Setting Up For Another All-Offense Draft?
March 12th, 2015
Defense-first Lovie Smith shocked the world last year when Tampa Bay selected all offensive players in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Are the Bucs cueing themselves up to do the same thing again.
The Bucs’ free agent haul so far is defensive tackle Henry Melton, safety, Chris Conte and linebacker Bruce Carter.
Reports claim a defensive end, Titans bust first-round pick Derrick Morgan, is in the building getting the hard sell from Tampa Bay right now (10:10 a.m.).
With no reports of the Bucs in hot pursuit of offensive names, Joe has to think, as of now, the Bucs are planning to draft Jameis Winston and then bag at least the best two offensive linemen they can find to grow with Winston. After that, the Bucs might look for a receiver and or receiver/returner (Vincent Jackson won’t be here forever and Joe has little confidence in Robert Herron), and then play best available player at the bottom of the draft.
Then again, this is Lovie’s team, which means Joe wouldn’t be shocked by anything, including Jay Cutler wearing a Bucs jersey.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:20 am
MGM LIVES!!!!
March 12th, 2015 at 10:21 am
“bag at least the best two offensive linemen they can find to grow with Winston”? I didn’t know Bryan Glazer was drafting Winston. #DontCountYourChickens
March 12th, 2015 at 10:22 am
considering how bad the offense was seems that way but that would be foolish, you can find depth in the draft as well. i’d love to see us get a dynamic slot receiver/kick returner but I want a middle linebacker and corner drafted. want another starting corner so verner can take over the slot on passing downs
March 12th, 2015 at 10:27 am
#TheCreepCrab is under lock and key. His handlers have shut down his social media. Again, if his handlers can’t trust him then how can Bryan Glazer? Who would you rather have? #ArronRogers #CamNewton Please, I hope nobody said Cam Newton.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:30 am
I would rather have #CamNewton.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:33 am
If the Buc’s are planning to draft Jameis Winston, I’m hoping they come to their senses and draft the better prospect at QB.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:35 am
Licht is up in Oregon watching Mariota today. Welcome to Tampa Mariota!
March 12th, 2015 at 10:35 am
I’d like to see Morgan here. I’m not as worried about o-line at this point because you don’t need stars, you need competency. You can get quality blue-chip players deep into free agency and from the wire. Just look at the guys the Bucs jettisoned last year.
Relying on rookie o-linemen to guard your #1 QB pick is risky business though.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:37 am
I know how Cam Newton is, but never heard of Arron Rogers. Is he a backup somewhere?
March 12th, 2015 at 10:37 am
Lovie needs Jameis not another choir boy project. Get used to it… Touchdown! Winston to Evans…
March 12th, 2015 at 10:41 am
Titans, Jets and Rams are in Oregon too. Welcome to NY Mariota. Have fun.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:45 am
So much for the “We brought Jameis in to one buc place early so we can go out and get offensive lineman that fit his style” hahahahaha Bucs are taking Mariota, in fact Licht and Bajakian are at his pro day as we speak!
March 12th, 2015 at 10:46 am
1=Mariota, 2-3=OL,DE
OR
1=L.Williams@LE, 2-3=OL,GRAYSON/PETTY
🙂
March 12th, 2015 at 10:46 am
If we don’t take Mariota he won’t make it past the 5th pick.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:47 am
tmax
We obviously disagree on character requirements for athletes we enjoy watching.
You’re apparently from the 87 school of admiring loud mouth dirty playing braddoccios.
OK that’s cool for you guys. But you actually seem to think that a low character guy means that he’s a good player as well. Hard to imagine how DB55, Ronde, Lynch, Dunn, Alstott ever got a second look with Sapp on the team.
You two obviously love yourselves some baaad boys. Bring in Richie the sleazebag Incognito eh?
It’s one thing to defend Jameis, to minimize ALL of his mistakes…I get that…but using Mariota’s class as a negative…that’s just stupid!
“choir boy”? So being a classy, smart person is now a negative?
