Fuel For RB Crowd
February 13th, 2018
Difference-maker.
As Joe documented last week, the Bucs have absolutely stunk at drafting running backs in this decade.
Of all running backs drafted this decade, the team has only gotten two exceptional seasons out of that investment — led by Doug Martin in 2012 and 2015. That’s it.
So when Joe reads comments from loyal readers about how a good running back can be had in the later rounds of the draft, Joe cringes. Recent Bucs history suggests otherwise. But for those who like to bang the drum that a stud running back can be found on Day 2 of the draft, or later, cranky Greg Gabriel is singing your tune.
The former Bears scouting director and easily agitated Twitter fixture can be found writing draft analysis for Pro Football Weekly when he’s not throwing rocks at people on social media. For unknown reasons, Gabriel seems to have a serious ax to grind on Twitter with WalterFootball.com, Pro Football Focus and Mike Florio.
Gabriel believes starting running backs can be had on the third day of the draft come April.
The RB position, led by Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, is also very deep. It wouldn’t shock me to see eventual starters come from the fourth and fifth round. Don’t be surprised if you see a run on running backs beginning in the second round.
Players like Jordan Chunn from Troy, Notre Dame’s Josh Adams and Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough are quality backs, but I doubt they go in the first three rounds. Remember, the Bears’ Jordan Howard was a fifth-round pick two years ago.
Joe hears this every year, year after year, and what to the Bucs do? They follow the popular opinion and draft a guy in later rounds who — surprise! — can’t hack it on the NFL level.
Joe is of the mind if there is a run on quarterbacks to start the 2018 draft, somehow, some way, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht needs to secure Cleveland’s No. 4 overall pick and pray that Barkley is still there.
It’s time the Bucs quit monkeying around with a mid-level draft pick of a running back hoping he breaks out. Go get a difference-maker. The Bucs’ offensive was pathetically one-dimensional the past two seasons, which hurt the Bucs more than the hurt throwing shoulder of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:07 am
Rather have Sony Michel, Guice, or Ronald Jones without spending a top notch draft pick
February 13th, 2018 at 9:07 am
Barkley won’t be there at 7 so it’s pointless to worry about and this team can’t afford to trade up for a RB.
2nd and 3rd round is still where you should grab your running backs. Not 1st and not 5th+.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:08 am
I really like Royce Freeman RB out of Oregon. He probably will make it to the 4th round and Justin Jackson from Northwestern(currently projected as a 5th or 6th round pick).
I have said it 1,000 times on these boards that I believe the Bucs have the worst collection of running backs in the NFL, but the Bucs also have the worst defensive line in the NFL and those are typically more premium positions. So unless a Saquan Barkley falls to the Bucs in the 1st or a Darius Guice falls to the Bucs in the 2nd. The Bucs need to focus on defensive line in the early rounds if possible.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:14 am
So other teams can draft RBs in later rounds but the Bucs can’t. So we have to waste valuable picks to move up and get one. Got it. Rah rah Jason Licht!
February 13th, 2018 at 9:14 am
more “trade up” talk…no way!…trade down if anything..
February 13th, 2018 at 9:17 am
As much as I would love for the Bucs to move up, they need all of the picks they have to put some talent on this team. They’ll be able to find a quality back in rounds 2-3. Trading up for a rb in the first round just seems desperate. One play, one acl tear, and that plan goes out the window.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:20 am
If we are trading up for anyone it has to be Chubb. Take Barkley if he’s there at 7 (highly unlikely, and only if Chubb ISN’T there) or possibly Nelson. Otherwise just trade down, even if it’s for peanuts. We have so many holes to fill we need the picks.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:24 am
The Bucs should only trade up if they can reach Chubb. Otherwise stay put
February 13th, 2018 at 9:28 am
If Chubb is gone by 7 he’s the pick, no question. If he’s gone (he will be) then I think it’s a toss up between Barkley/Nelson/Fitzpatrick, though realistically the only one I see as being available at 7 is Nelson.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:28 am
With the needs on the DLINE and just on the Defensive side of the ball. I’ll be mad as hell if they move up to draft Barkley instead of Chubb.
Joe you must be drinking this morning.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:33 am
JR:
Joe is not against Chubb at all. Please remember, drafting a DE is for the future. A RB like Barkley is for immediate impact.
