Lovie Won’t Verbally Commit
March 22nd, 2015
The Bucs will draft a quarterback on April 30 when the bell rings on the 2015 NFL Draft. Simple as that, to coin one of Lovie Smith’s favorite phrases.
But hold on, Lovie said yesterday.
NFL.com is teasing an interview with Lovie and Steve Wyche of NFL Network that will air Monday.
Lovie had a sit-down with Wyche at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix yesterday, and threw a little cold water on the Marcus Mariota Gang and the Jameis Winston faithful.
“I just know I can see why people would assume that we are going to take a quarterback,” Smith told NFL Media’s Steve Wyche, in an interview that will air Monday on NFL Network. “There are two excellent quarterbacks that are available at the top. And when you get a chance to draft someone like that most of the time people do. But there are other good players in the draft also. I think it’s a deep draft.”
Sure, Joe believes the Bucs will draft a quarterback. But Joe would not bank on it.
First, Lovie Smith is unpredictable when it comes to personnel, especially offensive personnel. Second, the Bucs have yet to solve their riddle at right defensive end, one they tried to handle by hotly pursuing Trent Cole and dabbling with the devil of the day, Greg Hardy. Third, the Bucs were desperate for a QB before last year’s NFL Draft, and calmly passed on good ones.
Of course, Joe will bring you more from Lovie’s interview session after it airs on Monday. And Joe will be at the NFL Owners meetings in the flesh talking all things Bucs with Lovie later this week.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Lovie wants what Lovie wants.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:04 pm
If Lovie doesn’t draft a QB #1, he should be fired during the draft. It would just further prove his ineptitude of the current offensive minded nfl.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:08 pm
I tell you this much….. The days of being satisfied with a dominating defense and a dead boring offense are over for me, there are 31 other teams in the nfl and honestly people that brag about Glennon and other players that have done nothing that’s fine but the truth is even if they had won this 6 games lost by less than a score last year I could have easily just looked at the stat sheet and been as impressed. Tired of boring offense and average defense so go ahead lovie and draft a defensive end and see how many game lose interest
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Lovie is what Lovie does….And we all know what passing on a QB would be.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:19 pm
I wouldn’t worry about this one too much guys. In the interview he goes on to praise Mike Glennon, so I would file this under him trying to push Glennons trade value up. No need to raise the alarm just yet.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:21 pm
How about a conspiracy theory. Lovie and Joe are so tight that Lovie doesn’t wish to inhibit the debate here on JBF.
If Lovie signs off on Fameis think of all the debate, sometimes nasty, that will disappear.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:23 pm
I grew up in Chicago and thought that Lovie got a raw deal compared to previous head coaches but whatever. When the only complaints that a certain fanbase can come up with is that he’s arrogant and stans there on the sideline, then you know what you’re dealing with.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Plain and simple; the “3 Stooges” (Glazer Boys) went with a familiar face to rebuild. We needed a FRESH set of ideals during our continued rebuilding. Not sure who it should have been but certainly not a rehashed 90’s coach. Maybe it was time to give someone like Josh McDaniels another chance, I don’t know but it seems we are doomed for “Lackluster” football for at least a few more years and then maybe just maybe the stooges will get their Shiite together and go “BOLD”. Feels like the futility of the 80’s around here. Go BUCS!
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Hundley in the 2nd, DE in the 1st.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:28 pm
I want him to do well in Tampa bay just to stick it to the Bears but if he passes on Winston then I’ll have no choice but to believe that he is clueless like many have said. With what the Bucs had last year they went 2-14 but with a nice defense towards the end. A QB could have made all the difference so I will sit back and wait and see what the Bucs do in the draft.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:31 pm
They could have done better with an OC.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:34 pm
I would like the Bucs to draft Winston then an trade for Peterson then draft o-lineman with developmental/gems in the later rounds and UFA. I would also like it if the Bucs sign Rolando McClain since he’s still out there.
Oh and just combine all of my short post into one big post!
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:36 pm
lets hope bucs pick the best qb in the draft. .M.M. is the man !