March 12th, 2015 at 10:48 am
Draft Tyler Lockett wr/kr in round 3. Slot receiver and depth. He also replaces Rainey as a returner.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:50 am
Also, by them being there goes against every Mariota Hater/Racist/Bigot who said Winston is the pick and FA was where we were going to get players for Winston. If Winston is the sure thing then why send Licht to Oregon during the 3rd day of FA? Seems a waste when he could be at OBP working on deals and making phone calls. Of course when Mariota comes in for a visit this month that would also be a waste of time for them because they could be spending their time looking at rounds 2-7 on who is available.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:53 am
I don’t live in florida, I’m a FSU fan. It was great that Brad Johnson, Brooks and Spires helped us get a super bowl. I think all the Winston love on here is delusional FSU fans loving the local guy and hoping to repeat history. MARIOTA or L.WILLIAMS should be the conversation.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:55 am
All- offense draft again ? After QB, I think the first priority s/b TE,RB and WR.
( it’s a joke guys )
March 12th, 2015 at 10:57 am
bucco brice Says:
“I’m a FSU fan.”
“I think all the Winston love on here is delusional FSU fans loving the local guy and hoping to repeat history.”
Hate to tell you Brice but we’ve had guys on here trying to lie to us before, telling us they are FSU fans and that Winsont is not the way to go.
Nope sorry, don’t believe you either. Nice try though.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:58 am
Only QB in college football since 1964-65 to win his first 26 starts.
In the first start of his career, completed 25 of 27 passes to set the Florida State all-time record for single-game completion percentage.
Was nation’s top quarterback prospect in the class of 2012.
Jameis Winston.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:05 am
I find it very interesting that Mariota’s character and his atleticism is now considered a negative……because he has character he simply can’t be that good….and his athleticism means he will get injured.
Seems to me there are many with character & talent….also many who aren’t considered great athletes get injured also…..Bradford, Foles, Manning, Palmer. come to mind.
Sure…..if a player is outstanding and performs and helps a team to win…it mitigates character issuse….but certainly, all things being equal…it would be better to have a player with character.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:08 am
the problem with another offense-heavy (or exclusive) draft class is that most of those players are figuring out their way in the first year or 2. Mike Evans was a freak but every other player we drafted needed the bulk of the season just to get acclimated to the NFL. hopefully some of them contribute this year, but it would be irresponsible for L&L to assume they can pull 3 or more Day 1 impact starters on offense on draft day. they need some veteran depth in free agency, especially 1 or 2 guys who you could place on your offensive line without immediately making plans to start scouting next season’s top 15 draft prospects because your season is basicaly over. IDEALLY, they are overtaken by last year’s or this year’s draft picks, but you have to assume they will be required to start and they have to be better than omameh, cousins, collins, etc
March 12th, 2015 at 11:11 am
mariota’s athleticism is not a negative. his durability is a negative, and the more you use your athleticism, the more pressure you put on your durability. if you are neither athletic nor durable (chad pennington comes to mind), you’ve got an even bigger problem.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:13 am
I hope it’s not all offense. I really want Eric Kendrick in the second round…best MLB in the draft.
There are PLENTY of mid-level OL guys.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:14 am
StPeteBucsFan
Look character is important. I just happen to think Winston mistakes were childish not malicious. I am personally convinced he did not rape that girl which is the only issue that really is a problem. By all accounts Winston has above average football character his teammates love him. He leads. Players clearly gravitate to him there is no disputing that after watching the combine.
The world is not perfect and people do not deserve death sentences for stupid mistakes.
I don’t like Mariota’s game. I could careless what type of person he is. He being a good guy or not will never directly effect me even if the bucs make the mistake and draft him. I respect good guys with the best of them, I just don’t condemn every player that made a mistake in life.
All you people acting like the national guard will be out protecting women if Winston is drafted are doing far more harm to your cause.
9 out of 10 of you will never have a personal interaction with these athletes. There are far more dangerous people to worry about throughout Tampa and surrounding area. Standing in line for an autograph or bumping into a player at a restaurant is not really a personal interaction it’s a public encounter.
