Falcons Seek Another Huge Draft Trade & Score?
April 23rd, 2017
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Joe has made the point several times that Falcons fans are never seen weeping, cursing and/or marching on team headquarters because their club coughed up two first-round picks, a second-round pick and two fourth-round picks for the right to draft Julio Jones in 2011.
Joe has suggested general manager Jason Licht shouldn’t hesitate to cough up a huge bounty to trade up for running back Dalvin Cook, only if Licht believes Cook is the final piece to the Bucs’ offensive puzzle.
One might call that ludicrous in a draft deep at running back, but Joe would not hang Licht if he traded up for Cook. The Bucs are built to win now.
On that front, so are the Falcons, even more so.
That brings Joe to Alabama stud tight end O.J. Howard’s recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. (You can listen below.) Real football men consider Howard the ultimate package at his position, a true three-down star who already is a polished and willing blocker when he’s not rattling defenses down the field.
Howard said his draft feelers tell him he’s a top-10 to top-20 pick later this week.
Howard added that he’s only taken official visits to the Jaguars, Bears and Falcons. Yes, the Falcons, owners of the 31st overall pick and the NFC South crown.
So let Joe do draft math. Howard, who is friends with Julio Jones, thinks he might go between No. 10 and No. 20 overall, following visits with the Jaguars, who pick fourth, and the Bears, who draft No. 2 overall. Hmmmm.
And then there’s the Falcons. Would they dare again to cough up big-time picks to trade up for a major offensive weapon?
Adding Howard to that offense would be the NFL equivalent of spraying hot coals with gasoline.
If the Bucs keep their No. 19 overall pick, and somehow Howard is sitting there, then Joe definitely could imagine Dirk Koetter jumping on a table for a weapon like that. However, Joe believes Jason Licht would tell Koetter to get off the table immediately, pipe down and grab a beer.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:12 pm
As much as I am for drafting Cook, if Howard falls to us, we must take him. Brate and Howard would be a deadly duo to go with ME13 and Flash Jackson.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Haha! The biggest choke team of Superbowls ever! HAHAHA!!! Rob em Licht! Barnett, Davis, Williams will be gone at 19…..DO IT!!!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Difference between Cook and Howard is that Howard is a player worth trading up for
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Koetter would be correct and Licht needs to draft him. If Howard is there, it would be the mistake of the decade to let him go!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Howard would make more of an impact than ANY we or rob. Imagine how effective Winston would be out of the tight end sets!!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:23 pm
This is a tough one, Howard appears to be really good but would we consider trading to get picks or take him ourselves. He is the type of player you trade up to get and one of the ones I would be on board with trading future picks to go up and get.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:25 pm
I’m all for spending precious draft capital to move up…for a clean, all around prospect in Christian McCaffrey…not Dalvin Cook.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:26 pm
If Howard is there and the birds are offering multiple picks to trade up….YOU TAKE IT!!!!! He’ll be gone around 12 though…..but if.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:26 pm
The elite offensive weapons will be gone at 19th. No need to trade up and loose picks. To much talent available to not solidify your team. We need solid backups in many areas.
Plus we need to find McCoy’s replacement. McCoy can help develop his replacement. If McCoy has no problem helping opposing players get off the ground, you can be sure he will teach his replacement all his moves and hand him a bottle of Advil too. DeSaun Walker from FSU would be a good acquisition as DE/DT.
DE for our first pick or trade down.
In Licht We Trust!!!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Brian agree with you, Howard and CM Are the ONLY 2 players I would trade up for.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Love the website. But you guys are losing it. Trading up for an injury prone RB with ball security issues? My goodness…
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Enough already if we’re swaying give me OJ and Mixon and we still can get value with the rest of our picks because we’ve started with top value with these picks
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:36 pm
We are not giving all that up for cook ! What a joke if you were running the bucs we would have Johnny Football ! I have zero faith in your scouting ability !
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:39 pm
You would really trade the farm for Dalvin Cook? Idiotic.
This team just went 9-7 after a decade plus of absolute garbage and you think the final piece to the puzzle of this team is a freaking running back and you would trade way up to get one? Everyday this site leaves me speechless with at least one article.
Newsflash, it’s not 1990 anymore. The Cubs just won the World Series and taking/trading up for running backs in the 1st round is the fastest way to continue this teams playoff win drought.
We have zero depth at multiple positions on both offense and defense and barely have a serviceable starter at a couple spots, but let’s waste a 1st round pick and possibly more for a g-damn running back. Outstanding.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Please let atl waste more picks. Would be totally fine with that. How many titles has Julio won them?
