The Bucs Like Their Running Backs And You Can’t Stop Them
March 13th, 2017
A content GM
No matter how many fans purchase base drums from their local Sam Ash to pound a beat for Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffery, that won’t stop the Bucs from loving their running backs in the stable right now.
Too many fans seem to ignore the Bucs’ feelings and think the team is aching to draft a running back in the first round.
Joe isn’t about to pretend to know the draft plan inside the walls of One Buc Palace, but Joe will not ignore the obvious.
Charles Sims, a guy drafted by Jason Licht, is beloved by Dirk Koetter for his explosive play ability. At 26 years old entering a contract season, Sims is healthy and the Bucs are expecting big things. There also should be more room for Sims to operate out of the backfield in open space with DeSean Jackson on the field.
Jacquizz Rodgers? He was chosen by Dirk Koetter to be a motivational force inside the Bucs’ locker room last year and on Surface tablets issued to players. The 27-year-old is beloved by the team and was re-signed immediately in free agency.
And then there’s undrafted Peyton Barber, the 22-year-old rookie last season who averaged more than four yards per carry.
Consider what Dirk Koetter said about Barber just before Thanksgiving.
“Another guy that we don’t talk about very much that came in there in the second half [against the Chiefs] and made some tough runs for us is Peyton Barber, young guy that’s gettin’ better,” Koetter said. “I mean, I looked at the tape and feel like, you know I think he had five carries and Doug had 24, I feel like we need to get Peyton a little bit more involved. He’s running with power and confidence right now.”
Last year, Licht talked about Barber being a not-so-hidden gem who cranked out a 1,000-yard season in the SEC for Auburn in 2015. And Saturday at One Buc Palace, Licht again went to the Barber card, as documented by Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.
“Peyton Barber’s one to watch,” Licht said. “Peyton Barber was a productive back in college. Last year, particularly the San Fran game, he had a couple of opportunities and made the best of them. He’s still a young guy, was a junior that came out, and he still has an upside. It may not be as grim as a lot of people and the perception is. We’re actually very excited about that group that I just mentioned, but you never know.”
No, Joe doesn’t consider Doug Martin an option. But if Martin acts like a true team-first guy during spring practices and passes all his inevitable urine tests, then maybe the Bucs renegotiate his contract to a veteran-minimum, prove-it deal before training camp.
Regardless, the point here is Joe believes the Bucs would be content to wait on drafting a running back until the fourth round or later this year. And you can’t stop them.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:07 am
Smokescreen. Bucs are absolutely drafting Dalvin Cook in the first round. Book it. Stone cold lock.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:08 am
Comica!!!
March 13th, 2017 at 9:11 am
DL or ol in the first. Wide receiver or running back in the second
March 13th, 2017 at 9:12 am
Would rather the Bucs use a later pick on D’onta Foreman than draft Cook
March 13th, 2017 at 9:12 am
I could see them keeping the guys they got, and restructuring Martins deal. I know he’ll miss the first 3 games, but I can see them rolling with him so they don’t have to draft a RB and focus on other areas.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:16 am
I will keep count of how many people call this a smokescreen. So far 1.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:18 am
Gotta disagree here Joe. I would be shocked if a RB isn’t taken in the first 2 rounds this year.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:18 am
It is in no way shape or form a stone cold lock the bucs are even drafting a running back. Should they? Yes? But I think they’re thinking the patriot way and looking at other running backs that have great success after being drafted outside the first round. Johnson in Arizona and pretty much every other back who’s had sucess. Licht probably isn’t drafted a first round back even tho they should and it would make our offense truly un-preparable. How do u gameplan and say let’s stop Evans-jackson burns you. Let’s stop Jackson Evans murders you. Let’s stop both wideout then cook fournette or whoever crushes you. Let’s stack the box then killed on outside. Let’s take away the outside then brate torches you. It would be a colossal mistake not drafting one because it keeps the defense off the field which is always good. We r a top 10 back away from a superbowl
March 13th, 2017 at 9:19 am
In some ways we’re in the sweet spot in the draft, low enough that we can’t covet the very best talent in the draft, and high enough that we can get away with trading down without hearing the fans scream for Licht’s head. If we got the right trade-down deal, we could draft the best RT in the draft in the first and mine this very deep draft for offensive skill positions in the second round and beyond.
That won’t happen of course, the pundits are all going the other way for either a top 3 RB, or a skill position at safety or WR/TE. Right now, Licht is just keeping his cards on the table, not admitting to a need even in the position where most of the draft gurus are predicting… and there’s nothing wrong with that, with so much time left in free agency and the draft many weeks away.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:28 am
Am I the only one who feels like Peyton Barber has been around more than a year? I know he hasn’t…but it just feels like we’ve known him longer.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:29 am
😂this one makes me snicker. “but you never know”. You got that right. That meeting in Tally wasn’t suppose to get out I assume.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:29 am
Jameis is gonna talk everyone into taking his buddy cook 1st rnd if he’s still there. Plus another Seminole on the bucs all but guarantees more butts in the seats, and we need another big name on offense, another weopon for jameis. Win/win/win for the bucs.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:30 am
I actually like Peyton Barber..
