Don’t Overlook Linebacker Shopping
January 8th, 2015
Just how secure is OLB Danny Lansanah?
No team — no team in the NFL — needs a quarterback worse than the Bucs. It is truly how criminal how this franchise has neglected that most important position on the field.
And there is the leaky offensive line. (Joe is trying to play nice this afternoon, hence, why he used the term “leaky” rather than, say, “galling sieve.”)
However, Joe thinks there is a third element of the Bucs (no, you Art Bell-freaks, the Bucs don’t have a fifth element) in need of serious attention this offseason. That is the linebackers.
Of course, Lavonte David is in a class all his own. Joe never imagined he would see the reincarnation of Derrick Brooks, but David is about as close as we will ever come. But at middle linebacker and strongside linebacker, Joe sees holes in need of upgrades.
Pat Yasinskas seems to agree, as he broke down Bucs linebackers for ESPN.com.
Mason Foster started at middle linebacker and did not have a great season. Injuries were part of the reason for that. But Foster isn’t a great fit in the Tampa 2 defense where the middle linebacker has a lot of pass-coverage responsibilities. The coaching staff doesn’t seem sold on Foster. He can become a free agent and it seems unlikely he’ll be back.
Danny Lansanah seemingly came out of nowhere to provide one of the brightest stories of the season. Lansanah beat out Jonathan Casillas for the starting job on the strong side early in the year and that allowed the Bucs to trade Casillas. Lansanah showed the ability to make big plays with three interceptions. He also showed versatility, playing all three linebacker spots due to injuries.
No, Joe doesn’t expect Mason Foster to return, either. Joe is sad about this because, outside of possibly Demar Dotson and/or Gerald McCoy, there is not a better dude on the Bucs. Alas, the NFL is about results, not nice guys, and Foster has not produced in pass coverage like the Bucs wanted him to.
Danny Lansanah — signed by former Bucs rocks star general manager Mark Dominik in 2013 — has made a bunch of splash plays and seems best suited for outside linebacker versus middle linebacker. Bucs coaches were lukewarm about his test drive playing the middle late in the season when Foster was hurt.
However, Joe thinks Lansanah may be on the Mike Williams Watch List.
Jonathan Casillas, the former strongside linebacker starter, was slapped with a benching for an undisclosed “team violation” and was shipped out of town shortly thereafter. Lansanah also was punished for a “team violation” and was benched most of the game against the Saints, a win loss that secured the Chase for Jameis.
Given Lovie’s one-year history with the Bucs, Joe wonders just how secure Lansanah is.
So don’t discount that the Bucs may soon be shopping for a linebacker. Along with a defensive end. Along with a safety. Along with an offensive tackle. Along with a guard. Along with possibly a center. Along with a quarterback.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Our 2nd or 3rd round pick for trading Glennon to St. Louis or Arizona will pave the way for our MLB……you heard it here first!!!
January 8th, 2015 at 2:05 pm
They are getting a LB regardless. Sam or Mike they are going to get one for sure.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:07 pm
Along with a Punter….too!!!
January 8th, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Agreed, its doubtful that Foster will be back. This defense could really turn the corner if we get a stud mlb, maybe we could bring in Lance Briggs if he becomes available, if not then we should probably draft and groom one. Lansanah was actually a surprising bright spot this season and deserves to stick around, but he is up there in age which doesn’t help his cause.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:19 pm
2nd or 3rd round for Glennon!?! Maybe a 3rd rd pick if Licht can find a sucker GM. A 2nd rounder!?!?!?! Ease off the crack rock please!
January 8th, 2015 at 2:19 pm
QB #1
LT First round with trade of 33rd pick and some asset like Mike Glennon or draft
picks to move up to the middle of the first and grab one of the three or so franchise LT’s. Move Dotson back to the right where he could become even better.
Guard – Gotta have at least one guard that can start in ’15 from the 3-4th round
Then I’m on board with linebacker. We clearly need at least one more linebacker and our depth would still be thin.
And so my question is this. What are the odds of finding a starting MLB in the 3rd or 4th round. Seems tough to me.
