Ronde Barber Ranks Vernon Hargreaves In “The Lexicon” Of Bucs Cornerbacks
March 30th, 2018
Joe already shared Ronde Barber’s somewhat depressing and informal state of the Buccaneers cornerbacks address on local radio this week.
But there was more.
During the chat on WDAE-AM 620, Barber was glowing about the raw talent and occasional on-film brilliance of disappointing cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, who Barber admits has yet to play close to his potential.
Barber says Hargreaves is one of the all-time greats at the position when it comes to 40-plus years of Buccaneers football. The loquacious Barber said “in the Bucs’ lexicon” of cornerbacks talent, it goes Aqib Talib, Donnie Abraham and then Hargreaves.
Yes, that’s how good Hargreaves could be.
But he’s not.
“I see movement that’s rare. I see a guy that can do anything,” said Barber, who added Hargreaves will be better when he understands his limitations and figures out how to harness his talent.
Barber said the Bucs “figured out how to make [Hargreaves] viable for this defense” (aka moving him to nickel cornerback) but his hamstring injury got in the way.
Man, Hargreaves is one giant X-factor this season. Even if he can be a truly great nickel corner and stay healthy, that will represent a big upgrade.
March 30th, 2018 at 3:32 pm
He did seem to play a lot closer to the line in the nickel. Hargreaves has great athleticism but not great speed. He is almost like Grimes but Grimes is a professional and it shows in his technique. No expert here but it seemed Hargreaves is missing the mental aspect in terms of breaking with or BEFORE the receiver, the great ones basically run the routes of the WR’s.
Why have we not resigned McClain?!
March 30th, 2018 at 3:32 pm
Denzel Ward has the speed, instincts, and athleticism to be far better than Vernon could ever hope to be.
If the big 3 are off the board, and Ward is there we should absolutely take him.
March 30th, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Hmm…I believe Ronde left out Brian Kelly, who as my memory serves me, did a pretty darn good job for the Bucs, and even played with Ronder for a few years, unless I’m mistaken with that fact. But Kelly is a damn sight better than VHIII from soft UF. Hasn’t done squat for us.
Hopefully some draft-related stuff starts popping up here, as it would be great to get those conversations going…
Go Bucs!
March 30th, 2018 at 3:39 pm
As folks here know by know I’m an enthusiastic supporter of weed. I also enjoy Vodka Martinis. But both have the potential to be disastrous. There is use…and there is abuse. Anything overdone can have really bad consequences.
I do not hang with VHG….don’t know who snapped that pic or their motivations…but while I absolutely have no evidence that weed is messing with VHG…where there is smoke there is fire. Sure SEEMS like he might have blazed a little too much too close to game time.
Having said that we do not know his personal situation and he may have some serious family challenges distracting him. While we do not know the reason EVERYBODY here saw the major difference between year one and year two and it was just weird. Which is why we are looking for explanations.
Speaking of drugs and performance…let’s forget PED’s for a minute and go to recreational drugs.
Dock Ellis claimed to have dropped Acid and was tripping when he pitched his no hitter. Also consumed alcohol and he enjoyed coke but I do not believe he had weed….that day. LOL
March 30th, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Get out of the this scheme. Which calls for corner to be back up. Pro- Grimes scheme. Get it out of here. Man up coverage like the rest of the league does
March 30th, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Ronde needs a drug test or a week long residency at the comedy store in LA….
March 30th, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Vh3 probably lives up to that potential if the scheme wasn’t so soft.
March 30th, 2018 at 3:55 pm
Scheme trying to make this guy grimes and he isnt. He needs to learn how to be more aggressive at the line and slow these recievers down. He doesnt have the speed and explosiveness that grimes has to break on the ball or keep on a reciever with a 5 yard cushion.
March 30th, 2018 at 3:59 pm
I think VH3 will turn it around and really turn his game up a couple notches this season. I think a pass rush will really help everyone on defense ! Can’t wait for the draft to see which direction we head
March 30th, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Basically the same things that were said about him coming out of college: rare movement, good hands, tons of potential…
But he’s short and slow, so he’s gotta press guys and disrupt their timing to have a chance.
Totally agree with you guys- scheme is the problem. Don’t mind him at nickel if he’s solid, but it sure would be nice to have an every down outside cornerback from your 1st round pick. Instead we have a glaring hole.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:03 pm
Whoooooah Ronde. Pass the dutchy cus it’s getting to your brain.
