Could Licht Pull Off A Heist?
February 23rd, 2018
More wheeling and dealing?
If nothing else, watching Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht work the NFL draft like a roulette wheel at a Vegas casino is fun as hell.
Licht often has a trick up his sleeve when it comes to the draft. And Joe is wondering if Licht could pull off another shell game via a trade or two earlier come April?
The way Joe looks at it, the two biggest needs of the Bucs, running back and defensive end, will go unanswered at No. 7 because there just is no logical way Joe can wrap his head around any possibility that Saquon Barkley and/or Bradley Chubb will be there. Unless, perhaps, two or three NFL general managers picking ahead of the Bucs go all “The Hangover” and go missing and their replacements are too hammered to make a sober decision.
So why not trade down with a quarterback-hungry team?
The reason this got spinning in Joe’s head today is the video Todd McShay Twittered out on Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan. You can watch it below.
How about this for a quick first step?! 93 Taven Bryan shot out of a cannon. pic.twitter.com/QasiEQiEzV
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 22, 2018
Yeah, the Bucs could use a defensive tackle because they are not just thin there, but old. No, Gerald McCoy isn’t going anywhere, haters. Calm down.
Now if the Bucs trade down, could there be someway, with an extra second round pick, the Bucs could fill three holes in the first two rounds with Marcus Davenport, Sony Michel and Bryan?
One could dream, no?
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:07 am
With a 22-42 record as the Bucs GM. I would say he has already pull the biggest heist. Ripping off the Glazers for 4 seasons.
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:11 am
I’d rather get Josh Jackson, Davenport or Key, and Sony.
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:15 am
That was funny….licht feel the burn….Continue to build the wall…ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:17 am
For a team to trade up to the Bucs pick at #7, means that they are trading up before the QB hungry teams, But the Bucs have the Bears, 49ers and Raiders all who have young QB that they invested heavily with!!!
Now trade GMC for picks might not have to dream!!!!!!!!
By trading GMC would could have
Draft
1st Mount Vea
2nd Harold Landry
2nd Best running back
high 3rd/low 2nd Guard
and really give this team something for years!!!!!!!! and not trying to squeeze 1 more year of production out of old man mcCoy!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:25 am
Trade down to about 10-12 (QB run)….then get Big V…trade back into the lower 1st for Davenport or best DE (could be Key)….then RB Penny.
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:26 am
LakeLand with the roast post of the day. I’m all for trading back and drafting Josh Jackson or even Sony Michel late in the first round
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:35 am
@bighogheinous
Indeed!!!! That record looks horrible, then you remember that loser lovie was the coach for 2 years!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:36 am
I dont understand the reasons why the big draft media (mainly NFL network) is hyping up Marcus Davenport.
I also agree that if Bradley Chubb is gone then trading back is the best option. The problem is, which a few of us have come to realize, #7 doesnt have much trade value at all. The run on QBs will happen before the Bucs are on the clock so QB needy teams will be looking to jump into the 3-6 range.
As far as Taven Bryan goes, he isnt what we need at this point in time. We need a NT, not another 3-Tech. Is this team in a position to use a 1st round pick on a guy who will rotate with GMC? No.
Luke Easterling posted a mock earlier this week that was beautiful for the Bucs. He had them trading back with Buffalo for two 1st’s and a 2nd where they drafted:
Derwin James, S, FSU
Daron Payne, DT, Alabama
Arden Key, DE, LSU
Nick Chubb, RB, UGA
And an OT in the 3rd whos name I forget.
THAT would be a heist for Licht. Not a player who would be in a rotation.
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:41 am
I think we would all love that scenario. Another may be the Bucs trading up to grab Barkley or Chubb should they fall. There WILL be a trade before pick 7 guaranteed and offensive linemen ALWAYS go earlier than the “experts” project which could mean a few QBs, Nelson and an OT could go before the Bucs selection so I still think Barkley or Chubb could fall but would likely have to trade up a spot or two to snag one of them. These mock drafts focus on sexy picks for click bait instead of projecting what teams are really after, trench men.
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:41 am
More wheeling and dealing?
To trade up to draft a punter
Or maybe a long snapper
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:42 am
The Bills seem to be the target with their 21 and 22nd picks. I think Denver addresses QB in FA – so the Bills are more likely to make a trade to 5. I’ve read that they are trying to get #2 with the Giants. I just can’t see that with the QBs that will be available @ #2…Eli can’t play forever.
