Two “Safe” Plays For Jason Licht
April 28th, 2017
Safe zones
General manager Jason Licht talked about how “safe” players are prevalent in this draft.
Not every GM uses that word like Licht did. And now the question is whether Licht will stay “safe” in Rounds 2.
Tight end O.J. Howard was not just a “safe” pick, he was a no-brainer. If you think a prospect has Hall of Famer written all over him like the Bucs do with Howard, then you grab him, especially when your star quarterback is 23 years old.
(Short ecstasy pause. Mike Evans is 23. Jameis is 23. Howard turns 23 in November.)
Licht doesn’t have a history of playing it “safe” in Round 2. But it’s a different Licht this year, one coming off a 9-7 record with a very secure head coach and defensive coordinator. Licht really cannot go wrong with this next draft pick, as long as the guy performs.
So who is a “safe” pick that actually will be there at No. 50 overall, where the Bucs sit tonight?
Joe has to believe that is record-setting East Carolina receiver Zay Jones is that guy. Remember when Licht talked about Jones without being asked? That was damn telling.
The Bucs need a rookie receiver with superior hands who can stretch the field. That’s Jones.
Jones turned heads at the Senior Bowl and caught 158 passes last season, a new NCAA record. At 6-2, 205 pounds with 4.45 speed, Jones has plenty of talent, but he seems to be a can’t miss prospect because of his work ethic, toughness and pedigree. His father Robert won Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys as a linebacker.
Joe loves receiver Chris Godwin from Penn State, but it’s almost unrealistic to believe he’s there at No. 50. There’s a much better shot for Jones, though after the run on receivers early last night — 3 in the top 9 overall picks! — the Bucs might have to trade up a little to get Jones.
On the defensive side of the ball, you can never have enough talented defensive linemen. Ever! Michigan’s Chris Wormley could be there at No. 50 for the Bucs. He’s 6-5, 298 pounds, athletic and considered a versatile threat/talent in the NFL.
The Bucs have an incredible incubator established for a talented rookie at defensive line, with guys like Robert Ayers, Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald and Will Gholston around, plus workaholic second-year man Noah Spence and a hell of a D-line coach in Jay Hayes.
Joe could always stomach a live D-line beast added to the mix.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:24 am
QUICK! Throw as many articles and ads between the banner and the article suggesting that Brate has become trade bate!
Seriously, which Joe is responsible for writing that? Don’t let him operate a motor vehicle until he has sobered up.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:24 am
That run on WRs was crazy last night and could cause guys like Godwin and Zay to go earlier than expected, I agree with you there Joe.
Imo, I think the Top 2 DBs that are left are safe. Chidobe Awuzie and Budda Baker.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:25 am
Jones will be gone by the time the Bucs draft at 50
April 28th, 2017 at 9:26 am
So much talent. It doesn’t make sense to trade up.
This is the draft to be patient.
In Licht We Trust!!!
April 28th, 2017 at 9:26 am
Great meeting one of the Joe’s last night at the epic draft party! Yes the three of them at 23 is pure ecstasy. I think we are in a great spot to get another great player tonight!
April 28th, 2017 at 9:27 am
I would like to see DL or safety in 2, RB or WR at 3.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:29 am
Jones is on my wish list, so I could live with him being the pick.
Not Chris Wormley!
I really don’t see how you cannot see the extreme need at Safety, Joe. Have you not even looked at the stats for Willis? He isn’t even as good as Conte! If we do not land our safety in the 2nd, our defense will take a major hit. It won’t be as good as last year without a lateral move or an upgrade to Safety.
This time next year, you will be comparing McDougald to Bennett if we don’t fix this now.
