Still Good Chance For Nelson
April 17th, 2018
Percentages.
Joe is yet again on the unpopular side of the street in this subject but brings information for those with an opposing view.
Joe has made it clear that if he was Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, then he’d use the No. 7 pick on a game-changing player or trade down with a quarterback-hungry team. So Joe would not draft Quenton Nelson.
Nothing against him, not anti-Nelson in any way. It’s just that Joe would be hard-pressed to draft a guard at No. 7 unless there are special circumstances.
In the hundreds (thousands?) of games Joe has witnessed, Joe has yet to see a guard change a game on one play. Never seen a guard sack a quarterback for a key stop/fumble; return a pick to the house for six; break off a 50-yard run or haul in a 40-yard pass for a score.
(Having written all of that, Joe believes the Bucs will draft Nelson if he is there. No insider info here.)
Joe won’t be sore in any way if the Bucs draft Nelson. And Joe won’t panic and run to light a candle to save Nelson’s soul like Joe would if the Bucs draft an otherwise unsuspecting corner at No. 7.
For the pro-Nelson crowd, over at BucsNation.com, Joe’s good friend Gil Arcia spoke with NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. He’s studied mock drafts inside and out and he feels, unless something really weird happens, Nelson easily could be on the clock when the Bucs pick at No. 7.
“I think there is a better than average chance that at least one of those guys will still be on the board for Tampa,” Zierlein said of the Big 3 [Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb or Nelson]. “If I had to put money on it, I would say that Nelson will be there at seven.”
Now, if in the next week, something really crazy happens and the Bucs trade for Le’Veon Bell, that would change Joe’s view of drafting Nelson.
The Steelers running back still hasn’t signed a franchise tag and, theoretically, the Steelers could work out a deal where Bell could agree to the tag and then could be traded, much like what the Dolphins did with Jarvis Landry.
It should be raising eyebrows across the NFL that the Steelers have “genuine” interest in LSU running back Derrius Guice.
If this miracle would happen, then Joe is all-in on drafting Nelson at No. 7. Trading for Bell — highly unlikely — would settle the issue of getting a game-changer at running back.
$20 all-you-can-eat buffet kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs all night long. Be there!!
April 17th, 2018 at 9:08 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOdxMqmWO3Q
Perhaps Joe is right about guards….but this video shows a guard can be important.
Also, there is a reason there are 11 players on each side of the ball….and there are many examples of first round busts…..My money is that Nelson will absolutely be a great NFL star for years….would love to have him.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:08 am
For love of God can the draft come already this stuff is getting ridiculous
April 17th, 2018 at 9:09 am
If we got Le’Veon Bell and Quenton Nelson I would literally crap myself! We would totally win the offseason!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 9:10 am
He isn’t getting past Indy outside of them trading the pick.. Their franchise QB can’t stay healthy because the line was terrible and were looking at Jensen to play G.. I think it’s pretty obvious
April 17th, 2018 at 9:11 am
I think that will be a bad move not because he is not a good player but because drafting a guard that high hardly works and it’s a waste of a pick(unless he can play tackle). You can find great guards later on and there’s always a good or great guard that hits FA every year and it’s for a reason.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:21 am
Joe. Good offensive line play is always a game changer bad offensive line play can ruin a season. Look what happened to the Cowgirls when Smith was injured last season.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:27 am
Interesting that many think he will be picked before 7…….I guess they don’t know what they are doing……$20 says he’s top 10…..
April 17th, 2018 at 9:37 am
Rather trade down for a pick or two and take Hernandez.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:37 am
Great OL Give your QB the chance to make those Fantasy Football Big Plays.
Football is won by large, ugly humans doing man-to-man battle with little fanfare.
If Barkley is gone by 7—and I suspect he will—I’d take Nelson in a heartbeat unless some team offered a massive ransom for the pick.
