Koetter Had Insider Track On McNichols
April 29th, 2017
Knowledge
Yes, the Bucs have a new running back, a guy often considered a Doug Martin clone.
Rookie fifth-round pick Jeremy McNichols got a new job in Tampa this afternoon, and he talked to local media via conference call (Joe was home with his feet up).
McNichols, out of Boise State, where Dirk Koetter was once head coach, explained that Koetter knew all about him from the inside.
“Yeah, I actually got to meet all of the staff and everything at the combine when I had a meeting with them. It was just really comforting knowing that [he coached at Boise State]. He has some of our coaches that he coached as players,” McNichols said. “It was just really good, I think he’s a really good coach, really good guy and I think the Bucs are headed in the right direction.”
Hmm, so Koetter had extra-trusted intelligence on McNichols. Interesting. McNichols also shared that he’s all about catching the football, as well as running.
“I used to play receiver for three years in high school and then played a year of receiver in college,” McNichols said. “So, I’m really comfortable. I feel my hands are really natural.”
Joe is so pumped for the running backs competition in training camp and preseason. McNichols bringing the juice and battling with Peyton Barber, Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers should be fun. No, Joe doesn’t expect Doug Martin to be there.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Dude I saw the highlights. This kid ain’t no Martin clone and it’s not even close. Martin in is current form is better than Jeremy McNichols. Martin in college was MUCH better. Good luck making the team kid.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Oh and thanks for throwing us “we desperately need a running back” fans a small crumb….jeeesh!
April 29th, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Week four is going to be interesting how many carriers Doug gets his first game back from the penalty box. This rookie looks exciting with some giving him a 3rd round grade
April 29th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
If he is a doug martin clone that is more reason to expect martin to stay…and Charles Sims who can’t run inside and who is in his last year can be traded after week three since martin is back in week four. Not sure I put much stock into Joe’s info right now. Man he got smacked with thus draft. Wrong at every turn. But that’s okay. Still a good blog.
Exactly where was Joe wrong at every turn? Jeez. Joe wrote specifically about Chris Godwin many times and assured fans the Bucs would leave the first three rounds with a receiver and multiple weapons for Jameis. O.J. Howard falling was a surprise gift from the heavens, since he wasn’t supposed to be there. Ira Kaufman and Joe were adamant in Wednesday’s podcast that the Bucs would not draft Dalvin Cook. Also, Joe was certain the Bucs would address running back, and they did. Wrong at every turn. Reallly? Why make stuff up? -Joe
April 29th, 2017 at 5:18 pm
This guy is good and will be good with the Bucs.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Martin at 100% is an absolute monster and a top 5 talent with a 10 yard burst like he was shot out of a cannon. Sometimes it is hard to follow him on the TV he is so quick. Cannot believe the tragedy it would be to let him go unless we absolutely cannot count on him.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:19 pm
I wasn’t impressed with his highlights but I’m trusting Licht…
April 29th, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Watch Doug Martin highlights at Boise State then go watch Jeremy McNichols. Then come back in here and tell me this kid reminds you of him in any way other than they both went to the same school and play the same position.
It’s the 5th round for a reason.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:21 pm
martin is more likely and is hopefully pushing a shopping cart on Hillsborough than he will be running the ball for the bucs next season. you people are insane if you think licht is going to keep a player around that screwed his teammates over has a long injury history and an equally long drug and alcohol history and is good in less than 34% of the games he starts. really the fan boy disease is rampant.. screw dog martin….
April 29th, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Why wouldnt martin be there in training camp? Bucs have no reason to cut him. He is already at one buc place working out (and impressing everyone there) no guaranteed contract, why would the bucs cut their most talented RB? Because of one down season (due to obvious poor line play) and a 3 game suspension? Child please. Doug has more respect in that building than to let a little 3 game suspension kick him off the team.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:22 pm
doug is laughable and is fan boys are an embarrassment to football fans world wide. the dude has sucked in over 66% of the games he played
April 29th, 2017 at 5:22 pm
tmax…me me me me. I’m in the Screw Doug Martin Club. I still think they’ll keep him though at this point.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:23 pm
With all due respect Joe, because I usually agree with you, I’m not entirely clear how immediately dumping Doug Martin is a good idea, considering the alternatives. Why not restructure his deal and allow him to compete in camp? Isn’t that the best plan? Jaquizz has shown he only lasts three games as the feature back, and it just so happens that’s how long Martin’s suspension is, perfect timing. Just a thought.
