Consensus Range Widens For Bridgewater
April 26th, 2014
It must be great fun around the NFL Network makeup room. Bucs icon and NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp is telling everyone that Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater is his No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but esteemed draft guru Mike Mayock now says Bridgewater is a bad option in the first round.
Joe cares about this because, without question, the Bucs should draft their quarterback of the future in less than two weeks.
Use whatever one-liner you want: The stage is set. The time is now. The stars are aligned. There’s no reason to wait.
For Joe, it’s a no-brainer. When you have a new regime with a new offensive coordinator who is a quarterbacks guru, plus a veteran QB in place who is eager to start and mentor at the same time, then you have fertile ground to develop a potential franchise quarterback. (For those new around here, Joe does not think Mike Glennon has that “franchise” potential.)
Who the rookie quarterback should be or could be is unknown. Joe would applaud the drafting of Bridgewater or Johnny Football. But frankly, Joe would be fine with nearly every QB the Bucs might select, assuming the team mindset is that said quarterback is being groomed to be a franchise QB.
Josh McCown doesn’t need a long term backup. The Bucs could just keep Glennon to fill that role and not waste a draft pick.
Here’s what Mayock told the Petros and Money show about Bridgewater:
“I would say in general, tape is worth about 85 percent of an overall grade, and the rest of the process is set up for red flags, and to go back and watch more tape to try to confirm what you saw or didn’t see,” Mayock said. “I saw about four of his tapes prior to the combine, and I really liked him. I thought he had a chance to be a franchise quarterback from what I saw on the tape. . . . Except you’ve got to see the quarterbacks throw the ball live. I’ve never seen a top-level quarterback in the last 10 years have a bad pro day, until Teddy Bridgewater. He had no accuracy, the ball came out funny, the arm strength wasn’t there, and it made me question everything I saw on tape because this was live.”
So the Pro Day allegedly sank Bridgewater that far? That’s interesting. Keep in mind Jeff Tedford attended that event for the Bucs.
April 26th, 2014 at 9:59 am
Teddy Bridgewater reminds me of josh Freeman – PASS
April 26th, 2014 at 10:03 am
I agree Joe the time is now!! Do you think they even consider trading up to the number two pick to get their guy?
April 26th, 2014 at 10:04 am
I’ll believe it when I see it. The guy was super productive, stepped up in big moments and was the #1 QB at the beginning of the season… but we are suppose to believe he drops because of a bad workout? I smell smoke!
April 26th, 2014 at 10:21 am
If I were John Manziel or Ted Bridgewater I would not go to NY for the draft – could be a lot of embarrassment as they sit in that back room a while.
April 26th, 2014 at 10:30 am
Sapp knows sacking QB’s but his #1 pick endorsement of Bridgewater regardless of his poor pro day performance shows he doesn’t know how to neccessarily recognize elite QB’s
April 26th, 2014 at 10:36 am
” But frankly, Joe would be fine with nearly every QB the Bucs might select, assuming the team mindset is that said quarterback is being groomed to be a franchise QB.”
That’s the same page I’m on Joe. Other than I still don’t they are going to draft a QB in this draft. If they do however, than that’s my mindset too.
April 26th, 2014 at 10:42 am
Sapp predicted Freeman would be in the running for NFL MVP before the 2011 season. Nuff said.
April 26th, 2014 at 10:51 am
If Teddy had such a bad day in front of two hands full of scouts, head coaches and GM’s, How’s he gonna perform in front of 70k people? And they’re NFL fans too.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:21 am
BEFORE his Pro Day I said he would be a bust, and I still feel that way. His Pro Day just confirmed it.
Ep bucfan Says
“I agree Joe the time is now!! Do you think they even consider trading up to the number two pick to get their guy?”
With Jason Licht working the trade??? VERY bad idea! Say what you will about Mark Dominick, but he excelled in trades and cap management.
Ironically, in the movie Draft Day the Browns traded the 7th over all pick for the 1st overall pick, and paid 3 first round picks.
Horrible deal, and the scary thing is, Jason is just the kind of guy that would pay it.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:22 am
@Buc1987
Oh they’ve pick a QB with one of their first two picks…more likely their first, unless they gamble that Carr is there in round 2 and lose.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:24 am
Doubtful it will happen, but I suppose they could trade for a veteran QB. It would make no sense, but there’s about a 1% chance of it happening.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:30 am
Licht is better than Dominick.
Dominick couldn’t draft for sheeeeit before Greg Schiano had a say in it.
Rock star sucked, Bonzai, and Licht deserves the benefit of the doubt.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:32 am
There is a building consensus from a lot of media personalities that are creating what looks to be another MOB. This MOB should be called the A.B.G. MOB. This is getting hilarious, they don’t even care or even know what their getting in another QB but as long as it is “Anything But Glennon”.
