Bucs Talk To College Running Back Multiple Times
February 27th, 2016
Is Jason Licht licking his chops for a Pac-12 running back?
Your Buccaneers have shown lots of interest in a running back entering the 2016 NFL draft.
Joe is learning plenty while live at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis talking to players, scouts, agents, NFL executives, coaches and stunning waitresses.
The running back is Daniel Lasco out of the University of California.
On Thursday, Joe enjoyed 1-on-1 time with Lasco in the bowels of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Lasco says he has benefited from years of ongoing mentoring from his two-year college roommate, reigning Super Bowl champion running back C.J. Anderson.
Recruited by former Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford to “Cal,” Lasco is a very confident and Alpha-dog kind of cat. He’s big for a running back, (6-0, 209), and he’s coming off a strong East-West Shrine game in January. “I played very well,” he said.
Lasco said he likes to study and try to model his approach after Steelers running back
“I believe he’s the best running back in the league,” Lasco said of Bell. “Just the way that he’s very patient and hits the hole once he sees it, just knows how to play. He’s a baller.”
Joe is writing about Lasco because the 23-year-old told Joe he’s met with Bucs officials at least twice.
Meeting with the Bucs once is meaningless. Twice is much more serious. Lasco thought it might have been a third time. (Understand guys meet with many teams and can lose track when put on the spot.).
A hip injury forced Lasco to miss the first half of last season. In 2014, he was a menace to Pac-12 defenses with 1,115 yards on just 210 carries. He had 12 touchdowns on the ground and two through the air, among 33 receptions.
Yesterday, Lasco went out and earned a workout warrior label following the Combine Olympics.
Definitely a guy to keep an eye on, especially if the Bucs screw up and don’t re-sign Doug Martin.
February 27th, 2016 at 10:16 am
Smoke screens???
February 27th, 2016 at 10:17 am
To to start preparing for life after doug. I have a bad feeling that #22 will not be back unfortunately.
February 27th, 2016 at 10:18 am
*Time
February 27th, 2016 at 10:27 am
Derrick Henry -James and mike Evans
We could have that!!!
Deal with that combo
February 27th, 2016 at 10:33 am
I think a more interesting story is that of Jacquizz Rodgers, drafted by Mike Smith and Keotter in Atlanta, dude is a awesome runner he’s officially a free agent after signing with the Bears last offseason. Keep a close watch on him boys, I bet he’s a Buc by end of March.
February 27th, 2016 at 10:37 am
I really thought Mike James has a lot of potential….never thought he ever got his shot to shine since he broke his ankle against Miami a couple of years ago. I guess Licht would kick the tires on him if he thought the same….the guy has ZERO miles on his tires.
February 27th, 2016 at 10:55 am
I agree with Kevin, on Mike James, give the dude a look, zero miles
February 27th, 2016 at 11:10 am
@Kevin Schmidt
Agree with you 100%, when James got his shot a few years back he was dynamic, there was no drop off whatsoever filling in for the injured Martin, I even thought he might be better if given the chance to compete for the starting position.
I like James way more than Sims, thought he got a raw deal when Bucs drafted Sims which parked James on the bench ever since, never have understood that one. MJ is a RB that will shine when given another chance, doubt it will be with Bucs though.
Why are the Bucs (as well as most bloggers) so high on Sims? He runs like he’s skating on ice, and honestly can’t recall him putting up much resistance to break free of tackles.
February 27th, 2016 at 11:32 am
You guys are talking foolish!!! James of Sims!!!! He is more Versatile than DM22 ( better pass protection and better receiving threat) and just way more explosive than James!!
Does this look like he is on skates??? Dude just flat out ran one of the DB’s!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPgh1O5tBdA
February 27th, 2016 at 11:43 am
Only Jason Licht could find a gem like Daniel Lasco. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 2014 and he has already become a Combine Top Performer in the 40 yard dash (4.46), vert jump (41.5) and broad jump (135.9). Watching his highlights you notice how he can make a quick cut to avoid contact, kind of like someone else we know. Lasco is a very good receiver as well. The hip and ankle injuries last year should keep him in the middle rounds. When it comes to Doug Martin, we all want him back but none of us know what his number is and for that matter what Licht’s number is?
February 27th, 2016 at 12:09 pm
I’m gonna LMAO if the Bucs let Martin get away. He will join a long list of ex Buc players and coaches who we let get away to do better elsewhere. Come on Buc fans. check our history. Its the..Buccaneer way baby!!
February 27th, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Glad we have Sims….even if we lose Martin….we have a shot keeping a great running game with Sims/James and a FA.
February 27th, 2016 at 12:55 pm
He’s a RB from a spread offense…not sure I’d take him.
February 27th, 2016 at 1:20 pm
agree with realist
While Sims isn’t a bruising runner like martin.he is faster and has a 11 yard catch average. I like what Martin brings to the table,but having him or bobby Rainey running wheel routes made no sense to me.They are smaller backs
bothered by bigger defenders and lack the receiving skills for this pattern. Sims has proven he is a downfield threat. I am not pushing for him to be bellcow,but at almost 5 yards a carry the defense doesn’t know if its a pass or a run.