March 13th, 2017 at 9:30 am
@Ben From GA so they were smoke screening for the draft in November? Lol makes sense bro.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:30 am
If he shows remorse and readiness, Martin will be a Buc.
There will be no cutting him and resigning to a vet minimum. He’d be scooped up in a heartbeat after his release on decent terms.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:31 am
Pop count me as 2 bro. Remember I been asking for bets all summer.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:31 am
I am a season tkt holder and disappointed bucs have NOT done more. Raising tkt prices and having plenty of $ 4 free agency and only getting 1 splash player. Thought bucs would go all out but guess not this year.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:33 am
I think it depends on who falls to them in any given round. They actually DO have the option of keeping Martin around for another year if they want. If the right guy does not fall to them, and if they do not make a surprise free agent signing, I think they might keep Martin, or at least be willing to.
I look at it this way…if they can avoid drafting a RB, it is one less position to fill. That makes up one spot closer to completing this rebuild. There is a chance all the pieces can fall into place this year. Or at least enough to make the Bucs Superbowl contenders.
I figure either the Bucs or the Saints will win the NFC. That seems to be the pattern. Unlike the Panthers and Falcons, the Bucs and Saints know how to win the big game. On paper, it looks like the Bucs will be that team.
But you can never discount Brees having one last run before he retires.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:34 am
Exactly Blake emphasis on back in November. What do y’all expect these people to be doing. Parading around town with signs saying “we drafting Dalvin in the first round”.. C’mon man.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:34 am
I also don’t think the Falcons will be good this year, but the Panthers will be.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:35 am
All I will say is that they were comfortable with the receivers last year as well and look how that turned out! Look I like Licht and think he has done a nice job but the receiver position last year was a joke and could have been prevented but he chose to stand pat. I see runningback and center at the same stage that WR was last year in that they are clearly not good enough and we will see if Licht repeats his mistake from last year. Again if we all can see it then how do they miss it!?!?
March 13th, 2017 at 9:35 am
lol…I just realize who you remind me of, Nole.
J0E when he wanted Johnny Football.
Nole knows running backs 😉
March 13th, 2017 at 9:36 am
Rogers is the best back we have!
March 13th, 2017 at 9:37 am
Got folks on here talking about bring inn the hamburgler Eddie Lacy or maybe Latavious Murray yea right. Holla at me when either happens.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:37 am
Bro my point was that it’s ridiculous to think they were doing gamesmenship ish for the draft that long ago. They were giving their opinions of a guy they feel good about. That’s it and that’s all.
Btw I’ve made this point a couple times. If DK and JL like their current group of Backs, then there’s no way we draft 1 in round 1. More likely that we wait to the 3rd or 4th.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:38 am
I remember one game last year where a short pass bounced off Sims hands and was intercepted. Yeah he’s a real threat. Can’t stay healthy, and when he runs he looks like he’s trying out for dancing with the stars. Every back on our roster is a joke compared to what’s available in the draft. I’m not calling smokescreen, I’m calling full blown smoke up the you know what.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:38 am
I’d take Legarrette Blount back in a heartbeat btw.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:38 am
Why so Bonzai??? Someone said they allowed Klien to leave they allowed Ealy to leave. They’re speedsters Brown and gin gone. Why will they be better??? Is J.No coming back???
March 13th, 2017 at 9:39 am
Ndog Says
“All I will say is that they were comfortable with the receivers last year as well and look how that turned out! Look I like Licht and think he has done a nice job but the receiver position last year was a joke and could have been prevented but he chose to stand pat.”
The injuries were not his fault. Vincent Jackson had a year left…it was a reasonable assumption that he would make it through that year.
While I was shocked he did not draft a WR, I also understood that there were even more needs back then than there are now. He could only fill so many holes in a single draft.
Now we’ve gone from about 12 needs to about 4 big needs, and WR is one of them. I have no doubt he will draft a WR this year.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:40 am
Mind you, I’m not counting Kicker as a need. Which, given how many people wanted Aguayo gone last season, I’m surprised more people are not calling to draft a kicker.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:40 am
No to Legarrette Blount.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:40 am
If we don’t take Cook or McCaffrey in 1st Rd wait to 3rd or 4th and draft Brian Hill from Wyoming.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:41 am
But you also feel our TE spot should upgraded right Blake.. So would it be beyond the pale they may very well feel privately that the RB position could be as well. What does “you never know” sound like to you bro???