Somebody has a lot of prioritization to do. Haven’t seen one of Joe’s famous polls on this yet but I suspect about 80% of us want to draft a QB first the remaining 20% want to trade down for a boatload of picks.
We who want the QB are going to have to prioritize and give up something from our wish list. Those who are in the trade down school could actually fill all the holes BUT QB.
And that sportsfans is the quandary! What to do what to do. Throw some darts at a board.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:22 pm
Let me introduce you to our new mlb
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8NZbhgf33sg
January 8th, 2015 at 2:22 pm
If they could have gotten a 2nd or 3rd for Glennon last year, they would have. Now his value is even worse, as most GMs will correctly deduct Lovie will keep McCown over Glennon when it comes down to it. At the absolute best he’ll get a 4th round pick.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Rey Mualuaga, Rolando McClain, and Brandon Spikes are all FA’s this year. Don’t think Spikes really fits the Tampa 2 and I doubt that Dallas will let McClain go after what he’s brought to the table this year. Is Mualuaga really that much of an upgrade over Foster?
I’m honestly for bringing Foster back. And there will never be a MLB post here on JBF where I don’t bring up that we drafted Mark Barron over Luke Kuechlyl.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:25 pm
Pass defense is the key. That’s why the Bucs are likely looking past Foster.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:26 pm
IMO Draft Picks
(2nd Round Pick)
• Denzel Perryman ILB Miami (Fla.) Sr 5-11 242
(5th Round Pick)
• Hayes Pullard SLB USC rSr 6-1 235
(7th Round Pick)
• Junior Sylvestre WLB Toledo Sr 6-0 222
Honorable mention: Bryce Hager, Derrick Malone Jr.
Possible Free Agent Signing
• Bruce Carter –SLB
• Akeem Ayers –SLB/ILB
• Colin McCarthy- WLB
• Ramon Humber-WLB
January 8th, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Lavonte David needs help.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
There’s no way that we should leave this draft without Denzel Perryman. We need a tone setter in the middle of this defense.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:30 pm
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January 8th, 2015 at 2:33 pm
@DB55
Thanks for that entertaining video. Yeah Perryman is certainly a big hitter and a run stuffer. Everybody he hit either went backwards or at best sideways or stopped in their tracks.
And so two questions DB55. 1st. What round is he projected? Do we even have a shot at him? 2nd. How about Joe’s point? Can Perryman cover the deep middle in the Tampa 2?
January 8th, 2015 at 2:37 pm
what about a new water boy, that position needs some fine tuning too. Our guys needs fresh ph balanced agua! And by ph balanced I mean PE drugs infused. We need all the help we can get.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:39 pm
OK Luvmybucs and DB55 I’m on board your Perryman bandwagon.
Are you two also from the draft a QB 1st. I am but if we do that the 2nd round(late first round equivalent) becomes a critical pick. We can trade up about a dozen spots and grab one of the three or so Franchise tackles. Andrus Peat is my personal fave. Some question as to whether he’d come out but two days ago he announced he is coming out. His father was an NFL player, it’s in his genes like the Matthews family. But he’ll probably be at least a middle first rounder which would take our 2nd along with another couple of assets, perhaps picked up from TBBF’s projected trade of Glennon.
And so it seems we’re stuck. Franchise tackle or very promising MLB. Tough call for me. Since we’re all talking about a franchise QB #1 I lean towards a franchise LT to protect him and give us ten years of predictability.
If we secured a bunch of picks for that #1 then we should easily be able to pick up both Peat and Perryman.
This is why this is fun. So many possibilities and no right or wrong answers just opinions.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:40 pm
@ DB55 & St. Pete
We would be fortunate if Perryman is there at our pick at 34……he is ranked to go in rd 1 or 2.
He could be one of those players who slips out of round one and we’ll have a shot at a great 1st round ranked player……will depend on our FA pickups and position priority……
At some point, Lovie will want a “bone”…..defensive draftee….this may be the place for it…..
January 8th, 2015 at 2:40 pm
wow, its rare that you see hard hitters anymore.
Love perryman, a tone setter would be nice on this team that lacks in emotion. I mean , look at lovie, no emotion.