Worth a trade up to get Budda Baker, Obi Melifonwu or Marcus Williams.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:29 am
If you need a backup WR who can spot start save the pick and sign VJax if he’s OK with the role.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:30 am
Failing that, Xavier Woods a little later.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:31 am
WR would be a backup role. That makes zero sense. We need a starter, Joe. Wake up and ease off the sauce.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:33 am
With them picking OJ last night, I can see them waiting on WR a little longer now. Unless another run on WR happens and they feel a guy they like wont be there the next time they pick
April 28th, 2017 at 9:33 am
Plenty of talented WRs all the way down this draft, for example KD Cannon, Artavis Scott, Robert Davis, Chad Williams, Mack Hollins, Shelton Gibson, Ishmael Zamora (Josh Gordon clone even some off field stuff), Dede Westbrook (Heisman finalist DJax clone 4.34 speed 6′ 178 off field concerns), these guys are 4th round and beyond type players, anyone of them are upgrades talent wise over Hump, but are allowed to be groomed for a couple of years behind our top 3
April 28th, 2017 at 9:35 am
Man if Budda Baker or Marcus Williams falls to 50 that’ll be awesome
April 28th, 2017 at 9:36 am
RB please! Mr. Licht
Joe Mixon – 2016 Totals = 187 carries for 1274 yds and 10 TDs, 37 Rec for 538 yds and 5 TDs
Competition:
1.) Dalvin Cook FSU 2016 = 288 for 1765 (19 TD), Rec 33 for 488 yards (1 TD) injury concerns? Cook or Mixon for me is coin flip.
2.) Samaje Perine OKLA 2016 = 196 for 1060 (12 TD), Rec 10 for 106 yards (1 TD), draft only in 3rd or later rounds in my opinion.
3.) Alvin Kamara TEN 2016 = 103 for 596 (9 TD), Rec 40 for 392 yards (4 TD) off the field problems too, 3rd or later or no deal.
4.) D’Onta Foreman TEX 2016 = 323 for 2028 (15 TD) ton of carries, not used in passing game?
Big bruiser, 3rd or later or no deal.
5.) Marlon Mack USF 2016 = 174 for 1187 (15 TD), Rec 28 for 227 yards, hometown kid, light weight, I would pass.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:36 am
Love Zay Jones but the defense needs some attention, namely SAFETY…Desmond King at 50!
April 28th, 2017 at 9:37 am
I would rather draft defense in the second round but if it’s offense,
RB/WR Curtis Samuel would be a great pick.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:42 am
We need more 2nd round picks! We have plenty of 3rd or 4th round talent at RB already (Sims, Quiz, Barber). Stud RB still high priority but I sure would love to have a safety or DE who can get to the QB. Too many needs, too few picks!
April 28th, 2017 at 9:43 am
Would love to have WR depth as well but we have bigger needs for the 2nd round pick.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:51 am
@ red devil , I concur
April 28th, 2017 at 9:52 am
Mayock picked Cam Robinson, OT (Alabama) and that would be an intriguing pick if still available, although I would favor either WR, DE, or CB/S.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:54 am
My Updated Wish List
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2017/04/earn-money-dirk/#comment-3810268
If Budda Baker, Obi Melifonwu, and Marcus Williams are all taken when we pick in the 2nd, then I can see waiting a little longer and getting Xavier Woods.
The Bucs interviewed Budda Baker, Obi Melifonwu and Xavier Woods, so I would guess one of them is targeted.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:55 am
2ND ROUND: 5.7 – 5.9
• FS Budda Baker (5.9) *
• S Obi Melifonwu (5.7) *
• S Marcus Williams (5.8)
• TE Adam Shaheen (5.8)
• C Pat Elflein (5.8)
• G Dorian Johnson 5.78 *
• OG/C Dan Feeney (5.7)
• WR Cooper Kupp (5.7)
April 28th, 2017 at 9:56 am
I guess TE Adam Shaheen could be removed, since we got Howard.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:57 am
Cam Robinson great pick, then mack or perrine and Caleb Brantley in round 3 and then sydney jones round 5-6
April 28th, 2017 at 9:58 am
Agree with Bonzai … “We need a starter.” Safety I think is our biggest need right now, but DE isn’t far behind. Not a big fan of Budda Baker (too small for a safety, although he’d make a great nickel CB I bet). Obi has all the physical traits I like, but he’s raw I think and won’t help us much this year. Lots of other projected Rnd 2 safeties still available (Marcus Maye, Justin Evans, Marcus Williams) but seriously doubt any of them are starter material right now (based on what I’ve read at least). Quite a few DEs (and several DTs) still available who could help the Bucs as key rotational players, so that might be the way to go in Rnd 2. Oh ya, plus pick up a starting RB.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:59 am
I think you’ll see a run of RBs in the 2nd. Dalvin Cook going to GB with the 33rd pick tonight.
