Bucs Have Two Picks Left
April 29th, 2017
Little ammo
As Day 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft kicks off, the Bucs find themselves low on firepower.
The late trade last night with the Jets for the final pick of Round 3 cost the Bucs their fourth- and sixth-round picks today. The Bucs selected LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith at No. 107 overall. He’s rehabbing a torn ACL, but he’s got talent and Kwon Alexander was Twittering all kinds of love for his friend and new teammate.
The Bucs’ next pick is in Round 5, No. 162 overall, followed by Round 7, No. 237 overall.
Joe suspects Jason Licht will look for a developmental defensive lineman, or see if there’s any way he can trade up for running backs Marlon Mack or Samaje Perine. Joe suspects there’s no chance those guys last into the fifth round.
Of course, stick with Joe for all kinds of draft stuff today. And go back to the home page to find all the fun and info you have missed.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:26 am
Joe…in the words of Aaron Rodgers…”R-e-l-a-x” Joe Williams, Utah – 5th round. Problem solved.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:36 am
Solid picks on paper. Not very exciting for half of them.
At least defense is getting addressed. Can’t believe he passed on Jordan Willis though.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:37 am
With that big line backer at the end of the 3rd possibly tip their hand in 3/4 alignments make 350 pound Grover Stewart at nose tackle become the 5th round selection a nessesity?
April 29th, 2017 at 6:55 am
Since ’76… said the same thing a couple of boards ago.. Joe needs to go ahead and write the story, link the video of his UCLA game, do some homework regarding his comments about getting kicked off of UConn for credit card theft and try to come up with a theory regarding why he quit football for a month (said it had to do with unresolved emotions regarding the death of his sister) and then returned a new man.
His combine while showing great speed revealed some awkwardness in that he sometimes gets in awkward body positions. He doesn’t mind contact. He is a one cut back period. Lacks patients and discipline for his blocks to set up, lacks top end agility and balance. Shows decent vision in traffic and outstanding vision in the open field. Haven’t seen him catch the ball much and I’m not sure if this is something he will do well. Haven’t seen him do much pass protection either.
He should be there, as should Jamal Williams, who has great balance, vision and patience lacks burst.
Bryan Hill might be there, if he is I believe that he is a more complete back but he is likely to be off the board.
Mack and Perrine will go early. Joe you are 100% correct. The Bucs have very little ammo that makes sense at this point to move up unless you want to give up a 3rd next year.
My big disappointment is that we didn’t get an edge guy. The more I watch Evans the more I move to understanding the pick although I would really rather went Edge there then Safety later. But being said, I felt like this was a draft that was strong on TE, S and RB. The addition of any of the above 5 names, would make this a pretty good draft. Then add the token blocking full back in the 7th and hope you catch a diamond there. That on paper makes a pretty good draft/free agency period.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:58 am
It cost a 6th… they’ve made 4 picks.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:58 am
Agree on excitement for half picks and not so much for others; however they have been successful in selecting guys to compete for potential starting jobs at free safety and strong side linebackers . The safety and linebacker are high energy body blasters. Watch the tape. Remind me of Kwon minus 30 lbs at safety and plus 15 lbs at linebacker . the safety even looks like he could be Kwon’s bro.
They should combine 5 and 7 to make one last solid pick. Will it be a backup qb or running back. Crazy to say but Licht and company may be happy with their 4 current running backs. And they can only have 4 going into season
April 29th, 2017 at 7:15 am
Look at the defensive additions. JJ Wilcox, Justin Evans and Kendall Beckwith all have 1 thing in common… Big Hits. Licht is trying to add guys that bring a bit of an edge to this defense which is great.
They might not have been prospects in the limelight, but they coukd grow into key contributors.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:16 am
And honestly, Im now fully expecting Doug Martin to be the starting RB week 4 and tgey use a committee the first 3 games. I dont think they draft a RB at all.