Great line play starts with great linemen.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:38 am
The argument that an interior offensive lineman is not a gamechanger makes sense if you also subscribe to the outlook that an interior defensive lineman can’t be a gamechanger.
I believe that it takes a truly special talent to change the game from the interior of the lines just by the nature of the game. By all accounts Nelson is one of those guys. I don’t know a single Bucs fan who wouldn’t take a chance to have the next Logan Mankins on the team. One could argue he was a game changer his final year.
Nelson is my #3 of the big three. He’s not the guy I’m doing back flips for if the Bucs draft him, however, I won’t be upset in the least.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:43 am
It sad that joe watches and reports on football everyday but thinks skill players are more important than line play smh so sad so so sad. Only positions that matter in football are o line D line and QB. That’s it!
April 17th, 2018 at 9:45 am
How are his fumble recovery skills Joe?
At the rate our Savior QB loses the ball, a good Guard could have 8-12 game changing plays per season!
April 17th, 2018 at 9:48 am
I believe the colts surprise everyone and take his Michigan wolverines teammate/linemate in the second round Mike McGlinchey cause their first choice is gonna be Bradley Chubb! Their left tackle is still good but he is getting up their in age and they need to protect Lucks blindside for the coming years so McGlinchey will be heir to left tackle position.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:50 am
A lot of games were lost because those fumbles that came from Jameis having to scramble to stay safe ended up resulting in points for the other team every time. What’s that tell ya! Quenton Nelson is there you get him!
April 17th, 2018 at 9:53 am
We get Bell and keep the #7 pick? I’m flying to Tampa and buying what Joe is smoking. Maybe we can get him for Sweezy and Bobo Wilson.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:53 am
@Guzziep: Cranky today, or are you always this whiny?
JBF does NOT need another lame-take warrior. Be known for something else.
April 17th, 2018 at 9:54 am
I love this site–I check it every day, but I read statements like
“Never seen a guard….break off a 50-yard run or haul in a 40-yard pass for a score.”
and it makes me think that sometimes the Joes don’t think before they write.
An easy point that any newby football fan knows–who do you think opens the holes that allow a RB to break off a 50 yard run? Who do you think keeps the QB upright to throw a bomb to that receiver?
C’mon Joes. This is peewee football knowledge…
April 17th, 2018 at 9:57 am
Guards don’t win games but they sure as hell can lose games
April 17th, 2018 at 9:59 am
Steve hutchinson was a game changer joe…being able to make several blocks at the los and blow holes open is pretty game changing to me.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:00 am
One can always trade future picks. Again, Joe wrote unlikely.
A guy can dream, right?
April 17th, 2018 at 10:00 am
See Daniel Jeremiah mock draft 3.0 posted today.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:02 am
Its true. A guard never won a game. And We got a lotta needs. They probably won’t pick Neson though. Remember, despite what you hear, Koetter and Smitty are coaching for their jobs this year. They gotta get..immediate impact players now.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:03 am
The Bucs won a Super Bowl with Kenyatta Walker starting at right tackle.
Not dismissing good line play in any way but honest to goodness, cannot remember a guard making a game-winning play short of recovering a fumble in an end zone. If one is depending on that to win a key game, Joe’s guess is that person is a soon-to-be ex-NFL employee.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:04 am
Haven’t watched a game since last season until the other night. It was cowboys vs Steelers 2016.
Literally the game winning play was because Dallas’s guard sprung a gaping hole for Zeke to waltz right in for the game winning touchdown. Guards impact games a lot. Lol
April 17th, 2018 at 10:04 am
well, I have seen a guard help control the run game which prevents the other offense from getting on the field…..
I have seen guards set the tone with their physicality…..
I have seen a dominate guard handle one of the best DT’s in the game by himself holding him to goose eggs across the board…..
I have seen guards protect the franchise QB…..
I don’t get some folks….what’s wrong with drafting a player that can help protect the franchise(see Andrew luck) and open up run lanes for the next 10years?…..I understand all draft picks are a crap shoot but if we draft nelson @7 and he becomes better than zack martin what’s wrong with that?…..
demarrco murray had a monster year behind a dominate oline…..