@BradentonBuc
I have NO CLUE why they haven’t resigned McClaine!! He was looking good the second half of the season and had three picks. Equal amount of 36 year old one year/$7-$10 million resigning of Grimes and no good depth. It really pisses me off.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:14 pm
“But he’s short”
Please, all of you need to stop peddling this bogus narrative. The average height of an NFL Corner is 5’11.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
oh come on Barber! Really!
March 30th, 2018 at 4:24 pm
Funny seeing fans think they know more than Ronde! 🙂
March 30th, 2018 at 4:39 pm
I’m curious Joe….since you strongly believe Buc coaches can’t develop young QBs….did you ask Barber if he agrees?
It would seem you would easily find some backup for your opinion on that.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Yeah I agree with what others said above Rhone Barber needs a boost from his pusher man……GTFOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vernon “Marshmellow” Graves is bust…….not an X-Factor at all
March 30th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
I think Hargreaves can succeed on the outside, but not in Soft Smith’s putrid 10-15 yards off defense
March 30th, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Before you call Ronde an idiot TheBucsAnthem, maybe you should at least learn how to spell Marshmallow.
Smh.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:47 pm
I’m with you Jolly. Hate the soft coverage scheme he played in. Also I am a Carpenter, therefore there is ZERO way that I know more about the Cornerback position than Ronde. Folks who think they do are more stupid than the folks that think they know how to build a house better than me.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:49 pm
Hargreaves in the Lexicon of Cornerbacks? Please will somebody there in Tampa tell me who Ronde Barber”s weed man is so I..can get some of that!!! Don’t smoke it like that Ronde!!!
March 30th, 2018 at 4:52 pm
I’m not gonna be mad at Vernon cause it’s up to him if he gets paid good by the Bucs or not after 2 more seasons. I really don’t think the Bucs will keep him after that if he hasn’t reached his full potential and made it back to the outside.
March 30th, 2018 at 4:56 pm
SB Says:
March 30th, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Before you call Ronde an idiot TheBucsAnthem, maybe you should at least learn how to spell Marshmallow.
Smh.
————————————————————————
Nope……I say “mellow”…..cause he’s soft…..as I’ve said it the same way in previous posts.
not a grammar contest here on a message board go troll someone else……………..or just “mellow” out……yellow!!!!!!!
LOL…….get a freaking life!!!!!!!!!
==========================================
mel·low
/ˈmelō/
adjective
adjective: mellow
1.
(especially of sound, taste, and color) pleasantly smooth or soft; free from harshness.
“she was hypnotized by the mellow tone of his voice”
synonyms: dulcet, sweet-sounding, tuneful, melodious, mellifluous; More
soft, smooth, warm, full, rich
“the mellow tone of his voice”
•archaic
(of fruit) ripe, soft, sweet, and juicy.
“a dish of mellow apples”
•(of wine) well-matured and smooth.
“delicious, mellow, ripe, fruity wines”
2.
(of a person’s character) softened or matured by age or experience.
“a more mellow personality”
synonyms: genial, affable, amiable, good-humored, good-natured, amicable, pleasant, relaxed, easygoing, low-maintenance, placid; More
jovial, jolly, cheerful, happy, merry
“a mellow mood”
•relaxed and good-humored.
“Jean was feeling mellow”
synonyms: full-bodied, mature, well matured, full-flavored, rich, smooth
“a mellow wine”
•informal
relaxed and cheerful through being slightly drunk.
“everybody got very mellow and slept well”
3.
(of earth) rich and loamy.
verb
verb: mellow; 3rd person present: mellows; past tense: mellowed; past participle: mellowed; gerund or present participle: mellowing
1.
make or become mellow.
“getting older does mellow the hard edges around the anger”
synonyms: relax, unwind, loosen up, de-stress, slow down, take it easy; More
March 30th, 2018 at 4:58 pm
LMAO at SB trying to correct the spelling of a word….by spelling it wrong!!!! This site is the best. On top of SB, numerous guys on here who push pencils for a living saying Ronde is an idiot and doesn’t know how to evaluate a cornerbacks potential! SMH!
March 30th, 2018 at 5:01 pm
pash rush is all that is said….how about pressing the WR and not giving up the easiest route in football the slant which will give the DL more time to get to the QB. If we keep giving up slants and curls with no resistance we will never get sacks.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:05 pm
Hey TouchDownTampaBay\
marsh·mal·low
ˈmärSHˌmelō/Submit
noun
1.
a soft, chewy confection made with sugar and gelatin.
