Looking For The Perfect Nickel
May 7th, 2016
Yes, last year’s secondary was beyond wretched.
Don’t think so? How does a 70 percent completion percentage by opposing quarterbacks grab you?
One offseason goal of Bucs coach Dirk Koetter and defensive coordinator Mike Smith is to fix that secondary. Part of it was drafting cornerback Vernon Hargreaves. But with veterans like Brent Grimes, Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks on board, finding Hargreaves playing time is easier said than done.
One fix is finding a solid nickel cornerback, Koetter said after the first rookie minicamp practice yesterday. And Hargreaves may be that guy.
“Well, his quickness and how good of a tackler he is,” Koetter remarked of Hargreaves’ skills. “We’re going to start him off both inside and outside. We’re – both with the vets and the rooks – trying to find that perfect nickel and he’s one of the guys we’re looking at for sure.”
This may be the best way to ease Hargreaves into the action. Give him a lot of snaps but not a full-time dosage.
There is plenty of time to figure out where he plays. Right now in rookie minicamp — remember, underwear football! — Hargreaves is up against two-bit receivers and schlock quarterbacks. It is painful for Joe to watch and it is not exactly a test for Hargreaves.
May 7th, 2016 at 8:29 am
As a fan, last season I went by BUCUTALKINBOUT on here, I’ve been a fan since day one. I must say I’ve never been this excited for an upcoming season! Offense…Defense, hell even S.T.
YO JOE!
GO BUCS!!!
May 7th, 2016 at 11:23 am
I’m glad Glennon isn’t one of those schlock QB’s. That date on that nickel, that second number doesn’t look like a zero, sort of like Glennon.
May 7th, 2016 at 1:07 pm
*Projected Rotation
Corners
LCB Brent Grimes | Jude Adjei-Barimah
RCB Alterraun Verner | Johnthan Banks
SCB Vernon Hargreaves | Josh Robinson
Safeties
FS Chris Conte | Ryan Smith | Keith Tandy
SS Bradley McDougald | Major Wright
May 7th, 2016 at 1:13 pm
I could also see – S/CB Ryan Smith platooning in the slot, and on the outside at corner.
May 7th, 2016 at 4:49 pm
Rotate in nickel during his rookie season. I wouldnt put him outside until yoy know hes ready, and not against any elite top 20 revievers.
Jonathan Banks deserves a shot to be a lockdown corner. Hes a high draft pick that has been sadly misused. No question. Verner and Grimes mainly on a roration together with Banks getting majority of snaps. If he cant handle it keep verner and grimea on the outside but nobody knows banks could end up being a lockdown stud ballhawk. Never got a fair shot cant wait to see.
I think VH will be just fine as a rookie at nickel
May 8th, 2016 at 9:59 am
Vernon Hargreaves is our best CB. He is too good not to be playing full time. The starting line-up will probably be Brent Grimes and Hargreaves on the outside with the six million dollar man Alterraun Verne on the inside. The wildcard is Josh Robinson. He can’t play inside so if he is playing really well then he could be the choice on the outside with Hargreaves on the inside. Has Joe seen or heard anything about how Robinson is performing? Safety is my biggest concern. The defense has been upgraded at CB and DE, new starter and depth at LB. Still Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald with Keith Tandy, Major Wright and Ryan Smith fill out the Safety group. Conte played well despite all the haters who have blinders on. He recorded two interceptions and six passes defended last season in 14 games with 79 tackles.