Jason Licht Appears To Tip Draft Hand In Radio Interview
March 1st, 2017
Wake up the read-between-the-lines crowd.
General manager Jason Licht threw a lot of meat on your grill this morning.
Licht was a guest on SiriusXM NFL Radio and was asked, “What’s it going to take to get Tampa over the hump and win that division?”
Here’s is Licht’s verbatim response:
“Well, we’re going to have to keep adding layers to our foundation of young players. We’re going to have to get playmakers, more playmakers, and we’re going to have to get after those quarterbacks. So, you know, fortunately, we have a little bit of time right now. We have the draft coming up. We’ve got free agency. We’ve got some avenues that we can use. We have a tremendous staff, both coaching and scouts, and we’ve done pretty good in the draft, and we’re going to continue to do that. But we’re going to have to get after those quarterbacks.”
Hmmm, twice — twice! — Licht mentioned “getting after those quarterbacks.” No mention of safeties or pass protection or kickers or running back riddles.
Interesting response.
If the Bucs land DeSean Jackson in free agency and re-sign dedicated run stuffer Will Gholston, perhaps they do go pass rusher in the draft, such as Charles Harris or Malik McDowell with the No. 19 overall pick.
Or maybe, just maybe, this was Licht giving a more of a nod to pursuing barbarian 6-8, 300-pound veteran Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell in free agency next week?
March 1st, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Yes, Joe, so ix-snay with the Adrian Peterson dribble!!!!
March 1st, 2017 at 2:01 pm
No-brainer! If you think for one second that this unit cannot use a significant upgrade, you haven’t been watching this defense.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:03 pm
DL in the 1st round makes sense whether we sign a starter in FA or not. Even if it is a young DT next to GMC like Brandon Williams or Hankins, we still need a pass rusher to replace Ayers and Idk if that can or will be Jaq Smith.
RBs are undervalued in the league which is why they usually go so late. WR is a need but depending on FA it could wait to Day 2. Every team needs pass rushers so might as well get one of the top ones before the top tier is gone.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:04 pm
I don’t know if Mr. Licht should be taken at face value with pre-combine public statements. If you can get Cook, you go and get Cook. We can address other needs later and via free agency. Go get a real, YOUNG running back. Look at the other teams in our division and their running back capabilities. All of them save N.O. have really solid and dynamic RBs in addition to dynamic QBs.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:06 pm
I’m all for us drafting a big time DE in the 1st.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Unless Tim Williams falls. If Tim Williams passes the background check but the general consensus around the league is he is too much of a risk and we can get him in round 2 or even round 3 maybe then do whatever you want in the 1st round and get that beast for tremendous value.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Rather resign Gholston, and add Sheard or Simon.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Knock knock
Who’s there
Soloman Thomas
March 1st, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Rather resign Gholston, and add Sheard or Simon (maybe both). Then go after Jefferson. Heavy offense on draft except for a CB a 2nd or 3rd. (Hire me Glazers)
March 1st, 2017 at 2:17 pm
If we can get to their quarterback and protect ours, then we play for a championship.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:18 pm
Poe isn’t getting tagged in KC. He should be out #1 priority in free agency. Poe and GMC inside would open up everything else around them. You can’t double team both of them. Add another DE in the draft since its loaded. You can get a starter in the 4th round this year.
Take McCaffrey at 19 unless Corey Davis slips, which is possible, and after that take the best available guy to fill the RB/WR (whatever we don’t draft in the 1st), DE, and Safety in rounds 2-4.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:22 pm
Signing Jonathan Cyprien would allow us to focus on another WR or TE in the first 4 rounds. That would give us either 2 really good WR’ s or preferably a great WR and a stud TE in the draft and another couple WR’s in free agency. Like Kenny Stills and Robert Woods.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Ive said DL since the beginning. But im sold on Demarcus Walker. Not sure why hes only being ranked as a second rounder but get that guy
March 1st, 2017 at 2:28 pm
I say Licht should throw all types of $$$$ at Campbell and B. Williams. That way you have a nasty interior, with depth, a ferocious edge with Ayers, Campbell, and Spawn. The entire secondary would look like pro bowlers.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:28 pm
I’ve been saying it all along if you want a good DE the odds are you have to grab one in the first round. I’m hoping somehow D. Barnett slips to us but if not Taco, T. McKinely or Charles Harris will be there. This may be one of the deeper drafts ever for first round DE. There will be all kinds of value in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds for a RB or WR. Putting pressure on the QBs makes our DBs immediately better. It’s a no brainer DE in the first.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:29 pm
THANK THE LORD! LICHT SEES THE LIGHT!!
