Beckwith Will Need A Minor Miracle
May 4th, 2017
Joe is not a doctor, but Joe is a realist.
Your beloved Buccaneers traded up to leapfrog into the last pick of the third round late Friday to draft linebacker Kendall Beckwith. The LSU thumper was a highly-talented and productive middle linebacker who is a little short on speed. He also blew his knee out, a torn ACL, on Nov. 19.
Yes, Beckwith and the Bucs are talking about him playing and competing this season, but Joe considers that a fairy tale.
It would be almost miraculous if Beckwith could start practicing with contact nine months after ACL surgery, which would be late August. (Just ask Louis Murphy) More likely, Beckwith would start the season on injured reserve eligible to return in Week 9, assuming the Bucs didn’t use the designation (one per team) for a more important player.
If Beckwith is progressing but not ready in August, then the Bucs could always place him on the active roster, but it would be rare for a team to burn a coveted spot on that final-53 for an injured rookie.
There’s a cool Times-Picayune feature on Beckwith right here.
Joe found it interesting that Beckwith says he’s often trying to shed weight. That’s not easy with a bad wheel.
Beckwith will need improved anticipation in the faster, more physical NFL. Linebackers of his ilk have become devalued as the league continues to emphasize speed. Linebackers have to cover pass routes, which means the smaller, quicker faster ones are staying on the field.
Beckwith played at 250 pounds but was carrying 245 at the Combine and wants to get to 240 to improve his athleticism.
“I don’t like to come off the field,” he said. “I’m a three down player.
“It’s real important. I want to be like 240. I’ve spent my whole college career at 246. It’s real important to come down. It’s something I focus on, something I always work on.”
Joe wishes Beckwith well. But Joe will be more focused on fourth-year linebacker Adarius Glanton, who played 16 games last year, and second-year man Devante Bond, who didn’t play at all, battling for the open strongside linebacker job.
May 4th, 2017 at 7:13 am
People are freaking out about this pick. It’s basically a 4th cause it was at very end with compensatory picks of third. I get the injury part concern. However people have concerns that high of a pick who is only on field for 1 and 2nd down. Get real people. You want the best players on the field at the right time. Just like pass rushing D end vs a run stopping D end on the right downs and distance situations. Really think devante bond a 6th round pick should just be given snaps? If this kid can play as a bigger run stopping linebacker and could get time in 3-4 defense then all for it.
May 4th, 2017 at 7:22 am
Didn’t licht say that the tear occured in november?
And that he is projected to be ready by July?
May 4th, 2017 at 7:24 am
He’ll hobble to meetings, spend time around Lavonte and Kwon. Lift heavy weights and be under the best care possible… I can only see this as a long term great investment! Nothing to see here, move along…..
May 4th, 2017 at 7:27 am
Beckwith can already run, jump and cut. I would bet he will be ready for training camp. In 2014, every single player who tore his acl in November was ready by week 1. That’s per an ESPN article
May 4th, 2017 at 7:35 am
Beckwith is Licht’s annual crazy draft pick. Why Licht did not use this trade up for a DE, DL or a better RB is beyond comprehension
May 4th, 2017 at 7:42 am
Wombat Says is going to be our SAM this season. 🙂
May 4th, 2017 at 7:46 am
i see glanton winning the job if beckwith can’t compete in training camp he’s got more experience and i’ve actually seen him on the field. davonte bond got a gift from the bucs by putting him on ir for the whole season last year with only a hamstring injury i think they realized he was nowhere near ready in training camp and then he got hurt so instead of cutting him they put him on ir to basically redshirt him. i think the fact we traded back up to get beckwith should let u know everything they think about the guys we got at the position..
May 4th, 2017 at 7:46 am
He will start on PUP, not IR.
May 4th, 2017 at 7:49 am
Bucs tried trading up for Biegel, the Wisconsin linebacker Green Bay ultimately decided to draft and not trade away the pick to us. After missing out, it seems Licht did a bit of reaching to land a linebacker.