I would draft nelson over barkley…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 10:07 am
Who “waltzed” in for the game-winning touchdown?
People dance with themselves about this alleged greatest offensive line in football history in Dallas — nevermind the team is retooling this alleged offensive line of the ages — and unless Joe was in a drunken stupor, he cannot recall Dallas being in an NFC title game this century.
If Dallas’ offensive line really is as good as some want to believe, couldn’t the team at least win one playoff game? Just one?
April 17th, 2018 at 10:09 am
What if the Bucs signe CJ Anderson, Joe?
It would be ok drafting Nelson at 7?
April 17th, 2018 at 10:10 am
Of course not. Look what Anderson did in Denver with a trainwreck of an offensive line.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Joe do you really think if the Steelers traded to us they would gamble the pick in future years would be better then 7? I know, you say unlikely… in the words of Lloyd, “so you are saying there’s a chance?”
April 17th, 2018 at 10:18 am
JOE
you may have not seen a guard sack a QB but im sure you’ve seen them stop DT’s from sacking a QB…..
they may not throw TD’s but they don’t throw INT’s to lose a game either…..
break off a 50-yard run or haul in a 40-yard pass for a score requires holes to run thru and protection……provided by the guards……
so, it seems in order for a game changing play to occur offensively, guards(oline) are the first step in the process…..without them you have a franchise QB that hasn’t played because of injury(luck) or no run game…..
draft nelson!!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 10:19 am
Hmm I’m pretty sure Oneil Cousins made some game changing plays. Not the ones we want to remember. Perhaps a different way to look at this is barring injury a guard will be involved with EVERY offensive play a team runs. Running backs, wide receivers, defensive Linemen cannot make this argument. Heck even quarterbacks really aren’t involved every play if we take into about handing the ball off. So why aren’t guard valued more?
April 17th, 2018 at 10:21 am
Joe Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 10:10 am
It would be ok drafting Nelson at 7?
Of course not. Look what Anderson did in Denver with a trainwreck of an offensive line.
every RB aint cj Anderson…..and plus Denver was weak at both tackle positions not guard…..that’s how cj got 1000 yards…..running up the middle….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 10:24 am
Winston could use the extra .5 seconds a solid guard could provide.
That is where the “big plays” come from. Game Changers.
I SMH about the lack of knowledge that football is a team sport with games won and lost at the LOS.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:24 am
Joe
You’re reaching quite a bit. You could have waltzed right in on that play. Let’s not act like Zeke would have made that play without that guard play. I see where you’re going with this, as who physically puts the ball in the end zone but let’s give credit where it’s do. If you’re gonna stick to that point than this is a pointless debate. It’s like giving the bullet all of the credit for hitting it’s target and ignoring the firearm.
That’s not what is written here. I never glorified Dallas’s ol. You may want to re-read my context. Not sure why we’re correlating guard play to playoff wins but okay… I’ll take a playoff loss over no playoffs any day at this point.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:26 am
ContePiscateli Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 10:19 am
They are, by folks who actually understand football beyond Madden, Fantasy Football and youtube highlights.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:28 am
Due**
April 17th, 2018 at 10:36 am
LOL Please don’t misunderstand, Joe is not against a good offensive line. Joe has pined for the Bucs to somehow trade back (if Barkley and Bradley Chubb are not there at No. 7) and grab Will Hernandez or Isaiah Wynn.
Joe just thinks if the team is drafting in the top-ten — and hopefully won’t again for a very, very long time — go get that game-changer.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:44 am
Giving credit where credit is due – I applaud Joe for responding to those who question his thoughts on this. Without certain poster(s) here that makes for an intelligent conversation without insults and name calling, making this a much better blog.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:46 am
They may not make game changing plays, but they sure as hell can stop game changing plays from happening…..
