Ignoring Offensive Linemen
April 3rd, 2018
Forgotten.
For the better part of three months, Joe has heard a drumbeat from a sect of Bucs fans that would even unnerve John Bonham after a while — if he wasn’t pushing up daisies.
“Quenton Nelson… Quenton Nelson… Quenton Nelson… “
That’s all some Bucs fans want it seems in the draft, like this guy is the only guard in the draft. Now Joe isn’t trying to suggest this Nelson will be a bust, but the Bucs have much bigger needs than a guard at No. 7.
(Yes, Joe believes — no one has told him this — just by reading the tea leaves if Nelson is on the board at No. 7, the Bucs will pull the lever on him.)
In Joe’s mind there are two other damned good guards in this draft, Will Hernandez of UTEP and Isaiah Wynn of Georgia. When it comes to Wynn, if you can block in the SEC, then you can block. When it comes to Hernandez, Joe can’t find too many folks who don’t come away impressed.
Take former NFL executive Louis Riddick who works for BSPN these days. He’s a big booster of Hernandez.
@LRiddickESPN: Will Hernandez will make you love watching offensive line play (if you like football that is). The man is a stud. Plain and simple.
This is why Joe is a big believer of trading down out of the No. 7 spot to a quarterback-hungry team if Saquon Barkley or Bradley Chubb are not on the board.
The Bucs could trade back, pick up an extra draft pick, and potentially draft Marcus Davenport, Sony Michel as well as Hernandez or Wynn.
That’s a win-win-win in Joe’s eyes.
Be there for Thursday’s Round 1, April 26. Arrive early. Return for Rounds 2 and 3 the following day.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:08 am
Yessss!!!
I will run laps around the house from joy if that scenario played out. Although I’d trade a DB in for Davenport. I watched this mammoth at the combine and just couldn’t believe how he moves at his size.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:26 am
The reason we like Nelson is the surety. He’s basically a lock to be at least a good guard. How often do you hear a guard in the ‘big 3’ of a draft??? The guy is an immediate offensive line upgrade well and far beyond the other 2. It’s the difference between Michael Pittman and Barry Sanders. Sure Pittman was a decent running back too….but Barry Sanders.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:32 am
@Joe … “Now Joe isn’t trying to suggest this Nelson will be a bust, but the Bucs have much bigger needs than a guard at No. 7.” Be still my heart. Been saying this forever it seems but all I read is Nelson is a generational talent, draft the BPA, blah, blah, blah. Even IF that’s true, Bucs have ‘BIGGER NEEDS THAN A GUARD AT NO. 7″ just like you said Joe. My dream scenario (assuming Barkley & Chubb are gone) would have us picking Hernandez, Vea, Fitzpatrick, Ward AND Michel in Rnds 1 & 2. Minor problem: Bucs only have 2 picks in those Rnds. Conclusion: Ain’t gonna happen … we can’t fix it all in a year. Rats.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:37 am
I would trade down to #12 with the Bills get a 2nd and take DE Davenport. You can never have enough pass rushers! Then I have the option to trade back with NE or trade up in the second round for Wynn or Hernandez. Then take RB Penny with my remaining second round pick.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:38 am
I’ve been talking up Hernandez for a bit as a very nice consolation prize if we were not to get Nelson, which we likely won’t. I’d still be very happy with him if we got him. Don’t know anything about Wynn, although I’m inclined to agree about the notion that effective blocking in the SEC being a good indicator of future success.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:53 am
The lineman Quenton Nelson faced and dominated for the last two years, has been will docucemented #fact.
As for as Will Hernandez, you got what one, maybe two. He’s a decent guard yes, but lets not fool ourselves. There’s a huge gap in talent here.
Comparing Quenton Nelson to Will Hernandez – is like comparing Steve Hutchinson to Manny Ramirez or Louis Vasquez.
Sure both Manny & Louis were both serviceable guards, and had decent careers. But Hutchinson will have a bust in Canton.
April 3rd, 2018 at 5:54 am
The lineman Quenton Nelson faced and dominated for the last two years, has been will documented #fact.
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:02 am
I remember watching HUTCH in Seattle, saying to myself WOW I haven’t seen a dude this dominat -since Randel McDaniel.
