Top Three Needs
February 17th, 2014
Could the Bucs use a WR like LSU’s Jarvis Landry?
Yes, the NFL Scouting Combine begins later this week. While Joe puts little value in the combine from a football talent perspective — it’s a glorified indoor track meet — it is excellent for evaluating prospects medically and interviewing potential players.
Joe also loves the nonstop assembly line of NFL coaches and front office people, not to mention hundreds of top college players, available to be interviewed by the fourth estate. (Yes, Joe will be in Indianapolis gathering intelligence.)
Former NFL scout and current NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah is working overtime. He just published his top three draft needs for each NFL team. Below are his Bucs’ needs.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 4-12
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.
Joe is going to nitpick Jeremiah. Even though he doesn’t list outside linebacker as a need for the Bucs, in two of his previous mock drafts, he has the Bucs selecting an outside linebacker in the first round.
C’mon, man!
Frankly, the top three draft needs can’t be identified now. No one knows what the Bucs will do in free agency, which beings March 11 when the clock strikes 4 p.m. If general manager Jason Licht goes all Danny Snyder, maybe he could land both Greg Hardy and Jared Allen. If that is the case, it’s a very good chance the Bucs don’t draft a defensive
Joe is of the mind that rather than tight end, wide receiver should be on Jeremiah’s draft list (again, pending free agency). If the Bucs showed anything last year, depth at wide receiver is pretty poor after Mike Williams.
February 17th, 2014 at 9:29 am
Who are these guys kidding. We need A quarterback. First round. period
February 17th, 2014 at 9:34 am
Yes, Joe will be in Indianapolis gathering intelligence.
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Any truth to the rumor, Joe, that you’re leading the spooning session with Johnny?
That’s not on the docket. No. –Joe
February 17th, 2014 at 9:39 am
Can’t draft Taylor Lewan. Wlliam Gholston would just punch him out again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqrFztA9boo
February 17th, 2014 at 9:48 am
Clowney, Clowney, Clowney is the Bucs top three needs. No one else at whatever cost, this has to be done, at all cost. I’d even trade Joe.
February 17th, 2014 at 9:51 am
Anyone who says we need OT over OG has no idea what they’re talking about.
February 17th, 2014 at 10:06 am
If Tim Wright can get coached up on how to block, TE is fine. We need a WR more. IMO DE should be addressed in FA. Either Greg Hardy, Jared Allen, or a Michael Bennett return would likely solve that problem. Then there’s the need for competition for Glennon that will either come from the draft or FA. I highly doubt Lovie expects that other guy from the Eagles (can’t even remember his name, not Vick) to beat out Glennon.
February 17th, 2014 at 10:12 am
Hey I might see you joe! I go to school downtown indianapolis and I’ll be annoying all of the coaches for their autographs!
February 17th, 2014 at 10:17 am
@Joe
meh Says: “…Anyone who says we need OT over OG has no idea what they’re talking about”
Yeah, I don’t get the OT need, but if the many mocks out there don’t have the Bucs taking a 3-4 OLB, they have us taking a OT. Never do I see us drafting a OG, and that is clearly a need. Penn can go another year; yeah, he is getting older, but I think he has at least one more in him. At guard we hurting badly. Are meh and I missing something here?
February 17th, 2014 at 10:26 am
Spot on about FA Joe.
Also consider the changes that are going to be made to the current roster. Some players are going to get cut, traded or not resigned.
February 17th, 2014 at 10:32 am
Joe – spot on with the FA mention…as all this speculation and silly…yet fun.
Personally, I have a hard time believing Clowney can live up to all the expectations. People are ready to give away their first born child for this guy. Can he play? Hell yes. How will a kid handle the pressure of everyone expecting him to be the next Reggie White? Who knows. I think his success will depend (as with all draftees) on what coaching staff/team he lands on. Ironically, I think the Bucs would be perfect for THAT reason. I think Lovie could get this kid to live up to his potential. Do I think he’s worth trading up for? No.
