How About A DeSean Jackson Clone?
February 22nd, 2017
The next DeSean Jackson?
One Joe here at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters is so worked up over the thought of DeSean Jackson catching passes from America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, he has temporarily replaced the treasured Rachel Watson poster with a Jackson Fathead.
Joe is sure Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht is going to add two wide receivers this offseason. No one has told Joe this, but Joe is just looking at last offseason as a gauge.
Licht added two defensive ends (Robert Ayers and Noah Spence), one each from free agency and the draft. Licht did the same at corner (Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves).
Yesterday Joe brought word from well-plugged in Josina Anderson of ESPN that Jackson just might choose the Bucs — if he gets to free agency — because of a relationship he has with Jameis.
So let’s say Jackson somehow does come to the Bucs. Might Licht draft his clone in the first round?
Emily Kaplan of theMMQB.com has a really cool story on Washington receiver John Ross, who some liken to Jackson for his wheels.
The thing is, Jackson and Ross are tight and often work out together. Jackson and Ross are from the same hometown, Long Beach, Calif. Ross’ father’s barber just happens to be a friend of Jacksons. One thing led to another and Ross gets an unannounced phone call from Jackson out of the blue.
“When are you going to come work out with me?”
“I’m in Seattle…” Ross said. (It was, after all, two weeks before Huskies’ training camp began.)
“So?” Jackson asked.
Ross went on to say that during the season, he and Jackson talked to each other no less than twice a week and Jackson always offers tips.
Even if the Bucs don’t get Jackson, Ross wouldn’t be a bad addition with his speed to complement Mike Evans.
February 22nd, 2017 at 5:18 am
I like John Ross. He fitsnthe mold of the WR we are looking for to compliment Mike Evans as Joe mentioned. However, the fact that he is now needing shoulder surgery after he had multiple knee surgeries….the injuries scare me a lot.
Apparently he is running a 4.30 flat in training for the combine. If he runs that and his medical checks check out then he will probably still end up being a 1st round pick.
February 22nd, 2017 at 5:26 am
I know that the draft is a cr@pshoot when it comes to most positions, but a rookie WR who’s already had major injuries to both knees? What’s not to love?
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:11 am
#draftJohnRoss
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:12 am
I really like that approach. Limits what you can do potentially in one offseason but double your chance at fixing a need that you badly need fixed. Add two sounds good. Then keep doug martin on a new deal and draft a rb. Cant wait to see ryan smith at corner this season to see.if he pans out
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:20 am
I saw that article and thought the same thing. If we end up signing Jackson, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see us draft Ross as well. He’s mocked to us in every other mock I see. I didn’t like the idea at first because he’s so undersized, but putting him on the same team has his mentor would be a great way to kick off his career.
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:20 am
No yo. Pass… The injuries man, already?
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:40 am
Corey Davis is the way to go! Ross spends too much time in the ER.
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:47 am
Extensive lower body injury history? Check.
Doesn’t catch the ball with his hands away from his body consistently? Check.
Can’t beat press coverage? Check.
Not worth a 1st round pick? Check.
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:48 am
3 major surgeries before even catching an NFL pass? Whataya tryin to Joe? Fill up our IR before the season starts? Jackson can mentor him how to stay injured and still get a good check. No tank you very much. No actionless Jackson on injured reserve! We already got one there!
February 22nd, 2017 at 6:51 am
No to Ross in the 1st round. Williams or Davis are the only WRs I would want to see us pull the trigger on in the 1st round. And at 19 – no trading up for a receiver! Plenty of good WRs in the 2nd>4th rounds that will be much better value.
Yes to DJax in FA though. Hell we paid VJax $10M for nothing last year. Give that $ to Djax and he’s likely to actually earn most of it if he stays healthy.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:17 am
If he is truly a DJax clone then he should be a 2nd round pick. Jackson was drafted at 49…one spot ahead of where our 2nd Rd pick is. I’m all for using our 2nd pick for Ross. Not the 1st Rd pick though.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:18 am
I agree with Joey and WhatdaBuc. The injuries with Ross scare me. But I do love his speed.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:18 am
I’d draft Curtis Samuel over Ross all day.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:39 am
I’m telling you guys. There is going to be a lot of buzz around Carlos Henderson after the combine. He can become a target for us in round 2. Just keep an eye out for him.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:02 am
The best ABILITY is avail-ABILITY!
