Codebreakers
February 25th, 2016
Jason Licht hints at CIA-like intel the Bucs use to grade prospects.
Joe has been clear that the televised portion of the NFL Scouting Combine is a colossal bore and if Joe were a fan of indoor track and field, then Joe may be interested.
Some NFL types don’t even believe the drills at the combine translate to, you know — football? So there is loud chatter in NFL circles to overhaul the combine to include drills that are more football centric.
However, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht is not among those voices. As he ended his media car wash yesterday morning from Indianapolis, Licht spoke with Bob Papa and Ross Tucker, co-hosts of “The Opening Drive,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Licht said changing the combine might be a disadvantage to the Bucs.
“Well, you know, I probably have quite a few things that I would bring to the table,” Licht said when asked what he would change with the combine.
“But, it’s kind of like; I have to ask myself, ‘Why would I ask [Combine organizers] to incorporate something that we do that we feel we may get a competitive advantage on?’ So, you know what I am saying? If we have a different way of measuring athleticism, for instance, why am I going to try to incorporate that here [and let] the other 31 teams get a chance to get a crack at that as well?”
This got Joe’s brain working overtime. Just what intel does Licht and his staff use to grade players?
Whatever it is, it is working. Licht’s stops up the NFL corporate ladder included the Belicheats and the Cardinals, both teams that have been proven strong at player evaluation.
And looking back at Licht’s first (and only) two drafts with the Bucs, including last year’s grand slam with the first four picks, Licht apparently possesses something akin to an NFL version of Enigma.
February 25th, 2016 at 11:05 am
I feel bad for anyone that does not have access to NFL Radio!!! I also heard the interview with Head Coach Koetter interview as well! Sounded great. Made me excited to start training camp for this year!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!
February 25th, 2016 at 11:14 am
what intel does Licht and his staff use to grade players?
———–/———
Sense of Humor! According to Licht that’s the secret sauce.
February 25th, 2016 at 11:20 am
Yup.
February 25th, 2016 at 11:23 am
Sort of like an American Kennel Club dog show, oohs and aahs all around. They’re all strutting their stuff yall.
February 25th, 2016 at 11:56 am
I pretty much agree with Warren Sapp when it comes to the combine. It’s not like they’ll be doing bench presses on the football field. Except for the slavery analogy. He’s on his own there.
February 25th, 2016 at 12:05 pm
I seem to love everything Jason Licht says. He really makes you confident that we’re heading in the right direction. What a guy.
February 25th, 2016 at 12:15 pm
Get back with me this time next year so we can properly judge his first draft.
February 25th, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Wow I am impressed licht gonna have to jump into pools when we win too damn the whole city be doing that soon too
February 25th, 2016 at 1:27 pm
It sure is nice to have professionals in the building.
February 25th, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Strider…I think you’re right.
February 25th, 2016 at 9:46 pm
LOVE. IT.
February 26th, 2016 at 12:46 am
O lineman and d lineman use muscles from a bench press on every play to leverage their opponent. Like i said in past threads. The drills are more to see who is a bottom dweller in that area. I don’t want an o lineman that can’t bench 225. Or a CB with 5.49 speed. Or a QB that can’t throw well in shorts. It is more about checking a box. Can he do this? Yep, check mark away. It is finding the guys who miss the mark and do poorly that you gotta be careful with. The red flags are important in player evaluation. I think it is all useful for scouting. All NFL players are fast, but to have 4.2 speed is godly fast. Don’t tell me that guy didnt just raise his draft status.
I always like watching the DEs doing the hip turn drills. It is obvious which guys are going to be good pass rushers. They have fluid hips and are very agile. I havent seen a bad hip drill guy turn into a good DE yet. I remember watching Kony Ealy a fee years back and was very impressed with his fluid hips. Turns out he is a decent DE for the Panthers. I can’t wait to watch this years DE draft class do that drill.