“False”

February 11th, 2015
There are not separate factions arguing over what to do with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft at One Buc Palace reports Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Rick Stroud paints a different picture of the feelings inside One Buc Palace

Yesterday, Bucs fans were sent into a full-blown panic when the creator, curator and overall guru of Pro Football Talk, the great Mike Florio, suggested there is rancor within the walls of One Buc Palace regarding what to do with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

One sect, Florio believes, wants to trade down, and the other wants a quarterback at No. 1.

Suddenly, Florida Highway Patrol was on full alert and several troopers were dispatched to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for precautionary measures.

Well, per the fingertips of Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, there is no rift.

It’s fair to consider Smith’s coaching history in Chicago and Tampa Bay, where the quarterback position has not always been the key ingredient to winning. Defense and special teams play is what Smith’s teams have been known for.

That said, if there’s a difference in draft philosophy between Smith and Licht, it’s news to them.

“Absolutely false,” is how one team official described the report.

Joe remembers getting loudly scolded by his good friend, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, of WDAE-AM 620 in an edition of the “JoeBucsFan Hour,” when Joe refused to state the Bucs were going to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 pick.

Do the Bucs need to draft a quarterback at No. 1? Hell, yes! Will they? Different story. Remember, the Bucs have Lovie Smith calling shots.

62 Responses to ““False””

  1. JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:

    Lovie is living..dying…and coaching in the PAST !….
    The NFL is vbending over backwards for wizz bang pinball offensive scoring
    at the same time
    Cracking down of intimidating hard hitting defense !

  2. Barry Says:

    Oh how you all wanted Tony Dungy back. #LaughingMyAzzOff #FireGrudenHireRaheem ##LaughingMyAzzOff

  3. The Buc Realist Says:

    Joe,

    One person told me, That
    1.) The Glazers have said no Winston ( because of the news scrutiny that follows him, )
    2.) Licht wants a QB and if up to him would select MM
    3.) Lovie knows that he can not wait 2-3 years for MM to become an NFL QB. There will be a new coach in that time frame!

    They can say they are united in the front office but they all have different interest due to their positions.

  4. Harry Says:

    Now I am worried. When “denials” come out, its often bc the original info (PFTs report) is accurate.

    Why do I feel like we are swirling around in a big white bowl about ready to descend to new depths?!

  5. Harry Says:

    @Realist,
    One person told me the Bucs are about ready to sign Clayborn to a new multi year contract as he is ready to break out! Lol

  6. Lev in Philly Says:

    There is a strait up civil war going on between Bucs fans right now.

  7. The Buc Realist Says:

    @Harry

    I hope its that wet paper bag that he could not break out off last year.

    Oh yea, where are all the sheep that called him a “Beast” all of last off-season!

  8. Tom Edrington Says:

    What would you expect the front office to say?

    Sure, all is well.

    I believe Buc Realist made some nice points in his first post today.

  9. BirdDoggers Says:

    The likelihood of ownership, GM and HC being on the same page in this situation is highly unlikely. If there was an Andrew Luck caliber prospect in the draft it might be a different story. There are too many variables with both QBs. Lovie has to win now and would probably prefer a veteran QB. The Glazers probably want to draft a QB to inject some more interest in the team and to sell tickets. Licht says he likes value so it’s hard to say which side of the fence he’s on. He’ll have to put his scouting hat on and come up with a determination of which player is better and it might not be a QB. They can all say they’re on the same page but if the Glazers want a QB, they’ll get a QB.

  10. Jack Says:

    Buc Realist nailed it…..

  11. Waterboy Says:

    The Buc Realist Says:
    February 11th, 2015 at 9:25 am

    @Harry

    I hope its that wet paper bag that he could not break out off last year.

    Oh yea, where are all the sheep that called him a “Beast” all of last off-season!
    ———-

    I’m still on the Clayborn bandwagon that guy is a beast but the problem is he can’t stay on the field. That’s also one of my many concerns with Mariota once he starts trying to run around in the pros like he did at Oregon.

  12. Eric Says:

    Lovie will make an outstanding selection at number one, just as he did last year with Mr. Evans.

    No rift.

    Jaboo to Evans will be a force in the league for many years.

    Were on the verge. I notice our well respected OC said the same thing the other day. Some good components in place offensively.