March 13th, 2017 at 9:41 am
No to Legarrette Blount, Yes to Derel Walker, and Shep is gonna be better than Djax right Bonzai?
Lol dude Blount had 16 touchdowns last year? What is u be smoking dude?
March 13th, 2017 at 9:43 am
I agree that Charles Sims is not the solution. I like him, but his injuries and running style just do not work. Should we keep him? I’m up in the air about that. I’d like to give him more time, but if we draft a RB, then we might have to move on. Peyton is Healthier.
Of course, if they sign a RB in free agency, its handled.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:43 am
I hate to say it but HoDad is correct.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:44 am
I think LB falls in the same group as RB for us Daryl Smith wasn’t horrible last year, but outside of the interception on a tipped ball I really can’t remember him making any splash plays. I know they like the Bond kid, but he’s very much an unknown. Very deep draft for RB, we can wait. You guys need to come to terms with idea that they may not be so in love with Dalvin and think their are other positions that are more important. Don’t get me wrong I’d love a running back that could break an 80 yard TD at any moment. We just might not get that this year.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:45 am
Uh Yeah I feel strongly that we should upgrade at TE because we Have Cam Brate who is a great possession receiver guy, but a not so great blocker. And after him we have 2 nobodies. One that’s a half-way decent blocker when he’s not injured, and one that can’t do anything well, but can do everything below average.
“You need multiple Tight ends, There are a lot of good things you can do with 2 Tight ends.” – Jason Licht
That was probably a smoke screen too.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Crap and crap he was counting on VJAX coming off a hurt knee and old, Louis Murphy coming off a tore up knee, a undrafted free agent in Hump and Kenny Freaking Bell. That is flat careless and was horrible at best. Should have drafted and signed one. Just like right now if Evans or VJAX goes down were screwed again just like at TE last year. Brate goes down and so did the offense. We need depth and in the case of runningback a starter cause there all we have is depth with no lead dog.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Using your first rd pick for a RB is over eager. Go get a quality pick there with either an OL to make your RB play better, a DL, safety, or a natural born talkent at WR like Ross
March 13th, 2017 at 9:58 am
Our running backs do not have that vision like Cook, we don’t have that homerun hitter. Sims is not and Payton is not we don’t have a runningback that we can call a starter. We need a pro bowler that is Cook. All our running back are back ups. If they were on another team that’s what they will be.
March 13th, 2017 at 9:59 am
Even Rogers
March 13th, 2017 at 10:00 am
@Jonzey
“All our running back are back ups. If they were on another team that’s what they will be.”
You can say the same thing for the Safety position as well.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:01 am
mike10 Says:
March 13th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Using your first rd pick for a RB is over eager. Go get a quality pick there with either an OL to make your RB play better, a DL, safety, or a natural born talkent at WR like Ross
—-
It’s not overeager at 19. It’s over eager in the top 10 unless it’s an Ezekiel Elliott type back. At 19, if a top RB is what you need to complete your offense, you pull the f***ing trigger.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:02 am
*edit* At 19, if a top RB is what you need to complete your skill positions on offense, you pull the f***ing trigger.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:03 am
I’ve been saying our back field is fine for now for a while. People that think because the 23 year old Jameis and the even younger Cook have anything to with their draft decision are not bright. Jameis may have an extremely small insite if any on who they’re going to draft. What I would like:
1. Ramczyk
2. Safety (Budda/Obi)
3.WR
4.RB
March 13th, 2017 at 10:04 am
Here’s what I want you all to do since most of you feel the draft is a random event and not staged. Pull up the pics from the draft night and explain to me why when they pose with they’re jerseys from the team they will be playing for. Why do all the first rounders have a #1 and they’re last name already present on the jersey. Do the teams have jerseys of every player going in the round maybe??? I doubt that.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:05 am
Ben don’t get upset bro. No worries. He’ll be joining the crew soon enough my friend. We’ll pop bottles draft night bro.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:06 am
Our running backs are awful
Possibly the worst in the NFL
We need immediate help at the position.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:06 am
I wasn’t born wit a lot. But common sense was God given.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:07 am
Blake_bucsfan Says:
March 13th, 2017 at 9:30 am
@Ben From GA so they were smoke screening for the draft in November? Lol makes sense bro.
—–
Yeah, because that’s exactly what I said in my post. Licht knew we would end up at 19 before the season was over and was already prepping his draft strategy. He also hooked me up with some lotto numbers for the summer, too. Enough $ to buy that chick from Morning Cup o’ Joe from a few days ago for a couple of nights.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:08 am
@Nos because the make a dummy Jersey for every team for every player bro. Always with the conspiracy theories.
