Bucs Tip Hand With Hayes
February 9th, 2016
Hiring defensive line coach Jay Hayes suggests the Bucs will load up on defensive linemen this offseason.
When Joe chatted with NFL types in San Francisco, the Bucs talk wasn’t so much about the hiring of Dirk Koetter. Clearly, NFL folks are energized by the power of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston. He is the epicenter of Tampa Bay and what’s good for Jameis is good for the Bucs, most NFL folks reason for good reason.
On hiring assistants, these same NFL people believe grabbing Mike Smith as defensive coordinator was smart but the real heist was getting Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes.
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger applauded the hire while talking to Joe.
“I was surprised he was able to get out of Cincinnati,” Baldinger said. “I mean, if you look at Cincinnati, they have been built strong on the defensive line. It all starts up front in the trenches. So Jay understands that. Jay was a great hire. I was surprised [the Bucs] were able to get him, but it was a great hire.”
The Hayes hire tells Joe there is little doubt the Bucs will load up on the defensive line in both the draft and free agency. One reason the Bucs wouldn’t let Hayes leave One Buc Palace is because they are convinced he is the guy to develop those new linemen.
If Joe had to guess, cornerback will not be a high priority, with the Bucs thinking they can get a whole lot more out of Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks.
Defensive line, specifically ends? That is the priority come the March 9 free agency dinner bell and the draft at the end of April.
And Hayes likely would not have come to Tampa if he wasn’t assured the Bucs would address the position.
February 9th, 2016 at 7:06 am
Get him some stud DEs and Newton will be on our rear view mirror.
The Super Bowl showed us the kryptonite baby!
February 9th, 2016 at 7:28 am
I would not be surprised if they upgrade the DT spot next to GMC as well. And for haters, McCoy was likely a selling point too, so he won’t be gotten rid of.
February 9th, 2016 at 8:01 am
Sounds like a logical conclusion…..we have some good pieces in place with GMC, McDonald…..but need some help at DE. I still think we’ll draft a CB pretty high,,,,1st or 2nd round….
February 9th, 2016 at 8:06 am
@Joe,
Gotta ask if nothing else for sh!ts and giggles, what are the chances he wants to bring ghost johnson back again from cincy lmao…After what he did/did not do here with his time here, I find it fitting that ole ghost loses the only guy that ever made him worth a crap in this league, to the team he and his agent crapped all over. GO BUCS!!!
February 9th, 2016 at 8:10 am
I think it will play out like this (without checking to see what picks we actually have):
Round 1 Defensive End
Round 2 Defensive End or Offensive Line (depending on BPA at those spots)
Round 3 Defensive End (if not taken in 2nd), Offensive Line or Wide Receiver
Round 4 Cornerback or Offensive Line
Round 5 Cornerback or Fullback (I keep hoping!)
Round 6 Wide Receiver (returner)
Round 7 Who knows.
February 9th, 2016 at 8:16 am
Anyone think Lovie could have recruited this guy?
We’ve got a better roster then many believe, let’s see what competent, flexible, no BS (“simple as that” arrogant crap) coaching can do.
Also, a traditional HC, GM relationship now puts us in a better place. No way Licht would have signed all the FA disasters of the last two seasons.
February 9th, 2016 at 8:26 am
Bucs are pretty happy with Clinton McDonald, who is not a free agent.
February 9th, 2016 at 8:27 am
My draft
Round 1: Bpa not a qb
Round 2: Bpa not a qb
Round 3: Bpa not a qb
Round 4: Bpa
Round 5: Bpa
Round 6: special teams
Round 7: special teams.
Undrafted fa: Special teams/camp meat/maybe get a surprise
February 9th, 2016 at 8:27 am
Seriously doubt that. But Wallace Gilberry is a possibility.
February 9th, 2016 at 8:32 am
Screw Gilberry, he was outright toxic after he left. Loyal players have ears. Joe knows, McDonald needs a new contract. Inked in Tampa.
February 9th, 2016 at 8:49 am
I am also in favor of DE/linebacker hybrid such as Vonn Miller or clay Mathews.
@buc4life
William Goldston is a similar player to Michael Johnson.both play the run very well.He is younger and probably has more upside.We thought we
were getting a double digit sacker but high ankle sprain slowed him up.
February 9th, 2016 at 9:03 am
There is also a possibility that lovie wanted Michael Johnson back on the field
before he was fully healed and he kept reinjuring it.An edge rusher with no speed can easily become a ghost.I have similar questions McCoy and torn rotator cuff or labrum as has been reported.the injury doesn’t heal itself on
the field and would limit his strength and leverage.
February 9th, 2016 at 9:04 am
More Safety’s please!!
February 9th, 2016 at 9:05 am
I gotta good filling about this team next year idk about super bowl but playoffs I can see us getting in, hopefully Jameis was doing a lot of recurring not only at the pro bowl but the super bowl too
February 9th, 2016 at 9:52 am
Good good. D line priority >>>> anything else imo
Biggest lack of ability on the team and it was obvious if they ever just rushed 4
February 9th, 2016 at 10:22 am
I agree the Bucs are pretty happy with Clinton McDonald, who is not a free agent. Problem is that Henry Melton and Tony McDonald are free agents. I would bet Melton will be seeking a contract similar to what last years was? This years draft is loaded with DT talent. I bet we draft one and release Melton and probably McDaniel as well.
February 9th, 2016 at 10:41 am
Gholston, Spence and GMC are the only locks right now. Maybe Jack Smith if you buy in to what the DC is looking for.
When it’s a deep class at any position, you can go fishing in the late rounds.
February 9th, 2016 at 10:51 am
I really liked McDonald and though he was a great balance for GMC. Too bad he went down so early. Also like McDonald’s steady vet presence.
February 9th, 2016 at 11:16 am
We really need to bring in some “talent” on the D line. We need some damn speed on this D line! Von Miller was downfield covering a WR for StPetes sake!! The D line is clearly our highest priority/need. A great D line can make anyone(even a scrub like Jonathan Banks) look good!
February 9th, 2016 at 11:50 am
There is not one position grouping on our defense that can’t be upgraded. DE and Safety are obvious weak spots, a strong side LB that can also pass rush would be a fun toy to have. You can never have enough cover corners, and some more youth at the DT position would be welcome.
February 9th, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Macdonald is very good football playerand clubhouse leader.I don’t think henry melton and would be missed.
February 9th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Andrew Billings pick number 9 Noah Spence round 2 and either way you puck up a free agent DE 1st choice super Mario or Vernon/ Bruce irvin.
February 9th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Everything you guys are harping on is the same thing Lovie has been preaching and trying to fix. DE has been a problem and Lovie tried everything and everyone to fix it but the one thing Lovie didn’t try 2 fix which may have been his downfall was new assistant coaches I doubt coach Hayes would be here if Lovie was here.
February 9th, 2016 at 9:39 pm
I am shocked we were able to hire Jay. He is a wonderful coach and will do wonders for our guys. And it is obvious we need help across the D Line. We can get an edge rusher in FA for sure. And if Noah Spence falls into the 2nd round, he would be hard to pass. But Jay didn’t come here unless there were some reassurances in strengthening the line. Which is a win on both fronts for us! Great coach and better players!