I watched a backup OL (granted not a guard) come in to a game and Clayborne got 6 sacks.
Look at some of the OLs that the Pats have had? We used to see multiple games where Tom just stood in the pocket, flat-footed, looking around the field with NO ONE even breathing on him.
From everything i have ever learned about the NFL, there are 3 main goals… in order:
1. Get a QB
2. Protect your QB
3. Get after the opposing QB
(unrelated: That’s why i’m in favor of drafting a DL in the top 3 rounds ever single year. I don’t remember who said it, but they said, “When you think you have enough pass rushers, get one more”)
If we believe we have a QB… and we believe that we’ve spent the proper amount of money to do #3, why wouldn’t we do everything we can to ensure that we shore up a single position for the next 10 years?
April 17th, 2018 at 10:57 am
There’s always a surprise or 2 in the top 10 of the draft, but I’d bet the farm on 2 things happening: 4 QB’s will go before the Bucs pick, and 2 of the non-QB Big 3 (BChubb, Barkley, Nelson) will be gone as well.
My best guess is that Chubb won’t fall past the Browns bc either NYG will pick him (bc they still believe in Eli and need someone to replace JPP) or Cleveland snags him at 4 (to pair w/Garrett and have a DE combo for a few minutes). So that leaves Nelson and Barkley.
At this point, it’s either Nelson at 7 and best available RB in Round 2 or Barkley 1st and BA O lineman in 2nd. Or the big 3 are gone and someone pulls their pants down for Licht and makes a ludicrous trade for that 7 pick.
After your first 7 picks it’s anyone’s guess — but I wouldn’t put it past Meathead to chum the waters and bamboozle another team into thinking they might draft a QB bc they aren’t sure how the JW Uber investigation will shake out. It does sound kinda silly, but as my non-sports watching wife said after watching Draft Day, I bet teams do this all the time because it feels great to screw someone over.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:58 am
You dont waste the 7th pick on a guard.
Great offensive lines are built thru continuity, not Superstars.
OLines play together as units. The only Great athelete needed on the Offensive line is a Left Tackle.
I asked this earlier
Who were the Bucs starting Guards, on the Superbowl team?
Oaklands starting Guards?
Every play serves a useful purpose. But a guard is very limited in how he effects the game
Logan mankins was one of the greatest guards in History.
Once we aquired him, in August of 2014, he lead us to a wonderful 2-14 record.
In 2015- he lead us to a 6-10 record.
It wasnt his fault. Guards dont win or lose games- which is exactly my point.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:06 am
You dont waste the 7th pick on a guard.
if the guard turn out to be the next zack martin and plays for the next 10years, how can you call that a waste?
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 11:06 am
Nelson, if the hype is true, would play for ten years at a pro bowl level for the bucs.
Licht would scoop him up in heartbeat I think.
A guard can’t throw a key block to spring a running back for a td or a first down to run out the clock? Or protect the QB long enough for a key play in the passing game?
super important and most certainly can be the difference in winning and losing.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:12 am
A guy that changes a game with a 50 yard run needs someone that can open a hole for him, Joe. With Nelson, even Barber or Jacquizz might be able to rip a 50 yard run.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:19 am
A fifty yard run might change a game. Or a one yard run could change it. Or a two yard loss could if you have a lousy guard.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Build the trenches. Build a champion.
Simple as that.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:40 am
It’s never been a sexy pick, OL in the draft. The fact is that you NEED them on that wall!
I’m not going to fall into the trap of opining whether a OG can be game-changer. If he’s there at #7, is he the BPA at that spot? If the answer to the question is anything but “no”, you draft the guy.
Nelson improves the run-game instantly. The run-game controls the clock so that our “new and improved” defense can get plenty of wind.
Man, the draft can’t get here fast enough!
April 17th, 2018 at 11:41 am
Huge running lanes and controlling the clock are overrated…….
