Alterraun Verner Likes What He’s Hearing
February 26th, 2015
First, let Joe say Tampa Bay cornerback Alterraun Verner likely is the most intelligent guy in the Buccaneers’ locker room. He replaced Ronde Barber when it comes to vocabulary.
Feel free to Google Verner’s academic accomplishments.
This morning, Verner was live at the NFL Network studio set, and he was pressed on the air to talk about the Bucs’ quarterback position.
Verner wasn’t allowed to wiggle off the hook when asked to draft the Bucs a QB. He chose Jameis Winston.
“I probably like Winston from a lot of stuff that I’ve been hearing, and a lot of things I’ve seen,” Verner said. “Like I said, it’s hard for me to go 100 percent there because I haven’t seen him really play. I’m going more on hearsay and things, you know, just around. But just from his leadership qualities, that’s what I’ve been hearing a lot. And you know [with] a quarterback you want to have that strong leader in the locker room. And on the field, somebody that you know you can go out there and, you know, you feel like you can do anything. From what I hear, that’s the type of guy Jameis is.”
Joe finds this telling because Bucs players, of course, communicate with each other. Verner’s take likely reflects a majority of his teammates’ feelings.
To be fair, Verner also said he’s watched plenty of Marcus Mariota, especially when Verner’s beloved UCLA Bruins are playing. And Verner said he likes Mariota. “I just know what type of player he is,” he said.
And Verner covered another track, saying, “I’m not opposed to us probably even trading down and accumulating more picks and trying to help us out more. So there’s a lot of ways you can go.”
The one guy Verner didn’t mention when he spoke of Bucs quarterbacks was Mike Glennon.
February 26th, 2015 at 10:47 am
Verner’s comments ran the gamut, then. When he stated he wasn’t opposed to trading down, that could be considered somewhat of an endorsement of Glennon.
February 26th, 2015 at 10:50 am
all that matters is your top receiver mike evans said he would love to play with Winston. you should ask jonathan banks if he wants Winston, he’s married with a daughter I believe lol if he’s not worried then it’s settled right?
February 26th, 2015 at 10:52 am
So basically in a nut shell he didn’t say anything lol, I Like Winston, Mariota is nice too Oh! And yea we should also trade down, hahahaha give me a break.
February 26th, 2015 at 10:54 am
sounds like a glennon endorsement to me as well. when asked who he would pick he said winston. he volunteered the trade back oiption
February 26th, 2015 at 10:54 am
TBBF
exactly what I thought..
February 26th, 2015 at 11:02 am
Evans said he would love to play with Mariota. That is all that matters. Evans wants Mariota throwing him the ball.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:05 am
You can read anything you want into his statement, depending on your basis.
Kind of a general statement.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:07 am
Yeah, he said trading down getting a bunch of draft picks would be a good thing to
February 26th, 2015 at 11:08 am
Still a long way to the draft, but you gotta think that Jameis is the pick at this point.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:09 am
Lol at all these Bucs fans trying to rationalize and convince themselves Jameis isn’t coming here. NEWS FLASH: The Bucs are taking Winston. 100%. He will be a Buccaneer and it will be glorious. Winning will return to Tampa Bay… finally! It’s time to get on the bus!
February 26th, 2015 at 11:17 am
@KJ
100% is a large number… anything could happen between now and the draft, anything. But definitely hard to argue against the thought that the Bucs are leaning that direction.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:18 am
KJ….some of them won’t realize it or refuse to realize it right up until the draft.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:21 am
I’m surprised you saw that segment since you were watching Hot Stove this morning. 😉
February 26th, 2015 at 11:24 am
@KJ
What are next weeks powerball numbers?