In general, I’m against drafting injured players especially on a team that doesn’t have enough depth to carry the dead weight of the injured player. Oh well, Licht is allowed one of these picks per year because he crushes the rest. Hope for a speedy recovery with Beckwith!
May 4th, 2017 at 7:49 am
Another vote for the PUP
It is like an “NFL RedShirt” year
Pro game is much different than College off the field as much as on.
He is a Good Pick…for next year’s SAM competition
May 4th, 2017 at 8:00 am
Agree – treat it like a redshirt – let him get his body and mind (NFL) right and come back stronger next year.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:00 am
Dammit Joe, you’re a writer, not a doctor
May 4th, 2017 at 8:03 am
Beckwith expects to be ready for Training Camp. This guy walked off the field when injured – not a major tear. The Bucs should bring him along slowly. But I trust the pick for a two down strong side backer. Kwon played with him, thinks he’s another dog! We’ll see!
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_a9ceb5fe-0125-11e7-989a-13b162855015.html
May 4th, 2017 at 8:04 am
I like the Beckwith pick even though he may be on IR in 2017. You have a high 2nd RD grade player learning our system, at a minimal cost and will be like having an extra pick in 2018. Bond will get a chance to show what he has. This mirrors the Sweezy deal only is really cheap and is future directed. Then again maybe he will be fully recovered by the season which will make this a moot argument in the first place.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:04 am
I think the Bucs had a terrific draft, with the exception of Beckwith. Why would you waste a draft pick on a player that cannot contribute this year. He is a MLB not SLB and there were other choices the Bucs could have drafted and contributed this year. My focus is on this year not the future. My season ticket is for this year not next year. In the NFL the future is always about…”What did you do for me today?”
May 4th, 2017 at 8:07 am
Harry you took the words right out of my mouth, licht needs to stop this crap the bucs need players today that are “plug and play” not a kicker not a year out player, players today….
May 4th, 2017 at 8:07 am
what macabee said, saw Licht say in an interview ready in time for training camp.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:13 am
It wouldnt be a draft if Jason Licht didn’t trade up for someone who would be there where we were gonna pick anyway.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:23 am
Respectfully, Why have my last 30 post been delayed for moderation? I have never disrespected nor for that matter disputed another posters comments. Never attempted to defame or challenge the intelligence of another poster, yet daily I read highly inflammatory exchanges, which based on the date-time stamp are instantly accepted. I Try to get involved in a discussion or topic, but after a 20 minute delay has long ended totally undermining any opinion I may have. This site is dominated by a few and true Buc fans like myself appear to be censored for nothing. I am a 71 year old Vietnam veteran with 2 undergraduates and a MBA. I realize the joe’s totally control who gets posted but I am saddened by the degree of discrimination and preferential treatment many receive over me.
Respectfully, this is really reactionary commentary. Did you even think for a second that maybe it’s just a system glitch that held your comment? Or other mechanisms that keep profanity and other issues out of the comments here? Not everything is a conspiracy. Sheesh. And to clarify, this site is not “dominated by a few and true Buc fans.” JoeBucsFan.com enjoyed nearly 1.5 million total visits through March and April from 200,000 independent users. Sure, only a few hundred of those comment. Again, nobody’s censoring you.–Joe
May 4th, 2017 at 8:24 am
Bird
I wasnt one freaking out about it but i will give my two cents. I believe bucs are in win now mode. Beckwith will probably not play at least half the year. A player who could come in n play from the get go would have been preferred. The part that gets me the most tho is giving up Another pick to move up. There will be good players picked from this years 6th round, the pick the bucs gave up. I hope it works out n be balls a long time here. Im just not a fan of trading away picks to move up. If he is there with ur 4th rounder take him, if not take a guy not coming off an acl injury. Oh n its not basically a 4th. Its a 4th and a 6th. Go bucs
May 4th, 2017 at 8:29 am
Just another armchair GM trying to out guess what Licht says again. I think he has a lot more information from team DOCTORS on how far and fast he is progressing. Or he would not make the statement or time line he gives.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:31 am
@Beckwith … “I don’t like to come off the field,” he said. “I’m a three down player. Maybe he was in college, but doubt that’ll be the case with the Bucs, regardless of how quickly his knee heals. If he does eventually win the SAM job, he’ll get to play 40-50% in this defense most likely. He’s big for sure, but some of the stuff I’ve read on him says that he’s not all that great in coverage. Right now I’m still hoping that Bond steps up to become the SAM starter.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:54 am
After looking at some of his films, I like the pick. He may not have top 40 yd. speed, but man he can accelerate. Hard to say when he’ll be ready but I’ll bet earlier than most have posted here.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:55 am
Don’t get it don’t get it don’t get it
Jason will take all these chances on players
But will chicken out and trade up when he doesn’t have to.
