Mocking Marcus Davenport
January 20th, 2018
Back in 2013, the rookie version of defensive end Ziggy Ansah was a force on a Lions defense that dramatically improved, jumping from ranked 27th in points allowed to 15th.
Ansah started 12 games as the No. 5 overall pick, played in 14 and registered eight sacks. He was an impact signing out of Bringham Young University, which isn’t much of a football factory.
Even less of a football factory is the University of Texas at San Antonio, a member of Conference USA, where UTSA posted a 3-5 record last season, 6-5 overall.
In this week’s first mock draft of the year by former NFL Scout and current NFL Network year-round draft guru Daniel Jeremiah, he has UTSA defensive end Marcus Davenport going to the Bucs with the No. 7 overall pick.
“Davenport reminds me of Ziggy Ansah coming out of BYU, and the Bucs need to add some life to their pass rush,” Jeremiah wrote.”
USA Today draft guru Luke Easterling pegged Davenport’s massive potential at 6-7, 255 pounds.
He’s still fairly raw, but Davenport’s ceiling is limitless. He can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up, and put up big numbers for the Roadrunners this season (17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks). With NFL-level coaching, he could easily become an impact player at the next level sooner than later.
Hmmm, well, so Easterling says Davenport could be special with “NFL-level coaching.” But Bucs defensive line coach Jay Hayes appears to have left his impressive resumé in Cincinnati, given the demise of the Tampa Bay defensive line.
Davenport sure feels like a bit of a project (Joe’s basing part of that on how often Davenport rushed standing up in film Joe watched). Who could expect this guy to be an instant-impact animal out of UTSA?
Tough pick for a Bucs management team that can’t afford to be patient.
January 20th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
I love Marcus Davenport, but he’s a 1st round draft pick. The Bucs will have to reach at 7, or trade down for him.
January 20th, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Caught a couple games he played – a couple months back.
Talented but extremely raw. I had a 3rd or 4th Round grade on the kid.
Solid developemental DE prospect though.
January 20th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
The problem is that this young man has huge potential but needs coaching to realize that potential. That is where the buck ends, pun intended. I have zero confidence in the coaching staff to correctly use their personnel let alone coach up young men. If Joe throws up a poll of confidence for this coaching staff, my vote will be for zero confidence.
January 20th, 2018 at 12:42 pm
If the top DE does not fall,,,,,,
Please free up the LB’s by selecting Mount Vea!!!!!!! trade down and/or pick up a “Man among boys” Vita Vea!!!!!!!! switch to a 3-4 for a point of difference in the division!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 20th, 2018 at 12:50 pm
@Joe … “Davenport sure feels like a bit of a project.” Jeremiah expects us to pick a ‘project’ at #7? Haven’t we done enough of that over the years? Don’t need any more ‘projects’ … we need instant help. If Davenport falls to the 2nd or even 3rd round, then maybe. But 1st Round? No thanks. Move up if you have to in order to get Chubb. Or move down & grab TWO DEs or 1 DE AND 1 DT. Hello Cleveland, can you hear us now?
January 20th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
No reaches this draft. The coaching staff have to win now !
January 20th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
After the 33rd crappy season of 43 total, it is easy to stay depressed and emotional. Regardless, this drumbeat of poor coaching is a little tiresome. This league and all professional leagues are about talent and players. Hayes didn’t forget what to do to prepare people to play. The organization’s depth just didn’t pan out on the DL. It’s a crap shoot every year as to who you will have in front of you to draft and it’s all subjective with some hits and misses. Our DE issue is one of drafting luck and poor decisions like Bennett. Coaching has had little to do with any of it.
January 20th, 2018 at 1:13 pm
Man Joe, I am loving these FA/Draft articles Keep em coming!
Also if we take this kid at #7 overall then Licht is the Buffoon some here claim him to be. If this kid is a target then trade back in the First a couple times to get him. He could be a diamond in the rough but he is not worth #7.
January 20th, 2018 at 1:16 pm
Any DE at #7 besides Chubb would likely be a reach.
A true blue chip player WILL be on the board at #7 – whether that’s Chubb, Minkah, Barley or Nelson – one of those “can’t miss” players will be there. All play positions of “need” for the Bucs – so you have to just get the highest rated football player you can get your hands on at the top of the 1st rd.
Or better yet – trade back and get extra high picks.
January 20th, 2018 at 1:20 pm
That draft would be worst case scenario for the Bucs with Barkley, Chubb, Nelson and Minkah gone… I’d trade back and take Vita Vea or maybe Arden Key.
January 20th, 2018 at 1:38 pm
I agree with Pickgrin…..and there seems to be no way that all four of those players will be gone at 7…..if that’s the case, someone will want to trade up with us for a QB.
Arizona, Denver & Cinn are below us in trade position.