Do Licht and Koetter have the luxury of drafting a guy in first round for the next coach?
February 13th, 2018 at 9:34 am
Ive been saying for the past couple weeks to wait on a RB (Rashaad Penny round 3). However Day 3 is waiting too long, which is what the Bucs have been doing.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:36 am
And those saying Barkley wont be there at #7 are probably the same people that said Dalvin Cook would be gone by #19 last year.
Barkley will be available for the Bucs at #7 and I hope he will be available for the Bears at #8.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:38 am
Barkley will be the #1 pick by the Browns once they sign KIrk Cosuins, so its time to look at trading with Buffalo and grab their picks later in the 1st round, get an RB and defensive player back to back…..that last game of the year win, really hurt the bucs in terms of the future and this years draft
February 13th, 2018 at 9:38 am
“Joe is of the mind if there is a run on quarterbacks to start the 2018 draft, somehow, some way, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht needs to secure Cleveland’s No. 4 overall pick and pray that Barkley is still there.”
_________________
No, No, No, No and NO!!!!!!
If Chubb is gone then we need to trade down. Jeesh Joe you know we have to many needs to trade Up!!!! Have another coffee.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:38 am
Bucs’ll screw it up like they usually do. Teams all around this league plug in 3rd thru 7th rders in the draft and still win divisions and championships. We cannot do it even with a glorious resume of 1st thru 3rd rders. Which leads me to believe, out scouting dept is inept or we believe we must have top picks to accomplish anything.Bellacheat would luv to have the 7th pick. He’d parlay it into 4 picks in the later rds plus a vet! If Chubbs gone (and he will be) trade down you idiot Bucs!! But..you won’t.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:40 am
Joe Says:
February 13th, 2018 at 9:33 am
Do Licht and Koetter have the luxury of drafting a guy in first round for the next coach?
—————————————————————————————-
Never thought about it from this perspective, but a totally 100% valid point. This staff has to know if they don’t win next year the majority of them are going to be out of a job. This includes the GM.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:42 am
Nobody knows who is going to be where. The same thing was said about OJ last year. I will say this if Barkley is there at 7; it is a no brainer. If he is on the board when the Browns pick at 4; trading up should be heavily considered. Most talent evaluaters have him as the top ranked player in the draft, nuff said
February 13th, 2018 at 9:45 am
sign me up for this.
A good running game would do wonders for this team.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:51 am
If Licht and Koetter are so worried about their jobs then they will probably go after a RB in FA if its that important.
To me, RB is the 4th or 5th biggest need on this team. DE, DT, LG, and CB should all be prioritized over RB. They arent going to fix all of those in FA.
So if we need to address these positions still come April 26th and they decide to go with Barkley or even Guice, who imo again, is the best RB in this class, it would hurt them more than help them.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:54 am
“So when Joe reads comments from loyal readers about how a good running back can be had in the later rounds of the draft, Joe cringes.” Most of us are not talking about much later then round 2 or 3 Joe. Why on earth would the names Derrius Guice, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Kerryn Johnson, Ronald Jones make you cringe? One of those guys massively improves our run game without using pick 7 on a RB. then theres tons of late round guys that sound appealing. Im hoping we draft one of the ones i mentioned above but if we signed a Lewis or Hyde and wanted to draft on later – then we’re looking at names like Penny, Freeman, Wadley, Adams, Scarborough, Ballage, Carter… You have to acknowledge first the facts that from a prospect stand point, this is possibly the best RB class weve seen in a draft. Understand that before you cringe about the idea of passing up Barkley at 7
February 13th, 2018 at 9:57 am
Trading up to number 4 is insane!!!!!!! While a great running back would greatly help the offense, not at that expense!!!!!! I think some want this just so they have a running back so good that it makes the O-line run blocking look good so they can just say “I told you so”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so many agenda’s around here!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 9:59 am
Another thing.. I see Joe saying that drafting Barkley gives the Bucs immediate impact. Explain to me how Guice, N. Chubb, Michel and Jones are not immediate impact players? Joe I think youd enjoy watching some more gamefilm of all those guys, may change your perspective. Another way of thinking about it.. David Johnson is probably the most complete RB in the NFL, him or Zeke.. but do you think the Saints are envious at all of those guys? Not at all, they have two studs.. Do you think Falcons are envious at all? not at all they have two studs. If our run game is rocking with say a N. Chubb. and maybe a FA Dion Lewis, do you think wed be wishing we used pick 7 on Barkley… doubtful. We all want stud RB.. of which their are plenty of in this draft. Stud RB doesnt have to be top 10 pick guy or bust.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Drafting RBs in Rnd 1 is what got us a Cadillac in 2005 & an Edsel in 2012. Enough already Joe … Bucs have bigger fish to fry & there are some potentially great RBs available in Rnds 2-4 this year. For my 2 cents, I’d go Chubb, Minkah or Vea/Payne in Rnd 1 (in that order), then use our Rnd 2 pick on either Michel or Guice (potentially several others). Rnd 3 I’d go defense again (preferably a DT if we got Chubb in Rnd 1 or a DE if we grabbed Minkah in Rnd 1), then go RB again in Rnd 4 (hopefully a power back like Bo Scarborough is still on the board). Rnds 5-7 I’d grab another DE/DT, an OLineman, a CB and a Strong Safety.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:01 am
The vast majority of NFL coaches are worried about their jobs and could be canned in a heart beat.