You can’t predict future injuries BUT, it’s not incredibly difficult to see patterns. I think we have enough injuries year to year.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:10 am
This kid has certainly got some skills…and some wheels! But I worry about his injury history. Last thing we need is a snazzy new sports car that looks great in th drive-way, but is always in the garage being worked on.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:22 am
I’d rather have Samuels thank you. Speed,versatility and he’s not just fast he’s a football player who was tough enough to play some RB. As everybody knows I lust for speed but no more Jeff Demps please. I want a fast FOOTBALL PLAYER.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:35 am
NO NO NO NO, just to much risk with injury and that was in college. In the NFL his size wont allow him to last.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:39 am
Ross is a polished looking receiver with blazing speed and the vision/creativity to be very dangerous after the catch. He will be a stud in the NFL I think.
Desean would be an OK pickup, but I would much rather get Terrelle Pryor (if possible) or even Torrey Smith in FA over Jackson.
Pryor is a no-brainer if we can get him and Torrey Smith is only 28 and still runs a 4.36sec 40 and is looking to resurrect his career.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:52 am
It’s Davis or bust as far as a WR in the first round. I am not even that big of a fan of Williams. If we want to get a fast receiver for cheap to match with Jackson we can get goodwin from Buffalo.
February 22nd, 2017 at 9:11 am
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. Kid is pure Charmin! NO to a freakin 21 yr old who has already had Multiple surgeries.
February 22nd, 2017 at 9:34 am
I’ve pumped the brakes on my love for Curtis Samuel recently. Ever since the last John Ross article on here when I made the connection of Curtis Samuel to Tavon Austin, I kinda fear Samuel could end up being a niche player. Nothing wrong with that, but if we are talking about developing a potential #2 receiver I dont think Curtis Samuel is the answer.
Now if we end up with a young #2 WR like Pryor then drafting Curtis Samuel makes more sense to me. However, if we go the vet #2 WR route then I would take guys like Isaiah Ford and Amarah Darboh over Curtis Samuel. They have more upside as a #2 than Curtis Samuel imo. That’s just me tho.
February 22nd, 2017 at 9:53 am
@Joey- I’m a Hokie so I do like me some Isaiah Ford. He’d be a nice pick-up in later rounds IMO.
February 22nd, 2017 at 9:54 am
@joeypoppems if we truly are able to get Jackson, i think that Curtis Samuel would be a phenomenal developmental #2 receiver.
You can make the Tavon Austin argument, you can also make the Tyreek Hill or Percy Harvin argument.
February 22nd, 2017 at 10:14 am
@Blake
To me those guys are all in the same boat as niche players. Now I will admit I didnt watch Tyreek Hill super closely, but it seemed like he did most of his damage on screens, sweeps, and punt returns. Same can be said for Tavon Austin. How often are they actually out there running routes. There is nothing wrong with having that type of playmaker on a team, I just don’t consider Hill and Austin as #2 receivers.
@Bucsfanman
Yea I like Ford. Only issues I have with him is his weight (listed under 190 lbs) and I would like to see him use his hands a little bit more. Darboh could be a steal in the 3rd round.
This WR draft class isn’t very good in terms of finding #1 WRs, but it is loaded with guys who can be complimentary players. Lucky for the Bucs thats exactly what they need.
February 22nd, 2017 at 10:21 am
John Ross could be a good pick at 19. I know he missed all of the 2015 season with a knee injury. But so did Mike Williams and no one is talking about his injury. And his injury was more severe than John Ross, he broke his neck after running into a Goal Post.
February 22nd, 2017 at 10:33 am
Not worth a first. Even without his injury history he is a 1 dimensional player who can only win one way, with speed. A receiver worth a first has to win multiple ways. Before his injury history he was a 2nd round guy for me. Add his injuries into the mix and I dunno if I would even pull the trigger in the 2nd, especially with the receivers in this draft class. Here is who I would be happy with in each round (not that my opinion matters)
1- Corey davis, Mike williams
2- Samuel, Smith shuster, Ross (only if he Flys at the combine, 4.32 or better)
3- Zay, kupp, Henderson, Westbrook, Godwin, dupre.
