Fourth Need
February 6th, 2014
Penn State’s Allen Robinson might be a nice play in the second round.
Even after the Bucs lost the services of Doug Martin to a season-ending shoulder injury, the Bucs had a solid ground game with Mike James and later, Bobby Rainey.
The passing game? Meh!
Mike Williams was lost midseason with an ugly hamstring tear that required surgery. Guys who would otherwise be walking the streets served as the Bucs’ No. 2 through No. 4 wide receivers. Rookie Mike Glennon got little help.
Vincent Jackson was as marked man and defenses swarmed him like a fraternity would a Hooters waitress carrying pitchers of beer.
This did not escape the eyes of ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas, who believes the Bucs must beef up their wide receiving corps.
Mike Williams opened last season as the No. 2 receiver. But Williams went down with a season-ending injury near the halfway point. There have been reports that the former regime wasn’t happy with Williams’ dedication to his rehab, but it remains to be seen if the new coaching staff and front office have any similar concerns.
If the new regime isn’t sold on Williams, adding a quality starter will be a priority in free agency or the draft. Even if the new regime decides it likes Williams, this team still needs to add depth at receiver.
Joe has typed before to keep an eye out for Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson, who may be a bit of a reach with a high second round pick. The past two years playing in an NFL offense, Robinson shined. Against Michigan this past fall he literally took over the game late in the fourth quarter and was a key cog in Penn State beating Michigan in a thrilling overtime contest.
Regardless, if the Bucs plan on upgrading at quarterback — and it sure seems like they are — they cannot go into the season banking on Tiquan Underwood as a No. 3 receiver, who was cut twice in the past two years and couldn’t latch on with anyone else. He was picked back up by the Bucs as he was walking the streets.
February 6th, 2014 at 10:32 am
There is not doubt they need to address our WR depth this offseason. Luckily, this year’s draft is loaded with some pretty good ones. I would be happy with Allen Robinson in the second, or Beckham Jr., of Bryant (Sammy Watkins sidekick at Clemson) among others… and/or of course Sammy Watkins in the 1st round.
Whether we keep Glennon as our starter, bring in a vet, or draft a rookie QB, our QB cannot/will not be successful with the current WR’s on our roster. PERIOD. I don’t mind Underwood on our team as the 4th WR on our depth chart, but that’s about it.
February 6th, 2014 at 10:33 am
Walking the streets? Were they mumbling to themselves as they were walking these streets?
February 6th, 2014 at 10:35 am
Funny how Tom Brady had a no-name receiving corps and made it to the AFC Championship.
The Bucs had a futile system with Schiano on both sides of the ball.
February 6th, 2014 at 10:36 am
Maybe if the O Line actually made a block now and then, Hmmm????
This O Line sucks beyond belief. If you don’t fix the O Line problem, you pretty much forget about the rest of it.
February 6th, 2014 at 10:41 am
Joe you are right on about the receivers and don’t forget the OL. We saw what Seattle did to Payton, one of the best ever, of course the fans yelling didn’t help.
I would take the best and fastest receiver available with the first choice, this is a must have in my opinion, what say you?
February 6th, 2014 at 11:04 am
I have only heard “speed in space” as a moniker for the offense Tedford has in mind. I don’t know what that means because it could have a dramatic effect on what a Tedford WR looks like or whether the current stable fits that mold.
If Sammy Watkins is not there or they choose to go a different route in round 1, then if I could imagine what that term means, then in round 2, a speedy and elusive Brandin Cooks in the slot would add a dimension that the Bucs do not have now.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:11 am
Speaking of speed in space, any word on Demps?
February 6th, 2014 at 11:17 am
Biff,
According to CBSSports-Transactions, he was just taken off IR. Too early to tell if they like him or he’s going to do his track thing again.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:19 am
A good QB makes good WRs. Generally speaking.
Perfect example: Golden Tate. Compare his stats before and after Russell Wilson.
Mike Williams and even Tiquan Underwood are good WR if we don’t have a QB that looks like Beeker.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:20 am
According to CBSSports-Transactions, he was just taken off IR. Too early to tell if they like him or he’s going to do his track thing again.
———————–
That’s because the season just ended. Everyone comes off IR technically.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:21 am
IMO, I don’t think Demps will even make the team.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:37 am
If New England couldn’t make Tiquan Underwood look good, then I don’t think any QB can. He flashes then he is MIA for a few games, I guess teams forget he is out there.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:46 am
Odell Backham has to be the choice in round #2 if not already snatched up. One of thr best slot/returners in the class.
February 6th, 2014 at 11:54 am
@Joe
“the Bucs had a solid ground game”
How in God’s name can you type this? 25th in Yards per rush with a horrible 3.8YPC. C’mon Joe you’re better than that!!! The only running back who put up good numbers for us was Mike James, until he got hurt that is.
February 6th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
I thought Tiquan Underwood was solid.
February 6th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Glennon brought the absolute best we’ll see from Underwood….he is a no. 4 at best. It seems like Williams is cashing out. V-Jax is definitely on his back nine. I think this position is second most important need behind pass rushers. Plus, Tedford likes the Deshan Jackson type guys, while we’ve been stocking up on big bodied sideline threat type if guys.
February 6th, 2014 at 1:07 pm
When your backs get hit behind the line of scrimmage and your qb is the most pressured in the league according to one report what difference does it make what play maker you draft.If it’s skill or age on the offensive line replace them,if it’s scheme change the scheme.If you can’t control the ball and score your defense won’t hold up .Fix the offensive line first or you won’t win many games.
February 6th, 2014 at 1:22 pm
It’s pretty simple really! Everything starts up front. If you can rush the passer & protect the QB there is a very good chance of winning consistently. unfortunately; the Bucs can do neither. The Rams game was an absolute embarrassment on both sides of the ball.