I think we could fill needs at WR or OT at number 7. Personally, I’m a Matthews guy – a solid OT would be nice. Watkins would excite fans and hopefully do well. Win/win.
But as Joe mentions what/who the Bucs target can/will be easier deduced given who they cut/sign in FA. But again – it’s fun.
February 17th, 2014 at 10:36 am
What we need is an o-line that can block four defensive players for more than the time it takes to say olay. Oh! and a DE, and WR
February 17th, 2014 at 10:56 am
I think Jeremiah is trying to say that the seven spot is potentially better for taking a offensive tackle than a guard. But our guard position is relying on two injured player’s, so that is the greater need. Really every offensive line position has been neglected in the draft from the prior regime.
February 17th, 2014 at 11:05 am
The Bucs do not need “A” quarterback, they need “THE” quarterback. Great QB’s are so few and far in between it’s a joke, and not every draft produces a great QB. So you may be able to get the best QB in a draft class but if he isn’t a Manning type, then it’s pretty pointless to waste a high pick. Stay true to your board and draft the best available player at any position or trade the pick for more picks and fill out the roster.
February 17th, 2014 at 11:15 am
@Macabee
Taylor Lewan vs Wlliam Gholston would make for some great Oklahoma drills. Remember Adrian Clayborn & Gabe Carimi didn’t care for each other in college to much as well. http://hawkcentral.com/2010/10/20/video-adrian-clayborn-on-gabe-carmini/
February 17th, 2014 at 11:19 am
You know, if we can’t get Clowny and if Lovie and Co would rather get some LBs in the later rounds, I am starting to warm up to Mike Evans from Texas A&M. He is the 6’5″ WR that Manziel used to hit against Alabama all game long… in both games. Kind of reminds me of Julio Jones, but with better ups. Pair him with Vincent Jackson, stick Mike Williams in the slot… oh boy!
February 17th, 2014 at 11:19 am
@ BigMacAttack
That is just logical thinking at its best.
February 17th, 2014 at 11:32 am
(If by some miracle we acquire an additional 2 round pick)
(+3rd round pick)
Some real good prospects for our roster
(Great 2nd round pick options)
• LB Kyle Van Noy
• LB Jeremiah Attaochu
(Great 3rd round Pick options)
• CB Keith McGill
• SS Craig Loston
February 17th, 2014 at 11:33 am
@BigMacAttack Says:
“…The Bucs do not need “A” quarterback, they need “THE” quarterback. … if he isn’t a Manning type, then it’s pretty pointless to waste a high pick.”
BMA, I have to soooo disagree with that. No team needs to have the best QB to win. Who won the SB? Not the best QB, but a very good one. Wilson is a top 10 QB, but then he has some weapons that help him. With a great defense, Seattle is the blueprint for the Bucs. We will hopefully not be in a better position to get that quality QB than this year. The best way to get one is with a high draft pick, NOT FA, NOT later rounds. Hopefully, Lovie and Co will get us to no less then 500 in the foreseeable future. But that means no more high draft picks.
So, if we don’t draft one now, with the high pick we have, how the heck do we get one???
February 17th, 2014 at 11:35 am
If we don’t draft a QB or Clowney, I would prefer we trade down and get more picks (of course, if we find a willing trading partner, not an easy thing)
February 17th, 2014 at 11:45 am
Hey joe,
I know we have foster at MLB but in lovies system doesn’t the MLB have to be able to cover? If so what’s the chances the bucs drafting Mosley for Alabama?
February 17th, 2014 at 11:51 am
For me it’s DE, WR, LB, OT, TE, QB – in that order.
If a guy like Bridgewater falls to 7, then you jump. But I’d rather they move up if necessary for Clowney or Watkins if that’s not an option.