  13. Harry Says:

    @Realist,
    I hope ur not saying I am one of those that said Clayborn is a beast. I agree he sucks, but my point with u before was that that I thought Cheeseburger Bowers deserved more of your wrath. Bowers is the worst for his total lack of effort. The Rock Star certainly bombed out on these two. And to think Dom could have drafted Caneron Jordan instead. But at least Waterboy still thinks Clayborn is a beast, lol.

  14. Luther Says:

    There better be an agreement between them to draft a QB or I am done with them. I won’t buy another ticket until they are gone.

  15. Harry Says:

    Oh yea, and another choice could have been Muhammad Wilkerson. That really sucks

  16. Eric Says:

    Browns want Marcus.

    We could take their two number ones plus Johnny Football………………….

    Maybe a third rounder too.

  17. Biff Barker Says:

    Eric Says:

    Lovie will make an outstanding selection at number one, just as he did last year with Mr. Evans
    ————————————-
    Evans was a high probability pick at #7 overall. You can argue Benjamin was a better value.

    Lovie also brought you McCown…. Collins, EDS, Johnson, Mike Jenkins, Omameh, Cousins. Gave away Zuttah and Baron and he passed on Hester.

    Oh yeah, he lost 14 games too.

    We don’t have a QB and need to replace at least 7 starters.

    But yeah, your opinion really counts.

  18. tmaxcon Says:

    It was just confirmed Kiffin won’t be returning to cowboys. It’s time for all the Lovie nut huggers, apologists and people living in the past to start the bring Kiffin back to tampa…. Kiffin was a legend in his time but like Lovie that time has past. I am sure Bonzi and the rest of the always right / know everything crowd all ready have the numbers for Kiffin’s bucs new contract. I’d be ok bringing kiffin back in some ceremonial role to thank him for the great years. But dating ex girlfriends has not worked out very well for the bucs with Lovie. as great as Kiffin was it’s not the right time for his return in anything other than a “Thank You” role.

  19. The Buc Realist Says:

    @harry

    I just expect more out of a 1st round selection than a second round selection. raging on Bowers is just too easy. My points were that with way more playing time, Clayborn stats were just barely better than Bowers. I will not rehash the rest of my points as I made them clear last off-season!

  20. Eric Says:

    @Biff,

    As far as I know my opinion “counts” just as much as yours or anyone else’s on here.

    Our new OC just commented he didn’t think we were that far away given all the close losses and young offensive talent- brought in by Mr. Smith.

    Ill take that company over Biff Barker.

  21. JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:

    Let Koetter bring in the DC….he’ll be working for HC Koetter next year ….

  22. Robert 9 Says:

    koetter is a glennon guy.

    some heads are gonna splode around here when draft day comes.

  23. tmaxcon Says:

    If glennon sees the field next year in a bucs uniform the Glazers will be Baker Acted. All of them.

    Draft Winston Fire Lovie and let TheKevin run the show.

  24. Biff Barker Says:

    Eric Says:

    February 11th, 2015 at 10:14 am

    @Biff,

    As far as I know my opinion “counts” just as much as yours or anyone else’s on here.

    Our new OC just commented he didn’t think we were that far away given all the close losses and young offensive talent- brought in by Mr. Smith.

    Ill take that company over Biff Barker
    ——————————-
    Your opinion is awesome Eric and it counts! Really!

    I almost expected Koetter to say he jumped on board a rat infested ship because we are so, so close to being awesome!

    Blind support for Captain Obvious is heartwarming and all and is to be admired because, hell, being 2-10 is on the verge!

    Now let’s set about the draft and FA process’ to upgrade all the underpaid stars Lovie brought in last season.

    I’m good for now because football doesn’t start till next November anyway.

  25. Aceofaerospace Says:

    Until the name is called, contract is signed or the trade is made, I refuse to get all worked up/excited again like last year. That was just way to frustrating.

  26. SOEbuc Says:

    @ the realist

    And if what you say is true, then I would think MM is our guy if they’re gonna draft a QB. I hope to god we don’t go get Bradford or Johnny football or Foles just because Lovie has no clue how to develop a rookie QB. Let Koetter deal with the young guy and just stay the hell away from the offense Lovie

  27. Arealbucsfan Says:

    @Realist please tell me who u heard this from. U obviously have connections we don’t. So please enlighten me.