We absolutely must pick one of those four players…..we cannot miss with our #1 pick and I think all four are consensus top 10 picks.
We may not have the luxury of picking for our top need DE…..But RB, OG, CB are also needs (even though Licht & Kotter don’t believe we need Oline help)
January 20th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
I disagree with Pickrin, there are only 6 elite type talents, Darnold, Rosen, Chubb, Minka, Barkley and Nelson, Denver will probably sign a FA QB especially reaching and flopping for a 1st round QB 2 years ago, Giants might not even take a QB, Jets are a wildcard but there pick of QBs would be an inaccurate, low division QB Josh Allen or short Mayfield, unlikely they go that route,so there is a strong possibility all those guys are gone pick 7
January 20th, 2018 at 1:55 pm
Trade Gerald McCoy!!!
January 20th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
The remaining 4 QBs aren’t exactly top 10 material, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph, all those guys have major issues, so it’s highly unlikely anyone will mortgage their future to trade up to the 7 spot and give us anything of major value like last years QBs, more likely any trade down would be similar to the 4th round pick Licht got for 9 a couple of years ago
January 20th, 2018 at 2:00 pm
But you never know
January 20th, 2018 at 2:00 pm
No way. Round 4 at the earliest. We’ve seen guys like him bust at a high rate. He’s not 1st round material. Not even close.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:01 pm
@ Guzzie
So, you are saying those 6 will go in the top 6 picks……wow!!!
You know the draft and the top of the draft rarely goes as you would think….there are always trade ups and almost always a surprise or two with teams going for need.
I wish I could make you a wager….and, I’d even give you odds.
Likely one of those 4 players will fall to us and we need to pick one of those 4.
Like I said, trade down if that’s not the case.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Can we stop with Arden Key. He’s not 1st round material either and he’s like Spence, a sub 240lb DE. Hard to have one small guy on the line, let alone two.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:11 pm
If Nelson is the only one of those 4 left we are in big trouble. We need DE, RB and CB WAY before we need OL. Nelson may be great, but we’d be in the same boat as we’re in now. A top 10 Guard? He’d better be All-Pro out of the gate. If Licht even had a hint that Nelson is the only one left he needs to work some serious magic in FA to make that pick look good to me, not that he cares what I think. This team would have won at least 3 more games with a serious outside pass rush. All I ask this offseason is a RB and an NFL caliber D line. Too much to ask?
January 20th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
@BUccaneEric
Understand he’s smaller for 4-3 DE’s however I’ve never seen him listed under 250 lbs. NFDraftScout has him at 265, walterfootball has him listed at 255 lbs.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
He’s not my first choice but lets wait until the combine and team interviews until we condemn him.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:24 pm
@BuccaneEric75
Were I you I would change your tune on Quenton Nelson, who is right now a higher rated prospect than Zack Martin, who was himself a first year All-pro.
Remember how gaga everyone was for Forrest Lamp in last year’s draft? Nelson makes him look like a wimp.
Quenton Nelson has some of the best film I’ve seen from an O-lineman since I watched Ali Marpet’s college reel, and Nelson didn’t have the luxury of playing against future Fork lift operators.
If Chubb and Barkley are gone, the only 3 options should be Nelson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or a Trade down scenario where we still come away with Vita Vea.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:26 pm
There’s not much to choose from at DE after Bradley Cubb. I keep saying this is one of the weakest crop of DEs I have ever seen.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:27 pm
I seriously doubt the Bucs will get an impact DE from this draft. It will take a few years for most of them. It’s negative but it’s the reality of this draft.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
@lakelandbuc
Then you better free up the LB with Mount VEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “Man among boys” Vita Vea!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
January 20th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
@Pickgrin … “Or better yet – trade back and get extra high picks.” I’ll second that Pickgrin. The ONLY draft pick I’m interested in at #7 is Chubb. Yes, we need a Guard, but not at #7.
Cleveland has FIVE picks in the 1st 2 Rounds (#1 and #4). We could fix the Bucs no problem with that many picks (Nah, I take that back … Licht would draft 4 kickers for competition & another WR). But point being that lots of teams will be looking to trade up with Cleveland, and the Browns can afford to entertain offers. As I look at the ‘needs’ of the 6 teams above us, Indy is really the only one that might draft Chubb for need (the rest have other ‘needs’ greater than DE). It’s the ‘trade up’ scenario of other teams that concerns me. Bucs are free to do the same thing though, and Cleveland might go along with giving up #1 spot for a #7 spot this year PLUS next year’s #1 (hey, I’d do it to draft Chubb).