It’s just like how the make up 2 sets of t-shirts and hats for the superbowl or nba championships. They also print 2 newspaper headline mock-ups.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:08 am
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:
March 13th, 2017 at 10:05 am
Ben don’t get upset bro. No worries. He’ll be joining the crew soon enough my friend. We’ll pop bottles draft night bro.
—
Not upset, it’s always good bringing common sense and logic into this comments section. I don’t always comment, but our GM and scouts probably need to be unemployed if they’re truly happy with our stable of RBs at this point.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:09 am
And ima say it again “I’M TAKING ALL BETS”..
March 13th, 2017 at 10:10 am
☺I feel you Ben.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:10 am
Yesterday I posted that I thought drafting a first round WR would be smart. I used the Evans, Vjax, ASJ optimism from 2016 as an example as to what can go wrong to what appears the best laid plans. Today I have to agree with Licht when it comes to RB. Use what we have (including Martin if he is fully recovered) and draft a project RB in the 3rd or 4th RD. That would give us a full compliment of backs that would protect against injuries, and give us some Future developmental players. My favorite back in the draft is Donta Foreman. PS It wouldn’t hurt to add another OL project, because like mentioned in a post above, a good running game all starts with the OL, and remember this is becoming a Pass first league.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:11 am
Whether Doug Martin returns or not, they don’t need to draft a RB in the first round. Grab TE Howard or the best WR on the board. One of them should be available at 19.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:12 am
Joe isn’t suggesting they won’t address the RB position at all. He is saying it might not be round 1, which is a possibility.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:12 am
I understand what you are saying but if we can get a top talent like Cook you have to grab him.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:19 am
Smokescreen. The Bucs will play their cards close to their hand, but if there’s a RB they like still on the board in the first three rounds they pull the trigger. Doug Martin is the backup plan, but there’s no need to force an RB pick if value doesn’t meet need.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:22 am
nos. They have every jersey ready. then they press the number 1 on the jersey with the last name. Take about 15 seconds…
March 13th, 2017 at 10:29 am
Guys get ready nole is about to go off on his wanna be boyfriend in dalvin cook
March 13th, 2017 at 10:29 am
Ramczyk in the first. Protect Jameis.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:30 am
Damn Dewey why you gotta question his “common sense” lol
March 13th, 2017 at 10:31 am
1rd TE/DT/OT A good OT is there at 19 how can you pass on him? A good one is starting for 5-10 years!
March 13th, 2017 at 10:33 am
A very good RB draft this year,so can get a starter in 3-5th rd.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:35 am
Good football teams do not draft for need, typically. Usually, good football teams can take BPA because they already have major needs filled and perhaps, just need an upgrade. If the Bucs do draft a RB, hopefully it is BPA and NOT necessity as some infer.
I look at it like this: IF the Bucs keep Martin AND draft a RB it puts them in a position where they can possibly trade Martin (who’s 1 year removed from 1400 yards). If they keep Martin and DO NOT draft a RB, they are still in a good position at RB because they have Rodgers, Sims, and Barber in case Doug doesn’t pan out. This is a best case scenario because you don’t HAVE TO draft a RB. Just my opinion anyway.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:39 am
Ramczyk would be so sweet for every time Jameis does his scramble to the right to buy time.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:43 am
Agree with Bonzai, it all depends on who’s available when & where. If Cook is there at #19, he’ll be a Buc. Possibly, but not necessarily, the same with Fournette, but not McCaffrey. If neither Cook nor Fournette is there at #19, Licht probably won’t draft a RB until the 4th rnd or later. Can’t see Bucs going out of their way to move up in the draft however to grab anyone, especially a RB.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:43 am
Heaps of good backs. None of them great
March 13th, 2017 at 10:43 am
I don’t see how Licht can seriously think that Rogers is durable back. All he has to do is look at last year. Rogers lasted 3 or 4 games and he went down hurt. Sims is always hurt , and Barber is no more than a back up RB. So any GM with a brain would see the bucs need to draft a RB. As far as Martin goes i think that ship has sailed, i think with him having to sit out the first 3 games of next year the bucs don’t need that head ache. So pick Cook, McCaffrey, Kamara in the first round,or pick Foreman, Mack, Mixon in the 2nd or 3rd round and have a true lead back to count on.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:43 am
Tarzan EAD
And nice try Dewey but you gotta do better than that bro.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:47 am
Nos you’re a trip bro. Your mind will literally go to any lengths to try and convince yourself of a conspiracy.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:47 am
Bucs have positioned themselves to take best available….for the most part. We have needs for quality young players aka future starters at RB, WR, TE, OL….DE/DT….CB….even at safety. Rank the players and decide based on what is available when we draft. I would bet we are much more likely to trade down then trade up. I just dont see Licht trading up again this year after blowing the last one for our kicker. Licht doesn’t need a homerun…he simply needs to avoid a huge strike out and the Bucs will keep progressing toward quality depth and being a yr over yr contender. The teams always looking to make a splash are the one’s generally always needing one.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:48 am
http://mentalfloss.com/article/56676/how-do-draft-picks-get-personalized-jerseys-so-fast
Here is video evidence of how long it takes to make of the Draft night Jerseys.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:51 am
Dream scenario that could never happen:
Ramczyk in the first rnd
Cook in the second.