  28. Jonathan Says:

    I swear if we pass on another top teir draft prospect in going to explode. Kind of like the year when we had the shot to pick up Calvin Johnson. I bet we are kicking ourselves in the ass for that one. I don’t care who we pick up as long as he makes a difference on this football team. Mariota or Winston. As long as they can put W’s up I’d care less. And for those who are saying we shouldn’t pick up hardy because of his past are insane. We need that type of ferocity on this team. If we could have him and Suh the quarterbacks would be fleeing for their lives. Oh and get rid of michael the ghost Johnson. Our defense needs to be feared again. Oh and for those who put hardy down. What about the GREAT WARREN SAPP? Soliciting prostitution and beating them up. This isn’t the first incident that he has had with prostitution but the team covered it up.

  29. Eric Says:

    During Chucky’s tenure we went from 5-11 and 4-12 seasons, and the following year won the NFC South.

    It can and has happened.

    You guys act like Lovie took over a championship team or something. Only five draft choices and no QB.

    At least give the man two years before you bury him.

  30. OB Says:

    I don’t care about that, just draft the best QB for the offense that you are going to have. He will need seasoning and make Glennon earn the start from the draftee and cut McCown, or better yet, fire Lovie and get someone that knows what they are doing.

  31. WS99 Says:

    Jonathan

    You got a problem with me getting my knob slobbed? Simmer down son simmer down.

  32. Chef Paul Says:

    I believe what realist “heard” more than I believe any drivel coming from PFT or what a Lovie insider says. Plus it’s just plain more plausable!!

  33. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says
    “Lovie is living..dying…and coaching in the PAST!”

    Could you back that up with proof? Do you mean attempting to bring an innovative offense with Tedford was like the Lovie of the past? Or maybe it was crafting ALL offense last year, and ignoring defense in the draft that is proof of being stuck in the past?

    Oh, I know…the hiring or Dirk as OC. Now that surely must be based in the past, because Dirk is known for not passing the ball and relying on a solid running game and upon strong defense to win games?

    How about you take off the blinders and realize Florio was trying to drum up conversation without an ounce of evidence to back up his claims. “Ira” is his likely source, and most of our local sports newspaper guys are well known for making things up and contributing to “anonymous” sources.

    That surprising thing to me is that Stroud bothered to investigate within the organization, as he is also known for taking rumors and trying to convince them us they are fact.

    Lovie Smith, if you will show a little foresight and remove an agenda of hate from your opinion, has been making the right efforts. It isn’t his fault that Tedford had health issues. It isn’t his fault Rod Marinelli couldn’t be got and he had to settle on Frazier.

    He’ll draft his quarterback. There is no way he doesn’t want one with the #1 pick, even if the media is trying to sew seeds of doubt among the fans. Will the Bucs announce their pick early? Certainly not this early, and maybe not at all because there is always the chance that an irresistible offer could be made for a trade.

    If it were me? I would investigate both Quarterbacks thoroughly, wait through the combine and the pre days, interview both QBs and decide which I want, but I would wait until I’m on the clock to make it known.

    Why? Because, even though I may not wish to trade, if a team like the Jets or Eagles is dumb enough to come forth with an offer like 4 #1s or something, I would be a fool not to consider it, especially if the QB they are after is one I don’t believe will be successful, because that would mean next year’s pick would be a high one.

    So far as Lovie having to win this year, I think it’s up in the air. Unlike Joe, who has stated on the radio that he thinks its possible Lovie has to win this year or be fired, I disagree. I think the short term coach hirings have hurt this team and the Glazers want to establish that they are willing to give a coach enough time.

    So I doubt, barring a total team collapse, that he will have less than 3 1/2 years to put his vision together.

  34. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Wow…now that is a lot of typos.

  35. The Buc Realist Says:

    @arelbucsfan

    I will say it is just nice to walk your dog in some neighborhoods. And there is not very many people when they talk, that I will shut-up and listen.

    I just thought it was very interesting. and while I don’t have taped conversations for you, it could possibly connect some dots and give you angles that people are not talking about.

    so take it what its worth!

  36. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    A trade would also depend upon who it is offering it. A team in constant competition for the playoffs would have to offer more, because their first rounders would be low first rounders.