February 26th, 2015 at 11:25 am
If we’ve learned anything from last years draft it’s to think NOTHING is 100% with this regime. Frankly, I consider that a good quality.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:36 am
As far as I can see, Mike Evans likes both players:
“I know Oregon beat Florida State pretty bad, but I like Jameis’ game a lot,” Evans said. “I like Mariota’s game, too. Mariota reminds me a lot of Manziel. A bigger version of course. He won the Heisman. He’s a great player. His resume speaks for itself. I think Manziel creates a little more than Mariota. Manziel does some impossible things, but they’re very similar.
“And for Jameis he’ll stand in that pocket and deliver that ball. They’re both great players.”
“My job is to catch the ball and make plays,” Evans told FOXSports.com in a telephone interview. “I trust that our front office will do the right thing.”
February 26th, 2015 at 11:37 am
Chef Paul Says:
If we’ve learned anything from last years draft it’s to think NOTHING is 100% with this regime. Frankly, I consider that a good quality.
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True. The Bucs aren’t alone here. In fact, the last 100% slam dunk in recent memory was the Colts taking Luck.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:42 am
He hasent really seen Jameis play but he’s seen Marcus play but still would rather have Jameis….
LMAO… but the spinners continue to spin and say its just a general statement.
Welcome to Tampa, Jameis!!
February 26th, 2015 at 11:47 am
Love and Warrick Dunn Says:
“My job is to catch the ball and make plays,” Evans told FOXSports.com in a telephone interview. “I trust that our front office will do the right thing.”
——————————-
This the only answer the FO would ever sanction.
Joe, players talk yes, but the smart ones are going to keep opinions to themselves. The only exception might be if you were rooting for a fellow alum.
BTW, I gleaned nothing from what Verner said since he wasn’t trying to outguess the FO here.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:51 am
@ love and warrick
Thank you once again for doing the research to shut up the liars on this board. They love to throw out false statements such as Evans wants Mariotta as if it is fact. You continuously call them out by finding the direct quote. You know whats funny, they will still write that same false statement on another thread in order to prop up Mariotta smh.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:57 am
The pick of Winston will show some balls on L&L and it is the right pick. But with all of the noise and people arguing for the sake of arguing against Winston, this pick will show some guts. I know a lot of people will say that they would support Mariota if he is the pick but he will suck with the Bucs. Square peg round hole kinda thing, RGIII was a good football player until he went to a team that didn’t fit him but worked well with colt mccoy and grossman and RGII’s back-up at times.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:57 am
Players aren’t going to say anything negative or be overly positive about one single player….that is players with any sense. The same goes for Lovie, Licht & other Buc officials.
As for the 100%…..only a fool believes they can predict the future 100%….not saying KJ & 87 are fools because I don’t think they even believe what they are saying and how foolish it sounds.
February 26th, 2015 at 11:59 am
@Tiny Tim
Desperate people do desperate things. It’s funny to watch. April 30 can’t get here soon enough.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:01 pm
On NFL.com there is a post about who fans feel had the best overall combine, over almost 90,000 votes and Mariota leads at 29%.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:02 pm
I’ve stopped wasting much time on this subject. Unless something totally unexpected happens between now and the draft Winston will be in Tampa next season.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:06 pm
The seahawks had a lot of money invested in a qb from greenbay but chose Wilson because he was a better fit than the other guy and they just cut him and ate the money. Please stop the noise, the Bucs are not built to run an offense to take advantage of Mariota’s skill’s. So if the Glazers say no to Winston because of all the noise and today’s NFL climate then the best decision would be to trade down and pick up as many picks this year and next as possible. I Don’t Like It but i’d rather build the defense and running game and roll with glennon who could be serviceable than pick Mariota. To make the Mariota pick means that L&L are lame duck and the Glazers are looking for another coach already.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Tiny Tim Says:
February 26th, 2015 at 11:51 am
@ love and warrick
Thank you once again for doing the research to shut up the liars on this board. They love to throw out false statements such as Evans wants Mariotta as if it is fact.
