Draft Guru
January 18th, 2017
“Jason, please don’t scout any long-snappers this winter and we’re all good.”
Yeah, it is fair to say Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht goofed up in trading up into the second round to draft a shaky kicker.
Joe loved the bold move but it seemed misplaced. Upon further research, it appears to be a rare draft blunder by Licht.
Through the past three seasons, only one team has had more rookies make the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team than the Bucs. And that would be the Bears. In the past three seasons, the Bears have had seven players named; Bucs six, Kansas City five and the New York Giants four.
That’s not a bad haul in Joe’s eyes.
Vernon Hargreaves made the team this season. Others in the past three years included Mike Evans, America’s Quarterback Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, Kwon Alexander, Ali Marpet and Donovan Smith.
Seems like Licht knows what he is doing in the draft, save for the occasional place kicker.
Hey, even Bill Walsh picked Jim “Drunkenmiller.” Joe is happy to award Licht a mulligan in this case when looking at the big picture.
January 18th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
In Licht we trust
January 18th, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Looking deeper into this year’s draft, I see lots of players not being talked about that have the same potential as the known names like Cook, Davis, Williams etc.. There are many WRs and RBs out there so I will say, in Lichtenstein we trust.
January 18th, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Ive been happy overall with Jason as our gm.
I would like to see them get Christian Mccaffrey maybe even trade back and get him. Kid has great vision on a 6 foot frame and can return and catch.
Than that speed in space playmaker could be the versatile cb wr Adorre Jackson in the second round. Trade back.up and snag him
January 18th, 2017 at 2:49 pm
There is no WR talent this year that excites me at a first round level. It’s obvious there are no JJ’s out there not even an Amari Cooper or ME13…this just does not seem like a banner year for WR’s…at least at the very top of the heap.
RB’s are plentiful…supposedly it’s a down year for OL…given that we have no screaming single need but several pressing needs and of course depth all over our roster…I’m curious as to how you guys would feel if Licht just traded out of the 1st for multiple picks.
At 19 we’re not going to get a haul from some sucker like Dimitroff who traded two #1’s and 5 overall picks just to get to the 7th spot. But if we get to 19 and some team has to have a player and Licht can harvest multiple 2nd and 3rd rounders I might want to jump on that.
I think it was pickgrin who pointed out that picking 19th limits this strategy somewhat compared to picking in the top 5….but it’s all relative.
Would you trade 19 for two high 2nd rounders and maybe a 3rd? I’m not certain of which deal I’d take but if Licht can load up on 2nd and 3rd rounders I’d be OK.
January 18th, 2017 at 3:01 pm
Solomon Thomas
Corey Davis
Dalvin Cook
O.J Howard
January 18th, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Remember the days when NE would always trade down to pick up a selection in next years draft? That’s where I’d love to get it.
I swear, i remember one year recently when it seemed as if NE had 2 picks in every round.
January 18th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Look like good targets to me Rojas.
January 18th, 2017 at 3:08 pm
this draft and FA will be very important in this organizations direction for years
January 18th, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Hopefully the browns go defense with there 1st 2 picks . Then if we dont like what’s there at 19 Cleveland might want a qb . get there 2 2nd rounds this yr and either the 1 or the 2 2s next .That would give us some power to jump back in with NE and grab o.j Howard or the the center poicio
January 18th, 2017 at 3:56 pm
As long as he keeps signing CFL players I’m happy.
January 18th, 2017 at 3:57 pm
1nebuc
You do realize that the Center that u are talking about is a 3rd or 4th round guy right?
If Cook isn’t there trade back a few spots (still in the 1st round) take OJ Howard in the 1st, BPA in the 2nd, Joe Mixon in the 3rd, KD Cannon in the 4th?
January 18th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
I cant complain…he’s been great….besides Roberto and a few FA…GO BUCS!!!!
January 18th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
He also has found some gems in UDFA.
January 18th, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Joe, Do you think Dirk will have more input since he is in season 2 now?