I would like to see them take a chance on Carl Lawson tho if he fall to round 5.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:20 am
I have said for weeks and weeks the Bucs top needs were S and WR, with maybe even TE and LB. We can appreciate that people (including Joe) wanted a RB, constantly pushing the thought, as well as another edge rusher…those are the sexy positions after all…and some even pushed LT or RT. But these clearly were not what the Bucs were thinking. The moral of the story is believe your own intuition, realize that in top draft rounds injury history (especially) and off-field stuff carries more weight than many seem to understand, and side stories (like Doug Martin) of existing players are critical to consider in full–teams that move on from players too quickly lose out as much as sticking with bad ones.
I do think next year with Robert Ayers, GMC, and CMac aging, the Bucs will go all in for DE and DT, both in FA and draft.
Today we’ll see mostly developmental players, pehaps OL and DL, I think, but would not be surprised to see them draft a RB like Marlon Mack, who is still on the board. A bonus would be if some guys like him don’t get picked at all but can be UDAs within the week.
My only “worry” remaining is backup QB. If I’m worried about it, I’m sure the Bucs have to see it.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:28 am
Everything is a big crap-shoot after the second round anyway.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:29 am
And I agree with Joe, Mack won’t last through the 4th round. But stranger things have happened. Do you sacrifice a pick from next year? No. You only do that when you need a starter or think a guy is too good to pass up (and in the later rounds, not!). If the Bucs felt they “needed” a RB badly, they’d have picked one. This is a good news story though. It tells me Doug Martin is healthy mentally and physically and ready to go. I don’t even go for RB by committee. Quizz Rodgers with Sims on 3rd down isn’t a top rushing attack, but it is probably fine for the first three games, especially when you have Jameis, Evans, DJax, Howard, and Brate.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:32 am
Licht has a pattern of unquestionable early picks then going off the radar a bit in later rounds…..he must be relying heavily on his scouts. We can’t do anything but be patient on players like Smith, Bond, Beckwith……but since he is a 2nd rounder…..Evans has to produce early.
It seems quite apparent to me that RB isn’t being considered a need position by the Bucs…..one can only assume that Martin still has a future with us.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:46 am
yeah I mean, I’m keeping an open mind. The O.J. and Godwin picks are A+ steals. And I can see the reasoning behind the 2 defensive guys. Both appear to be plus athletes with good range, and they both lay slobber knocking hits on kids.
So we gave our young Franchise QB’s 2 more stellar down field targets, and gave Koetter the fuel necessary to make his 4 verts scheme hum. And got 2 tone-setters that can roam around and make plays sideline to sideline.
There were people who hated the Ali Marpet and Kwon picks when they happened as well.
While I’m pretty bummed that we missed out on the best RB in the draft by 2 picks, and haven’t pulled from an incredibly deep well of talent at the position, I’m still holding out hope that we take one today.
Don’t think it’s super impossible that Doug has a good season in a prove-it year, Like I said last night, he can be a very good back when motivated. But I think it would be reckless to try and rely on both him and Sims both having bounce-back years and staying healthy.
Here’s hoping that Sameje Perine end’s up a Buc by the end of today. All in All I’m very pleased with the draft up to this point.
April 29th, 2017 at 7:50 am
I might be getting too far ahead, but next years RB class is also supposed to be very talented. Just in case Doug Martin doesnt work out lol
April 29th, 2017 at 7:56 am
And lets be honest here, Justin Evans and Beckwith have legit shots at winning the starting job at FS and SAM backer respectively. Its not like we have world class talent at those positions lol.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:01 am
Licht is savvy but I am also puzzled by not taking Willis. Pass rusher deluxe.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:03 am
This is not the Bucs drafts of the last few years where we need starters all over the place. We are to the point where we can grab depth and develop too. Overall I like our picks. OJ Howard is a steal. I like having insurance at WR with Godwin. Evans and Beckwith will prob be on ST and be nice depth. They both will get a chance to compete to start too…we will see what they can do soon enough.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:04 am
Id like to see The Bucs try and land either Marlon Mack, or Josh Reynolds.