The moment Seattle lost him to Minnesota – told a couple buddies – it’s a wrap ya’ll lost HUTCH. He anchored that line.
Honorable Mention: Alan Faneca<– Another (Q.N. -Comparable) Beast that doesn't get enough respect.
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:08 am
Comparables
-Steve Hutchinson
-Alan Faneca
-David DeCastro
-Logan Mankins
That’s some high cotton, no doubt. But this kid has that kind of make-up.
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:32 am
Secondary in the 1st round. I dont care if its a safety or CB anymore. By far the biggest need is the secondary.
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:37 am
Yes!!! With this plan we could get another three or four starters. This draft is deepest at CB, RB, DT, Safety and guard. With a move back and more picks we could get starters with each of our premium picks (first three rounds including early round 4).
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:39 am
Would you rather have a HOF Guard or a solid team who can push for a playoff berth?
I prefer Joe’s idea to trading down if Barkley and Chubb are gone. The only problem I see is if #5 and #6 are more attractive than #7. A desperate team would want to get as close to the top as possible to get their QB in fear of not going up far enough to c-block another team from leap frogging them.
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:45 am
Derwin James in the first round and Ronald Jones, Guice or Michel in the 2nd.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:00 am
Don’t mind a trade back, only if The 3 are off the board, but can’t go farther than 14 with the Cards and looking for their 2nd this year and next year
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:01 am
I have to agree with LUV on this one Joe. Wynn and Hernandez would be good “plan B” players if Nelson doesn’t make it to us, BUT, there’s no way you pass on this kid. IMO, of course.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:18 am
If Nelson is available that most likely means the top 4 QB are gone along with anyone interested in trading to #7. If someone want to pay dearly for Lamar Jackson I say we take advantage but it ain’t going to happen. If we are forced to pick at 7 and we have to choose between Nelson and Ward/Fitzpatrick/James I say we take the closest thing to a sure fire all-pro we can get.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:20 am
Will Hernandez is most definitely a stud! I honestly think we have a better chance of getting Nelson at 7 than Hernandez at whatever pics we would moved back to get.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:27 am
Free teemax
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:30 am
“Ignoring Offensive Linemen”
I thought from the title that this article was going to be about Mark Dominic who never drafted an OLineman in 5 years as Bucs GM. FIVE YEARS of ignoring a position group that amounts to a full 20% of any NFL team’s roster – SMH
Then I quickly remembered who was writing the article…
If Nelson is on the board at #7 you take him and thank your lucky stars you are getting such an amazing prospect at an area of need. Grab a RB in rd 2 and watch how good this offense instantly becomes. Rest of draft goes to defense in that case obviously.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:30 am
If we waste the #7 pick on a guard it would be a big mistake unless he can play cornerback too.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:40 am
I’d rather them still pick up a cornerback and safety in the free agency and use the draft for running back, defensive ends, offensive guards.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:43 am
Speaking for Pablo
“Thanks so much, Hoe…..for suggesting that Hason may pick up Will Hernandez….that would make Pablo very happy. Hason could trade down and still pick up a CB, RB & maybe a DE…..or Hason could pick up Hoe Scarborough in a later round”
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:55 am
@Bucsfanman, Pickgrin
One Point – as usual my brothas.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:57 am
I concur…this Hernandez guy has been evaluated as a nice secondary choice for value after Nelson, seems like plug and play at RG.
Go Bucs!
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:04 am
Can the countdown to draft night be any slower?
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:10 am
2018 Senior Bowl Practice Analysis || Day 2 OL vs DL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KA8nUyv_R8
Shout-Outs to my BrothaVoch Lombardi
Always point out quality takes on prospects.
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:11 am
Watch the Bucs trade down and swap picks along with getting young veteran starting DB
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:11 am
2018 Draft || Film Session || Will Hernandez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aux55iUNtk
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:21 am
Shout-Outs to my Brotha – Voch Lombardi
Always puts out quality takes on prospects.
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:23 am
Now G/T – Quenton Nelson
2018 Draft || Film Session || Quenton Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lcn3dZvgdQ
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:28 am
Please no James. No more FSU 3 or 4 year project players.
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:41 am
Hard to believe you’re really quoting Louis Riddick since I don’t see a picture of Marshall Faulk.
