Could Bucs Poach From Division Foe?
March 1st, 2018
Days with Carolina appear limited.
Normally this post would be about Julius Peppers, but the same theme applies.
Riverboat Ron Rivera took his turn at a podium at the NFL combine in Indianapolis this morning and he spoke of his team’s unrestricted free agents. Briefly.
When it came to heralded defensive end Peppers, Rivera was non-committal, saying he would like to have the veteran Pro Bowler back and his 11 sacks in 2017, but he then dodged further questions on Peppers advising reporters to talk to his general manager, Marty Hurney.
But there is another free agent with the Stinking Panthers that Rivera was a bit more open about, and that is guard Andrew Norwell. Rivera admitted it was “going to be tough” to retain Norwell’s services.
After yesterday hearing Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht admit injured guard J.R. Sweezy has yet to be cleared by medical staff to resume football workouts, and hearing how lukewarm Bucs coach Dirk Koetter was talking about free agent guard Kevin Pamphile, Joe is sure the Bucs have the position of guard high on their wish lists this offseason, and Joe fears that may include this Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame.
Joe would much rather the Bucs quit conning themselves and go get a difference-maker at running back or go get a defensive end. Trade down if you have to. Norwell can just as easily fill a hole at guard. Talented running backs and defensive ends are far more scarce on the free agent market.
Nothing is as nice as weakening your division rival while at the same time bolstering your own roster.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:03 pm
HELL YES!! Back up the Brinks truck, grab this man beast, and weaken the Panthers!
Go Bucs!!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:05 pm
@Joe,
Joe says:
Joe would much rather the Bucs quick conning themselves and go get a difference-maker at running back or go get a defensive end.
Uh-oh Joe…you’re starting to sound like this Bucs fan, whom so few around here have even commented on Barkley.
Go Bucs!!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Don’t know about the Brinks truck, but fair compensation would be good.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Add Norwell, then draft Nelson, that would be a nasty interior line.
LG Norwell
C Marpet
RG Nelson
March 1st, 2018 at 12:18 pm
In a heartbeat.
Andrew Norwell is healthy, and last year the Panthers OL was 13th in the league. Not fantastic, but good enough. He’s young too.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:18 pm
If the Bucs draft a Rb or Guard with their first round draft pick, then I will give the defense and defensive coaching staff a pass for 2018!!!!!!!!!!!
They don’t have to fix the D -line, but they have to give them something to work with!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Norwell would be the top choice if he hits the market.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:22 pm
I’m all for Norwell & releasing Sweezy & Pamphille. Also get rid of Gholston, but I would keep Ayers.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:25 pm
The Carolina Panthers offensive schemes takes a lot of pressure off the O-Line. They don’t believe in holding the ball, waiting on plays to develop.
Cam Newton | 139 rushing attempts
Christian McCaffrey | 113 targets
501 passing attempts | 490 rushing attempts
Andrew Norwell was a UDFA in 2014
Now Carolina will get a 3rd round pick for losing him in free agency
March 1st, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Sign this man!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:32 pm
The Buc Realist
I have been saying this for years,
The Bucs love to spend premium draft picks on offensive players. Then when the defense stinks the fans start calling for the DC job. But these same fans are calling for the Bucs to spend premium draft picks on offensive players.
The 2014 NFL was one of the deepest draft I have ever seen for defensive players. But the Bucs went all-offense, they never considered a defensive player. Then the following season, they drafted one defensive player (4th round). And in the 2017 draft, they went offense in round 1 and 3.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:34 pm
*****The 2018 NFL draft****
March 1st, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Please
March 1st, 2018 at 12:35 pm
We need two OG’s. I’d be ok with signing Norwell and drafting another.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:36 pm
PLEASE GOD YES!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:37 pm
The Buc Realist Says:
March 1st, 2018 at 12:18 pm
If the Bucs draft a Rb or Guard with their first round draft pick, then I will give the defense and defensive coaching staff a pass for 2018!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL…..YOU AINT NOBODY!!!!!!!….THAT WONT WORK THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!…..
they are on the hot seat!!!!!!!….
no playoffs….no job!!!!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:38 pm
@ManielMadness
We need to sign him and a center and put Ali back on the right side. But I doubt they’ll make the right decision and do that.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Don’t get any impression the Bucs are going to throw the towel in so quick on Marpet at center.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:45 pm
@Joe
I would want them to trade down if they were to miss on Chubb, Barkley, and Fitz but I sure as hell wouldn’t be crying my eyes out if they picked Nelson. Guy’s a man beast that is gonna ball in the NFL and with him and Ali we possibly got a dominate inside oline for the next 10 years.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:47 pm
@SOE
Agree with you. The Marpet expirament will continue.. wouldn’t mind if they drafted Frank Ragnow. Dude can play C/G.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Why not get both Norwell and Nelson? Why can’t the Bucs have their own version of the Hogs which carried the Redskins to three Super Bowls under Joe Gibbs? Build the trenches on the offensive side to be elite for the first time in franchise history!