A few of the 3 guys can move up to 2 depending on combine and 2 guys can move down. No way I like anyone other than those 2 in the first tho.
February 22nd, 2017 at 10:40 am
And I didn’t mean Tavon Austin in terms of production. I meant it in terms of the role he plays. Samuel can produce like Tyreek Hill, it is still the same role pretty much.
February 22nd, 2017 at 10:52 am
Folks who know a helluva lot more about football and who have much better sources in the NFL than Joe, such as Daniel Jeremiah, who are well aware of his injuries, still project him as a first round pick.
February 22nd, 2017 at 11:06 am
DJ and Bucky Brooks did a mock draft on their most recent podcast and they had John Ross going 17th to Washington. If he is kept out of the 1st round to me that means he didnt clear his medical checks.
February 22nd, 2017 at 11:08 am
Dalvin Cook fell to the Bucs in that same mock draft.
February 22nd, 2017 at 11:21 am
Undersized, injury prone rookie getting blasted by NFL safeties, CBs, and LBs. No thanks.
February 22nd, 2017 at 11:50 am
John Ross only missed one game, other than the season he missed in 2015. Then he came back in 2016 and played in all 14 games. And if you want speed Ross is the man, I don’t believe there’s a player in this draft faster than John Ross.
February 22nd, 2017 at 11:59 am
Wow nevermind…..guys is a briken glass waiting to happen
February 22nd, 2017 at 12:19 pm
I have no idea how he’ll be in the NFL but… He does already have some knee surgeries I believe, and that is scary when speed is your main weapon.
He also doesn’t have the greatest hands, which you do not expect in a speedster but he was pretty inconsistent from what I’ve read. Again I have no idea, if they draft him, I’ll trust their judgment and go with it
February 22nd, 2017 at 12:27 pm
I’ve seen a certain blogger reference hesitence towards an Lsu running back due to injury concerns. What makes Dalvin Cook and John Ross any difference.
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Most of these Top Prospects has been injured. Some are more serious than others. That’s the only difference,that’s how it go.
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Lakeland, so 3 knee surgeries in college isn’t serious? Multiple shoulder surgeries aren’t serious?
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Isn’t Ross an injury waiting to happen? I don’t draft a guy in round 1 if they have significant injury concerns.
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:39 pm
Good observation Joey! He dropped a few gimme’s at Tech AND he is really under-sized. He does, however, have a knack for getting open. Like I said, a nice, late-round pick perhaps.
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:39 pm
We need speed. I don’t care how we get it but we need something.
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:40 pm
If Ross is our best option at 19 I’d trade back. I’d much rather have an edge rusher or O line in the 1st. There will be lots of RB and WR to pick from in the 2nd through the 5th.
February 22nd, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Mike Williams broke his neck and no one is talking about that. And as I stated before…John Ross only missed one game before the 2015 season when he missed the entire season. He suffered his first injury against Illinois in the third game of the 2014 season, tearing his meniscus in his right knee, and he played the rest of the season. He also needed microfracture surgery after the season. Yet Ross never let on that he was hurt.
John Ross has had his share of injuries, and he played through most of them, waiting until after the season to have surgery.
All of that “soft talk” can be thrown out the window, he is one “tough cookie”.
February 22nd, 2017 at 2:07 pm
This is what John Ross said about his ACL injury that cause him to miss the 2015 season…………………………………The following spring, on the first day the medical staff cleared Ross to practice in full pads, he still didn’t completely trust his knee.
“I was running a simple go route, and a lot of people were in the way,” Ross said. “My first instinct, instead of running someone over, was jump out the way. So I was kind of favoring my meniscus [right] knee, jumped out the way to my right. Didn’t want to land on my right. Landed in an awkward position on my left and I felt my knee snap. That’s when I tore the ACL and meniscus on my left knee.
