Matt Forte Makes Sony Michel Seem Bucs-Ready
April 25th, 2018
A poignant and intriguing take on Georgia running back Sony Michel was delivered today by one of the great running backs of this decade: Matt Forte.
Now an emerging media voice on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Forte knows plenty about a running back’s workload and rhythm. Only 22 men in NFL history have more touches than he does.
Forte has been studying the running backs in the draft and he’s very high on Michel. Today, Forte marveled how Michel ran the ball last season with a tremendous rhythm, passion and effectiveness despite limited carries in a part-time role.
That’s rare stuff, Forte explained, discussing how most top backs at any level need a build-up of carries for peak effectiveness.
Michel’s 7.9 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns on the ground last season with just 11 carries per game really had Forte tipping his cap. By contrast, Forte said, Saquon Barkley never really came off the field, including playing special teams. That was no knock on Barkley, just an illustration.
Michel is primed to step into the NFL and share carries, Michel said, and that’s rare advantage among college backs.
Of course, that got Joe thinking of how Michel landing Tampa would immediately put him in a competitive position with Peyton Barber. Before you laugh that off, the Bucs believe in Barber and Joe is confident Dirk Koetter wouldn’t sprint at the chance to trust a rookie running back carrying the load and pass blocking. So it would help to have a rookie back used to sharing.
Would Michel last until the draft’s second round on Friday night? Maybe the Bucs get that lucky. Maybe.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:05 pm
I think he may be the best in the draft. Let’s take him in the 1st round. Then go defense for the rest of the draft.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Guy just moves really smooth. Barber + Him would be 2 guys who are super efficient in terms of maximizing the gain and Michel has home run capability regardless of the 40 time
26 hours 54 minutes to go!
April 25th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Get CJ Anderson, and focus on building the defense or get Quentin Nelson if available at #7. As Lovie would say, Simple As That!
April 25th, 2018 at 5:11 pm
Imagine if we signed Blount for the 3 mil he was asking but he’s a bad guy can’t have him and his 3 SB rings in Tampa.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:11 pm
Barkley is in another realm this year for RB.
Micheal would be a great consolation prize. He really has excellent vision and patience similar to L. Bell. Has great burst and elusiveness as well and he will lay the hammer on DBs.
Barkley is #1 but I think Guice is 2a and Michael is 2b.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:15 pm
i hope we take derwin james but i wouldn’t be mad if we took Fitzpatrick we need to address the defense first and no chris conte is not the answer
April 25th, 2018 at 5:30 pm
Fivethirtyeight.com has a good analysis about why drafting Barkley (or any RB in the 1st round for that matter) would be a mistake. It seems to fit the thinking among coaches (like Koetter) that RBs should share the workload rather than be featured as a “workhorse”. The Bucs desperately need to draft an RB, but Licht would do well to wait until the 2nd at the highest to draft one. I have a feeling that the Bucs will draft Minkah Fitzpatrick in the 1st.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/heres-why-drafting-saquon-barkley-could-be-a-mistake/
April 25th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Yes to the Dr. Stroud and the fivethirtyeight article. Do NOT take Barkley if he is there at 7. That would be a mistake, especially if we have the option to trade down. The value is not there, not even close.
Take Nelson at 7, or TRADE DOWN. Way more value with several first rounders than just one.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:35 pm
Trade up at the end of the first, I’d give are 6th this year and a 4th next year to move up. If the browns don’t take Barkley 4th and say take that LT outta Notre dame which wouldnt shock me the least with the loss of Thomas and bringing in a new shiny franchise QB. I think we would have to get in front of at least philly. Perfect scenario if big three plus the LT that means are before we pick which means 2 QBs are looming would be a trade back with buffalo and take the 12th overall both of the seconds they have and a sixth plus maybe a fourth next year. Then hope the drafts falls perfect for us, my personal picks with those selections from buffalo I’d go
1. Alexander CB
2.michel RB(trade up)
3.Harrison S
4.BEST Available PASS RUSHER(22 sacks should never be a thing again)
5.Bo Scarborough RB(draft two rodg is gone next year)
6.averret CB
7. Callaway WR(dude has 1st round ability with 16 year old brain 7th round pick for a guy who might turn to a stud)
Sure many disagree but I think this draft makes us immediately better three backs to give the rock to a starting CB a hard hitting run stuffing strong safety more pash rush depth and possibly the steal of the draft if he grows up in Callaway. Also I didn’t go both first because unless new England gets involved which I personally doubt, they wont surrender that other 1st round pick.