Other than that, trade down like you said IF the opportunity arises. Say we end up with 3 picks in the Top 2 Rounds … as long as we don’t have to move down very far, picking up an extra 2nd Rounder could be huge.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:34 pm
Buc Realist
I agree
Vita Vea make a lot of sense
January 20th, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Buccaneric,
How can you say that about MD? I seriously doubt that you’ve seen one game of his. Where possibly can you watch the mighty roadunners game on a Saturday afternoon in acc and SEC land. I’ve seen this kid up close not just once, He’s not a #7 first round pick yet, after the combine this kid will be rising. He’s got the athletic ability and most important, He’s not the 6-2 6-3 short armed type who has a difficult time adjusting to the Nfl. He’s able to get leverage on almost every one. Is he polished, check no. Upside check yes….
Trade back or up from 2nd rd and it is not the big risk you suggest.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Marcus Davenport will be a 1st round draft pick. He can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He can put his hand in the dirt, he can play standing up. He has all of the tools to be successful in the NFL. It all depends on who draft him Some teams develop players, some teams don’t.
January 20th, 2018 at 2:46 pm
If the Carolina Panthers draft Marcus Davenport. Their D-Line coach Eric Washington will develop him into a Pro Bowl player.
January 20th, 2018 at 3:06 pm
LUVMYBUCS Says:
January 7th, 2018 at 10:06 am←
IMHO
If both are off the board
• Bradley Chubb
• Quenton Nelson
Trade Down for NT Vita Vea!!
January 20th, 2018 at 3:07 pm
Again
DE/OLB – Arden Key (Late 2016/2017)
• Suspended for academics reasons or failed multiple drug test
• Took leave of absence for undisclosed personal issues
• Shoulder Surgery
• Returned to the team 40 pounds overweight
January 20th, 2018 at 3:13 pm
LUVMYBUCS
I think Vita Vea will more likely go to the Atlanta Falcons. That’s if they don’t re-sign Dontari Poe.
January 20th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
One Mo’ gin
Stop Sleeping the Duke Ejiofor.
He’s a Solid Late 2nd Round or Early 3rd Round Pick.
January 20th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
LakeLand
Yup
January 20th, 2018 at 3:21 pm
One Mo’ gin
Stop Sleeping on Duke Ejiofor.
He’s a Solid Late 2nd Round or Early 3rd Round Pic
January 20th, 2018 at 3:28 pm
Chubb, Nelson, Barkley, Minkah are very likely to go within the top ten and these players at our #7 pick would be the only one’s that would have a chance playing at the NFL level with this coaching staff. Don’t want Arden Key or Derwin James or anyone else at #7.
January 20th, 2018 at 3:31 pm
I will let the draft process work itself out with Prospects like Davenport. I remember a certain Hobart College Guard selected in the 2nd round that has done pretty well in the NFL.
I am very much on the Vita Vea band wagon if Chubb is gone and we are offered to trade down. I also think Vea will climb in draft ranking.
January 20th, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Don’t know draft ‘values’ but I’m sure one of y’all does. What would we have to give Cleveland to swap #1 and #7 picks?
January 20th, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Isn’t he a bit undersized for a DE in a 4-3? We were all complaining about Spence being used as a DE in a 4-3… this guy is a bit taller and about the same weight so doesn’t that mean he’s a bit smaller/skinnier than Spence??
If he’s good then I don’t mind but definitely not as a #7 pick
January 20th, 2018 at 3:48 pm
@defense rules
according to the NFL Draft Value Chart, The Browns 1st overall pick is worth 3000 pts!!!!!!! to be equal to that would be a package of our
1st (7th overall) 1500 pts
2nd 520 pts
3rd 245 pts
2019 1st and 3rd
for a total of 2265pts so we would have to add next years 1st and 3rd most likely!!!!!!!!! Not worth it!!!!!!!!!!!
January 20th, 2018 at 4:18 pm
Duke, I don’t live in SEC/ACC country and the combine is what I’m afraid of: workout warrior. If we select him at some point I hope I’m wrong, but Ive watched film on a lot of DE prospects for the last few years. I just don’t see it, but I’ve never claimed to be a prophet, just my opinion at this time.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
And I’ve seen Key listed at 238. Hopefully that’s a wrong weight.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:26 pm
So much hate here for Licht and the Bucs coaching staff! Many fans have done a complete 180 from this time last year.