I think we’ll learn a lot about what we are thinking and what the teams a head of us are thinking with FA before the draft.
So Does Licht stick to script and draft for the overall Bucs best interest, or does he draft to save his A$$? That’s why I can’t see us taking a corner – He needs to win now and putting a rookie CB out there against the QBs in our division is not how you win now.
Go Bucs!
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:55 am
Well we can’t draft Bryant Joe cause it might upset McCoy as he wears 93. Can’t risk it no matter how good he is.
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:56 am
LL……that was funny !
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:00 am
Joe’s making sense now…the signing of former Bucs, trading picks for players and trading up crap is long gone I hope….> trade down, acquire extra picks, sign “YOUTHFUL” free agents!
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:04 am
Every time the bucs try to outsmart themselves they f**k themselves. A team that has failed miserably for over a decade and one that rarely drafts well needs to follow the keep it simple stupid philosophy
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:07 am
@Realist- I don’t think we can get enough for GMC to make that trade make sense.
@tmax- You’re up early after Jameson and Sativa! Well said, keep it simple. Fix the trenches.
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:18 am
maybe the bills want the 6 pick if the jets pass on a qb and give up their 2 1st and a 3rd to us
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:18 am
Bucsfanman
Unlike cancer93 I have stamina
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:26 am
Goodbye Jude,
Bucs won’t tender Jude Adjei-Barimah, Adarius Glanton
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:28 am
Trade down mob here!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:34 am
For a DB to succeed, it requires great defensive line and linebacker play.
Draft and upgrade through free agency the DL, the resulting pressure allows corners and safeties to play better
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:36 am
I can’t believe I’m agreeing with Realist on something, barf. He kinda has a point though. After us are Bears, 49ers, and Raiders. Obviously none of them are taking a QB so we don’t really have any “trade down value” for QB hungry teams. If ANYTHING it would be something like Minkah or Nelson falls to 7 and someone wants to trade up to get them from us.
Browns hold all the power in this years draft. They’re gonna make big moves.
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:52 am
@Joe …”One could dream, no?” Oh please NOOOO! There are a couple of potentially GRRREAT DTs available in this draft (Vea & Payne for starters). Taven Bryan would probably make an excellent GMC 2.0 but we already have a GMC 1.0 version. Bucs desperately need an anchor to our DLine and GMC isn’t it … we need to find a beast for the center of that line who can shut down the middle run in either a 4-3 or 3-4. Either Vea or Payne sound like they could do that effectively. Bryan? Not so much.
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:54 am
@Lakeland … “Bucs won’t tender Jude Adjei-Barimah, Adarius Glanton.” Where’d you see that Lakeland? I can’t imagine the Bucs not tendering BOTH of them. Our depth sucks as it is. Both of them are better than what’s behind them.
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:56 am
tmax- I’m guessing it’s the sativa! You can’t fool me, we’re probably close in age. Beer’s for the weekday, Jameson/Crown is for the weekend. And, I can only wish to imbibe the sativa. The dreaded random!
Not for nothing though, did you see the story on Ayers where they talked about snap counts? Your favorite DT had more than 200 more snaps than the rest of the d-line. Got to give props when they’re due!
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:56 am
So true.
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:06 am
Defense:
Hey Jude and Glanton not tendered which is actually smart.
Both are coming off major injuries which of course has decreased their value (i.e. cost).
Bucs can re-sign them at a cheaper cost — if they want either back.
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:10 am
@BucFanFromOH
Congratulations!!!!! You are smarter than most!!!! You will soon “realize” that most agree with me, and that it just sometimes takes others weeks / months to catch on!!!!!!!!!! Even now, Joe is finally starting to “realize” that talk show dominik was the worst GM in Buc history and it has been a total team rebuild since he was fired just a short four season ago!!!!!!
Real recognize Real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bcus!!!!!!!!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:11 am
Bucsfanman
Glad you mentioned snap count. With so many chances he should have made more plays correct???