As far as giving up anything to trade up for Cook hahahahahahahahahahahahabahbaha talk about dumba $$ ideas. He will be there after we draft at 19. Way too many red flags for a RB
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Can you guys imagine, OJ, Brate, DJax, Evans and Mixon? For the love of God, Jason if you got a way to get OJ Howard, please do so.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:45 pm
I think Joe means do we move up to get OJ Howard if the Falcons are willing to do so?
I would love to have OJ Howard. He is far and above worth more than Cook on our offense. I would be willing to give up a 3rd to move up for Howard but I would be just as happy with Njoku and keeping all our picks.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:54 pm
OJ Howard is good example of taking the best guy on the table I think, even if he’s not a biggest Bucs draft need. The Bucs use two-TE sets and although it’s a shame we’re back here again because ASJ was supposed to be the big TE, but Howard makes a case of being another “Weapon for Winston” and makes drafting another WR not so critical now, especially if VJax comes back at the #4 guy.
And good lord please don’t trade up to get Cook…
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Or…is it possible Joe means the Falcons want Howard and may trade a another pick (4th rounder) plus Falcons late first round pick (#31?) to the Bucs to move up to #19, while the Bucs still get Cook AND maybe another 4th rounder THIS year? Not sure. Intriqueing either way.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:59 pm
I’m not in favor of trading up for any player in this draft.
If Howard is there at 19, grab him.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Howard would be addition thru subtraction…add to the Bucs, subtract from the Falcons.
But let’s not just assume the Dirty Birds are our biggest rival in the division. They had one really good year…just like the Panthers did the year before.
I don’t believe for a second the Panthers will stay down, and I do believe the Saints will make a push to get Brees one more title shot before he retires.
One could argue that the NFC South is becoming the most competitive division in the NFC.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Stop with the Mixon crap!
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:15 pm
@PA Privateer
I can assure you the Joe that wrote this article (Lee) desperately wants us to trade up for Cook. No matter how shortsighted and misguided that may be.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:18 pm
Happens every year. All the speculation and the missing piece, Davin Cook. If he’s not there at 19, move on and get a good RB in rounds 2-4. Just hope Licht does better with his 2nd round picks.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:20 pm
There is no way anybody should be saying we are a RB away from being a Championship team.
We got into a playoff type game last year(vs Dallas) and what happened? Both our O and D lines were not strong enough and got exposed. The Cowboys imposed their will o us and it looked easy.
To say that we are one player away from anything is just a dream
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:21 pm
If Cook is there at 19 then I’m OK with that pick. To equate moving up for Cook with moving up for JJ is asinine. JJ is a generational talent paired with an exceptional QB. Cook is a very good RB with character and injury issues paired with an OK offensive line.
Joe, you have had one man crush that has worked out OK, so far. Stop with it already!
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:23 pm
Would draft OJ Howard in a heartbeat with our #19 pick over any other player, BUT no chance he’ll make it out of the Top-10 IMO. And for fans comparing him to Njoku, you might want to look a little deeper. Howard played all 4 yrs for the Tide, and was the #1 TE recruit in the country coming out of high school. Njoku played 2 yrs for the Hurricanes, and only started 9 games in those 2 yrs. One’s the total TE package, the other’s a project. Doesn’t take much to figure out which is which.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:33 pm
A point Joe keeps missing. The Falcons got a player for a ten year run. That makes up for the lost draft picks. Running backs are good for half of that. What is the average football span of a running back three years. Five or six if they are super lucky to not get injuries.
That’s also why teams are reluctant to use first round picks. By the time you add more talent you are again in need of a running back.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:35 pm
I don’t understand how the Joes are so deep into football and sound like they are willing to trade the farm for a running back who’s had multiple surgeries and wants to be a thug and has had some fumbling issues here in there, all I can say is thank God they have nothing to do with the Buccaneers draft room
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:36 pm
Besides a few defensive players oJ is my dream draft choice
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:37 pm
@Defense Rules
5 years is if you’re lucky, average career length of a running back is 2.74 years.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:40 pm
topdoggie hit the nail on the head. RBs tend to flop more often then most other positions. The only exception THAT should be made in found 1 is if the player is a once in a generational talent. I just hope that’s the only way they draft Cook because we have no names and nobody who scares anybody on defense.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:42 pm
ATLANTA FALCONS
Move up to get elite receivers and draft 3rd/4th round runningbacks who can run and catch
2016, They already have the best wr but they still get Mohamed Sanu, while we pay double to keep malcontent injury prone Vjax for 11 mill as our #2 wr
They trade for Dontari Poe and we get chris Baker
who is chasing who
This team is going to be biatch for the next 7 years
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:44 pm
If you want Devonte Freeman 2.0 , Draft Cook.. easy.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:47 pm
Will be some upset stomachs if Tampa passes on Cook, and you see him breaking 50+yard run for another team on Sunday! Football is more mental than physical. Tampa with Jaboo is the perfect fit. Jaboo will have him dedicated and grinding to be better. FSU do it BIG!