**********************
I’m guessing you were referencing me when you mentioned the Mariota part. If you don’t understand why I said that then you probably shouldn’t comment on it or you could just ask why I said that. Instead of calling someone a liar.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:16 pm
@Jack
A fan poll from NFL.com on the combine is your go to? Need to come a little stronger than poll that glorifies how fast and how far you jump in spandex.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:21 pm
I saw the segment and Verner looked sharp. Knows how to dress.
Your reading way to much into him not saying anything about Glennon. Nobody askd him about him.
Joe, no matter how much politicking and lobbying you do out here It’s not going to influence the Bucs one bit.
This constant pounding of the drum for Winston is really getting old.
Why not post the interview and listen to what Verner says about the defense and Lvie’s style and expectations.
Verner speaks very well of Lovie like all of his players have.
They know him better than the haters out here.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Josh McCown ran and threw and the Bucs went 2-14 Mariota will do the same thing with this team and they got rid of McCown. Look at M. Ryan w/ 2 big wr on the outside and a big tightend/running game. Romo w/ 2 big wr on the outside, big tightend and running game etc. IT’S THE FIT THAT COUNTS!
February 26th, 2015 at 12:31 pm
From the late, great Hank Stram:
“Tommy, you can’t let the inmates run the asylum……”
So basically, no one sure care what the players want or think….take it from Hank….miss him…..TE
February 26th, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Cannot wait for all this nonsense With Winston. I Have done as much research as Joe. Mariota will be the pick. If and that’s a big IF we get Winston I will support as I always do. We all have the same goal and that is to bring winning football back to Tampa!!!! Go Bucs!
February 26th, 2015 at 12:40 pm
@Joe… I can only wonder if he failed to mention MG that MG wasn’t a part of the topic pertaining to the direct line of questioning. Moot point that he wasn’t mentioned as far as I’m concerned, but feel free to add speculation whenever you can as it does make it somewhat interesting.
February 26th, 2015 at 12:49 pm
What a nonsense article. This whole politicking for Winston has gone stale.
February 26th, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Skyline Crew says:
I’m guessing you were referencing me when you mentioned the Mariota part. If you don’t understand why I said that then you probably shouldn’t comment on it or you could just ask why I said that. Instead of calling someone a liar.
—————————————–
Huh? Understand why you said that? Either Mike Evans said it or he didn’t. Love and Warrick produced a factual quote to validate his point. You have not and did not. You want me to understand your reasoning for lying about what Mike Evans said? Produce proof that Mike Evans said he wants Mariotta as you wrote and I will take back my comment. Until then, it seems you have lied in order to prop up Mariotta. Its as simple as that #Lovie
February 26th, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Tiny Tim
You are talking to the same guy who says there are no question marks period when it comes to Mariota. According to him, it will be easy for Mariota to transition his game to the Pro Style even though NOBODY that has come out of that particular system has ever done it before. There is no logic behind anything he says other than to just prop up Mariota. Lol, good luck getting anything out of him.
February 26th, 2015 at 1:52 pm
Tiny Tim Says:
February 26th, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Huh? Understand why you said that? Either Mike Evans said it or he didn’t. Love and Warrick produced a factual quote to validate his point. You have not and did not. You want me to understand your reasoning for lying about what Mike Evans said? Produce proof that Mike Evans said he wants Mariotta as you wrote and I will take back my comment. Until then, it seems you have lied in order to prop up Mariotta. Its as simple as that #Lovie
*************
Wow. I didn’t mention anything about LWD. I was talking about this post:
bucs4lyfe Says:
February 26th, 2015 at 10:50 am
all that matters is your top receiver mike evans said he would love to play with Winston.
____________
So yes, what LWD posted is accurate. When I made the post that Evans would love to play with Mariota it was because of the above post by bucs4lyfe. No proof to that whatsoever.