What makes Bridgewater and Manziel so much better than Glennon? What? Because they were picked in the first round.
Personally I don’t think it’s imperative to draft a QB in the first round. Especially when in JOE’s word “Glennon is a great backup” and they already paid McCown. Why waste our first pick on another backup?
April 26th, 2014 at 11:33 am
Jonathan Manziel with the 1st round pick please.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:51 am
SteveK Says
“Licht is better than Dominick.”
You make that claim without an once of proof. First, the free agents Licht brought in were mostly lateral moves, except for Johnson. Everyone else was a lateral move at best. Worse in some cases. No way is the CB as good as Revis.
But I get that move. I think even though we got worse at CB, it’s not by a lot. You can only go down from the top.
No other position has been an improvement. For example, center. Zuttah was a very good center. He’s been replaced by a guy that has an injury history.
We got guys that cannot even make it through full seasons.
And the trades? Dominick got a second rounder for Gaines Adams. Was he wroth anywhere near that? Nope. And yet Licht couldn’t get a 5th rounder or better for any of the players he traded?
And, btw…how is that salary cap looking for next year? Better be really good, because GMC will likely be franchised.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:53 am
Oh, and I gave Licht the benefit of the doubt in the beginning. His moves are what turned me against him. He’s shown no skills at all, unless you count spending money.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:54 am
The best QB Mayock ever saw at a pro day? JaMarcus Russell
Who would he have never drafted? Vontaze Burfict
Who did he have as a surefire top 10 pick, and when he fell was a steal in the 2nd round? Jimmy Clausen
So as we can see Mayock, like Kiper and everyone else, are very wrong as often or more so than they are right. Bridgewater is the only QB that I wouldn’t be too upset if they took. Remember what he did in the games more than anything.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:57 am
He’s the best QB on the board. I hope we take him at #7.
April 26th, 2014 at 12:04 pm
In the beginning, LOL.
Dominik – 28-52
Licht – 0-0
Whatever Dominik debatedly did right, it never showed up where it mattered.
If Licht is a winner, all these moves were, ergo, right.
Still cracking up at “in the beginning. ” Draft hasn’t even happened and the GM is already in the hole to some of you. Too rich…..
April 26th, 2014 at 12:29 pm
I don’t see a QB worth a first round pick. In the later rounds you might get a Tom Brady or a Pryor. With the 7th round pick, if not traded, you pick the best player on the board.
April 26th, 2014 at 12:37 pm
If Robinson, Mack and Watkins are gone, trade back and go for Donald, Nix or Evans! Just please pass on Clowney….and the only QB Im for is Bortles.
April 26th, 2014 at 1:08 pm
MadMax…some analysts and me say Evans won’t make it past the first 10 picks. If they want him they better not trade down too far.
It’s going to be Evans@7. After that it’s Mike Williams who?
April 26th, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Pass on Teddy Bridgewater AKA Josh Freeman. Mike Mayock is the best in the business for a reason. Bortles or Johnny at 7 only at the QB postion
April 26th, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Mayock might be the best in the business…but he did say Blaine Gabbert was a better prospect than Cam Newton…
April 26th, 2014 at 1:57 pm
No to Bridgewater.
April 26th, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Been saying for weeks that Bridgey will fall to the second round, and Carr will rise to the top half of the first round. Sticking to that prediction. And don’t be shocked if the Bucs are the team to draft Carr.
April 26th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
@Buc1987, I agree about Evans. But we may acquire a 3rd or 4th by trading just a few spots down….but thank goodness this draft is WR deep in case we miss on him.
April 26th, 2014 at 2:37 pm
I say we use the first pick on Khalil Mack and not Clowney. Mack reminds me of defensive players from the 70’s when players played with passion and true grit. Decent receivers and QB’s are plentiful in rounds 2,3,and 4. I say we grab underrated QB Connor Shaw from South Carolina in round 5 or 6. This guy reminds me of Russell Wilson. He’s a proven winner. 27-0 career record,17 games won against Bowl teams, won 3 BCS championships 7 TDs 0 Ints against Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin. 9-3 against AP top 25 teams. This guy is a sleeper and would be a steal without using early round picks on a QB. Past several superbowl champs built their team with a ferocious defense stacked with elite aggressive players. Khalil Mack is the pick round 1.
April 26th, 2014 at 3:04 pm
I trust Mayock’s opinion about defensive backs but not QBs. This guy said Sanchez and Blaine Gabbert would be great QBs. He obviously knows nothing about QBs.