January 18th, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Daniel Jeremiah has a very interesting list of what he thinks are the Top 50 prospects in this year’s draft (on NFL.com). In that Top 50 he has 30 defensive and 20 offensive prospects.
If you just look at his Top 20, there are 11 defensive players (3 DT, 1 DT, 4 CB, 2 S, 1 LB) and 9 offensive players (1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 2 TE, 1 OT, 1 G). No real pressing need for the Bucs to draft a QB, G, CB or LB in the 1st round this year obviously, but plenty of other teams have a great need for those positions. In other words, IF Jeremiah’s Top 20 are even close, Bucs are almost guaranteed to grab a prospect who fills a significant need on our roster. It’s all gonna depend who’s still sitting on the board when we pick at #19.
By the way, in his Top 50 (2 of which will MOST LIKELY be available when the Bucs pick, there are 3 DT, 7 DE, 5 S, 5 LB, 10 CB on defense and 3 QB, 5 RB, 5 WR, 3 TE, 3 OT, 1 G on offense. In other words, LOTS of talent out there that fit our needs.
I did note, however, that Jeremiah didn’t list a single kicker. Guess that’s a ‘once every 10 years’ thingie.
January 18th, 2017 at 4:53 pm
I think saying the Bears have been #1 shows how meaningless the list is. What has it got the Bears. Nothing.
January 18th, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Again? 3 people out of 16 comments talking about “trading back” from spot #19.
Why? Why think about it? Why waste time even contemplating or writing about it? Its very very very unlikely we get a chance or offer to move back from #19 for extra picks unless some stud top 5 pick falls to 19 for whatever reason. In which case we should just draft them ourselves if they are that desired (assuming it’s not a QB).
Again – just sayin.
January 18th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
@ drew
I dont know if you have ever heard a jason licht interview but he has stated many times that he takes input from scouts and the coaches but ultimately he is the one who pulls the trigger. He said its a team effort and he values their input. Why do you think the titans hired lichts assistant?
January 18th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
And SPBF – if you think “trading back” IS worth talking about (which its not because its not going to happen) then at least consult the draft trade chart and understand the “value” of these picks and be realistic about it. We would not get “two high 2nd rounders and maybe a 3rd” for the #19 pick.
A more realistic scenario (which as I already said isn’t very realistic at all) would be a team with a high 2nd round pick – say the Jets at 37 giving us their 2nd, 3rd and 4th round picks to move up to #19 and draft that player that they so obviously covet. Or if the Ravens at 25 wanted to move up to #19 – it would cost them their 3rd round pick plus the #25 pick to move up to 19.
Those are at least realistic scenarios based on actual “value” – even though – once again – its extremely unlikely such an “opportunity” would ever present itself to the Bucs.
Damn you – see now you got ME talking about trade down scenarios… LOL
Just stop it people. A “trade down” in the 1st round is about as likely as Dalvin Cook falling to #19. In other words – NOT HAPPENING.
January 18th, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Our long snapper tore his ACL last game didn’t he?
Jason is actually probably scouting long snappers lol..
January 18th, 2017 at 5:32 pm
Ever since we got Winston I’ve been all for trade-downs in R1 and acquiring future picks if possible.
The only position worth trading up for is a QB imo. I don’t mind if we trade up in the mid rounds for guys we like because it just costs us late round throw away picks. But don’t give away our 2nd or 3rd rounders Light. We need every pick we can get in that range
January 18th, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Lord C says:
“don’t give away our 2nd or 3rd rounders Light. We need every pick we can get in that range”
And every team and every fan of every team feels the same way – which is why talking about “trade downs in R1” is so silly when we have the #19 pick.
January 18th, 2017 at 6:01 pm
I think we should trade down in round 1.