March 1st, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Campbell in FA and add a pass rusher in the 2nd rd. 1st rd pick goes to Cook, but if we somehow miss on Cook and Corey Davis then a top pass rusher should be available.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:33 pm
YYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Derrek Barnett PUHLEEEEAAASE!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2017 at 2:33 pm
And who is the playmaker DE in this draft class. Jarrett??? What’s the over under him producing 6 sacks next season???
March 1st, 2017 at 2:35 pm
Also if Gordon gets reinstated, which he will, we NEEEEEED to not let Anyone else get him. I have a strong feeling that a year off has awakened the kid and now he will BEAST!!!
March 1st, 2017 at 2:36 pm
There will be more than 1 playmaker at DE in this draft. Just like there will be more than 1 playmaker at RB and WR and just about every position.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:37 pm
1st round picks are drafted that high to produce immediately. Its why they couldn’t hold VH3 from the football field. SB I know you like Barnett but Von Miller he’s not bro. Dude slow like molasses,we drafted a smaller in stature DE last draft. Why would we want another one???
March 1st, 2017 at 2:40 pm
Nole Barnett had 33 sacks in only 39 games at Tenn. ALL SEC all three years!!!!! That is hard ish to do.!!!!!
March 1st, 2017 at 2:43 pm
Yeah cause drafting DEs in the first has paid off. Hell, I wouldnt want the guy they says going first, 4 sacks of his 8 came agai st mighty UTSA.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Barnett is nothing like Von Miller. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t produce. And he is not small in stature. Height wise maybe (6′ 3″), but he is like 270 lbs.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:47 pm
Geezus with the Josh Gordon talk. He’s missed three years do to being suspended. He should be banned for life on stupidity alone. Only Cleveland wiuld put up with his iah this long. Why would you want to sign a guy who, there’s a 99.999999 percent chance he’ll get suspended.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:48 pm
That’s what I am saying about Barnett Chris. He started his Frosh with 9 sacks in the SEC. Then 10 the next yr. Then 14 his Sr year. Just got Better and Better in the best Defensive League.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:50 pm
Has three years off wakened this kid, no, I doubt it.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:51 pm
SB I can’t recall the guys name he had 18 sacks his senior year last season. Played in the senior bowl. I haven’t heard a peep from the guy since entering the league. I just feel its easier to get sacks on the collegiate level more so than the pros. So I personally an not all that swayed by guys that apear to be sacks masters on that level. If go DE I hope the mold will be JPP size and stauture, one that won’t be a liability in the run game.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:52 pm
I think the guy was drafted by the browns. Might’ve been the year before last.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:56 pm
JPP is 6′ 5″ 278
Barnett is listed at 6′ 3″ 265
Not that far off.
March 1st, 2017 at 2:57 pm
I Seriously have a strong feeling about Gordon. Take it from a former addict that almost lost EVERYthing. I think his wake up call has happened and anyone who doesn’t do their best to sign the kid will hate themselves later
March 1st, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Nole…….Check this out brother.
The defensive line talent seen in the Southeastern Conference makes it difficult to make an all-conference squad. Barnett made the honor roll three times in three years. The Nashville native was the first freshman ever to start on the line for Tennessee in 2014, making 20.5 tackles for loss (which led the SEC) and 10 sacks on the year. Barnett led the Vols with 10 more sacks in 2015, earning a spot on the Associated Press All-Bowl Team with eight tackles and a sack versus Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. In his junior year, Barnett was a first-team All-SEC pick and first-team All-American by multiple outlets with 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks (which ranked sixth in the FBS).
March 1st, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Those aren’t small time quantifiables bro.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:10 pm
SB see I follow that conference a little bit to see what all the hype is about. I stated yesterday the ACC been whipping the sec head to head matchups reg season and bowl games last two years. What am I saying??? The sec imo ain’t all that duanting anymore. The only team to finish in the top ten was bama. So to produce like that in that league isn’t as impressive to me as it wouldn’t been say 4 or 5 years ago.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:14 pm
He said playmakers twice, then said get after those QBs, so I assume that means either one or two offensive playmakers and a d-lineman. However if you’re saying we need to get to the QB right now you don’t do that with a rookie – rarely do defensive linemen do much in their rookie years. I don’t really read anything from his comments other than what everyone says, we need playmakers and to get after the QB, I think every team says that.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:14 pm
Well Bro then we will just agree to disagree here. The SEC has won 7 of the last 10 NC’s. You are starting to base your arguments off of some unstable ground IMO.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:17 pm
There is not another DE in the Draft that has 30plus Sacks. Hell Jonathan Allen only has 28 and he is projected to go at no. 3 Overall.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:17 pm
Correction though. Allen is a DT.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Anyways I have to go pick up a snowmobile out of the shop and I won’t be around for a couple hours. Take care bro and the rest of my bro’s as well. GO BUCS!!!!