Cook can tell coaches when they call and say “are you ready to be a panther?” Cook can reply “no, my dream is to play with Jameis. I won’t sign with anyone else”. Haha
March 13th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Based on the decisions we’ve made thus far I wouldn’t doubt Licht drafting a wlb at 19.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Just take Samaje Perone in the third or fourth and call it a day. Dude is an NFL caliber RB overshadowed by this Joe Mixon guy but make no mistake, they were definitely both significant parts of that running game, and Perone had the power. Benched 225 lbs 30 times FFS!
March 13th, 2017 at 10:54 am
Perine. Damn auto-incorrect.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:59 am
We can sign Alfred Morris who is just as good if not better than dougie
March 13th, 2017 at 11:02 am
Nos, you are saying that the draft is pre determined and they don’t print the jersey after the selection. They have been showing jerseys mage live for about years now. you are losing any credibility that you have left, which isn’t much.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:09 am
I believe 100% in what the bucks front office is doing. But, I hope when they say they are happy with the running backs they have that it is a big SMOKE SCREEN. They are one STUD RUNNING BACK away from winning it all. Do what ever it takes, even moving up in the draft if necessary to get it done. GO BUCS
March 13th, 2017 at 11:10 am
@DB55- Morris is a beast. It’s a shame he wasn’t utilized better the last couple of years. He could be a nice inexpensive signing.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:13 am
Bucsfan
I’m telling you the Bucs are doing themselves a disservice by not hiring me. I’d have us lifting the Lombardi trophy every year. Lol
March 13th, 2017 at 11:13 am
If – IF – Martin truly has ‘grown up’ and realized what a huge f*** up he committed – both to the team and himself – then a clean, motivated Martin could come back as a beast. There is no need to make that decision now; you don’t count on him but you don’t let him walk away for free.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:20 am
Ben
They will have to tade up, i see him going top 10. McCaffrey is who its gona be in my opinion. Not gona say book it or u wana bet or any of that nonsense. Thats my gut feeling. Dont see them trading up for cook
March 13th, 2017 at 11:23 am
So Blake You and Dewey position is every team shows up to draft with at least 120 names ready to be sealed on jerseys when the commish makes his announcement??? Riiiggghhtt.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:26 am
One stud RB away Roger. This isn’t rocket science. The last piece is sitting in Tally. Once we draft him the rest will be history and those future championship banners I’m sure can be made just as fast a draft night jersey can.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:27 am
Did you not watch the video I posted? Stop living in a fantasy land.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:28 am
roca we won’t be trading up for anything. We will draft Dalvin at 19 and my point about this being staged up will be proven.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:29 am
1 running back away? Are you serious? We have needs at Center, Right Tackle, Safety, CornerBack, Linebacker, Tight End, and we have 0 depth at receiver.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:29 am
Did you not watch this years superbowl??? How would you explain them not running the football and Ryan snapping the ball with 20+ Sedona left on the clock. How bout you stop living in fantasy land guy.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:31 am
So if we need all these positions why haven’t our GM done anything to fill them. CB??? Really dude.. Safety??? Really dude. Memo Blake we ain’t drafting budda baker bro.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:33 am
So with all those positions you listed we should be in bad shape going into next season right. These people saying the Bucs see the team to look out for next season don’t know what the h3ll they talkin about right.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:34 am
Just remember something Blake we post our opinions on a site. Our opinions don’t mean diddly. We both JAG bro. Neither of us know what’s best for the Bucs dude.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:36 am
Give a f@$! about yo video don’t prove or dispell anything dude.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:37 am
Some of you cats. Its like something can be said by someone infront of mic and cameras and y’all believe it all simply because they infront of mic and cameras.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:39 am
This mofo say we have 0 dept at WR.. That’s funny last I check ME Jackpot Hump walker and a few other young guys are currently on the roster. So how do you explain 0 dept smart guy..
March 13th, 2017 at 11:39 am
Grimes will be 34 years old next year so he’s no guarantee. We did try to sign AJ Bouye before the Jaguars went nuts and over spent. And Conte and Wilcox are both back-ups. Tandy could be a starter, but as of now, he’s a guys who had half of the season playing like garbage, and the rest of it playing out of his mind. Could be a flash in the pan.
