Clashing Headlines Reveal Draft Smoke
April 30th, 2014
The laughter and high-five slapping you’re hearing driving down Dale Mabry Highway are probably coming from the fancy offices of One Buc Palace, as two longtime Bucs scribes and analysts appear to have reached opposite conclusions on the Buccaneers’ draft strategy.
Of course, the unspoken goal of an NFL team’s pre-draft chatter is to have analysts and fans split on its position — but at the same time passionate about their prognostications. In other words, the consensus should look messier than Joe’s face after inhaling a giant plate of buffalo shrimp at Hooters.
In a story last night titled, Bucs Don’t Appear Interested In Using No. 7 Pick For QB, Tampa Tribune beat writer Roy Cummings opened with the following paragraph:
“Have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers abandoned plans to draft a quarterback with the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft? Listening to coach Lovie Smith, you get the feeling they might have.”
And, as if guided by a Hollywood script, TampaBay.com beat man Rick Stroud published a piece titled, Bucs Will Strongly Consider Johnny Manziel In First Round.
“Unless they get the Heisman stiff-arm from one of the six teams picking ahead of them, the Bucs will give heavy consideration to selecting Johnny Manziel in next week’s draft.”
Regular readers here know Joe is confident the Bucs are strongly considering adding a QB in the first round. So Joe is on board with Stroud’s assertion. And Joe absolutely would bet the Bucs add a quarterback next week, though it could be a guy like Aaron Murray in the third round.
Regardless, the Bucs front office has accomplished its misdirection mission.
April 30th, 2014 at 8:36 am
Dunno I think jason gave it away in the presser yesterday. He was talking about watching 2 guys on film when talking about a n m film
April 30th, 2014 at 8:43 am
I heard rumors that the bucs are going to forfeit their first round pick to the Panthers out of good will.
I really think pushing the draft back two weeks actually had the opposite effect and is making more disinterested.
April 30th, 2014 at 8:44 am
Smokin’…
Connor Shaw is coming to Tampa
April 30th, 2014 at 8:50 am
“Regular readers here know Joe is confident the Bucs are strongly considering adding a QB in the first round”
They are also “strongly considering” drafting a WR @ 7, Mack @ 7 or trading down from 7…..
April 30th, 2014 at 9:02 am
Personally, instead of by moving the draft two weeks and it hyping the draft, I am getting bored with it all. It’s been drawn out two much. Almost wants me go watch a baseball game.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:03 am
I see you came around to Murray in being drafted sooner then the 4th or 5th round that was never going to happen good pro day or not. I just hope he is there in the 3rd if they don’t get Carr in the 1st or Jimmy G. in the 2nd. I just don’t think the Bucs are that interested in Johny football. 1st round misses like that have to start right away and if it doesn’t work out it gets you fired in a hurry.
Still think Murray is a good candidate to be a Day 3 pick. He basically will sit out this season on a 4-year rookie deal. That won’t be too attractive to a lot of teams. –Joe
April 30th, 2014 at 9:03 am
All this tells me is there is way too much time to ponder about the draft. Go back to 2 days on a weekend in April. Instead in a few years it’ll be a week across May Sweeps. Stop effing with the game Goodell.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:05 am
Yeah, horrible poker faces by those two yesterday. Their answers to the questions seems revealing.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:06 am
JOE …………..If all you can think of is a JF article. Dont write please. We are inundated
April 30th, 2014 at 9:33 am
The only thing Joe is that if I had to bet on something Stroud or something Cummings says, I would bet on Cummings every time.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:39 am
At minute 15:30 of the L&L press conference when the question was asked “Is it imperative for a 7th round pick to make an immediate contribution?”, Lovie responded “As a general rule, you want the 7th pick to play fairly soon!”. Did Lovie tip his hand by implying with the time and work they’ve invested in Josh McCown, they would not be drafting a QB at 7? Or was he saying that if we draft a QB at 7, he would be our starter and McCown will be his back-up? I’m still thinking about that one.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:41 am
It really is amusing when you have two reporters at the same presser that are listening to and watching the body language of L&L, and have them both come away with opposite takes on whether they consider drafting Manziel or not. Sorta like the division we have on JBF. Personally, I think they are not going QB in the 1st round. I think after last weeks voluntary mini workout L&L made the decision to go with McCown and Glennon. Not unless they can get at least a 3rd round pick for Glennon will they draft a QB with the 7th pick.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:42 am
If the Bucs deeply wanted Manziel or any QB, the very last thing they’d do is broadcast that fact to the world. They’re obviously trying to get someone to trade the pick with them, because we need picks more than we need a shiny new QB.