Doubt we will get him , considering Lovie is so freakin DUD.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:45 pm
That Perryman dude is BEAST!!!! Can he cover? Who knows but I’d love to have a slobber knocker to pair with L David. Would be hard to move on our LB core.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:47 pm
No matter how cool Perryman’s hits are, Lovie won’t sniff the guy unless he can play better than Mason Foster in pass coverage
Joe cannot answer if he can or cannot. In Lovie’s defense, a middle linebacker’s main responsibility is to defend the pass.
Joe understands fans don’t want to read that. So long as Lovie is the coach, that’s the way it is going to be.
Lovie’s “tonesetter” doesn’t play MLB.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:47 pm
This is now what I want, but assuming we draft a QB in the first…
I’m afraid that Lovie will say he is happy with moving Dotson to LT, so he will draft a DE or LB in the 2nd, and find some scrub to play at RT.
I think this would be a mistake. Dotson has played well at RT, I think he can improve more at that position. I don’t believe he will ever be a stuf LT, we need to find someone else for that role!
You guys think there is a better chance of getting a starting MLB or starting LT in this draft / Free Agency?
January 8th, 2015 at 2:47 pm
sorry, that should have said “This is *not* what I want,”
January 8th, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Both, yes.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:49 pm
According to the gurus he can cover TEs all over the field. All I know is that he plays lb for Miami n wears #52. What else do I need to know. Will he be around at 34? Idk but if he is im sure Lovie will draft a punter or a water boy.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Joe, please do a story on Perryman. Get us the info on his coverage skills. Maybe a full breakdown of college LBs who can make a splash for the Bucs? In the event that Mason leaves.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
@ DB55
Great video man! Yeah, I’ve been on the DP bandwagon all year. I love that guy. He doesn’t have prototypical NFL MLB height, so he may drop into the second; however, he has 1st round talent. We may have to trade back into the end of the 1st round to get him. That video showed his hitting prowess, but he’s also very good in coverage too. I think he would look great in Pewter & Red!
January 8th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
@Joe, let’s hope so! I know Foster’s play wasn’t amazing this, but that damn o-line… Make my stomach churn just thinking about it.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:52 pm
I am 100% all in on drafting Perryman. Those LBs from the U just always seem to make an impact man. The guy seeks and destroys all game ever game. You can just tell he’s going to be a good one.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:53 pm
This thread is great. Its good to see fans so passionate about the MLB position. More vestiges of Mr. Brook’s legacy here.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:53 pm
http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2015dperryman.php
Second to last paragraph. They say he can cover.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:55 pm
@ Unbelieveable & Joe
I think both…but I don’t think LT….I think they are already planning on Dotson at LT…..that will probably mean their choices will be greater in rd 2 or 3…..but I see MLB & T in those rounds..
I see us having an extra pick for the Glennon trade in 2 or 3…..
Many don’t think Glennon will go that high….but this is a weak year for QBs and there are many teams in the market…..
January 8th, 2015 at 2:57 pm
Let’s not forget this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWflxFFnz3o
Eric Kendricks
great motor, good hands and decent coverage skills.
January 8th, 2015 at 2:59 pm
For the record I’m a fan of Rick flare aka #59. But he got outplayed by lasagna and although lemon played well I don’t see him as a starter. Let’s not kid ourselves joe, foster is done in TB. I don’t like it but it’s Lovies world now.
January 8th, 2015 at 3:03 pm
@ DB55
Foster was doomed when he was put in the middle and Carolina drafed Kuechly…..good guy….hard worker…..good depth….maybe he’ll have some trouble on the open market and we can still keep him….but, probably not…
January 8th, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Perryman takes great angles, hits hard and looks fast. Definitely wouldn’t mind having him.
I wonder if Lovie will use a little more blitzing from his LBs next year. LVD seemed to excel at getting in the backfield under Schiano, and Perryman certainly looks like he would be effective at that.
January 8th, 2015 at 3:03 pm
I agree with you TBBF on Glennon’s value. I’m not in the MGM but he does have some talent. He may not be a “franchise QB” but even Joe concedes he’s a solid NFL backup. I think Glennon has proved that. I think he’s worth at least a 3rd and perhaps a 2nd depending on how desperate a team gets.