    A team like the Browns, Raiders, Jets…those are teams whose picks could be good high ones.

  37. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    This is what happens when you tank your last game to achieve the #1 pick….you give yourself options……and when you have options…you have different opinions on what to do with them.
    I would actually be surprised on this one if there weren’t disagreements……look at JBF readers….across the board on what should be done. Most want a QB….but none of us know what other options are available.
    I maintain that FA will send a message on some of the options…..but the QB or not will not be resolved until, I suspect, draft day.

  38. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    tmaxcon Says
    “It was just confirmed Kiffin won’t be returning to cowboys. It’s time for all the Lovie nut huggers, apologists and people living in the past to start the bring Kiffin back to tampa…. Kiffin was a legend in his time but like Lovie that time has past. I am sure Bonzi and the rest of the always right / know everything crowd all ready have the numbers for Kiffin’s bucs new contract. I’d be ok bringing kiffin back in some ceremonial role to thank him for the great years. But dating ex girlfriends has not worked out very well for the bucs with Lovie. as great as Kiffin was it’s not the right time for his return in anything other than a “Thank You” role.”

    I see the insult buried in there. You must be proud of yourself for being such a big man behind a fake name and being safely on the Internet.

    And as usual, your ignorance shines through.

    I would not want Monte brought in as, say, defensive coordinator. I would, however, be willing to see him brought in as a defensive assistant. Just to have him around again would be nice, and maybe he could be that added element to help Frazier improve.

    That said, he’ll probably end up working for his son again, if he doesn’t retire.

  39. tmaxcon Says:

    BONZI

    2 – 14 is a collapse. He made a bad team worse

  40. tmaxcon Says:

    BONZI it’s real name sir. I don’t hide from anything I say or do. For some reason you always being wrong entertains me.

  41. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @Tampabaybucfan

    I think you’re right.

    If Lovie ends up going after a QB in trade or free agency (I don’t know of a good one available), it could mean a trade of the first pick. OR, he could be trying to confuse people.

  42. WS99 Says:

    Kiffin = gone fishing. Well deserved too. I applaud him and wish him the best.

  43. Jonathan Says:

    WS99 I have no problem with your u getting your knob slobbed on. I’m just stating that one of our all time greats wasn’t a choirboy either. They make Winston sound like Jeffery domer.

  44. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    @tmaxcon

    “Always being wrong…”

    Hah. That’s hilarious. No man is perfect. I freely admit I’ve been wrong a few times. Not often. Rod Marinelli coming was one wrong prediction I made.

    Perhaps the idea of bringing in Hardy is wrong as well, perhaps not. Certainly I didn’t know his full story when I said to bring him in.

    However, I am right much more often. Like when I predicted, at the start of last season, that Tedford would not be coming back…even though others said he would. Well, truthfully I could list many times I have been right, and a few times when I was wrong.

    One thing I know I am right on…your double standard. You want Winston, saying his off field issues are alright, yet you say Hardy’s are not. That is the true definition of hypocrisy.

    I’m backing off on my desire for Hardy. Why? Because I actually consider people’s points.

    And, believe it or not, the main reason I do not want Winston is NOT his off field issues. I simply believe Mariota will be the better quarterback. Plenty agree with me.

  45. bucs4lyfe Says:

    what a surprise that it’s not true…that guy says whatever regardless of whether it’s true or not, what source would tell him something like that anyway…..thanks a lot roger goodell for dragging out the rumor stories for an extra month, regardless of what you think fans like to talk about real football not rumors of what teams will do….

    teams now practice less as if getting ready for flag football so they should move the draft up soon after the first free agency period is over so you can get your rookie players into your system and teach them the game

  46. SuperBuc Says:

    I’m not surprised that that many people on that many levels could have their own ideas about what to do with that pick. I mean at my house we usually all can’t even agree what to have for dinner, lol

  47. DraftWinston Says:

    http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=tampa-bay-buccaneers&id=8702

    Hopefully this is correct and lovie does prefer winston

  48. Harry Says:

    @Eric Says:
    Lovie will make an outstanding selection at number one, just as he did last year with Mr. Evans

    Even a broken clock is right twice a day

  49. bucrightoff Says:

    Taking Manziel off the Browns hands is not smart and really helps them while seriously hurting the Bucs, so the price must be high: 3 firsts, 3 seconds and Manziel, who is immediately cut of course because he sucks and needs to get on with Johnny CFL (or the SEC Network, whichever).