April 28th, 2017 at 9:59 am
Hey Joe, where’s all the Dalvin Cook to the Bucs 50 stories, gonna be hilarious if he lasts to 50 and the Bucs pass on him, guess Boogers inside sources don’t know shyte, oh well, super stoked about Howard, after that 4.51, there real was no point even discussing him getting drafted at 19 he was expected long gone, starting to warm up to Jordan Willis, Derek Rivers, Tim Williams, Chris Wormley for that 50 pick
April 28th, 2017 at 9:59 am
Let’s just hope day two plays out similar to day one and there are multiple guys the Bucs like and need available. I believe it can happen. Also trade some picks please so we can stock up. Package up some second and third round picks to grab an extra pick this year.
April 28th, 2017 at 10:04 am
Don’t need a starting WR like Zay Jones, Juju, or Godwin, only guy I’d consider at 50 is Samuel because of his pure speed 4.31 and versatility, RB, WR and returner, this draft is deep at WR, RB and Safety, DE not so much
April 28th, 2017 at 10:05 am
Interesting note.
The Bucs had interviewed or brought for a visit in 3 tight ends, Howard being one of them.
They did the same with Running Back. 3 of them being Cook, Perine and Brian Hill.
But the position they talked the most to players at?
Defensive End/ OLB (DE in 4-3).
They talked to five players…the most of any other position. Taco, Barnett, Watt are all taken.
That leaves Jordan Willis (will go in round 2) and Bryan Cox (Might last until Round 5 if lucky).
April 28th, 2017 at 10:11 am
Simeon Rice may be in this draft class and his name is Jordan Willis.
April 28th, 2017 at 10:12 am
I agree with DL but not sure about WR now
DL or DB sure SEEMS like the way they’d go to me, but who really knows, I didn’t expect TE in rd 1.
April 28th, 2017 at 10:12 am
Willis is a hope in round 2. Flexible role, apparently. Big 12 D player of the year.
April 28th, 2017 at 10:14 am
MIXON THE MIDIGATING FACTOR!
April 28th, 2017 at 10:20 am
I’d love Joe Mixon, but seeing how this draft is laid out, getting a talented DE or S makes more sense in the 2nd, so many talented RBs to be had round 3 and beyond
April 28th, 2017 at 10:29 am
@reddevil
Mack is bigger than Cook…
April 28th, 2017 at 10:36 am
Would love Curtis Samuel! He can be our primary kick/punt returner, plus play the slot receiver, even take snaps as a change of pace back! Hell, he even ran some “wildcat” at Ohio State! He’s a real weapon, and very versatile!
April 28th, 2017 at 10:42 am
I agree with Zay Jones. My dream second round pick from the beginning. Or Budda Baker would be awesome!
April 28th, 2017 at 10:44 am
Licht has done a great job with 2nd round picks…
NOT!
April 28th, 2017 at 10:45 am
@Tampa Tony
Yeah, that was a bad point on my part, but I was thinking in comparison to Mixon.
Looking at teams in the market for RB:
33. Green Bay
41. Cinc
42. Saints (maybe not now after signing AP)
43. PHI
46. Colts
48. Min
49. Was
50. Bucs
So, I think that Cook will be off the board by pick #50, possibly Mixon as well, but I’ll support whoever the team picks.
April 28th, 2017 at 11:09 am
Mixon, Cook, baker or Jones please!
April 28th, 2017 at 11:20 am
I want cook butbhebis gonna land in green bay or philly. We are gonna go safety 2nd round although am hoping to go d end rb or wr. We need depth at wr. It can’t be ignored. Dream never plays a full season.
April 28th, 2017 at 11:22 am
I’m going to be pissed if we get a receiver over a safety.
Joe wrote an article about trading Brate…..
NEVER FORGET!!!!!
April 28th, 2017 at 11:23 am
I think you have to go DE in the 2nd. You may find one in the 3rd and very doubtful you find a good one after that. Go safety in 3 and RB in 4th (maybe trade up). I know that doesn’t get you a WR, but I believe you re-sign VJAX at a greatly reduced price for your #4.