February 27th, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Our Bucs could have/Should have signed Martin before the season ended. We would have gotten a far better deal than now. Now, he’s probably asking 7 to 8 a year..maybe more. And if he leaves? He will get it and more. PAY THE MAN. Or..somebody else will.
February 27th, 2016 at 2:38 pm
The Bucs GM and head coach like Martin, now the talk is will he sign a deal with the Bucs that both sides are in agreement on. Keep them guessing, I’m guessed out.
February 27th, 2016 at 4:49 pm
CJ Prosise will be a steal in round 4 big back 6′ 220 plenty of speed 4.48 and has great moves he reminds me of David Johnson best hands in this class he’s a former WR plus he has no wear great complement to Sims
February 27th, 2016 at 5:23 pm
Consider this…IF Doug had a contract already and this news leaked out, what would you say their reason is?
FULLBACK.
February 27th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
I don’t believe for a second that Martin is going anywhere. The media may try to make you think otherwise, but don’t fall for it.
One local reporter makes something up, and next thing you know it, national media says “sources in tampa are saying…”
Don’t buy the hype.
February 27th, 2016 at 5:28 pm
BTW…
On NFL Website About Daniel Lasco
Not an instinctive runner between the tackles. Slow to process development of running lanes and appears unable to make late decisions and keep the run alive. Needs to show more creativity as a runner. Leaves too many yards out on the field due to lack of vision. Too quick to give in and end the run.
Bottom Line
One-year wonder who put himself on the map with a strong, overall performance in 2014 but suffered through a hip injury in 2015 and was unimpressive when he played. Lasco has some positive physical traits and might post some interesting combine numbers, but his lack of vision and inability to run with consistent physicality will be challenges when it comes to making an NFL roster.
February 27th, 2016 at 5:54 pm
We will be foolish to let Doug walk. Licht was dangling a carrot in Dougs face for no reason. We have the cap room. We need to develop and keep our core. Sure, Sims is a great RB too, but Im not sure about him carrying the load. Especially when we do have a bell cow on the roster right now. LOL, for a few more weeks. Meaningless carrot.
February 27th, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Licht comes from the Patriot tree which means you don’t overpay for RB’s. I like Martin but he’s not a top tier RB. If you think we are going to break the bank for this guy you are crazy.
February 27th, 2016 at 8:43 pm
sure should be a bigger bank than the patriots had.We are the cellar dwellars
and you don’t foolishly give away one of your best weapons.If the patriots
got better backs Brady wouldn’t have to pass 50 times and took the beating Denver gave him. Just saying.
February 27th, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Foolishness. Doug will be back. If he isnt then we have a stable of backs ready to go. I would not waste another premium pick on a RB. You can find plenty of RBs in the 6th and 7th rounds.
February 27th, 2016 at 8:59 pm
at what point will licht let him walk is the question.i would expect some increase over what he would have made in his fifth year.but there should
be a way to pay million incentives for full seasons and not overpay if injured or production drops.
He should get a big chunk of guaranteed money ,probably twice his rookie contract.
February 27th, 2016 at 9:09 pm
not sure why they are looking at lasco unless they want a late round sleeper
February 27th, 2016 at 10:44 pm
Personally I want a guy that can take it to the house. His highlights show him with good 5-20 yard runs but I want a guy who can break off a big one TO THE HOUSE. Say what you want about martin. I think if he didn’t get caught from behind so much he’d have led the league in rushing. We don’t need another guy who gets caught from behind.
February 27th, 2016 at 11:09 pm
The Bucs want Martin’s agent to know we’ve talked to at least a half of dozen RB’s. It’s smart business.
I’m on board with Guzzie on Proisse. Read Mayock’s writeup. The guy can run, catch and play ST too. He’s thinking 4th round.
And yes, yes, yes. No way Licht overpays #22. it’s not in his DNA. There will be a foot of snow in Tampa before that happens.
February 28th, 2016 at 5:45 am
3-4 years is the average span for RB’s. I too think we need to sign Dougie as long as its within reason. But unfortunately, knowing our history of letting good players go, I know he’s going to at least test the FA market. And thats good, let him. Then see if we can make him happier with a # to keep him home where he belongs.
February 28th, 2016 at 5:51 am
“Doug Martin got a lot of yards after contact, I like guys that get yards without contact”- Donald Trump
February 28th, 2016 at 6:42 am
Sims led the league in yards per touch because he has talent and skills, and also because Koetter knows how to best use him. Koetter got the most out of Dougie as well, and I’m sure Dougie knows that. A new system with new coaches and different players, would not be in his best interest. Koetter will be successful with or without Dougie. If he’s smart, he will accept the offer and finish his career as a Buccaneer.
February 28th, 2016 at 4:38 pm
@supersam
Jaquizz Rodgers is a scrub!
February 28th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
Walterfootball.com doesn’t even have this guy ranked in his top 20 rbs. Not saying that guy is God or anything but not even ranked???
February 29th, 2016 at 3:05 am
Let’s play a childhood game with Martin… TAG, you’re it! 😘