“Bringing In The Pillars”
March 29th, 2018
Digs Bucs offseason.
Yeah, last year the Bucs were all the rage in the offseason.
The Bucs got DeSean Jackson in free agency, drafted O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin. They were featured on “Hard Knocks.” It was because of these factors, the Bucs were sort of the it-team for 2017.
Instead, they became the league’s Cousin Itt.
Well, it seems the crowd at “Good Morning, Football” has a different idea about this offseason for the Bucs. No skill position players have been signed but that’s alright with co-host Kyle Brandt. He is loving the Bucs offseason as he explains in the video below.
Hey, the clip also features Kay Adams, so Joe knows you will want to watch. Unless you are Ira.
Why @KyleBrandt thinks the @Buccaneers are going to make even bigger strides in 2018 ⤵
📺: @gmfb pic.twitter.com/16wfyKhsQS
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 29, 2018
March 29th, 2018 at 5:14 am
The trenches needed to be addressed. And they were. Im nervous of them counting on Sweezy to be healthy tho.
Ive seen some fans post they should draft LG and RB in first and 2nd rounds. Even though those are both needs, I would still consider that a luxury to keep focusing on offense when the secondary needs help still.
At this point, a premium pick needs o be used in the secondary. They dont really have the cap space to sign another starter in FA. Trading back and getting an extra day 2 pick(s) would be the only way they should draft 2 guys on offense early.
March 29th, 2018 at 6:01 am
Still wary of where we’re at right now. We’ve most certainly upgraded the DLine STARTING talent (JPP, Evans, Curry) but our depth is still circumspect IMO at both the DT & DE positions. We NEED 1 more beastly DT to pull the wagon PLUS another DE so that DLine injuries don’t kill us just like in years past. We’ve also upgraded the OLine big-time with the addition of Jensen IMO, but still have a starting hole at Guard IMO (bye bye JR) AND need better OLine depth across the board.
The most deficient position group however is the Secondary. We NEED 2 new starters there (outside CB AND SS) plus much better depth. Seriously doubt we’ll find both starters in the draft given our other NEEDS, but FA & trades could still make Secondary upgrades happen. Cautiously optimistic …
March 29th, 2018 at 6:16 am
Damn….weren’t the pundits starting to get sold on the Bucs around this time last year? Sounds like another KOD to me for the Bucs as the high expectations slowly start to get ramped up again and may once again be in high overdrive again after the draft?
I’d prefer that we fly under the radar like the Aints did last year.
March 29th, 2018 at 6:33 am
The question should be, how much better would D, Smith be if there was a stud guard next to him.
March 29th, 2018 at 6:34 am
Joe. Why are we not looking at free safety Reed?????
March 29th, 2018 at 6:52 am
Defense Rules
Preach Brotha.
It’s a shame we can see this.
Reminds of a song by the Orignator of Hip-Hop
James Brown -” Blind Man Can See it”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTXWirM4o0U
March 29th, 2018 at 6:54 am
Originator
March 29th, 2018 at 6:55 am
Justin Evans is our free safety And appears to be a potential future stud.
We need a stud strong safety that can still cover but plays a lot toward line of scrimmage to stop run game Aka Derwin James
March 29th, 2018 at 7:22 am
Hell yes to Derwin James kid is a beast!
March 29th, 2018 at 7:29 am
Licht has built one of the most versatile d-lines in the NFL.
Clark IV- 6 ft. 6, 280 lbs- DE/DT
William Gholston- 6 ft. 6, 280 lbs- DE/DT
Mitch Unrein- 6 ft. 4, 300 lbs- DE/DT
Vinny Curry- 6 ft. 4, 275 lbs- DE/DT
All four of these guys can play anywhere on the line!!! That’s amazing depth!
GMC- DT
Beau Allen- DT
Noah Spence-DE
JPP- strictly a DE
Thats 8 players fellas.
How many d-lineman do you wanna have?
March 29th, 2018 at 7:36 am
“How many d-lineman do you wanna have?”
One more please – Bradley Chubb or Vita Vea would do nicely depending on whether we pick at 7 or trade down.
March 29th, 2018 at 7:46 am
@teacherman777 “Thats 8 players fellas. How many d-lineman do you wanna have?”
Great question. Easy answer: ONE MORE … a true DT. Vea or Payne would be my preference, but there are others not too far behind in the draft. Or sign Bennie Logan and move on to the next NEED.