This covers all of your needs. Think about it — WR is a pick to fill a hole only if someone gets hurt. You can still try to find a WR, CB in rounds 5-7.
April 28th, 2017 at 11:24 am
I agree Bonzai. I use the same info and breakdown as you do with trying to project the Bucs direction in each round.
Round 2: Safety, DE most likely, followed by WR
Round 3: RB, WR most likely followed by OL
I think Litch tries very hard to get 3 picks today if possible.
April 28th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Some of you Cat’s need a Xanax the size of a hockey puck.
Relax.
Every single team has holes in the roster, one player or one draft for that matter, is going to bring you a Lombardi. Go BPA. Keep making sensible picks who can be future starters, then coach them well.
April 28th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Just like the Pats 2 TE sets, my god Joe’s. Now they are on their heels not on their toes as much. Makes our line and rb’s that much better. Has Bill ever drafted a Rb in round 1? His protege is doing well.
April 28th, 2017 at 11:31 am
Booger said a team might trade up for Cook..
hmm…
April 28th, 2017 at 11:44 am
JameisDungy Says:
April 28th, 2017 at 11:31 am
Booger said a team might trade up for Cook..
hmm…
Where did you hear/read that?
April 28th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Wouldn’t mind either of those WRs, but would also love Buddha Baker!
Then target a running back in round 3 like Mack if Perrine, Foreman, or Cook don’t somehow fall that far (which I don’t think they will).
April 28th, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Zay Jones would be a great damn pick. I like him a lot better than Godwin, who had dominant games and games where he looked really underwhelming.
April 28th, 2017 at 12:47 pm
Booger also said 99% sure Cook to Bucs lol
April 28th, 2017 at 2:06 pm
We can easily get Godwin, Zay or Juju in the 2nd and then D’Onta, Perine, Mack or Hunt in the 3rd and spend a 4th on a safety like Fish Smithson …. or we could go with a top safety in the 2nd like Budda, Maye, Williams or even Obi and go RB in the 3rd and then grab the best WR on the board in the 4th … or we could go Cook/Kamara/Mixon in the 2nd and take the BWRA or BSA in the 3rd and 4th … whatever happens we should get some more high-quality players and at least 2 more game-changers imo …
April 28th, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Yeah this kid looks good and I’m down with him but next I want our RB!!!
It’s not just supply in the draft it’s also the demand as we saw last night when a meager supply of QB’s, none of whom is considered a day one starter but a guy in need of mentoring…ran up against the demand for franchise QB’s and it sure looked to me like a few GM’s in need of a QB may have lost it last night.
It’s not just the best talent remaining that determines our pick…it’s the other teams needs as well. So Ladainlian Tomlinson…perhaps prejudiced because it’s his position…thinks this is going to be a big round for RB’s and was particularly high on Dalvin and Mixon. His reason? He ran down the teams and easily rattled off ten including us, who need a back. There aren’;t THAT many good RB’s on the board. This is going to be a tricky round unless we could get some obvious luck like we did in the first. If those other nine teams who need RB’s instead filled a defensive hole instead of RB…or if a couple more QB desperate teams snuck up even a couple of spots to take a QB that would help.
But I’m nervous until we get a star RB. Sorry but watching USF last year I NEVER noticed Marlon Mack because ONE player on that team just sucked up the attention…Quinton Flowers looked like the proverbial man against boys when USF played weak competition…he simply looked like a baller against good competition. I’m actually looking forward to watching some USF games this year just to keep up with Flowers. I’m not a Bull but that kid is EXCITING.
I would be happy even with a trade up if we got Dalvin, Mixon, Foreman…Kamara and Perine would not have me jumping up and down but they may be workable solutions.
April 28th, 2017 at 6:03 pm
DB55, I agree about Willis. I’d be thrilled to get that guy.
April 28th, 2017 at 6:07 pm
I’d love Zay, but we need depth at WR, not a replacement for Jackson this year. I could see a WR in round 4 or 5, but if they picked Jones I’d be going crazy with excitement! Greatest show on grass!