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:48 am
No gents. You dont just blindly go after the biggest needs. You draft the best talent available at any position of need. Nelson is the best player in the draft, team can use a guard. Helps run game, helps pass game, helps defense stay off field. (No safety can do that)
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:55 am
I mention the Joes name who wrote this article and my post got deleted lol. That’s petty crap.
April 3rd, 2018 at 8:57 am
LUV- Nelson faced superior opposition and just flat out looks better AND meaner. Dude, he just moves people!
To me, it’s an absolute “no-brainer” pick if he’s there.
April 3rd, 2018 at 9:19 am
Bucsfanman
Oo No doubt brotha.
April 3rd, 2018 at 9:30 am
that would work for me!!!!!….those are 2 day1 guards…..if licht pulls something like that off, glazers should give him an extention once the draft is over…..dirk and smitty still have to work for theirs……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 3rd, 2018 at 9:33 am
There’s a saying in the investment world…..bulls and bears make money….hogs get slaughtered. We traded away the 3rd round pick for an immediate upgrade to the d-line and a legit starting DE. If i told you before the JPP trade, in this draft we’ll walk away with two studs/starters….one on offense…one on defense……Most would agree that we did just fine. JPP was our third rd pick….we got one starter from this draft. Unless we are total retards, we will get another stud player at #7 and a pretty solid player in the 2nd rd. From the 4th rd and beyond its all developmental players for depth….at best. We sit tight and dont over think it.
April 3rd, 2018 at 9:59 am
Just don’t think Bucs will draft a RB in the first unless it’s Barkley or if our second pick is at the bottom range for Sony Michel. Koetter is very well known for not liking rookie RBs and taking them early. I would think it would turn out to be a DT/DE and DB in the first and then a RB in the second (also not 100% going to happen).
April 3rd, 2018 at 10:09 am
I think Marcus Davenport is gonna be a Stud in the NFL for many years, if he gets the right coaching.
His raw talent level is off the chains!
April 3rd, 2018 at 10:22 am
The way I see it you cannot count trade down as an option. You can’t force a desired QB to be there or a team to want them enough to trade up for them. You also can’t force another team to offer us the needed value to trade away our pick. It is completely out of our hands…….I think the whole premise of this article is flawed since it does not entertain the option of having no trade down options and picking another player at 7 over Nelson.
It just sounds like none of the options laid out here are in our hands……Chubb, Barkley or trade down? And if none of those are avialable……????
April 3rd, 2018 at 11:10 am
LuvMyBucs
Steve Hutchinson may well have been the best Guard in NFL history.
Never won a Superbowl. Only went to one.
Guards can only have so much influence on a game. Now matter how good they are- they arent going to have the Impact of a Left Tackle,tight end, RB, DE . Or Cornerback.
We should try to get Barkley.
If not- trade down. We can get great value in the 2nd level
April 3rd, 2018 at 11:25 am
I don’think the BUCCS should sleep on Nick Chubb either. big ,fast, explosive back that can go through or around defenders. works hard is super strong and is loyal with a heart of a worrier. Forget the knee, watch the total package. The MAN is a leader.
April 3rd, 2018 at 11:28 am
Good teams have good lines. Nelson makes the OL go from average to above average OL. Thats huge for a QB and the run game. The impact Nelsons personality can have on a locker room is invaluable.
Nelson must be the pick if available
April 3rd, 2018 at 11:36 am
I think they get Olinemen in rds 3-7, one or two of them.
DB and DLine and RB are Much bigger needs in rounds 1-2/3
April 3rd, 2018 at 11:43 am
if the bills or whoever wants to trade up id do it for an offer they cant refuse do the bills have two 1st’s? id take that an a third
April 3rd, 2018 at 12:11 pm
NO WAY.
You don’t pass on Nelson.
Yes, there are goof guards like there are every year.
There is one bona fide stud guard that rates higher than almost any other guard in a decade.
Those are the difference makes that make teams special.
Get Nelson.
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
April 3rd, 2018 at 12:18 pm
*****************
I’M LOVING ALL THE THREADS AND COMMENTS LATELY as it seems that nearly 100% of the people on this site now are parroting my mantra of:
“SAQUON, CHUBB, NELSON or TRADE DOWN”
And THAT is absolutely the proper course of action for this team imho.
