Driving The Nkemdiche Bus
March 31st, 2016
Is drafting a DT like Robert Nkemdiche a luxury?
It is past the point of irresponsible and reaching sinful levels that the Bucs are on the verge of wasting the career of stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
Shameful doesn’t begin to describe it.
The Bucs need an edge rush. The fact the team has millions invested in McCoy and allows him to wither on the vine is beyond unthinkable. Joe considers Team Glazer to be savvy businessmen, but allowing the franchise to continue without an edge rush and watching McCoy’s talents thrown down the toilet is awful.
That’s why getting someone to get to the quarterback is so important. And that’s why Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski of Scout.com has been so insistent the Bucs draft Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche.
Yes, Nkemdiche comes with baggage, but Pawlowski believes it’s totally overblown.
During a press conference following his pro day, Nkemdiche gave a brilliant answer when asked to say why teams should draft him with [his off-field rap].
“Just to look at me as a person, and to look at my past (separately),” Nkemdiche said. “There aren’t any issues, plural, that I’ve had. There’s an issue. There are things that surround people, and then there are things that can just happen. It’s up to teams believing in me and trusting me.”
Nkemdiche is right. This was one incident in December that has clouded the minds of anyone outside the NFL trying to evaluate him. The timing was everything for Nkemdiche and this incident, and because it happened so close to draft time, he is now paying the consequences.
Joe wouldn’t be opposed to drafting this Nkemdiche, but the issue here is Nkemdiche is projected as a tackle, not an end. Drafting this guy still does not solve the Grand Canyon-like hole in the Bucs roster, a double-digit sack guy at defensive end.
Drafting a defensive tackle wouldn’t be a cardinal sin, but it seems to be a luxury when you already have GMC on the roster and one looks at how this franchise is crying for an edge rush.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:03 pm
Hate it Or Luv It – Its time 2 sign Greg Hardy!!
March 31st, 2016 at 12:03 pm
Rankins will work better
March 31st, 2016 at 12:07 pm
We have Spence and McDonald, and gholston can play tackle also. Not sure why we would even entertain a defensive tackle, however we are in position to draft Best available. Doesn’t matter who we draft as long as the produce I’ll be happy, a kicker who becomes an all pro would be better than some of our previous top draft picks.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:11 pm
There is nothing wrong with having a nasty interior line…
March 31st, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Greg Hardy? …this team is building something…don’t need an arseh*le to come in and bring it down….let the gangsters go back to the hood, not play on the Bucs…
March 31st, 2016 at 12:14 pm
Current
LDE Robert Ayers | William Gholston
LDT Gerald McCoy |
RDT Akeem Spence | Clinton McDonald
RDE Jacquies Smith | Howard Jones
Camp Meat
• George Johnson
• Kourtnei Brown
• Derrick Lott
• Cliff Matthews
• Davon Coleman
• Martin Ifedi
March 31st, 2016 at 12:15 pm
He is a match for McCoy, He disappears for long periods of time too.
Between the two of them you could have a half of Aaron Donald.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:15 pm
PASS (gonna turnout worse than bowers) imo.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:17 pm
U need a few Gangsta’s to hold U down in the Hood aka the trenches.
It’s grimy in there – ain’t no place for the timid and weak.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:18 pm
Best. Availabe. Athlete.
Do NOT draft for need…
March 31st, 2016 at 12:18 pm
I saw the game tape the commish posted, he plays just like GMC with 2 sacks and 2 false starts and all. No idea why we would draft a gmc clone considering we already have the best DT in the league. I guess it’s possible gmc could get hurt but it’s unlikely.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:21 pm
Best. Available. “Player”…..the drafting athletes part always fails…game tape!!!
March 31st, 2016 at 12:25 pm
So far we’ve attended Pro Days or Confirmed Private
Workouts for the following Prospects – on the D –Line
Rush Ends
Noah Spence
Emmanuel Ogbah
Matt Judon
Interior Rush
Robert Nkemdiche
Sheldon Rankins
Andrew Billings
Joel Heath
March 31st, 2016 at 12:25 pm
@capt…LOLOLOLOLOLOL…..
seriously, if he’s the BPA in the second round and e.ogbah is gone then grab him…de has some depth in the later rounds…carl nassib, Bronson kaufusi, alex mcallistar, shawn oakman(all over 6’5 which dline coach hayes loves) and about 4 or 5 other de’s that should all be there in rounds 3-5…GO BUCS!!!