He would have been there in the 6th.
Slow 2 down backers are not relevant in today’s nfl.
With beckwith an Evans we took them both 2 rounds early.
We are on the cusp of being relevant again.
We can’t blow picks.
May 4th, 2017 at 9:02 am
Beckwith is a lot younger than Lou. Murphy so his recovery time is arguably faster. Also, people heal at different rates. The word is that Beckwith is progressing well with the surgery. The Buccs said they are going to be cautious with him, so we won’t see him starting for a while, no.
May 4th, 2017 at 9:24 am
Ummmm… Have you seen the Rehab needed for an elite athlete to recover from any soft tissue injury on their knees or ankles. Losing or keeping weight off will not be a problem. Plus moving to the NFL with everything teams provide these guys his diet will improve..
May 4th, 2017 at 9:43 am
The problem w Beckwith is he won’t be able to learn/ go full speed through camp and learn. This will be his redshirt year and he will be ready to start in 18.
May 4th, 2017 at 9:54 am
@Dusthty Rhothdes Says:
“…Harry you took the words right out of my mouth…”
Yes, and in addition to the fact that Beckwith, as a Strong side LB, is a part time position… Licht does a great job overall. I just don’t get why he feels the need to throw one draft pick away every year.
Other players drafted early in the 4th rd the Bucs could have chosen instead of Beckwith and used THIS YEAR are: Jaleel Johnson- DT, Samaje Perine- RB, Carl Lawson- DE. I think Lawson is a steal in the 4th rd.
May 4th, 2017 at 10:11 am
Beckwith will be playing by traing camp.
And as we are gearing up for a lot more 3-4 this year- he will be very valuable
May 4th, 2017 at 10:23 am
I think you’re right about the 3-4 Capt. Tim. DC Smith was limited with the injuries last year and couldn’t really install it properly. The Beckwith pick is intriguing because of his versatility. I hope he is available at the start but, if he’s not, it’s still a nice pick IMO.
Like I said before the draft, this is where we want to be, not having to draft out of desperation. There’s no need to rush this guy in, let him heal and develop.
btw Capt. I enjoyed the banter yesterday! I had to check to make sure that I really didn’t work at McDonald’s!!!
May 4th, 2017 at 10:24 am
harry, carl lawson would have been great pick as would perine, not a hurt guy….also how much faith do youhave in the bucs doctors when they missed on sweezy
May 4th, 2017 at 11:19 am
Some of you guys are hillarious and clueless. It is funny to see some of you whine about wanting a player to be available this year as if it has already been determined that beckwith will miss the entire season. It is also hillarious to see internet gms saying that beckwith is a mlb and not a sam. Hey internet gms, kwon was drafted as a outside linebacker but made the switch to mlb once he got to the pros. Excuse me if i think your opinion of a player’s position or capabilities is complete dog crap as compared to jason licht’s knowledge and talent evaluation. You guys are complete comedians. That is all.
May 4th, 2017 at 11:22 am
Dusthty
The Buc Medical staff lost me back with Carl Nicks. I realize the MRSA was a bad break but I’m not certain that was handled well either. But I never did understand the Nicks ordeal anymore than Sweezy.