March 1st, 2017 at 3:24 pm
Nosbos, not swayed by college stats unless they are Dalvin Cook stats…
Makes sense.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:38 pm
“The SEC has won 7 of the last 10 NC’s.”
Nearly 1/2 of them were Bama.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:42 pm
The ACC and the SEC are both very good football conferences, but the ACC has been the better conference over the last few years.
Players that come out of either league that produced at a high level usually have outstanding speed.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:48 pm
32 NFL teams are looking for offensive playmakers and guys that can rush the QB. I don’t think this is any massive tell on Lichts part.
If you feel good at the QB position and feel halfway decent along the O-line what else is there that effects an NFL game more than those two things listed?
March 1st, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Must put qb on his ass every play.
If we get 93 and 13 weapons to take pressure off???
Look the f out
March 1st, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Your all clueless the Bucs need to take Ryan Anderson in the first round we need to shore up that side of the ball that side of the defense and he is a pass-rusher as well as clear run-stopper and can pl great zone. second-round we can get defensive tackle or defensive end there going to be a ton of them out there let’s sign theDe Sean
Number one concern is prior to the draft finding another safety in free agency.
March 1st, 2017 at 3:53 pm
“getting after those quarterbacks”
Really, J0E? lol. A person could just as easily claim he was saying he wants to draft a quarterback! lol
March 1st, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Im a read between the lines kinda guy… Sounds to me he is saying A LOT NEEDS TO HAPPEN BETWEEN THE LINES…
Go gettem… Im thinking he has bag full of money to do just that..
March 1st, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Honestly though…I pointed out the exclusives they tendered yesterday and mentioned that by using them as a clue, Licht might be leaning toward WR in round one. NOT a RB.
That would follow with this too.
Ah, intrigue!
March 1st, 2017 at 3:55 pm
So happy to hear that. Our D-line was HORRIBLE when we lost a few starters early in the year.
All last year I still wanted us to keep building up the D-line in this offseason.
I’d be totally fine with re-signing Gholston, signing a guy like Campbell, AND drafting a D-lineman round 1. That’s how important the D-line is; especially having depth when we know guys go down every year
March 1st, 2017 at 3:58 pm
“DB55 Says:
March 1st, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Knock knock
Who’s there
Soloman Thomas”
Won’t be there man. Guy will go top 10 and possibly top 5. If not it’d be a bigger shock than seeing Dalvin or Fournette at 19 imo
March 1st, 2017 at 4:06 pm
I read this as a sign Licht has decided to go all in for Calais Campbell. No harm in tipping your hand with that really.
March 1st, 2017 at 4:07 pm
Best Available. Make it happen JL. Let’s go to ATL in February.
March 1st, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Super Bowl is in Minnesota lol
March 1st, 2017 at 4:12 pm
the positions of strength in this years draft is cornerback, safety, and pass rushers i would attack that early no matter what happens in free agency– not sure why everyone is so intent on drafting RBs and WRs early this year when there are plenty of them available via draft(rounds 3-7) and free agency i like the idea of a charles harris or mcdowell in the 1st and if not them best CB or safety available and yes i know we drafted a CB in the 1st last year and yes i also know drafting a safety in the 1st is kinda frowned upon but were at a position in the draft where a lil reach for a player at a need position isnt such a bad thing in my opinion anyways
March 1st, 2017 at 4:21 pm
LC
If you can believe it can achieve it. Lol
Licht needs to make a big splash but not in his pool. Ya herd?!
March 1st, 2017 at 4:38 pm
lol for sure DB55.
This is his biggest off-season yet imo. The last couple years the needs were so obvious and the draft picks so high that the blueprint was more straightforward.
This year we are on the brink of something special and there are a lot of different approaches we could take in terms of FA & draft to get our team there. I’m excited to see it all unfold
March 1st, 2017 at 4:49 pm
I mean Blake how many times we gotta post what he did facing some of the best defenses in the counrty for you get it and be satisfied??? Once weekly maybe???
March 1st, 2017 at 4:56 pm
No, I get it. The stats only matter when they support your argument. Its very clear.