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:36 pm
The undrafted/developemental gems should be DE also a safety in Undrafted Free Agency.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Ahh the smell of smoke in March
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Good ole Lovie. For some reason the man seems to think he needs to be deceitful at all times. You sound foolish to act like you have no idea what you are going to do come draft day. I am sure they have made up their minds and Winston is the guy. It wouldn’t be awful to just say “barring any surprises between now and April 30th, we have made a decision on who we will take with the 1st pick!” You don’t have to say who it is but c’mon man. Stating in an interview “well we like Glennon, the other toe guys are good too, but so are Fowler, Williams, and Gregory so gee I just don’t know what to do.” Just stop it you have the first pick and your taking a QB! You don’t and there will be an all out fan revolt in Tampa. You didn’t take one last year but you sure as hell have to now.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Were the Glazer “Boys” stooges according to mike when they hired Chip Kelley only to have him recant after it was announced? We all saw what happened when they hired Schanio who was nothing like the 90’s coaching staff mainly because he had no idea how to treat grown men or coach in the NFL. Let’s see what Lovie can do with a OC for his offense and a defense in the 2nd year in his system.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:49 pm
I know you lie
Cause your lips are moving
Tell me do you think I’m dumb?
I might be young, but I ain’t stupid
Talking around in circles with your tongue
I gave you bass, You gave me sweet talk
Saying how I’m your number one
But I know you lie
Cause your lips are moving
Baby don’t you know I’m done
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:50 pm
I plan on being at ray jay for the draft wearing my LaVonte jersey.
I’m definitely in the Jameis camp, but I can promise you this. If we don’t draft either Jameis or Marcus I will burn my Bucs jersey right then and there and I will never spend another dime on this franchise
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:54 pm
I would say that most coaches are defined by their QB’s. Generally, if you don’t have one, you don’t win and are soon fired. I would be shocked if Lovie hitches his wagon to Glennon or even Mariota for that matter. QB play was the main reason he was canned in Chicago.
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Man! I miss going to games!!!
I hope to get down there again sometime for a game!
March 22nd, 2015 at 12:56 pm
What Lovie says is only a small part of the bigger equation.
When a billion-dollar franchise is in the rare position of having the first overall pick in the draft, and when that franchise needs a QB to be competitive, and when there are two potentially elite QBs available in that draft, then that franchise will draft one of those QBs.
This draft pick will be an organizational decision, not just Lovie’s decision.
Last year means nothing, because none of the QBs available last year projected to be that great in the NFL. If Bortles, Carr, Manziel, and Bridgewater were in this year’s draft, they would still all be rated below Mariota and Winston. The debate would be the same: Mariota or Winston.
We are taking one of these QBs. The only question is which one. And there is nothing to be gained by tipping our hand as far as our preference.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:01 pm
We don’t need a ‘superman’ at QB to be a winning team. Case in point; the Bucs under Dungy and Gruden. We won the Superbowl with a QB (Brad Johnson) who was good enough not to make mistakes. It is my opinion that either Jameis or Marcus will be a bust. Why? Because the supporting cast around them will be weak. Think Philip Rivers; excellent QB but never goes to the show because? Because there are few excellent players around him. Drew Brees? Take away Jimmy Graham and, I predict, NO will be an 8-8 team. Sooo, what to do? Trade the pick for a quality O-lineman and a later first round pick. Build a team, then draft a QB next year to go with it.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Ill call up obp everyday asking for him to be fired if he passes on a qb. Someone take all personell power out of his hands. This guy is a sick individual its like an addict. He just cant use any self control despite knowing its literally the kiss of death for him. Stubbornly he will still do it. This is why people no longer want to come here. The guy is as nice as nice can be but god he is stupid as sh!t
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:06 pm
I would have taken Carr over Mariota. Last years QB’s overall was much better than this year. Winston, however is better than all of the QB’s from last year.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:09 pm
I’m so done with the Bucs if they don’t pick a QB
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:10 pm
You can’t have it both ways….
You call for Lovie to be fired…”he is an idiot” he “doesn’t know talent” he should “stay away from the Offense”….
then
You believe with all of that that the Glazers are giving Lovie complete autonomy on the pick….
Not happening….this will be a Glazer decision….2-14 is an autonomy killer….