If combing last two picks , to move up, can get it done- so be it.
I really like our draft picks. I think we helped both offense and defense.
Beckwith will be a great strongside Linebacker. If we can get Lavonte back to form- we will have 3 great Linebackers.
We still havent answered our problems at DE.
Meybe we can sign an older DE, and milk another year out of him
April 29th, 2017 at 8:04 am
Have to trust – we just have to trust our GM
April 29th, 2017 at 8:09 am
I love this draft so far. We are addressing the positions that needed to be addressed and finding great players. Howard is going to be a stud and Evans can be our version of the honeybadger. Godwin was such good value and added depth at wr and can step in to start full time after Djax leaves. Adding depth at linebacker was a major need in my opinion and one that many people seemed to ignore. I dont think edge rusher was as big of a need as it was made out to be. Im hoping we can get Perine, Hill, or one of the Williams.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:10 am
I’m truly happy with our picks. I’m sure Licht made the best decision he could’ve made
WhatdaBUCisthis Says:
April 29th, 2017 at 8:04 am
Well…
@What-the-buc… That’s an original screen name… Chump!!! Oh and no we don’t need a RB. Your new here fool, change your screen name lol
No seriously
April 29th, 2017 at 8:15 am
*SOLID DEFENSIVE DEPTH – STILL AVAILABLE
EDGE RUSHERS
• CARL LAWSON OLB/DE AUBURN
• CARROLL PHILLIPS OLB/DE ILLINOIS ←
• JOE MATHIS OLB/DE WASHINGTON ←
• JOSH CARRAWAY OLB/DE TCU
TACKLE
• JALEEL JOHNSON DT IOWA
• GROVER STEWART DT ALBANY STATE
• CARLOS WATKINS DT CLEMSON
• DAVON GODCHAUX DT LSU
• CHARLES WALKER DT OKLAHOMA
STRONG SIDE
• BLAIR BROWN SLB OHIO ←
• JALEN MAYBIN SLB TENNESSEE ←
• JORDAN EVANS SLB OKLAHOMA
• BRANDON BELL SLB PENN STATE
• JAYON BROWN SLB UCLA
FREE
• DESMOND KING FS IOWA
• RAYSHAWN JENKINS FS MIAMI (FLA.)
• DAVID JONES FS RICHMOND ←
STRONG
• EDDIE JACKSON SS ALABAMA ←
• JADAR JOHNSON SS CLEMSON
• NATHAN GERRY SS NEBRASKA
• DANTE BARNETT SS KANSAS STATE ←
April 29th, 2017 at 8:19 am
Package that 5 and 7 move up for perine… wtf are we gonna do if we get can’t move past the line of scrimmage Doug this year we can have a million star receivers but if w can’t establish the run it’ll be all for nothing… hard to look at those pics and say we’ve made major upgrades.. we could’ve drafted a DE with the ability to play LB as well.. we could’ve traded down every single round and ended up with a ton of picks.. can you honestly say with the new additions we are super bowl ready??? What do y’all think are we ready this year?
April 29th, 2017 at 8:22 am
Arealbucsfan … Yes I think we’re ready
12-4
April 29th, 2017 at 8:24 am
Why move up at this point. Grab Grover big NT for our 3-4 alignments. Oh yes we’re gonna shocked the world. Sign Blount or Charles
April 29th, 2017 at 8:28 am
Don’t forget about Undrafted free agent signing time. We have found some depth recently…Humphries, Hey Jude, Barber. Will be interesting to see who we get this season.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:32 am
Now I won’t call any of my fellow Bucs fans “bandwagoners” I will say that, for many, this is the first draft they’ve really invested their interest in. Maybe even the first off-season they’ve invested themselves emotionally in. It is a chronic tenderfoot mistake, to clamor for a shiny new RB like the coach from “Daft Day” and pull up somebody’s highlights from some no-name conference on youtube, and expect them to be the next Marshall Faulk. While yes, I do think Perine is a good fit at he position for us and would have like to heard his name called , the draft is about more than your typical skill positions. In the late rounds it’s rare to find somebody to immediately make an impact. So at these stages is where you build depth and select athletes to groom for the future of your organization. GO BUCS!!