April 26th, 2014 at 4:52 pm
I think FLBoyInDallas is dead on.
April 26th, 2014 at 6:17 pm
It will be Carr, Graroppalo or Murray. 1st, 2nd or 3rd. I don’t see them lasting til 2nd 3rd and 4th respectively.
April 26th, 2014 at 7:20 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
April 26th, 2014 at 11:53 am
I think this is you speaking through sh1t-stained glasses. These comments don’t correspond with reality at all. You don’t have to jump on the bandwagon and get all Pollyanna, but you could at least be fair and withhold judgement until at least … ya know… maybe they play some games (???)… You might end up being surprised… but again, pardon me for being so silly as to expect you to be reasonable.
April 26th, 2014 at 8:58 pm
idotic presumption. a team cannot “groom” a franchise qb. the player must have the talent first. if your theory held any validity at all , then mike glennon could also be “groomed” and you should acknowledge that also. don’t forget that for every diamond there is a ton of coal.
April 26th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Bonzai doesn’t understand Licht called EVERY team about #19!! 30 Would NOT touch him with a 10 foot stripper pole!! #19 was going to be cut, we found a sucker to give us a sixth. Sixth round pick or nothing Bonzai?
April 26th, 2014 at 9:58 pm
Licht is light years ahead of Dominik. Multiple mistakes have already been corrected even before the draft. The nightmare is finally over
April 27th, 2014 at 12:43 am
Glennon cannot be groomed to a franchise QB by Tedford for his system. Tedford can’t correct lack of speed and likely cannot speed up his release either. It may be possible to correct his bad footwork and make Glennon more accurate, but I doubt he can stop Glennon from wilting under pressure in the fourth quarter either so Tedford needs a first round QB to develop. I would prefer Carr or Bortels but if they were gone I would take Johnny or Bridgewater. It is much more of a risk taking any lower round QB gambling they are the next NFL star–just ask Licht who has already attempted it every year since having amazing luck with Brady, which is why he became a nomad jumping from team to team. Its his only weakness and I believe he knows how foolish that approach is now. But his insistence on getting players with value has already paid dividends for the Bucs, but the proof is in the pudding. I believe we are in for a big season this year so I am happy with L/L & T.
April 27th, 2014 at 12:51 am
Licht has done wonders rebuilding this loosing team into a winner. You will see. I especially like his emphasis for getting value picks. If they don’t play to their value they are gone!
April 27th, 2014 at 1:51 am
Dear Joe,
Why so little if not no Bortles coverage; we all know your a Johny Ball mark and that’s fine. But I would love to see an article where you tell us why the virtual Bortles blackout? Myself and many others believe he is the best qb prospect in this draft and having seen every snap he ever took at UCF I would be glad to consult
April 27th, 2014 at 2:06 am
Maze Says:
April 26th, 2014 at 9:58 pm
Licht is light years ahead of Dominik. Multiple mistakes have already been
corrected even before the draft. The nightmare is finally over
——————————————————————————-
Not if he makes a dumb move by drafting a reckless QB so high as #7. This team is in need of a WR and a OL. And you never have enough dogs on defense.
April 27th, 2014 at 3:08 am
The stars aren’t really aligned… We don’t have the number one pick and I don’t see a sure fire franchise guy in the draft. Taking a chance a guy that falls past three QB needy teams and last till the seventh pick is not stars alignment. It’s a red flag and a shot in the dark.
Now if we were sittin number one and a QB like Manning is available, combined with the new regime and so forth, that would be fate. Even so, it’s become pretty obvious that Manziel is the best option for your QB savor first round rookie, and he has very little shot of falling to seven.
April 27th, 2014 at 7:24 am
Wonderlicht don’t lie- Bridgewater will struggle.
If we draft Manziel( or any other QB not named Bridgewater), and he turns into our Drew Breez- then this will be the best Draft in Buc history- even if we totally miss on every pick.
Still believe they want Carr. Unfortunately, he has risen up the Charts- and won’t be there in the second round. Gonna have to grab in the 1st
Unless Garrapolo or Metzenberger have gotten some Tedford love.
Or Tom Savage!
April 27th, 2014 at 8:00 am
Why do we need a QB this year? Take the best player available every round. Let’s start putting a good team together. Once we do that we can get back into the playoffs. Go Bucs!
April 27th, 2014 at 9:09 am
Because QB is the most important posistion on the team.you live our die by their play
Because McCown had talked about retiring last season. His unexpected opurtunity to play gave him a chance at one last big check.
But I bet he promised Lovie 2 years. Time to mentor a new QB this year, and back him up last year
Lovie can build this team. But as he learned in Chicago- no QB, no Super Bowl win
He wants to go back and Win this time