I don’t think LIcht & the coaching staff were as good as people thought then, nor as bad as they think they are now. They’re good enough to get the job done, and they’re steadily chipping away at the issues. That’s good enough for me, especially considering the last 10 years of this franchise. They are are no shortcuts! Success favors a consistent, unrelenting focus.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Don’t care if 238 is the wrong listed weight for Key Eric. No, No, and No to Key. I have too many LSU/Saints fans that don’t want him on the Saints. That tells me all I need to know.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:30 pm
With the first pick, take one of the blue chips (Chubb, Nelson, Barkley, or Minkah). If they’re all gone, trade down for quantity.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:31 pm
Please,Pease, James Brown please, forget all these last minute DE n remain focus on someone who will bring back the swag on the Bucs defense… that would be the one n only Bradley Chubb. This guy has the total package. He’s a true grit type of player that reminds me of Jack Lambert in a sense that he gets fire up n mad if he didn’t get in on a play that was out of his field of play. He harasses the opponent n plays violent n nasty. It don’t take Einstein to figure out this guy will fill the void at DE that’s been missing since the days of Sapp, Rice, n Selmon.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:33 pm
Realist, you’re exactly right … not worth it. Thanks. That’s a HUGE difference between picking #1 and picking #7 BTW. If the Browns play their cards right, they could just about re-invent their team in just 1 or 2 years.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
************************
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Licht REACHES on a guy like Davenport at #7 I will be DISGUSTED!
If you’re going to reach on a DE, then at least have the sense to TRADE DOWN … trade the #7 to the Bills for the #21 and #22 and take BOTH a DE and a DE … or even two DEs if we strike-out in free agency … on Jeremiah’s mock, Da’Ron Payne (DT) AND Arden Key (DE) are both available at those #21-22 picks … as is DE Sm Hubbard.
If Saquon or Bradley Chubb are there at #7 you take them … if they’re not and Quenton Nelson or Minkah Fitzpatrick is there you might take them … but if ALL of those four players are off the board Licht BETTER TRADE DOWN!!!!!
************************
January 20th, 2018 at 4:42 pm
WHY in the world would we trade up to #1? You ONLY do that if you need a franchise QB … for the Bucs to trade up to #1 would be IDIOTIC.
January 20th, 2018 at 4:54 pm
NFLNut, you’re right, trading up from #7 to #1 doesn’t make sense considering the cost. As desperately as we need a top-quality pass rusher, it’d still be hard to justify mortgaging the future like that.
Assuming we stick at #7, Chubb looks like the only legitimate DE worth grabbing. If he gone, I wouldn’t be at all disappointed if Licht picked a DT (Vea or Payne) or a CB (Jackson). Bucs have needs at those 2 positions that are just as valid as our need for an awesome DE. Then focus on DE in Rounds 2 & 3 (Ejiofor & Frazier come to mind).
January 20th, 2018 at 5:05 pm
NFL Nut……What do you mean he better trade down? He can’t just magically make another team want to give up their draft equity for our pick. Saying he must trade down is a very silly notion.
If all those top players you mentioned are gone I’m sure he’d love to trade down. But him wanting it or fans wanting it doesn’t make it any closer to an actual option. If that scenario plays out and we don’t trade it’s because nobody wanted our pick.
January 20th, 2018 at 5:25 pm
**********************
^ JimmyJack,
I disagree entirely … this is a draft with SIX QBs (Rose, Darnold, Alllen, Mayfield, Jackson and Rudolph) projected to be drafted in the 1st round, the best OG in maybe a decade (Nelson), a dominant DE (Chubb), the best RB prospect since Barry Sanders (Saquon) and a DB that’s being compared to Jalen Ramsay (Minkah) … and we have the #7 pick … there will be ample opportunity for the Bucs to trade down to multiple teams.
You also seem to assume that Licht will automatically make the best decision … that’s silly as many GMs, even Bellichick make horribly stupid decisions at times.
Again, if Licht takes ANYONE at #7 other than Saquon, Chubb, Nelson or Minkah I will be DISGUSTED as he should have traded down, period!
**************************
January 20th, 2018 at 5:43 pm
NFLNut, gotta agree with JimmyJack on that one. It takes TWO to Tango. Trading down isn’t automatic. Licht would look like a fool if he traded down just for the sake of trading down and didn’t get true value for his actions.
And as much as I want to improve the offensive side of the ball in places, still would rather have the top-rated CB or DT over a RB. Wouldn’t mind if we grabbed Fitzpatrick at #7, although I think we’d end up using him as a Safety as opposed to CB.
January 20th, 2018 at 5:45 pm
Actually NFL Nut, I would go as far as to say that you should exclude Minkah from your last sentence. Saquon, Chubb, Nelson, or trade down! S is a need but not as much as DL, OL, and CB. Taking a S at 7 just because of supposed BPA gives me the shivers.
January 20th, 2018 at 5:53 pm
Has everyone seen mike smiths defense? Lets not be silly and suggest secondary players should be drafted in the first, and possibly at all. He wont adjust. Its a pass rush with 4 linemen or bust. Gota get DEs, DTs, Olinemen and RB. Then repeat. No secondary is good when the qb has over 4 seconds every play, especially mike smiths zone mess. Defense and running game. Oh and a tackle football trainimg camp to follow. That would be nice.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Well I see they have Minkah move to CB and officially only listed as “DB” NFL so I get your take. However I just don’t see “DB” as a #7 overall pick for us. If not DE, OL then trade down IMHO. However I build houses for a living so I’m not an expert on Drafting.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:07 pm
Really NFL Nut…..Now it’s multiple teams that will be wooing Licht for our pick.
