Grading The Bucs
April 29th, 2013If defensive end Will Gholston can develop into a feared pass rusher, this Bucs draft could grade out tremendously.
Yes, it’s risky if not reckless to grade out a team’s draft just hours after the three-day affair is over. And while prickly Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com admits it’s best to wait three years to see how a team’s draft stacks up, he goes ahead and gives his readers what they want anyway: draft grades!
Prisco has been kind to the Bucs in the past with draft grades and continues his pattern, rating the Bucs draft as pretty good.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best pick: Fourth-round defensive tackle Akeem Spence can step in and start next to Gerald McCoy. They stole him in the fourth round.Questionable move: Trading their first-round pick to the Jets to get Darrelle Revis, who is coming off an ACL.
Third-day gem: Fourth-round defensive end William Gholston has a lot of ability, but didn’t always play to it. Can they get him to do that?
Analysis: If you count Revis, they had a nice draft. They also took corner Johnthan Banks in the second round for more corner help. Third-round pick Mike Glennon could be an indictment of Josh Freeman.
Grade: B+ (counts Revis)
It’s interesting that Prisco seems high on a couple of players from the hated Big Ten. Interesting.
As always, it’s most fair to wait three years before judging a draft class. Time will tell if Schiano will be able to develop the third-day picks into productive starters and role players.
April 29th, 2013 at 7:35 am
If Revis is able to get back to even near healthy then it was a great draft. I think he’ll be fine. I don’t know whether he’ll be starting week one. They may treat him like they treated Bowers but we’ll see him getting action as soon as he’s ready.
April 29th, 2013 at 7:39 am
Draft grades this early say far more about the one doing the grading than the do about the drafting organization itself. It assumes the one grading knows what’s best for the organization even though they have far less understanding of how and why picks were made. Pure folly.
April 29th, 2013 at 7:44 am
Well said, True Blue
April 29th, 2013 at 8:06 am
Great in depth analysis by Prisco.
April 29th, 2013 at 8:22 am
I initially hated the Glennon pick. But before I started listening to all the draft gurus, back in college football season, I really liked Glennon – and I’m going back to my instincts. He’s a guy who can develop. Bill Polian’s downfall was not having a backup plan for Manning. At the very least, we’re attempting to cover ourselves.
Wild card pick is Gholston. He’s a freak athletically but inconsistent. At times he played like a 1st rounder and at other times, not so much. If the Bucs can get consistency out of him – steal.
It wasn’t a flashy draft, yet we added depth and filled some holes.
The potential for us to be very, very good is definitely there – it’s up to the coaches now.
April 29th, 2013 at 8:23 am
Can’t wait for pre-season now.
I love watching preseason games so I can see how the depth plays. Like Glennon, that guy is gonna show Freeman how its done. Free will have no choice but to elevate his game.
April 29th, 2013 at 8:30 am
The Glennon pick still baffles me. 3rd round picks are reserved for starters or at least guys who are going to be in a rotation. Glennon is nowhere close to being ready on opening day. We needed to get a potential starter for this 2-year window we have to make a run instead of a guy I think we all hope never sees the field.
Here in NC when people bring up Glennon they say: a) he had a terrible supporting cast so his numbers will actually improve in the pros b) he’s super skinny in person (he looks like a JV swimmer with his shirt off) so he’ll need to gain 15 lbs. to be able to hold up in the NFL c) he’s not an athletic enough to use his feet to get out of trouble so’ll he’ll need pocket protection and d) he’s wildly inconsistent with his ball location.
If Dom used this pick to push Freeman, its a waste. If Dom used this pick because they want Glennon to start eventually then a) they reached and b) the timing is terrible for Glennon and the Organization. I still don’t get it…
April 29th, 2013 at 8:46 am
I can’t believe all the crying………specially those hangin on blount and jfro’s jock
this was an awesome draft when you include revis.
Starters:
Revis CB
Banks CB
Akeem Spence DT
We got starters in the 1st, 2nd AND 4th round and a QB who could (hopefully) take Jfro’s job.
DE We got 1 maybe 2 rotational guys
Guys who could becomes starters and maybe very good given their “ability” and if they can coach them up.
RB We got a rotational RB with more versatility and a higher upside than Blount
So we got 3 starters and 5 who will contribute THIS YEAR!
haters need to STFU….
April 29th, 2013 at 8:48 am
sensi……he’s built just like Peyton Manning…..I think he’ll be ok. LOL
April 29th, 2013 at 8:53 am
Time will tell. Nobody is going to know how well we did until we starting doing.
