D.J. Fluker At No. 13
January 16th, 2013
There are few people Joe respects more than “The Godfather,” Gil Brandt. The architect of the famed Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the late 1960s-early 1980s, Brandt now works for the NFL and hosts a show on SiriusXM NFL Radio and his attention to detail and memory recall is astounding.
Brandt put up his first mock draft of the mock season and he has Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik picking an offensive lineman in the first round.
No. 13 Buccaneers
D.J. Flucker, OT, Alabama. Fluker is strong and is good in the run game. He’d give the Bucs someone to pair with left tackle Donald Penn.
Now in Joe’s eyes, this isn’t as absurd as it may seem at first glance.
Yes, the Bucs need corners, no question. But there really aren’t any top shelf corners in the draft, so selecting one at No. 13 may be a reach. Joe has glanced at several mocks that have cornerback Xavier Rhodes of Florida State going later in the first round.
It was just this week that Dominik gave a lukewarm response to the future of Demar Dotson at right tackle. The only reason why Dotson got a starting job was that Jeremy Trueblood played his way out of a starting gig.
It also seems unlikely that the Baron of Berlin, defensive end Bjoern Werner of Florida State, a quarterback’s nightmare, will be there at No. 13.
Joe has been told corners are “three rounds deep” in the draft and that you can get quality value on a corner in the third round. Joe can testify from first hand knowledge the Bucs are doing their due diligence scouring the college ranks and homework on corners. There’s no reason to think the Bucs are stuck on a first-round corner.
If Dominik does pull the trigger on Flucker, Joe doesn’t want to hear another word about how Freeman needs more toys.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
could do a lot worse than get a top shelp starting takle. This would allow dotson to be a back up (which is what he is). Then you sign a cb in free agency and draft a DL in the 2nd and a cb in the 3rd and 4th.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Been thinking about Fluker at #13 for a couple weeks now. Glad to see someone else sees it as a realistic possibility. Several weeks ago most people had Fluker as a second round pick, but after seeing him in the national championship game against Notre Dame he was as dominating as they come. I knew he’d be rising up draft boards, and I bet it continues through the combine and pro days. He’s the strongest, by far, right tackle prospect in the draft and would make the Bucs line complete.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
I wouldn’t be bother by this pick, but i sure hope we go CB/Safety on rounds 2 and 3 and JUST HOPE they become lavonte davids and not Prices, Benns and Lewises….
January 16th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
I hate this pick, but I think there’s zero chance of it happening.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
If Bucs want an INSANE Offense…Draft: Fluker then TE Zach Ertz (better than Tyler Eifert). TRADE down..then up…just like last year!
January 16th, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Remember…after Dee Milliner there isn’t really any blue-chip first round CB’s in this draft. Johnthan Banks is being somewhat overrated because he’s the second-rated prospect by many, but he’s realistically a late first round pick as far as talent and not a #13 pick. The strength of the CB group is in their impressive depth through rounds 2-5. If Dominik can’t finagle a trade up to grab Milliner I could easily see Fluker being the pick.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Kiper has us taking alec ogletree at 13 and flucker going later to the rams. Its tough to judge now before the pro days, practices in the sr bowl and the combine.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:09 pm
I wouldn’t hate the pick if we addressed a some of the issues we have in free agency. BPA that’s all I am say and if he is the person then so be it. I just hope that Dom can wheel and deal us into getting a good CB and TE in next few rounds.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
If Dominik does pull the trigger on Flucker,
+++++++++++
That mother…
#1 Dom already stated and has constantly proven he doesn’t like spending premium picks on OL.
#2 There’s a million mocks on the internet, Brandt’s is just one, and his are usually not very good… though always better than Charles Davis’s. http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm
#3 Trading down is always a better option than taking a RT at #13.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
BTW, it will be interesting this season as the Bucs host Chip Kelly’s Eagles. Hopefully, we see him early in the season.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
when our corners are this bad its necessary to reach a bit for a CB. However, I do believe we should draft the best player available, I just dont think Fluker is it. given that fact that Dom never drafts OL men and given the amount of money we already have tied into the OL and you got a pick that becomes very unrealistic and unlikely to happen.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
Our two best o-linemen, Nicks & Joseph, were both first round picks. Yes Penn was a practice squad pick up but that’s the exception, not the norm. If you want quality linemen you almost always have to spend a pick. Also remember that our RT for the last six years (Trueblood) was a second round pick too. At some point Dominik will realize Freeman needs better protection, and Martin needs better blocking, than a free agent RT can provide.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Lot of money already i the O-ine I do not see a 1st round Tackle for RT. I think theyget that in free ageny and draft on later on.