April 17th, 2018 at 11:45 am
Change a game? Like stopping Aaron Donald all game from making a play? That sounds like game changer to me
April 17th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
it’s a necessary job and a thankless one to an extent, like in my trade HVAC when everything is working right you don’t have people calling to thank you….only when there is an issue.
Joe- to my point, no there hasn’t been a game changing or game taken over by a guard but there has been games that have been determined and lost by bad guard play/protection.
April 17th, 2018 at 12:08 pm
This is a unique year for the Buc’s. I don’t recall situation quite like this one. Three of their biggest needs are sitting in the top 6 or 7 players depending on how many QB’s are taken. I don’t think Chubb will fall to 7, but Barkley or Nelson or both might. Of course Saquon would be your choice and the least sexy pick, but overall best and most safe pick Nelson has to be your pick if Barkley gone. The Buc’s have a good chance of getting one of these three players. If they are all off the board you have 3 DB’s or the opportunity to trade back available. I personally think the trade back scenario is a long stretch so I prefer taking the best DB. Who we take at 38 depends on who we get at 7,followed by a 3rd RD void. While the outcome seems oddly set in stone (one of 3 solutions) I hope next year we are sitting in the bottom third of the draft hoping one player will fall and the fate of the team (coaches and management) is not at stake as a result of the outcome.
April 17th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Have never seen a Guard make a game saving tackle or sack the QB. You get 3 chances to get 10 yards and keep the ball. When the cohesion of the offensive line is greater than the sum of the parts it is reflected in keeping the ball. If you can run, you force the LB’s to cheat and fill the holes. You open up the passing game. Yes you may not see his personal achievements but if you allow Payton to average 4 yards per carry, i suggest it is wort more than 10 sacs per season. The reason we have not been good for 10 years is that we suck in the trenches. And that is where the games are won. I constantly hear that we need safeties and CB’s, I submit that our weak safety and CB play would look more than average if the line were able to play havoc in the backfield of opposing teams. Conversely, JW might look a lot better if he had more time. The trenches make or break the team, and those that do not see it do not understand football.
April 17th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
I used to want them in this order…Chubb….Barkley…Nelson.
I love Nelson it’s just that we need DL help more if Chubb should fall.
Barkley is who I really want. A generational player with mind blowing physical attributes who truly can change a game.
Barkley would make this team a contender from day one. Nelson would make this team better as would Chubb but I think Barkley may be that special talent.
April 17th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
#TrenchWarFare2018
Control the line of scrimmage – and you dominate/overpower your opponent.
It’s just that simple men.
So Build-Up the got damn trenches!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Dooshlarue! Bucnutter!
Allowing our RB’s to take a hand-off BEFORE an opposing DT wouldn’t be game-changing?
LaVeon Bell could use great guard play but, other RB’s don’t?
Joe lacks logic, here.
Generally speaking:
RB’s= 4-6 yrs.
Guards= 8-10 yrs.
Although, Saquan is a talent I probably couldn’t pass on!
April 17th, 2018 at 1:13 pm
There is no evidence in NFL history that a GUARD can be a difference maker… Nelson barely made a difference in college… Notre Dame scored their only points of their game against Miami with seconds left in the 3rd quarter in a blowout loss… Nelson played the whole way… and did fine… but didn’t make a difference. There’s a reason that guards are the lowest paid average salary of any full-time player in the NFL… because they aren’t difference makers.
April 17th, 2018 at 1:14 pm
StPeteBucsFan Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
I used to want them in this order…Chubb….Barkley…Nelson.
I love Nelson it’s just that we need DL help more if Chubb should fall.
Barkley is who I really want. A generational player with mind blowing physical attributes who truly can change a game.
Barkley would make this team a contender from day one. Nelson would make this team better as would Chubb but I think Barkley may be that special talent.
^^^^^The most accurate and sensible post on this entire thread^^^^^
Well said, @SPBF!
Go Bucs! Go Bold! Go Barkley! Go Primetime!
