With The 7th Pick In 2014 NFL Draft …
December 24th, 2013
Taylor Lewan is being touted as a Tampa Bay target
Damn that tough Bucs strength of schedule, one of the toughest in the NFL. It’s killing Tampa Bay’s shot at Johnny Football draft position.
Five teams are tied with an ugly 4-11 record — Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Oakland, Cleveland and Jacksonville — but the Bucs are behind all of them in the draft if the season ended today. Strength of schedule is the main tiebreaker, and it works against the Bucs.
Daniel Jeremiah, of NFL Network, one of their top draft gurus, is already starting to breakdown team needs.
Jeremiah doesn’t seem to think the Bucs need a starting quarterback.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 4-11
Needs: DE, TE, OT
Analysis: Tampa’s defense is loaded up the middle, but it could use a dominant edge rusher. An offensive tackle like Michigan’s Taylor Lewan would also fill a need
Lewan is Michigan’s gargantuan left tackle, who stands 6-8. With the rookie salary cap, teams can lock up a first round pick cheap for five years. It’s never a sexy pick, but it’s a critical position.
Joe doesn’t know if Lewan could play right tackle and work himself into the NFL scene from there. The Bucs will be in extreme win-now mode in 2014, and left tackle is a tough position to gamble on with a rookie. It’s not as if Donald Penn is part of the Bucs’ problem.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:30 am
Need a difference maker on O draft Sammy Watkins
December 24th, 2013 at 11:34 am
We have multiple needs and no 3rd round pick….this draft is very deep with talent….we should trade down for extra picks…we will still get an impact player later in the 1st….like Ebron, Watkins.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:35 am
Lewan under investigation for assault on Buckeye fans. Schiano Buccaneer Man? I dont think so. Lovie Smith Buccaneer Man? Maybe!
December 24th, 2013 at 11:36 am
Yes he is.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:36 am
I agree. Sammy Watkins, maybe trade back a couple slots n pick up another pick. Maybe a 3rd if we can replace the one for the Revis trade. I’d grab a qb in the 2nd like an AJ McCaron since people are projecting him to go in the 2nd these days.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:36 am
Agreed, TBBF.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:42 am
….”If you’ve been to a bar on a Saturday night chances are you’ve been in the “area of a fight”
December 24th, 2013 at 11:42 am
We need O-line. Don’t waste the first round on defense. Offense is far beyond more important in this draft. We need a DE but not nearly as bad as O-line. If they go QB in the first, that’s fine with me too. Just not defense in the first this year.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:43 am
6-8 left tackle is never a good thing, edge rushers will eat him alive.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:43 am
Offense is the most need….qb is a first…you can get great OL in the 2nd round….hopefully GM & coach are gone to give a busted draft again
December 24th, 2013 at 11:46 am
AJ Maccaron is the next Greg McIllroy, aka not a 2nd round pick.
We would be best served to grab a stud TE in the 2nd. Maybe the big TE from UW?
December 24th, 2013 at 11:48 am
schiano isnt a buccaneer man…if he was concerned about donald penn’s play why not see if demar dotson could make the transition over to left tackle so that if he could that would be another draft pick we could use elsewhere maybe trade down for more picks……it’s worked with everyone else and even worked with sunday in st. louis when jake long went down….penn is getting older so why not take this last game against that saints defense and see how dotson handles playing left tackle, it would be so easy to switch those two positions
December 24th, 2013 at 11:51 am
We need two tackles and a guard. No other need is as close.
December 24th, 2013 at 11:55 am
I hate to say this because it shows my bias. If Schiano is picking, he will trade down in the 1st round and take OLB/DE Khalil Mack/Buffalo and take WR Brandon Coleman/Rutgers in the 2nd round. If he gets a third round pick by trading down, he will take a back-up QB (maybe Murray/GA), TE, or OT.
December 24th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
Check out Lewan vs Clowney in last yrs Outback Bowl on YouTube. Lewan beats Clowney the majority of the time, but when Clowney beats his man, look out! With Clowney being a definite possibility for Atlanta, I wouldnt be opposed to seeing those two battle it out twice a year. Thumbs up for Lewan.