March 1st, 2018 at 12:54 pm
I don’t think this happens. Licht isn’t going to put most of the money he has to work with in the interior of the offensive line. Especially when he has to extend Ali Marpet and maybe Donovan Smith soon.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:58 pm
I think it’s a lot more likely he pays for the secondary and RBs. There is very little money currently wrapped in both spots and no players outside of Justin Evans in three years that look like they’ll even develop into a starter. My bets are Trumaine Johnson and McKinnon or Jeremy Hill.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:58 pm
He can then build the trenches in the draft.
March 1st, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Yah. He will get 10-12 per
He is that good
Why not? Kid can play.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:00 pm
I’d expect this to absolutely happen. They know they have major issues at both guard spots and an aging RT. Can’t draft every position and guard is one where you can plug and play
March 1st, 2018 at 1:00 pm
the real question is why would he even consder coming to this franchise when he will clearly have options picking team 32 in leagues is highly unlikely
March 1st, 2018 at 1:02 pm
andrew
if guard was so plug and play what is the excuse for all the bums that they have tried and failed with over the years.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:10 pm
I agree with Tmax for once.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:11 pm
Norwell would be a strong FA acquisition.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:12 pm
“Norwell can just as easily fill a hole at guard”. Big ticket free agent “automatic starters” at guard don’t have a great history in this town since perhaps randall mcdaniel hung up his cleats. JR Sweezy and Carl Nicks were both supposed to take our OL play to another level and were paid accordingly, only to be injured busts. I’d go for Norwell but I wouldn’t assume the bucs fixed the problem with that move and no draft picks
March 1st, 2018 at 1:12 pm
The Bucs offensive system is different from Carolina offensive system. Because he was All-Pro in Carolina, that don’t mean he will be All-pro in Tampa. Carolina offensive system is O-Line friendly and unpredictable. The Bucs offensive system is predictable and create problems for the O-Line.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:18 pm
W/the following Interior Upgrades
LG Andrew Norwell | Caleb Benenoch
C Ali Marpet | Frank Ragnow
RG Quenton Nelson | Frank Ragnow
We’ll be able to dominate the line of scrimmage.
Eat Up the clock – and score more points.
Hell, after watching the living legends Frank Gore – run behind that piss poor excuse for offensive line (INDY). I wouldn’t be shocked if he averaged more the 4ypc w/these interior upgrades.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:21 pm
“The Living Legend” – Frank Gore
March 1st, 2018 at 1:27 pm
#68 LG Andrew Norwell 2017 Highlight Tape (Poor Gerald –lol)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOnr5-tRcMw
March 1st, 2018 at 1:49 pm
LakeLand,
That’s a really good point.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:50 pm
Joe, don’t fear Nelson. He’s probably the best player in this draft.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:51 pm
I certainly wouldn’t quibble with Norwell or Nelson. I think either one would be a massive boost to the run game, which would be a boon for the defense as well.
March 1st, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Glad you finally wrote about this, Joe! Have written about Norwell a few times previously. –Joe
I’ve been chanting Norwell’s name since the season ended. But I think you downplayed this waaaaaaaay too much, Joe.
“Fill a hole at guard”??? Are you serious?
Norwell should be the Bucs #1 focus in free agency. #1. Period. They have the money to make it happen at 12:01 AM. Do it.
He hasn’t even entered his prime yet. We’re talking about an ALL-PRO talent who can start for the next 5-7 years. How often does that come along????
This offseason should be all about the offensive and defensive lines. The RB position will have plenty of options out there and even Barber can be a very good starter with a much improved offensive line.
Dream scenario: sign Norwell, draft Nelson at #7 And the Bucs instantly have one of the best (and youngest) offensive lines in the league to pair with their just turned 24 year old QB, young beast receivers, and young stud tight ends. You talk about creating an offense that can gel together for the next 5-7 years… just wow. The Bucs have to capitalize on that scenario.
Then – they can focus all remaining free agency money and draft picks to fortifying the defensive line. It’s all right there in front of them.
Build the lines first and the rest will improve greatly as well.
Go get Norwell!
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
March 1st, 2018 at 1:58 pm
Package McCoy and D-Jax to the Browns for their #4 pick, use #4 & #7 to get Chubb and Nelson. Get two young beasts for the price of two aging beasts
March 1st, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Hubris, not $ will keep this from happening- plain and simple. C’mon we can plug OL, interior DL and DB holes via FA. Freeing us up for the BOLD play of trading UP to grab Chubb or Barkley, if necessary. The HC and GM don’t have time to screw around and hope a next level guy is going to develop and get it done down the road. The time is here/now!
March 1st, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Frank Pillow
The Bucs can get Bradley Chubb, if they’re willing to pay the price. This is from Cleveland GM, John Dorsey.
“There’s a lot of things I can do with No. 1, and not just get a quarterback as well,” Dorsey said. “My door is wide open. If somebody wants to come up and talk to me about a trade, I’m willing to trade. But also I’m going to do what’s best for this organization, and I will do that.”