Two true DTs (GMC & Allen) won’t hack it for a season. Injuries happen; nature of the beast. And positioning 270-280 ”versatile’ DEs at DT can be done on some downs, but come the 4th qtr when players are pooped & the opposing team with a beastly OLine & bull RBs (like Jaguars & Titans & yes, the Saints) decide to run it down your throat and kill the clock, you NEED the beastly DTs who can say “Nope, ain’t gonna happen”.
March 29th, 2018 at 7:53 am
Don’t forget we still have Stevie T at DT.
March 29th, 2018 at 8:08 am
Good answers guys!
I agree, 1 more DT would be awesome.
Moreover, injuries happen. Who is to say that all 8 of these guys will make it through the preseason and first quarter of the season.
Nonetheless, I think we can all agree, on paper, this is the best and deepest D-line we have seen in 10 years.
Thank you Licht! Good job!
Best of luck to Ayers and McDonald. I respect them both.
Go Bucs!!
March 29th, 2018 at 8:11 am
@ndogg
Stevie T has very short legs and is too slow. I hope he keeps getting paychecks because I love the guy as a human being, however, as a football player, I think he is too slow to really make an impact.
But I love Stevie T. I hope he can prove me wrong!
March 29th, 2018 at 8:19 am
Do you think he know something stevie b.
Remember that singer. Had like one or two songs that he banked on.
March 29th, 2018 at 8:20 am
Knows
Not know something. Dang autocorrects
March 29th, 2018 at 8:45 am
Everybody keeps saying, “safety, safety, safety”! Our single biggest hole ON DEFENSE right now is CORNER, CORNER, CORNER! Am I wrong here?! I mean we’ve got :
Brent “The Ageless One” Grimes
“Come from nowhere” McClain
Ryan “I used to play safety” Smith
Javien “Barely made the roster” Elliot
and….
Vernon “finger waves” Hargreaves
AND, safety is the issue?!!! I’d say ‘razor-thin’ at DB is the understatement of the century!
March 29th, 2018 at 8:47 am
Joeypoppems Says
“The trenches needed to be addressed. And they were. Im nervous of them counting on Sweezy to be healthy tho.”
Don’t be. If Nelson is there, the Bucs will have to take him. And if they do that, Sweezy is out the door (or placed on IR again).
March 29th, 2018 at 8:55 am
Last 3 years journeyman QBs were having career games and completing over 70%….WILL IT CONTINUE?
FVK YES! Nothing has changed! Our 32 ranked pass secondary is still putrid and the defensive line wont mean a damn difference!
How did these journeyman QBs( Some who are out of the league) have career games and complete over 70%?
Was it downfield passing? Hell no! Dink and dunk passes. Slants, screens and picks…..over, over, and over again
Pass rush? No need and no problem. Offensive coords called nonstop pass routes/plays where the ball is out of the QBs hands in less than 2 seconds…blitz and pass rush cant get near the QBs
This short passing game is the new NFL normal. Its a passing league and the reason 2 40 year QB(Brady&Brees) still playing in this violent game.
PASS COVERAGE is what makes a great defense in the new NFL normal.
Kobe Faker
March 29th, 2018 at 8:58 am
According to more than one previous post by JOE, the O-line is more a strength than a weakness.
Draft defense….please. The only exception would be Nelson.
March 29th, 2018 at 9:04 am
Bucsfanman Says:
March 29th, 2018 at 8:45 am
Everybody keeps saying, “safety, safety, safety”! Our single biggest hole ON DEFENSE right now is CORNER, CORNER, CORNER! Am I wrong here?!
_______________________________________________________________
While I do agree with you that corner is a greater need than safety, they are both still needs. On top of that, I don’t really see a CB worthy 1st round pick. Some people love Ward, but he is just a faster VHIII clone while some analysts have Derwin James as a top 3 overall talent. James may not be the biggest need, but he is the better pick between the 2 positions as far as value.
March 29th, 2018 at 9:25 am
Best defense is a good running game. Draft Nelson @ 7 and get a good RB in the later rounds. Our defense could not close out games last year. We keep our guys fresh with long clock eating drives. Not to mention how it opens up what we can do on offense.
March 29th, 2018 at 9:30 am
Defense Rules – spot on man. Spot on.