December 24th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Mostly agree with TBBF
BUT, I would draft a QB with the first pick. If not, trade down to get more picks and get a DE in the first rd and a G or OT in the 2nd or 3rd rd to groom for the future. Penn is NOT part of our problem, but Nicks and Joseph may be done; that is far more urgent than OT
In Order of Importance: QB, DE, WR, O-line. No, we do not need to draft a TE. Other positions can be filled in late rounds or FA
December 24th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Here is the deal….by the time we draft, we will know the HC….we will also probably know Nicks’ future.
We should trade down for extra pick(s)….and then draft Oline in rounds 1 & 2.
Replacing or restructuring (significantly) Penn & Joseph.
That will free up a ton of money for FA….in FA pick up a speed reciever, TE, DE.
This way we are starting to get younger on the OLine & have some depth there.
December 24th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
we havent drafted well since tony dungy left so theres nothing that makes me think we could draft for needs and actually hit on it well enough….hell we dont even do well in free agent pick up’s……were screwed no matter what we do under this regime
December 24th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Glennon has won 4 games as a rookie. Foles won 1. Rookie QB’s get a pass. You people wanting McCarron or Murry are silly. I gaurantee either of those guy’s throw as many Int’s as TD’s. Ya what a great idea. Draft a QB early that is worse than Glennon. We stay with a bigger stronger Glennon next year. If he doesn’t progress. He’ll set the team up to draft J winston
December 24th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Frame:
At 6’8” tall he has a great frame for the blindside.
*Athleticism
(Is the most important thing for an Offensive Tackle in today’s NFL.)
-Ran 40-yard dash in 4.72 seconds
-Recorded a 335-pound maximum on bench press and
-Recorded 450-pound maximum squat
Pass Blocking:
-Long arms, quick feet and good balance helped him protect the edge against speed rushers. Like most NFL Tackles (Including Jake Long) Quick inside moves and fluid double moves give him problems. Needs to keep his head up, too often leads with the crown of his helmet. The Wolverines’ offensive captain did not allow a sack during the 2013 regular season.
Run Blocker:
*Lewan is a mauler of a run blocker and when he gets his hands on a defender he’s as good as anyone. Has the potential to be an elite run blocker but needs to fine tune his technique.
Durability & Games Started:
*At Michigan … three-year letterman … has appeared in 49 games at left tackle, making 47 starts, including 40 consecutive.
(Evaluation Against Highly Touted Match Ups)-U be the judge
Taylor Lewan Vs Jadaveon Clowney
He had a solid game against Jadaveon Clowney of South Carolina in his bowl game and did not relinquish a sack against college football’s best player (he did commit one holding penalty and get beat for a TFL). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cpIkjW-CY4
Taylor Lewan Vs Stephon Tuitt
Lewan matched up against 2012 consensus All-American Stephon Tuitt of Notre Dame and Lewan flat out dominated him http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EhJdcnRBxo
December 24th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
@buc4lyfe – Really? we haven’t drafted well? come on guy. that’s ridiculous
December 24th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Bucsfaninchina is 100% correct, when that RDE for Atlanta jumped offside last night and extended the SF TD drive, it occurred to me that not only did that guy lose his job next year but the Bucs lost Clowney.
If JC goes to Atlanta, Taylor Lewan is the only antidote.
LT Matthews is going to the Rams.
Damn that Megatron dropping that pass!!
December 24th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Has anyone actually watched this kid play this year? He’s not going against star talent either. Maybe watch the tape last year against Clowney when he shoved around for much of the game and he was told to hit the gym. We need tackles but this kid is no Jake Long imo
December 24th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Penn is not the problem. Dotson is not the problem. Guard may be a problem if Nicks is out for good.
But DE is DEFINITELY a problem. QB is DEFINITELY
a problem. Truthfully, these are the only two glaring needs on this team.
Well, that and coaching…
December 24th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Its kinda ironic when you take into consideration.