BTW Again I’m not a member of the MGM but he was better than several starting QB’s in this league including the one who started for us!!!
January 8th, 2015 at 3:08 pm
I’m gonna crack up when Lovie drafts a DT #1 overall. If you look at his draft history he loves drafting DTs.
January 8th, 2015 at 3:09 pm
@DB55 lol, right? The one position we actually have depth at.
January 8th, 2015 at 3:14 pm
@ St. Pete
If Glennon were the QB of Arizona vs. Carolina….AZ would have likely won…
I’m also not MGM…..but you don’t have to be MGM to realize that he has some value…..those that say he will go for a 6th or 7th round pick are off the mark.
I only bring him up in this post because I believe it will make it easer for us to fill some positions with his trade pick
January 8th, 2015 at 3:16 pm
StPete – I think Glennon can be an EXCELLENT back up on the right team. He has talent, and a cannon but he cannot sustain greatness for 16 NFL games. Would love to keep him as a backup hre but his trade value obviously gets trumped.
January 8th, 2015 at 3:23 pm
@ DB55
You can kiss DT with the first pick goodbye unless we trade down (unlikely)
The Glazers have the unenvyable choice of pi$$ing off 50% of JBF readers if we choose Winston or 25% of JBF readers if we choose Mariota!!!
***Source*** JBF “Poll”
January 8th, 2015 at 3:25 pm
unenviable…….TBBF needs spellcheck on JBF
January 8th, 2015 at 3:30 pm
@TBBF and JOE
I use the spellcheck here but I’d really love to have a preview function like many other commenting sites. I’m not too lazy to proof read if it’s presented in a proper preview function.
To be honest though, reading through some of our comments I doubt anybody is too peoed at our bad spelling, grammar, typos etc. LOL
And those who are can always pray for our soul. 🙂
January 8th, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Mason Foster, another wasted draft pick by rock star Mark Dummynick.
Joe, just because someone is nice to you doesn’t mean they are qualified or deserving to be an NFL GM or starting linebacker.
IV’e said all season Fosters coverage skills wre lacking. We wasted a No.2 or 3 pick on Foster and he was never better and probably worse than the guy he replaced.
St. Pete Buc Fan, it shows how delusional and muddled your thinking is if you think a guard drafted in the third round is going to automatically come in and start and be effective. In rare cases it does happen. Rare.
January 8th, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Two targets IMO
1 FA: MLB from Denver, Brandon Marshall, took over for Trevathon and never relinquished the position. Could have easily led the league in tackles had he played all season.
Draft: MLB Perryman, perfect for Lovie, his ideal next “Brian Urlacher”
January 8th, 2015 at 4:35 pm
I have been saying all year Perryman has to have Lovie salivating to snag him in the top of the second. He may be gone though.
He will be the next great MLB from The []_[] in the NFL.
January 8th, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Perriman will give the Bucs D the attitude that Goldson was suppose to bring
January 8th, 2015 at 4:56 pm
Joe doesn’t know enough about him but when Joe goes to the combine, Joe will talk to him.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:09 pm
@ddneast, Foster was a 3rd round pick.
I don’t think you can say he was a total waste, he played pretty decent for us when healthy, he’s just not a tampa-2 MLB. But he wasn’t drafted to be, either.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
January 8th, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Our 2nd or 3rd round pick for trading Glennon to St. Louis or Arizona will pave the way for our MLB……you heard it here first!!!
——————
The Rams and Cards are solid organizations. Solid organizations don’t trade premium picks for marginal players. At best, Glennon might fetch us an early 4th, late 3rd rounder.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:11 pm
StPeteBucsFan Says:
January 8th, 2015 at 3:30 pm
@TBBF and JOE
I use the spellcheck here but I’d really love to have a preview function like many other commenting sites. I’m not too lazy to proof read if it’s presented in a proper preview function.