Safety and Corner are both real possibities this year.
And yes while I’m not a proffessional. I’m not a biased homer either. And I don’t go around trying to claim that everything is rigged to support what I think…
March 13th, 2017 at 11:41 am
WALKER? the is a CFL walk on? and do you know what depth means? Depth is reffering to what you have in place in case one of your guys is gassed or unavailable.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:41 am
Center you wanna know why their hasn’t been any movement there. Because Gotchik played there last season, he hinted at Phamphile playing it in a interview a few days ago. Keep words “we wanna get the best five on the field” smart guy.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:42 am
Ion give a s@$! about a Bouye rumor if he was desired Licht would have signed the kid.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:43 am
What did you just say about not believing everything people say in front of a camera and mic? Dude you flip flop more than a pair of sandals just to try and convince yourself Dalvin is coming to tampa.
You’re doing mental somersaults to try and prove that the only thing we need is a running back.
And you lose more and more credibility with each coming post.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:43 am
So why Licht signed Walker dude. For s@$! and giggles. Oh okay so he don’t know what they h3ll he doing now right.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:44 am
Must be tough seeing through all these smoke screens of smoke screens.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:44 am
Homeboy have not been saying Dalvin name since day one. You actually think I give a s@$! one way or other dude about a report one way or the other mutaf@$!.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:45 am
Ever hear the term “camp meat”?
March 13th, 2017 at 11:46 am
Call it what you want. I’ll continue reminding you we’ll see what’s good come draft night homie.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:46 am
I’m not talking about your support of dalvin. I’m talking about how you change your stance of subjects nonstop to cater to your support of Dalvin.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:46 am
You ever hear the story about Ton Brady and Terrel Davis being drafted in the six round.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:48 am
Oh well them privately meeting with him in Tally leads me to believe its something to my thinking we may very well draft him
March 13th, 2017 at 11:49 am
You ever hear the story of the countless successful late round running backs?
funny that the only 2 examples of other positions people seem to come up with are antonio brown and tom brady.
But the list of successful late round/ undrafted running backs just goes on and on and on.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:49 am
You can’t tell me s@$! homeboy. Ima get ready for work now. Some of us have business outside of JBF.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:50 am
Or you know its part of their vetting process that they do with all Players that have questionable off the field issue’s.
You know, like the abuse of little puppies?
March 13th, 2017 at 11:50 am
Nobody can tell you Sh!t because your a legend in your own mind.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:58 am
We need to get Cook best running back in the draft
March 13th, 2017 at 11:58 am
We need to get Cook best running back in the draft.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:10 pm
4th Round Pick – (RB) Samaje Perine
RB Jacquizz Rodgers | Charles Sims | Samaje Perine | Peyton Barber
Hopeffuly this offseason won’t pamper our running backs
Make these Katz earn every carry
Let the best man – win #RunningBackByCommittee
Note:
U don’t have to run a sub 4.4 to be an elite running back – ask Frank Gore
March 13th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
*Hopeffuly we don’t – pamper our running backs this offseason
March 13th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Nole, they have nameless jerseys and iron on the name after the pick is made.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:23 pm
@Blake and Nole- You guys need to go to TIME-OUT! At this rate, you won’t have anything left in the tank for draft day when we may……..or may not draft a RB!
Martin
Sims
Rodgers
Barber
Your Tampa Bay starting lineup!!!! 🙂
March 13th, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Seems like everyone forgets that it’s defense that usually wins championships.
March 13th, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Seems like everyone forgets that it’s defense that usually wins championships.
Cook will not be a buc. He will be gone by the time we pick. It’s like saying Mike Williams is going to be there at 19. Really guys I mean come on
March 13th, 2017 at 12:50 pm
@Rob- I would be shocked if Cook fell to us. If he’s half the back Nole proclaims, there’s no way! We’ll see though. Stranger things have happened.
Agree about defense winning championships.
March 13th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
There is a realistic chance that Dalvin Cook will be there at #19. What nobody knows is who, if anybody, they have ranked higher than him. If they have somebody ranked higher than Dalvin Cook available at #19 then they will take that player over Cook.
March 13th, 2017 at 1:16 pm
“We’re actually very excited about that group that I just mentioned, but you never know”
LOL – “But” always negates whatever was said just before it. Nice try at smokescreening JL. Need to work on that bro.
This is a strong RB draft class. One of if not THE strongest class in many many years for RBs. We will be drafting a RB somewhere. I’d say somewhere in the 1st 3 rounds more likely than not.
Cook and Fournette will be long gone at 19. If Cook were to somehow slip to 19 – then I think that’s just a no brainer to draft him.