February 6th, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Joe,
Allen Robinson is cut from the Mike Williams physical traits mold. Don’t you think it would be far wiser to find a WR that offers something different other than a good sized body, athleticism, but so-so speed?
February 6th, 2014 at 1:25 pm
@Aubpierce
I completely agree. Football is won in the TRENCHES!!! both of our lines played like crap (except for McCoy). The problem is that we want to make the “sexy” draft picks and free agents. The big guys up front win games and championships.
February 6th, 2014 at 1:33 pm
I can’t DISAGREE more with this article more. Does Mike Williams seem to be a bit in the clouds? – sure. So then what are we saying here, that he will be just another Buc to leave here in recent history and shine somewhere else?
I argue that this is where we will find out what kind of coaching staff we have. Mike Williams has unquestionable talent. DBrooks always says it’s a coach’s job to get the most out of a player. So Lovie, Tedford, let’s see what you got. Are y’all players coaches like so many of your former players say, or not?
Or are we going to continue moving backwards – successfully developing players that only excel elsewhere?
February 6th, 2014 at 1:57 pm
Mike10:
Where did Joe write the Bucs should get rid of Williams? Not sure where you are getting that.
Adding solid depth at wide receiver is important. This past season demonstrated that.
February 6th, 2014 at 2:14 pm
@ Joe,
I heard mentioned on the radio 2 days ago (Steve Dumig?), that there had been some frustration between Mike19 and the organization (Inferring both past and present – so I think). Between the fines and awkward tweets and now the lack of dedication to coming back strong (see: Bowers), a viable option discussed was his release and what to do about his contract. I read this as fuel to that fire.. esp since you are associated with his show.
Apologies if that’s not what you’re thinking
February 6th, 2014 at 2:19 pm
@Joe
I’m still waiting on an explanation on why you believe we had a “solid running game”.
22nd in league in total rushing yards
25th in league Yards Per Carry
here’s a good one, 31st in rushing TD’s, with SIX!!!
February 6th, 2014 at 2:35 pm
Did not Mike James impress you as a rookie backup?
Did Bobby Rainey not look pretty good for a second-year guy who was walking the sidewalk when the Bucs called him mid-season?
Sometimes you have to get your head out of a box score and watch a game to notice the talent.
No, Doug Martin didn’t have a good year. Joe’s not ready to cut him; you?
Running back is hardly a priority for the Bucs in the draft.
February 6th, 2014 at 2:37 pm
imo there are about 6 or 7 really good WRs in this years draft class. Even though I would really like to draft Sammy Watkins with our first pick, I think we can wait till the second round and still get a really good WR and address a different need with our first pick like offensive line.
February 6th, 2014 at 2:38 pm
Dude, re-read the article. There is not one word where Joe even hinted Williams should be cut.
February 6th, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Ok saying someone shined against Michigan is like saying someone is a great pitcher because they held the Rays to a few runs. Almost everyone scored at will on Michigan last year. That being said I agree the Bucs need a dynamic receiver. I like the “speed in space” philosophy but Robinson doesn’t really seem to fit that description.
February 6th, 2014 at 3:06 pm
@spanishbuc
Doug Martin is 2-years off a pro bowl and Mike James looked very solid in his limited time. Even Rainey didn’t look too bad despite being behind a mediocre offensive line.
The Bucs lack depth in a lot of positions, but RB isn’t one of them.
February 6th, 2014 at 3:53 pm
@Joe
Thanks for the response. My issue is not with the running backs, rather the offensive line. Our backs were getting hit at or behind the line of scrimmage a lot last year. Martin is a beast. I was very impressed with James. and to be hones,t I don’t think much of Rainey (but as a third string guy, I have no complaints). I never said we are weak at the position or need to make changes, all I said is that I have an issue with you saying we, “had a solid running game”. The fact is that the running game was bad last year, except for a 4 game stretch, starting in Seattle. period. can you deny that?
February 6th, 2014 at 4:10 pm
spanish:
My reference was to the running backs who Joe thinks are solid. Joe stands by that. Joe thought Mike James was solid. Joe thought for a scrub, Bobby Rainey was solid. There’s no need to upgrade the running backs. Joe never touched upon the offensive line. That’s a whole other subject.
You were reading “x” and coming up with “y.” There is no need to upgrade the running game.
February 6th, 2014 at 7:02 pm
OK for fun let’s start the “Let’s bring in Plaxico Burress” talk. I’m sure he would be a great weapon for Mike Vick…they could talk about running the old cell block play.
Oh and on a serious note, yes the Bucs could use a speedster WR with good hands, preferably somebody falls to them in this draft.
February 6th, 2014 at 8:04 pm
I’d like to see Mike Williams moved to slot /No3 Receiver, along with a big 6’4 220 lb receiver on the outside across from Jackson. Tim wright at tight end with Martin and James in the back field. Sounds pretty good too me, and a HELL of a lot more to work with than what Glennon had last season. Oh and let’s count every single drop that bounced right off of Vjax’s hands last season. Hopefully he uses that as motivation going into next season. I’d like to see Glennon competing with one of the mobile rookies coming out for the starting job.
February 6th, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Hey, Aubpierce,
Totally agree with you.
“If you can’t control the ball and score your defense won’t hold up .Fix the offensive line first or you won’t win many games.”
February 6th, 2014 at 11:38 pm
I’m sorry but if the Buc take a QB in round one I don’t see our defensive coach spending the 2nd round pick on offense as well…not when we need a good DE so badly.
Unless thing change in Free Agency.
February 7th, 2014 at 7:15 am
lovie wants to win now he’s not taking a QB with the first pic.he will get a free agent QB and groom glennon.