Talkin’ To Vernon
March 26th, 2016
Top CB prospect Vernon Hargreaves talks to WTSP-TV, Channel 10.
It would not shock Joe one bit if the Bucs drafted a cornerback at No. 9. With a clear need for an edge rusher, the Bucs still have the option of letting the draft come to them.
If the Bucs don’t believe there is a worthy defensive end at No. 9, they can wait until the second round.
Cornerback? The Bucs have all but telegraphed they will draft a cornerback. After signing soon-to-be 33-year old Brent Grimes, Licht said he and the other over-30 free agents they signed are bridge players, helping the Bucs in the short term and mentoring young players until they’re ready to be quality starters.
And if Alterraun Verner doesn’t bounce back this year, with his hefty salary, he is gone.
Many Bucs fans are crossing their fingers Tampa product Vernon Hargreaves, from the University of Florida, is that cornerback at No. 9. Last week, the Gators held their Pro Day and Chris Fischer of WTSP-TV Channel 10 had an exclusive, quality interview with the likely top-10 pick in the draft.
Enjoy!
March 26th, 2016 at 9:00 am
I don’t think there is a edge rusher worthy of a top ten pick that isn’t named Bosa so drafting VH3 would not be a bad idea at all. Im confident Banks can return to form but I’m not sure about Verner altho I’m hoping his old DB coach Maxie can get the best outta him. If not were gonna need a long term solution at corner cause Grimes will only be here for two years at the most.
I wouldn’t be mad if we traded down either, then we could add amother pick and take a guy like dodd ,Lawson, Spence or ogbah. There’s a lot of options there in the middle of the 1st rnd.
March 26th, 2016 at 9:16 am
I think we need a pass rusher first, but if one is not to be had, this seems like a safe pick for us. His combine results are quite impressive.
March 26th, 2016 at 9:20 am
If you think Boss is going to be a sack master you are sadly mistaken.
March 26th, 2016 at 9:21 am
As we get closer to draft day the consensus pick for the Bucs at nine is fast becoming Vernon Hargreaves/UF. It’s hard to vote against a guy that excelled at the position in the SEC, a hometown guy, a guy who even wears Tampa on his shoes.
I’m going against everything I believe in because in my heart of hearts, I know if you can play, you can play regardless of size. I hate to admit it but I have a bias! I like CBs with length – preferably 6-0, 6-1 or 6-2 max. You get too tall and you lose the quick twitch and agility movements required to play man to man. As much as I like the play of Hargreaves, I would prefer a longer CB on the edge.
I have no justification for my preference other than my bias which I reluctantly confess to. We already have Grimes and Verner –both pro bowlers – both 5-10. We had Revis at (5-11), and who can forget about our own SB CB Brian Kelly (5-11). All good CBs, some were excellent and all are/were under 6 feet.
Yet when I see Julio Jones, Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Marques Colston (now gone) replaced by Brandon Coleman, and a host of other 6-5 TEs in the NFC-South tearing us up in the slant and down the seam, I give in to my worst fears and dream of a Richard Sherman or Josh Norman on the outside to stem the tide.
Hargreaves has a private visit scheduled with the Bucs, so there is some mutual interest. I want be disappointed if we take Hargreaves, but I hunger for the day when we have two intimidating ball hawks daring the QB to throw to his side of the field. However, after 2 years of Mike Jenkins, I would take a gnome from the Hobbit!
March 26th, 2016 at 9:30 am
See this is what I don’t understand about all of this CB talk if the Bucs draft Vernon that means Licht lied about Banks , because if they draft Vernon that means we will have 2 new starting CB’s and if Grimes receive another Pro Bowl invite that means Banks will walk at the end of the season or be traded. That also means Lovie Smith was right for trying to find the right cornerback combo , the new DC doesn’t even want them to start.
March 26th, 2016 at 9:40 am
Our last year’s weakness will we our strength next year watch. Banks will have a breakout year and Verner will be back to pro bowl days. With Mike Smith running our defense and Dirk with our offense I don’t see why we couldn’t give the Panthers a run for their money. The mentality in locker room is changing, losing is no longer accepted. Prepare bucs fans we won’t be sitting at the bottom of NFC SOUTH basement any longer!
