“They Have That Dog Mentality”
June 24th, 2016
Raps on rookie defenders.
Seems like the Bucs’ rookies have one player impressed.
Last night, middle linebacker Kwon Alexander dropped in on “Late Hits,” co-hosted by Amber Theoharis and Phil Savage, heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Alexander mostly talked about his upcoming camp, but one question Savage posed to him was about Tampa Bay’s top two draft picks, Vernon Hargreaves and Noah Spence.
Alexander didn’t hesitate when he said both have caught his eye.
“Both are animals, man,” Alexander said. “They have that dog mentality. Vernon is real good at catching picks. He is showing his talent. Noah, he can get off the rock real well. He is very good. His pass-rushing [are] crazy. I ain’t never seen nothing like it.”
Now just think about this for a moment: Remember who Alexander played for in college (LSU) and opposing defenses he watched (SEC). And he said he’s never seen anyone rush the passer like Spence?
That is about as high of a compliment Joe has ever read or heard about Spence. Impressive stuff, man.
This just stokes Joe’s fire for real football come September.
June 24th, 2016 at 7:11 am
Soon the whole league will notice how good are top 2 rookies are, when they are reeking havoc on opposing offenses with VH3 picking passes off and Spence Coming around that corner harassing qb’s. I don’t think ppl realize how good of ball skills VH3 really has. This kid has a serious nose for the ball, Buc fans will realize that soon enough.
June 24th, 2016 at 7:23 am
I’m cautiously optimistic. after all I have a been a Buccaneers fan for 20 years. I have had my hopes up really high before only to have them come crashing back down to planet earth.
June 24th, 2016 at 7:34 am
I am very excited about this upcoming season. Both sides of the ball are going to be fun to see how they have improved. Better coaching and new talented players on D. And Jameis in his second year – it will be so much fun to see what he can do now!
Koetter is the wild card. I think he will be fine – I like what I have seen so far. But you never know.
June 24th, 2016 at 7:57 am
I can’t wait to play the dirty birds! GMC has got to want retribution, we beat them twice. They are gonna want to force it to their receivers. Our pass rush has to be better, and secondary is WAY improved. I want to see Matty Ice melt!!!
June 24th, 2016 at 8:23 am
Kwon has also played in the NFL and has seen what top tier talent looks like
June 24th, 2016 at 9:05 am
YES. This is exactly what I wanted to hear from Kwon.
This confirms my feelings about these 2 guys and I also expect Ryan Smith to be our ‘clean’ Tanard Jackson/Dwight Smith.
Looks like another EPIC rookie class.
June 24th, 2016 at 9:10 am
Get a bucket of water, it’s smoking in here.
June 24th, 2016 at 9:25 am
Spence will turn out to be the best d lineman on roster very quickly if he stays healthy considering how fragile his line mates are. I am hopeful Spence is durable. gmc, akeem spence, mcdonald all missed a lot of time or played hurt.
June 24th, 2016 at 9:33 am
Hopeful, just need to see the pads come on.
@Wombat,
Can’t wait for that first game, but believe they will try and establish Devonte Freeman first, they know that our pass rush has improved and outside of center, the Oline is still the same, meaning Matty Ice will be on ice from getting hit by GMC and the Spences’
June 24th, 2016 at 10:05 am
Man I hope everything we’re hearing everywhere about Spence is true. I fully expected VHIII to be everything he’s advertised as, but I had my doubts about Spence, basically due to his 40 times, but it sounds like he has mad skills and can get off the ball quick enough to reek havoc on quarterbacks. Can’t wait foe Sept. 11th up in Atlanta!
June 24th, 2016 at 10:28 am
if this draft is as good as last draft this team will be scary good.
Last year we Got Jameis, D.Smith, Marpet, Kwon and possibly Bell (jury’s still out) 4 potentially 5 starters.
This year… maybe 6 solid contributors and future starters
I am very high on VHIII and Spence. Ryan Smith could develop into a starter, as well as Benenoch. Aguayo obviously should be solid. add in Vitale as an effective role player and potentially playing a larger role than that, this draft has the potential to be even more amazing (not counting the importance of a franchise QB as thats just immeasurable)
June 24th, 2016 at 1:02 pm
Great to hear but how can Kwon or anyone really know what Spence has in him yet? They haven’t even put on the pads…
June 24th, 2016 at 1:09 pm
It’s called “Talk” thats all it is.. Plus it was OTAs Pense wasnt rushing the passer.. Because the OL wasn’t blocking.
June 24th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
SEVEN 1st round picks by the Bucs in the last 2 years according to GM Licht.
Winston, Donovan Smith, Marpet, Kwon, VH3, Noah Spence and Aguayo ALL carried 1st round grades on the Bucs Big Board.
Kwon Alexander (the biggest “steal” of the bunch) was the 28th best player on the Bucs 2015 draft board. He was drafted with the 124th pick.
THIS level of assessment and drafting is how a bad team turns into a good team in a hurry.
6-7 legit young starters (listed above) – all with above average-to-star potential – along with the potential future success of Kenny Bell, Ryan Smith, Benenoch and Vitale – means that we have drafted at least 11 starters and/or future contributors in the last 2 years.
The whole NFL is going to be singing Licht and Co’s praises within a couple years. The Buccaneers will be built to last and perennial Super Bowl contenders for many years to come.
Bring it on! This year is going to be the start of an EPIC run by this franchise. As a loooong time (mostly) suffering Buccaneers fan – I for one cannot wait to see how this all unfolds….
June 24th, 2016 at 5:14 pm
tmaxcon Says
“Spence will turn out to be the best d lineman on roster very quickly if he stays healthy considering how fragile his line mates are.”
GMC has had to handle EVERYTHING with the linemates he’s had. Adding Spence will up HIS game as well. Teams will have to block more than one dline guy now.
I predict this is the year McCoy breaks the ten sack mark.
June 24th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Don’t forget, we have Robert Ayers now too.
I mean…I don’t expect a lot from him, but if I’m wrong, we’ll have a huge difference.
And George Johnson may just become a topnotch backup with his coach here now.
June 24th, 2016 at 5:56 pm
What’s the countdown? How many days until the season? Preseason? Anything?
Going crazy over here. Need a Football fix.
June 24th, 2016 at 8:04 pm
@Pickgrin
Great points. Amen brother!!!
June 24th, 2016 at 9:43 pm
You will see the Two Dog Pack Attack ( Bucs Middle Linebackers)