April 29th, 2017 at 8:34 am
KD Cannon please
April 29th, 2017 at 8:39 am
Later in these rounds you just hope to get a good player that makes the team and provides depth… you missed the question before perine I reckon of what do we do if we get bad Doug? Rely on rogers, or the ballerina sims? I like quiz, I used to like sims.. I liked kamara, I loved mixon and cooks talent.. perine is right up there with mixon I watched most of his games… you want depth? So do I… at Rb behind Doug someone who can help quiz in case Doug lets us down, not like he’s never done it before. Unless tj Logan goes undrafted won’t be much depth there.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:39 am
Justin will start. Wilcox sucks and was signed as depth only. All you have to do to know that is look at his previous years.
After getting Howard, I knew we had to go safety next. Probably would have in round one had so many great players not slid.
Everyone do me a favor. Next year, don’t feed us this crap that a player is out of reach. Most of the mocks were wrong from the second pick on. Giving credence to the mocks is a sure way to get things wrong. REMEMBER.
I got two guys from my wish list, so I’m pleased
April 29th, 2017 at 8:42 am
Get either Marlon Mack or Joe Williams and I’m good. But again we are counting on two injured undersized players for our pass rush in Spence and Smith. Maybe with the pick of the linebacker they’re telling us we are going to use 34 a lot more
April 29th, 2017 at 8:42 am
At this point, unless they find a way to get perine, they should focus on right tackle and defensive end.
Anyone at rb other than Perine is a desperation move and they rarely work out
April 29th, 2017 at 8:45 am
@ndog
Don’t forget about Ayers.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:45 am
R.O. exactly…what happened is that we gave up our sixth to move up from the middle of the forth to the top of top of the forth, giving up our sixth to do so. Seems the right price to me…
April 29th, 2017 at 8:49 am
Guess they are gambling on Smith playing a full season…something he has never done.
Wonder if there is anyway Licht can trade up to get mack or perine. I think davenport may be a target as well but those guys wont last until 5.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:50 am
Of course the top of the forth was actually during the “last call” last night….squeaking end of the third if you wish.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:53 am
“Wilcox sucks and was signed as depth only. All you have to do to know that is look at his previous years”
Or you can look at the paycheck. Kind of wierd that they would make him our highest paid safety to be “depth only”.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:56 am
Fans slept on kwon alexander. Didnt like the pick and didnt think he was good enough. Don’t sleep on Beckwith too. The guy can flat out play. We need a sam LB and we got a damn good one. If not for the ACL he would have been a early second round pick. Luckily for the bucs the injury led him to slide all the way to a point the bucs couldnt refuse him. ACL injuries are nothing these days. Happen all the time and full recovery is expected. Total non issue imo.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:56 am
One thing, I’ll admit, I was dead wrong on one thing.
I thought that there was a good chance of us drafting 2 running backs, now I don’t know if we’ll even get one.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:56 am
I gotta say. After actually watching a game or 2 of Kendall Beckwith I like the pick a lot more than I did when it was made last night. If he can get back to that same level he was at after his ACL tear he will be a big boost to our run defense.
Plus he played with Kwon so he might have that same attitude which is always a positive.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:57 am
@Trubucfan22
You decided on Nos’s new screen name, if he ever resurfaces?
April 29th, 2017 at 8:58 am
And yeah Joey to be perfectly honest, I’m more sold on Beckwith than I am on Evans.