Nature of the beast.
Especially if the Glazers are your employer!
I doubt Licht and Koetter are of any new mindset. They have known the score all along.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:01 am
@ The Buc Realist
WHY AREN’T YOUR POSTS IN ALL CAPS TO GO WITH YOUR 52 EXCLAMATION POINTS?
February 13th, 2018 at 10:03 am
@Joe
I certainly take your point and do not dismiss your idea out of hand. But I’m like Realist. Don’t want to spend much to make that move because we simply have too many needs.
But it’s hard to judge your proposal without a cost analysis. Just how much are you willing to trade to make the move up?
How many and what round draft picks. A trade like Brate? GMC with some more coming our way besides the three spot jump.
There are a variety of possibilities and if it didn’t cost too much I could be on board.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:05 am
Cause a good running game helps you hold the ball longer and keep the super crappy defense off the field. and prevents the other team from totally teeing off on Jameis every time he tries to pass.
ergo, immediate impact.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:06 am
If we say ‘OK, f…orget the defense! We believe with a run game of any kind our offense will be good enough to win inevitable shootouts in every game next year’ then go and trade up for an RB. If you like to have a little help from the D for heaven’s sake stay put or trade down! The game is decided in the TRENCHES – so draft accordingly.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:08 am
BTW folks. Joe’s point about DE’s being for the future is accurate. DL simply do not make giant impacts in year one.
Exhibit A….the legendary Warren Sapp had just three sacks his rookie year before blowing up to nine in year two.
RB’s on the other hand occupy the most plug and play position in the sport. Whatever Barkley or any RB has will manifest immediately unlike any DL prospects.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:11 am
And sorry but yet another thought. I do not buy the later rounds argument for any position. Great players at EVERY position are found in the later rounds.
We are simply talking odds here. First rounders bust at a lower rate than 2nd rounders which bust at a lower rate than 3 rounders etc. There are gems throughout the draft if we can find them. Tom Brady a sixth round pick. The great Johnny Unitas a ninth round pick back in the day when the draft went much longer.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:13 am
Hard pass on picking a RB with the #7 overall pick.
As far as trading up to #4 for said RB (would take 1st, 3rd and 4th rd picks to get there)- are you insane Joe????
February 13th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Some are starting to talk that J0E has lost confidence in JW3 and is now trying to assemble a roster good enough to drag the franchise QB to his first playoff appearance!!!!!! How many first round talent does this offense need??????
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Were not going to abandon the rest of the draft if we take running back high.
We need someone the other defense fears, unlike Muscle Hamster who, even if he got a huge hole, would get immediately run down for a minimal gain.