March 31st, 2016 at 12:31 pm
Side Bar: Lets also not forget -next time Akeem Spence is suspended.
It will be for no less than 6 games
March 31st, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Nkemdiche has an explosive first step, perhaps the best in the entire class of interior defensive lineman but his inability to anchor against double teams and his inability to diagnose plays, is also a major concern. The Bucs are probably looking at him if he falls to the second round. It would be difficult to justify taking him at nine. The possibility of drafting Leonard Floyd then Robert Nkemdiche sends chills up my spine. Small chance but still a chance. Anyone remember Randy Gregory last year?
March 31st, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Dude has a reputation in Oxford for doing things that will get you a long suspension in the NFL.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:39 pm
Worth a shot in the 2nd round if he falls that far. Would be a reach at 9 however. He isn’t going anywhere near the top half of the fist round. On top of his “issues” his tape is not consistently great, nor is his production.
Nkemdiche is a ‘potential’ guy with off field red flags, not a good combo to have in a prospect.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:48 pm
LUVMYBUCS…at the very top of the page?
LMAO that was grrreat!
March 31st, 2016 at 12:52 pm
I agree with Joe that the Nkemdiche’s offense has been overblown! The projected #1 draft pick was in the room partying with Nkemdiche. He was lucky enough to not fall off the balcony! LOL now that nobody’s been hurt.
Cmon guys we’ve all partied…some of us still do!!! If Nkemdiche is blemished why isn’t Tunsil also faulted. He’s going in the top 3!
Luvmybucs…you know I love your posts and agree with most of them except for HARDY!!!
It’s not just his off field issues, although they are enough for me, his stats are not really all the great. He had two good years…one good year and one great year..otherwise his numbers are no better than Jack Smith’s. In fact if Smith had remained heathy he was clearly on pace for double digit sacks.
Given our current talent level I do not believe we need to do anything desperate or even hit a home run, we did that last year. We just need solid upgrades.
The only wild deal that excites me right now is Wilkerson….and that’s a real long shot.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:54 pm
87′
Lol- I’m like c’mon man. Sign the dude on the cheap, with tons of incentives. So he’ll have something to shoot for. Trust the MEN you have in your locker room- with high character – 2 even dude out.
#LETS GO
We all know Nkemdiche is not a edge rusher. Over time sure he’ll be a solid interior rusher. But until then how about we sign a real edge rusher.
March 31st, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Personally don’t have a problem with drafting a game-changing DT at #9, but Nkemdiche isn’t that. Three years in college and he produced 6.5 sacks total, and didn’t force or recover any fumbles. That’s not a difference-maker. Would much rather have Robinson from Bama or Billings from Baylor.
March 31st, 2016 at 1:25 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
What do you think of Bronson Kaufusi?
March 31st, 2016 at 1:26 pm
* in a later round of course
March 31st, 2016 at 1:33 pm
cspann
I think the kids a real solid prospect. I was talking about him back in Dec.
He’s projected to go in the 2nd round- right now.
But if he falls to the 4 or 5th round – he’ll be a steal
March 31st, 2016 at 1:36 pm
LUV
He looks a lot fast on tape than his test times
March 31st, 2016 at 1:38 pm
cspann
The kid has heart – and good motor
March 31st, 2016 at 1:48 pm
Uniform numbers in college throw me off. This guy is a huge kicker!
March 31st, 2016 at 1:52 pm
Expo
Nkemdiche has tons of potential
wait for it..
March 31st, 2016 at 1:58 pm
We draft the best player available….I know need is the tiebreaker….but if this guy can be a difference maker….a future hall of famer..you find a way to get him. You can never have too many “great players” regardless what position they play, Joe. We can’t just settle on a cornerback or edge rusher if it’s the not the best available to us, Joe….and we can’t just settle on a DT if it’s not the best available. The scouting depo, coaching staff and management will have to due their due diligence on each player…from #9 to the last player drafted.