April 29th, 2017 at 8:59 am
I like that analysis…. the bucs are adding HITTERS on defense. It looks to me like Licht is bringing some big F?!$&ing sticks to the NFC South this year.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:00 am
I can agree with that. I watched Evans game against LSU, wasn’t all that impressed honestly.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:05 am
TE
• GEORGE KITTLE TE IOWA ←
• CETHAN CARTER TE NEBRASKA ←
• JEREMY SPRINKLE TE ARKANSAS ←
• COLE HIKUTINI TE LOUISVILLE
RECIEVERS
• DEDE WESTBROOK WR OKLAHOMA
• JOSH REYNOLDS WR TEXAS A&M
• MALACHI DUPRE WR LSU ←
• MACK HOLLINS WR NORTH CAROLINA
• VICTOR BOLDEN JR WR OREGON STATE ←
INTERIOR (←GOON SQUAD)
• WILL HOLDEN OG VANDERBILT ←
• SEAN HARLOW OG OREGON STATE ←
• NATE THEAKER OG WAYNE STATE (MI) ←
• JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR OG TEXAS A&M
• AVIANTE COLLINS OG TCU
April 29th, 2017 at 9:06 am
Don’t mind getting back into the third round to get Beckwith, but biggest mistake by Licht was taking Evans instead of Willis. That bad move is going to haunt Mr. GM when he sees the difference of the 2 of them coming up! How we drafted another DB who can’t tackle is beyond me. We already have one in Hargreaves! I would rather have a sure tackler instead of someone who makes an impact hit once in a while. We’ll see but Willis would have made this a great draft going into Saturday.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:09 am
I do hope we go with a pass rusher in the 5th round. Idk how they feel about Carl Lawson, but if he continues to fall and is somehow there at our pick in the 5th, Idk how he can be passed up.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:11 am
Pretty bummed we didn’t take Perine but the lsu kid would have been a high r2 pick at least if healthy and looks like a beast especially in the run which we were bad at last year and we needed a SAM
I like Justin Evans – by far the best S prospect we could have got that fits exactly what we need – Ball hawk rangy guy with attitude that just needs to shore up tackling and he returns kicks. Godwin was amazing value
April 29th, 2017 at 9:17 am
Beckworth is not only a very strong player but he is also a leader and a good locker room guy. This was a really good draft for us and this team should be a lot better as a result. We’ve had 4 picks and we likely have at least 3 new starters and a 4th potentially in Godwin (assuming he takes over for Jackson). If Beckworth comes back to normal from the injury, he is an immediate upgrade at LB. He can play the middle or SAM which allows us to move Kwon around down the road.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:18 am
Praying to football gods RB Brian Hill falls to us!!!
April 29th, 2017 at 9:22 am
Look at the new NFC South. With all of the additions of speed and power, is it any wonder why the Bucs signed 300+ LBS Chris Baker, a box safety in Wilcox and then drafted a LB’r with size and power to hold up against the run in a 4-3 or play ILB in a 3-4?
Justin Evans is a SOLID pick in the 2nd round, he’s a Centerfielder, that’s his highest compliment, yet people are focusing on his “sometimes poor” tackling angles, you know the coachable issues, also the issue many NFL Free Safeties have. That’s why they play FS and not SS. His early job will be to play Deep Cover 1/3/4 Ballhawk/Centerfielder, not down in the box.
To be fair, many Bucs fans are scarred by poor tackling angles from safeties that were uncorrectable. (See Sabby in the 2nd round, and there was early Tandy last year, among others.). And Raheem was a star defensive backs coach. –Joe
The Chris Godwin pick is an absolute steal. The kid may very well be our #2 WR in 24 months. I freaking love the pick.
OJ Howard? Come on man! 🙂 🙂
Jason Licht has done a fantastic job with this draft so far.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:24 am
@Guzzie
That would be sick man. I’m hoping and praying that Jamaal Williams falls to us, Hill would be solid as well, Although a concern of mine is that Hill looks somewhat uncoordinated at times. Where Guys like Williams, Jeremy McNichols, Joe Williams and Wayne Gallman all have good balance.
Hill does flash though, and can be deceptively nimble in the open field, with good speed and a nasty stiff arm, but he doesn’t top my list.