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:50 pm
If Licht trades up for Cook he should be fired.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:55 pm
The Bucs have done their homework on RBs with visits/private workouts with Cook, Perine, Foreman, Mack, Mixon, Hunt, etc., and it looks like the organization is also focusing intensely on TEs, such as Njoku. It has been reported that Licht has even looked at obscure players from small schools, such as Michael Roberts and Adam Shaheen. I saw a report that the Bucs had a pre-draft visit scheduled with OJ Howard. Is that not the case?
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Draft Joe Mixon & Evan Engram in the 1st two rounds.
An we’ll have won of the most dominate offenses in the NFL.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:01 pm
Despite the supremacy of Julio Jone, the Falcons needed five years to overcome the effects of trading up. They were weak at multiple positions, especially on defense, had no depth, and no way of quickly addressing either problem through the draft. Their free agent acquisitions were average at best. Only in their last two drafts (with Dimitroff sidelined – yes, believe it) have they filled their holes.
And some of you guys think the Bucs should take the same route? Fortunately, there are coaches on the Bucs staff who lived through that hell. They won’t let it happen again.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:15 pm
Snap shot of the Falcons before the Julio Jones Trade (2011)
• (2010) – Atlanta Falcons* 13-3
• (2009) – Atlanta Falcons 9-7
• (2008) – Atlanta Falcons* 11-5 (Lost WC)
So its safe to assume – they considered Julio to be the missing piece to a Super Bowl Bid.
Referencing the following two seasons
• (2012) – Atlanta Falcons* 13-3 (Lost Conf.)
• (2011) – Atlanta Falcons* 10-6 (Lost WC)
But was Julio the missing piece? No
• Their defense lacked toughness.
• Their finesse-oriented offense – still lacked playmakers
• Their roster lacked overall depth
So they were exposed…
Reference the following 3 seasons.
• (2013) – Atlanta Falcons* 4-12
• (2014) – Atlanta Falcons* 6-10
• (2015) – Atlanta Falcons* 8-8
So they completely overhauled their coaching staff – and offensive & defensive philosophy. Drafted well, and picked up a few key contributors in FA
Case In Point:
Note: Key Contributors through the Drafted
2013 Atlanta Falcons Draftees
• Desmond Trufant
• Robert Alford
• Levine Toilolo
2014 Atlanta Falcons Draftees
• Jake Matthews
• Ra’Shede Hageman
• (RB) Devonta Freeman ← 4th Round Pick
2015 Atlanta Falcons Draftees
• Vic Beasley
• Jalen Collins
• (RB) Tevin Coleman← 3rd Round Pick
• Justin Hardy
• Grady Jarrett
2016 Atlanta Falcons Draftees
• Keanu Neal
• Deion Jones
• De’Vondre Campbell
Note: Key Contributors through Free Agency
2015
• Adrian Clayborn
• Brooks Reed
• Patrick DiMarco
• Jacob Tamme
• Matt Bryant
2016
• Alex Mack
• Andy Levitre
• Mohamed Sanu
• Taylor Gabriel
• Aldrick Robinson
• Derrick Shelby
• Dwight Freeney ← Big Time Mentor for Vic Beasley
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Yep reminds me of Joe Suggesting that we Trade Up & Mortgage the Farm..
..for the likes of —
–CB Morris Claiborne
–QB Johnny Manziel
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:21 pm
So Howard who had 100 yds and a td vs Clemson is totally worth trading up for over cook who had 169 yds and 4tds. It’s so obvious, lol . Another common opponent ole miss Howard 2 for 24 yds while cook had 192 total yards. Howard’s a game changer and cook isn’t I get it, lol
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:33 pm
And 2 for 41 vs a third common opponent the gators for Howard whole cook went off for over 175 yds and a td. Compliment Howard and McCafferey that’s not a problem but to put down cook in the process is a head scratcher
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Just a little dose of reality, the total package tight end is far from a can’t miss prospect. He had 3 touchdowns last season and 2 were in the national championship game. I’ll let Licht do his job MEATHEAD SCOUT, but I can’t stand hearing ridicoulous comparisons for Howard. He is not a sure thing prospect.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Draft Joe Mixon & Evan Engram in the 1st two rounds.
