“Either He’s A Franchise Guy Or He’s Not”
February 7th, 2014
The Bucs’ new hierarchy should be considering one huge QB question in the NFL Draft, says Brian Billick
Johnny Football chatter sure seemed to raise the blood pressure of former Super Bowl winning Coach Brian Billick during an interview on the Ron and Ian show on WDAE-AM 620 yesterday.
Billick was all relaxed talking about how Mike Glennon had a better interception-to-pass ratio than Russell Wilson and Matt Cassel, and how Glennon might be worth giving a second season as a starter, but Billick got fired up when asked for his opinion on Johnny Football.
Billick said he hasn’t finished his evaluation of Johnny Football, but all that chatter about the Bucs or any team taking a franchise quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft should only be about two things: total confidence and job retention — for the head coach/general manager.
“It cant be, ‘Well, is he worth the fifth pick? Is he worth the tenth pick? Is he worth the 15th pick?’ You either think a guy that you’re going to take in the first round is either a franchise guy or he’s not. And if he is, if you determine that, you take him wherever,” Billick said.
“If he’s not, you can’t take him in the first round because it’s going to cost you your job. And that’s the decision we have to make on a Johnny Manziel. I think he is improved. I’ve been impressed in what I’ve seen. I’m not yet there to say he is a guaranteed franchise quarterback in the NFL. Therefore, I don’t know that I’m there yet to say he should be a first-round pick.”
Joe also agrees that any QB drafted in the first round must be considered “the guy” by the team that drafts him. However, Joe has no problem with a rookie QB developing and maturing from the sidelines for a season. Frankly, the new labor agreement is set up well for that. First-round picks don’t break the bank any longer, and teams lock them up for five years.
That fifth year is a huge advantage. Wilson or Colin Kaepernick, for example, will be in line for free agent fortunes following their fourth seasons — because they weren’t first-round picks. Andrew Luck, for example, could have to wait until his sixth season to land a nine-figure contract.
Enjoy Billick’s full interview below.
February 7th, 2014 at 1:31 pm
I will admit I am not that knowledgable about college football, so I rely on others. As Billick said, “…You either think a guy that you’re going to take in the first round is either a franchise guy or he’s not… “If he’s not, you can’t take him in the first round because it’s going to cost you your job.”
So I found it interesting that Wade Phillips, during his interview to be HC, endorsed the Texans drafting Johnny Football with the 1st pick. Yes, over Teddy and Bortiels. THAT says something.
This means way more than some sports writer offering lip service as to a QB having a “chance to be above average”. Heck, every time I buy a lottery ticket, I have a “chance” to be a millionaire, but the odds are slim.
February 7th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
How many of Glennon’s completions were over ten yards? Take away the check down & dink passes and his ratios would be so-so.
February 7th, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Wade Phillips was a horrible head coach and talent evaluator for players on offense, so I would take his endorsement of Joe’s JFF with a boulder of salt.
February 7th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
I’m reading the reviews of all the QBs invited to the combine and unless somebody just jumps off the page at the combine, the Bucs are going to be sitting there at #7 with a couple of so-called top 5 QBs staring them in the face.
They may find themselves in a lucrative trade position assuming they are not willing to bet that one of these highly rated, but not sure thing QBs should be picked. Why should they if the most QB needy teams have just passed on them?
The Falcons have already started to stockpile cap space to play heavily in FA because they are going to sell the draft to move up for Clowney (my opinion). But after the safest 5 picks are off the board, some of the teams who passed and the QB needy teams beyond 7 like the Vikings and Titans may now be willing to move back up to get a top 10 QB that nobody wanted to bet was a top 5 QB. Cleveland has 2 first round picks and the Raiders have 68mil in cap space.
I’m beginning to think #7 is going to turn into an ideal spot to be in. Bottom line, the Bucs are going to get a very good player, but could walk away with a bonus too!
February 7th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Another thing to remember about Manziel is the question of his intelligence. Is he smart enough to absorb a true pro system and all its concepts? And apply those concepts in a split second under tremendous pressure? That right there is probably the MOST important factor for an NFL QB prospect. It’s not mentioned frequently enough, in fact. I’m not saying he’s dumb, but I’m wondering how an improvising sandlot style player will fare against real professionals who are better athletes than anyone he’s ever played with or against. I can’t wait to see the outcome.