    By the way Eric thinks Manziel is far better than Winston and is the best QB prospect of the last 20 years. So take his opinion like you would the opinion of the crazy guy at the bus stop.

  50. Mr. Patrick Says:

    I still say the Glazers, Lovie and Licht have far too much integrity, dignity and respect for this franchise than to make somebody like Jameis Winston the QB and face of it

  51. Couch Fan Says:

    And I still say the Glazers dont give a damn about what people like Mr Patrick thinks and will take the best overall QB on the board which is Winston.

  52. Waterboy Says:

    Mr. Patrick Says:
    February 11th, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I still say the Glazers, Lovie and Licht have far too much integrity, dignity and respect for this franchise than to make somebody like Jameis Winston the QB and face of it
    ——–
    Hopefully they’re more focused on drafting a proven winner than drafting what people think the face of the franchise should look like.

  53. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    What world does this guy mr.patrick actually live in. Bottom line is wins. This whole integrity kick is straight bs and everybody knows it. Morals and integrity,please since when have thosetwo words ever been authenticated with what takes place in professioal sports in this country.

  54. daver Says:

    the bucs will draft a quarterback because every coach that has been let go has been given the reason partly for failure to develop a franchaise QB.

  55. ddneast Says:

    More speculative fodder to keep the trolls and Lovie haters banging on the page. Joe should become a puppet master.

  56. Buctebow Says:

    I can’t believe anyone would actually consider obtaining Manziel. He totally sucked this year when he played and now is in drug rehab to boot. What is the attraction? His razzle dazzle does not translate to the NFL. Even his own team wants to get a new rookie QB this year to replace him. There are no miracles out there in QB re-runs. Draft a new rookie QB and hope you get lucky on the pick.

  57. feelthepewterpower Says:

    The Buc Realist Says:
    February 11th, 2015 at 9:09 am
    Joe,

    One person told me, That
    1.) The Glazers have said no Winston ( because of the news scrutiny that follows him, )
    2.) Licht wants a QB and if up to him would select MM
    3.) Lovie knows that he can not wait 2-3 years for MM to become an NFL QB. There will be a new coach in that time frame!

    They can say they are united in the front office but they all have different interest due to their positions.
    ——————————————————————————

    One person told me that you’re nuts for believing that “one person who told you” that the Glazers won’t draft Jameis based on his scrutiny. The Glazers don’t give a rats ass about scrutiny. These are the same owners who bought Man U with death threats against them. Trust me, they don’t care about “scrutiny”, and will do what’s best for them whether it’s Mariota or Winston. 🙂

  58. Pickgrin Says:

    Bucs are desperate for real talent at QB. Winston is the best QB. Most NFL “experts” and draft pundits agree that Winston is the best QB. Nothing Winston has done in the last 3 years would have caused him to miss an NFL game. So unless all their investigations uncover something about Winston that is much worse than what we know about – the Bucs will draft the best QB.
    Simple as that….

  59. bucrightoff Says:

    The Bucs are desperate for talent for at least 14 of their 22 starting postions. QB is not more desperate than OLine, no QB ever can succeed with the line play we saw last year,

  60. ddneast Says:

    I had another person inside thel Bucs facility that told me most of you out here think there was a gunman on the grassy knoll and most of you think it was Soupy Sales.

  61. LJ'sDaddy Says:

    I hate it every time the Joes say Duemig is their good friend. Yikes.

  62. CLW JB Says:

    The comments are better than the articles sometimes – you guys act like your in the know GM’s and have “sources walking their dogs” – frickin hilarious!!! So you live in Avila – did you get MW mattress as a souvenir too?

    I forgot what the article was even about…oh yea…

    Who are they gonna draft, a “NFL ready” QB that is accused of rape and acts like a teenager – or a system QB with speed and athleticism –

    It seems like a no brainer, but simple minds want to know…

    I say forget both of them, if no one makes a good enough offer, take Williams, sign Hardy and let’s build the most dominant line in the game. The Tampa 2 must have that to dominate….