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Again, I’m not going anywhere, don’t try to send me anywhere, don’t look for me to go nowhere, cause I’m not going anywhere. Pigmeat Markham said that decades ago. Bucs fans are longsuffering but mostly Buc fans for life.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:15 pm
That’s lovie just being lovie. The difference between this year and last year is he gave Mccown a 10 million dollar contract the first week of free agency and crowned him the starter. Lovies just keeping everyone guessing with 38 days left to go until draft day. Every year the team with the first pick plays these games.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:17 pm
You’ll believe anything you read or here. You have learn to recognize bullspit when you here it. You’ll are so gullable its no way we he’s not taking a qb at 1.
@joe
You’re full of it
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:28 pm
There’s a .01% of me that’s scared Lovie would actually pass on JW. But the much more likely course here is he can’t help himself when it comes to being deceptive. Doesn’t matter that a smoke screen is totally useless, he just needs to mask the team’s intentions like a junkie needs a fix. Besides, I have no doubt – despite his “final say” status – that he’d be overruled.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:28 pm
We all have to remember that Lovie is a defensive minded head coach and he knows his team has a lot of holes to fill
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:45 pm
@Senor Mofo
Agree with your post until the very last line…
“And there is nothing to be gained by tipping our hand as far as our preference.”
Actually given the fact that it’s pretty clear that no team is going to make another mistake like the Foreskins and trade a bunch of great picks to trade up for our spot there is really nothing to gained by delaying anything.
Surely the Bucs have had enough time to perform their due diligence. Whether it’s Fameis or Marcus sign them this week! Get them to OBP pronto!
What is the drawback to that? The upside is so clear. The player benefits because it’s easy for an individual to workout at OBP…it’s not prevented by
Organized TEAM Activities.
Get Fameis/Marcus in here to learn Koetter’s offense. They should have it down cold by the time camp starts. Let them work out under OUR strength and conditioning people. Have some of our receivers “voluntarily” come to Tampa to begin work with the new QB. And from the Glazer point of view…have the new QB in town to sell tickets!
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:48 pm
If you can bluff number two to trade up a pick then you do it
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Get use to it i dont think lovie will ride with a rookie qb with his job on the line he will probably end up trading the pick and goin both offensive line and defensive line early expecually when glennon has put up decent numbers the last years without any real direction now that we have a good offensive cordinator we will see what glennon really has and put pieces around for him or for a next qb sometimes down the road … and for all you saying you guys are gonna stop been fans and burn youre jersey you guys werent real fanz in the first place i will go down with my as we are right now and when we go back up i will be there as well tru bucs fan #itsabucslife #bucsnation #bucs4ever
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:56 pm
I totally agree with you Luther. I liked Carr last year and was disappointed they didn’t get him. Now that Winston fell in their lap I’d be extremely disappointed if they are foolish enough not to grab him without hesitation. The Bucs still have plenty of opportunity to build a good OL with teams cutting down their roster to get under the cap, roster cuts and the draft.
March 22nd, 2015 at 1:57 pm
There must be something in the air today. Actually I am excited about the possibilities that Winston can bring to the Bucs. Who can argue with the ability to score more points? This will be a big deal, like a new scientific discovery, call it the Jameis Gangus, a takeoff of the group the James Gang.
March 22nd, 2015 at 2:06 pm
MGM MGM MGM MGM MGM. Your starting QB is MG8
March 22nd, 2015 at 2:21 pm
It really does not matter either way because I don’t trust him on anyone he thinks will help us win.
Lovie = fail any way you look at it.
March 22nd, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Theres no reason to follow Tampa anymore if they dont draft Winston.
March 22nd, 2015 at 2:27 pm
Its sad to know that our fam base wont let our youn g players develop you alot of you write them completely off if they dont have a rookie year like mike evans did look at asj or c.sims talkin about how they are already bust from the draft after one year smh look at aaron rodgers it took him 4 years to even start been good 3 years of sitting and 1 mediocre year when he did start and look at him now the best qb in the nfl development is a big part of the nfl excatly why these good teams are always in the playoff hunts because they draft and develop there players into better players
March 22nd, 2015 at 2:48 pm
@StPeteBucsFan
Not sure what your saying. You can’t bring a rookie into the fold any faster just because you’ve made your intention to draft him obvious. There are very specific NFLPA and league rules that address this.
There remains the remote (and I admit, very remote) possibility that we could be part of a complicated multiple-team trade that would allow us to move down, gain picks, and still end up with Winston or Mariota. That would be ground-breaking, and isn’t likley to happen, but haven’t we all been surprised on draft day before?