GO BUCS!!!
April 25th, 2018 at 5:40 pm
The only thing I don’t like about him is he’s 24 years old about to be 25 this year. It will be great if get penny to go with him. Cut Simms n Rogers that will be great.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:40 pm
Walktheplank, whoa whoa!slow down!!I like Sony Michel to but not at number7.slow down on the Jack Daniels my friend!
April 25th, 2018 at 5:43 pm
Oneilbucs, Sims is a free agent and doesn’t have a job as of right now.he isn’t under contract with Tampa or anyone else.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:44 pm
I’d be more happy about getting Sony than whoever we get in the 1st rd. Something about this kid. He’s going to be special.
April 25th, 2018 at 5:51 pm
So, reports are out from Rapoport and several others that the Browns are shopping their 4 really hard. Great news for us getting one of the big 3. Also, it totally squelches the idea of the Browns taking Barkley at 1. Also, Hue’s agent says he knows who the pick is.
Of course, I’ve been a tradedown guy. Nevertheless, if we get Nelson or Chubb, I’ll break my beer fast with a high gravity micro brew. If we get Barkley, I’ll still be happy.
Finally, I ridiculed the math literacy of people here who said things like, “If the big three are gone and we can’t tradedown…” and “If we have a choice between Nelson and Barkley, we should take …” It now looks like the latter scenario might actually happen. I will acknowledge my own lack of acumen if that occurs. A number of people have ridiculed me for saying that there is a strong likelihood of Barkley being there at 7 and a possibility that Chubb is available. The odds of the former have waned slightly, but it’s still the most likely scenario. The odds of the latter have gone up dramatically, from less than 5% to over 15%.
April 25th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Guice, Michel, Chubb or Penny early and maybe Carryon or Scarborough later (5th rd if still there).
April 25th, 2018 at 6:08 pm
It’s the height of Silly Season. Can’t trust a word you hear right now. Traditional wisdom will probably still rule the day.
April 25th, 2018 at 6:11 pm
My favorite back, which is why I know we won’t get him
April 25th, 2018 at 6:14 pm
The Browns are stupid if they trade out again at 4 imo. They’ve already traded down the last few drafts and by doing so missed out on QBs and other top prospects that would have better served them.
This draft has 3 consensus blue chip players. They already have 3 f*cking 2nd round picks lol. They don’t need a sh1t load of players as much as they need more sure things.
Their roster isn’t even that bad. They’re set at WR / TE and have a solid O-line and will be getting a QB to go with Taylor. They do need to possibly upgrade LT & OG but it’s not like they have a really bad line like some teams.
Their D-lien has talent already in Garret/the OK state kid – but with Chubb they would all of a sudden potentailly have a lethal front 4 to go with an offense that should score points. They aren’t THAT far away imo. Coaching can still sh1t it all up tho
April 25th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Sony is easily my favorite RB in this draft. A combo of him and Barber would solve our RB conundrum and set us up for several years. Add Nelson in the 1st and our offense would be stacked.
April 25th, 2018 at 6:19 pm
I am a Penn State Alum, fan and still live in PA. I am a huge Barkley supporter, but Michel has far better value in the bottom of the 1st round.