April 29th, 2013 at 8:54 am
I liked our draft. The only question mark I think is takin Glennon. Gholston is a steal in my eyes. Dude was a beast. Ha until we picked him I didn’t think he was even in this draft, I figured he’d go higher.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:04 am
I’m ok with Glennon pick, if the Bucs thought he was the 1st or 2nd best QB in the draft, and given the run on QB early in the 4th, then that was the right place to take him. I thought the Bucs needed to get a QB in the draft this year, so next year, should things not pan out with Josh, we’re not starting from square one on opening day 2014 (especially considering the number of veterans in their prime (25-30 yrs old) that will be on this team). If Josh does pan out, Glennon will likely be a better option than Orlofsky by the 3rd preseason game, this year, so that’s not a terrible scenario either.
There are plenty of examples of teams that didn’t “need” a QB, picking one up in the top 3 rounds, and it’s worked out enough time (some times that QB is the eventual replacement, other times, they trade that younger QB for more value), albeit not all the time, that I don’t think this can be considered a bad pick 3 days after it was made.
Let’s give it 3 years, to determine if a good pick or not.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:04 am
“it’s interesting that Prisco would be high on guys from the Big 10.” Ya for real, because Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, Von Miller (I can go on and on and on….annnnd on) didn’t play in the SEC so they turned out terrible. That would be sarcasm…
April 29th, 2013 at 9:06 am
I realize 3 of those guys didn’t play for “team SEC” before I get “team SEC” fans correcting me. But there ARE football players outside of that conference. Good ones.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:06 am
I hope Glennon looks so good in training camp that we don’t have a choice but to start him.He would really have to light it up to take freemans job.Everything they say about him sounds just like what they said about TOM BRADY.Billacheat told Shiano to go after Glennon ill bet you because they seem to be best friends with all the trades between the 2 teams.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:17 am
Get back with me in 3 years. 50-60% of the players drafted will be with different teams or out of the league in that time.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:18 am
If Prisco likes it we’re in huge trouble!
April 29th, 2013 at 9:19 am
@ Bucs Fan #238 – Come on guy, seriously? “I love watching preseason games so I can see how the depth plays. Like Glennon, that guy is gonna show Freeman how it’s done. Free will have no choice but to elevate his game.” At this point Glennon is a project at best and IF he ever makes it as a starter in this league it won’t be for a couple years at least. Like many others I believe Freeman will help lead the Bucs to the playoffs this season now that he is in the second year in the same system with the same O.C., all the offensive weapons and with his pro bowl guards back. The pressure Freeman will feel this season to elevate his game will be coming from the media, coaches, fans and his bank account not Glennon.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:27 am
Glennon pick makes perfect sense to me. Try to get a decent QB. You have one year to evaluate him first-hand. At the end of next year, if Freeman is not going to be re-signed, you know whether you have your next starter or need to burn a first round pick. If freeman is re-seigned, then you know whether you have a decent backup or not. Orlovsky sucks…we needed a decent backup and its worth a thrid round pick to get one….one with the potential to be a starter after a year of preperation.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:28 am
Why is it that everyone says that drafts take three years to evaluate, but no one in journalism does evaluations of three year old drafts? I would actually be interested in seeing something like there, where the 2010 draft got evaluated on today’s merits, or even the 2009 draft. Who was the 2010 draft anyway, was that McCoy and Price?
April 29th, 2013 at 9:29 am
@bucobruce
I would like to see Glennon light it up in preseason as well. if for no other reason that we can chant ” The Stork, The Stork”
First we had the Crane, And now at Qb we have ” The Stork”
April 29th, 2013 at 9:33 am
Glennon will do his best to develop int oa starting NFL QB. It may take half a season or so.
Freeman is the true decider of his own fate. We drafed a QB bc our QB has not been consistent for 16 complete games over the past two years.
Glennon was a good pick, and he gives us someone to develop. He has a tremendous amount of talent in his right arm. Let’s just wait and see how he pans out.
It is too early to say “wasted pick”. That is nonsense, and to no surprise that drivel comes out of the Freeman Apologists.
How can we sit here and protect Freeman, when he has done nothing consistent since 2010? Freeman has regressed, his “franchise best” #’s are a result of V-Jax and Martin joining the offense.
Freeman can be our QB, but he has to decide that this year. If Freeman bombs out (again), then he is toast. We can draft another QB next year, and make it an open competition.