We stink so bad we can’t fill all the holes, so go for the biggest bang for the buck and also help JW, who is getting beat up game after game. Very worrisome.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:37 am
IMO: I agree, Barkley, Ghubb, Nelson, and Fitzpatrick are in general the 4 targets 0ne of which might be there at 7 if 3 QBS go in the top 10. I would love to have anyone of them. Chubb definitely is our biggest need, but I have read that while he is by far the best in this draft he is not a Jadeveon Clowney, or a Joey Boza level player.Fitzpatrick has the Alabama stigma, that being collectively the could probably be an NFL franchise. His size is great, but his speed is questionable and without that great D-Line in front of him could he really cove Julio Jones. That leaves Quentin Nelson who might be the best long term investment in the draft, but certainly not a glamour pick. So when was the last time the Buc’s truly had an all purpose 3 down back that many believe is the best back to hit the streets in the last 5 years? Honestly I’d trade up to 4 to get him if he is there. Find a few lineman and finish the Job on offense. If you score enough points and maintain a mediocre defense you can win a lot of games.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:39 am
AC Says:
February 13th, 2018 at 9:07 am
Rather have Sony Michel, Guice, or Ronald Jones without spending a top notch draft pick
^^BINGO^^
ive been saying that since the playoffs…..add bo scarbough to that list….another derrick henry and we need a big bruising back to wear down defenses…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 10:48 am
@StPete
“RB’s on the other hand occupy the most plug and play position in the sport. Whatever Barkley or any other RB has will manifest immediately”
Thats exactly why waiting on a RB makes sense.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:52 am
And lets be honest here. What are we talking about? Upgrading the running game? To what? 4 YPC? We dont need “elite talent” to consider it an upgrade.
“A rookie DL doesnt produce right away”. Well guess what, a rookie that can get 4 sacks and have upside for the future is still an upgrade over the garbage production we had.
We dont need to be elite at every position. Just the important ones. And DL is more important than RB
February 13th, 2018 at 10:59 am
You’d have to give up a 1st and 2nd to move up to 4 – not worth it- – need to draft trench talent – trading and releasing top picks have been reason for past failures
February 13th, 2018 at 11:22 am
Huge difference in 6th round picks and 3rd-4th round picks when talking RBs…. That’s the missing context here… Although Day 3 = 4-7 rounds you still see most RBs coming from the top 4 rounds typically.
Last year round 3/round 4 was money due to the depth of the class- all the RBs taken:
Alvin Kamara (R3)
Kareem Hunt (R3)
D’Onta Foreman (R3)
James Conner (R4)
Samaje Perine (R4)
Tarik Cohen (R4)
Donnel Puphrey (R4) – meh
Jamaal Williams (R4)
Wayne Gallman (R4) – meh
Marlon Mack
Most all of those backs would have been talent upgrades for us.
So yes you can wait on drafting a RB – but not too long and it depends on the class.
February 13th, 2018 at 11:35 am
My fear is that we’ll move up in the draft only to select the next Trent Richardson.
February 13th, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Kalen Ballage is an impressive late round prospect to me… Our first three picks need to address the trenches.
February 13th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Joeypoppems Says:
February 13th, 2018 at 10:52 am
We dont need to be elite at every position.
sorry but with this staff it seems we do…..all I hear is lack of talent…I think its BS but WTFDIK…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Build the O-Line before you start spending high draft picks on RBs.
Round 2. OG Will Hernandez
Round 3. OT Jemarco Jones
Free Agency
C Ryan Jensen
RB Isaiah Crowell
February 13th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
Your singing my tune joe
February 13th, 2018 at 12:46 pm
The team has a subpar offensive line. They do – it’s simply incorrect to state otherwise. They were in the bottom 5 in yards before contact for RBs and allowed over 40 sacks. They stink.
They have an abysmal defensive line that had the least amount of sacks in the league and ranked near the very bottom in almost every statistical defensive category that matters.
Yet, the solution is for us to trade valuable assets and move up to the 4th pick to secure a RB to plug behind that same offensive line? Knowing that Rb would also rarely get on the field because the defensive line can’t apply pressure or stop anyone?
So… The solution for the Bucs, who have glaring weaknesses at numerous position groups, is to GIVE UP assets to move up to grab a RB because that will solve everything?
No,. Just… no. The Bucs have to go all in and invest in the trenches this season on both sides of the ball. They have to stop this plug and play nonsense where they grab one wild card player to fix areas of weakness – where the only way that happens is if the absolute best case scenario (career year) happens for that plug and play option – and then the Bucs stand dumbfounded when that best case (and unlikely scenario) doesn’t pan out???
Ludicrous. I listen to Licht talk… “well, we didn’t get pressure because Spence and blah, blah was hurt”. No – you didn’t get pressure because, unlike the elite teams, you didn’t have a stable of 5 or 6 pass rushers that fit various situations and could stay fresh while rotating throughout games.