McCaffrey is definitely a possibility to be available at 19 – and from watching his tape – I’m starting to warm up to the idea of him being a Buccaneer even though I think drafting RBs in the 1st round is not typically the best idea. McCaffrey is definitely a pretty dynamic and versatile talent and would certainly provide some of those “explosive” plays Koetter is looking for. Would be nice to have a guy like that returning punts and kickoffs as well.
Kareem Hunt from Toledo in the 3rd would be a great pick and excellent value IMO.
March 13th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Never know these day’s it’s been many players pick in the 1st rd. that turned out to be a bust at all positions. First rounder that was a bust in my eyes Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, David Carr, Aron Baybin, Peter Warrick, Mike Williams, Cedric Benson, Ryan Leaf, and JaMarcus Russell and more.
March 13th, 2017 at 2:01 pm
You guys are probably too young to remember Yuban coffee. It was the Starbucks of it’s day…no stores just sold at stores like ALL coffee back in the day.
It was the most expensive and their commercials attacked it head on…still stuck in my head…their founder was John Arbuckle…commercial tag line…As John Arbuckle says…you get what you pay for. That’s not an absolute and everybody has found a bargain or two…on the other hand how many times have you grabbed a bargain and had it turn out to be cheap shiiit.
Yeah we CAN find a bargain in later rounds…perhaps…and yes there is no guarantee…but all of you talking about how many great backs yadda yadda…there are also supposed to be a lot of great WR’s…Safeties…etc.
The bottom line is this. There is NO DOUBT that whatever position you’re trying to address your odds improve dramatically as you move up to the first round.
And while it’s even a crapshoot in the first…the odds lengthen dramatically especially after the 3rd round.
Oh but hey Brady was found in the sixth and so was Antonio Brown who was the freaking 22nd….22nd WR taken that year. And that happens every year….NOT!
Again simply peruse the HOF RB’s and see how many were selected out of the first round…like one or two.
So if you believe we need a running back it’s time to go for the win…not the long shots.
And I’m curious about the draft strategy? If I concede Mixon would be a steal in the 4th and great value…how do you play that? Gamble and hope somebody doesn’t take him sooner? Or simply do the right thing and draft Dalvin a LOT sooner?
March 13th, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Stpete that entire premise you just detailed is based on 2 presumptions. The first being that if we take a running back in the first, that they wont be a bust. Which is obviously incorrect, we’ve had 2 1st round Rb’s bust on us in the last decade.
The second presumption you make is that you need a HOF Rb to be successful. Idk about you. But I’m of the opinion that you don’t need a game breaker at Rb. You just need competancy. If we were to draft a guy in the 3rd round that got 900-1000 yards rushing and 6-8 scores a year, in my mind that would be more than worth the price of entry.
And I mentioned this earlier already, but i dont know if you saw it so I’ll repeat it. Its funny to me that thd only 2 late round examples for other positions are Tom Brady and Antonio Brown. But there is freaking littany of successful late round/ undrafted Rb’s that have been successful.
March 13th, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Martin was 2nd in the NFL in rushing 2 years ago and should have been first but the Bucs went easy on his workload late in the year. I think he comes back on fire as he’s going to be completely embarrassed about what happened and he’s going to be super motivated to earn his non- guaranteed money, then put on top of that it’s an odd numbered year. The worst thing the Bucs could do is cut Martin and watch him go to the Panthers and rush for 1500 yards in 13 games and help then win the division. You keep Martin, at least through camp to see where his head is.
March 13th, 2017 at 2:25 pm
St Pete – Cook is quite unlikely to be available to us unless we are willing to trade up for him
I’m pretty sure Dalvin will be drafted in the 1st 12 picks or so – top 10 more likely than not IMO. It would take trading our 2nd round pick to get up to 12 and a LOT more to get to 8,9 or 10 where he is most likely to go.
Surely you do not wish to spend extra valuable and needed picks just to get Cook when a great RB like McCaffrey will likely be there at 19 and there are also a # of very good RBs that will be available in rounds 2 and 3.
If Dalvin gets to 19 – then Duh – you snatch him up. Maybe even consider trading our 4th rounder to move up to 17 if he makes it that far – but I personally would not be willing to do any more than that to draft Dalvin Cook in this deep and talented RB draft class if I was the GM.
And just as an aside St Pete. I’ve seen you say multiple times you don’t see the value for us in drafting one of the supremely talented TE prospects in the 1st round. (Howard or Njoku) Just don’t be surprised if it happens though – especially if OJ Howard is still on the board at #19.
March 13th, 2017 at 2:31 pm
If you take a player in thefirst, second or seventh round there is always a risk involved that he will be the player you need. With the GREST job the BUCS are doing, do whatever it takes to grab Dalvin and roll the dice. I love those odds. GO BUCS
March 13th, 2017 at 2:58 pm
TB can move up to 12th pick trade with Cleveland and give them our 4th round and Doug.