That’s just pure fantasy at its finest.
From what Ive heard there are only 4 QBs being considered in the top 10 at this point. There’s also 4 teams ahead of us, for now, that could potentially draft a QB. That eliminates any trade possibility right there…….though it does leave us with one of the 4 position players you said you wanted and I agree.
But even if there are Top QBs on the board you just being silly to say that multiple teams will be throwing picks at us to get ours. There is just too much uncertainty year to year in the draft to really know how much any team likes any singular player and how much they would give up for them.
You could surely make a case that the Bills like Mayfield And would trade up to 7 for him but you could also make a case that they don’t like him and are content to wait on Jackson or Rudolph or trade up far less spots for them. There’s absolutely no way of knowing what any team is thinking without a doubt.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Some of these players will rise and some will fall at the combine. And some won’t even go to the combine. I think having the right staff to develop the players is more important than drafting the players.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:12 pm
No trading up from 7 to 1 it’s crazy. I do like the idea several people have floated of moving to a 3-4 Defense but I don’t think it will happen. I do also like Vita Vea and several other DTs in the this draft.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:15 pm
****************
DefenseRules,
I’m not advocating Licht trade down “just to trade down” … I’m not saying he should trade the #7 pick for the #32 pick and a 7th rounder …
I’m saying that the #7 pick in THIS draft is like a #2 pick in any other draft due to the six possible franchise QBs in this draft and there WILL be teams making Licht solid offers for that #7 pick imho, so if Licht reaches on a player rather than trading down, I absolutely will be disgusted, period.
As for taking a DT with the #7 pick … that would be silly to me. There doesn’t seem to be much of a difference at all between Vea, Payne and Hurst and some mocks have Hurst and Vea going in the 2nd round and I don’t know if Payne is even any better than either one of those guys.
SB,
Minkah Fitzpatrick is considered the next Jalen Ramsay. If you’ll remember Jalen was a S his last year in college and there was talk he’d play S in the NFL but “could play CB in a pinch” … well, he’s now perhaps the best CB in the entire NFL … and Minkah is viewed as the same type of talent with even more of a NCAA resume as well.
I’d be thrilled with Saquon or Chubb, very excited with Nelson or Fitzpatrick, and very, very, very disappointed with anyone else if we take that person at #7 rather than trading down.
I’m NOT going to be okay with Viti Vea or any other DT at #7 nor with the 2nd best CB (Joshua Jackson) nor with any OT (Williams, Zeus or McGlinchey)!
****************
January 20th, 2018 at 6:24 pm
************
How geeked would people be if we signed Lev Bell AND Ziggy Ansah in free agency and then had Bradley Chubb drop to us at #7 in the draft?
Talk about a dream scenario, wow …
************
January 20th, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Those predicting that one of the four……Chubb, Nelson, Barkley & Minkah won’t be there are saying there won’t be 3 QBs chosen in the top 6….including trade ups. That just isn’t likely. We will have a shot at one of the four and we should pick him….maybe we’ll have a choice of 2.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:36 pm
I don’t see any elite talent in this draft. I think these players are equal or close to equal. No player stands out to me, some may stand out at the combine. Bradley Chubb get’s a lot of hype. But i watched him play Clemson 3 times, and he got no where near the QB. Last season DeShaun Watson threw 52 passes against NC State. In 2016 Deshaun Watson threw 5 Tds against NC State. This season Kelly Bryant threw 38 passes against NC State. In 3 games against Clemson, Bradley Chubb was a no-show.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:38 pm
In 2015 DeShaun Watson threw 5 TDs against NC State.
January 20th, 2018 at 6:47 pm
TampaBayBucsFan,
I agree with you … but … even if Nelson and Fitzpatrick are there, I may prefer a trade down, though I’d be excited with either of those guys as well.
LakeLand,
NCAA stats mean nothing; if they did Baker Mayfield would get drafted way before Rosen, Darnold or Allen … and he’ll likely get drafted behind all those guys.
It’s all about talent and measurables, not stats when it comes to draft picks …
HOWEVER, I don’t necessarily disagree with you about the pass-rushers in this draft. To me, the 2016 version of Arden Key was WAY MORE DOMINANT than the 2016 or 2017 version of Bradley Chubb as Key was basically unblockable that year … but he fell apart this past season. Likewise, it wouldn’t shock me to see a lesser known guy like Davenport turn out to be the best DE in the draft a few years down the line … but for right now, Chubb seems like the guy and if we got him at #7 I’d be pumped … if we paired him with Ziggy I’d be ecstatic!