“toasting marshmallows over a campfire”
2.
a tall pink-flowered European plant that typically grows in brackish marshes. The roots were formerly used to make marshmallow, and it is sometimes cultivated for medi
March 30th, 2018 at 5:05 pm
@ TouchDownTampaBay
I never said ronde was an idiot…..but until Vernon “Marshmellow” Graves improves his play on the field…….he’s a bust taken at such a high spot on the draft…..and we all know you don’t pick a corner that high in the draft just to play nickel
Normally we see improvements by year two…but he regressed and not just by a little bit either…….
All of us Bucs fans hopes he can
March 30th, 2018 at 5:07 pm
And @ Anthem………It Always cracks me up when a layman tries to correct a Professional. Funny stuff there man.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:07 pm
No Rinse, he will be better when our dc isn’t a complete moron and putting him 12 yards away from the receiver on every snap. Slant route heaven it’s the same crap every season. I agree on Hargraeves the kid could be special, but not with this coaching stafg
March 30th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
big serious Says:
March 30th, 2018 at 5:01 pm
pash rush is all that is said….how about pressing the WR and not giving up the easiest route in football the slant which will give the DL more time to get to the QB. If we keep giving up slants and curls with no resistance we will never get sacks.
===========================================
No one knows for sure if it was the corner or the coaches scheme………maybe a little bit of both
but we all know one thing…………he played soft last season and got burnt way too many times
March 30th, 2018 at 5:14 pm
Couldn’t possibly agree more BucEmUp!
March 30th, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Also Anthem I am not trying to pick a fight but if you want to put the E-gloves on. 🙂
March 30th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
Ronde not rinse
March 30th, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Pretty much backs up what I and a minority few have said:
This guy’s problems are entirely mental.
His athleticism / measurable’s / ability is on par with many of the best CBs in this league.
And yes I’m referring to outside CBs. Or CBs like Chris Harris who play outside and inside.
This is an objective truth – in terms of tested athleticism and size. Shouldn’t even be a debate point with his play but that’s all anyone focuses on.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Let’s all just hope that after a full off-season of bitshing about it, maybe they let the corners press a little bit. In my.opinion that is the main factor that is keeping the Bucs out of the playoffs. If you turned the defense into a middle of the road, average 16th ranked it would make a world of difference.
I hope Ira was wrong when saying Licht and Dirk are attached at the hip. I kinda feel like Licht will get a chance to hire another hc, but if these corners don’t at least get close enough on the line to talk smack without screaming Koetter and Smith are guaranteed gone next season
March 30th, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Sadly, this seems to be a trending deal. If a drafted college player doesn’t like the team they’re drafted by they just play below expectations knowing that eventually they will be traded or released. Maybe I’m reaching a little but like the Joes always say, I’m just reading between the lines.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:26 pm
Lamarcus Says:
March 30th, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Get out of the this scheme. Which calls for corner to be back up. Pro- Grimes scheme. Get it out of here. Man up coverage like the rest of the league does
^^^Thank you! Here’s how you cover your defenses in defense. If you have no pass rush then you play man to disrupt the routes in hopes the QB needs to sit longer wating for the route to develop. If you play soft ass zone with no pass rush you give the QB all kinds of stress free me-time in the pocket just chilling, meanwhile your best corners are getting burned. Revis in his prime would get burned with the passrush the bucs put out last year.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:26 pm
There goes maxi pad and la Marcus from France. With their awful opinions…
March 30th, 2018 at 5:35 pm
His physical 40 is 4.6
His heart/desire for football forty is a 5.3
Merge the 2….. You have a 4th round pick
March 30th, 2018 at 5:36 pm
I hope R. Barber is right about this VHIII. This last season he reminded me more of Rod Smith than Wayne Haddix.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Just another underachieving has been running off with the mouth about a failed 1st rd pick… nothing more…
March 30th, 2018 at 5:44 pm
@Destinjohnny
Vernons 40 was 4.5
Marcus Peters 40 was 4.53
Next.