March 31st, 2016 at 2:01 pm
Shortest route to the qb is a straight line. A pass rushing dt will work just fine. Build from the middle out.
March 31st, 2016 at 2:01 pm
Please give me a break..Please! This Robert N guy is not only not a game changer, he’s average at best. I do know one certain thing though..If our Bucs do not get some pressure on the opposing QB this year? Our secondary is gonna get picked apart like it did last year. Don’t matter who you got back there defending.
March 31st, 2016 at 2:21 pm
On 3rd down put Gerald at DE for Christ sake!!!
He will rack up 20 sacks like Reggie Miller or Bruce Smith!
No one in the NFL can stop GMC one on one!!!
March 31st, 2016 at 2:34 pm
Reggie Miller is too skinny to be effective. Pretty good at shooting 3s though.
March 31st, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Also, Schiano tried that. It didn’t work very well.
March 31st, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Not at pick #9 but he, Ogbah or Spence may slip to Bucs in the 2nd round. I’m compiling my list now and they’re not all DTs, some are WR CB and S.
March 31st, 2016 at 2:47 pm
No thanks
THEY NEED DEs!!!!!!!
March 31st, 2016 at 3:07 pm
At LUVMYBUCS.
I believe Mike Smith is a very good coach, he can get it through Hardys thick head to conduct himself in a professional manner on / off the field. The importance of appearance and Public perception. Jason Garrett is a cross between Howdy Doody and Pee-Wee Herman. No wonder Hardy ran amuck on that team. I am also sure his agent has informed Hardy that he may not play football this year, and if he does get an offer he will be damn lucky. Hopefully Hardy has had a come to Jesus meeting and get his act together enough to help this Bucs defense put all out fear in opposing quarterbacks. GO BUCS SIGN HARDY
March 31st, 2016 at 3:13 pm
GhostofSchiano
Well said bruddah#respect
March 31st, 2016 at 3:27 pm
GhostofSchiano
nice post. I agree with everything you said. Like LUVMYBUCS I have no problem giving Hardy a shot.
March 31st, 2016 at 4:40 pm
JOE you probably in the group that didn’t want us to Draft Adrian Pererson because we had Carnell Williams. We need Best Player Available! If this guy is it lets get him. Instead of reaching on a DE like we did in 2007 and got Gaines Adams instead of Adrian Peterson. Or 2012 Mark Barron over Luke Kuechly. I love GMC but the guy has had a couple injuries, most DLinemen take a while to peak so I don’t see it as a luxury.
March 31st, 2016 at 4:45 pm
i’m not a draft expert, but it seems to me there are players at that position and others who have similar ceilings and much higher floors than Robert N.
re: Greg Hardy, there is a reason that teams desperate for pass rush – including his last 2 employers – are staying far away. his past may be a factor but it has more to do with production and commitment. in what was a contract\redemption year, forget about sacks or tackles….the state that he completely bombed was posting an unacceptable production-to-b.s. ratio
March 31st, 2016 at 4:57 pm
@bestplayeravailable, EVERYBODY was in that group. people might forget that AP was coming off of 2 injury shortened seasons with an upright running style that worried NFL scouts. in the meantime our team was losing talented starters left and right and Cadillac was still beloved down here and just a year removed from winning Rookie of the Year. This was also before the era of the short term RB and RB by committee. Emmitt Smith was on year 15 in the league and having a single workhorse back was the model most teams tried to follow. the world changed a ton after that, and crowning AP as the obvious choice in hindsight is a bit unfair. my biggest regret that offseason was that we weren’t terrible enough to score Joe Thomas or Calvin Johnson – 2 guys who people DID project as HOF caliber
March 31st, 2016 at 5:09 pm
@pick6 you must have been in the Johnny Manuel camp as well ;-). The point is to draft best player available and not reach for a need area. If hindsight is so clear let’s not make the same mistake in the future. Who cares if we didn’t get Calvin Johnson we drafted Dexter Jackson WR in the second round 2008 cause we needed a receiver lol. There are tons of examples my only point is there are no luxury picks IMO except K,P and maybe QB.