March 13th, 2017 at 3:01 pm
@Stpete
I get what your saying about if you want the closest prospect to a sure thing then you take him early, obviously. What makes RBs different is that they are just an undervalued position in the league these days because so many team are using the RB by committee approach.
There isn’t a demand for feature backs as much as there used to be which cause good RBs to slide down boards which creates that value that we all talk about. Look at last year, 20 RBs drafted, 16 were picked on Day 3 because that is where teams are looking to find the diamonds in the rough at that position. Then consider that this years draft class is deeper at just about every position than last years.
There is a high demand in the league for Pass Rushers, WRs, and OL so those positions go early and they go fast whereas RBs teams usually wait on.
Its been said multiple times by multiple people everyday for about a month now. It is a deep class for most of the Bucs needs. RB, WR, DL, DB, TE. The one need that it is not a good class for that is viewed as a need by a lot of people is the OT class.
DB55 is onto something when he is banging the table for Ryan Ramczyk. There is a high demand in the league for OTs and this draft is not very deep at that position. Maybe it would be the smart move to get one of the top OTs before they are all gone.
March 13th, 2017 at 3:01 pm
I’d take Christian over Cook all day
March 13th, 2017 at 3:04 pm
@Jonzey
Doug Martin has 0 trade value. Nobody will trade for an injury prone RB who still has to serve 3 games of his suspension. Especially when teams know that there is a good chance he will just get cut anyway.
March 13th, 2017 at 4:03 pm
The Bucs are taking a RB in this draft. They should get Cook if they can because he has the potential to be an All-Pro, but there are other guys in this draft who are very good as well.
Sure, they are going to talk up their backs. Just like Tony Dungy and co talked up Pete Pierson at LT in 2001 right before they traded up for Kenyatta Walker in Rd 1. Walker obviously never panned out at LT, but McKay didn’t trade up for him because he was in love with Pete Pierson at LT despite the smoke that came out at One Buc.
March 13th, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Cook is overrated. Keep martin. He’s better than cook. Plus he will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong.
March 13th, 2017 at 4:43 pm
St pete
There are 3 tackles with 1st round grades including Cam Robinson AL, Garrett Bolles UT and Ryan Ramczyk WI.
Cam – some say he’s slow but powerful. Maybe 1 too many injuries.
Garrett – Pure Raw prospect with huge power. He look like Ivan Drago. Lol. Only 1 or 2 years playing ball.
Ramczyk – power, speed, experience. He’s got it all and he’s an angry blocker. Put him next to Ali and let’s rock.
Most importantly we can’t let Jameis get hit as often as he did last yr.
March 13th, 2017 at 5:38 pm
Trubucfan22 you are sleep Cook is not overrated he is the best running back in the draft. We need a explosive running back and Cook fit the bill.
March 13th, 2017 at 6:16 pm
It woukd be stupid not to restructure martins deal. I vant wait for him to prove the haters wrong. Its the guys first and only slip up.
If he stays clean I see him running with mote strength and focus.
March 13th, 2017 at 6:16 pm
The Bucs already have to first round picks on their roster in Martin and Sims. Problem is both get injured a lot, Sims can’t run between the tackles, and Martin screwed his team over a drug habit. Is Martin salagable? I think so. I think he wants some redemption here. He owes the Bucs a restructuring and he owes redemption. And I think he’s up to it. If not, there is Quizz for up-the-middle. I would rather see us use the pick on a CB, S, or even LB. WR if there is a speedy #3 (eventually #2) out there who can learn from DJax. First two picks should be in these four positions. Not opposed to using one of those or the third on a TE either.
March 13th, 2017 at 6:27 pm
Sims was a 3rd round pick just fyi.
March 13th, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Give Martin another chance it’s not like a beat a women. With decent blocking the guy is one of the best in the league.
March 13th, 2017 at 8:55 pm
Let him go he will be suspended for three games beginning of the season. We need to change the pace in the back field Cook, Rogers, and Sims, Barber
March 13th, 2017 at 9:47 pm
No more Martin. That was an awful signing. Dump the Doug.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:55 pm
Unless it’s a dancing competition, Charles Sims is not going in the first round of anything.
March 13th, 2017 at 10:57 pm
I still like Martin and Sims. Not really high on Cook and doubtful the Bucs draft him. But to quote DB55, “what do I know?”
March 14th, 2017 at 5:31 am
I can’t believe you are not high on Cook, he could be a force in our back field. The person we need, look at his highlight. We need a all around back that can make a person miss, turn a 5 yard play into a 70 yard run, also catch out the back field. You have never saw him get caught from behind. His vision is off the chart. He is the complete back.