January 20th, 2018 at 7:04 pm
I know this article is about a project DE but the Titans just announced they are hiring Vrabel as their new HC. Best season in 14 years and they are willing to move on from their coaching staff.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:05 pm
**************
JIMMYJACK,
I appreciate your viewpoint and agree with you on many things, but I disagree on the value of our pick.
CBS has Mason Rudolph mocked #1 overall … WalterFootball at one time had Lamar Jackson mocked #1 or #2 overall.
There are SIX QBs who are considered to be potential face of the franchise guys … now, I am NOT one of the people that thinks that as I wouldn’t draft Jackson at all and to me Mayfield and Rudolph are 2nd round guys, while Allen is a complete mystery.
Regardless, WASHINGTON, ARIZONA and BUFFALO all need new starting QBs and many would add MIAMI to that list as well, and teams with old QBs like the CHARGERS, STEELERS, SAINTS and PATRIOTS may also be looking for their future QB in a draft as deep as this one and may trade up, though I doubt it.
AND, I don’t see any of the six teams ahead of us trading down and I do believe Darnold, Rosen, Saquon, Chubb, Minkah and either Josh Allen or one Offensive Lineman (likely to Denver, be it Williams or Nelson) all being taken, in some order or other, in the first 6 picks.
So … I do believe that Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph will all be on the board, and maybe Josh Allen as well, when our #7 comes up.
I think it’s highly unlikely that 3 or more of: MIAMI, BUFFALO, WASHINGTON and ARIZONA would want to just “risk it” and see which QB happens to fall to them, rather than moving up to #7 and having their pick of the litter!
I honestly believe our #7 pick will be in HIGH DEMAND and that at the very least THREE of the aforementioned four teams will call Licht and make an offer for it.
The question is, would Licht rather have an earlier first round pick and then later picks from a team like Miami, Arizona or Washington or would he rather have two later first rounders (#21 and #22) from the Bills? I’d go with the Bills but we’ll see what happens …
*****************
January 20th, 2018 at 7:07 pm
No one was talking about Ziggy Ansah as a first round pick till the senior bowl week. Then the combine sealed it for him. Davenport could he same type of rise with the draft media. DJ made his bones as a scout Licht also tried to hire him as Director of Player Personal to replace Jon Robinson. DJ also talked about how much the FO in Tampa liked Jameis. If Chubb is gone Buc fans should probably get used to Marcus Davenport. He reminds me of JPP and Ardon Smith the thing I like most so far is it looks like he has a non stop motor.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:09 pm
No to more raw potential picks. We can’t afford to swing and miss and end up regretting missing out on a #7 pick. Just get Bradley Chubb, Quenton Nelson, Minkah Fitz, or anyone who fits a need that isn’t a project. Licht tends to whiff on projects ala Spence and Aguayo.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:13 pm
NFLNut
These are not stats I’m talking about. These are games I actually watched, and I wasn’t impressed. If you want stats, Bradley Chubb 3 games against North Carolina,0 sacks. But I watched every play of the 3 Clemson games.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:30 pm
I don’t see any of these guys having a rookie impact, like Aaron Donald or Joey Bosa. They may, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Nut, now your last post Sounds much more reasonable. I do think this is a year where our pick could be in play with all the QBs that are there. But I do think it’s far less likely if Donald Rosen and Allen are all gone.
Maybe somebody trades up for Mayfield but I don’t think that’s a sure thing. In either case I really don’t think we should trade the pick away if Chubb is there. We just need too much help at that position trading away our chance for Chubb maybe just shooting ourselves in the foot.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:50 pm
I believe next year draft will be loaded with talent. With the Houston Cougars DT, Ed Oliver at the top of the boards.
January 20th, 2018 at 7:52 pm
I just try not to pin my hopes on a trade down because there is absolutely nothing our GM can do to make it happen…..Either somebody will want our pick or they won’t, no amount of wishful thinking will change that.
If Josh Allen is the only QB anybody will be willing to trade up for then the chips will just have to fall exactly that way.
January 20th, 2018 at 8:01 pm
@NFLNut … “As for taking a DT with the #7 pick … that would be silly to me.” Really? Baker is GONE. Stevie T is a 7th round pick who ended up on IR before the season began. Siliga got close to zero playing time. McDonald is a free agent … and is 31. McCoy is playing hurt way too much … and is 30 next month. Our rushing defense totally sucked … it was #23 in the league in Yards Allowed & #30 in TDs allowed rushing.
Remember back in 2013 when the Panthers drafted DT Star Lotulelei in the 1st Round (#14 overall)? Remember how they followed up in the 2nd Round by drafting another DT, Kawann Short (#44 overall)? That year Carolina improved from #18 defense in Points Allowed (in 2012) to #2 in Points AND Yards Allowed (in 2013). That one draft set them up for 5 years … and probably longer. Stupid Panthers. Why didn’t they listen to JBF followers and draft a Guard.