January 18th, 2017 at 6:02 pm
@pickgrin
Actually if Trubisky or Watson are still on the board someone could trade up and grab them.. They are nowhere near guaranteed to go in the 1st round let alone top 15
But I agree the thought of trading back outside of a crazy good deal we probably shouldn’t especially if one of Davis/Cook/Peppers/M Williams/Hooker/Lattimore are somehow on the board (no particular order so far besides Peppers imo)
January 18th, 2017 at 6:09 pm
LOL ’87
January 18th, 2017 at 6:30 pm
More cupcake treatment for the bff and business partner GM
January 18th, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Pickgrin
Before & After the current CBA – teams have always been accustomed.. to make trades outside the Top-10. Generally because you don’t have to give up that much draft capital to acquire the position.
Most teams that do trade down a couple spots.
• Pick-up, a combination of later round picks…
..and or Players
Example: So If team wants to trade up to 19, from – the middle or late – twenties. For their 1st, 3rd, and 5th round pick – done deal.
It’s more than realistic – it’s actually quite common.
January 18th, 2017 at 7:14 pm
LUV
Thanks for a believable scenario. Can you help me with the cap. Exactly how much do we have to spend this year?
How much do we have to hoard for the future. IE If we signed both Terrelle Pryor AND Desean Jackson could we afford it? I assume at least one of the deals would have to have an out to clear money for #3 and Kwon.
Bottom line how much money is available for FA’s?
January 18th, 2017 at 7:17 pm
StPete
Give me a sec. sir
Spending time w/the little one.
January 18th, 2017 at 7:21 pm
DallasBuc, I spoke with Jason and he said he would have called you the next day but he honestly lost your number. He’d also said he’d be willing to give you a second chance if you would just loosen the hell up.
January 18th, 2017 at 7:33 pm
A trade down would be more likely if we had a late first round pick. Teams would trade up from the second to get the fifth year option on the player.
January 18th, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Jaboo- what?
January 18th, 2017 at 8:24 pm
DallasBuc- just relaying a message from Jason. Don’t want to speak for him but I assume what he is saying is that he is really sorry you are so angry at him (based on your negative comments towards him at every opportunity) because he didn’t call you the next morning. He said he lost your number and would be willing to give you a second chance if you could just give it a rest for a while. After all, he had to deal with Lovie and just helped produce a winning record.
January 18th, 2017 at 8:30 pm
That’s some good snark Jaboo!
January 18th, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Joe, lighten up dude, all this griping about drafting Aguayo from you is getting old. Hell, you’ve even slammed Donovan Smith despite the fact he was named to the All-Rookie team!
Do you really think every young man, most of whom are early-out college players, should be able to just step right in and instantly have nerves of steel and should play like an All-Pro on the greatest stage in the world of their profession, the NFL??? Geez, there’s enough “No-It-All’s” (know misspelled intentionally) opining here on your site without you jumping on the band wagon all the time too.
Let’s just see how Aguayo matures and works at his craft over the off season, okay? Or, why don’t you try to get an interview with the kid, get to know him a little better, find out what his plans are for the off-season to improve, and then come back and tell us fans the story? Maybe then more of these NIA’s can be more supportive rather than roasting the kid? Who knows, maybe after that you will give him the mulligan!
I thought JBF was turning over a new leaf? When does that start?
January 18th, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Surprised you blame Licht for that. I have a good source that occasionally throws out tidbits. I am surprised you don’t have more insight as to who was actually calling the shots in regards to that particular pick.
January 18th, 2017 at 9:09 pm
I don’t remember gmc lighting the world on fire his rookie season. Don’t talk about the draft pick as if it’s a bust after one season. I hated the move I thought will I thought it was stupid but he’s a buc now and he’ll live up to his draft pick because he has to
January 18th, 2017 at 9:12 pm
CalBucsFan….as one of my favorite childhood actors (Gary Coleman R.I.P.) used to say…
“Whatchoo talkin’ bout?”
Fry Aguayo!
We makin a playoff run next season son.
Can’t take any foolish chances with a kickerrrrr!
He has ONE job.