March 29th, 2018 at 9:35 am
These guys’ jobs are to promote the NFL.. no surprise here
March 29th, 2018 at 10:31 am
OMGGGGGGG Joe. You have to do something about these FSU fans and Derwin James. He is not getting picked at #7 people!!!!!!! There is going to be either Nelson, Chubb, Barkely, or Fitzpatrick on the if we stay at seven. It’s one of those first three before James or Fitzpatrick because he has equal/better skills as Derwin James and is said to be an extremely impressive defensive and team leader. Only way we get James is if we trade with Buffalo at #12.
March 29th, 2018 at 10:38 am
No one will ever guess what I’m about to write…
Been shouting it for months and am so happy the Bucs are actually doing the smart thing thus far…
But they are NOT done. They need another beast interior offensive lineman AND another young DE to finish off a spectacular ideology for the offseason.Their first two picks are the prime opportunity to get those last two pieces.
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
March 29th, 2018 at 10:40 am
Come on, Licht – you’re only two pieces away from building the solid foundation this team has craved for a decade.
KEEP FIXING THE TRENCHES AND YOU WILL FIX THE BUCS!!
March 29th, 2018 at 10:46 am
@SOEbuc
I think you may be confusing the 2 safeties you mentioned. James is the one w/ better safety skills and team leader. He also bested Fitz in pretty much every stat (excluding forced fumbles). The only reason you take Fitz>James is for versatility. Fitz can play both safety spots pretty good, and play nickel as well. However, James is the better strong safety (we know whoever is picked isn’t taking over Evans at free safety) which is what we need.
I agree that Nelson, Chubb, or Barkely are all going to be taken if available, I just think it’s likely all 3 are gone by pick 7.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:10 am
@Kobe
Most times I agree with you but I think you are 100% wrong on your NFL pass defense assessment and it isn’t even close.
Every top defense has an elite front 7. It’s why the Panthers can rotate random no name CBs in their defense and it still rolls as a top unit. When the Broncos won the SB it was becuase they hit the sh1t out of Brady; not because they had elite CBs (not that the CBs didn’t hurt).
If anything Pats – Broncos is a perfect example of why you’re so wrong on this. When Brady has time vs the Broncos he’s lit them up regardless of Talib/Harris/Roby being on the other side. But when the Broncos hit Brady/pressure him all game he folds. Look up all their matchups the last few years and this is the case.
Front 7 >>>>>>>>>>>>> secondary players when it comes to building a defense period. Both run and pass.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:16 am
Just look at NFL salaries:
Elite DEs and DTs blow CB salaries out of the water; and especially Safeties.
Not even close.
NFL is not stupid. They know those players hitting / pressuring / sacking QBs / tackling RBs for loss = their best chance at stopping any offense period.
Any NFL QB with 5 seconds to throw is going to complete a pass regardless of the secondary players and regardless of a press / man / zone / whatever scheme you want to run.
Any NFL QB pressured within 2 seconds or so of the snap is typically not going to have as much success on the play. An offense that can’t run the ball will not be able to run a quick pass for 5 yards on 3rd and 9.
Front 7 > secondary.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:23 am
And further more, Minkah would be a safer pick than James. Where’d that Minkah kid go to school again?! Yea, I’d say he faced a heck of a lot better competition.
“NO” to safety at #7! Please make this easy for us at 7, or trade the heck down!
March 29th, 2018 at 11:25 am
Lord C
Exactly! About two or three times a year I post the link to Business Insider so folks can see the information you are talking about.
While there are obviously individual exceptions…some positions just lend themselves to making a larger impact on a game….IE QB!
And I’m like you…show me the money! The league is not paying DE’s and underpaying Safeties because of discrimination it’s because of decades of observation of where GM’s can get the most bang for their buck.
@D.R. Agree with you general observation. I feel too that we are better.
But you have nailed our biggest weakness…depth. I think that makes us a good team but not a great team…we’re gonna need some luck and the ability to avoid injuries.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:26 am
Bucs need an OG, CB, SS, RB AND potentially another DE/DT all in the top 3-4 rounds.
I am still in favor of giving up the 3rd rounder for JPP. But its tough to see how we can become a real competitor this year.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:28 am
@Joes
I remember the days of starting with JBF in the morning and you guys always posted hot chick pics submitted by ???.