If we can’t trade down, then I’m sure they’ll consider a QB as well as other positions, but this much noise makes little sense if they really want Manziel.
April 30th, 2014 at 9:53 am
The extended time between the start of free agency and the draft has given the media, fans and analysts a void, with nothing to do but overanalyze everything. In return, the teams have to play their cards close to the vest for two more weeks, resulting in more smokescreens and rumors. At this point there are smokescreens for smokescreens.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:04 am
Joe, one thing I wish your site had was an ability to search my previous comments.
I was one of the only people pushing this agenda (Murray to Bucs) after we signed McCown and everyone thought it was foolish. Let him sit for a year to properly rehab with an NFL team (where his only purpose would be to rehab and learn) and properly learn Tedford’s system with McCown mentoring him on how to be a leader.
That is part of the reason I’ve been leaning towards Mike Evans in the 1st. McCown did great when he had 2 skyscrapers of a receiver out there and by the time Murray would be ready to take over the reigns, Evans would (should) have already learned something from VJ.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:07 am
I’m in the middle of the road here, I like Glennon but if this new staff wanted to go with a new guy in the first round I would be fine with that. But what is the love with the mid round QBs? Murray doesn’t do anything for me, just keep Glennon as that guy. Glennon is better any any of these mid round guys and he may even be better than the first round guys. Basically, either go all out for a QB in the first round (maybe second) or skip the position all together. I watch a lot of college football and have seen a ton of Murray games.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:07 am
Oh no, lol, now all the Johny Football Mob is going to get upset!!!
April 30th, 2014 at 10:22 am
It is comical to listen to people hang on every word Licht/Lovie have to say as if they are going to give away anything. You can’t read into anything they say because there #1 goal is to make sure nobody knows a damn thing. Lol.
I’m going to contiinue to believe that QB isn’t a high priority because there just isnt that much of a need for it as of yet with Glennon and McCown.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:24 am
I’ve said it before, and I’m sticking to it; I believe that the odds are against the Bucs picking a QB ‘in’ the draft (more likely an undrafted player afterward). Licht said, a few years ago (it seems like), that there is ‘A’ QB that they are interested in, but it’s not one that others would guess. That tells me, that it’s not likely to be a first round selection. The problem now becomes that when the ‘value’ round comes along, is that player still on the board? OR, if he is, is there a higher ‘value’ player sitting there also? Licht is on record that he is all about ‘value’.
After the first round, the odds of getting ‘the’ player you want start getting close to winning the lottery.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:33 am
I agree with you Joe. I believe Murray is the guy to watch for . Played 4 years holds all the records in the SEC . 3rd round pick .
April 30th, 2014 at 10:47 am
What is Lovers DNA? What has his number 1 previous picks been? Seek and ye shall find
April 30th, 2014 at 10:48 am
Jameis Winston was arrested for shop lifting crab legs from Publix.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:51 am
Celly everyone with a brain has thought Murray, Carr and Jimmy G. are perfect fits for this system since the day Tedford was hired. Murray won a State title for Plant high school and you think that you are the only one to wants him to come to the Bucs? BTW there is a way to look up your past commits, google them.
April 30th, 2014 at 10:53 am
Well you know Jameis can pull, caught red handed with crabs…
April 30th, 2014 at 10:55 am
Murray doesn’t have the arm or quite the level of mobility I believe Tedford is looking for. I’d count him out.
QB’s that seem to fit the Tedford prototype are Carr, Manziel to a degree, Garropolo and Gilbert. My guess is you can scratch all the other QB’s off the list.
April 30th, 2014 at 11:01 am
I don’t know what type of wheels he will have after the knee injury but he had plenty of mobility before it.
April 30th, 2014 at 11:17 am
Why pick a far shorter than ideal guy coming off ACL surgery in Murray in round 3 when you can have a bigger faster version of Manziel in Brett Smith in round 3?
April 30th, 2014 at 11:22 am
After Watkins is off the board there really is no big time offensive playmakers that justify a seven pick. Evans is good but doesn’t fit the Tedford speed model.
Might as well get the future QB. Wideouts and Guards later.
April 30th, 2014 at 11:22 am
40 times 4.62, 4.72, 4.86 for Carr, Murray, and Garropolo respectively. All the scouting reports I’ve seen describe Murray as mobile, great arm strength, able to set and reset make all the throws from any angle and on the move, great leader etc.. I normally agree with you FLboyinDallas but on Murray not being mobile and fitting Bucs system I just don’t agree.