March 1st, 2018 at 2:29 pm
gp- best scenario I have seen, if Chubb is gone at 4- take Barkley and with 7 take Nelson and somehow get back into the first and get Bryan from UF. I hate to trade McCoy, but lets face it, he is 30, oft injured (though he is a warrior and fights through it) and we are more than likely not going to the playoffs this year- though I believe it is coaching, not talent that will hold us back.
March 1st, 2018 at 2:30 pm
I’d love to see:
LG Nelson
C Ryan Jensen (FA from Ravens)
RG Marpet
March 1st, 2018 at 2:31 pm
But could live with:
LG Pamphile
C Jensen
RG Marpet
March 1st, 2018 at 2:35 pm
How about
LG Norwell
C Jensen
RG Marpet
LT Solder
RT D Smith
RB- Barber, S Michel, Penny………..
March 1st, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Guys I’d prioritize for poaching inside the division:
Dontari Poe or Star Lotulelei
March 1st, 2018 at 2:42 pm
The Buc Realist Says
“If the Bucs draft a Rb or Guard with their first round draft pick, then I will give the defense and defensive coaching staff a pass for 2018!!!!!!!!!!!”
I was about to mock you and say “Suuuure…”
But then I realized, as much as we’ve disagreed in the past (and as much as we’ve agreed lately), I don’t recall you every breaking your word.
So a tip of the cap to you, sir!
March 1st, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Thanks for the vid LUV, just don’t tmax see it! LOL! At least Gerald wasn’t the only victim! Nasty! That’s what good guard play is SUPPOSED to look like!
March 1st, 2018 at 2:59 pm
**let**
March 1st, 2018 at 3:16 pm
Luv.. thanks for the video. This should tell people three things..
1) yes thats a left guard with a 5 minute plus highlight video.
2) None of our guards move like this guy. This type of guard play would have led directly to wins, this season.
3) This move and a RB (young one like Jerick McKinnon) would lead to some draft flexibility.
March 1st, 2018 at 3:28 pm
@Buc Bonzai
And I think most would be alright with a Guard and RB high with the plan that they are going to complete the offense , score 28 pts per game and go 8-8 with an expectation of the defense to try and hold on until next year!!!!!!
We all know that the Glazers wnat and have order for a highly productive offense to be an identity!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2018 at 3:33 pm
@LUV … “W/the following Interior Upgrades
LG Andrew Norwell | Caleb Benenoch
C Ali Marpet | Frank Ragnow
RG Quenton Nelson | Frank Ragnow
We’ll be able to dominate the line of scrimmage.
Eat Up the clock – and score more points.”
Yup, been hearing that now for heaven knows how many years. And even IF we did improve our scoring, without upgrading our defense we’d still end up in the NFC South cellar. LUV, you’d have TWO high draft picks going to the OLine in that scenario, PLUS surely another to RB, which leaves virtually NOTHING to fix our defense with. And we’d pay for that for years & years. Bucs HAVE TO focus on the DLine THIS YEAR, and since there’s very little long-term DLine help in free agency, that means we’d better commit heavily in the draft (as in Rounds 1-3). Rounds 4-7 won’t cut it. Fix the Guard (and Center) situation in FA.
March 1st, 2018 at 4:23 pm
He’ll come here, and fail like all of Licht’s free agents. Probably has a flesh eating bug, bad back, or some ailment our med staff won’t notice, until the money’s in the bank!
March 1st, 2018 at 5:06 pm
I’m in the 1% that believes Sweezy should be our RG. They should keep Phampile or bring in somebody else to push Sweezy for his job IMO.
I think we are just one guard away and the draft looks deep at the position. 1st or 2nd round guard would be my plan to adress the position.
Supplement that with a RB in our first three pick and another RB in FA and our offense is complete.
Every other resource can be used for defense…..and if our team stays in tact you can go very heavy on defense in the following season.(draft class I heard will be strong at DE). Couple little bandaids could work at DE, Bennett!!!
March 1st, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Before we get any of these players in the facility they need to disinfect the whole stinking place so we’re not worrying about the flu and mersa or whatever else might be floating around. Next year everyone’s going to get friggin chicken pox or some BS.
March 1st, 2018 at 5:28 pm
Why have we not heard serious discussions on cutting Sweezy? Does he have guaranteed money? He’s paid to be good but is average, at best.
Cut him, use that money on someone else, someone proven. IMO, he was bad in Seattle. Cut him! Easy decision!
March 1st, 2018 at 6:00 pm
Mike I think Joe had an article yesterday about that. Or the day before. Almost every fan said to cut him.
March 1st, 2018 at 8:34 pm
NORWELL, NORWELL, NORWELL!!!! Dump SWEEZY! Pay this guy! Not only is he Allpro material, he never gets flagged!!! WHAT??? He’s a leader he had a attitude and a REAL mean streak! Sign him!
March 1st, 2018 at 9:16 pm
Good a Good Man! It’s like reading grown men orgasm letter by letter.
Norwell is an excellent FA target. He’s already familiar with the division. We have the money and need, no-brainer .
We need to draft a RB b4 Nelson. Sony won’t be there in Rd 2 for us.