Mocking
February 24th, 2016
Could Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller help the Bucs?
Joe is on record explaining the silliness of mock drafts in February (and March).
But if one must read a mock draft, why not listen to someone who has access to Bucs big shots and a keen appreciation of what the team may be seeking, as opposed to those with no access believing the Bucs will draft an offensive tackle at No. 9 because of some ill-conceived hatred of Donovan Smith generated by an Excel spreadsheet.
And that person would be Woody Cummings of The Tampa Tribune. Recently, Cummings had an on-the-record sitdown with Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht. Now, Cummings decided to go seven-deep and take a stab every Bucs selectiont in April’s draft.
Yes, like many, Cummings believes the Bucs will take a defensive end in the first round. In the second round, Cummings has a hunch Licht will go cornerback.
Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Just like former Bucs coach Lovie Smith, new defensive coordinator Mike Smith is all about taking the ball away. Few cornerbacks in this year’s rather deep class are as adept at that as Fuller. Yes, he missed all but three games last year with a knee injury, so there is some risk involved. But if Fuller grades out well medically at the combine, his draft status will rise. When healthy, Fuller is one of the top defensive playmakers in his class.
This seems logical. Joe has a not-too-crazy notion the Bucs, with the draft so deep in pass rushers, may actually go corner in the first round.
Savvy general managers are big on value. If the Bucs think they can get value early in the second round at No. 39 with a defensive end, and the right corner is on the table when the Bucs pick at No. 9, who knows?
February 24th, 2016 at 7:19 am
I want Mac Alexander from my Clemson Tigers at 9.
Assuming Ramsey and Hargreaves are gone.
February 24th, 2016 at 7:55 am
This guy is a player!!! He might be the best corner in the draft when it’s all said and done. Trade up to bottom of 1st round is worth it if he’s 100%…
February 24th, 2016 at 8:16 am
Cummings also mocked University of Miami’s speedy CB Artie Burns with the 3rd pick, he must not think much of the current CB’s at all, I really liked his mock though, didn’t know we had a 7th round pick unless that was a compensation pick added
February 24th, 2016 at 8:20 am
I would love to see J-Ram fall to the Bucs @ 9. Love his passion for the game. True ball hawk. Come on Jameis make a push for your old team mate.
February 24th, 2016 at 9:14 am
I think Fuller is worth a look. I’m more concerned about Cummings 7th round pick #230 Deion Bush, Especially since we don’t have a 7th rd pick because of the Mark Barron trade.
February 24th, 2016 at 9:56 am
Brandon Powers… Before his hamstring injury, I thought Alexander looked great against ‘Bama in the National Championship game. I 100% agreed with you until all this info about his lack of stats started coming out (zero INTs in college…. ZERO)! I say grab Spence at 9 and trade back into bottom of 1st to get Alexander!
February 24th, 2016 at 11:32 am
Am I the only guy here not that sold on our kicking game?
Am I the only one here who considers Aguayo a generational talent?
I’m not a NOLE and so perhaps some of you FSU guys could weigh in. Is Aguayo not the real deal?
February 24th, 2016 at 2:47 pm
Seen this boy play several times at Lane Stadium and Bud Foster’s defense was much different (better) when he was on the field. The game against OSU was the only one that looked bad, but he wasn’t alone in that game, several players were out of position.
February 24th, 2016 at 8:57 pm
Kendall Fuller suffered a knee injury last year. Why draft damaged goods if you don’t have too? Watch the Ohio State game. Fuller got owned by Buckeyes WR Michael Thomas. Was also poor in run defense. If we want a second round CB our best bet would be CB Artie Burns* Miami (6′ 0″ 195). Burns is raw, has length, speed and ball skills. Full of potential. Keep in mind he was limited in his growth at the position, thanks to a spring track schedule, where Burns was a star runner. Burns will be a combine warrior and his draft stock will rise. The other CB with potential is William Jackson III. I wish our GM would sign a FA cornerback, maybe two, so we could concentrate the early rounds in the draft on DE/DT, WR, G, T.
February 24th, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Alstott up the gut Says – “this info about (Alexander) his lack of stats started coming out (zero INTs in college…. ZERO)!” Alexander allowed opponents to complete just 29.6 percent of balls thrown into his coverage — the second-lowest rate in the nation. He tracked Notre Dame WR Will Fuller when they met, limiting him to just 37 yards. And while Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard finished their game with seven catches, he was 0-for-3 when covered by Alexander. He was on the field for 766 snaps in 2014 and allowed 20 completions; just consider that for a moment. In 638 snaps last season, QBs completed only 11 passes vs. Alexander with zero touchdowns while he racked up 23 tackles and two tackles for loss. Teams only completed a total of 31 receptions when targeting Alexander in his college career. Let that sink in. Imagine what Brett Maxie could do with him? He is also well known for being a fiery competitor who is quick to mix it up with a receiver after the play. What else can we ask for? A shut down corner with swagger and attitude who will set the tone for our defense. Draft Alexander and sign either Sean Smith or Adam Jones and our secondary gets scary. Move up in the second round and draft DE Kevin Dodd (6-5 275). Then sign Mario or JPP. Draft the best Safety available in the third round. Done deal. It really is just that easy.