Mack Mum On Bucs
February 23rd, 2014
Linebacker/pass rusher Khalil Mack listens to a question during his media session at the NFL Scouting Combine Saturday.
Yesterday, Mike Mayock’s favorite player in the draft, a player he said he would pick first overall, Khalil Mack, took to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and came across as a charmer.
Quite a few mockers have the Bucs picking Mack, a stud linebacker/pass rusher out of Buffalo, with the seventh pick.
Initially, Joe thought this was outrageous as the Bucs don’t need a part-time linebacker. Thing is, Mack is so special, he wouldn’t come off the field at all: outside linebacker in run downs, defensive end in passing situations.
Joe got a chance to fight with the hundreds of other scribes to press Mack and pepper him with a few questions.
JoeBucsFan: How do you feel about rushing the passer with your hand in the ground?
Khalil Mack: I love it. I love it. I talked to a couple of coaches already and told them I can play defensive end if they need me to.
Joe: Bucs talk to ya? The Buccaneers, have they talked to you?
Mack: I’ve been talking to a lot of teams, especially the past two days. But, at the same time I’m not going to be too specific about anything.
One last question Joe got in to ask Mack whether he had talked to the Bucs: while Mack wouldn’t say, the dude had a smile on his face like Joe when someone gives him a cold beer on a July Friday afternoon.
Joe thinks it is safe to say, yes, the Bucs did talk to Mack.
Joe is starting to wonder if Mack can slip to the Bucs, and Joe has warmed to the idea of Mack. Pat Kirwan of CBS Sports and SiriusXM NFL Radio told Joe yesterday he “couldn’t be more impressed” with Mack.
Let’s just say Joe won’t shed a tear if Mack is wearing Bucs gear this fall.
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Well Joe,
What about your friend Johnny, or must have #1 QB ?
Ya can’t have everyone…….
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:15 pm
Mack, Clowney, or Watkins with #7 or trade down a few spots and add picks. That, no more snow in NY, and some cold ones will make a good May for me.
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:25 pm
I see the bucs moving up to five if they’re in love with mack or barr. If not, stay at 7 and grab the tackle of your choice. The frustrating part of this draft being that Atlanta is a pick ahead of us and have very similar needs.
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Bucs need additional draft picks. If they can’t move down they will stay at 7 and draft BPA. FA will take care of their needs.
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:35 pm
How did this stud ever NOT get recruited by bigger schools?
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Nobody is moving up in a draft this deep. That would be ridiculous
February 23rd, 2014 at 12:52 pm
I like the response mack had. you can just see that this kid is a baller.great question joe.
February 23rd, 2014 at 1:30 pm
We’ll probably miss on a QB and Mack by #7.
February 23rd, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Mack , Watkins or Robinson for me would be just fine
February 23rd, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Someone is going to move up to #2. The Rams want to acquire more picks and someone is going to want a shot at a QB, or maybe Clowney. No, I am not suggesting the Bucs. But my point is it will almost definitely change the draft for the Bucs. If a QB gets drafted at #2 then who do the QB needy teams like CLE and OAK take? Further, although ATL needs a OT, they also had no pass rush last year and could very well take MACK, unless CLE or OAK take him (since its likely Clowney will already be gone).
February 23rd, 2014 at 2:25 pm
LOL- Are there now like 10 players who won’t be there at 7 when the Bucs pick? Seems now with Mack making a slash and with all 3 OT”s being Franchise types, the Bucs should have the choice of 2 or all 3 of them, maybe one of the QB’s, Watkins or Mack
February 23rd, 2014 at 2:27 pm
*one of the top 3 QB’s*
February 23rd, 2014 at 3:20 pm
My favorites at this point in time, in order, are:
Bridgewater
Manziel
Clowney
Mack
Watkins (I have reservations, its a deep WR draft, we can get one in later rd)
Bortles (not a finished product, Tedford might be able to make him a star)
Matthews/Robinson (don’t love taking a tackle this high)
Bottom line: my preference would be to trade down if the top 4 are off the board, and that is a very like possibility. I have questions about the rest, but then, what do I know.
February 23rd, 2014 at 3:23 pm
No matter what maneuvers other teams make, there can still only be 6 players drafted before the Bucs are on the clock. And with there being at least 8 players worthy of a top 6 selection we will definitely be getting a top shelf player at their position. Period.
I really can’t stand the chicken littles who whine about their favorite prospect not “dropping” to the Bucs. What a stupid mindset. Just be quiet and let the grownups do the talking.
February 23rd, 2014 at 4:38 pm
@FLBoyInDallas Says:
“…I really can’t stand the chicken littles who whine about their favorite prospect not “dropping” to the Bucs. What a stupid mindset. Just be quiet and let the grownups do the talking…”
Is there a reason for you being such an AZZHOLE, or is that just who you are? Please go cheer the cowgirls.
February 23rd, 2014 at 7:34 pm
Khalil Mack grew up right across the street from me as I often used to play with he and his older brother Sandy so I would be esctatic to him come to my favorite team! I just talked to his dad yesterday and I know he wouldn’t mind coming back home to Florida but he would be grateful just to get drafted
February 23rd, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Mayock mentioned he has watched only THREE of Mack’s games from this season. Mayock’s sharp but I found that very surprising to put a guy at the top of your list having seen only 25% of his work.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:53 pm
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE!
MACK MACK MACK!
Starting to wonder if he might even be snatched up before we get to him.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:55 pm
If Mack and Watkins are gone, I say trade down if at all possible.