Thumbs Up
May 3rd, 2015
Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.
While it is fun as hell to grade an NFL draft just hours after it concludes, it’s also irresponsible.
There is no way of knowing how good a draft class truly is for at least three years.
Hey, count Joe in the group that thought the 2012 draft of Mark Barron, Doug Martin and Lavonte David was stellar. How’s that look now?
But readers want — no, demand! – grades. Plus, they draw interest. Thus, that’s why many major media outlets insist their writers pump out reviews of the draft before most rookies have even seen the inside of their new workplace.
ESPN is no different, hence why Bucs blogger Pat Yasinskas pumped out a review of the just-completed draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thumbs up. The Bucs were very methodical in filling their biggest needs at the top of the draft. They got a quarterback and two offensive linemen with their first three picks. That should provide a big boost for an offense that ranked 30th in the league last year.
Joe thinks the darkhorse is wide receiver Kenny Bell. And the more Joe thinks of it, the more Joe likes this pick. With his speed and good hands, he’s not just a return man. He’s a weapon.
Joe noted that it would be nice to have a No. 3 receiver with wheels to complement trees Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. Bell might be that guy.
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:13 am
I just hope that Winston has enough time back there to use the deep threat! I think this offence will thrive on the 3 step drop for the first part of the season, unless the Oline somehow can protect. Lots of ifs going into this year!
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:16 am
Sweeeeeeeet draft hangover!!! L+L really did well…
Love Jamies, love the bell pick and being a NYer looooooooove the Marpet pick…
Not so sure on the lb pick tho, or the second wide receiver that was a bit luxurious to me. Overall I saw we added key pieces and upgraded our team by 3 wins or 3 jaboowins lololololol!!!
Let them cannons off!!!
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:19 am
The comment threads are interesting. But the nay-sayers relly need to settle down. The picks are in and we need some time for the “tape to tell”. Any argument isn’t going to change current reality.
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:20 am
One has to enjoy the Eagles fans saying Chip is a mastermind. He is the best thing to happen tot eh Eagles since Terrell Owens.
And Bruce Allen is the best thing to happen to the Redskins since Dan Snyder.
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:21 am
One last comment, hope I don’t have to eventually change my name to Winston, STFU.
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:31 am
Looks like they finally drafted quality TEAM players. WOOHOO!
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:57 am
Joe was never afraid to crown dominik! and now even Joe must face the fact that the pop-star left this team talentless. ( 2 players in draft and 1 freeagent does not make a talented team!)
Hopefully in a few years we will see a stocked roster finally! Good luck to all the newly acquired Bucs!
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:58 am
I think Bruce Allen makes a great GM and partner for the egotistical unpleasant Dan Snyder. Owners should be seen, not heard.
I agree with you Joe in regards to the 3 year time span which is why so many people despise the Dummynick out here.
Also thought the 2012 draft was good the first year but then Barron never progressed and Martin ended up injured. However, the fact he passed on Kueckly is practically unforgiveable.
If Martin can stay healthy this year it will prove to be the only C plus draft the Dummy ever put on a board.
Hitting on 1 of 6 high draft picks on DL is an abysmal record and is why the defense is still struggling. My sister could have picked McCoy.
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:59 am
Joe. I agree that it is way too early to “grade” a draft class. One thing I do think however, is that with their second draft and FA the BUCS are getting more of the type of people they want in their system. Say what you want about our FA signings, they all fit into our system.
May 3rd, 2015 at 9:08 am
Living in PA it can be very difficult to get Bucs information. The only thing I can do is watch and read everything possible. I was not sold on Winston because I am so far away from FSU. However, since I live in Penn State country I can tell you how great OT Smith will be. I had to trust those of you in FL, please trust me living in PA.
After spending the last 3 nights watching youtube videos on all of our picks, I am feeling very optimistic. Take highlight videos with a grain of salt, but I try to watch for technique and talent.
I am fully on board with all of the day 1 and day 2 picks. What I liked most about the draft was the 3rd day picks. Let’s not forget all 3rd picks should be viewed as primarily projects and special teamers.
LB’s make great special teamers and although LB Alexander will not likely be the second coming of DB#55, but he can be a special teamer with his speed, and that is what will be asked of him.
5th round pick WR Kenny Bell shows much better hands than last years WR Herron does. Just like Herron he will be allowed to grow this year. He will be asked to be a team first guy and show us his hands later on.
6th round pick WR Kaelin Clay was selected to be a return specialist. He shows great vision in his return game and can turn on the burners necessary to get into space. We need to have better field position. A shorter field when we start our drives for Winston will only help him. Clay’s job will be just that this year, increase our return game yards. Nothing more, but anything more will be a bonus.