April 17th, 2018 at 1:47 pm
While we have more pressing needs than a guard, no doubt. Great offensive line play is the hallmark of many if not most great teams. How is being able to run the ball and pass protect better ever not a “game changer”?
April 17th, 2018 at 2:03 pm
If ppl keep brining up what the Bucs did in the past with the defense I’m gonna lose it! This isn’t the same game no more! It’s a pass dominant league now and the teams who are able to bring in a running game that will balance nicely off their passing game will be the ones who reach the big stages! Get Jameis more protection! More time! More Vision! Get Nelson!
April 17th, 2018 at 2:52 pm
Nelson is agreed by nearly every football expert as cant miss…….yet at #7 that’s a bad idea because we would be better off trading down for guys that are more questionable?
We have ONE pick from the 2014 draft still on the roster
We have ZERO starters from the 2016 draft
I’m okay with Nelson….not even Licht can screw that pick up.
April 17th, 2018 at 3:11 pm
Joe, I got your back when it comes to Winston, but I have to disagree with you here.
Jameis, because of his fault and the lines fault at times, just got hurt in his throwing arm. He needs to be protected.
Andrew Luck’s fate is something I don’t want to see for Jameis.
Tom Brady and Nick Foles lit up the Super Bowl because their offensive lines dominated that game.
None of Tom Brady’s Super Bowls were with generational running backs, but he certainly had several Pro Bowlers on his line.
None of Nick Foles’ RB’s were generational running backs, but his offensive line had multiple Pro Bowlers.
If the Colts are dumb enough to pass on him, as their line is atrocious and helped contribute to Luck’s throwing shoulder problems that kept him from playing these past two seasons, then we should consider ourselves lucky.
The Colts have been losers and set back multiple years because of Luck’s throwing shoulder problems.
Part of the reason the Bucs did poorly was that Jameis played hurt in 3
Games with an injured throwing shoulder and he missed 3 games.
Jameis not getting hurt is much more important than that. Nelson in 1.
Kamara was a much better back than Fournette, McCaffery or Cook and he was drafted 67 in the 3rd Round.
The games current best back in Bell was drafted #48 in the 2nd.
Protect Jameis.
April 17th, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Nelson will be the best player on our board at #7 if he hasn’t been selected already. He is considered a “generational talent” and fills a legit “need” for this team. Total no brainer of a selection if he is available and there are no good trade down offers.
April 17th, 2018 at 3:47 pm
Through all the Buc losing, one truism has always stuck out: they get beaten in the trenches.
Before a “dynasty” can develop, that has to change.
Sexy picks don’t get the job done.
If better guard play keeps Winston from throwing a couple fewer interceptions, prevents a couple of fumbles, a couple of fewer hits and sacks and gives him a half second more a few times a game, THAT is a “season changer.”
That said, the only player I’d take before Nelson is Barkley.
April 17th, 2018 at 3:58 pm
To all of the people on this comment board I give you the Legeratte Blount’s TD run.
First, everyone who is knowledgeable (that’s not you Greg) will agree that Blount is a good NFL running back, but a LT, Faulk or Barry he is not.
The Eagles are in a a split, double tight single back formation.
You will notice New Englands Defense is strong right 3/4 formation with the nose strong inside shade of the center and the DT is strong side shading the B gap.
The Eagles Pro Bowl Center chips the inside shaded NT and the Eagles Pro Bowl Right Guard reaches him and inside leverage turns him. The Pats NT had a yard head start because of the splits. The Eagles very good left guard in Warmack (who I wish the Bucs got last year) drives the DT off the ball, opening up a massive hole. Because the Eagles Pro Bowl RG sealed his man on the combo reach block, the Eagles Pro Bowl Ceneter was able block the LB and Legeratte Blount wasn’t touched until the 1 yard line for an easy TD run to put the Eagles up 16-3 with 8 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter.