But tbh, at this point, I’m not even sure if Licht even wants to draft a Rb. I hope that’s not the case.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:27 am
I’m happy with every pick Jason licht and his team have made so far. Have definitely made us a better team on paper so far. A 5th rounder and 7th rounder. Wouldn’t be disappointed if they gave up some picks next year to move back into the 4th round and get samaje perine. Whatever they do I trust in them and their process! In Licht we trust! Go BUCS!!!!!!
April 29th, 2017 at 9:29 am
@JTHV
Very nice breakdown man
April 29th, 2017 at 9:31 am
I have lost all hope that they draft a RB. Pass rusher and a dedicated return man would be cool
April 29th, 2017 at 9:37 am
You are forgetting one important fact–there will be more unemployed veterans to choose from. None of the RB’s that are available excite me. I think we need to think of the 2nd round pick for what he can contribute on special teams. If we get the defense to perform like last year, we need someone on special teams to return or open nasty holes for Humpeies to run through. The DE named Willis didn’t impress me. I think Gholtson has a better shot to make splash plays with another year of coaching.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:37 am
WhatdaBUCisthis…lol had a dude come on here once with the name Buc87. Told him it HAD to go!
April 29th, 2017 at 9:38 am
@JHTV
I mostly agree with you man, Evans has natural movement and really good range, and is an explosive athlete with a great attitude. And should be at the very least a solid back-up Safety and will probably be a superb special teamers. He has the ceiling to be really good, but I would have liked to see more splash plays on tape to justify taking in round 2.
O.J. and Chris Godwin are legit steals. I like Beckwith a lot on tape, and his addition to the roster is a pretty strong indicator to me that we are going to deploying quite a bit more 3-4 concepts on D in 2017. With a healthy, steady dose of blitzing missiles of Linebackers.
All of these picks indicate to me, that Licht was looking to draft kids he thought would assimilate seamlessly into our Locker room. Culture picks, young men who are going to buy in immediately into a championship hungry mindset, and sell out to accomplish that goal.
Up to this point, I’d give Licht a Solid B+
The selection of a solid young power back would bump that up to an A.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:39 am
JP, I can care less about Kick Returner as kickers are averaging touchbacks at a higher rate than in history, but please get a Punt Returner who can average more than 5 yds a return.
If Licht works some magic and packages today’s 2 picks w/ a 4th from next year, I wouldn’t be surprised it’s for Smith’s Defense.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:40 am
Chris godwin is going to be a star and have better rookie stats than oj howard
How many players 210 lbs run OFFICIAL 4.42 in the 40 in this draft combine and last 5 years?
Very few. Not mike williams and cory davis with their bs pro day times
This kid will getem in the middle and front of lbs. Im glad we let sheppard go because he doesnt have godwins frame to handle the punishment.
Everyone 1 will see that godwin is 25x better than hump and will take the slot position after preseason games
” we need a 3rd and short bruiser ”
Kobe Faker
April 29th, 2017 at 9:43 am
I’d say that Tarik Cohen is probably the best KR/PR left on the board.
April 29th, 2017 at 9:43 am
It’ll all work out….. I hope
April 29th, 2017 at 9:44 am
Joe,
Why do you have to ruin such a glorious Saturday morning by bringing up Sabby the Goat?
Now I hate the Evans pick lololol
April 29th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Oh and Jthv, Adam averaged 9.88 yards per punt return, the 11th best average in the league. He had 237 yards gained on punts, coincidentally, the 11th most in the league.
Not too shabby for #11
April 29th, 2017 at 9:48 am
I woukd also prioritize punt returner way ahead of a kick returner
April 29th, 2017 at 9:50 am
I would rather see Godwin on the outside and D-Jax in the slot
April 29th, 2017 at 9:50 am
On average, what percentage of draftees make the team?
April 29th, 2017 at 9:57 am
Buc1987 Says:
April 29th, 2017 at 9:37 am
WhatdaBUCisthis…lol had a dude come on here once with the name Buc87. Told him it HAD to go!