I don’t understand why everyone is up in arms about Glennon being drafted 73rd overall? We had NO CHOICE. He could become a great QB, and Freeman has done NOTHING to justify us not taking him.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:44 am
Like mock drafts, draft grades are fun, but pointless. The fans seem to be satisfied overall with the draft. The one pick that left many scratching their heads was Glennon in the third. I can’t say that I disagree. He would’ve more than likely been available in the fourth round.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:44 am
I think draft grades should come out AFTER the season (maybe 2 years). But it’s fun to speculate.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:48 am
The problem is that Glennon isn’t very good. Most years I doubt he gets drafted before the 6th round. He panics so badly under pressure, so much worse than Free. His feet are stone. His decision making is terrible. His arm is good, but not as good as Free’s.
THAT’S the problem. There wasn’t a QB worth drafting this year, and we ignored other needs to take one in the third. I am no Freeman apologist, and I have serious doubts that he’s our future. But I’m certain Glennon isn’t.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:52 am
Yes, tis folly to evaluate immediately, but entertaining. I like the draft now. Didn’t at first because I wanted emphasis on the DL. They got that finally, I think. But, imo, the key is Spence. If he is good, he’ll help the others get to the QB. Hope that’s the case. Should be fun to watch them all develop.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:54 am
Spence is good. I wanted a DT earlier who could give a little pass rush too, but Spence will be a solid nose and is almost certainly an upgrade over Landri and Gibson.
Basically I loved this offseason with the exception of the Glennon pick.
April 29th, 2013 at 9:54 am
if glennon is a starter,our season is over,an new coach an gm next year.
April 29th, 2013 at 10:24 am
The time for waiting three years has passed, its already been four.
That’s 1970’s mentality.
April 29th, 2013 at 10:25 am
@stevek,
How many QB’s are consistent for 16 games? Was Bree’s, Brady, or Payton consistent for 16 games in 2012? NO! And as for Vjax and Doug being the reason had career highs. I do believe Vjax had a career year also. But I doubt you give Free credit for that.
As for the draft picks I have to wait and see. At least one year but preferably 3 years.
April 29th, 2013 at 10:41 am
Funny how the Free protectors have already written Glennon off.
Here’s hoping Free falls on his face just so I can hear you cry.
April 29th, 2013 at 10:52 am
SensibleBuc Says:
April 29th, 2013 at 8:30 am
“The Glennon pick still baffles me.”
You and me both. Not that I mind them taking him, but because they did it so early. Glennon was on NO ONES radar. He likely would have been there in the 5th or 6th round.
Robert, Glennon is NOT built like Manning. And he will never replace Freeman. Instead of hoping for that, you SHOULD be hoping that Freeman has a pro bowl season resulting in playoffs and maybe a superbowl trip.
But then…you’d be wrong about him, so would you rather see the Bucs set back more years…just to be right?
Because Glennon is nowhere NFL ready.
April 29th, 2013 at 10:53 am
Buc Fan #238 Says:
April 29th, 2013 at 10:41 am
“Funny how the Free protectors have already written Glennon off.
Here’s hoping Free (and the Bucs by extension) falls on his face just so I can hear you cry.”
April 29th, 2013 at 10:53 am
I think Freeman’s fall last year was when Carl nicks got hurt and he couldn’t step up into the pocket. Gholston doesn’t need to develop into a pass rusher, in our defense, it’s more about big d ends that can stop the run, play with leverage and we get to the qb by blitzing. I love the depth we gained at D line, I like how we got means and Casillas, Lbers that specialize in blitzing, and we have a chance to have strong d backs. This defense is going to be scary in my honest opinion.
April 29th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@Buc Fan #238
I’m no Freeman protector, but that was just a silly comment. You are basically wanting to have a losing season to prove a point. Glennon is young and maybe good, but he hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL. If you looking for him to lead the team this season, that’s like looking at Akeem to replace Mccoy if he got hurt.
I want Freeman to succeed, because I am looking forward to having a winning season this year. At worst the Bucs will be 7-9 and unless the GM is willing to traded 2-3 first round picks to move up like the redskins did, and that’s if there is a QB worth drafting. Next year’s QB draft class isn’t that great unless these Juniors (Jonny Football or the Louisville QB “forgot name”) you are looking at another few years trying to find a “Franchise QB”.
April 29th, 2013 at 11:05 am
I’m not going to pretend that I know details of every single guy taken. But, I like the positions and slotting. No complaints.
I have seen Glennon play. I like him and his upside. I commend Dom on that pick.
April 29th, 2013 at 11:14 am
I don’t understand why you guys think only Free supporters are knocking Glennon. I have serious, serious questions about Freeman. I am not convinced he’s our future. And I absolutely hate the Glennon pick.