Remember this is their livelihood. Do you hold all the people you do business with to the same standard and yes by watching a game, purchasing a ticket or jersey you are doing business with the bucs. Do you not eat at Wendy’s because they hire work release prisoners much more dangerous than Winston mind you. What about the butcher at the market that got a dui or domestic violence when he was 20… I get what your saying and respect your opinions but man it’s just too much when is it going to stop with people being so damn holier than thou and judgemental. I am not directing that statement at you alone.
Hardy is a piece of crap most likely never met the cat but they are paying to him to entertain us by crushing a quarterback not to house sit your kids.
The object of the game is to win. Not build a team of nice guys. so i am guilty of that for sure.
Oh and a lot of these so called “nice guys” just have not been caught or keep it behind closed doors. fans only know the player and the public persona not the person for the most part. everyday your can read about scout leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers and other respected professions are committing the same crimes day in and day out… at one point somebody trusted those people and thought they were decent or they would not have risen to their positions or achieved success.
Bottom line it is a crap shoot with every player. The organization needs to be ready and equipped to handle all sorts of player issues and personalities to compete in today’s world.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:19 am
…and with no OL to speak of, the pick must be MARIOTA. Let him run for around for his life 🙂
March 12th, 2015 at 11:21 am
*run around for …proper english 🙂
March 12th, 2015 at 11:23 am
According to NFL.com, Bucs GM and director of player personnel in Oregon today for Mariota’s pro-day. Can’t wait to hear how he throws the ball today!
March 12th, 2015 at 11:24 am
Joe don’t you ever say that again. Jay cutler will never wear a bucs jersey ever. I think that would be the 1 thing to make me dislike the bucs. I hate cutler sooooo much. Lovie hopefully isn’t that dumb
March 12th, 2015 at 11:26 am
pick6…you know what I don’t get? Fans have seen RGIII, Vick, Cunningham, Vince Young, Steve Young and on and on go down with injuries from running. Yet they think Mariota will survive. I don’t get that, and won’t ever get it.
Steve Young, perhaps the most successful dual-threat quarterback in NFL history, believes the tendency to scramble away from pressure actually hinders a quarterbacks’ development as a pocket passer.
Conventional wisdom says a runner is more likely to get hurt than a stay-in-the-pocket statue. Joe Flacco said “quarterbacks like Kaepernick are eventually going to have to become mostly pocket passers to survive in this league.”
And people wonder why scouts are worried about Mariota’s transition?
March 12th, 2015 at 11:33 am
Mariota doesn’t have a durability problem. He plays injured. That is like saying Winston has a durability problem because he played on a hurt ankle.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:37 am
Hopefully Mariota will not fumble during his scripted pro day… people are putting to much on today. he is not changing anyone’s mind during a scripted dog and pony show. it does not matter who is there or not.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:55 am
@87
Problem with your statement of “Conventional wisdom says a runner is more likely to get hurt than a stay-in-the-pocket statue” doesn’t hold true though. RG3 was injured while staying in the pocket. He was literally hit more in the pocket than he was running. Also, Wilson rand for almost 900 yds last year. When was he hurt again? Cam Newton still runs a bit. No one except Mariota haters/racists/bigots are saying Mariota is going to run as a QB. He didn’t run that much last year. Does he have the ability to extend plays? Yes. Does he have the ability to run for a long gain? Yes. Which, is why he gets compared to Wilson when it comes to being a mobile QB.
March 12th, 2015 at 11:57 am
I can imagine Joe’s reaction if the Pro day situation was reversed and it was Winston….along with the Winston supporters like tmaxcon….
“it does not matter who is there or not.”
Of course it matters…..imagine if no Buc representative showed up…..would tmaxcon say the same?….I seriously doubt it.
Winston fans have been conditioned to ignore all positive reports on Mariota….embrace any good news on Winston…..following the Pied Piper (Joe)
March 12th, 2015 at 12:07 pm
@Tampabaybucfan,
Exactly, if no one showed up to Mariota’s pro day I would convinced we weren’t drafting him. However, they showed up, which means he is still in play.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:10 pm
You guys don’t think Licht’s going to Winston’s pro day too?