Who said immediately? And what makes you think Martin would want to stay without testing the market or waiting it out? –Joe
April 29th, 2017 at 5:25 pm
Haha fred, joe has always had terrible draft insight. He focuses so hard on 1 or 2 players and gets pouty when they don’t land here. Other than draft season, this site is the best around. Just can’t take Joe’s draft analysis as anything other than a joke though.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:25 pm
87
this mcnichols kid is not the answer that’s forsure and either is doug i suck more than I am even average martin. people have such low standards
April 29th, 2017 at 5:26 pm
Actually, I look for the possibility of a Sims trade…..he has some skills and a year left on his Rookie contract…..I think he is marketable.
No one…..including Joe has any idea whether Martin will be retained….and, Joe will admit that. If he is looking good and will renegotiate a friendly contract, I expect the Bucs will give him another shot.
Do we know if McNichols has any ST skills?
April 29th, 2017 at 5:26 pm
matt b
you clearly are being sarcastic referring to doug martin as a speed guy
April 29th, 2017 at 5:26 pm
So much cream at the top of the rb class and the Bucs chose the bottom of the barrel.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:27 pm
martin, sims and barber have ZERO trade value barber for obvious reasons but martin and simms injury history and limited ability and low ceilings there is no trade value in bucs running back room hell there is barely any nfl talent there.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Well….washington got the next beast mode in Perine. Why not trade your 7th to get him or mack i dont get it
April 29th, 2017 at 5:28 pm
For another viewpoint, read this
Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols is a shorter running back prospect who doesn’t standout as someone capable of being a difference maker in the NFL.
Jeremy McNichols is built low to the ground with a stout frame. He’s someone who tends to work downhill and can bounce off a few tackles. However, he lacks the overall strength to consistently break tackles.
McNichols is a 1-speed runner who doesn’t have the 2nd gear needed to break off long runs. He also lacks the explosiveness to press the line and get through quickly closing holes. This is someone who needs a strong offensive line in front of him to find success.
The one area where he shows promise is as a pass catcher. He does a good job finding the open holes in the defense and features reliable hands. Boise State trusts him as a route runner and has often split him outside or in the slot.
McNichols shows the ability to several different routes including comebacks, slants and drags across the middle. He has even flashed the ability to attack the seam and outrun linebackers/safeties.
His ability to contribute in the passing game is hindered by his struggles as a pass protector. McNichols doesn’t attack the rusher with authority and fails to use his hands. He tends to dive at the defenders legs or throw his shoulder.
This results in missed blocks or with McNichols being driven back into the face of the quarterback.
Overall, it’s hard to see where McNichols fits at the next level. He lacks the elite quickness or burst needed to consistently move the chains.
Current Draft Range: 6th Round
April 29th, 2017 at 5:28 pm
I can’t imagine a team trying to defend this lineup.
Brate, Howard, Djax, Evans…..and a receiving back as a checkoff
April 29th, 2017 at 5:29 pm
So defensive today Joe
Joe simply has time to kill today.–Joe
April 29th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa…from what I saw in the highlights that summary’s about right. This clone thingy is silly though. Martin in college would run circles around this kid.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
http://draftbreakdown.com/video/jeremy-mcnichols-vs-byu-2016/
McNichols is better appreciated up viewing entire games.
People compare him to Martin because of the school, and because they are virtually the same size. McNichols is a MUCH better receiver than Martin has every been though.
In fact, I think he’s so good as a receiver, that it’ll be Sims and Not Martin that rides the pine. Depending on how Preseason Shakes out anyway.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:31 pm
The only people laughing will be the “fan boys” when martin come back from suspension and tears up the league, again.
And you’ll have to eat more crow about our RBs
April 29th, 2017 at 5:32 pm
TBBF…then rotating Godwin and Hump in and out. This is scary.
Quick… stats guys. What’s the highest ranked O the Bucs have ever had?
April 29th, 2017 at 5:32 pm
“martin come back from suspension and tears up the league”
Trubucfan22…Is that for at least 1 year?
