Kuechly, or best safety will help this team much better than Claiborne. Heck even double up on drafting Linebackers. The quicker we see Faster or Watson taking over Blacks spot the better. Our biggest defense need is stopping the run. The steelers are known as the steel curtain. But, a sad but true name for last year defense is the Red Carpet. Too many years our run defense have be average to horrible. A cornerback isn’t going to fix that. Especially that weak claiborne that whiff like crazy and disappear when block. Claiborne seem scared of contact and don’t have the mentality to intimidate orthers. Claborne need to be on a great defense line team to make big plays. Oh yes he will give up big plays often due to tackling issues.
(Watch all the “Morris Claiborne vs” and you will see he’s soft and only make picks when the LSU line is in the qb’s face. Except for one time against Tennessee one.) http://youtu.be/zWibDk73CAs
He’s would be a bust base on what team take him. I think he would do good with the vikings because of Jared allen pressure.
People talks about Bree, Ryan and Cam. But don’t mention that we split with the Saints and Falcons for two straight years. What cause us to lose the second games was injuries especially GMC being the most important one. The falcons don’t pass alot nor do they have a load of wideouts. Just Jone, White, and Gonzales. Turner is their main guy on Offense. Our corner can go one more round. Now every team have good footage on Cam Newton’s college style plays, which has…. A LOTS of RUNS!! Not like carolina has many weapons at Wideout.
April 25th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
“The closer we get to the draft, the more truthful the expert opinions get.”
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No statement could be further from the truth. It is the exact opposite, the closer it gets to the draft, the more lying takes place. I guess this is your first draft.
April 25th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
I am on the T Rich bandwagon but only if he is there at #5… Trading up for him would just be silly. We need those picks we would have to give up for him on the D side of the ball