January 20th, 2018 at 8:02 pm
JIMMYJACK,
I think we see eye to eye on this actually.
LAKELAND,
It sounds like you’re not in favor of drafting a DE at all in the first round … WHAT PLAYER do you want? Would you rather have Minkah than Chubb? Nelson? McGlinchey? Who?
January 20th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
NFLNut
Actually, I like Ohio State CB Denzel Ward
January 20th, 2018 at 8:07 pm
But I think Ed Oliver is the best defensive player in college football. But he’s won’t be eligible until 2019 draft.
January 20th, 2018 at 8:11 pm
I’m not saying the Bucs should draft him. I’m saying that I believe he will be a good CB for a lot of years in the NFL.
January 20th, 2018 at 8:20 pm
The BPA is probably Nelson but apparently guys don’t get excited over OL.
January 20th, 2018 at 8:28 pm
I would be more comfortable taking Nelson or even Payne over a project. Nelson is a draft and start talent and slotted beside Smith would solidify the left side of our line for years and years to come. Nelson is easily my pick since Chubb will be long gone.
Using some of the Glazers money in free agency will be even more crucial this off-season imo. We have to sign the right players. Licht cannot afford another miss on free agents so I am praying something will be different this time around.
January 20th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Stpetebucssfan we picked the best player available last year what did that get us?
January 20th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
DB55 Says:
December 18th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
If that true and he hires either of the NE coordinators imma punch somebody in the face. NE def is straight trash and no one will respect Daniels. I’d rather hire Mike Vrabel.
January 20th, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Mike Vrabel defense was worse than the Bucs defense in PTS/G. They gave up 27.3 PTS?G. The worst defense by far. Good luck with that hire Titans.
January 20th, 2018 at 10:04 pm
Don’t know how many just finished watching the Saints – Vikings game but what an incredible last several minutes. Vikings pulled it out on a last second throw for a TD. Brees really impressed me though (once again). Nerves of steel.
January 20th, 2018 at 10:17 pm
Lakeland,
If you were Bucs GM and Saquon, Chubb, Minkah and Nelson were all gone, who would YOU draft at #7?
January 20th, 2018 at 10:47 pm
At that point NFLNut I would go Denzel Ward or Da’Ron Payne.
But I am not Lakeland.
‘
January 20th, 2018 at 10:48 pm
I am From Lakeland though. 🙂
January 20th, 2018 at 11:45 pm
********************
GO TO THIS SITE AND DRAFT FOR THE BUCS AND LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DO:
http://www.first-pick.com
I did a couple mocks and here’s who I got and my score:
STRAIGHT DRAFT (no trades): DE Bradley Chubb, DT Viti Vea, G/C Frank Ragnow, CB Anthony Averett, RB Royce Freeman, CB/RS D.J. Reed, DE Justin Lawler … that’s a GREAT draft!
I also did one with trades and got:
Quenton Nelson, Will Hernandez and Desmond Harrison for the O-Line
Duke Ejiofor, Derrick Nnadi and Tyquan Lewis for the D-Line
(3) Bama boys in Ronnie Harrison, Anthony Averett and Tony Brown for the defensive backfield
And added a RB (Josh Adams) and a K (Daniel Carlson) for good measure!
*********************
January 21st, 2018 at 12:40 am
************
I did one more draft and took only one trade, the Bills #21, #22 and #94 for our #7 … and this is how the draft went … if THIS happened in real life I would be doing jumping jacks and hollering for joy!
Round 1 Pick 21 (BUF): Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame (A)
Round 1 Pick 22 (BUF): Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State (A+)
Round 2 Pick 6: Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama (A)
Round 3 Pick 5: Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State (A)
Round 3 Pick 30 (BUF): Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State (A)
Round 4 Pick 8: Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama (A+)
Round 5 Pick 7: Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State (A+)
Round 6 Pick 6: Skyler Phillips, OG, Idaho State (A+)
Round 6 Pick 28: Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia (B-)
The computer gave me my worst grade on Desmond Harrison who I actually think represents the best value of any of the picks as the dude has 1st round potential and I’m taking a flier on the head-case in the late 6th round!
Regardless, our O-Line and running game is fixed, our defensive backfield is completely revamped and looking like a real team strength, and if Licht could simply add one DE in free agency, adding that guy (Ziggy?) with Tyquan and Nandi to GMC, McDonald, Spence and Gholston would be nice …
************
January 21st, 2018 at 2:23 am
Joe, could you please open up a game day thread for Sunday – I’d love to be able to chat with people during the game in the same place. Just tie it into the Bucs by using a picture of Ronde shutting that dump in Philly and maybe show some slob Eagles fans crying. That would great, thank you!