March 30th, 2018 at 5:52 pm
Now ronde is an underachieving has been. Omg
March 30th, 2018 at 6:00 pm
1 super bowl with that defense whyche handed dungy the clown is underachieving… championship is only accomplishment that matters everything else is useless bs for fanboys
March 30th, 2018 at 6:02 pm
Broy.. be careful when feeding the trolls.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
VH3 can not play on the outside. Even if we did play closer the big WR in the NFC South (Julio, Coleman, Funchess) would eat his short behind for breakfast, lunch, and dinner then ask for seconds.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:05 pm
By Tmaxi’s reasoning Dan Marino was NoWhere near Brad Johnson. Or Trent Dilfer for that matter. Stupid is as Stupid does.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:13 pm
Agreed SB I’m think maxi pad just does this to get us going
March 30th, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Hargreaves is an X factor. But that’s a bad thing. The only reason he is a X factor is because nobody is expecting anything from him.
Ronde, I’m sure, has some good points about his potential but I question VHIII’s heart. If the guy aren’t gonna care and if the guy aren’t gonna work hard to improve his game his “potential” will always be just that.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:20 pm
Tmaxipad. You just reached a new level of idiocy! LMAO!! You stupid fool! Ronde spents countless hours in the film room and worked harder than most to become the over achiever and future Ring of Honor player he will soon be and possibly HOFer. Do you not understand how stupid you sound to people who actually understand the game? Are you mentally challenged? It’s a serious question. Either you are or you just crossed a new level of trollhood. Man you are a stupid person.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:24 pm
Look we all know Vernon is a bust I knew it when they started him. That was one of the worst drafts Licht had. Now granted Eli Apple with the giants is an even bigger bust at corner we can accept it was a bad year for corners.
Thank God we have Gerald McCoy and JPP together to help the secondary this year by putting more pressure on qbs with curry and giving our secondary less time to have to cover. If you want a good corner in this league 6ft or taller is the way to go unfortunately their isn’t enough guys that big that can cover our there. Hence why guys like talib and Patrick Peterson and Sherman don’t come around that often
La Marcus and Maxi pad need to find a new team to root for
March 30th, 2018 at 6:36 pm
Alan, go look at VH3′ college highlights. The way Muschamp used him in press was how he was meant to be used. Granted he has yet to live up to expectations and is skirting the “bust” line, I along with a great many other think he is being misused just as LVD and Kwon are. I don’t have any suggestions but I’m not happy with the Defensive scheme as of right now.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Minkah
https://youtu.be/fi5_txRLqCY
March 30th, 2018 at 6:49 pm
SB….I’ll give the poster “Webster” the credit for bringing this up first…….But Mike Smith has been quoted on this site saying they would like to see VHIII play closer to the line.
It maybe that Vernon does not feel comfortable there, or he doesn’t trust himself to get beat over the top. I don’t know.
But I do remember our coaching saying after Vernon’s rookie season that he needs to get more aggressive attacking the ball.
Seems that it’s either mental or Vernon just does not have the skills to do what He coach’s want to see. It hasn’t been the scheme.
If Vernon was doing what they wanted he probably doesn’t get benched last year.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:51 pm
Hey guys listen-
If you don’t have a minimum of 4 super bowl championship rings, you’re worthless. You are just an underachieving, career loser who knows nothing about football and your opinions, analysis, insights and knowledge mean absolutely nothing.
So, since maxipad has never won a single football game in his life, let alone a “meaningful” game… what exactly does that make him?
March 30th, 2018 at 6:57 pm
D line being out biggest weakness in that draft
Combined with it being the strongest d line draft in 25 years
We take a small undersized db who’s priority is not football
A 235 pound d end who has one move to the outside and ran a 4.8 forty
And traded up for a kicker…
March 30th, 2018 at 6:58 pm
I care about what Rhonde thinks about as much as I care what my mother in law thinks
March 30th, 2018 at 7:09 pm
I heard the same things JimmyJack. However, I am not a professional in any part of coaching so I don’t know what is called for in his defensive responsibilities so I can’t judge. I watched every one of his college games and all I can tell you is something changed when he went pro. He didn’t line up the same anymore.
March 30th, 2018 at 7:17 pm
is “maxipad” what gets me moderated?
March 30th, 2018 at 7:24 pm
Obviously, they haven’t been as “nationally impressed” as much as we have locally with the FA period. USA Today 2018 NFL post-free agency power rankings show Bucs at #26. Sounds like they are looking at us as another 4-12/ 5-11 season as of this point in time.
March 30th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
LOL ub…….yes it gets you ‘moderated’. It has me several times.