April 29th, 2013 at 11:32 am
Vern4499 Says:
April 29th, 2013 at 10:25 am
@stevek,
How many QB’s are consistent for 16 games? Was Bree’s, Brady, or Payton consistent for 16 games in 2012? NO! And as for Vjax and Doug being the reason had career highs. I do believe Vjax had a career year also. But I doubt you give Free credit for that.
Brees- super bowl winner, broken Marinos single season passing records, HOF QB
Brady- 3 time super bowl winner, and he orchestrates 10+ wins per year every year
Peyton Manning- came back after a year off and did outstanding, also went to the playoffs.
HAS FREEMAN DELIVERED PLAYOFFS? He got us in the hunt two years in a row, but failed to execute and perform CONSISTENTLY down the stretch.
April 29th, 2013 at 11:35 am
Meh,
What is wrong with the Glennon pick? He is: hard working, smart, big, and has a huge NFL arm?
He was a 3rd round pick for crying out loud, and definitely worth the investment.
If Freeman could hone in some consistency, then we would not have HAD TO draft a back up QB.
Freeman just hasn’t done enough to warrant us not drafting a QB.
Specifically, what is everyones beefs with the Glennon pick? Everyone wants to cry over spilt milk, but really we should re-direct that anger/questioning to the play of Josh Freeman. Is he, or isn’t he a franchise QB?
2013 will be the final countdown to Freeman’s career as an NFL Starter: Bust/Franchise QB? Find out more in 2013.
Glad we have Glennon to back up Freeman.
April 29th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
The more I think about it, I’m happy with the way this draft turned out. It wasn’t as top heavy or filled with top notch talent as last year, but everyone said that would be the case. This draft was more about depth, and potential. That’s exactly what we got.
On a side note….did anyone else see the post draft press conference? Of course Dominik and Schiano said Spence was their guy, had him targeted all along, etc. But when Dominik referred to the defensive tackle group being hit hard toward the end of the 2nd day, I couldn’t help but think one ore more players they were looking for got snatched up. I honestly think they could’ve been looking at Bennie Logan , and the Glennon pick was a bit of a panic move, not wanting to chance him dropping to the 4th round (which most of us think he could’ve still been available in). I also think they might have been hoping Brandon Williams would drop out of the 3rd, which he came close to….hence the trade to the top of the 4th for best DT available (Spence).
Before I get skewered, this is purely my own speculation. I am not basing it on anything other than my own interpretation of their needs, where the players involved actually wound up getting drafted, and Dominik’s response at the press conference.
All that being said, I think Spence has a chance to make an impact. Gholston is very intriguing because he can be eased in behind 2 other talented guys. I LOVE the Banks pick, and I think the improved play on the back end will have a positive effect on everyone else.
April 29th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I like the edge Gholston plays with, I just hope they can get him to real it in and not make completely boneheaded, dirty plays like he did against Denard Robinson and Taylor Lewan. If this staff can get him to play disciplined and consistent, watch out….he will be s force.
April 29th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
And what about the kid from Buffalo? Means. I thought he might be in the runnng for OLB but I guess not. A real edge pass rusher, apparently. And that seems to be how they will use him – on third downs. He looks pretty good.
April 29th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
stevek Says:
April 29th, 2013 at 11:35 am
“Freeman just hasn’t done enough to warrant us not drafting a QB.”
I’m a Freeman fan, but I can admit you are 100% right in this statement. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t one. This is year to prove or disprove himself.
Sometimes I think, because the QB always gets the blame, people (fans) root for any new QB. Tampa has a well-established history for giving up on quarterbacks too soon (hence the “quarterback curse” of the past).
By the same token, we’ve gotten some real duds in here too. But even on the average guys, we’ve given up too soon. Dilfer, for example, went on to win a Superbowl. Vinnie ended up setting records (and I will admit, I gave up on Vinnie way early). Young traded away.
The Gruden years were the worse. He just could not settle on a guy. I firmly believe Gruden did more damage to quarterbacks than helped them.
But let’s be honest. Josh Freeman had a record breaking year last year. So he had a collapse as well. Let’s not pretend the rest of the team didn’t collapse as well. Between the injuries and the horrible defense, he had the odds agqainst him.
No quarterback can do it all, all the time.
And as far as the quarterbacks you mentioned, at the same point of their careers, they were worse than Freeman is now (except Manning). Brady had a good rating, but he fell short on yards, interceptions and sacks, as did Brees.
Manning is a beast, and I think he is one of the best to play the game. But even if the others did not rank worse at the same stage, it really isn’t a fair comparison.
For all we know, Freeman could play lights out this year and become one of the best to ever play the game in 7 years.
Either way, Glennon is NOT the answer. Pipe dreams there.