*Taylor Lewan vs William Gholston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq_TgOHvXpU
-&
*Carimi v. Clayborn (play one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gLGJFWYKXmo
Carimi v. Clayborn (play two)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k30S94jMvrM
Carimi v. Clayborn (play three
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOVdabzCkqE
Carimi v. Clayborn (play four)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NphS9L9jrfg
Carimi v. Clayborn (play five)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N59CpV6qJFw
Carimi v. Clayborn (play six)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtpsxSfzCoI
Carimi v. Clayborn (play seven)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-QFX_r6aoM
Carimi v. Clayborn (play eight-a)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0uK8sJ5XEw
Carimi v. Clayborn (play eight-b)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOLCEIk3q20
Carimi v. Clayborn (play nine)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdVRaQwp9KM
Carimi v. Clayborn (play ten)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xapy7FwNw4w
Carimi v. Clayborn (play eleven-a)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hsz0ub5r1w
Carimi v. Clayborn (play eleven-b)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzhHKBMlpwI
December 24th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
thoes that say trade own for more picks and then sayto pick ome ne in the irst round have torealize that t trade down we willnot ave a 1st roud pick
December 24th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
@Fatmosh
Donald Penn has giving up 25 sacks in 3yrs. With 10 of them coming this season; and he’s not a problem?
December 24th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
The sad thing is the Bucs have so many needs. You could make a case to draft OL, WR, DE, TE and maybe QB. Let’s face it folks, this team is nowhere close to winning. It’s just a testament to the fine job Dominick has done. I can’t wait for that guy to get fired. Glazers, please wake up.
December 24th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
patrick in VA
teams that draft well get to the playoffs, get players that go to the probowl….all these excuses about what we DONT have but no jake long no number 1 receiver one known linebacker, no known defensive backs and just a front 4 and look what st. louis did too us…they took their right tackle moved him over to the right and plugged a back up and proceeded to kick the crap out of our team…..they have signature wins on their resume……our defense is supposed to be the bright spot, but kellen clemons numbers say otherwise….we knew they were gonna run the ball but still couldnt stop it, thats being being overpowered and dominated
I love lavonte david or course and adrian claiborne, keith tandy, mark barron, im sorry dude that was a typo im just ticked off but you gotta admit with the talent we have which is better than what the rams have, either we dont have talent or they arent being coached…..
December 24th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@ URRAN
Of course we will have a 1st round pick…by trading down, it means trading down in the 1st round……..for example….if we pick 7th….we could trade down to 10th and pick up a 3rd round pick in the process…..
December 24th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Drafting all depends on who is coaching this team. If Glennon stays, we need to give him some weapons. Regardless of who is coaching I do not think using high draft picks on Oline is a good move. Though LT Penn had a tough year, he does have a rookie behind C that is learning his way. Lets not forget that Penn has had some pretty nice games for us in his career and he was a UDFA too. The FA G Nicks who was suppose to help Penn out on the left side has not been there. Penn has not had a steady partner on that side of the ball.
If Schiano stays I think we will see picks to continue building our D, and grab a few playmakers for Glennon. If Schiano goes, your guess is as good as mine. Gotta figure out coaching first. The good news is we get Barth, Martin, and Williams back next season…remember them?
December 24th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Actually, I think drafting higher on the O-line is safer than many of the skill positions….the only two areas where we don’t need help is RB & Safety…
I think we will at least shop Rainey for a draft pick (unsure of what kind of contract we have with him)….James could be trade bait if the injury isn’t a factor…we don’t need 4 FBs &
Rainey, James, Leonard, Demps & Martin
We need someone who can open up some holes for a couple of them.
December 24th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Seems to me that FA AND draft are the way to go with both lines (O & D).
Likely FA LTs are Jared Veldheer (Raiders), Eugene Monroe (Jaguars), and Brandon Albert (Chiefs). For DEs, there could be Jared Allen and/or Brian Robison (Vikings), Anthony Spencer (Cowboys), and Greg Hardy (Panthers). It is going to be a very interesting off season.
December 24th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
I love the draft every year. It’s the games that we can’t seem to get right. I’ll be playing shuffleboard in a retirement home before we get to the playoffs again!