April 29th, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Admittedly, of all the RBs I watched throughout this process, McNichols was my least favorite.
With that said, he is capable of being a good 3rd down RB and maybe an eventual Sims replacement (whether it is due to injury or he leaves as a FA).
Who knows tho. Sometimes things just click and he balls out in the pre season and becomes more than that.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:35 pm
Okay buc1987 did u look at the tape on here or did u look at it on YouTube cause i look at the tape this kid is better at Martin in one spot speed he way faster than Martin even in Martin pro bowl season Martin never finish runs rember in Philadelphia he had that long run and got stopped at the goal line everyone just calm down & trust the light
April 29th, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Joe, I am talking about fact that you whiffed on draft needs and priority. Not making anything up. It’s okay. No one thinks Tom Jones knows more about sports than you. You are the man.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:40 pm
The bucfan 88 …Martin’s 40 time in college was much faster.I went to youtube and looked at a few.
Was Martin drafted in the 5th round? Nope.
I don’t think this kid makes the team. There’s no burst, a slight cut, but no agility against inferior opponents.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:41 pm
216 running backs got taken and we took the 216th one. lol
April 29th, 2017 at 5:45 pm
It’s ok Joe don’t feel bad but if you’re name is booger you should feel really stupid and embarrassed
April 29th, 2017 at 5:45 pm
This kid is a better receiver that Martin (and maybe everyone else in the backfield too) but Martin is better at YAC. (yards after contact), the tough yards. They are not exact clones.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:46 pm
What a clueless draft. No understanding this one outside of maybe the TE and the we pick. The wr was a good pick, but didn’t address the dline, or rb. 2 crucial spots on the team. Through in a late dt and rb and expect it to fix those positions. Never mind about the db who maybe is safety help who can’t even tackle. No clue what was up with this draft. Only 2 picks help out and I’m not even sure we needed the stud TE when we got a descent one now and need help other places. You know like half the offense that is important no matter how many brainless buc fans say we should forget about. We didn’t even get a top tier guy, let alone a middle level one or even a sniff of a O lineman that could help bolster the run game for the rb’s we have. Crazy. Guess we’re hoping we can just keep throwing the ball. We’ll see how that works.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:51 pm
“Ben Says:
April 29th, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Well….washington got the next beast mode in Perine. Why not trade your 7th to get him or mack i dont get it”
There is just so much wrong with this post. You sure don’t get it buddy.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Boys I hate to tell you the Bucs are counting on Dougie playing with something to prove.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:53 pm
If good Doug shows up this season. Then I can see a SB push.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Watched his games against Wyoming and BYU and seen some good and some bad. Im 50/50 with this pick.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Watched his games against Wyoming and BYU and seen some good and some bad. Im 50/50 with this pick. Just have to see.
April 29th, 2017 at 5:57 pm
My bad
April 29th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
i’m of the belief that Doug Martin has already restructured his deal before the draft started much the way the Sweezy deal was done weeks before we heard about it. The Bucs certainly aren’t going to give away information that might show their hand with the draft coming up and I doubt Martin would hit the streets bragging about his brand new pay cut.
I think he’ll be given every chance in camp to compete and show he has it. It’s really a win-win situation for both him and the team to allow him to compete. If he stays healthy and is the Martin that he can be, good for us, plus we get the open roster spot for three weeks as he won’t count against the 53 man limit until week 4. That’s nearly a month for him to continue readying his body, while not getting hurt, at the start of the season. The Bucs know they can make due with Rodgers and possibly Sims and Barber (as well as McNichols—possibly) and getting Doug back might be a huge boost. It is in the team’s best interest for them to keep him if he still has it. I don’t see him going anywhere unless it is in trade.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
This site is awesome and we all should be thanking the Joes daily for the tireless work they put in. We all have our opinions, but there is zero reasoning for bashing the Joes.
I applaud and thank you Joes!
April 29th, 2017 at 6:06 pm
2 TE sets with Evans and Jackson out wide will upen things up for our backs, especially Simms. Our backs are fine and others may be become available. Nobody looks at the NE backs as bell cows.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Thanks man, but if folks want to hammer Joe — so long as they are not making things up — that’s fine. Joe is not above criticism. Joe’s human. Makes mistakes. People are welcome if not encouraged to have an opinion. What makes the world go ’round.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:32 pm
To Joe and everyone at the blog, thank you. I got too drunk last night and I’m in one of the worst hangovers ever. In my deplorable state I managed to visit Joebucsfan.com before anything else because the draft coverage and the posting community is just too good to be true. Anyway, woo! We have a Rb!