CB in rd 1. THen Pass rusher and TE
January 16th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
@FLBoyInDallas
Carl Nicks was a 5th round pick in 2008.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Who is picked will be decided by Schiano, not the GM formerly known as Rockstar. No coincidence that the only decent draft Dominik presided over was when Schiano was calling the shots.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
It’s more of finding the gems than top picks. Lot of top OL drafted in the first round doesn’t pan out. Mike Williams- Bills and Levi Jones-Cincinnati 2002 draft, Robert Gallery- Raiders 2004 draft, Alex Barron Rams, 2005 draft, Levi Brown- Cardinals 2007 draft, and the list goes on. Some of these tackles had to move to guard because they couldn’t keep up with quicker DE.
Not saying that there aren’t great ones found in the first round, but they Bucs better do some real digging if they plan on getting this guy. Can’t have another Kenyatta Walker again.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Kenny Vacarro might be our guy. An excellent FS w/ versitilty, can cover all skill positions, hard hitter, day 1 starter and will be dynamic in the secondary (biggest need). Not banging the table yet, too early
January 16th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
My guess is the Rock Star will be trying behind the scenes to trade up for Milliner. He’s that good. But failing that they’ll probably just go with BPA at any position except QB, RB, K, P and probably not a WR either.
January 16th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Any off season plans that dont include 2 new starting cornerbacks is complete bull s***. I’m not sure we have a need at RT. I would like to see competition there in the later rounds. I see us trading back and getting Xavier Rhodes than maybe trading back up and getting Ertz. Then getting Logan Ryan in the second round.
January 16th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
@FLBoy I honestly dont think they will trade up for him. They might start the rumor to get interest but there is plenty of depth at corner in this draft. One starting corner in FA and getting Xavier Rhodes would be awesome.
January 16th, 2013 at 3:20 pm
I’ve got a little different take. I would only take a LT as a future replacement for Penn in the 1st round. But not this year. Luke Joeckel will be gone within the first 5 picks and the alternatives, Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews went back to school. I make that pick next year!
I’m assuming that we get a decent, not shutdown CB in FA. If Dee Miliner is gone, I’m trading down to 20 or so and taking a big corner like Rhodes or Amerson who can also play FS or a big FS like Eric Reid or Ken Vaccaro.
Remmember, they still have Eric Wright packed in salt if they don’t get what they’re looking for in FA or want to go BPA in the 1st round of the draft. Keep in mind that Schiano likes his own guys and there is a physical CB from Rutgers, Logan Ryan that is slotted for the 2nd round.
There are two good RTs rated for the 3rd round – Ricky Wagner and Brennan Williams, a Butch Davis recruit. Don’t forget Desmond Wynn coming off IR for the Bucs in 2013.
The later round are loaded with very good CBs – Michael Carter, Jason Verett, Nigel Malone, Carrington Byndom, Johnny Adams and Justin Gilbert.
I gotta believe that Dominik is beginning to get the hang of this thing!
January 16th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
@ lightningbuc
How do you know that? what, did some within the bucs organization come and tell you that Dom will no longer be make the picks? I want you to point out to me where i can find that information, because if you dont have any proof, than your full of it. Im so Fuking tired of people saying that Schiano is making the picks when they have no freakin idea about who is really making the picks for a certainty. is it Schiano? is it Dom? you know what I think, who fuking care! Just sit back and enjoy our selections. damn.
January 16th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
I just can’t see this pick happening.. Its either a CB, and if we cant resign Bennett, I expect us to draft the best available DE
January 16th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
They should take best player available in the first round. I like Damontre Moore and wouldn’t mind trading up to get him or Star Lotulelei. Outside of them I don’t feel anyone else is a real stand out at the 13th spot in the draft. Banks is overrated. I’d take Amerson in the 2nd or 3rd round then him in the first. I would also like to get Jelani Jenkins is he’s available in the 4th round.
January 16th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
I’d be entirely on board with that pick. Can never go wrong taking lineman early – look at the 49ers, its worked out well for them.
January 16th, 2013 at 5:15 pm
Andy,
Take your medicine and calm down. No need to throw out a bunch of F bombs! It’s just a message board about football. Geez, earlier in the week you accused Joe of not being a hardcore fan. You got some pent up emotions it seems.
January 16th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
1 OLineman in 4 drafts
Our first wont be on a lineman.
Too many gamechangers at other positions of need that I’m sure would also fall into the BPA left at 13 to take a RT especially when Dotson did fairly well and although he could use work has improved gradually from season to season.
I would have to guess Doms words mean we may be bringing in someone through FA for the position.