Yea man. That’s straight 🦀 action.
Like the old B.E.T rnb commercials… Naw my brother you GOTS to get your own!!!
April 29th, 2017 at 9:57 am
If not for Godwin I’d have to grade the Bucs draft a C+, so I’m stuck on B-.
Joey…I can see this guy being rotated from slot to to outside. Keep guys fresh. We’re going to be lethal though.
I’m starting to think that I could run the ball for the Bucs this season. Just put those weapons out on the field all at once. They have to respect the pass immensely. I could run the ball for the Bucs. lol
April 29th, 2017 at 9:57 am
Chris Godwin was my favorite 2nd day player. After setting my board with realistic choices for Rounds 2+, he was my #1 desirable, getting him in Round 3 after drafting the best free safety available, was a thing of beauty. This pick is better than any RB/DE/OL we had a chance at after #50.
If OJ and Chris do the expected, the Bucs offense is set for years, which leads me to believe the next draft will be trenches, secondary and possibly RB.
The Bucs got better this weekend, especially on Offense.
Howard – Game 7. Bottom of the 9th, Down by 3, Bases Loaded Grand Slam!!
Evans – B+ Need meets Value
Godwin – A+ Need meets Value
Beckwith – B- Need meets Value (B+ if he wasn’t rehabbing ACL until November and was immediately competing for starting SLB)
April 29th, 2017 at 10:00 am
The pick make you think they have a wink wink deal with Martin. Our RBs are garbage even with him. I mean are we gunna play 5 wide no backs?
April 29th, 2017 at 10:00 am
Blake_bucsfan Says:
April 29th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Oh and Jthv, Adam averaged 9.88 yards per punt return, the 11th best average in the league. He had 237 yards gained on punts, coincidentally, the 11th most in the league.
Not too shabby for #11
I didn’t know the stats, I pulled 5yds per return out my ass. 11/per is good, but I still wish mid-to-late 90’s Karl “The Truth” Williams was immortal lol
April 29th, 2017 at 10:04 am
Buc1987 Says:
April 29th, 2017 at 9:57 am
“”I’m starting to think that I could run the ball for the Bucs this season. Just put those weapons out on the field all at once. They have to respect the pass immensely. I could run the ball for the Bucs. lol””
Maybe this will be the plan lol
I don’t think our RB’s are as bad as fans are making them. Clearly, neither does the Bucs’ Brass. Funny how this time last year Biuc fans were arguing with Le’Veon Bell about who had the NFL’s best backfield. My oh my the Not For Long league in full swing.
April 29th, 2017 at 10:14 am
On Beckwith LB: He tore his ACL in Mid November, so is 5.5 months post injury, certainly into rehab. I assume he’s running in a straight line by now, doing lateral strengthening, and should be running and cutting within 6-7 weeks? No reason why he won’t be a full go by Camp (8.5 months post injury)? I’ve seen some guys back at 6 months, but that’s rare. I think this may amount to another really good pick.
On Godwin WR: Clearly intended to be the eventual deep threat who can take the top of the defenses…when DJax relinguishes that role. And it’s going to be good with OJ Howard being able to clean out things for them underneath when he’s not catching and running himself. Godwin may move right into a competition with Adam Humphries…who will certainly be retained, just may see his reps go down and do more PR duties. Which brings me to KR. Chris Godwin has some experience at this at Penn State…scored several times in fact. Maybe he pulls that duty down.
April 29th, 2017 at 10:28 am
Poor Glennon….wink wink with Martin? How do you get to saying Bucs RBs are garbage. Rodgers did great standing in for Martin last year, pulling in a 4.3 yards per rush, including a bunch of clutch plays. He was fabulaous and meant the game a couple of times I can remember. The ONLY question is can he endure the punishment with his size? Which takes us to Martin. He has two GREAT years, three bad ones…two of those due to injury. Still 4.2 yards per rush average. Last year he had are his substance use issues, which are apparently addressed. No reason to expect anything other than a 1,000 yard season, even with the suspension…
The run game did suffer last year…it was not good overall. They were 24th in the NFL. Because of Martin. Problem solved? Probably. But there were bright spots in Rodgers. If Martin rushes for just his career average this year and Quizz continues as good as he did last year, that makes them at least 10-12 overall rushing offense. Anything Martin does better than his carreer average puts them higher.