February 7th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
with all the hype surrounding manziel, and judging by the pictures on the web this guy s on top of the world.
would seem like the only place to go s down
February 7th, 2014 at 2:41 pm
As much as I hate to say it, I’d rather bring in a vet and let him compete with Glennon than reach for a QB or trade away all our draft picks (we only have 5).
People say for Glennon to be good, he needs a great supporting cast. I say we do that and make him great, solidfy the O-line, get him a great slot WR, and another TE to play with Tim Wright.
We know the defense will be much better with Lovie and Frazier calling the shots, we just need a pass rushing DE and our D is top 5 (yes , I said top 5).
If our QB’s stink it up, we have a great team next year that just needs a QB. Lovie is not getting fired after 1 year, so what’s the rush? We will have more picks next year and the QB class looks legit. Just my 2 cents.
February 7th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
This draft is one big illusion. Johnny Football, Blake f***Ing Bortles? These guys are gimmick guys who do NOT have the brains or the arms to consistently run an NFL offense every Sunday. These two are worse than Kap, who I believe has hit his ceiling and shown nothing more than athlete who can throw on the run
and produce broken plays.
I don’t buy this new age Quarterback crap, and teams that sell the farm or waste picks on the likes of BORTLES(god he is terrible)…. Are just desperate to keep up with the times and don’t know crap about Football at the end of the day.
February 7th, 2014 at 3:07 pm
“HARRY”
“So I found it interesting that Wade Phillips, during his interview to be HC, endorsed the Texans drafting Johnny Football with the 1st pick. Yes, over Teddy and Bortiels. THAT says something.”
I’m not sure if you watch NFL football much either, but Wade Phillips isn’t a good HC. Has never done much actually as a HC. His evaluation of Johnny Football doesn’t mean squat. He’s a defensive guy to begin with not a QB guru or even an offensive minded coach, so I don’t put much stock into his thoughts. Your right though, it does say something. Don’t draft Johnny Football because of Wade Phillips endorsement.
February 7th, 2014 at 3:17 pm
People say Glennon can only complete short passes, and If thats the case, then Carr should definitely be out of the question. I watched his throws in a couple of games and the guy was HORRENDOUS on any pass over 15 yards. He will complete a couple, but out of dozen passes that is a terrible completion percentage. He has pretty much everything else going for him (size, scrambling ability, smart, good poise in the pocket, terrific at short passes) but when you have that kind of hindrance, it does not bode well for him.
I dont know what we are going to do at QB, but one thing is for sure, our options are limited which really sucks or us. Given that reason, I would not be surprised to to Glennon start next season.
February 7th, 2014 at 3:29 pm
Glennon set rookie team and NFL records, all without a RB1,WR2,WR3,TE1, and training camp as Freemans backup. Give him a full off season as the QB1 with a full complement of offensive weapons and IMO he’s as good if not better then Newton/Ryan and possible Brees. How’s that for Elephant dung Joe?
February 7th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Such a big decision to make and I have a feeling that this wont be a hasty decision because they want to get it right for the long term.
Maybe they give him this season to possible start and solidify himself as the starter, along with a veteran. Next year they may look to draft and pick a young guy to lead and plugin to the offense and be the face of the franchise.
I still like potentially bringing in Vick as a the opportunist to start and compete with Glennon.
February 7th, 2014 at 3:47 pm
“Barry”
I could not agree with you more. Glennon did all he could with the little knowledge he had of the offense and the few weapons he had. The pass blocking was terrible, we had no one to throw to besides Vincent Jackson and Tim Wright, and the play calling was elementary school. If he is given a full off season to prepare, have a better offensive system, more weapons to throw to and a vastly improved O-line, he can be as good as Matt Ryan.
February 7th, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Jeremy Maclin, Emanual Sanders, Santonio Holmes
just a couple vets the would be great #2’s and a stop gap for the #1 when Vjax goes out to pasture and we draft another #1 potential WR. put MW in the slot.
Picks # 1 & 2 should be OL for sure & DL or MLB depending on what the get in FA
Then fill out the depth with the last 3 picks and get a quality QB FA…and there are a couple, but Vick has the most experience and ability to be a game changer. MG could come in when he gets hurt and learn and maybe even not need a QB next draft. We could then have a stout team and many more options in next years draft.
February 7th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
@ Barry
Amen
February 7th, 2014 at 3:59 pm
Jim…the same can be said for most QB’s in the NFL.