By virtue of having the first overall pick, we have more bargaining power than any team in the league come draft day. We aren’t going to intentionally dilute that power by making our intentions clear to every other team, even if we are absolutely certain what we we are going to do.
March 22nd, 2015 at 2:58 pm
@Senor Mofo
If the rules currently prohibit the team with the top pick from signing or announcing their pick before the draft then you of course are correct.
I’ve asked on this board without answer and have googled a bit without any luck.
Teams used to sign the #1 guy all the time, but I concede that was before the rookie salary cap. Teams wanted to make sure they could come to terms with the player before wasting the pick.
Now that the rookie salaries are slotted ahead of time perhaps the rules have changed and teams are no longer permitted to do this.
I’ve tried to find out but nobody has provided any definitive information. So I should have qualified my response with “if it’s legal”.
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Maybe the Bucs are starting to realize that neither one of these QB’s are worth the #1 pick in the draft
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:16 pm
I think all media love winston to death because of his personality. Do yall think a reporter likes doing interviews with guys who repeat company lines? Look at what marshawn lynch did. He was tired of repeating those lines but was forced to do interviews regardless. Personality wise winston might be that diva cutler is. Scare u much? I’d rather have the guy who performs efficiently with a chip on his shoulder. We have a bridge qb with glennon n glennon for a season doesn’t scare me a bit. Realistically we don’t have a shot at a sb title no matter who we got at qb. Mariota is the better n safer pick.
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Quotes from Landry Football regarding Winston.
“Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston while having the physical qualities necessary to be a quality starter in the league, is not he clear cut best on field performer that most amateurs feel.”
“Neither quarterback is worthy of a grade placing them in the top half of the first round .”While he has some outstanding physical qualities, he is far from polished and far from ready to lead a team on the field. He is a project in his own right and not even close to being in the class of an Andrew Luck coming out as some have suggested.”
Deal Down
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:26 pm
87… you are sleeping on vacation from the Winston is it or is’nt it rumble… LOL, I know you are reading all the comments, just waiting to pounce on any Winston criticism. You and Joe have done more to push the Jameis lovefest than anybody. A few Mariota fans persist, but like they say, the support for Winston will be there if he is the choice.
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:37 pm
HEY SEMINOLE BILL}
I hear ya, no wonder there is trade rumors swirling around Phillip Rivers, the Bolts would give him up for our number 1 pick. I would love to have him too.
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:41 pm
Lovie nor Licht has the power to make that call . They might offer advice but ultimately the owners are making that decision.
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:48 pm
I have relocated to ATL, my stomach turns when I see all the Falcon stuff, I plan on repping my BUCS, but if we don’t pick a QB, I might (no I wont), but don’t try me, I still plan on going to games in RayJay and definitely when the Bucs come to town.
March 22nd, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Much ado about nothing. Bucs are taking Winston. The entire team from top to bottom knows that if they don’t take one of these QBs – that a huge and angry mob with torches and pitchforks is gonna take over OBP.
March 22nd, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Bucsnation has a poll out and so far it is Mariota over Winston 953-798. Bucs fan are divided and could go either way. I’ve prepared my self for the draft. QB, DE, trade down. This way I wont be as angry, but will still be upset if a QB isn’t taken. I mean we only have one on the roster and haven’t signed any in FA. Unless they plan on it for June.
March 22nd, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Lovie is a real solid coach – but any owner who gives him any say in personnel Decisions…….inherited their wealth
March 22nd, 2015 at 5:32 pm
The Bucs owe it to the fans to draft a qb. No one is a sure thing anyway so why not pull the trigger. J5 please.
March 22nd, 2015 at 5:34 pm
Why should Lovie commit to any QB now. The idea that no team would approach us with a blockbuster deal for a trade up to no. 1 is unfounded. We won’t know that for sure until draft day. We may very well draft a QB at 1 but a good poker player doesn’t give his hand away until it’s time to lay the cards down.