March 12th, 2015 at 12:12 pm
Of course he will.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:13 pm
Skyline Crew and Tampabybucfan
The point I was trying to make was NOBODY”s pro day matters. It’s a dog and pony show. Including Winston’s. The research on these qb’s has been done. Nothing is going to change at a 90 minute scripted event that will erase all the tape and reports that have already been completed. That’s all I am saying. Not picking on your guy. Mariota will be a fine QB lovie just does not have time to wait for him.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:13 pm
@87
Of course…..and I would have the same comment critical of a Mariota fan if they posted…..”it doesn’t matter who shows or not”……
That comment blows all credibility IMO….
March 12th, 2015 at 12:13 pm
Skyline….Wilson is an outlier. You apparently think Mariota won’t get hurt running around like he does in the NFL and you’re entitled to it.
You know who the first person that’s going to mention his injury on JBF when he goes down for the Jets right? Me.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Okay so them going to Winston’s pro day means nothing to me.
Not the same with you MM guys…
March 12th, 2015 at 12:17 pm
87
Many “non-running” QBs have been injured also…..it’s a non argument….sure there is a risk with any QB getting injured…..I’ve already posted many examples.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Ask Chris Simms…..about his running & his injury…..
March 12th, 2015 at 12:19 pm
It doesn’t mean anything that they went to his pro day except that the Mariota haters/racists/bigots didn’t think they would go. Obviously they thought Winston was the pick and should be signed now. I guess that isn’t the case so much now is it.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:20 pm
Getting hurt has to do with body makeup. RGIII is a twig so of course he takes abuse. Cam is a tank so of course he doesn’t. Mariota appears to be solidly built, not like Cam but not insta-break like RGIII.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:20 pm
So when Winston gets hurt because he can’t run I’ll be first to let you know. Hopefully the Geno will be able to back him up though.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Skyline
Please explain to me why not liking a gimmick qb makes one a racist or bigot…
You diminish the meaning of some very serious words racist and bigots by using them in this context. I can’t speak for everyone but I don’t like his game. I could careless what color he is or if he is a nice guy or a jerk.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Several QBs play injured every year, majority are non-runners. I don’t know why you think Mariota is an outlier and will be injured every game. Romo plays hurt every year. Rodgers plays hurt, Peyton plays hurt, Brady plays hurt, Palmer plays hurt, Foles plays hurt, Big Ben plays hurt, etc. I’m curious to know why you think a QB won’t get hurt? Statistics say a QB will be injured at some point in the season.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:24 pm
@tmaxcon
I was just using it in the same context that Winton lovers use it in. If you don’t like Winston then you are labeled a racist/bigot/hater. So I started using it as well to label the Winston lovers.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:26 pm
fair enough. thanks for the explanation. not personal, but I am tired of everyone blaming race and pc crap in every issues sports and everyday crap that’s all. I understand your position that is why I asked nicely and didn’t go all Kevin.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:30 pm
I agree, I don’t like all of Winston’s game either, but I hate being labeled a hater and a racist just because I pick Mariota over him.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Skyline…not all of us Winstonites label all fans that…only a select few and with good reason.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
March 12th, 2015 at 12:17 pm
“87
Many “non-running” QBs have been injured also…..it’s a non argument….sure there is a risk with any QB getting injured…..I’ve already posted many examples.”
Okay so you’re going to play pretend now right? Pretend as if it’s not risky to run….Is that what you and Skyline are trying to tell me that I have nothing to worry about with a running QB?