May 4th, 2017 at 11:27 am
“He would have been there in the 6th.”
Lord Corn here with my daily “call someone out for speaking straight out of their a4s with inaccurate bullsh1t to trash the team” moment.
Let’s see where he was projected – and this is taking into account his ACL already:
nfl.com R3-R4
cbssports R3-R4
walterfootbal R3-R5
nfldraftscout R3-R4
So none of those major draft sites had the 6th round as a possibility. The lowest was R4; and 3/4 had him going R3-R4. That’s with a torn ACL. If not for that many thought he’d go R2.
I don’t know how these players will pan out – but according to every draft site out there we didn’t have any major reaches on any players. They all went in their range; and if anything we got major steals on guys like Howard/McNichols/Godwin based on perceived value in the draft community.
So please stop making those arguments. I guess you might consider yourself a pro scout but it’s laughable to definitely say things like “we could have got him in the 6th” or that we took a S projected in R2-R3 two rounds too early when there were much worse prospects taken in the 3rd round of that same draft lol. Makes no sense
May 4th, 2017 at 11:37 am
There was also a run on some LBs starting in the 3rd. both new orleans and atlanta took LBs that same round before us; with one being projected worse than the guy we got on most sites (can’t remember). Another 3 LBs went before our pick we would have had in round 4; including an big ILB prospect like Beckwith (Ben Gedeon) who was projected to be a worse player by a round or 2.
The guy may be a bust for all I know – but as of now I have no reason to hate. Run defense has been a recent weakness as well as LB depth. Lavonte & Kwon are not the best tacklers in the run game and are undersized. This guy is supposed to be a big tackling machine against the run – so his skill set fits pretty well here.
May 4th, 2017 at 11:57 am
Using Murphy as a reference is hiliarious that useless bum would get injured after being braced head to toe and wrapped in bubble wrap. A Murphy reference as no place in a football discussion. Richard Simmons is more likely to host a masculinity seminar than Murphy not getting hurt brushing his teeth
May 4th, 2017 at 12:02 pm
There he is!!! What’s up tmax?!
A Richard Simmons reference?!!! Man, I’m cracking up!
May 4th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Actually, you no longer have to designate a player for return from IR. You can only choose one, but you don’t have tio designate which one anymore.
May 4th, 2017 at 2:43 pm
This is what Kendell Beckwith had to say March,4, a month ago………………….”It’s good, coming along well,” Beckwith said. “Actually I started running before I came up here.
“I’ll be ready, especially for camp, I know I’ll be ready.”
Beckwith, who hasn’t spoken to the media since October, said he wasn’t so sure about OTAs in May and June, “more like July, August, something like that.”
The problem for Beckwith is a torn ACL in his left knee he suffered against Florida Nov. 19, which has kept him out of training. He said he was about 75 percent recovered at the NFL Scouting Combine in early March and did not participate in LSU Pro Day. He did do 20 bench press reps at the Combine and had begun running.
May 4th, 2017 at 2:44 pm
I meant March 4…two months ago. he said that he was at 75% in March at the combine.
May 4th, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Do you have anything good to say. You’re! Like a little kid that did not get what they wanted. The people in the know will do what they think is best.
May 4th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Im convinced the bucs traded up to get tre hendrickson but the saints snatched him up just before he fell to them. I saw the bucs traded before he was picked.
May 4th, 2017 at 8:38 pm
Bucsfanman-
The best part of JoeBuc,
As many comedians as there are football”experts”
If only Licht would listen to all of the collected “Geniuses” here- Bucs would be SuperBowl bound every year! Lol
May 4th, 2017 at 9:03 pm
PUP list, joe. Return IR is better suited for mid season injuries.
May 4th, 2017 at 9:54 pm
tmax.. that was funny, I loved it when the radio kept playing the “HEY” bit Murphy locked in the building.