April 30th, 2014 at 11:38 am
@stan
Didn’t say Murray wasn’t mobile. Said he may not have “quite” the mobility that Tedford seems to prefer. And that was before his ACL. Also, I’ve never heard Murray described as having a “great” arm. Maybe I’m misinformed.
April 30th, 2014 at 11:45 am
Lev Says:
“I really think pushing the draft back two weeks actually had the opposite effect and is making more disinterested.”
I disagree. What I’m tired of is the media force-feeding us a new mock draft every week at every website.
I realize their companies are requiring them to do this, but it creates a lot of misleading assumptions because they need something new each time.
If I was a national reporter, I would just do a 7 round mock for a different team each week. 32 weeks covered that way. More than enough.
April 30th, 2014 at 12:02 pm
I’d rather watch grass grow than pay attention to mock drafts. Never in the history of sports has there been a greater waste of time and space than mock drafts. What a ridiculous notion…who came up with the idea anyway?
April 30th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
@FLBoyInDallas
I don’t think Murray will be a Buccaneer either. I agree he doesn’t fit what the Bucs want, though I have deeper reasons.
I think there are three QBs the Bucs are considering.
Johnny Manziel would be a polarizing draft choice, would sell tickets for a few years. He is mobile, and might be able to buy himself time in the pocket behind what will undoubtedly be a very bad offensive line (this year).
Jake Bortles is in consideration for two reasons. First, he is very Jake Plummer-like, and though Plummer was known for throwing picks, he also scored a lot more points. Second, he is the ONLY QB that Tedford went (alone) to the Pro Day of. That hints at something.
Derek Carr is the smart pick. He won’t sell as many tickets as Manziel. He won’t throw as many picks as Bortles. But he is mobile enough, smart enough, and he had amazing stats.
12,730 in passing yards in three years. Each year increased dramatically. (2011) 3544 yds, 62.6% Completions. 26 TDs, 9 INT
(2012) 4104 yds, 67.3% Completions. 37 TDs, 7 INT
(2013)5082 yds, 68.7% Completions. 50 TDs, 8 IN
What we see with Carr is a steady improvement over three years as a starter. He reads defenses, his ball placement is top-notch, he has the arm and the mobility Tedford needs.
Carr is the best QB in this draft…just not the shininess.
April 30th, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Johnny Manziel also is the least mature of the choices. He looks like a college freshman to me. He’s young.
April 30th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
@FLBoyInDallas
I would imagine some fired GM did. All teams must do mocks…they pretty much have to in order to try to figure out different scenarios.
Personally, I predict Atlanta will trade down with a QB-needy team, and the QB Joe wants will be swiped from the Bucs 😉
April 30th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
I like Carr for the Bucs best myself.
April 30th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Carr throws the best ball I have seen in years.
April 30th, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Nice to see you write “next week” Joe. Finally, the draft is close!
April 30th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
I think that whoever ends up with Manziel will be happy with that pick.
April 30th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
2004 – DT – Tommie Harris
2005 – RB – Cendric Benson
2006 – (held by Buffalo), second round pick, though, which was their first selection…. DB – Danieal Manning
2007 – TE – Greg Olsen
2008 – OT – Chris Williams
2009 – (no first or second round pick), third round pick, DT – Jarron Gilbert
2010 – (again, no first or second round pick), third round pick – DB – Major Wright
2011 – OT – Gabe Carimi
2012 – DE – Shea McClellin
April 30th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
@BB and @stan
Totally agree about Carr. Glad to see some like-minded folks on JBF who have actually done their research and who have what I consider to be an accurate take on the QB’s in this draft. I believe Carr will be drafted in the top half of the first round and possibly by the Bucs at #7. I would love to see him as a Buc.
April 30th, 2014 at 1:49 pm
@Joe said:
“Still think Murray is a good candidate to be a Day 3 pick. He basically will sit out this season on a 4-year rookie deal. That won’t be too attractive to a lot of teams. –Joe”
Then someone will have to backup McCown. Can’t put a rookie coming off an ACL tear in the game.
Maybe Glennon? Sounds good to me.
April 30th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
Oh yeah. Get Carr.
April 30th, 2014 at 5:04 pm
@Eric
So Mike Evans doesn’t fit Tedfords model of wanting speedy receivers. Using that logic we should bench VJ since he doesn’t fit that model either. Evans is going to be a great addition to whichever team selects him.
April 30th, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Tedford wants “speed in space”. When the ‘smoke’ clears, the Bucs will have John Glenn and Neil Armstrong as their #2 and #3 receivers. ;^)
May 1st, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Yet you keep coming back… and apparently, reading.
Joe writes what interests Joe. Always have (since Aug. 2008) and always will.