March 12th, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Titans bust first round pick? Guy had 6 sacks each of the last 3 years. He would be an improvement over anyone currently on our roster besides McCoy.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Bucs will take Marcus, no matter what Joe or the many prognosticators believe. Too much risk with Winston, too much immaturity. Marcus is stable, capable, “face of the franchise” that won’t doom the organization with his unpredictable bad decision making on and off the field. Do you really think Winston will get millions of dollars and become a model citizen with his buddies all clamoring for the “good life” that Winston will inherit with an NFL contract of guaranteed money? Come on people. The Glazers will not draft Winston because of Josh Freeman and the embarrassment he inevitably caused the Buc’s organization. His behavior blindsided the Bucs. Winston and any misstep will be a “I told you so” that the organization can not afford and will take years to overcome. Way too much risk with Joe’s wonderboy qb.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Tmax
I do agree with your last statement completely.
Bottom line it is a crap shoot with every player. The organization needs to be ready and equipped to handle all sorts of player issues and personalities to compete in today’s world.
As you know I’m not a Jameis hater. I prefer MM for the reasons you prefer Fameis. I see MM as the future of where the NFL is headed offensively and Fameis has enough talent to adapt to that game as well.
As for his offenses off the field. Let’s say I accept he’s innocent of rape and himself the victim of a gold digging opportunist. I do not know whether that is true or false since I wasn’t there that night. But hypothetically let’s give Fameis a pass on that night. It’s the yelling of the curse words WHILE under investigation that concern me. Not over character issues that involve young 20 year old guys goofing on campus and cursing profanely. That’s not the big deal. The big deal is that he has NO common sense.
Seriously Tmax both of us have done stuff I’m sure we wouldn’t boast about. I that. Some of that stuff I HAD to give up because of job related responsibilities. Sad day when I had to put down the bong because of work. LOL Fameis did not comprehend that the first time around when he was the face of the FSU franchise? HIs suspension could have easily cost FSU that Clemson game and it would have been all because of arrogant stupidity or more charitably immaturity.
I have never met Fameis. I accept however all the accounts from you and 87 and others that everybody loves the kid. I’ve never viewed him like Incognito or some other violent loser bully. I do not believe he’s a bad kid. But he’s been incredibly undisciplined with his mouth and actions and I simply view that as a red flag, not a life sentence that should keep the Bucs from drafting him if they feel he is the best of the two.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
@Rob I hope you have some Xanax on hand because Wnston will be the pick. You talk about Winston’s risk off the filed but you never talk about Mariota’s risk on the field. I can work with a guy who yells bad words on a table and lifts a few crab legs. I have a hard time teaching someone the basics of what is expected in their job. Mariota is not and will not be ready for some time.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
When you’re looking at your O-line starters of Logan Mankins – 10 years, Demar Dotson 6 years and Evan Dietrich-Smith – 5 years, drafting two top O-linemen makes some sense. That we you can start building a career rotation of sorts in which you’re not always trying to rebuild your offensive line but growing it as you go.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:07 pm
SMFH
March 12th, 2015 at 1:09 pm
StPeteBucsFan
No doubt he put his team in a bad situation during suspension again I have read from both Derrick Brooks and Jimbo that suspension was a wakeup a call.
I feel your pain. I bought my own business so I could bring the bong back. LOL… Teasing.
I would argue your point of no common sense by presenting his actions over the last few months. I think he showed a lot of common sense by listening to his advisers and by taking the initiative to meet with commissioner. To excel at combine. He clearly is saying and doing all the right things. Is it genuine no one knows but Jameis. I like his upside. I am not a spread guy. When you look at the last 16 super bowls only 2 spread qb’s have won. that scares me more than a obscene word or two and some missing crab legs.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Sure running can be a risk, but Mariota knows when to slide as RG3 didn’t. I don’t think it is as big of a deal as you think it is.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:21 pm
87ForJameisNOMariota Says:
March 12th, 2015 at 10:58 am
Only QB in college football since 1964-65 to win his first 26 starts.
In the first start of his career, completed 25 of 27 passes to set the Florida State all-time record for single-game completion percentage.
Was nation’s top quarterback prospect in the class of 2012.
Jameis Winston.
Against Pitt.. Who finished with a whopping 7-6 record that year.. Good attempt fan boy..
March 12th, 2015 at 1:26 pm
All offensive draft? No.