It’s time to build the team the right way. Through the trenches. By bringing in approximately 8 new faces to battle and compete on both lines against the subpar and underperforming incumbents. Go all in on the lines and the trickle down effect will be immense,
Then next season – when the next “best RB of the century” pops up again – the Bucs will have a better foundation to make a play for a luxury position.
But first things first…
Fix the trenches, fix the Bucs!!
February 13th, 2018 at 1:27 pm
I agree with fix the trenches and I’m OK with taking Nelson and the Sony Michele. But at 7 chubby is gone and there’s no one else at d line to warrant a 7pick. Trade down you say then what? Take two De’S back to back and hope one sticks it out in first or second year? I would take Barkley in a minute if he falls to the bucs at 7 then take any number of d line guys with our second pick .barkley will help James and we can get another good road grader of a guard in the 3rd plus to beef up the line on both sides in GA as much as we can
February 13th, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Well said Tony.
Bucs need to invest no less than 6 draft picks over the next 2 drafts rebuilding the DL and revamping the OL – at least 1 high pick for OL and 2-3 for DLine.
If Chubb is off the board at #7 you take Nelson in the 1st rd this year then draft DL with 2 of the next 3 picks and hope for a 1st rd DE opportunity next year.
If Sony falls to our pick in the 2nd – he should be a serious consideration. Ditto for Guice and Nick Chubb in the 3rd.
But aside from a good opportunity to draft a RB because the value is very good – IMO, Licht needs to be pretty damn focused on adding DL, OL and DB talent.
February 13th, 2018 at 1:40 pm
If he’s there at #7 we take him … but … he won’t be there as he’s going #1 imho.
February 13th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Kobe Faker was crunching numbers, stats and analyzing Koetter’s personality disorder, lack of empathy and remorse…
DONT BE SURPRISED…. if Doug Martin comes back next year with a restructured contract
You heard it here first and everyone here knows and acknowledges my evaluation hit rate
Kobe Faker
February 13th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
A dominant Offensive line can make an average Running Back look good. It can make a good back look great, and make a great one into a force to be reckoned with.
Quenton Nelson is an undeniable stud of a guard, would be a Monumental upgrade over Pamphile, should be right there for the picking.
February 13th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Look, if we were going to outscore everybody and not worry about playing defense, sure Barkley makes sense. The question has to be asked though. Is this coaching staff capable of calling plays to outscore opponents?
I lean towards “NO”. Therefore, drafting Barkley makes little sense to me.
February 13th, 2018 at 2:40 pm
The guy has never taken a snap in an NFL practice and all of a sudden we’re polishing his bust for Canton?
February 13th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
If I recall, Quenton Nelson has to first be called “America’s Guard” than be allowed entrance to the HOF
“Its amazing posters here are allowed to freely post without being well versed in proper protocol”
Kobe Faker
February 13th, 2018 at 2:56 pm
I’m sorry, do we suddenly have a great o-line like Dallas or Minnesota or New Orlenas?
No? Then don’t spend a 1st round pick on a RB.
Simple as that.
February 13th, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Round 1. DB Minkah Kirkpatrick
Round 2. OG Will Hernandez
Round 3. RB Josh Adams
Round 4. DE Duke Ejiofor
Round 5. CB Tarvarus McFadden
Round 6. OT Jemarco Jones
Round 7. DE Mike Love
Free Agency
RB Isaiah Crowell
C Ryan Jensen
DT Dontari Poe
DE Kony Ealy
OT Ja’Wuan James
February 13th, 2018 at 3:01 pm
I need to include CB Bashaud Breeland
February 13th, 2018 at 3:11 pm
So our scouting department can’t find RB gems late in drafts or our coaches can’t coach them up, so lets use a top 7 pick / use more draft capital to move up to get a great player at a position that most successful teams don’t want to pay the 2nd contract to…
I can’t lie it would be fun to watch, but not smart from a business perspective IMO.
February 13th, 2018 at 3:15 pm
Lake, that looks like a winning draft and FA
Kobe was the first to adamantly state that the Ali Marpet experiment was a utter failure
the run game immediately will improve with Marpets pancakes and holes when he is shifted back to his wheelhouse guard position
Give Jameis more time and protection will limit his fumbles and improve his downfield passing
*I hope that Mcfadden can play because our starting 3 corners are dismal
February 13th, 2018 at 3:18 pm
***Sorry lake
lol. missed your first pick
yes, nice draft. covers all our weaknesses
you and i agree in the first round theory….