February 7th, 2014 at 4:30 pm
@Barry Says:
“…Give him a full off season as the QB1 with a full complement of offensive weapons and IMO he’s as good if not better then Newton/Ryan and possible Brees…”
OMG, I want some of whatever you are taking, because it must be some seriously good stuff!
February 7th, 2014 at 4:43 pm
@FLBoyInDallas Says:
“…I would take his endorsement of Joe’s JFF with a boulder of salt…”
@Fuzzy Red Coin Purse Says:
“…I’m not sure if you watch NFL football much either, but Wade Phillips isn’t a good HC…”
I think my point was not whether Phillips is a good HC or not (he is unquestionably a very good DC), but that with money on the line (a job as a HC), Phillips was betting on Manziel over Bridgewater, etc. Because Phillips had something at stake, I would put a lot more stock into his opinion then what a sports writer might say, as I have written above. And I would definitely trust a person who makes millions of dollars a year making such decisions over someone who goes by “Fuzzy Red Coin Purse”.
I don’t why ppl feel the need to attack someone to express their point of view. BTW, I watch a lot of NFL games for decades “Fuzzy”. LOL
February 7th, 2014 at 4:52 pm
I think the jury is still out on Glennon. But we can clearly see his strengths and weaknesses. He’s very bright, poised, calm under the gun unlike his predecessor, but he moves in the pocket with all the grace of Brad Johnson.
And so when we see what happened to another wooden Q.B., Peyton Manning, we know that the offensive line must perform for this style of Q.B. to succeed.
Manning sliced and diced the Pats because his O line gave him time. The Seahawks never gave Manning that time,
I certainly do not mean to compare Glennon to Manning, simply their mutual lack of mobility. If we want to give Glennon a chance next year…Davin has to return to form with another year of healing under his belt…same for Nicks…Penn has to come to camp motivated and Dotson has to improve another notch.
Given a strong O line to go with the solid running back corps and I believe Glennon can succeed. He will take care of the ball ala Brad Johnson and Lovie’s defense will win the day.
February 7th, 2014 at 5:04 pm
Wade is a great defensive coach so I’d say he is qualified to say who will be a good QB, as he knows how to stop QB’s.
We’re more likely to have a shot at Bridgewater. Bortels seems to have moved up to co-number one with JF.
I’d be delighted with Teddy. Great passer and moves in the pocket well.
February 7th, 2014 at 5:18 pm
@Eric,
Finally some sanity, thank you.
I too would be delighted with Teddy or Johnny, whomever the powers that be feel can help us. Unfortunately, I don’t think they are going to be moving up to finally land the Bucs their first franchise QB.
More like Vick, McCown or Cassel to “compete” with MG8. I also don’t view that as competition for MG8 as I do not think any of them at this point are that much better than Glennon, if at all. Probably more like a backup/mentor for MG8.
February 7th, 2014 at 5:57 pm
Grappolo will be the next Aarron Rodgers. (period)
February 7th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
Manziel has been getting the hype for a while but people really started spiddling on themselves after the bowl game comeback…against Duke. Give. Me. A break!
February 7th, 2014 at 6:33 pm
Guys help me out. I don’t watch a lot of college football but I’m definitely not high on Johnny Football. One guy that impresses me that no-one is talking about is Blake Bortles. I think he might still be around later in the draft so we can address defensive end or maybe tackle. And that isn’t a compromise. I think he could be the franchise qb we need. What says you, JBF?
February 7th, 2014 at 6:56 pm
I am already excited about the new and improved coaching staff and how that will obviously translate into a improved Bucs team. The sky is the limit in my view. I admit that I experience this euphoria approaching every new Bucs season. Go Bucs!
February 7th, 2014 at 7:31 pm
i just checked…johnnybucsfan.com is available…it’s about time the site was named properly to prepare you for the content it will be posting
February 7th, 2014 at 7:33 pm
@espo,
The reason you aren’t hight on Johnny football is because you don’t watch college football. Not saying he’s a guarantee to be a great pro (no one is), but he is an absolutely amazing football player. Most exciting player I’ve ever seen by a lot. I’ve never seen anyone who has truly seen him play disagree.
February 7th, 2014 at 8:11 pm
@Hawaiian or anyone else who watches a lot of college football
I don’t watch the college game. The only game I caught this year was UCF’s bowl game and Bortles did not impress me with his accuracy. But, thats only one game and everyone seems very high on him.