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:13 am
Defense Rules
I agree depth sucks and considering they are depth players that suck why not try and upgrade from suck to at least bad…
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:14 am
BucFanFromOH: you are saying that the Browns hold the hammer in this years draft? The same team that could not flip a 2nd or 3rd rounder to the Bengals because they did not get a fax off before the trade deadine? The same Browns who a 4-44 in the past 3 years? The same team that wasted a first rounder on Johnny Football and last made a good first round selection back in ’07 with Joe Thomas????? Better chance they do something idiotic before they do anything intelligent; they are the one NFL franchise that makes teams like our Bucs, Da Bears, the Fins and the NY teams look like they actually have front office personnel who have IQs higher than a salad bar which is quite an accomplishment…. The Browns could do something incredibly foolish ala Licht trading for a kicker and suddenly change the complexion of everyone picking from 5 to 10 in the draft….. Look I don’t want to troll the Browns but even the most optimistic Cleveland fan has to be sipping some seriously spiked koolaid when your team has won 16 less games than the 2016-2018 Bucs who were a mere 20-28 and really irk most of the true Tampa fans who post at JBF and provide fuel for the many trolls who love to come here and pile on with never ending drivel….
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:17 am
@FortMyersDave
Idk what you’re ranting about. My post was strictly about who holds the trading power for the upcoming draft. They hold picks 1 and 4, thus are much more likely to swing a deal with a QB hungry team than us at 7. Maybe actually read what I posted?
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:19 am
Taven Bryan will be a household name in a few years. High Motor, High Character warrior. He is raw but disciplined and eager to better himself. His father is a Navy Seal and he said his workouts at home with him are harder than any football practice he has ever been to. He is not really a need but as Joe said we are getting old at DT. I just wish we could trade with Buffalo and get their 21 and 22
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:20 am
Until the free agents quarterbacks make thier choices cleveland does hold all the cards with picks 1 and 4. Much more hope for the future in Cleveland versus with bucs…
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:25 am
BucFanFromOH: Read what I said or let me sum it up for you: yes a team with a smart GM would make a brilliant move but given the Browns pedigree: well it is much more likely they screw it up royally. That is all I said bro, sorry to ruffle feathers but the Browns front office is unlikely to make a smart move. Its rough being a Bucs fan, but it has to be a illion times worst to be a “Flush em Down” Brown fan…..
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:32 am
The Buc Realist Says:
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:35 am
@bighogheinous
Indeed!!!! That record looks horrible, then you remember that loser lovie was the coach for 2 years!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!
—————————————
Lovie Smith won 8 games in two years with the Bucs, and has won 5 games the last two years in college at Illinois. That makes 13 wins in four years for Lovie.
Koetter won 9 games his first year, more than Lovie in two, and won 5 games last year, just as many as Lovie has in college the last two years.
People can be dissatisfied with Koetter, just as long as they are TWICE as dissatisfied with Lovie, as Koetter is twice as successful.
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:32 am
Why trade back when Vita Vea is there?
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:40 am
I would try to trade down a few spots, but whether we did or not, I would pick DE Harold Landry if Chubb doesn’t fall. He’s first round talent and the way I look at it is like this:
If the best player you want will not be available at your next pick, you take him with your immediate pick. I don’t care if he is ranked to go later in the same round. You take him.
If you pass on a guy that becomes a HoFer ten years later, do you want to say “we could have had him the same round, but we would have had to reach so we took someone that was out of the league three years later.”
Take the best player at a position of need according to likely availability.
Round 1, Pick #7
LB Tremanine Edmunds (if converting to DE)
DE Harold Landry
Round 2, Pick #38
CB Isaiah Oliver
DE Sam Hubbard
RT Mike McGlinchey
Round 3, Pick #69
DE Sam Hubbard (if not taken already and still available)
CB Tarvarus McFadden
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:40 am
Licht should trade GMC (2 decent years left) plus 5th rd 2018 & 3rd rd 2019 picks to the Colts, unload his bloated $12.5 mill salary for the #3 pick for Barkley/Chubb in that order. Then Licht should trade a 4th round pick and Lavonte David to the LB-needy Bengals (whom he’s dealt with before), unload his tired bloated $8.75 mill salary, for Geno Atkins (who they need to extend) who would be perfect for Buckner’s line with more ferocity, less age, etc. Our cap just got much better, and we get a shot at Barkley/Chubb. Worst case, go from #3 up to #2 with Giants by trading 2019 2rd pick, mostly only for Barkley.