March 30th, 2018 at 7:41 pm
@SOE totally agree man, pair him with a better pass rush and I honestly would not feel too terrible about our starting cbs if he’s playing opposite Grimes. I just don’t think there is a jalen Ramsey in this draft class at corner so why have we not gotten the couple of corners that produced back on this roster. And why rely on a rookie at corner. Lattimore did good last year with the saints but their whole offense/defense was more balanced due to their running game. A good running game can do wonders for a defense
March 30th, 2018 at 7:43 pm
First off Barber is not the type of person to call out someone individually! He will find good in everyone. When talking about raw talent the first thing left out is work ethic. So many players and workers in general have the raw talent to be successful but refuse to put in the time or effort to be great. Nights weekends holiday’s spare time are all required to be better than everyone else. Raw talent goes out the window after College and sometimes even H.S.
March 30th, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Well said Bucnjim.
Bradenton…..My 5hinking is the Bucs are waiting post draft before they make any moves at CB.
The first round might be the biggest factor. If they pick at 7 and Nelson falls then they will likely be releasing Sweezy and may use that money to sign another CB.
If they come out of the first round with a CB the need is much less and they will likely bring back McClain, or another journeyman.
March 30th, 2018 at 8:03 pm
“Moderation….did someone say moderation”
I don’t usually complain about it because I fear more of it….but I certainly get my share…..I’d list the trigger words but, this post would be then….you guessed it…..moderated.
March 30th, 2018 at 8:14 pm
@Jimmy definitely agree with most of your assessment but I just don’t see any of the big 3 available for the Bucs at 7. Unless someone trades up with the colts for a qb or the giants actually decide to get their qb of the future (I doubt it) I just don’t think Nelson/Chubb or Barkley are gonna be there. I am willing to bet the giants go Chubb if Cleveland doesn’t get him first, you can move a player like JPP and just find someone else. That’s why I am thinking the Bucs might go with the secondary, it seemed via the Joe’s interviews that CB remains the only position unaddressed where as all the other holes have been addressed (whether or not they actually plug those holes remains to be see , I think the jury is out on Jensen)
March 30th, 2018 at 8:18 pm
Try typing my original username TBBF. 🙂
March 30th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
SB I APPRECIATE YOUR PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE… with that being said… This guy was picked in the top 10 over all and is not a number round draft pick period. Borderline late 2 or 3rd round guy. With his recent smoking news Cleary that classify as a bust since you really can’t be a bust in the later rounds. Busts only happen when viewed as a great prospect that doesn’t work out. He is a Michel corner at best and I would love for Vernon Hardgraves to prove me wrong
March 30th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Haha yea guys I guess Joe has to keep us all in check somehow. Not an easy job.
Interesting to see what/who is allowed vs what/who isn’t though…
Anyhow, back to the draft and cornerback decision… we need a guy with some size. Grimes, VH3 and Ryan Smith are all small guys. I’m not closing the book on vh3 yet or R Smith (especially since he’s only had 1 season at CB), but you have to address the position more before the season starts.
Ageless Brent Grimes won’t be ageless forever. No one else on our current roster has played anywhere close to his level.
I agree with you Bradenton there is no Jalen level talent in this draft, so trading back would be ideal (easier said than done) .
March 30th, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Ok wait a minute I checked stats for VH, Ronde and Brian Kelly and neither Ronde nor Kelly had the year VH3 had in his first year; i.e., 67 tackles 10 PD. It actually took Ronde four years to get to double digits PD’s. He did have a higher sack total (3 in his second year with 59 tackles) but wasn’t really that effective as pass defender. Don’t forget Ronde had a chance to develop under a good PD in Donnie Abraham. So maybe it is coaching or scheme that’s hurting him.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:09 pm
Ryan Smith, Javien Elliot aren’t going to cut as outside DB’s.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:15 pm
Good point Tony…..And if you remember, Brian Kelly was absolutely awful in coverage his first year or two here.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:15 pm
Ronde had 2 interceptions in his 2nd, 3rd, and fourth year.
As an example Richard Sherman’s PD numbers for his first four years;17,24, 18, 11 w/ 4,8,8, and 4 int’s.
VH3 had 1 in his first year and 0 last year.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:17 pm
Yes JimmyJack I remember that but up front pressure made things easier on the secondary.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:19 pm
Wasn’t Kiffin’s scheme soft on coverage as well? They didn’t press right?