March 31st, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Manziel*
March 31st, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I don’t think it’s a huge luxury.. McDonald has been often injured and Akeem spence is mostly best for defending the run.
When both McDonald and Jack Smith were healthy the line looked much more disruptive (even tho we still had scheme problems in coverage)
take BPA on the d line with at least 2-3 picks and I’ll be happy.
Put it this way – what do u think would be more effective – a line with 2 Gerald mccoys or a line with Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn?
March 31st, 2016 at 6:05 pm
So we reach for a a DE? It is rare for a rookie DE to have an impact and you are lucky if by ur 3 you get consistent pressure and sacks. If a DE isn’t here at 9 and we can’t trade down you have to pull the trigger on the best player the Bucs think is there at the time. Stop trying to force a DE at 9.
March 31st, 2016 at 6:28 pm
Jason Licht and staff will use the same criteria they did when evaluating Jameis… Was it immaturity or is he not such a good guy? Does he know how to handle himself and just made a mistake, or is he a problem waiting to happen? I believe the front office will get it right.
March 31st, 2016 at 8:43 pm
Greg Hardy? Give me a break. What an absolute pile.
The one team in the league that would give him a chance already did, and they don’t want him back. On top of everything else, he was awful last year.
Let pieces of sh!t like him go.
March 31st, 2016 at 8:45 pm
@R.O
You are absolutely right.
March 31st, 2016 at 8:55 pm
Trade MG8 and will gholsten to Denver for #31. (They just lost M.Jackson, Will is really a 34 de.) Trade back from # 9 to # 15 and pick up an extra 2nd or 3rd (Rams want a qb if one drops) use #15 for Rankins. Use #31 for Robert N or Noah Spence. Then use # 39 for best wr,s,or cb available. I JUST FIXED THE BUCS FOR REAL. YOUR WELCOME!!
March 31st, 2016 at 9:29 pm
If he is there in the 2nd go for it. Unless Tyler Boyd is still available.
The value for DEs is between round 2-4. Don’t reach in the early 1st. Ogbah in the late 1st or Nassib in the 3rd would be my choices. There isn’t a clear cut top end DE but several solid starters throughout the first 4ish rounds.
I would bet money we don’t draft one in the 1st round. Unless we trade down or trade back into the end of the 1st.
March 31st, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Jimbo that will NEVER happen. Especially MG8 n Gholston for a 1st round pick. Lol. One can dream though. Too bad that’s all it’ll ever be.
March 31st, 2016 at 10:25 pm
Y? We r talking boat getting a 1st for MG8 (#31) The qb market is STARVED and MG8 is better than any of the qbs coming out this year. (At least in year one). And Will G is the PERFECT 34 de. Broncos need both and we need #31. Deal could and should happen for just for MG8 sr8 up.
April 1st, 2016 at 12:18 am
If we make a trade with Denver it will be for their 2nd round pick at best. Some reports even say their 3rd. No team will give up their 1st round pick for MG8. If you truly believe that. Remember our convo the day he gets traded.
April 1st, 2016 at 12:26 am
As far as the trade with the Rams. I would love for that to happen. The problem with that is, say one of the QBS fall to our spot at 9. Look who drafts after us. The Giants at 10. Chicago at 11, the Aint’s at 12, Miami at 13, and Da Raiders at 14. None of those teams will be drafting a QB in the 1st round. What motivation would the Rams have to give away a 2nd or 3rd? When they can either stay put. Or only move up a spot or 2 to guarantee they get him? I like your ideas. They just aren’t very practical.
April 1st, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Well, the Rams can give us a 2nd or third or a desperate team later in the draft (jets, maybe Cardinals, Texans, Broncos if they don’t trade for MG8)
April 1st, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Sorry not Texans. I forgot bout Osweiler. Lol
April 1st, 2016 at 10:50 pm
Greg Hardy? …this team is building something…don’t need an arseh*le to come in and bring it down….let the gangsters go back to the hood, not play on the Bucs…
YOU BETTER GET SOME TALENT THERE ON DEFENSE .YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BLAME LOVIE