It is a Quarterback driven league, period. Every year QB needy teams trade more picks than necessary to land a top QB prospect in the draft. The year will be no different. The Bucs sitting at #7 are sitting perfect for a trade to the Bills/Cards/Patriots and even steelers.
Cost is too high to trade with anyone before #7.
Dream scenario, trade with Bills for #12, 56 and 96
trade 12 and DJax to Patriots for 23 and 31 and 43
We get 23, 31, 38, 43, 56, 96, 102, 144, 180, 202, 255
April 25th, 2018 at 6:20 pm
I like that he’s used to running back by committee. Barber is a decent back! He’s averaged right at 4 yards per carry over his spotty career. He never had a chance till the very end of last year. He’s been jerked around.
So put Barber 5-11 227 4.64 forty with Michel 5-11 215 4.5 forty.
Talk about pounding the rock!!!! So what if we get Nelson in the first and Michel in the 2nd will our offense be schizophrenic? Passing? or running? Or balanced!!
April 25th, 2018 at 6:26 pm
@PaPrivateer
You make excellent points. I would love to get Saquon but short of him falling to us…a total miracle that’s not going to happen….I most prefer the trade down scenario you laid out. Unless Nelsen falls to 7…then I gotta snag him…start making up names now for our inner three..Nelsen…Jensen…Marpet…Ira calls them the nasty boys..
Given that we’re not going to get Saquon my fantasy draft would be Nelson and then Michel/Guice.
April 25th, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Oneilbuc I don’t know where you got his age but I just googled it and he is 23. He won’t be 24 until next February
April 25th, 2018 at 6:31 pm
PA Privateer
Now you got me dreaming bud.
April 25th, 2018 at 6:33 pm
I would be very disappointed in our coaching staff if Payton Barber started over Sony Michel. A dumb observation
April 25th, 2018 at 6:34 pm
You say that the bucs won’t trust a rookie running back? Wasn’t that literally Payton Barber last year?
April 25th, 2018 at 6:35 pm
UNdrafted BTW
April 25th, 2018 at 6:39 pm
Bill jumping from #12 to #7 Doesn’t hurt them horribly. They need a QB in R1.
Patriots jumping from #23/31 to #12 isn’t horrible either. They need a QB too. Especially if you offered Belichek the dream scenario of Brady to DJax next year.
It was just reported that the Patriots were just with Louisville QB Alexander
April 25th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Edit
Patriots met with QB Lamar Jackson
April 25th, 2018 at 6:52 pm
I really like this kid. If we could trade back and get a couple of extra picks, I’d love to pick him up late first or early second!
April 25th, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Michel will be there in the second round when we pick if we want him we will be able to take him.
April 25th, 2018 at 7:21 pm
Gotta admit, the angles are become even more intriguing. I’m gettin’ pumped! I hope we trade back and get a sh|tlo@d of picks, or we get a BIG 3 stud.
April 25th, 2018 at 7:26 pm
FSUking….Barber was signed in 2016 which means last yr was his second.
April 25th, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Wow and the last two posts asking you why were completely deleted. Smh
Wtf?
April 25th, 2018 at 7:30 pm
If you have ANY explanation as to why my comment would be in time out I would Love to hear it.
April 25th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
I have a funny feeling Barkley is going to be available at 7. Mainly b/c it’s a value proposition relative to team needs and the positional talent pool. Every team picking in front of us btwn picks 1-4 can get value by holding off on an RB until to the bottom of Rd1/top of the 2nd. Barkley becomes more viable at 4-10, like the Zeke pick, Gurley and even AP.
April 25th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
**************
LORD CORNELIUS,
I don’t agree the Browns would be dumb to trade down out of #4.
They might be able to get picks from the Bills that land them the 2nd best RB, the best LT to replace Joe Thomas and a middle round CB … that’s a heck of a haul for just one RB like Saquon …
**************
April 25th, 2018 at 7:36 pm
Following McShay’s logic on who he believes is the “Top 300” players in the draft then Guice will fall right in our lap in the Second. Hope for once he is right.