Our 7th round pick gets me excited the most. I love the long shots. After watching every little video possible on Iosefa I am grateful we got him. If you read the background on this guy you will see his growth throughout his career. He defines what you want a 7th round pick to be. He was an important part of the Hawaii team and performed his duties very well. He probably will never be an Alstott. BUT He is a much much much much better blocker than any RB we have on the roster. He has quick feet and squares up on blitzing defenders, then attacks them. He can be a short yardage back. He can be a FB. He can catch screen and swing passes. He has very quick feet. Project? Absolutely!When you think of “change of pace backs” you don’t tend to think of a bigger back, but that is exactly what he is. I would feel better seeing him standing next to Winston on 3rd down for pass protection than any RB we currently have on our roster.
May 3rd, 2015 at 9:37 am
This draft class obviously hinges on whether Winston was the right choice over Mariota. Playing Winston right away, behind this offensive line, would be a huge mistake. Allowing a young rookie to get punished the way McCown and Glennon got beaten is a recipe for disaster.
May 3rd, 2015 at 9:54 am
Thanks for all the insight PA Privateer.
May 3rd, 2015 at 10:34 am
I think you have to start Winston right away and us fans just need to be patient. The sooner he starts the sooner he gets used to the speed of the nfl compared to college.
May 3rd, 2015 at 10:45 am
Great point ed…
May 3rd, 2015 at 11:00 am
I sense a lot of cannonfire in our future!
May 3rd, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Again, former memeber of the Mariota gang, but that being said, there is no way you sit Jameis. We drafted him 1st overall for a reason…to win, and win now.
We also bolstered the OL in the 2nd round. The future is now…No sense easing Jameis into it. He’s just not that guy….
May 3rd, 2015 at 12:54 pm
While I realize we should be happy if half of these picks pan out, I think the Bucs have higher hopes for Bell. I feel like Kaelin Clay is the one circled for returns. Bell is a hope to push L Murphy and develop into a #2. I’d rather not see the guy subjected to brutal hits returning kicks.
May 3rd, 2015 at 12:56 pm
Good stuff PA Privateer
May 3rd, 2015 at 1:28 pm
PA privateer- thanks, that’s a good job breaking down the draft
For once- I’m really happy with this draft too.
Actually, I’m ecstatic.
I believe in Jameis Winston. Watching how the media again tried to crucify him Friday- when he was merely thanking Capt Keith Colburn for his gift of 50lbs of crablegs, made me sick. It’s been that way his entire career.
Jameis will change this team into a winner. We just have to give him a little time. L&H have done a great job of putting that offense together- now it just has to grow- and win
Still think Kwon Alexander will be switched to Safety- his strong points as his speed and coverage skills
Kenny Bell is a bundle of quick twitch energy- perfect for the slot. And he can catch
Clay may finally resolve our return specialist problem.
Now we have two hulking fullbacks. Both fad for big guys. Special teams could be scary.
Just a great draft- and Lovie drafted two of the best Linemen available. Love smiths attitude. We now have two monster sized tackles.
Marley has incredible agility and strength. He will be an all pro for many years
May 3rd, 2015 at 3:42 pm
“Marpet has”
Damn phone
May 3rd, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Whats the best thing for a quarterback a good running game its also good for the defense everybody envisions Winston throwing all over the field by contrary i would rather he just turn around and hand the ball off
May 3rd, 2015 at 5:16 pm
5th round WR are weird. They can be pro bowl or they can get hurt walking up the stairs to practice and never play a down – even with all the physical skills you hear about. It’s a weird thing (you all know what I mean)
May 3rd, 2015 at 11:26 pm
yeah – Bell or Robert Heron will be that speed guy 😉
May 4th, 2015 at 12:00 am
Gotta teach Heron to catch
May 4th, 2015 at 2:04 am
The Bucs draft on paper on paper is a A+. They filled the need at qb, got the most underrated LT and RG in the draft. Also made our LB corp maybe the fastest ever, plus added the best value reciever for the slot, added a return man we so desperately needed, and gave us fans a Alston look alike, who could be playing defense this time next year. Great draft on paper, let me know in 3 years. It reminded me of a Bellichek draft, but that’s a good thing.
May 4th, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Well, I must say after day one of the draft I was very disappointed in our selection. I hope I’m wrong about him since that’s who L and L decided to go with, but he sure didn’t make a good first impression on me, especially after he tweeted a picture of himself eating crab legs right after he got picked, real mature (sarcasm). I am aware that my opinion doesn’t matter to the people that run the show, so I’ll leave it at this: for the ones that think he’s got what it takes, I hope you’re all right.
As for the rest of the draft I like the guys this team added, and I really hope they have as much upside as L and L think they all do. Only time will tell, but if this draft class turns out to be good this will be a fun year to watch our Bucs (Finally…)