January 18th, 2017 at 9:25 pm
Licht is far from getting the best at what he has had a shot at, heard he really wanted conklin but his boy robinson one upped him, which he then should have grabbed tunsil, the bucs are in desperate need for OL, not a ok corner who cant cover julio benjamin nor thomas, thats not a first round pick, now licht has to fix an OL he has screwed up but we have a guy with a (k) next to his name and the toronto sun honorable mention WR corps thanks to licht, so things are lookin up despite the falcons and panthers playing in back to back super bowls
January 18th, 2017 at 9:41 pm
Jaboo- got no anger for Licht. Think he is overrated by certain media with some conflicts of interest but that’s not Licht’s fault. Also think he is gets ALL the credit for anything that has gone well with the organization since he was hired by incompetent Lovie Smith and gets a free pass for any and every single thing that has sucked for this team in that same time frame. Again, not his fault. Of course all the poor talent evaluations and decision making is his fault since, ya know, it is his job but apparently the conflicted media and Pollyanna fanboys like you are never going to acknowledge things for what they are. Instead you come at me with your best effort insults because that’s easier than defending his track record. If he is returning any phone calls it should be to you and the legions of aas kissers that give him a free pass for poor performance. This is why mediocrity continues to reign in this town.
January 18th, 2017 at 9:54 pm
DallasBuc: lighten up Frances. No Licht ass kisser here. Just someone that has had the great pleasure of seeing your tired lame ass song and dance on every JBF post. We all get it. You’re not satisfied. Ultimately, his performance will be measured by W’s and not what you think you know about player evaluations. Do us all favor and learn a new tune.
January 18th, 2017 at 10:12 pm
Jaboo…..dude you are on fire tonight. I couldn’t have said it better!
January 18th, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Licht has hit on a few so far, certainly more than Dominik did in 5 years, however that’s a pretty low bar to meet. ASJ and Charles Sims over a Pro Bowl guard were also draft blunders. Every GM has them, and while not every GM is dumb enough to trade up for the worst kicker in the NFL Licht has at least one and probably two drafts to redeem himself.
January 18th, 2017 at 10:50 pm
A handful of players have opted out of the Pro Bowl today. Any idea if any Bucs could get named to the game in the next few days ?
Game is only 10 days away.
Wonder what the crowd will be ? Wouldn’t surprise me if 65,000 people show up and sell the place out…gonna be a fun game. I bet having it in Orlando will spice up the event.
January 18th, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Every GM misses on picks. Even Rick McKay missed some.
Melvin Johnson
Trent Dilfer (yeah, I think Craig Erickson would of been better with us over the long term)
Kenyatta Walker
The drop boys (Anthony and Green)
Any others ?
January 18th, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Joe you have to know the real story on the Aguayo pick. Please share it so that Dallas can stop talking about it. I have it on good authority how that went down but nobody will listen to some poster talking about it. I trust you have some inside information and surely you know about it. Are you sworn to secrecy on this type of intel? If not sworn to secrecy please report it so that Dallas can stop blaming him for AguayOhNo!
January 18th, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Touchdown TB: Do tell… why let Joe take credit?
January 18th, 2017 at 11:21 pm
StPete- you are such a lackey
Jaboo- I don’t intend to lighten up when it comes to this overrated GM because you are right, I am not satisfied. He has too many major and expensive blunders on his very short resume. I intend to keep singing this tune you hate so much until the GMs record improves or at least until the conflicted media and fanboys like you come around and start fairly acknowledging his track record instead of cherry picking his results. Get used to it.
TDTB- got the inside info do ya? Gonna come with some top secret war room scoop that further removes responsibility from our GM for yet another poor decision? How convenient and fits right in with the cupcake GM narrative that I’m sure the Joes will help you perpetuate. I seem to remember all of you going to great lengths to defend incompetent Lovie Smith for 2 full years before it was no longer deniable just how awful he was.
January 18th, 2017 at 11:45 pm
“Slammed” Smith? Might have to provide such a link. Joe’s been a staunch defender of Donovan Smith amid the fog of hatred.