March 30th, 2018 at 9:20 pm
That’s a good point but this guy was not a first round caliber player they dropped the ball just like the giants did we Eli Apple that year. The game has changed alot since the early 90s the average height of an NFL receiver is 6ft 2. Think about That? 6ft 2! So if teams continue to think a 5ft 11 or 5 ft10 corner can jump with these guys is ludicrous. Remember back in the day when the bucs had keyshawn Johnson and the tallest corner on the falcons was 5″10? The bucs owned the falcons for 3 years tossi ng it up to guys like keyshawn and Joe jurevicous. I know my analogy is old but I remember teams struggling to cover our tall receivers.i guess I could have went with the VJAX and Evans example.
Point is in today’s NFL you need tall athletic corners to cover these tall wrs since you can’t touch them. VH3 is a good player but not a top 10 pick of the draft
March 30th, 2018 at 9:24 pm
If the coaching staff was truly committed to keeping the best defensive backs after training camp was over, regardless of their draft status or not, and not concerned about saving face, VH3 would be traded or released. jmo
March 30th, 2018 at 9:25 pm
If Nelson Chubb and Barkley don’t make it to 7 and we can’t find a partner to trade down with I hope they take Derwin James. Taller corners taller safeties it just makes it easier in the red zone and on deep balls to cover these tall wrs.
Guys if We can FIX this SECONDARY IN THIS DRAFT we will make the playoffs! Mark my words
March 30th, 2018 at 9:26 pm
I’d be completely comfortable with getting an established player to plug a hole by trading but as it stands they have 3 gaping holes; RB, OL and CB. If we draft a safety good god then Licht might as well get on indeed and start looking. But I just don’t see any blue chip prospects available for us at 7 so if we can get someone worth while for 7, I would do it. You gotta be in win now with McCoy and LVD not getting any younger
March 30th, 2018 at 9:31 pm
Not to diss you Alan a great safety can total change a defense (see great 6 games by Kieth Tandy) but Derwin James doesn’t splash the same way the Honey Badger did at LSU. Top 10 picks need to be sure fire or you are wasting a pick for the sake of youth. It’s a young mans game but our safety play was not all that bad espeically with some of the play making Justin Evans brought. You need a bruiser back there at SS and I just don’t see one in this draft
March 30th, 2018 at 9:33 pm
AGREED shut down corners are as hard to find as franchise quarterbacks and defensive ends. Every good team or playoff team super bowl team whatever has atleast one shut down corner. We don’t have that. Darwin James might be the best option if he can play corner in the NFL. Either way we need a corner and a safety and a running back. They don’t have a 3rd round pick so it’s going to be tough to get 3 starters with a first second and 4th. So what do you do? Corner then running back then safety in fourth round?
March 30th, 2018 at 9:36 pm
I’m not offended actually I agree with you but the pieces we need just aren’t in this year’s draft and since we didn’t sign the honey badger And didn’t go after bashad breeland I’m not really sure how we make lemonade with oranges brother
March 30th, 2018 at 9:37 pm
I think you can get quality rbs in the later rounds so I’d imagine they would go for the secondary first. At least from Joe’s take it seemed like a consistent topic between Koetter/Licht
March 30th, 2018 at 9:38 pm
Glad you finally wrote something about this from Barber’s interview earlier in the week. Playing in the SEC, Hargreaves has faced the likes of Amari Cooper, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Kelvin Benjamin, Laquon Treadwell, and other great receivers and helped shut them down for UF. No reason to give up on him after 2 seasons.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:39 pm
Ok so keep Hargreaves at nickel. He’s a decent tackler. Now you have depth at nickel but no cover corner.From what I read and hear there are no “sure fire’ corners in the draft. Ok so does that mean were going to have to trade for a decent corner? Is there an answer?
March 30th, 2018 at 9:40 pm
My worry with VH3 is his slant game. But then again he did demonstrate a better game in man press in the slot. We should be experimenting at man press in the outside. That can’t work when CB1 Grimes HAVE to play 10 yards off also. This scheme will not cut it with those 2 Grimes and Vh3. U needed a stud like Sherman or another lock down corner that can man up and slide your coverage towards Vh3. Pass rush fixed
This defense is not about putting ppl in right position why when vh3 got benched McClain was back even further?
