Beckwith “Cleared” But Will He Be Hitting?
July 26th, 2017
Rookie third-round pick Kendall Beckwith
The Bucs traded up in the draft and snagged linebacker Kendall Beckwith with the final pick of the third round this year.
Eight months ago, Beckwith blew out his knee, tearing his ACL.
Today, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times newspaper reports Beckwith, a physical thumper out of Louisiana State University, has been cleared for full participation in practice when training camp begins Friday.
But what does that really mean?
It’s great news and Joe is surprised and pumped up. Beckwith, if healthy, could be the starter at strongside linebacker. He was considered more of a second-round talent who fell in the draft because of the injury. Few guys return that quickly from ACL surgery, and it will be telling if Beckwith actually participates in full-contact practices that begin next week.
Will the Bucs let him test the knee when there is full contact? The first few days of training camp are underwear (no pads) football only. Just because a guy has a doctor’s ok, that doesn’t mean the team thinks he’s ready to play real football.
Joe is skeptical but has fingers and toes crossed for Beckwith.
July 26th, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Now this is exciting News!!!!!
random curiousity:
I wonder if Licht will continue this trend of drafting injured players in the late rounds, who would otherwise be early round picks if healthy?
The ceilings on McNichols and Beckwith are very high when healthy.
July 26th, 2017 at 12:10 pm
I believe cleared to play means…cleared to play. It is more than…it’s ok to put on a uniform, but no one should touch you?
Training camp is a different animal. He might play once with pads and they’ll rest him and see how the knee responds. A lot to consider and surely no reason to rush the guy. Cleared to practice is a far cry from cleared to play. Practice might only entail riding a stationary bike for two hours. For example, ASJackwagon was cleared to practice, many, many times but he wasn’t cleared to suit up on Sunday. –Joe
July 26th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Does that mean Joe is out a case of expensive craft beer?
July 26th, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Good news. Hopefully the same result will be announced soon for McNichols. Looking forward to seeing both these young men compete for their spot. If Stevie T. plays his way into a roster spot – its pretty likely that every one of this year’s draft picks will make the final 53. You don’t see that very often when a team has talent at the level the Bucs now do.
July 26th, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Is it September? 🙂
July 26th, 2017 at 3:03 pm
@ pickgrin
It has also been announced that McNicholes and Justin Evans are full go for training camp
July 26th, 2017 at 3:29 pm
I thought this kid was a pure MLB? Didn’t he play Sam and Kwon played the will at lsu?
July 26th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
I’m looking forward to seeing this big safety Alex Gray when the pads come on. The Cowboys tried to get him as a will LB but after talking to coach Maxie and his agent, he chose the Bucs. He needs to beat out Isaiah Thomas or maybe make the PS
July 26th, 2017 at 5:35 pm
man they really need to sit him this year
July 26th, 2017 at 5:54 pm
I’m not complaining because I’m too freaking old but I do remember the day when injuries healed so fast. I could sprain an ankle playing hoops and be back next week. By my late 30’s that same injury took a month…at my current age I might just lay there and go waaaahhh. LOL
There are some commodities in sports you just can’t buy or replace…speed and YOUTH being two of the top. I think this is how #3 has handled the pounding.
As he puts on a few years however we better have our act together to protect him.
I’m pretty optmistic with Beckwith and McNichols because these guys are still kids! Youth will be served!!!
July 26th, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Thanks Joe! That’s why I love your site….we get the real stuff here!
July 26th, 2017 at 6:38 pm
@Joe (Lee)
The bet you spoke of concerning Beckwith on the last Ira podcast is one I sincerely hope you lose, as any true Bucs fan would, but I understand why you took it. Realistically, you win either way, I’d take that bet too.