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:55 am
Buccaneer Bonzai:
I am with you on possibly drafting Tremaine Edmunds(6′ 5″ at 250 pounds) in the 1st round.
This guy is a complete freak of an athlete with outstanding production and he is only 19 years old.
If the Bucs could draft Edmunds in the 1st and either Hubbard or Key in the 2nd they could turn the worst defensive line in football into a strength.
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:55 am
The Bills are the best trade down targets with their QB need and the fact they own two firsts (picks 21and 22). With that big of a drop from pick 7, the Bucs could walk away with at least those two firsts and a 3rd. They should walk away with those two firsts and one of the Bills 2nds.
3 premium picks for the #7. The Bucs should absolutely make a move like that to supply much needed reinforcements to both lines.
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:16 am
Thanks Joe. That scenario of re-signing at lower cost makes perfect sense.
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:18 am
Tmaxcon … I thought that Glanton played very well last year when he filled in. Jude has been kinda frustrating in the past, but has shown some sizzle at times. Worth bringing both to camp IMO.
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:24 am
I don’t understand why people are saying we cant draft him because GMC plays 3tech…..well, move GMC to NT…..or make bryan an NT…..
this team needs good players and good trench play…..and bryan is versatile and athletic enough to play DE and DT…..I like how joe is thinking…..
TRADE DOWN AND DRAFT HIM!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:24 am
Cleveland is in such an enviable position relative to the Bucs. Jimmy Halslam is heading to prison when one his boys rolls on him, leaving a much smarter Dee Haslam in charge. No such luck in Tampa.
I’ve been a trade down advocate, but it has to prepared in advance. Here’s how it could shake down: Opinions are all over the map about the top 4-5 guys. Three of those will go above us, along with Barkley, Chubb and Duncan. Several of the teams below us think their guy is the one not drafted. They see their Manning, Starr, Montana there, but know the Bucs are looking to trade down. What would each of those teams offer to give the Bucs to beat the other(s)? Their mothers, wives and daughters to work in Caesar’s brothel? Their firstborn children? Their left testicles?
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:29 am
We have the worst fans in the world. It is incredible how negative some of the comments are after 1 bad season. Ready to give up on a 24 yo franchise qb and ready to run a pretty good gm out of town? SMH
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:36 am
we need players like taven bryan because he alone could provide depth with his ability to play multiple positions…..he played DE for a year….played NT for a year….played DT for 2 years…..he can play any position along the dline and that’s what we need…..he provides depth and talent…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:40 am
Cleveland is in good position?
They just went 0-16.
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:46 am
Maybe he could play some LDE too
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:50 am
JOE
Another “quick first step” guy? We already have a one trick pony along the DL. Where has that gotten us? Hard pass.
-Seriously concerned Bucs fan
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:55 am
Use the Ouija Board.
monkeys typing at random produce Shakespeare eventually.
Always hope.
February 23rd, 2018 at 11:02 am
Red86,
Why? Basically it’s not a good idea to use the #7th overall pick on a player who is not the best at his position. He’s not a lock and at 7 the player selected should be as close to a lock as possible. Vea is a late RD 1 pick . If you pick him at 7 your paying a premium for a player when there’s no other team bidding for his services.. Why pay more kinda thing…..
February 23rd, 2018 at 11:39 am
I agree with lakeland..The biggest heist has already been pulled! If Vea is there though, he is worthy of serious consideration. he has the makings of a Beast in the NFl. However the Bucs gotta lotta needs. Trading down seems like the better option if you can get 2 for 1.
February 23rd, 2018 at 11:56 am
Licht’s Out is the type of “robber” to leave his velcro wallet behind at the scene of the crime.
February 23rd, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Cleveland is in a better position than any team in the NFL
1st and 4th pick
6 picks in top 65 picks
$110 million in cap space
12 total draft picks
They can pickup more draft picks
February 23rd, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Knock knock!
Alabama has 2 BEASTLY DTs in the draft Payne and Hand. Why would you look anywhere else? But most importantly why in the world would you look at a gator? Have you not learned your lessons? 🤦♂️
February 23rd, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Mike,
Why do you think Vea is going top ten. Not one analyst has even hinted at that possibility. So this virus that seems to spreading across the JBF cyberspace that Vea is the only player other than Chubb to take at 7 or trade down is pure fantasyland . Vea is the guy you trade down to get, not the other way around.