An we’ll have *one of the most dominate offenses in the NFL.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:42 pm
My God I can’t wait for this Dalvin Cook in the first crap to end. At least until he turns out to be ROTY and leading rusher after this year. I certainly wouldn’t mind it, I just really don’t think it’s going to happen. Either Cook will already be gone, the Bucs get what they feel is a better RB (McCaffery?), or they get the BPA for a position they feel they is needed (Njoku,Barnett,Ross, Obi are my likes). Or, which is what I want, we could trade very far back and get Budda Baker while receiving other picks at the same time.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:47 pm
Running back is the #1 most foolish position to use a 1st round pick on, followed pretty closely by #2 tight end.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Howard also had 208 yards and 2 TD’s against Clemson in 2016, and it’s a well supported belief that Bama’s Run first offense didnt utilize O.J. to his fullest potential.
Howard is the complete package. At 6’6 251 with 4.51 speed, outstanding play-making ability, and well-developed skill as a blocker, he represents a versatile match-up problem capable of impacting an entire offense in ways most players in this draft can’t. As well as being an A+ Character, and having no major injury history to speak of.
Where as their are 5-7 other Running backs to be had outside of the first round with starting caliber skill sets, many of them not having the numerous number of redflags that Cook has, like having 3 shoulder surgeries, issues fumbling, and a lengthy history of run ins with the boys in blue.
That’s the reason why you trade up for O.J. and you definitely don’t trade up for Cook.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Joe, you know dam well we are not 1 RB away from winning the SB! You’ve stated as much: if DJ or ME go down, we’re done!
If they trade up for COOK I will lose my mind!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:00 pm
I’ll pass give me Shaheen over Howard any day. If Howard doesn’t land with an elite QB none of you will even recall his name in 4 seasons.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:01 pm
You people and this “if” someone gose down stupidity. That can be said about any starter in the NFL.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Shaheen 6’7 278lbs and runs like Gronk. He can actually because of his physical attributes go and play with a subpar QB and still be effective. Much Pryor did last season. Howard will be average without top QB play.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Check the stats. Eric Ebron played one less season than Howard in college and out performed him. Ebron is playing with a quality QB in Stafford up there in the D. And he has been just okay in the NFL.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:10 pm
If I’m taking a TE in the first round the kid better be a freak.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:13 pm
lol..there’s not a player in this draft I would trade up for. There’s no Julio Jones in this draft. And the Falcons still haven’t won a Super Bowl with him. If you give up what the Falcons gave up,he better bring you a Super Bowl trophy.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Lakeland I pray the falcons make this colossal mistake.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:15 pm
LUV – Excellent analysis on Atlanta
BS on trading up for cook.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:15 pm
For one it would be a waste seeing is how Julio dominates the targets.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:15 pm
Shaheen will be a solid prospect for – Canadian Football in 3yrs.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Ebron is not a better player than O.J.
And Yeah Shaheen looks good on tape, but there’s a big difference between the Sec and Division 2.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:20 pm
As a young man pointed out on another Blog
TE/WR Evan Engram Combine Numbers compares to that of — WR Julio Jones
Evan Engram (SEC)
–6’3 234, 4.42 40, 6.92 3 cone, 4.23 20 yard, 36 vert, 125 broad
vs.
Julio Jones: (SEC)
–6’3 220, 4.39 40, 6.66 3 cone, 4.25 20 yard, 38.5 vert, no broad
Lol, now that’s a freak
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:22 pm
O.J Ran a 4.51 at 251. Gronk ran a 4.68 at 264 Adam Shaheen ran a 4.79 at 278. 40 time isn’t everything, but just based off of the numbers, Shaheen runs more like a light OT than a TE.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:23 pm
@Luv, I’m with you there brother, I’ve compared them multiple times. Pretty much everybody else thinks that me and you are crazy tho.
I think that if we want to draft an explosive receiver in round 1 without moving up, Evan Engram is probably our best option.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Julio’s broad jump was 11’5 tho Luv.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:30 pm
The Falcons just drafted Austin Hooper in the 3rd a year ago. They can always draft Evan Engram in the 2nd. Or maybe take a Gerald Everett in the 3-4 round. But I have to believe that OG Forrest Lamp will be their pick in the 1st round)if he’s still there). Their starting G Chris Chester retired last month. IF not Lamp, then maybe one of the Edge-Rushers.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Blake_bucsfan
No doubt.