Here’s a replacement idea since you dropped that one. Have an intern scour the internet for sexy Kay Parker pics and every morning you could start us off with a little bit of Kay.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:44 am
@ St Pete
Yeah the contracts paint a pretty clear picture of league trends.
Olivier Vernon got $18 mill a year coming off a 7.5 sack season. That’s how valuable 7.5 sacks and his consistent presence off the edge was worth on the open market.
Malik Jacksont hat same year got a 6 year $90 million contract ($15 mill a year).
Bruce Irvin – primarily just a pass rusher – who never topped 6.5 sacks – got like almost $10 mill per year on that FA market
Meanwhile – Eric Weddle – a top S in the league – signed a 4 year $26 million deal with the Ravens with only $13 mill guarenteed ($6.5 per year average).
Meanwhile – Janoris Jenkins – the top CB on the entire market – got a 5 year $62 mill year deal with the Giants –
Top CB in market 2016 – $12.4 annual salary
Top S in market 2016 – $6.5 annual salary
Lesser DE talent than above relative to position – $18 mill annual salary
Lesser DT talent than above relative to position – $15 mill annual salary
If you don’t think the front 4 >>> the back 4 in terms of how you build a defense and how teams play effective defense; then you basically think the entire collective brain of the NFL and everyone involved is wrong; while you are the single person who is right.
Even then – we have seen examples of teams with talented secondaries and sh1t pass rush – and they never are great pass D’s.
Just no real basis for that take.
March 29th, 2018 at 11:45 am
also meant to say – RB value is up – and this was also reflected in the recent FA signings where Hyde/McKinnnonn got way more than they would have in other recent years
March 29th, 2018 at 12:11 pm
@ everyone who think minkah is better than james….STOP IT!!!
Where do I start? Alabama products are never what they were in college when they get to the league. Oh and did you see minkah’s combine measurables? He is not very athletic. Those who had similar numbers bust in the nfl ie justin gilbert, dee milliner who was a cant miss alabama product. So was mo claiborne. Stay away from alabama defensive backs. James combine numbers had him in the company of berry, chancellor, ramsey etc. Oh and you better read another site that follows the bucs. It seems the bucs like james over minkah which makes since. James combine numbers proved him to be the more explosive player by a wide margin. If you are picking a safety in the top 10, you better go with the more explosive player. Stop fooling yourself.
March 29th, 2018 at 1:42 pm
webster- Not for nothing, but I don’t want either of them at #7. Neither one is worthy of that high of a pick, AND we need corner help more than safety help. Is James a “generational” talent at safety? No, even FSU fans have to admit that. Later in the draft is fair game.
To your point about who’s better, no one knows until they play an NFL game. The fact is that the Tide played better teams. There’s too much emphasis on the combine. The tape tells the tale, most scouts will concede that. You like James, I like somebody else.
No to safety at #7. Please.
March 29th, 2018 at 3:45 pm
Lord Corn
Carolina has gone steadily downhill from the INSTANT they let Josh Norman go
Jacksonville had Ramsey but signed AJ Bouye to solidify the pass coverage to lead them into the playoffs
the number 1 reason the Saints were so good last year and how DRAMATIC the defense inproved was because of solely Marshon Lattimore
Bellichek won most of his superbowls with a shutdown corner and great pass defense
You sheep better readup on what a legit defensive coordinator can do to cut off the field with a shutdown corner
Who is the best pass rusher in the game now? Vonn Miller? LOL! what the hell can he do with a great pass coverage? NOthing ! Hell he cant do nothing without even good tackles to help him out
what does leading the NFL in sacks mean? absolutely nothing! what is the percentage of the leading sacker that even plays in the superbowl? 5% in the history of the game? probably less
the dline propaganda is going wild in tampa….
“Our secondary is ranked 32nd in the NFL and we are lifting triumphant Julius Caesar Licht and dancing in the streets of Ybor City ”
Kobe Faker
March 29th, 2018 at 4:33 pm
It’s funny reading different comments saying “Barkley, Chubb, Nelson or trade down” as if we have control or have the option of trading down. Yeah, I would love to trade down but unless there is a QB available after the 6th pick, we have no trade partners. And even if there is a QB available after 6, the teams after us aren’t drafting a QB. We’re not really sitting in a good spot for a trade down.
March 29th, 2018 at 9:01 pm
Yall act like we gonna fill every need in one offseason.