February 26th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
@Couch
Nobody has given any proof that he will fail. All anybody says is that system doesn’t work, yet at the combine there was Mariota taking 3-5-7 step drops and throwing. Look like he had been doing it his whole time in college. Taking a snap under center? Too easy. So please tell me how he is going to fail instead of making a guesstimate that he will because of a system. I don’t buy it.
February 26th, 2015 at 1:56 pm
@Couch
Also, please show me a QB that has come out of Jimbo’s particular system that has had any success. Since you seem to say particular system as you are referencing Oregon’s offense they run; please show me where in FSU’s particular offense what QBs have they produced? Manuel? No. Ponder? No. Jimbo’s QBs? Jamarcus? No.
February 26th, 2015 at 1:59 pm
I think how the players feel could be a factor. Not a huge deciding factor but it should be considered. After all the greatest coach in any sport is nothing if his players dont execute.
Also the reason Maddon is going to wish he didn’t go to Chicago 🙂
February 26th, 2015 at 2:05 pm
I would take a chance on Winston before I take a chance on any spread QB regardless who coached them.
February 26th, 2015 at 2:05 pm
So defensive Skyline that you missed the point entirely. It had nothing to do with the system and had everything to do with the fact you claim there are no flaws in Mariota game nor any risk involved in taking him. Lol
February 26th, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Of course there is risk in taking him. There is risk in taking any pick. Sure he has flaws. I would like for him to be more accurate, but if I were to listen to a Mariota hater they would make it sound as if Mariota can barely play football. Also, it is interesting that you bring up I think he has no flaws. I haven’t seen one Winston lover point out a flaw. All they talk about is off field stuff because they honestly believe that Winston has no flaws. Both QBs have flaws on the field.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Skyline Crew Says:
February 26th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
“at the combine there was Mariota taking 3-5-7 step drops and throwing. Look like he had been doing it his whole time in college.”
You have a very serious penchant for overstating the positives when it comes to Mariota Skyline.
This excellent analysis of footwork from the combine certainly puts a damper on your ridiculous claim that Mariota has already mastered the drop back:
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/nfl-draft/2015/02/23/the-footwork-of-marcus-mariota-vs-jameis-winston/
February 26th, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Did I say he mastered it? Nope, said he looked like he had been doing it the whole time in college. Hell, Winston has mastered it and he DID do it in college.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:14 pm
hasn’t**
February 26th, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Mr. Mackey: I guess I’ll have to send a warning letter out to parents before more children see #TheCreepyCrab
Mr. Mackey: Creep, I want to know where you heard all this horrific obscenities, m’kay?
Mr. Mackey: Creep, rape is bad, mmmkay?
February 26th, 2015 at 3:22 pm
^^^^Idiocracy is a documentary.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:29 pm
Skyline Crew Says:
February 26th, 2015 at 11:02 am
Evans said he would love to play with Mariota. That is all that matters. Evans wants Mariota throwing him the ball.
————————
This is the comment you made. That is the lie I am talking about. Produce proof that Evans said he wanted to play with Mariotta or it is a lie as I stated in my first post before you attacked me for calling you a lie. Are you backing off the comment you wrote now and admitting you lied?
February 26th, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Tiny Tim,
I’ve already addressed that with you. If you can’t read then I’m sorry.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:44 pm
LOL Tiny Tim. Attacked you?
Skyline Crew Says:
February 26th, 2015 at 12:15 pm
I’m guessing you were referencing me when you mentioned the Mariota part. If you don’t understand why I said that then you probably shouldn’t comment on it or you could just ask why I said that. Instead of calling someone a liar.