Thanks for the Broad Jump – Update
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Gawd I pray the falcon indeed do this. Shaheen is going to totally outshine every TE in this class.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:34 pm
His college numbers says he’s better Blake.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:37 pm
LUV are you aware of how many Steelers from that 70s dynasty came from small school???
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:37 pm
College numbers do not mean a thing in the next level dude. I don’t know why that’s so hard for you to grasp.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:40 pm
So by your logic Nole, We shouldn’t draft McCaffrey, because he the Pac 12 isn’t top level competition, but the Pac 12 is a top 3 power conference. But Adam Shaheen will be better than O.J. Howard, because the 70’s steelers drafted small school guys.
The more you know…
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:48 pm
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jimmy-graham-1.html
Jimmy Graham produced a total of 213 yards in college. And was the best tight end in football for 2-3 years.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/travis-kelce-1.html
Travis Kelcie generated 875 yards and 2 td’s in 2 years of college football. And is now regarded as a top 5 player at his position.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/greg-olsen-1.html
Greg Olson, 1215 yards and 6 Td’s over 3 years.
I can go on and on and on.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:48 pm
NOS
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:51 pm
HSBC’s back then had ALOT of the great talent
Completely different now
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:57 pm
😊okay LUV you got got me.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:58 pm
I beg to differ LUV. Licht is clearly watching those type. Mongo,Ryan Smith Shaheen in for a work out.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:59 pm
I love the fact he keying an eye out for talent on that level. They football players too. Many of them young men be good and hungry.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Devonta Bond started at a small school.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Again we’re talking HSBC’s from the late 60’s – 90’s.
Not the average run of the mill Divison II football program now.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Luv and Blake… I always wondered when watching Engram if he could shed 10 or so pounds what he would look like as a full time WR.. Terrell Owens maybe??
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Jason Licht love Small School talents…Ali Marpet, Donteea Dye, Howard Jones, Freddie Martino, Brent Grimes, Josh Allen, Leonard Wester, Evan Smith,Chris Baker, Ryan Smith etc
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:12 pm
tnew…Mike Evans is bigger than Evan Engram. He’s a H-Back or WR, he’s not a NFL TE.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:16 pm
My bad on the last post.
Clicked “submit” to late
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:19 pm
LakeLandBuc
Neither was Jordan Reed or Shannon Sharpe
Ref: TE Jordan Reed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmJdWfIM2g
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:19 pm
I ain’t even realize the list was that big Lakeland.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Simulcam: Evan Engram vs. Jordan Reed
http://www.nfl.com/videos/simulcam/0ap3000000790091/Simulcam-Evan-Engram-vs-Jordan-Reed
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:26 pm
Lakeland.. Thats my point. We need a WR in the second round anyways. Why not a guy with the potential to be the next T.O. Everyone, myself included, is saying Godwin in the second.. Why not Engram? their measurable were very similar except that Engram is 2 inches taller, his hands are nearly an inch bigger, and he weighed in 15 pounds more.
My thoughts are Mississippi had this guy out of place.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Established FA
-Brent Grimes
-Evan Smith
-Chris Baker
Drafted
-Ali Marpet -61st overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
-Ryan Smith – 108th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
UDFA’s
-Donteea Dye
-Freddie Martino
-Leonard Wester
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:36 pm
Evan Engram will not last to pick number 50. He’s probably a late first rounder, or one of the 1st of the board day 2.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:38 pm
tnew..I agree with you. Evan Engram will be awesome in the Slot or out wide with his size and 4.4 speed.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Mike Evans
Evan Engram
Cameron Brate
DeSean Jackson
Smh–Good Lawd bruh
#stanky
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:52 pm
^Throw Kareem Hunt or James Connor into that line-up and we’d have a group that Always scores in the redzone.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:59 pm
I was thinking Joe Mixion
I’m mean just imagine – what a David Johnson or Le’veon Bell type runner.
Could bring to that type of offensive fire power.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Joe Mixon
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Joe Mixon is the most talented back in this draft…the problem is THE VIDEO.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:08 pm
Blake.. I think he’s a day two pick.. Earlyish, but I believe thats where he will go. Licht must do everything possible to turn our first two picks in the top 50 into 3. That’s my opinion. Even if it means dropping back from 19 and giving up a 4th. Not going to be easy. I just think there is too much value in that area to not try. I think Adam Shaheen, Ngoyku, Howard, Williams, Davis and Jones come off the board first. I think Engrams lack of positional certainty will drop him.