Again we needed a shut down corner that man press and cover man the opposite teams number receiver. And calls out the number 1 guy. And gets pissed when he didn’t get the opportunity too because of coaching scheme.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:40 pm
Well that’s why I am okay with taking on someone contract but who and what I can’t even begin to be privey to, at that point that’s madden talk but a team with depth could look to move up if we can snag a CB in return. But I agree it is pretty hopeless, it definitely feels like we will be going into another season with another gaping hole at a starting position, be it RB or CB
March 30th, 2018 at 9:41 pm
Maybe you’re right about converting James to corner. He has the range but does he have the speed?
March 30th, 2018 at 9:41 pm
I’d like to get secondary player in first round and try to get guice in the 2nd round if he makes it. Or trade back in to the end of the first round to get guice I think he will be just as good as Leonard fournett I know u might say I’m crazy but I think guice is the real deal. I guess u got sony out there or the other bulldog running back Chubb. Not sure much after that can be a 3 down back and block in pass coverage
March 30th, 2018 at 9:43 pm
I honestly think Nelson will be there at 7. Just don’t know if Licht will pull the trigger or trade back.
March 30th, 2018 at 9:44 pm
@Alan and yes I would have liked both or one of those signings, particularly Mathieu
March 30th, 2018 at 9:45 pm
Like I said we’re looking for a apple in a group of oranges not sure the number one corner is really in this year’s draft we need a shut down corner we let the rams get both talib and Peters unbelievable how we didn’t get in on that. I don’t know fellas we just need to figure out a way to fix the back end of this defense. It’s a joke quarterbacks were throwin the ball around at will on us as if it’s as if it was backyard football. We can’t stop the pass pretty embarrassing
March 30th, 2018 at 9:56 pm
It’s partly the coverage and partly the players, Hargreaves just isn’t good a bump and run his problem is his footwork is sloppy and he doesn’t have the nfl speed that you need. His technique is awful and all you gotta do is watch the other side of the defense and how Grimes does it. You can play off the receiver you just gotta read that play and break on the ball. We are perfectly set up for the slant almost every time they run in but when we break the run a sluggo when we don’t they run a slant right in front of us it’s a communication between safety/Linebacker and corner compounded by an ineffective pass rush
March 30th, 2018 at 9:56 pm
Isn’t a good bump and run corner*
March 30th, 2018 at 9:59 pm
Yep so true Braden. I got a bed feeling that somebody currently on our roster is gonna have to step it up because I don’t think will find everything in tha draft. I would love for it to be Josh Evans or I would love hargraves to prove me wrong
March 30th, 2018 at 10:02 pm
I am very happy with what Jason light has done so far I just don’t know how the pieces are gonna fall into place in this year’s draft. I am so ready for this draft looking forward to it. We suck and have sucked for a long time may be this is the year to break the playoff drought?
March 30th, 2018 at 10:05 pm
SB if Nelson is there at 7 we have to take him. Nelson Jensen and marpet in the middle would be bad ass for the bucs
March 30th, 2018 at 10:14 pm
That’s assuming Winston isn’t suspended, which, reading between the info I’ve gotten from Iras interview with Goodell seems to be lost in we’ll get to it when it’s convenient (when it becomes public-image damaging when real talk about the nfl comes back into the National media’s purview) land. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s handled like Zeke Elliot’s case last season.
March 30th, 2018 at 10:18 pm
He wasn’t in that Uber ride… he was at the local publix stealing crab legs bro
March 30th, 2018 at 10:19 pm
It’s the curse of Ryan Fitzpatrick anywhere he signs he ends up starting it’s just a thing we have to deal with Ryan Fitzpatrick is a curse if your team as a starting quarterback
March 30th, 2018 at 10:21 pm
If Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed by the patriots Brady would break his leg in week one. For some reason the footballl gods wanna see him on the field starting even if the team never sees it coming lol
March 30th, 2018 at 10:29 pm
@Alan lol nice. Thank god we resigned him though
March 30th, 2018 at 10:33 pm
Hahaha
March 30th, 2018 at 10:58 pm
Ronde knows more about the CB position than any of us do … Hargreaves has the talent to be great … but he needs to put in the work to become such.
March 30th, 2018 at 10:59 pm
Man I just watched Denzel Ward highlights. That kid is really good. He has great technique and is a little cocky. I am all for drafting him. He looks like he could be a lockdown corner. And he ran a 4.32 I think or somewhere close to that. His college tape looks like he could change are whole defense take away half the field type guy. I have been looking passed. If any of you haven’t watch his 2017 tape it’s impressive. He is the receivers hip pocket the whole time and turns his head with perfect timing. I don’t know who coaches Dbs at Ohio State. But the bucs really should look into hiring him.