“It was kind of a weird deal,” Ross said. “After I got off the ground, I could still run. I was walking without a limp. Going to class. I got my MRI, and I went home and went to sleep. I woke up, and my leg was stuck in a bent position. I kind of figured something was really, really wrong at that point.”
Ross said he could have played late in the 2015 season. But he and the coaches agreed it would be smarter to fully heal, and to complete the redshirt year and have that season in the bank. He participated in bowl practices, where he learned just how far behind he had fallen. In the first conditioning drill he took part in, the team ran six sprints, with minimal rest between.
February 22nd, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Nice research LakeLand! Sounds like a tough kid.
February 22nd, 2017 at 2:13 pm
If I remember correctly, the fear of needing microfacture knee surgery is what pushed Myles Jack into the 2nd round last year when he was considered a top 5 player by most of the experts.
Just to play devil’s advocate the fact that John Ross already had the surgery and has played a full season after it with no knee issues can be viewed as a positive. Idk the full details of his shoulder injury, but he is having surgery immediately after his pro day and I believe he is expected to be ready by training camp, although I could be wrong on that.
Like I said, if he passes the medical checks he will most likely be a 1st round pick. He is the type of receiver we are looking for so we cant rule him out if he passes.
And add Tak McKinnley to the list of injured top prospects. I could be mistaken but I believe he played all last season with a torn labrum and could need shoulder surgery.
February 22nd, 2017 at 2:25 pm
John Ross scored 3 TDs in his 1st game back from his knee injury. A 38 and 50 yard TD reception, and a 92 YD Kick Return. Then John Ross suffered a Torn Labrum in his shoulder against Stanford in Week 5. He then went on to play in the final 9 games, catching 60 passes and 9 TDS. No one can question his Toughness. He has a history of injuries and none of them has kept him from reaching his goal of playing in the NFL.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Ok, it isnt about the games he missed in college, its about the wear and tear. Idk about you, but i want nothing to do with a guy who tore his acl in a noncontact play because he was favoring his other leg that was already injured.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:19 pm
Pete please don’t be mad at me Good sir. But what Pop is saying about Samuels I swear I was chatting to myself about that very thing yesterday at work. They’re like Percy Harvin “tweeners” I like to call them. Now not I’m saying he wouldn’t be a welcomed addition but my longing is leaning a little more towards Ardarius Stewart because he’s more of purest when it comes to the WR position.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:25 pm
I want a player that have HEART. We already have a roster full of Heartless Weaklings. Give me the tough guys, this team had more players on I.R than any other team in the NFL. I may be wrong, but if not #1, they was close to it.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Ar’Darius Stewart is a good, solid WR, with a lot of upside.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Ardarius Stewart is solid. But he would be a reach in the 2nd Imo. Where as Samuel would be a steal.
Idc what pop and you are saying about his hybrid status in college. This kid has the speed, agility, quickness, sharp cuts, and hands to develop into a beast of a deep threat at wide reciever.
He catches the ball in stride with ease, and runs sharp routes that create seperation. Its all available to be seen on the film.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:49 pm
So your solution to having a “team full of guys on IR” is to draft a guy who will most likely end up on IR? lol good one.
February 22nd, 2017 at 3:58 pm
No the Buc players go on I.R for a hung fingernail
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:04 pm
John Ross refuse to shut it down..bum shoulder don’t matter, he keep playing. ..Ross, a junior, had surgery in January to repair two meniscus tears in his right knee and then aggravated that knee injury during a practice last month at Husky Stadium. Ross did little in the first few weeks of spring practices, generally participating in only half-speed route-running drills. He appeared to reinjure the knee while doing a light running (noncontact) drill on April 17. He immediately sought out a team trainer.
This was the same injury from 2014….Buc players go on I.R but they don’t have surgery…What type of injury is that?
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:17 pm
@LakeLandBuc
I get what you’re saying, but on the flip side the argument can be made that playing through his first injury led to the 2nd injury and then trying to push through that led to the 3rd and so on. Maybe if he didn’t play through it he would be in a lot better health. I am with you though that he will most likely be a 1st round pick unless something comes up in his med checks.