All of this being said, if Cook is on the board at 19, I see Licht making that pick. Wouldn’t be my approach but I wouldn’t hate it.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:14 pm
I love Joe Mixon, I’ve been saying that I think he’s the best overall running back talent in this draft for months now. I would jump for Joy if Licht drafts him, just not very confident that it will happen.
And the bucs have shown heavy interest in both Hunt and Conner. In addition to others. But I feel that those 2 are probably the 2 most complete day 2 rb’s.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Nole- You continue to prove what a homer you are!! So ALL of the GM’s who has Howard in the top 10-15 are wrong and you are right about sheehan. Sorry , tsk off your rose colored glasses and stop making the case for OVER RATED Cook. This is getting old.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:16 pm
You got good sense tnew.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:17 pm
@Tnew, no way dude. Teams in this league are dying to get their hands on a guy that could be another Jordan Reed, or Vernon Davis.
Me and Luv have posted the metrics a couple times now. From a build/ athletic stand point, Evan Engram compares favorably with Julio Jones. No way he makes it out of the top 35.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:18 pm
This is why the Joe’s run a football blog (a fantastic one!) and not the front office of a team.
Trading up / mortgaging the farm for a running back in the 1st round… LOfrickinL!
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:18 pm
Screw you sucnuts, I’m not an expert of every collegiate athlete like you and many others here. I don’t have time to be. I saw an awesome back the last three years. We happen to need one. So why NOT.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Not to mention there is already chemistry between said back an my QB. What’s so hard to understand about this notion???
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:21 pm
You don’t have to understand it,you will learn to live with it real soon tho.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:21 pm
RB aren’t that big a need. y’all just forget the difference between fantasy football and the real thing
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:21 pm
Because it’s generally not a good Idea to draft Running backs with a bundle of red flags in the 1st round of the draft.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Ya’ll all wanna get together at one of these draft parties??? I already use one of my personal days so I get paid regardless. What up???
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Considering that the shelf time for running backs in the NFL borders on Perishable. Good Defensive backs, Receivers, Tight Ends, and Linemen tend to age like wine.
Running Backs age like Milk.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:24 pm
I here you Blake. Lets hook up at one these parties bro. I’ll buy every round..
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Maybe so.. But I don’t think this is the last draft in NFL history.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:25 pm
I would probably be at the commishes draft party, But I’ll be out of town for work Tuesday- Friday.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:26 pm
I’ve been lurking at this post and one of you have some good ideas as usual. In case no one has heard yet Caleb Brantley from Florida has just been arrested for a nasty domestic violence situation. Knocked some woman’s tooth out when he hit her in the face. Which means he immediately goes from a strong second-rounder to a likely late round pick or even more likely free agent.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:27 pm
Nole- dont even know what to say. You just admitted that you don’t know much about any college team except FSU. How can you be objective? Why would anyone on this site listen to anything you have to say???
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:28 pm
screw a draft party…..I say we get a bus set up to go to Miami for week 1……only routy fans allowed since we will have to make a ton of noise to give Bucs home advantage
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:28 pm
…Most of you
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:28 pm
There’s plenty of former & current NFL personnel that believe Evan Engram – will be a late 1st round draft pick.
With his speed and versalility, plus production against top- level talent.
He should be a match-up nightmare at the next level.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Look at Jack talking fantasy. Same guy says we have no safeties and holes on our D line. Same group of players lead the league in three major categories.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:30 pm
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1.html
One more example of College production being largely over-rated when it comes to projecting NFL success. This one is probably the most telling.
Jason Witten, Surefire hall of famer, one of the best TE’s of the modern era, only had 797 yards receiving and 7 touchdown catches over a 3 year span.
I can assure you that Eric Ebron is not, and will never be as good as Jason Witten.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:30 pm
I’m wit that idea too Jack. I have weekends off so I’m game.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:31 pm
@JimmyJ, two seconds after I saw the schedule my first thought was the Miami game is obviously an immediate road trip. Been there many times, it’s always a great time. And Joe Robbie, excuse me but I can only remember the original name, it’s still a pretty good Stadium. No brainer.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:32 pm
😊Ima smile on that one Blake. And how exactly can you prove Howard is about to be worthy???
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:33 pm
@Steven007 I’m strongly considering taking a trip down to Miami for week 1 as well. How awesome would it be if we could take over South Beach the way we invaded Qualcom last year?