January 21st, 2018 at 3:04 am
Marcus Davenport is a great DE prospect. He has closing speed the likes of Jadeveon Clowney, which is very difficult to find. The concern is that he played with the UTSA and would be a reach at 7. I like the idea of somehow trading with Buffalo to secure one of their first round picks because of the many needs the Bucs have as well as the talent available in the first round this year. Forget about trading up or down from the seventh pick and let the player fall to us. The player no one talks about is Safety Derwin James (6-3 215) Florida State. The guy is a Cam Chancellor type who can dominate in both run defense and pass defense. If we could draft James then grab Davenport with a trade, it would be huge. The team still needs to re-sign Grimes and get a shut down Corner (Butler, Fuller or Robinson) in FA, along with a Guard (Norwell), then draft a RB (Freeman, Jones, Chubb or Michel) in second and a DT in third or trade back into the second and go after Byran or Payne. Licht needs to make some crazy moves in this draft and FA and this team will be back in the playoff hunt.
January 21st, 2018 at 3:50 am
^ Derwin is NOT worth the #7 pick and neither is Davenport imho … TRADE DOWN if Saquon, Chubb, Quenton or Minkah aren’t there at #7!
January 21st, 2018 at 8:22 am
With 95 postings it clear bucs fans want defense is in the draft we need to get back to Dungy ball. We need to restore what we are known for. Brooks lynch Sapp barber rice. We need to get a defensive end to help McCoy so he isn’t triple teamed. We need a shut down corner we have the linebackers we’re just missing a few pieces. We can easily turn this around like Jacksonville did this year. We just need to focus the first 4 picks on bringing in help for the D line and secondary. Go Bucs
January 21st, 2018 at 8:32 am
Dear god it feels like its been April since October. Go Bucs.
January 21st, 2018 at 8:56 am
CB ward is top 15 talent (or higher). But Id rather have him than Davenport unless we trade down.
Now I know we need edge rush, but what if we did draft Nelson at 7, somehow Vita makes it to us in the 2nd, and then trade back into the last qtr of the 2nd for RB Penny. That WOULD NOT be bad at all for the first 3 picks.
January 21st, 2018 at 9:25 am
Hmm, i dont know….just now starting to dig in on Davenport.
Heres a good film study on him….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAzmQJCLnRA
he’s nothing to balk at thats for sure. Dont know about 7th, but after the combine he could be in the top 20.
January 21st, 2018 at 9:52 am
If we leave this draft with a chubbs somehow or Davenport and a shut down corner it will be a success. We could also use a DT that can help McCoy on the inside. McCoy is a top 5 DT in the league and I believe he has the skills to be the best if he had some help. It’s a waste of that 100 million 7 year deal we gave him if we can’t put the pieces around him to let him be Sapp like. We have no pressure on the outside and no help on the inside for him. If we get a shut down corner in the back end to go along with a DE that can produce 8 to 10 sacks and address depth on D through free agency we could be next year what Jacksonville is this year. I know we don’t have a stud RB like they do but our passing game produces the balance. We must get a DE hopefully trade up for Chubbs and a shut down corner. If we don’t fix the D this year I hope they fire Licht. Playoffs next year or fire him
January 21st, 2018 at 11:01 am
J0E says
“Hmmm, well, so Easterling says Davenport could be special with “NFL-level coaching.” But Bucs defensive line coach Jay Hayes appears to have left his impressive resumé in Cincinnati, given the demise of the Tampa Bay defensive line.”
To be fair, what has he been given to work with? Seriously, if he has a proven track record elsewhere, then players are the issue. Obviously.
I suspect promises were made to Mike Smith the get him to stay last year, and Licht tried to fulfill those promises through free agency. He failed. He needs to do it in the draft this year.
January 21st, 2018 at 11:48 am
Kansas defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. will be better. I would jump on him in the second round.
https://youtu.be/okskx3uJqKs
1st. Quentin Nelson
2nd Dorance Armstrong JR.
3rd Akrum Wadley
https://youtu.be/4SwhmnYjQQc
January 21st, 2018 at 12:27 pm
If we take him, I hope he is better than Ezekiel Ansah…who has battled injuries.
January 21st, 2018 at 2:41 pm
The more I watch chubb the less I like his game. Hope we can trade back with the bills. Grab two of Hurst, Vea, Key, or Hubbard.
January 22nd, 2018 at 12:27 pm
At this point, if he tests well, he might be a good find with the Bucs pick in round 2… but round 1 is a serious reach. He’s as talented as Margus Hunt…maybe… who went in round 3… but Hunt was very over aged… and hasn’t produced.
January 24th, 2018 at 11:27 am
yep let’s draft a project with the 1st round pick. Sounds like a solid plan!