“Hidden Gem”
February 24th, 2017
Jason Licht’s roster is being scrutinized
Joe has a hunch two positions are sort of in-flux and currently out of control for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht.
That would be safety and center.
At center, a lot depends on J.R. Sweezy. If he returns and, say, plays right guard, Joe will be willing to lay cash Ali Marpet moves to center.
At safety, Bucs fans are pushed by their irrational hatred of fan favorite and potential free agent Chris Conte, who played well down the stretch last year. Keith Tandy is signed and is a keeper, if the team believes the final month of the season represented the real Tandy.
A key at safety is keeping underrated Bradley McDougald. But with time between the Super Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, so many folks are going through NFL film and believe they are discovering a jewel: McDougald, as respected Xs and Os analyst Andy Benoit described recently.
@Andy_Benoit: Hidden gem in free agency is Bradley McDouglad (#Bucs S). A so-so cover guy, but filled like this in run support all season long.
In the link above, Benoit has video of a crushing tackle by McDougald to fill a rushing lane in the middle of the defense.
Yes, McDougald could be a free agent in 13 days. But all it takes is for one NFL general manager to go drunken sailor, and the Bucs really will have a hole at safety unless fans are good with both Conte and Tandy as starters.
February 24th, 2017 at 7:57 am
Nobody beats Mcdougald ovr the top. Nobody.
Best safety the bucs have since hall of fame snubbed John Lynch!
February 24th, 2017 at 7:58 am
Will never understand people wanting to move Marpet to center.
February 24th, 2017 at 8:35 am
It’s pretty simple Dewey, would you rather have a good right guard or a special center? That’s their belief and his size is a perfect fit at center.
February 24th, 2017 at 8:46 am
He is a special RG. How do you know he is a special center? And how do you know that is their belief? Not so simple now is it?
February 24th, 2017 at 8:56 am
Please do not move Marpet anywhere. The eagles are considering allowing Jason Kelce to walk. In the event they do Go get that guy.
February 24th, 2017 at 9:12 am
Anything is better than having Hawley being our center next year, that guy gets no push in the run game and is a swinging door in the pass game, build a wall, draft the best center in the 2nd Pat Eflein, 10 years with Ali pamphile and Eflein protecting our franchise QB is just as important as getting weapons
February 24th, 2017 at 9:19 am
1994 – The Seattle Seahawks drafted this RG prospect out LSU in the 2nd Round.
KEVIN MAWAE RG/C
6’4″ | 298
He played RG for two seasons – and did an amazing job. I remember folks saying if the kid stayed at the position he could become a future ALL-Pro yadda yadda. But instead the kid moved to Center – and after a few seasons- was considered by many to be one of the best Centers to have EVERY played the game.
Kevin Mawae (Career)
Career highlights and awards
• 8× Pro Bowl (1999–2004, 2008, 2009)
• 7× First-team All-Pro (1999–2002, 2004, 2007, 2008)
• Second-team All-Pro (1998)
• NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
• First-team All-SEC (1991)
• Second-team All-SEC (1993)
A have several more examples of RG prospects (drafted in the 2nd or 3rd) that became ALL-Pro Centers – if you would like me to post.
NOS – “Tons” of Philly fans think Kelce is washed up.
February 24th, 2017 at 9:23 am
Kevin Mawae – yet another HOF snub
February 24th, 2017 at 9:33 am
With all the good Guard propects that became ALL-Pro Centers. You see guys that have quick feet, and strong hands. That can anchor well, and keep their heads on a swivel.
The reason why so many scouts – thought Marpet would be a good Center prospect (not guard) is because he shares those same attributes.
February 24th, 2017 at 10:25 am
OMG… BM made a tackle and they have it on video. Football is about consistency and impact plays. BM is not the former and has made very little of the latter. Yet is expected to make $2M-$3M/yr to be below avg. Seriously?
February 24th, 2017 at 10:50 am
Chris Conte, who played well down the stretch last year.
————
Fake news
February 24th, 2017 at 10:57 am
@TvD,
much respect but best safety since Lynch couldn’t keep his head out of the clouds was Tanard Jackson, hoping Licht can find that guy a gain, minus the weed in the coconut.
McDougal is solid, but if you can upgrade. Not that we have to because Bm does know the system and with coaching, he is getting better.
February 24th, 2017 at 11:09 am
@Luv
As always great stuff backed with some facts. Nice comparison to Mawae. Let’s hope Ali can be half as good as he was at center.
February 24th, 2017 at 11:23 am
The entire O-Line failed the Bucs in the running game last season.
February 24th, 2017 at 11:25 am
Bradley McDougald should get a 4 year contract. If not the Bucs then from someone else.Good Free Safeties are not easy to find, and John Lynch played SS.
February 24th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Tony Jefferson should be our first priority on defense
February 24th, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Conte and BM both suck in pass coverage they’re just pretty good tacklers. Tandy looked like an all pro compared to them. Gotta upgrade safety!
February 24th, 2017 at 6:46 pm
“Irrational hatred” of Chris Conte? Dude, I don’t think anybody hates him, but how many times do we have to watch him play out of position before it’s universally understood that he’s not very good? His best play of the year was made because a) the Chiefs were so used to seeing him out of position against that formation, and b) GMC inexplicably was 3 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on a goalline play and managed to tip the pass.
Sabby the Goat is all I see out there. Conte would not start for a good team. Period.
February 24th, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Stpetebucsfan
#Respect