To be honest though, reading through some of our comments I doubt anybody is too peoed at our bad spelling, grammar, typos etc. LOL
And those who are can always pray for our soul
—-
As an English teacher of 13 years, it can be tough to read at times without getting out my red pen and marking up my computer screen. But please, pray for me! 🙂
January 8th, 2015 at 5:15 pm
Mychal Kendricks’ little bro (Eric) from UCLA is a monster. Fast and productive, he would be a nice fit for the T-2. I like Perryman too, but Perryman comes with a little more hype which might cause him to be drafted higher than Kendricks.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:21 pm
@PRBucFan
Brandon Marshall is a “Restricted Free Agent”, and he may be subject to a qualifying offer. If he receives a “qualifying offer” from Denver.
Marshall can negotiate with any club through April 19. If he signs an offer sheet with a new club, Denver can match the offer and retain him because the qualifying offer entitles it to a “right of first refusal” on any offer sheet the player signs.
If the Denver does not match the offer, it may receive draft choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer. If an offer sheet is not executed on or before April 19, Marshall’s negotiating rights revert exclusively to Denver.
In addition, Marshall would otherwise be a Restricted Free Agent may be designated by Denver as its Franchise Player or Transition Player.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:53 pm
L. David, Lansanah and Lemon is a pretty good starting base of LBers. They should re-sign Foster to a reasonable 2 year deal – if nothing else, he will provide good depth for both MLB and SLB positions.
If the Bucs can find a solid MLB in the draft or via FA (better than Foster) – we will be pretty well set at LB.
January 8th, 2015 at 6:58 pm
Need More Home Grown Talent
*Lavonte David
High School: Miami Northwestern Senior High School
*Denzel Perryman
High School: Coral Gables Senior High School.
*Junior Sylvestre
High School: South Broward High School
When yawl can please check-(WLB) Prospect Junior Sylvestre..The kid is a beast
January 8th, 2015 at 7:07 pm
Perryman in the Second is a Steal Im a Hurricanes Fan And this Guy lights it up on defense reminds me alot of Lavonte when it comes to Fillin the holes hes gonna be one of the Great Linebackers to Come out the U put him next to David and they will be 2 of the Best in the Game expecually in our Base cover 2 that Lets the Linebackers Flow tru there Gaps
January 8th, 2015 at 7:09 pm
nd if danny dosent Stay Resign Foster and place him in the Sam position the mike might Be Havin him look for to much puttin him on the Sam would just allow him to run free
January 8th, 2015 at 10:09 pm
I have had my eye on Perryman as well. He is the best cover MLB in this draft. He is undersized and MLBs tend to be undervalued in the draft. For what it is worth, CBS Sports has him ranked #77 in the draft and projects him as a 2-3 round pick. CBS is by far the best out there at rating prospects for the NFL draft IMHO. If this rank holds, we might be able to get him with the top pick in the 3rd round.
January 8th, 2015 at 10:34 pm
We should draft Cincinnati MLB Jeff Luc!! He runs a 4.5 and is a tackling machine.
Even though I would like to see mason play another yr to prove himself
January 8th, 2015 at 10:51 pm
Get a clue people the best value at the top of the second round is going to be RB Todd Gurly. The Bucs will have three studs on offense next year Winston, Gurly, and Evans do that trio remind you of anything! Well my guy AJS if he stays out the hot tub think about it experts!
January 8th, 2015 at 10:53 pm
WOuld be shocked — shocked! — if the Bucs draft a running back, especially at the top of the second round. And one could certainly argue that there is little value getting a running back that high.
January 9th, 2015 at 12:56 am
I think the kid from TCU Paul Dawson the OLB is a straight up stud. You gotta see him play. He is great in pass coverage. Maybe we draft this kid a keep Lansanah at MLB
January 9th, 2015 at 1:17 am
Enjoyed the Perryman video. He gets low, uses leverage, and text book tackles.
January 9th, 2015 at 3:11 am
Thanks Luv didn’t know that, but I don’t know what they will do. Cause they still have Danny when he gets back from injury. I don’t see them paying them both.
January 9th, 2015 at 4:24 am
Terrence Plumber Middle rounds to Bucs please
January 9th, 2015 at 2:33 pm
You can’t address every position that doesn’t have a Pro Bowler/All Pro, Danny is fine, he’s not going anywhere & is truly the value pick that Licht preaches. I can’t see why they would let a young & still improving middle backer like Foster go, but what do I know. I would be just fine w/ Foster b/c I know during the season games he missed, we suffered!