Best player available vs need
February 13th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
***The Bucs has two 6th round picks****
***No 7th round pick****
Kobe
These are players that I like and they fill a position of need
February 13th, 2018 at 3:31 pm
2018 Chubbs vs Minkal Fitspatrick
2017 garrett vs marshon lattimore
de/pass rusher vs shutdown corner
ill take the shutdown corner for the next 10 years
February 13th, 2018 at 3:48 pm
LAKELAND
you think McFadden last until the 5th round?…..idk….he has good measurable and good speed…6’2…4.4
duke dawson would be there in the 4th or 5th…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 4:00 pm
813bucboi
Right now that’s where I have him. But his stock might rise after the combine. I like Duke Dawson, but he’s a slot CB. The Bucs need taller CBs on the outside, VH3 can hold down the slot role.
But I would take McFadden in 3-5, it all depends on how the draft fall. I would take CB Denzel Ward with the 7th pick also. He may be the best cover corner in the draft.
February 13th, 2018 at 4:07 pm
Lake,
We only need a competent & better pass but not great (yes, i know. We dont have a chioce)
Let grimes and his soft coverage walk
We get breeland and fitzpatrick to play press mam coverage. With alittle better defensive front talent, our defense will be much improvef
February 13th, 2018 at 4:11 pm
Kobe
I agree 100%
February 13th, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Lakeland
I agree with taller more physical CB’s….but will smitty play to their strengths….nothing like having a man press cb playing soft coverage…..
check out Hilton hill…6’3 runs 4.48……has some character issues(if you call weed a character issue) but the kid locked down some good wrs…..great against the run…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 4:33 pm
1. nelson-OG
2. guice-RB
3. taven bryan-DE/DT
4. josh sweat-DE
5. Holton hill- CB
6. Jemarco Jones-OT
6. quin blanding or marcell harris-S
7. Mike Love-DE
trenches fixed!!!….big physical CB….talented RB….depth
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 13th, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Lakeland that’d be a cool draft for sure but it just seems unrealistic.
I’ve seen Hernandez mocked in R1 a few times and even Ejiofor in R1 and usually in R2 – R3 at the worst. There’s articles saying McFadden at worst will be a R2 player. And most have Jones as a mid round pick not a late round flier.
Basically like everyone in that mock would have slipped 1-3 rounds somehow; other than Hernandez/Adams
February 13th, 2018 at 4:45 pm
I don’t mean to burst any bubbles here but….
Nelson may be gone before we pick at seven. He’s widely viewed as the BPA of the entire draft but hampered by his position guard which is just no glamorous like…QB…DE…WR…LT’s.
He has been moving up on draft boards though. He started well below our #7 just a couple of weeks ago. Now Walter Football has Nelson moving up to #5 to Denver with us getting Minkah. Minkah may be a great athlete but I don’t want him at 7. Again DB’s playing behind our current DL are going to be toast no matter their talent. Build the line before going bonkers on a safety/CB.
Nelson or obviously Chubb are the only two guys…perhaps Barkley or even Vea but he’s tabbed to go 17 to the Chargers who excite me.
February 13th, 2018 at 4:53 pm
I vote NOOOOOO on a running back at 7. and NOOOOOOOOOOO on trading up to four for Barkley. I’m with Nut, St. Pete, Ndog and other build from the trenches tribesmen.
February 13th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Lord Corn
Ejiofor, McFadden, Jones, Love are the value picks.
February 13th, 2018 at 5:04 pm
813bucboi
I would take Holton Hill in the 5th, if Tarvarus McFadden is gone before the 4th.
February 13th, 2018 at 11:27 pm
I love doing mocks but any pre-free agency mock generally turns out to be way off … for all we know the Bucs might fo O-Line crazy in free agency or sign (2) DEs, a DT, (2-3) CBs and a SS and focus on offense in the draft …
February 14th, 2018 at 7:25 am
obviously if Saquon is there at 7 and we have not traded down then we will get him.
In this deep RB draft we should not trade up for him.
Personally I prefer somebody doing some investigative work and finding out who the third dude was in the uber then reporting it to us.
At the very least it would be nice if someone would find mike smith and ask him wtf and why he can’t go to a 3-4 defense and then reporting that to us.
February 14th, 2018 at 7:26 am
thankyou