Bizzarro Buc fan….. up is down, down is up, nite is day…blah blah blah.
Chubb is in an entirely different world than vea. Honestly, the two shouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath. Chubb is a guy to trade up for, Vea trade down to get him…
February 23rd, 2018 at 12:28 pm
@813bucboi
You have been saying that this coaching staff has to do better at putting the players in positions to succeed. You know, adjust. And you are 100% correct. Moving GMC or a guy like Taven Bryan to NT is doing the opposite of that.
February 23rd, 2018 at 12:55 pm
NO GATORS (And I’m not an FSU or SEC fan).
1. Vea/Davenport/D-line BPA
2. CB
2. D-line BPA
3. OG
4. SS
5. RB
6. CB
6. K/QB/D-line/O-line (BPA)
February 23rd, 2018 at 12:57 pm
^Still don’t know where our other pick would be there than an extra two, but I would go D-line/OT.^
February 23rd, 2018 at 1:34 pm
For the next 5 years, our 1st round picks better be in the trenches!
Davenport will blow up the combine. By the time the draft rolls around, public sentiment will be that his potential is worth a top 10 pick.
If we can’t trade down, I hope he or Nelson is our choice
February 23rd, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Oh the parody of an awesome DT with the number 93 on a sorry team!!!
Thanks Joe, but you been had by the Puppet Masters!!!
February 23rd, 2018 at 1:58 pm
@Duke
That how team miss out on the players they wanted. They out smart themselves. Then makes excuses and lie like the person drafted is the person they wanted.
It’s much simpler to get the guy you want or need without risking losing them. Look at the Cowboys that drafted the center in the first round. He was graded as a 2nd or 3rd round talent. I doubt they regret doing that. They have some talent on the offensive line.
Those grade are pointless. Take what there or trade up for them.
February 23rd, 2018 at 2:56 pm
*********************
If Barkley, Chubb and maybe Nelson and Minkah are all off the board, trade the #7 to the Bills for #21 and #22
However, it’s not completely impossible that Saquon or Chubb falls to #7, especially Chubb, as it will just take the Colts passing on him at #3 I think, which they could do if they take Saquon or Nelson as some are reporting, or even trade down (maybe with the Dolphins) to take an LT later.
Browns: QB or Saquon
Giants: QB or Saquon
Colts: Saquon or trade down to a team who takes a QB
Browns: QB, Saquon or Minkah
Broncos: QB, Nelson or a CB
Jets: QB
Bucs: Bradley Chubb
Chubb falling to #7 this year is far more realistic than OJ Howard falling to #18 was last year … we’ll see what happens.
***************
February 23rd, 2018 at 3:12 pm
Didn’t know about this guy until now. He’s a bada$s player. Would love to have him. He looks like he could also play DE.
February 23rd, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Red,
I totally agree with your sentiments. But why not trade up for the best DE prospect Chubb. Vea is probably the 4th best DT. No way you pick him at 7.
Unless…..The bucs believe He’s the guy. Then I think we’re on the same page.
Get him with the 7.
February 23rd, 2018 at 3:46 pm
NFLNut,
Bradley Chubb won’t go past #5.
I do hope one of the 4 blue chippers is available at 7:
Saquon, Chubb, Minkah, or Quentin. I agree with you that if those guys are gone then we should try to trade down.
February 23rd, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Nfl,
If history teaches us anything about the draft it’s by the 3rd to the 5th that all the millions of man hours trying to predict the team’s picks go right down the toilet.
Chubb and Barkley may both be on the board at 7.
Climatologist and draft expert is two career paths that seem bullet proof . They offer expert predictions. Thank goodness .
February 23rd, 2018 at 5:50 pm
LakeLand Says:
Has it Right! Licht, has already heisted the Glazers.
February 23rd, 2018 at 11:45 pm
This dude is a beast. My second favourite next to Chubb. Just love his mentality. He’s a freakin football player and is a pretty great athlete to boot. I’m digging this trade down talk. Taven and one of the GA backs would be good value.
February 24th, 2018 at 5:41 am
instead of this semi performer they need to be looking at Ngata 2.0 w/ that tackle from Washington………
February 25th, 2018 at 9:30 am
Is no one going to say it? B.A. WHITE BOY!
He could be McCoy’s Brad Culpepper;).