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:35 pm
nuts,if you so expert when it comes to this why are you posting and not working in the league bro??? DRW.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:35 pm
come on nole…….how could you possibly defend our safteys? and when our Dline got into a big game against Dallas they got manhandled for 60 mins……..You can throw any stat you want at me because it won’t let our Dline off the hook for that game. if you think that Dline is championship caliber you are sadly mistaken.
We will never win with a Dline that gets pushed around In big games. never
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:37 pm
JimmyJack the Cowboys manhandled our D-Line and O-Line..they totally owed the LOS like they had won it in a poker game.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:37 pm
owned
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Blake, we are already looking at Logistics. A buddy of mine who has a season ticket to the Bucs with me actually lives in Naples and drives up every home game! The Miami game will actually be much closer for him. Just need to find out when tickets go on sale and grab something pretty quick so we don’t have to pay out the nose at one of those StubHub knockoffs.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:40 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p789rhDRfU4&t=39s
Because when I look at his film, I see a future star. When Alabama threw him the ball, he showed he could take over games.
Homeboy is a very, very good, willing blocker who is still getting better. O.J. routinely sprung running backs and receivers free for big gains as a lead blocker.
He has the frame/ lower body strength to become a deadly box-out Jump ball receiving threat, as well as a guy that can get yards after the catch.
Physical Behemoth that drags piles of players, has a nasty stiff arm, and the dude is tough as nails.
I could go on and on. But I’ll leave it at this, O.J. Howard is my favorite player in this draft. Alas, I’m afraid he’ll go in the top 10.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Yeah Lakeland it was both sides……..Funny to me that some fans take solace in the final score since it was close……….The game that i saw was a Cowbays team that was able to move the ball at will on us. They had full control and had they needed another score to win I had no faith we could have stopped them because they were blowing us off the ball.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:49 pm
It seems like the Cowboys wasn’t trying to run the score up. They could have dropped 50 on us, but they choose to just sit on the ball a lot.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Jack they man handled us because we didn’t have a legitimate run stuffer. Go check the stats, when the cboys faced defenses that had one they struggled. They’re schedule this year will be telling. I think they are frauds.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:54 pm
If we had a legit RT we would’ve beaten dallas.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:56 pm
If anyone was willing to cough that up for Cook they should probably seek mental health. Comparing Cooks value to that of Julio Jones is insane. Yes hes damn good but not that good
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:56 pm
The cowboys are not that good. They lost five starters on defense. Free retired. And they have a Big boy schedule this up coming season. We’ll soon see what they are truly made of. All they did last season was play keep away by controlling time of possession last season. Which they lead the league in last year.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Here’s the thing Kevin. Julio was good at bama but no one really saw him becoming the force he had became now in the NFL. I mean word is they entered that draft looking at AJ Green.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Nole the other reason we lost to dallas is.our defense gave up a record setting completion percentage…soft coverage for.four quarters, same in the 2nd N.O game and the huge dalas d.e that single handedly shut down Jamies in the fourth quarter
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:07 pm
Cowboys imposed their will o us and it looked easy.
Dammmnnnnn. What freaking game were you guys watching? We were leading the game in the 4th Quarter….we committed 4 turnovers…The Cowgirls were running their record to 12-2 on THEIR HOME TURF.
That was NOT a game that exposed the Bucs as being far away…quite the opposite…a game when the Bucs played poorly…four turnovers…on the road and they still could have won that one!
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:10 pm
We hung in there on the scoreboard for the most part Stpete, that much is true.
But our defense got worked all night long, and didn’t so much as breath on Prescott. Zeke had his way with us too. That’s part of the reason why I think that we would be smart to draft a play-maker on D with our 1st selection.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Personally I’m not really overly worried about Julio. He too big for the amount of torque his body creates. Won’t last that long.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Oh yeah… and Cherilus got put on his butt for like 3 series in a row. That didn’t help either.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Thanks Pete. How quickly people lose perspective.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Ok Noles you just said it. RT is a legitimate need here. And we have holes in our Dline. That’s why you said we need a runstuffer. We also need a feared passrusher…..If we already have one where was he in Dallas? If we had one real good safety we also would have seen him in that game.
RT, Dline, Oline……Those are the positions that kept us from being the team we need to be….A team that enters a big game in Dallas and imposes their will, not the other way around.