March 30th, 2018 at 11:27 pm
Jeff I completely agree he has been producing 1st round and 2 round corners for years now. I love ward too.
March 31st, 2018 at 12:05 am
Ronde played nickel most of the time so whats wrong with playing the nickel. He not that bad playing outside if you watch the tape you will see he played good when he wasn’t off the line.
March 31st, 2018 at 1:32 am
LaMarcus,
Your biggest problem is his slant game?
Bro, you joking ?
No worries, lot’s of bucs fans agree with you.
So to you and the clones I will say don’t worry about slants……Hargraves hasn’t blown the coverage in any game nor has he been beaten on the route.
Now go have a think, reevaluate his game and then let us know what you come up with.
March 31st, 2018 at 2:06 am
TRUMPMAXCON: STAY ON THE BLACK! AND HOW MANY SUPERBOWLS DID ANY OTHER BUCS COACH WIN !!!! You sound stupid!!
March 31st, 2018 at 2:07 am
Just bring in breeland . SMH
March 31st, 2018 at 2:13 am
Breeland and draft ward problem solved . Gives us a ready vet with talent and a guy we can develop behind him and grimes . I’m for it . No offense to vh3 , but he’s just no Ronde barber and be ain’t an outside corner at this level . At least not right now . Breeland failed his physical so what . He said himself it was for something stupid . A gash opened back up . He will heal he won’t die . Call him and benefit from the panthers making a huge mistake letting him go over a silly failed physical . 1 year deal 8 mill sounds good for both parties . Good year in TB and he gets a much longer deal ……
March 31st, 2018 at 2:15 am
Also bring in delvin breaux was on the edge of looking like an all time great CB until he was hurt . Let him have a second chance to revive his career . A man with 19 pds as a rookie deserves at least that in my opinion. .
March 31st, 2018 at 2:23 am
Also guys need to quit being hurt every season . its ridiculous. Vh3 miss3d half the season. Kwon 4 games lvd 4 games . Spence has playe healthy in like 5 games in 2 years . How can we ever get to where we wanna be when 90% of our defense is hurt and worst always at different times too !!!!! Year before Ayers had 4 games missed from ankle injury . If the problem continues maybe letting guys go who are always hurt may be a good idea ….. See guys claim inuries and then don’t wanna play caysenthey got 12 mill in the bank and wanna chill lol. Naw that don’t work for me haha. I wanna see a bad*** defense and to get that 16 games from 11 of our starters is needed.
March 31st, 2018 at 2:26 am
I’d keep Hargreaves over Delvin Breaux to be honest.
March 31st, 2018 at 2:57 am
basically barber wants to coach for the bucs and in layman’s words he is saying “i and only i can fix har-grievances”
#HargreavesBePuffinTheStuffin
March 31st, 2018 at 7:24 am
Bradenton….what games did you see ANY bucs corners playing bump and run. I can’t recall one play. That’s where vh3 did well in fl it’s this soft zone crap that’s killing everyone
March 31st, 2018 at 7:59 am
I agree with Matt they need to sign breeland. He would start day one with grimes VH3 plays nichel and we can go get derwin James or Minkah fitz if Nelson Bradley Chubb and Barkley are off the board.
La Marcus and Maxi pad con are the worst
March 31st, 2018 at 9:30 am
Tmax = Clickbait
Don’t get sucked in…..
March 31st, 2018 at 11:49 am
@BucEmUp I can’t accurately recall games where he pressed on the outside but when they moved Hargreaves to the nickel last year he actually played a noticeable amount more of bump and run, the sample size is small because not long after Hargreaves was hurt and effectively out for the year. But if you look at how they played Hargreaves in the nickel his press was more soft then some of the presses you see from other corners in the league.
March 31st, 2018 at 2:25 pm
Ricky Reynolds was a high quality corner for a long long time , l would put him in the mix. He played Randy Moss really tough numerous times !!
Coverage skills were as good as any pro bowler from his era, he just wasn’t flashy or out spoken but dam could he cover !!
March 31st, 2018 at 3:03 pm
It was Andre Rison and Herman Moore I believe he shut down and I believe one of them said he was the best corner they play against ……. anyway he was a great cover guy