Also … I still think there’s a 90% chance we get either Saquon, Nelson or Chubb as I just can’t see any of the top 4 QBs not going in those first 6 picks … maybe, maybe Mayfield slips but I just don’t think he will … and if he does, I hope it’s us that can pull off a trade of #7 to the Bills for #12 and #22 … and maybe #96 as well.
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April 3rd, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Deeyham!! One of the few articles I agree 100% with Joe on!! Bucs got way to many needs than to pick a future Guard for now. Yes, Nelson will be good in the NFl. We are not rebuilding. We are trying to win now..this seasonr..this year. We’d better continue to shore up our pityful Defense from last year. Hell, you can draft 2 Nelson’s. Won’t matter unless you can stop the opposition.
April 3rd, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Any GM that drafts a guard in the top 10 deserves to be fired immediately. Any fan that suggests as much needs to hand in their fan cards. I don’t care how good Nelson is supposed to be, he’s a guard, and he will never ever be a difference maker. I watched his Miami game yesterday, good game for him, gave up a few pressures, did okay, tried to finish, opened some holes… MADE NO DIFFERENCE! Notre Dame didn’t put their first (and only) points on the board until there were mere seconds left in the the 3rd quarter… why is this? BECAUSE HE’S A FREAKING GUARD! Guards are NOT difference makers and they never will be. Johnathan Cooper and Chance Warmack were the last guards chosen in the top 10 of the draft (same draft, BTW, also same result—BUSTS).
If an offensive guard can’t cut it at guard, guess where he plays? NOWHERE. At least if you miss on a tackle he can always slide to guard a la Robert Gallery or Tony Mandarich and others… guards than can’t play guard are out of the league! It doesn’t matter… guards don’t lead teams to championships…. what did the Bucs having the two highest paid guards in the NFL history (Nicks and Mankins) do for them in the win column? NOTHING! They are literally the LEAST important position on a football team and should NEVER be taken top 10. Just freaking stop with this BS!
April 3rd, 2018 at 12:56 pm
@ CaptTim…
Great take there sir! Completely agree with you there.
Go Bucs! Go Bold! Go Barkley! Go Primetime!
April 3rd, 2018 at 1:20 pm
Can we make a list of “difference making” Guards?
Guards who have pushed their team into the Superbowl?
Again. We are overvaluing guards with the 7th pick.
April 3rd, 2018 at 1:23 pm
This highlights the need for a trade down. We can’t grab OG, RB, and CB to make an immediate impact unless we acquire a third rounder. We could really shore up the remaining personnel holes with a trade down… Who knows? If we trade down, maybe we could score 2 more picks. Coming away with a DE, a RB, a CB, and an OG in the first 2 days should make every Bucs fan happy.
April 3rd, 2018 at 1:24 pm
moderation moderation moderation [smfh] … take me off the list j0e.
April 3rd, 2018 at 2:00 pm
All the guys being mentioned are great athletes. But one of them…Nelson is known as particularly mean. I just think having three giant mean guys across the interior of our line sets us up for years and has the ability to become one of those lines that produces numerous thousand yard RB’s.
But most of all having three S O B’s in the heart of our offense would dictate a nice attitude. LOL
April 3rd, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Koetter isn’t the one making the draft picks. Licht is! Koetter will work with whatever draft pics Licht makes.
April 3rd, 2018 at 7:43 pm
GUARDS can be extremely important … just ask Emmitt Smith! He was nothing compared to Barry Sanders, yet he’s the all-time leading rusher and has 3 rings and he owes most of that, not to his tackles but his guards: Larry Allen, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, etc.
April 3rd, 2018 at 10:00 pm
I think the point is the Bucs aren’t going to be overly disappointed if they don’t get a guard in this draft, it’s just that IF Nelson is there at 7 It’s a steal, kinda like with OJ last year, you can’t leave those type of players on the board if they fall to you.
April 3rd, 2018 at 10:26 pm
NFLnut-
Larry Allen- 2nd round draft pick
Nate Newton- undrafted Free agent
Im too good at this- for you to make my point for me! Lol
I think Emmitt might give More Credit to Troy Aikman and Michael Irving.
April 4th, 2018 at 12:44 am
I like Davenport but I wouldn’t trade down too far.