That’s why those positions are bigger needs then RB IMO
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Jack Jack Jack we just signed Swaggy and drafted Spawn. We’ll be fine there bro.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Dot got a deal people. So in less he str8 garbage in camp that will be our starting RT next season.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Im a little late to the party, but I would be shocked if Shaheen was picked before Evan Engram. I do think Engram goes early round 2 tho.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Nole, the point is we are not going to sniff a deep playoff run with a Dline like we had last year. You can’t get into a big game like that and disappear. We need more plays being made from the Dline, plain and simple
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:21 pm
Had the offense not put up the points on the board we would have got blown out in Dallas.Jameis and the offense kept that gane alive but out defense looked like a practice squad team. Id rather give our dline a premier pass rusher for Jay Hayes to form a scary rotation that will stay fresh for 4 quarters. But Howard would be nice.just please no trading up
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Dot’s deal had was a 3 year deal, with only 4 million guaranteed. I don’t think there is any guaranteed money left on his contract.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Dotson is average and Jack Smith can hold up(in any 1 game or a seadon)
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:23 pm
cant××
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:30 pm
i think Hargraeves played a little timid last year. he really played well for a rookie though. K hot high hope he can break out a bit and we will see him use his ball skills more often.
It is anmimperative need that our Dline and safety play better around Vernon so he’ll have a better chance to make some big plays
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Yo Luv, whats up Bro. Yeah, you know I love Engram too. I just left him out of my dream draft (Barnett, Zay, Perine, Kazee) because I know he’s going in the first to top of 2nd. Unless we can shake and move some things around….if Barnett and Obi are gone, trade back then Engram…then grab TE Kittle in the 5th for blocking power.
Engram, Brate, Kittle….our new gen of TE’s for 4 years.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:34 pm
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
WARREN SAPP JUST MURDERED MYLES GARRET … WOW!!!
Read these comments: “I don’t see it from this kid … I see the splash plays; everybody gets those. Where’s the game he took over? Where? Any defensive lineman who’s the No. 1 pick, you turn up and you say, ‘There it is!’ This kid, no, I don’t. I’m a pretty plain and frank guy, and I watch the tape and he disappears. I watch the tape, and he absolutely disappears … I don’t think this kid is as good as Courtney Brown 9(i.e. the notorious DRAFT BUST the Browns took #1 in the past) either … It’s all about measurable … Once you hit the measurable, it’s tough to get them old scout people off the numbers, and that’s what [Garrett] has. He’s big, and he’s fast. Now some defensive line coach is thinking, ‘I can turn him into something.’ How? I’m trying to figure this out. Really? Are we lowering the bar? … I see a lazy kid that makes four plays a game … This is the No. 1 guy? No, no, no. This ain’t even close.
WHOA … TALK ABOUT JUST OBLITERATING SOMEONE, WOW!!!!!!!!!
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/story/_/id/19225223/warren-sapp-think-myles-garrett-no-1-pick
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Trade up for howard.. . He was the Offensive MVP of Alabama’s victory over Clemson in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship after recording five receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Sick #s
He can play slot h back… beast blocker great hands.
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:46 pm
Yo in other news if you guys have t seen Caleb Brantley probably just tanked his draft stock by knocking some woman unconscious with witnesses, guy just cost himself a ton of money
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:05 pm
Man you guys clearly do not gamble eh. All this baloney about how great Dallas whupped up on us? Really? They didn’t even beat the spread on their own turf riding that incredible hot streak.
We were WINNING that game late in the 4th. Nobody likes to get run on late in a 4th quarter of a game while leading to give up a go ahead score. But you guys always want to throw the baby out with the bath water.
And so as NOSBOS pointed out it’s true we had no great run stuffer…lets hope our new guy Baker takes care of that..let’s also hope that Gholston continues to grow. Our DL is not that far off.
Another reason DL’s get worn out in the 4th is poor offense…as in 4 freaking turnovers and failure to move it when we needed the O to burn some clock. In more than one game last year our O did not show up in the 4th and left our D out on the field to get totally gassed. That has to change as well.
And speaking of throwing the baby out with the bathwater…that OLine that played Dallas was 4 players…we had NO RT on the field!!! Add in Hawleys knees and we fielded about 60% of an Oline. That should change dramatically this year.
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:23 pm
^ I agree though there were really only TWO turnovers, not 4 … the hail mary on the last play of the first half was meaningless and the last turnover was at the very end of the game.
April 24th, 2017 at 12:03 am
@Stpete
Dak Prescot completed 36-38 throws. And we have up 3 touchdowns.
That game, as well as the effort agansts NO the week after, were both disgraceful showings by our D.
April 24th, 2017 at 12:25 am
*gave*