Dee Ford And The Bucs
March 23rd, 2014
Auburn DE Dee Ford, shown sacking FSU QB Jameis Winston, is scheduled for an official visit to One Buc Palace.
It’s no secret what Lovie Smith thought was the deepest hole on the Bucs roster. That’s why defensive end Michael Johnson was shown the big money.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht noted the football staff deemed the position its most important upgrade and targeted Johnson early and fast.
In fact, news had leaked out well before the 4 p.m. free agent dinner bell rank that Johnson and the Bucs had come to terms on a contract. It seems Lovie may not be done there.
Chase Goodbread reports that Auburn defensive end Dee Ford is making a visit to One Buc Palace to meet with the Bucs.
Auburn defensive end Dee Ford has visits scheduled with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although if Ford is drafted in the first-round range expected by draft experts, it’s tough to imagine the pass-rushing standout landing with at least one of them in the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Buccaneers hold the No. 7 overall pick, well in front of where Ford is projected to be drafted. In fact, the Bucs’ second draft pick (No. 38 overall) might be closer to where Ford lands than its first. NFL Media analysts Charles Davis and Bucky Brooks project Ford to be chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 24 pick, while analyst Daniel Jeremiah sees Ford going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 27.
Now Joe puts more stock into news of an official visit than he does teams meeting with prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine or at pro days. Teams can schedule a maximum of 30 players for official, full-day visits to go through workouts, interviews, you name it.
Generally, teams, since they can do this with only a specific number of players, aren’t going to waste one just to send up a smokescreen. To Joe, this doesn’t mean the Bucs will draft Ford, of course, but he has certainly caught their eye.
Oh, and Ford is no fan of Jadeveon Clowney.
March 23rd, 2014 at 8:28 am
I can see that happening if they trade back. If they don’t the 7th pick would be a reach, especially if Mack, or Watkins, or even Ebron is still on the board.
March 23rd, 2014 at 8:34 am
Trading back ?
March 23rd, 2014 at 8:36 am
I would suspect the team is doing their homework in case they trade down, back up into the 1st, or Ford falls. Considering the failed medical at the Combine, Ford may very well slip into round 2.
March 23rd, 2014 at 8:39 am
With all the sure talent I would be disappointed with Ford in 1st round. We would need to get more than 2 draft picks to justify leaving our s
#7 spot
March 23rd, 2014 at 8:48 am
Ain’t happening!
March 23rd, 2014 at 9:03 am
Maybe looking at him for round 2…..or trade back with Cleveland at 26….
March 23rd, 2014 at 9:06 am
LSU, Auburn or Clemson players…. nah.
March 23rd, 2014 at 10:01 am
I hope that this was his worst game. I was very unimpressed with him. He was lazy on his tackling and gave up pursuit too soon. He loves to rush the passer, but that is all he seems to put 100% into. ‘Maybe’ 3rd round, if the coaches believe he just has bad habits that they can cure.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Thos video just makes me want Winston. I hope the Bucs can find a way to pick him when he decides to enter the draft.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:17 pm
We don’t need Dee Ford. Gholston racked up 2 sacks right at the end of the year. Start him on the left side this year and he will match or exceed Johnson’s production on the right side. Look for Clayborne and Bowers to come on this year too, with our excellent DL Coach, to the point we can platoon our DEs all year, and our speed rusher from Buffalo may do so well we keep all five–and we’d lose Dee Ford from our practice squad. We are set for DEs!