February 17th, 2014 at 11:58 am
• LB Kyle Van Noy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2tL4xUZP_8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBA2C_urV1U
• LB Jeremiah Attaochu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLceQLeY2f8
• CB Keith McGill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDUEA2FdeIw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VQWSfdCooM
• SS Craig Loston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoYrn6nhdM4
February 17th, 2014 at 12:06 pm
I think Glennon will be much better under tedford, he really excelled in 4,5 pass catcher formations. Glennon spent alot if time with only 3 targets available
February 17th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
Joe says
“Frankly, the top three draft needs can’t be identified now. No one knows what the Bucs will do in free agency…”
I don’t know about that. The needs may evolve but they might still be valid.
I never understood mock drafts. It seems to me people release so many versions they are trying to name all possibilities just so they can claim they guessed right.
I like Mayock’s mock because he waits until last minute.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
I wish just one of the MGMs would explain what plan B is for getting a franchise QB if their MG8 fails?
FA? Vick is the best, not much of an upgrade.
Drafting one in later rounds? Never going to happen; total crap shoot.
High draft pick? That will likely be gone after this year.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Yar Says
“Clowney, Clowney, Clowney is the Bucs top three needs. No one else at whatever cost, this has to be done, at all cost. I’d even trade Joe.”
While I think we should jump on Clowney if he falls to us, even above QB, trading is not a good idea.
At seven we will get a great player no matter what. In my opinion, we can get one of QB, OT, or DE. One of them will fall to us, though I doubt DE Clowney will.
I don’t think we should take a WR until round 2 though. I think in the long run, Watkins will end up NOT being the best WR in this draft.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:20 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Its probably the best way to go about it. A lot wiser to review the landscape, analyze then post your picks. But he does make a few modifications to his board leading up to the draft.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Harry, I want to get your opinion.
If Sanchez is released, would you rather have Vick or Sanchez?
Personally, I prefer Sanchez because he is younger and still has good exp. To me, he would be the perfect guy to work under Lovie…assuming that Glennon does not work out.
Mind you, I also prefer taking a QB in the first round.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Neither one their both wasted up
February 17th, 2014 at 12:33 pm
I agree with BMA on something. The end is nigh.
People need to realize that not every draft is the same. Some drafts are deep in QBs. This is not that year. You can accept that or you can try to put makeup on a pig. But, it’s still gonna be a pig.
This team is too thin to reach. Grab the best player or trade back.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Dominique Easley would be a great pickup in later rounds. Then again he’ll probably go in the 3rd round.
February 17th, 2014 at 12:47 pm
Luvmybucs,
Where is noy projected to go
February 17th, 2014 at 1:20 pm
There is no guard worth taking at #7 and a tackle may be BPA there, but that doesn’t mean guard isn’t a much bigger need than tackle.
February 17th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai Says:
“…If Sanchez is released, would you rather have Vick or Sanchez?”
Thats a tough one Bonzai. Vick has his moments when he is much more dynamic. Sanchez reminds me of Free – mentally weak. However, I think your point of him being younger would push me in that direction. I cringe in saying I would probably take the QB nicknamed Butt Fumble… LOL
February 17th, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Meh, just to be clear, I was not suggesting taking a guard at 7. My point is, and I thought you were saying, I don’t think we need a OT like everyone shows as a top need. Maybe draft one in later rounds to groom for eventually taking over Penn’s position. But we can easily get another year out of Penn as long as he doesn’t get hurt.
February 17th, 2014 at 1:59 pm
I would love for us to take Jarvis Landry
February 17th, 2014 at 2:31 pm
@Mike
End of 1st beginning of 2nd
February 17th, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Donald Penn sucks.
February 18th, 2014 at 3:09 am
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE more articles like this! Thank you!
February 18th, 2014 at 3:22 am
A Tight End like Eric Ebron is another WR…two birds…do a story on him.
February 18th, 2014 at 5:13 am
Certain phrases Bucs’ fans use are poisonous in my mind. “We have no depth at WO after Mike Williams” is a knife turning in my stomach. Please someone send me the link of Williams working himself open in man coverage. I’ll wait. It doesn’t exist?? VJax is a great mentor. After that is nothing. We MUST score 30 to be competitive. Blah Blah Blah Defense. 30.