April 29th, 2017 at 6:45 pm
What people are neglecting to consider is that although Martin is still “technically”
a Buc and under contract, “realistically” he’s already a free agent.
Neither Martin nor his agent expect the Bucs to honor the final year of the overpriced contract. To void it they have to cut him. Cut him and he’s free to negotiate with all 32 teams. For some reason everybody assumes the Bucs needs and Martin’s needs will intersect. I’m not so sure.
Martin is going to lose a LOT of money because of the Molly and suspension no matter where he plays. I do not think this is a typical bidding war. Doug needs to resurrect his career. If the thought another team would offer him a better chance at getting more touches he’s gone. This is his last rodeo and he and his agent are really under the gun to make the correct decision. Like it or not it’s very possible the Bucs do not fit into Martin’s plans.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Doug will be there. Time to rework Doug’s deal.
April 29th, 2017 at 6:54 pm
Hey Joe, do you expect Doug Martin to be there?
Cuz you haven’t said that 15 times yet today. lol
April 29th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Give the kid a chance, he’s gonna holes all day, JMc is gonna have holes for days
April 29th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
87- I think your math might be off.
216 running backs taken?
You know there’s only like 250 guys drafted total, right?
April 29th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Jmac I mean
April 29th, 2017 at 7:14 pm
I wish I could watch a highlight reel for once without underground rap music in the backround. Maybe no music for a change? Stupid…..team scouts must hate having those videos sent to them all year
April 29th, 2017 at 7:59 pm
This was the best draft in years. People just get hard ons for players meanwhile we don’t have coaches film to look at. Leave it to the pros. Hi s will get great rating for sure. Fact
April 29th, 2017 at 10:25 pm
Only time will tell guys. There is no faking in this here NFL. Either you do or you don’t..You will or you won’t!!!!!
AMEN.
April 29th, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Your in denial Joe lolol
April 29th, 2017 at 10:39 pm
I think they are telling mcnichols that even Boise state rbs can be stars in the NFL and if he works his a** off then he could be in doug martin’s spot. Barber is camp meat quiz is temporary sims probably won’t be resigned and doug is on thin ice.
April 29th, 2017 at 11:10 pm
Pretty classy lifting quotes from Pewter Report’s conference call without crediting them.
April 30th, 2017 at 12:48 am
People aren’t giving enough weight to pass pro. Licht says he’s the best pass blocker in the draft; exactly what the Falcons said about Freeman when he was drafted in the late 4th round.
April 30th, 2017 at 7:19 am
Doug averaged 2.9 ypc last year. Jaquizz Rodgers had 4.6 and 120 yards more than Doug on 15 less carries. Doug quit on all of us last year. He has had 2 good years out of 5. He is not even the best RB on our roster. Out of 6 RBs who carried the ball for us last year, Doug’s YPC was tied for last with Charles Sims. Some of you ignore what is staring you in the face through some crazy nostalgia from two years ago. Martin is not even the best RB with in our current cast of misfit RBs. McNichols has a decent shot at making the team and competing because the rest of our RBs are nothing to scare anybody. He is one more average RB that will fit right in with the others.
April 30th, 2017 at 7:50 am
Guys got two things to say!!!! Dougie never had a shot last year when the D-line is meeting you at the QB you don’t have a shot ( Marpet ) to center for a reason!!! 2 our beloved MLB got 4 games the yr before for the same thing!!!
April 30th, 2017 at 10:19 am
Running back, who needs them? Line up Humphries next to OJ Howard and throw that bubble screen on first down, with Howard blocking that’s an easy 5 yard gain every time. If the defense cheats and brings a safety up to stop it put DJax in motion and have him run right past the safety.
April 30th, 2017 at 12:17 pm
It’s not clear to me why Joe thinks Doug won’t be in training camp when we passed on Dalvin Cook primarily because of how well Doug has looked in off-season camp. If Doug looked good enough to warrant passing on Cook, then there’s no way the addition of an injured rookie would warrant releasing Doug.