March 26th, 2016 at 9:44 am
I like Hargraves but Leonard Floyd is probably my favorite pass-rusher in this draft…
March 26th, 2016 at 9:48 am
And Imo an edge rusher is or biggest need…if we’re gonna dethrone the Panthers we need speed rushers that can get after Cam “cry-baby” Newton…
March 26th, 2016 at 9:55 am
@Bucs4Life
@B.O.
I follow Stephen White, the former Bucs D.L., who scouts prospects on tape and then writes up his opinions. (The proper order). He sees Bosa as technically sound but nearly maxed out — a great college player whose upside is limited. If others share this view, Bosa can fall a long ways.
On the bright side, White sees A’Shawn Robinson as a physical beast, but who might have motivation issues. Could be 9-worthy.
Sounds like White also likes Spence, but hasn’t done that write-up yet.
March 26th, 2016 at 9:59 am
I think Licht trades that pick. The value will not be there for our needs and other teams will want to move up. This draft is a true test for Licht. I am not sold on his draft prowess as most of you seem to be. Smart move is to trade back instead of reach at this pick. See what happens
March 26th, 2016 at 10:10 am
We just need to draft good football players. Especially with a top 10 pick. My hope is that Stanley is available at #9. If not – then Hargreaves is probably the best football player who will be available there. He may be a tad shorter than many like – he may not run as fast a 40 time as many would hope – but the bottom line is – the dude has excellent CB skills and can play the ball as well as any College CB in the country. He will be a very good CB in the NFL and his 39″ vertical jump will help make up for his 5 – 10 1/2″ height against bigger receivers.
Trading back in the 1st round to get an extra pick would be ideal – but that is highly unlikely realistically.
If VH3 is our pick at #9 – then he will be a good player for the Bucs. Dude can ball and he WANTS to be a Buccaneer. That means a lot.
IMO – NONE of the DE’s are worthy of a top 10 pick this year and that includes Bosa. Good teams draft for value – they don’t reach for need. Licht knows this and I believe (with the exception of a QB) that he will draft whoever is at the top of the Bucs board when that 9th pick rolls around.
March 26th, 2016 at 10:26 am
@bucforlife, @pickgrin
I agree with both of you. I love VH3. He is a shut down corner. Forget about his height. Haden and Revis are the same height n both shut down corners. If Stanley and Jack are gone, this would be the easiest decision ever for Licht IMO.
March 26th, 2016 at 10:31 am
I think that if we do not trade up or down that we should go with the best player available according to the Bucs draft board regardless of position except QB naturally. I am a Gator fan but I remember Vernon getting burned a few times in bigger games against the better talent. I think he is solid but not great. He is probably going to be similar to Barber as a sure tackler and good coverage skills on short to intermediate routes but teams that test him deep will show his weaknesses. IMHO.
March 26th, 2016 at 10:41 am
Trade back, take Rankins. Then use the extra pick from the trade and move back into the bottom of the 1st and take Noah Spence or a Wr.
March 26th, 2016 at 11:14 am
Im just not feeling VH at #9. Watch, if we dont take him, he’ll drop into the 20’s. Bosa or Buckner will be there.
March 26th, 2016 at 11:31 am
@Lou,
I think I read an article where White said that Noah Spence is still the best pass rusher he’s watched, consistently. #9 might be too high given the off-field stuff, but he’ll definitely go in the first round. Those same off-field issues might cause Bosa and Elliott to drop as well.
March 26th, 2016 at 11:33 am
Don’t forge he gave up 3 TDs and over 200 yards receiving to Kelvin Benjamin in one game.
That’s some solid proof he may struggle against one of our divisions top receivers.
I think he is very good but not too 10 good.
If we don’t trade the pick if be happy with any of the following realistic choices:
Buckner
Rankins
Stanley
Lawson
Coleman
March 26th, 2016 at 11:39 am
rayjay1122 Says:
March 26th, 2016 at 10:31 am
“I am a Gator fan but I remember Vernon getting burned a few times in bigger games against the better talent”
There it is again Hargreaves fans. This is about the 3rd time I’ve read something like this on JBF about this guy. So I don’t get the ga ga over him. Is it the combine?