You say, oh Corey Davis can’t be all that, those numbers and traits don’t matter cause he’s a small school guy.
You say, oh Derek Barnetts stats dont matter cause the Sec ain’t all that.
Just sayin bro.
March 1st, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Lord C
Imo we have this year and next to get to at least the NFC championship. If not we can say bye bye to Evans and Winston.
March 1st, 2017 at 5:14 pm
So that means he will do the opposite.
March 1st, 2017 at 5:22 pm
TE? What do we need to draft a TE for we have Alex Cross!
March 1st, 2017 at 5:31 pm
7 and a 1/2 more days to go.
March 1st, 2017 at 6:11 pm
Several websites have had good articles about the Top-3 needs of each NFL team right now (before FA). Looking at the 18 teams above us in the draft, as many as 4 of those need a QB, and as many as 3 others need a RB. Most seem to be needing DEs & WRs. Looks like there are only 2 QBs, 2 RBs & 2 WRs however rated as Top-19 so there’s a pretty good chance they’ll be gone by our #19 pick UNLESS those drafting before us decide to focus on defense initially and pick up a value RB or WR later in the draft (there are some excellent defensive players though in the Top-19). In any event, Bucs can’t lose … we’ll either get a top RB or WR or TE (if others bypass them in favor of defense), or we’ll fill one of our defensive needs (DE, DT or S). Same should hold true for the 2nd rnd also, and maybe even the 3rd rnd. We’ve got such a broad range of positional needs right now that we really can’t miss. Unless …
March 1st, 2017 at 6:33 pm
I thought we had our D-End last year! This is SMOKE….blowing up your a$$!!
March 1st, 2017 at 6:47 pm
You play 2 DEs… no?
March 1st, 2017 at 6:52 pm
So I can’t say anything negative about BH?
March 1st, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Ahhh Big ..Ho g is protected in some way by Automod.
March 1st, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Yes Pops you play 2 DEs on most plays. Lol. I love me some Spawn but he needs some help on the other side.
March 1st, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Off topic but I never thought I would be a candidate for divorce………..considering tho
March 1st, 2017 at 7:04 pm
How about keeping them from getting after our QB…there is a thought
March 1st, 2017 at 7:07 pm
I want Hightower !!!!!! Do it!!!
March 1st, 2017 at 7:09 pm
SB…not protected. His name is in the filters though.
March 1st, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Interpret it however you so choose Blake. My point is I can speak on numbers in reference to Dalvin because he not only performed well when facing lessers he did the same when facing the best in the country. Corey Davis going from Juco level competition in school to the pros might very well have problems early in his career. Barnett putting up gaudy numbers in the sec conference that isn’t all that great lately outside of bama isn’t that impressive to me.
March 1st, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Lol 87. I get it. I knew you would get it too. Joe’s filters are archaic at best. He doesn’t want to change them and it is His website.
March 1st, 2017 at 7:41 pm
SB
1. Maybe it’s fitlering the big d o g? Idk
2. As to your personal comment – this too shall pass
3. It’s cheaper to keep her
4. If you came home and found her in your bed with someone else then forget everything I just said.
March 1st, 2017 at 7:41 pm
Scotty
That would be too wise for glazier and crew.
March 1st, 2017 at 7:51 pm
DB55 your probably right but a fan can dream!
March 1st, 2017 at 8:36 pm
DB55 Says:
March 1st, 2017 at 7:41 pm
SB
1. Maybe it’s fitlering the big d o g? Idk
2. As to your personal comment – this too shall pass
3. It’s cheaper to keep her
4. If you came home and found her in your bed with someone else then forget everything I just said.
…………………
I would appreciate some clarity on this statement.
March 1st, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Lol Nos, alright man. I’ve told you before that I take all stats with a grain of salt.
But I’ll say this about Derek Barnett and Corey Davis.
Barnett may not be an extremely impressive athlete, but it’s evident that he is a technician. He has surgically precise hands and feet, and wins with timing off the line, and his skill. When it’s all said and done, Barnett could end up being better than Myles Garrett, who is an elite athlete, but raw and undeveloped. Several underwhelming tackles were able to shut down Garrett because he is so predictable. Pretty much can only win with speed around the edge.
As for Mr. Corey Davis… Straight up stud. You mentioned it dude, Antonio Brown went to Cmu just the same as Marshall Faulk went to Sandiego State. And AB didnt dominate people in college anywhere near the level Corey did. If it’s so easy to look like Randy Moss against small school guys, then why didnt all of his Central Michigan teammates look just as good? It’s because they are 6’3 215 with 4.4 speed. Not only is Corey Davis the best route runner in the class, he makes acrobatic catches through contact look easy. Surefire 1st year impact player. Mark it down.