April 25th, 2018 at 7:59 pm
We wont end up with sony or guice, we’ll be forced to have a value back in the 5th round that sucks. No running game and no defense, maybe 3 to 4 wins would be optomistic
April 25th, 2018 at 8:02 pm
joestang Says:
April 25th, 2018 at 7:59 pm
We wont end up with sony or guice, we’ll be forced to have a value back in the 5th round that sucks. No running game and no defense, maybe 3 to 4 wins would be optimistic
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April 25th, 2018 at 8:13 pm
If we draft a corner at 7….a guy that won’t be ready to really start and make a substantial impact for a year or two… and we don’t sign some vets in the off season, I’m concern that our D will again be milk toast. We haven’t done nearly enough to improve our pass rush. And little or nothing to improve our secondary, even with a “one day in the future” talented draft pick. Therefore, safe to say that next year will be 2017 continued…or part 2 if you will. And deep down, most of us know it.
April 25th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
Bucs should grab Quinton Flowers, could give him a look at QB but more as a RB. The kid has amazing vision rushing the ball – is a patient runner that picks his hole then explodes. If he’s drafted at all it will be a late pick, but more likely he’ll end up an UDFA, and if that is so they need to pounce on him.
April 25th, 2018 at 8:28 pm
hmmm, so Mayock says James for us too at 7 with his mock. I dont know, dont like it that much, not at 7. I know of some Panther fans who want him and its possible they trade up to 6 instead of buffalo to get him, then we can wheel and deal with buffalo….thats the best scenario I see for us if Barkley and Chubb are gone at 7.
April 25th, 2018 at 8:28 pm
mark2001 – if the Bucs draft Ward at #7, he’s being drafted to be a day 1 starter and will be a huge upgrade over anyone not named Grimes. Any rookie corner is a risk, but Ward is considered the most polished corner out there and waiting until the 2nd round to get a corner would be a huge huge risk.
April 25th, 2018 at 8:31 pm
I don’t get James at #7, if he’s a safety it’s a huge reach, and if he’s a corner, then just get a real corner in Ward or even Fitz. James isn’t Ramsey and I’m thinking he’s more Barron than anything, a guy who can play all over but doesn’t have elite abilities that you expect out of a top 10 defensive back. I get that Conte is terrible and the Bucs need another safety,m but don’t get spending a #7 on a guy who doesn’t seem to be special and would fall into line with taking non-elite guys like VH3 and Barron high when it seems like a reach.
April 25th, 2018 at 8:43 pm
dude is a injurie waiting to happen… he has never been the man…. his body cnt handle the workload
April 25th, 2018 at 9:13 pm
Gonna try reposting the same comment underneath
April 25th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
FSUking….Barber was signed in 2016 which means last yr was his second
April 25th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
YUUUUP In time out again. SMDH
April 25th, 2018 at 9:22 pm
I got my prediction. Hey, if the experts are allowed to get 99% wrong them so can I.
#7)Davenport DE
2nd round)Hughes CB
3rd round)Trade up for Ron Jones RB
Have no idea about any deeper prospects
April 25th, 2018 at 9:23 pm
Now it clears…………still no explanation. Joe, you need an “UPDATE” on your software
April 25th, 2018 at 9:25 pm
Trade up with Seattle in the First to get him. I hope we can do that.
April 25th, 2018 at 10:22 pm
JimmyJack, if they take Davenport at 7, there will be 8 people at the games, LOL
April 25th, 2018 at 10:24 pm
We need 2 RBs in this draft, I believe there are only 2 on our roster at this point
April 25th, 2018 at 10:53 pm
Running behind Nelson
April 25th, 2018 at 11:15 pm
Too many dam capital letters there. Too pumped up and to pumped with Beam watching BBall! My bad
April 26th, 2018 at 7:02 am
With the report of his knee being bone on bone he may have an Ajajay type of fall.