April 29th, 2017 at 10:29 am
Jason Licht hit a Grand Slam, I love the Picks. My favorite picks are Kendall Beckwith and Justin Evans.
April 29th, 2017 at 10:42 am
I just don’t understand this persistent mantra of “we NEED a running back”, this team has/had way bigger needs at other positions. I don’t remember anyone last year at this time talking about the need for a new running back especially since both martin & sims combined for 2000+ yards in 2015 and last I checked we have both guys still on our roster, now I agree our running game in 2016 was pretty bad, but to blame martin alone is an incredible injustice, although martin does need to shoulder his part of the blame, don’t forget sims dealt with injuries all year and inconsistent play from the o line all year. I believe with a healthy and motivated backfield and a possible revamped o line(marpet for hawley & sweezy for marpet) I truly believe our running game will return in spades.
April 29th, 2017 at 11:26 am
Yeah don’t draft a RB at this point none worth taking take dl and RT and I’m now banging the table for one of the only rb who ever average 5 yards a carry his career and has proven he can return from injury before . People likened Dalvin cook to him in comparisons . Welcome to Tampa Jamal Charles !
April 29th, 2017 at 11:32 am
Even though I would have drafted an edge rusher, like Willis, I am sure that Licht knows what he is doing. He is assembling an awesome team, imo. I trust him more all the time.
April 29th, 2017 at 11:43 am
Nice to see some real football talk up in here for a change. Get tired of the idiots and whiners and debby downers that seem to dominate the comments too often here.
joeypop – that’s a good point about our Def additions. They are all hitters. Mike Smith obviously wanted to get tougher and nastier – and we’ve done that with our 2 def picks and the addition of Wilcox.
This draft has been all about who is the best player on the board when a pick comes up. Worrying less about need and concentrating on drafting good football players who have speed in their arsenal. It’s working well. We got some good football players the last 2 days. The Howard pick alone made this draft from day 1.
April 29th, 2017 at 11:56 am
If Kendall Beckwith had come out last season with Atlanta’s Deion Jones, he would have been a 2nd Round pick like Jones. Beckwith played with Kwon Alexander, Deion Jones and Duke Riley at LSU and he started at ILB for 3 seasons. He’s what you look for in an ILB, he’s a sure run stopper, who also can play OLB. Justin Evans brings to us what Keanu Neal brought to the Falcons, a hard hitting Safety, who’s always around the ball. Justin Evans is capable of playing FS and SS. Kendall Beckwith is capable of all 3 LB positions. And they both are exceptional ST players. Nice picks by Jason Licht.
April 29th, 2017 at 11:59 am
Interesting story on Joe Williams…. filled in a bunch of gaps for me. I watched some of his game tape but didn’t ever watch the bowl game until today. Looked better as the game went along. Really like his pass protection. The Bucs brought him in for a private interview. You can’t help but root for the kid, also, you would hope that Mike Evans could help him through some of his inner troubles regarding the loss of his sister.
I imagine Licht knows all he needs to know but Joe Williams, would be worth rolling the dice for in the 5th. He should be there then.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2017/02/16/joe-williams-utah-utes-sister-kylee-nfl-draft/97995946/
April 29th, 2017 at 12:01 pm
How about Nathan Peterman as a backup QB from Pitt. This guy looks good watching some of his season action.
April 29th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
For those Gil Brant fans like me, from his top 150 rankings:
Howard 13
Evans 53
Godwin 50
Beckwith 115
Not shabby at all.
Explosive on O, Thumpers on D. Good locker room guys with no character concerns.