December 24th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Doesn’t matter what pick we own, Manchild wouldn’t even be a thought.
I really hope we don’t draft an offensive lineman first.
That would also go against Dom’s usual ways.
If there’s a legitimate QB talent that we can bring in for competition for Glennon than I think we would be wise to go in that direction. It’s simply too easy to sack Glennon.
I like Sammy Watkins and if not than I believe one of the last pieces to finishing up this defense will be available.
December 24th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Glazers are gonna have a hard time selling tix unless their is a regime change and/or splash FA signing/trade. As joe has said many times, this is a team that is built to win NOW. I want to see Kenny Britt in pewter and red, reuniting with his college coach, sans any regime chamge. Go safe with linemen in the draft if Barr is snatched up already.
December 24th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
We will maybe pick up some O lineman in the later rounds but don’t expect Dom or Schiano to go after O lineman early.
Dom will go after proven lineman via other means like he usually does.
December 24th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@ Splengo
You’ll be playing shuffleboard at the Villiages…so, I’ll probably be dead….
December 24th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
This is not a team built to win now. Last place in division for 3 straight seasons is likely. 15 wins over 3 seasons is likely…unless you think we can beat NO Sunday in NO. 15-33 record over 3 seasons equates to STILL REBUILDING. Worst QB and HC in division over 3 years equates to STILL REBUILDING. I really hate to type this, but these are the facts.
December 24th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
This team is built to lose now. Hey but they’re still playing hard for this coach. That’s what us fans get to hang our hat on?
December 24th, 2013 at 3:04 pm
bucemup Says:
December 24th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Glennon has won 4 games as a rookie. Foles won 1. Rookie QB’s get a pass. You people wanting McCarron or Murry are silly. I gaurantee either of those guy’s throw as many Int’s as TD’s. Ya what a great idea. Draft a QB early that is worse than Glennon. We stay with a bigger stronger Glennon next year. If he doesn’t progress. He’ll set the team up to draft J winston
Lol. Foles and Glennon are completely different qbs dude. Foles reads defenses well and quickly. Glennon holds the rock. Come on man.
December 24th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Look at it this way….If we trade even down to 22, one of these guys is ours!!!
Matthews, Clowney, Barr, Bridgewater, Watkins, Kouandjio,
Dennard, Evans, Mack, Carr, Lewan, Manziel,Ervin, Mosley,
Ekpre-Olomu, Ebron, Tuitt, Lee, Murphy,Shazier, Yankey, Beasley
December 24th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Competition can’t hurt
If Glennon legit beats out whoever we bring in great, if not than great we have someone better.
I’m all on board with that idea.
December 24th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Tradeup and take jadevon clowney.. the guy is the best defensive player in 10 years… teams run offenses away from him.. give gerald a reason to stay in tampa. Pick up a wide out in free agency.. will be fine when williams and doug come back…
December 24th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I agree with nate besides its the only way we will win with defense
December 24th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
If Dominik stays, and I say he is much more likely to survive than Schiano, he’s publicly stated, and proven, he won’t go OL early. OT is definitely not the issue. DE, OG, clearly are problems. Considering great OGs can be found 5th round on, I would think that finding a competent pass rusher/edge setter is the priority. QB I would be fine with, even if it were Joe’s beloved Manziel. Barr, Mack, and later on, Murphy could really interest the Bucs. Hopefully we’ll have already cut/restructured Joseph/Nicks and Michael Johnson or Greg Hardy are signed and give us flexibility.
December 24th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
They better draft a QB first round or ill be slamming beers
For another year with joe …..
December 24th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Draft discussions are so annoying- not reading any of them any more. No one on this corner of the inter-webs has any idea who is going to be picked.
I will say this however, No, No, No to Johny “spoiled rotten” Football. Joe, I know your pinning away for your boy with his scrambling skills, but after one injury in the NFL, that’s all gone, just like what happened to RGIII.
I’ll wait till after the draft when something tangible can be discussed.
BTW, the websites speed improvements are noticeable and very much appreciated. Thanks for that.