March 26th, 2016 at 11:39 am
Mackensie Alexander is mocked to us in the 2nd by “someone”. If we decide to go CB in the 2nd, thats who Id target….and he just might be there. Watch his highlights on youtube. And heres a little insight into his mind…his combine diary http://walterfootball.com/mackensiealexander_diary.php
March 26th, 2016 at 11:42 am
Whats up 87….hope you’re having a fine morning. Im spending the whole day looking at draft choices.
March 26th, 2016 at 11:58 am
Saw someone mention WR Corey Coleman from Baylor to us at 9, I thought no way, until I started really thinking about it. If we’re indeed going to start using a hybrid defense, then tweeners are easier to find deeper in the draft, and CB and Safety seem to be the 2nd and 3rd round value picks in this draft.
Coleman is a 4.3 40 guy that takes the top off and is awesome at getting YAC. Think Antonio Brown. The best way to help our defense is to have a lead, Coleman is my dark horse at 9.
CB Deondre’ Hall, Northern Iowa, in the 4th, that’s my pick too.
March 26th, 2016 at 12:10 pm
In my opinion if we trade back to like #15 we can get Rankins and then trade back to like #20 (the Jets) throw glennon and some picks @ the Jets then we can get Coleman before the Texans or Bengals have a chance to steal him @ 21 and 24
March 26th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
I telling you Hargraves is going to be an average corner in this league. He’s not super fast and short that does not equate to a dominate corner on the NFL. I am really afraid we are going to draft him though. It would be a complete waste of a pick as he is at best the same player as Verner who of course is already on the roster.
March 26th, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Well if he is a top rated Gator prospect he must be real special. I thought the initial draft emphasis was on pressuring the opposing QB first and foremost. Tweaking the mostly non existant heat on said QB’s.
March 26th, 2016 at 1:26 pm
BPA, if it’s Hatgreaves great, if it’s Bosa, Spence or even on of the Clemson guys, Stanley or whoever, they will make this team better. I think taking Hargreaves is not a slap in the face of our present CB’s, Dungy/McKay always were replacing starters on defense in the draft (for the future), unfortunately he wasn’t doing the same for the offense. Those saying that it was the pass rush that Cam rattled, yeah, but it was more so not having options to throw too. Kelvin Benjamin will make a difference, so how do you stop the Panthers, both pass rush and coverage, one just won’t do it. The other way is to score points, TD’s not FG’s.
March 26th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
MadMax
Bruddah – I’m Focusing on the following positions
OL
DE
WR
CB
S/SS
LB
I’ll be in and out all day. Hit me up
March 26th, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Following Scenarios ..
*If we trade back a couple spots + Trade Glennon for no less than a 2nd round pick.
1st Round
==> Jack Conklin* OT Michigan State 6′ 5″ 325
2nd Round (3 picks)
==> Tyler Boyd* WR Pittsburgh 6′ 2″ 190
==> Shilique Calhoun DE Michigan State 6′ 4″ 255
==> Vadal Alexander OG/T LSU 6′ 6″ 340
3rd Round
==> Su’a Cravens* SS/LB USC 6′ 1″ 225
4th Round
==> Eric Murray CB Minnesota 6′ 0″ 200
Side Bar: Torn between Su’a Cravens, Miles Killebrew, and Jeremy Cash in the 3rd round.
March 26th, 2016 at 3:10 pm
CB Ryan Smith is moving up the draft boards
March 26th, 2016 at 3:11 pm
I am really starting to lean towards Shaq Lawson out of Clemson. He has all the traits and played big in big games which is not something that can be said about Hargraves, Spence, or Bosa. I think Lawson is our pick.
March 26th, 2016 at 3:15 pm
LUV in my personal opinion Tyler Boydd just as good as Treadwell. Hell Doctson may even be better.
March 26th, 2016 at 4:12 pm
Nole on Sat. || Bucc on Sun.
No doubt bruddah. I’m seriously hoping he’s there – at the top of the 2nd round.
March 26th, 2016 at 4:14 pm
I’m kind of guessing the teams picking in the top 15-20 picks are going to wait on grabbing defensive linemen based on how deep this year’s class is and instead pick the best players at the less deep positions first. There will be good defensive linemen sitting there at the top of the 2nd round.