March 22nd, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Bucs can’t commit to Winston right now as he could do something else really stupid before the draft
March 22nd, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Skyline contrary to what many posters think, NFL experts are smarter than they are. The Glazers will not be using a poll to make the pick. Lots of casual and uninformed fans still think Mariota is the guy but that is just ignorance. Everyone in the know realizes that Winston is the far superior prospect and will be taken number 1. Every mock draft, for good reasons, says Winston is coming to Tampa so really, who gives a sht what some local online poll says.
March 22nd, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Oh by the way, after I saw your post I went over there and voted twice for Winston to see if it would let me and it did. With the amount if hatred Mariota’s fans have towards Winston that poll is EXTREMELY flawed.
March 22nd, 2015 at 6:32 pm
What if he doesn’t like either QB? Winston’s off-field gamble could end Lovie’s career. And if he feels Mariota is the next Tim Couch, what can he do?
I can see be afraid of drafting Winston because he could be a career killer. But Mariota guarantees you another two years as head coach. If you don’t draft either and either one excels, there’ll be hell to pay.
And really, does anybody else in the draft scream out #1 besides the dynamic duo?
March 22nd, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Personally I’m hoping the Bucs trade with the Browns (get their two 1st round picks this year and their #1 next year). With Manziel and McCown as the Browns QB’s that’s almost assuredly a 4 or less win team. Even if they draft Winston or Matiota it’s probably still the same result in 2015. Roll with Glennon and Koetter this season, and if it doesn’t work out use the Brown’s pick and/or Bucs to nab Hackenberg in the 2016 draft. At least there should be a decent team around a QB by then (hopefully)
March 22nd, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Buccfan37 Says:
March 22nd, 2015 at 3:26 pm
“87… you are sleeping on vacation from the Winston is it or is’nt it rumble… LOL, I know you are reading all the comments, just waiting to pounce on any Winston criticism. You and Joe have done more to push the Jameis lovefest than anybody. A few Mariota fans persist, but like they say, the support for Winston will be there if he is the choice.”
I’m on hiatus, sabbaticle, refraining from commenting as much as possible.
“I’ve got blisters on fingers.” – Ringo Starr Helter Skelter
To me the verdict is already in. Game ovah as they might say in NY.
I really don’t think I can say anything more. Except come to grips with Winston my Buc brethren, because I’ve never been more sure of ANYTHING in my entire 44 years on this earth. Jameis Winston WILL be a Buc. The sooner THEY learn to accept it the better.
March 22nd, 2015 at 10:34 pm
Just stop lovie just stop right now
March 22nd, 2015 at 11:59 pm
Jason Licht needs to step up and draft Jameis. Im sure Lovie has his preferences but he is the coach. He just needs to coach whoever Licht chooses. Licht could really put his signature on this team by stepping up and drafting Jameis.
March 23rd, 2015 at 12:41 am
I’m trying hard not to believe this guy is stupid. I mean he sounds stupid. Not getting another coach to help with the QB coach running the offense was stupid. The smarted thing was to throw the game against the Saints to get the 1st overall pick. Now to pick anything other than J. Winston will be stupid. When your offense is the 2nd worst in the NFL and you are a regime, you go QB. He picked McClown to run his offense last year and failed miserably. Of course we need a DE that can produce 10+ sacks, but even then,…How are we going to score points??? Us fans can already come up with a better draft than these guys. After he drafts a DE or OL in 1st….you hit the FIRED button. The draft is deep in OL. Grab a DE or OL in 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th if you have to, but once the best 2 QB are off the board you might as well start Glennon. Lovie can I ask you how did that work out? I mean you guys did that last year. Do you need time in the basement to think about it? Tedford will not be there this time. We are happy we have a new OC. Probably the best signing this off season. We had to promise him something to come here. It sure wasn’t DE in the 1st. I am a J. Winston fan, but I will settle for MM if the off the field stuff has people concerned. If you take anyone else I am done.
March 23rd, 2015 at 2:19 am
Leonard Williams 1st, and Hundley 2nd. Done deal
March 23rd, 2015 at 12:21 pm
Meh. I think he’s just enjoys the ambiguity. Everything he said was consistent with popular opinion:
There are 2 QBs worth taking at the top
The draft is deep at DE
Why would a guy out of the top pick if DE is deep in the draft? If anything I feel like he’s trying to say “Hey guys we get that we have the top pick but we will be making a lot of other picks in this draft class from other positions”
Please lord.. winston.. O-line/DE/WR