For my money, Corey Davis and Solomon Thomas are the about as close as it gets to sure things.
March 1st, 2017 at 9:03 pm
Speaking of Solomon Thomas, he reminds me of Gholston, a run stuffer.
March 1st, 2017 at 9:12 pm
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g26jSg5Cr5c
Say what now Pawel?
March 1st, 2017 at 9:17 pm
No DB. She didn’t sleep with GMC like Tmax’s wife did. I just get more mature as I get older and she gets less mature. Not a good mix.
March 1st, 2017 at 9:30 pm
As for the ACC/SEC debate I have to smile. They are both major conferences and GREAT players have come from both. What’s the difference? OK I hear that the SEC plays better defense and the ACC better offense…even if you accept that though it doesn’t mean there aren’t great SEC offensive players…JJ and Amari Cooper come to mind…and great defensive players from the ACC.
But I honestly do not get this story. Licht simply stated the obvious. We need playmakers on offense,…he said that twice…and we need to improve our pass rush. Isn’t that so incredibly obvious as to not even be a story. Doesn’t everybody already know this? What was revealed? I must be slow on the uptake. DUH we need weapons for #3 and we need to improve our pass rush in a division loaded with QB’s! Again…DUH.
March 1st, 2017 at 10:47 pm
I guess it is safe to say that there is no longer a soft market for Mike Glennon. When you believe things from a position of dislike rather than seeing the reality, you will make poor evaluations.
PS- never a member of the MG mob rather paying attention to the slant or media bias that is portrayed around us.
March 1st, 2017 at 10:49 pm
SB
I’m just saying that this shall pass. Unless of course she’s cheating on you then maybe you gotta get the divorce. Not trying to be disrespect to you. I’m being supportive.
March 1st, 2017 at 10:59 pm
I get it DB and Thanks a bunch. I had no business posting that here. No cheating issues here. Just maturity issues.
March 1st, 2017 at 11:52 pm
Yep, in our division with superbowl appearing opposition, pass rush with the first is a no brainer to me because I know WR Williams and Davis will be gone by 19th. But the draft has some pretty nice 2nd pick WR’s like Zay Jones.
Ive been preaching Barnett for a while now. And its looking possible. I hope!
March 2nd, 2017 at 12:31 am
@SB
Yea lol that was more of a response to BH saying we already got a DE lol. I’m with you on Barnett. He would be pretty high on my list of potential BPA at #19
March 2nd, 2017 at 12:48 am
Nothing that Licht said is surprising or showing his hand. You would have to be in a dark closet not to realize our tremendous need for pass rushers. Our DE’s have stunk except for an up and coming Noah Spence. We could easily draft a DE or 2 in rounds 2 thru 7. Let’s not forget about the part where Licht talks about getting J Dub some weapons. I think it’s more likely an offensive skill position is taken at #19 overall. I like the possibility of Corey Davis and John Ross but I would be beside myself with happiness if we landed Dalvin Cook. In the end, I would be very surprised if Dalvin gets out of the top 10.
March 2nd, 2017 at 6:28 am
Please Bucs trade up and get Cook, he will be a pro bowler in his rookie year rushing for 1600 yards. JW need’s him and he will open up our passing game. We can get DeSean Jackson, Campbell, Jefferson and a OL in FA. 2nd rd. of the draft pick WR, 3rd pass rusher. Cook fits our offense.
March 2nd, 2017 at 6:45 am
With picking up Campbell in FA and Jefferson, would be a upgrade. Noah Spence will have 15 sacks 2017, as a starter. Jackson has the speed JW needs, and he can teach a speedy rookie WR. Cook in the 1st. Cleveland has two pick before us we need to trade with them, and offer them a 4th rounder, and Martin.
March 2nd, 2017 at 8:25 am
No way on RB-Cook in the first round. Sorry FSU spear peeps. He has had 3 shoulder surgeries. If you get 1600 yards in NCAA that does not equate to 1600 yards in the NFL. He also fumbles too much for Koetter liking him over Fournette.
Cook in 2nd or 3rd – then I would agree 100%.
AP- No way!
Revis- No way!
Campbell- over pay him!
March 2nd, 2017 at 8:42 am
Fournette is good but Cook is better I didn’t college to the nfl in yards, I believe Cook has it were he could be the next rookie of the year