How do you think the top 3 compare? A month ago, everyone was saying Bridgewater is a no-brainer; now of course ppl are up and down. Bortles was not even in the picture; now he is the top rated QB on some boards. I find it humorus, but since I don’t watch, I have not idea.
February 7th, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Like you, I haven’t seen much of Bortles (not too many Central Florida games out here in Hawaii). I only saw bits and pieces of their bowl game, so I really have no idea. I have a good friend that has seen him play numerous times and swears he is the next Big Ben. I’ve never heard that comparison anywhere else, so who knows. In my uneducated opinion, Bridgewater is a safer pick than Manziel. Manziel strikes me as a boom or bust prospect, but I would lean more toward the boom. I think he’s most comparable in style of play to Doug Flutie, but with tremendously better skills. It is truly amazing how he can make something out of nothing. I could see him being every bit as good as a Russell Wilson with a little refinement to his game. I’d like to see him protect the ball a little better, and he’s going to have to learn to avoid contact better when he plays with the big boys. Bridgewater is a big, accurate, prototype NFL QB. He’s not going to run for 500 yards, but he has enough mobility to hurt the defense. He is tough as nails, appears to be very intelligent, and really has no weaknesses that I notice. He would be my absolute first choice, because I have a hard time seeing a scenario where he’s not at least an above average NFL QB. Considering our history of QB play, I’d be okay with that. I don’t think we need to have the Saints offense, but we can’t have a terrible offense and win in today’s NFL. If Bridgewater is there at 7 and we pass on him, I’ll be one unhappy fan.
February 7th, 2014 at 11:03 pm
Bortles is terrible….a right handed Tebow (and I’m a diehard Gator). Terrible footwork therefore terrible accuracy. Threw a lot screens and Quick slants in college taking shots downfield when out of pocket, but he’ll need to sit AT LEAST a year to be NFL ready. Hell we might as well bring in Tebow than waste a pick on Bortles.
February 7th, 2014 at 11:09 pm
sorry not sold on Johnny football, if we draft him he will not do well, if we don’t he will be great. I would stay away from him and give Glennon a shot, hey he beat out Russell Wilson at NC State, that has to be good for something right?
February 7th, 2014 at 11:11 pm
Well there’s my answer thanks guys
February 7th, 2014 at 11:25 pm
I agree with Underdog!! When I see Garroppolo I see Aaron Rodgers! I’m praying that the Bucs but mainly Tedford see this!! You guys need to hop on the Garroppolo wagon now!
February 8th, 2014 at 12:41 am
Im hoping we land either Garropolo or Carr myself. I’d like em to trade down in the first rd, maybe twice and take Garoppolo with their first rd pick and then shore up some of their other needs after that.
Garropolo’s stock is going to continue to rise until he will be a late round first round pick imo. If the Bucs could pull a jeff Fischer and get 3 or 4 or more picks by moving back and still being able to take the guy they want (Hopefully the guy I also want lol) then that would probably be the best.
February 8th, 2014 at 1:01 am
@Hawaiian Buc Says:
“…I have a hard time seeing a scenario where (Bridgewater) is not at least an above average NFL QB. Considering our history of QB play, I’d be okay with that…”
Amen. Thank you for that info. That was what I have been interpreting from the internet… Therefor, I very much doubt the Bucs will get their shot at him. But, one never knows…
February 8th, 2014 at 1:04 am
@bigpoppabuc Says:
“…Bortles is terrible….a right handed Tebow (and I’m a diehard Gator). …he’ll need to sit AT LEAST a year to be NFL ready.”
Thanks Bigpopabuc. Thats what I saw in UCF’s bowl game. Bortles is a bit raw. And the is what I have read on him. Not a situation the Bucs need to be in.
February 8th, 2014 at 9:55 am
carr has a quicker release than garopolo, according to senior bowl scout. also, his showing at the senior bowl was very good, was one of 2, I believe, that didn’t throw an int, and led them on a td drive.
February 8th, 2014 at 8:03 pm
Brian Billick? The guy who spent a 1st round pick on Kyle Boller? The guy who picked Elvis Grbac to lead his team back to the Super Bowl, dropping the starting QB who DID win the Super Bowl? The same Brian Billick who’s an “offensive guru” who won a Super Bowl with defense & consequently hasn’t gotten another sniff from the NFL? He’s not sold on Johnny Football? Makes me like Manziel even more.
February 8th, 2014 at 8:05 pm
Espo—um, Blake Bortles has a good chance to go #1 overall. People are talking about him.