@Blake
I’m not trying to convince you that Curtis Samuel will be a bust and I’m not saying don’t draft him at all or anything like that lol.
I’m just stating my opinion that I would like a more traditional WR as a #2, that’s all. I have seen his film which is why I was high on him. Then I watched Tavon Austin’s film and they looked very similar.
I will say Curtis Samuel is a better pure WR than Austin, but they were used pretty much the exact same way. And the way Austin was used in college is exactly how he is used in the league today. The same thing could happen to Samuel. And if that happens he will be more of a gadget player than a traditional #2.
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Like I said before, there is nothing wrong with having a play maker like Tyreek Hill and Tavon Austin on the field. They can be home run hitters whenever they touch the ball. I’m just saying Idk if Curtis Samuel will be playing on the outside or in the slot running the full route tree or if he will just be catching screens and taking jet sweeps while OC’s just try to get him in space.
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Joey…yeah he came back from his injury in 2014 too soon. And it cost him the 2015 season. But when you have a person who is truly dedicated to their craft, they will try to rush back.
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Yeah, he is a competitor no doubt about it
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:42 pm
Next week, we should have a better feel of the draft. The combine will make some players and break some players.
February 22nd, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Yeah, and when a guy rushes back, and is also a glass Joe, they get injured again.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Those guys are explosive and I don’t recall anyone saying he would be a bust. But I’m of the mindset of traditional also Pop. Tyreke Hill was eye poping all season. The playoffs came around and Tomlin game planned to stop him and he was ghostly.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:22 pm
And Pop now that people have had time to review our RB situation they are projecting Dalvin to us. Its a no brainer. Why some of you actually think Licht is about to allow him to get out the state is beyond me. They’re not the first and won’t be the last. DJ and Bucky are just showing some common sense.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Honestly, I am a lot warmer to the RB in round 1 idea than I was about a month ago. I still wouldn’t trade up for Dalvin Cook or anybody in round 1, but if Cook falls to #19 or if McCaffrey blows up the combine and rises to be worthy of a top 20 pick then go for it.
I realize trading up for Cook is a possibility that can happen, I am kind of curious
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:45 pm
I am kind of curious what Licht will be willing to part with tho. I will be beyond shocked if we give up any picks in 2018
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:55 pm
@Nosbos
Yea, I think a traditional #2 is the way to go. I mentioned a couple guys that can be round 3-4 picks earlier in Isaiah Ford and Amara Darboh who I believe can develop into a well-rounded #2 WR. And if we do go all in on D-Jax they will have time to develop.
Ford has speed to stretch the field, granted he isn’t as fast as a Curtis Samuel or John Ross, but he should run in the 4.4’s. My favorite part about his game was how he was used in the red zone. He constantly wins 50/50 balls.
As far as Darboh goes, here is a quote from 1 of the experts with the NFL network, Chad Rueter:
” Darboh’s ability to make plays on short, intermediate and deep throws shows he can be a difference-making No. 2 receiver at the next level.” — Chad Reuter
Difference-making No. 2 receiver…. Isn’t that what we want? lol
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:05 pm
We should take a good look at Kermit Whitfield also. He might be the fastest player at the Combine, if not John Ross. Whitfield can return kicks and play some WR, he’s similar to Taylor Gabriel.
February 22nd, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Pop “IF” we are forced to trade depending on the Intel. My gut says most of the bait used will be from 2018. And would be delighted with Kermit in the 5th. For my money I’d bet he’d make the team.
February 23rd, 2017 at 12:15 am
http://thepewterplank.com/2017/01/23/buccaneers-dede-westbrook-scouting-report/
Dede Westbrook to me seems more like a djax clone than John ross. Westbrook doesn’t have the inj history either. This guy is fast and catches in traffic. Isn’t afraid to go over the middle to catch n run. I wouldn’t hesitate to grab him in the 2nd round either. Fairy tale stories are cool but they don’t always equal wins. Ross n djax may have chemistry but I would invest in a receiver with a healthier history in the 2nd round.
February 23rd, 2017 at 3:47 am
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/12/13/oklahoma-says-it-missed-dede-westbrooks-domestic-violence-arrests/?utm_term=.ec537510b177