Who Will Pick Jameis?
June 1st, 2016
Sound advice
The teachings of left tackle Donovan Smith have prompted Joe to wonder what rookie is smart enough to see the obvious at One Buc Palace.
During an interview for the WFLA-TV, Channel 8 NFL Draft special, Smith said every NFL rookie absolutely must man up — as in pick a man to follow.
“Get behind a veteran, whether it’s on your side of the ball or the other side of the ball, and learn how to be a pro all around,” Smith advised NFL rookies. “And that’s from meetings, to how to handle yourself, deal with your time, because you’re going to have a ton of time on your hands.”
It’s sound and simple advice, but it requires a rookie needing to be assertive and smart. The Bucs are not yet one of those NFL teams that literally pairs players and veterans.
Of course, every rookie hoping to make the team, especially undrafted guys and late-round picks, would be wise to first seek out one man and beg him to be their mentor and guiding light. That would be America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.
A smart rookie would realize that if Jameis likes you, then your odds of making the team ticked up a notch. Also, it’s clear that Jameis is a superstar at managing time and distractions. So he’s the ideal veteran to follow.
Kenny Bell publicly worshipped Jameis last offseason and summer, and it certainly didn’t hurt his status. Hell, the guy is celebrated throughout Bucs fandom and he has yet to catch a preseason pass.
June 1st, 2016 at 11:43 am
I think for offense it is Winston.
For defense? GMC, or David. I would say Kwon too, but he’s only a second year player.
June 1st, 2016 at 11:54 am
Someone would write- We need to draft a speed receiver.
Answer by- Don’t forget we still have K. Bell who was a very good college player at Nebraska showed potential in training camp before his injury.
This to Joe is celebrated throughout Bucs fandom.
June 1st, 2016 at 11:55 am
Bonzi
Dont confuse talent / best players with leadership / mentorship. The 2 things that GMC has proven over his 6 or 7 years is that he will be hurt every year whether he plays through it or not and he SUCKS ARSE as a leader. David is a great lb but not a leader.
On defense daryl smith should be the go to guy. He’s played for super bowl teams and year in and year out playoff contenders. I want the new guys exposed to winners not players that accept losing with a smile.
June 1st, 2016 at 12:22 pm
I wonder if Donovan Smith sees himself as true vet that could mentor a rookie and teach him how to be a pro.
June 1st, 2016 at 12:25 pm
What tmax said.
June 1st, 2016 at 12:40 pm
What 87 said.
June 1st, 2016 at 1:02 pm
What Buccaneers said..
June 1st, 2016 at 1:04 pm
Bell will prove his worth. Love Smith now I wasnt sold on him in the beggining. Felt like he might have been a loaf and he proved me dead wrong. Thank you sir!!!
June 1st, 2016 at 1:26 pm
And to think this time last year we we debating whether or not Jameis should live with #55. And now he is a mentor.
June 1st, 2016 at 1:29 pm
obviously DSmith followed Mankins lead, Mankins is the reason our rookies were solid, Kwon followed LDavid, now Spence has Ayers and GMC, VH3 has Grimes, gonna ve a fun ride the next few years
June 1st, 2016 at 1:33 pm
“Winston back to pass…looking-looking, fires over the middle….caught, TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY, KENNY BELL!!!!” – Gene Deckerhoff, 2016-2017
June 1st, 2016 at 2:07 pm
guzzie
don’t give Mankins all the credit. I have read multiple pieces given Gos just as much if not more credit than Mankins.
June 1st, 2016 at 2:45 pm
Is that Deacon from King of Queens?
Marpet even looks like Doug
June 1st, 2016 at 3:18 pm
BKNY
Looks just like him
June 1st, 2016 at 3:55 pm
Jameis is a sophmore, hardly a veteran but I do agree he is the one to follow around if you want to make this team. For being so young Jameis is the consummate pro and I’ll be the 2st to,admit although I wanted Mariota over Jameis, Winston has definitely won me over since day 1!
June 1st, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Yes….the loss of beloved Lovie Smith created a huge vacuum of leadership creating the need for players to find it in other players….(sarcasm)
Actually, I’m liking what I’m hearing from Robert Ayers…..I thinking he and Clinton McDonald are good vets to learn from.
June 1st, 2016 at 5:48 pm
From their draft special… Wasn’t that like 5 weeks ago? Time for JBF to take a vaca until the last week of July.
June 1st, 2016 at 10:10 pm
Lavonte is definitely a leader in the LB room. Kwon, Lasagna and Mason Foster have all praised Lavonte for making them better and/or showing them the way.
He’s just not that Ray Lewis, pump up the whole team type guy. But he makes the guys alongside him better and does his job on/off the field. As much of a leader as Brooks ever was. McCoy just doesn’t compare to Sapp\Rice, which is the type of personality we are missing right now. Those guys struck fear and inspired guys to play with more heart at the most crucial moments.
June 1st, 2016 at 11:18 pm
T max did nail it 1 hunded,
June 2nd, 2016 at 3:23 am
Joe We need to grab WR Cradale Paterson from the Vikings. They got Treadwill they might release him. Speed relentless kick returner abilities power can stretch the defense. Talk to your folks bro.
June 2nd, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Cordarrelle Patterson has been a disappointment for the Vikings but like Ted Ginn is a capable returner and could develope as a receiver. I would give up a 5th rounder like SF did for Ginn. 6th rounder would be even better.