They still need DE, even if Morgan is signed. They still need another corner, maybe a safety and LB.
I think they could spend 2 OL picks, plus the QB, and the rest on defense.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:58 pm
“completed 25 of 27 passes”
He still did it Phillip even if it was against USF or Central Michigan or Pitt.
March 12th, 2015 at 2:07 pm
You’d say that if they had played a HS team too.. We get it you are weirdly obsessed with this kid and no one cares.. Do what you claim to do all the time and stop talking about him since you “KNOW” he is coming to Tampa
March 12th, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Ha ha ha Philip…I’d never stop talking about him for you.
March 12th, 2015 at 3:14 pm
So, I guess we’re going to pretend that Mariota is the ONLY player participating in the Oregon Pro Day. My apologies, I didn’t know it was just the Mariota Pro Day.
Could it be that he’s also there to look at some other players too?:
Naw, i guess that wouldn’t fit your argument.
Also, there’s these 2 new inventions that just came out, I think yesterday.
One is called the cell phone; it allows you to make phone calls from anywhere in the world.
The other is called VPN. I won’t get into details about it, but in a nutshell, it allows you to connect your computer to your office (or home) network and its as if you’re sitting right there at your desk, with access to all of your company’s internal resources.
I’m willing to bet 3 months salary that Licht has access to both of these new, hard to find, pieces of technology.
In the words of the immortal Charlie Brown…”Good grief”
Exactly. No one seems to bring up the fact that for someone that is “so athletic” he sure was sacked quite a bit…
…but i guess that was the OL fault….
As i stated earlier, are they there just for Mariota’s pro day or for the Oregon Ducks pro day?
I’m willing to go with the latter.
March 12th, 2015 at 3:36 pm
If it is all offense, then there would be no reason to stay in our current high 2nd round draft position. We should trade down that pick for more picks, since we can pick up the extra pick and still get a quality O linemen later in the second, or third, or 4th round and use the extra pick on a quality DE or corner. I personally think we need to get a middle linebacker at the no. 2 pick, but I am not sure that one of enough quality will be there this year when we make our 2nd pick. The best ones in this year’s draft are all pretty short, or are a liablity in pass coverage if they aren’t short.
March 12th, 2015 at 4:08 pm
@Celly
If you don’t think they are there mostly for Marcus then you sir are smoking some good stuff which is the point Skyline Crew was trying to point out… I don’t take Polian at his word for everything but he was on ESPN today saying that the GM’s would be at the Oregon pro day and most of the director of player personnel would be back at headquarters running the show on FA so it is telling if they both are there for the pro day.
But since you do quotes and like to seem cool on blog sites comments section keep doing you.. I’m sure someone will notice your swag eventually and look up to you.
March 12th, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Tmax
Accept all our points and I honestly hope you’re right about Fameis. Not just for the Bucs sake but for the simple human compassion that understands along with his incredible physical gifts Fameis was presented some very difficult challenges.
It’s truly hard to keep your head on straight when you’ve been idolized your entire young existence. He’s always been the biggest alpha male around. His spit doesn’t stink. That’s hard to handle and I certainly accept I probably wouldn’t have done a great job either.
So I hope you’re correct and it’s certainly possible. It’s tough to ask a 19 year old kid to be the face of a franchise as large and nationally famous as FSU.
It’s absolutely possible Fameis has learned from that experience. I still have an open mind and will cheer for him “when” we take him. 🙂
March 12th, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Oops typo…accept YOUR points.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:05 pm
I never claimed that they weren’t there to look at Mariota…
But to ignore the fact that there is more than just Mariota there when we have many other needs is ignorant.
Also, i only quote people so that they know who i’m speaking of when i make my statement.
I apologize if you feel threatened by me. I’m not on here for anyone to look up to. I’m also one of the few people on here that’s trying to hide who i am.
March 12th, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Wow Tmaxcon, I was impressed by your post about Winston. Very well written and insightful. Have to agree with you on your thoughts. Well said, sir.