March 26th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Tyler Boyd is the best all around WR in this draft. Someone compared Coleman to Antonio Brown. Umm no. Boyd n Brown match up almost identical across to board. I like Coleman and Treadwell. But Boyd does it all and has the best hands a WR has had in a long time (not named OBJ).
March 26th, 2016 at 6:22 pm
@mad Max
I like alexander too. Alabama didn’t tun the tide until Alexander left the game,
in the national title game.
March 26th, 2016 at 9:44 pm
DE
Or they take Vernen and grab a DE in round 2.
Personally I think they can get serious value for both
March 26th, 2016 at 9:47 pm
There’s nothing like a top 10 talent that really, really wants to be here. I love the idea. There’s no guarantee that V Har will be there for us but if he is, I love the idea of drafting him. He has all the tools and skill you look for and we al know DE and CB are musts for us in this draft. I hope we get the opportunity and pull the trigger on this kid. Ronde Barber Part II is written all over this.
@Luv. I really like Su’a a lot. A whole lot. I do think he will be gone in the 2nd round though. If he lasts to the 3rd for us, then I would be all over that pick. I don’t think we would be willing to take him on our pick of the 2nd round but we would be wise to trade a 6th or 7th rd pick to move back in to the late 2nd or early 3rd rd for him. It could happen.
March 26th, 2016 at 11:50 pm
There are no gnomes in the hobbit
March 26th, 2016 at 11:52 pm
Sorry Luv, fell asleep about 6 but awake now. Im used to 3rd shift so I’ll be up all night. I like your scenario.
What do you think about CB Kendall Fuller? If we’ve went DE and WR with our first two picks, I would like this kid in the 3rd if he’s still available. He had knee surgery, meniscus, but looks to be bouncing back ok. CB or Safety should be high for us, in the first 4 rounds.
And Im not gonna lie, I wouldnt mind taking a chance at LB Jaylon Smith if he’s still there in the 2nd when we pick. He would be a top 5 if he wasnt injured. Yes, he’ll have to sit most of the season, but once healed, I think he’ll be a beast.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:07 am
I hear U – give me 20mins
March 27th, 2016 at 1:00 am
@madmax
I think Jaylon Smith will fall all the way to the 3rd. The nerve damage with scare most teams off.
March 27th, 2016 at 1:31 am
If Jaylon Smith is there n the 2nd. We should jump all over that. It was a bad injury. That talent tho with LVD n Kwon!! I also love Neon Deion from LSU. Both guys will be great NFL players. We would be too lucky to get either guy imo.
March 27th, 2016 at 1:50 am
Yeah the nerve damage is scary. Im sure our draft scouts will fully vet that. But if its minimal to his function, and he drops to the 3rd, he will be a cant miss! He checks the boxes of elite instinct and speed. He has what it takes to make a difference in game planning for the opposing offense.
March 27th, 2016 at 3:16 am
All I can say is that I am glad I don’t have to make the decision who to pick at nine. For those who did not read the Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks interview, it was clear that in coverage Lovie Smith did not want any receivers getting behind either one because of a lack of speed. I keep hearing how the scheme affected their play and that with our new coaching staff and a scheme that plays to players strengths, both Verner and Banks are going to miraculously return both of them to their form before last year. You can’t coach speed. Josh Robinson is the wild card. If he returns to 2014 form Banks will be riding the bench in his last season in the NFL. if not I just think we are in for more of the same. That is why Hargreaves makes sense. Problem is that I believe Robinson is that guy from 2014 who allowed only one completion for every 12.4 coverage snaps compared to one for every 6.8 coverage snaps in 2014. I know most don’t care but in late Sep 14″ Robinson ranked 7 -96 by PFF. Draft Leonard Floyd in the first. Please..
March 27th, 2016 at 9:48 am
I’m probably completely wrong, but I don’t get all the hype for Bosa
He seems to get manhandled a lot. I also do not see a ton of upside, meaning progression from where he is now.
Players like Spence, Lawson, Buckner, ogbah, Dodd, … Have a lot more potential to be even better in the pros.
But, what do I know, boss could be the second coming of JJ
March 27th, 2016 at 9:55 am
@Godzilla
you are right Robinson played nickel and didn’t play well.so they moved him outside and he had a banner year.Looks like there will be a lot of competition for outside corner.with just the current players on the roster.