*****
Sorry I attacked you there. Next time I’ll send you flowers first before talking to you.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:50 pm
Todd McShay has Winston at #1 in his mock:
“I’d be very surprised if the Bucs didn’t take a quarterback at No. 1, and both Winston and Mariota are possibilities here. But to me, Winston has a clear advantage over Mariota based on his on-field performance. He is such a natural passer in terms of his ability to anticipate throws and deliver the ball accurately, and, to me, if you limit it to an on-field evaluation, he’s second only to Andrew Luck among QB prospects of the past 10 years. Tampa Bay will have to be comfortable with its character and psychological evaluations of Winston before drafting him No. 1 overall, but from what I’ve heard, Winston really impressed teams during his combine interview sessions with how he talked about his past, and he wowed them with his football IQ. Mariota possesses great physical tools and very good character and football intelligence, and I think he has the potential to develop into a good NFL starter. But to me, Winston is both more advanced now and has the higher ceiling when projecting the future.”
Second to Luck in on field eval in the last 10 years. Also a higher ceiling.
Is it a lock? Of course not, but, it’s not a bad sign either.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:51 pm
I can read. You lied like I said and now you are trying to back off of it. I did not call out anyone specifically when I addressed Love and warrick in my initial post because I have seen people write that nonsense before. You came and attacked me because you took it personal. So regardless of who’s comment you were piggy backing on, the point still remains that you and whoever else stated that Evans wants Mariotta is lying. As I said in my initial post to Love and Warrick.
February 26th, 2015 at 3:56 pm
I said Evans wants Mariota because another poster said Evans wants Winston. Yes, both are nonfactual. I posted mine making fun of the other poster’s comments. Take it however you want.
February 26th, 2015 at 4:00 pm
IF we were to draft Winston I hope he can learn to be a better passer. His mechanics when throwing are not great as well as body positioning. Hopefully, he can learn to understand the underneath coverage as well. Maybe not having baseball will help him stay focused on it. I know his football IQ on a whiteboard is good, but why can’t he read underneath coverages in a game? Kind of like when you have a really smart person, but only find out that they are book smart and not common sense smart.
February 26th, 2015 at 4:02 pm
No Edrington, but you can’t expect grown men to fight and go to war for you if they don’t respect your leadership.
That is why the military is run the way it is. Even the highest general had to start out as a first lieutenant is some kind of infantry or armored division.
Do you get it now.
February 26th, 2015 at 4:02 pm
Spin it how you like. Hey you are good at that seeing how you try to spin any positive article in Winston’s favor.
February 26th, 2015 at 4:17 pm
I have only 2 concerns with Winston.
1. Is he done with Baseball and willing to completely commit to Football? Not sure this is the case.
2. The character issues he’s shown in the past. Are they a case of immaturity or is there a greater underlying issue? Again, not sure which is the case.
Admittedly he has a tremendous amount of talent, but if either concern is an issue then steer clear of Winston.
February 26th, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Peter King thinks the Bucs will take Jameis Winston with the first pick, but in his latest mock draft he produced an interesting quote from general manager Jason Licht that makes this somewhat less certain.
The Bucs have nine weeks to poke holes in Winston, and I expect a few minor ones to emerge. As I wrote Monday, if there are big problems with Winston, Tampa Bay won’t take him. Marcus Mariota is absolutely not out of the picture here. But Winston fits the offense more, with one slight asterisk. He threw 18 picks last year for FSU, and Licht told me Saturday: “Usually you find when a guy throws interceptions in college that doesn’t go away in the pros.” Something to watch, anyway.
February 26th, 2015 at 6:26 pm
Thought I heard Gruden this morning saying he would take Mariota and build an offense around him. Couldn’t wait to get home today to read about on Joebucsfan…..Alas.
February 26th, 2015 at 6:50 pm
lol…when did gruden take and play a qb? he loved veteran qb’s.
do you know your buc’s history?
February 26th, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Just tellin ya what I heard him say lurker. Actually I like Winston (today). Just saw a good article on him. http://www.battleredblog.com/2015/2/26/8114767/the-film-room-can-jameis-winston-turn-tampa-into-a-superpower
February 26th, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Keep in mind, gruden gushes over everybody…..
February 26th, 2015 at 7:47 pm
“Keep in mind, gruden gushes over everybody…..”
that is a true statement!