With free agents? Have a hunch, yes. Seems like Koetter steers clear of the draft and leaves that up to Jason and his crew.
January 19th, 2017 at 2:44 am
As I have continued reading here and other sites I think the Bucs may wind up addressing some weapons for Winston in FA and defense in the draft. Right now I think the most likely FA pickups on offense are Britt, Stills, Patterson, and Murray. They all fall into that area of good players who won’t break the bank. Stills, Patterson, and Murray are also still fairly young which could give our team a solid offensive core for 4-5 years.
January 19th, 2017 at 9:37 am
Two things:
I love the trade down gang. It’s cute to see how many of you actually think that is likely and/or the opportunity presents itself more than it does. Trading down is a rare move that most teams would jump on if they could. Don’t count on it.
The reason Jason Licht gets all the credit he does is because he has done more good for this team than bad.
Good- Evans, Jameis, Sims, Marpet, kwon, Vh3, Spence, Grimes, Ayers, Hump, Brate, Koetter, Mike Smith etc.
Bad-Johnson, Collins, Sweezy(this could still be a good thing), Aguayo, ASJ, martin’s extension(this could still work itself out), Bell, etc.
EVERY GM makes bad decisions. It’s inevitable. It’s also evident that Licht has made a lot more good decisions for this organization. Do you expect perfection? Cuz it doesn’t exist. It’s also funny when you utilize an instance when a GM chooses an ultimately less talented player in the draft over someone who goes on to be very good. With that logic, every single GM that chose a player over Tom Brady or Russel Wilson is a bad one apparently.
The negative Licht criticism is hilariously ignorant. LMAO
January 19th, 2017 at 10:24 am
Jaboo, for obvious reasons I cannot say how I got this info, but the final decision makers at One Buc made the decision to take the kicker and the rank and file, including the GM, were not in favor of it. I am not a “lackey” for Licht. I know I am just some random poster so most people won’t believe me and that is fine with me. I know how I got the information and I trust that it is accurate. I am not trying to convince anyone else of its accuracy. However, because I trust what I heard I was simply asking that Joe report on it. I am sure he catches wind of lots of things that are off the record and because this hasn’t been reported I am assuming this too was something off the record.
January 19th, 2017 at 11:09 am
“…he catches wind of lots of things…”
Aka rumors!
January 19th, 2017 at 11:10 am
Keep running cover for Licht and we can ensure this franchise remains irrelevant
January 19th, 2017 at 11:23 am
Dallas, give us your picks for this year’s draft. That way we can compare them to Licht’s. Put your name on it. Do it before, not after the draft. Let’s see what you got. No matter what team takes your pick, we’ll evaluate them along with the Bucs picks. Sound fair? Post ’em.
January 19th, 2017 at 11:49 am
Well, let’s see. We ended this year at 9-7 with one of the youngest teams and youngest QBs in the NFL. That QB shows great promise and there are many other young players on this team that give us something to look forward to. On top of that, we have tons of cap space to make additions where needed.
Nobody is giving Licht a free pass but from where I sit, things are looking better. DallasBuc, you can keep running that same narrative ADED but as long as we keep seeing improvement you will look more and more like a jilted lover. I do hope you give your number to Jason. I’m sure your advice is much needed at 1 Buc
January 19th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
I’m not sure if Dallas is simply a troll…he certainly posts like one…tons of fact free criticism…or at minimum unbalanced facts…unlike TDTB and Eric’s well reasoned post.
If he’s not simply a troll then perhaps Licht hit on his wife or something else extremely personal. Because his unbridled disgust and negativity are beyond anything rational. As Eric states…The negative Licht criticism is hilariously ignorant. LMAO
But hey every blog needs a troll or two to stir the pot…I just wish ours could bring some more BALANCED facts to the table…but I get it…that’s not what trolls do.
January 19th, 2017 at 3:05 pm
@stpete
I’m glad you agree. I also want to throw in that you are consistently one of the most rational people in these threads. There are few of them, that’s for sure.
Especially kobe faker… Ugh