January 16th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Anyone else read this deadspin article on Manti Te’o and his friend creating a fake girlfriend that passed away?
If this story is true it is one of the most bizarre situations I have ever come accross. Certainly can’t help his draft status pulling off such an elaborate hoax.
January 16th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Just read the actual story in detail…
If this is indeed true, I don’t want this child on our team. As someone who has just recently come through the hardships of leukemia myself and seen with my own eyes toll it takes on individuals, their families, heck on this world, I am disgusted. I would honestly have a hard time watching my beloved Bucs play if this is true and he’s on the field wearing pewter.
January 16th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
@ lightningbuc
first of all my name is not Andy. second of all Ill admit I did go a little overboard, possibly from lack of sleep as a tend to be a little cranky when Im tired and for that I apologize, but nothing changes that fact that you and other people who post comments about who is running the draft dont know for a certainty who is calling the shots when it comes do drafting players so to suggest otherwise would be discrediting Dom and is outright wrong and pisses me off. btw you dont need to come to Joe’s defense for my previous comment as he had plenty of chances do that himself and for whatever reason did not. if he felt strongly about it he would have let me know. that’s between me and him, not you.
January 16th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
He’s a pretty bad mother Flucker. Sorry,No one else said it yet so i had to.
January 16th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
I meant Fluker…whatever.
January 16th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
No way we take Oline…..Millner is barely worth that pick but the top of the class is so weak he will be over rated. The early value in this draft is on the DLine but they will be gone….trade back please.
January 16th, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Even though this pick would be out of character for the bucs, I would be fine with it. The 49ers have the best O-Line in the NFL and they have 3 1st rounders and 2nd. Everything starts up front.
January 16th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
@ lightningbuc
first of all my name is not Andy. second of all Ill admit I did go a little overboard, possibly from lack of sleep as a tend to be a little cranky when Im tired and for that I apologize, but nothing changes that fact that you and other people who post comments about who is running the draft dont know for a certainty who is calling the shots when it comes do drafting players so to suggest otherwise would be discrediting Dom and is outright wrong and pisses me off. btw you dont need to come to Joe’s defense for my previous comment as he had plenty of chances do that himself and for whatever reason did not. if he felt strongly about it he would have let me know. that’s between me and him, not you. but by all means continue playing doctor, your diagnosis of me having pent up emotions is amusing if nothing else.
January 16th, 2013 at 10:01 pm
@ PRBucFan
Amen.
January 16th, 2013 at 10:03 pm
@ Karl
LMFAO
January 16th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
This article is a joke. Dominik is on the record saying he prefers not to spend high draft picks on O-line. Why are we giving this old man’s misguided opinion any merit in January!?!?!?
January 16th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
RT in free agency – close to 100% sure. Fantastic FA crop for RT, we have the money and it’s an easy position to plug in. Makes too much sense for Dom. Easy fix.
D-line may be another story…
January 17th, 2013 at 12:13 am
I personally think we should take a Defensive tackle first round next to Mccoy to get some nice push…
January 17th, 2013 at 12:20 am
I wouldn’t mind, just take bpa not need.
January 17th, 2013 at 1:26 am
Unless the Bucs reach for the best cornerback available, they either trade back, or take the next best rated player (value for the $). Which if it is Fluker, then so be it. If Fluker turns out to be a fluke then the finger pointing should be less severe.
The Bucs should have several all expenses paid open mini camps for CBs and DBs. Should include accommodations and a one week paycheck. That’s the best way to find talent and learn the players intelligence and personalities. Trying to just pick through the draft using other peoples scouting reports seems like a hit or miss process anyway. When they find one that catches their eyes they can invite them to participate in OTAs
January 17th, 2013 at 9:56 am
We all know than teams draft on a combination of criteria involving, team needs and BPA. When looking at our O-line, we have 3 talented and high-priced players in Penn, Nicks and Joseph and a very competent C in Zuttah. We are set at 4/5 of our o-line.
When looking at our secondary, and I’ll call it 5 players, with the amount of nickel coverage that is played. We have 1/5 of a secondary, with only Barron being a starter. That is a major imbalance we have to remedy, wether its thru trading up or back, to get another high pick, we have to address the MAJOR holes in our secondary. As it stands right now, we have NO secondary, or 1/5 of one. RT did not cost us any losses, IMO, but our horrid secondary did. Yes we have to weigh needs with BPA, but a RT seems way down the line as opposed to secondary and Dline, specifically DT. If Fluker could eventualy be a replacement for Penn, thats different, but from what I’ve read, he doesnt project as a LT.