That was one of many great plays that helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Without their line that doesn’t happen.
44 pass attempts by the Eagles and zero sacks. 374 yards passing. 27 rushing attempts for 164 yards and a ridiculous 6.1 YPR by the Eagles running back by committee approach. 34:04 TOP. If you don’t think that the Eagles Pro Bowl line with their guard and center changed that game with their play, then Bellicheck and Patricia disagree with you.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Matt Cushing said something about G Alan Faneca, that’s stuck with me.
Per: Matt Cushing
”Got it done with an attitude befitting a Steelers Lineman”
Sure most of us can sound off – on some the Great All-Time Steeler
• Quarterbacks
• Receivers
• Running Backs
• Defensive Lineman
• Linebackers
• Defensive Backs
But what about the maulers in the trenches?
What about gorillas up front, that open-up holes for their patented smash mouth, power-running style.
How about giving credit to the Big Uglies up front – that’s given their QB’s
a clean pocket, to step-into. I mean how else could they launch, them deep bombs in their infamous vertical passing attack?
Since the Mid-70’s for most (Snapshot)
Centers
• #52 Mike Webster (1974–1988) | NFL All-Time team
• #63 Dermontti Dawson (1988–2000) | 1990s All-Decade Team
• #64 Jeff Hartings (2001–2006) | 2× All-Pro (2001, 2004)
• #53 Maurkice Pouncey (2001–present) | 6× Pro Bowl (2010, 2017)
Guards
• #77 Carlton Haselrig (1989–1993) | Pro Bowl (1992)
• #67 Duval Love (1992–1994) | Pro Bowl (1992)
• #66 Alan Faneca (1998–2007) | 2000s All-Decade Team
• #66 David Decastro (2012–present) | 3× All-Pro (2015-2017)
Tackles
• #55 Jon Kolb (1969–1981) | Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
• #79 Larry Brown (1971–1984) | 3× Pro Bowl (1977, 1978, 1982)
• #62 Tunch Ilkin (1980–1992) | 2x Pro Bowl (1988, 1989)
• #77 Marvel Smith (2000–2008) | Pro Bowl (2004)
• #79 Alejandro Villanueva (2010-Present) | Pro Bowl (2017)
Honorable Mention: (T) John Jackson, (T) Leon Searcy, (G) Kendall Simmons (G) Keydrick Vincent (G) Willie Colon, (G) Justin Strzelczyk
That’s a bunch of mean muthaphuckas – with a lot of hardware.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Bellicheck said to Patricia about the Eagles offensive line vs his defense that was caught on the mic, “They are getting a hat on a hat. We didn’t have anybody. To Much Space.”
No QB did that. No RB did that. No WR did that.
That was the offensive line of the Eagles.
One of the greatest coaches and defensive minds of all time worrying about the thing that kills defenses, “To much space.”
Offensive line play changes games.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:27 pm
“I’ve never seen a guard make a game changing play” is an awful argument. Who do you think keeps the QB upright? How about open up running lanes? Guards make game changing plays every play, unlike running backs. People are saying Nelson will get a gold jacket one day. You don’t pass that by.
Oh, and notice how our run game fell off after Logan Mankins retired? Yeah, guard is really important.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:33 pm
By contrast the Bucs All-Time Great Offensive Lineman
Center
• *Jeff Christy | Pro Bowl (2000)
• Tony Mayberry | Pro Bowl (1997, 1998, 1999)
Guards
• *Randall McDaniel | Pro Bowl (2000)
• *Logan Mankins | Pro Bowl (2015)
• Davin Joseph | Pro Bowl (2008, 2011)
Tackle:
• Paul Gruber | 2× All-Pro (1991, 1992)
• Donald Penn (2010) ← Pro Bowl Alternate
-3 Free Agents
-3 Drafted
-1 Undrafted
April 17th, 2018 at 4:34 pm
Since inception (42yrs). We’ve only drafted…
(1) All-Pro Offensive Lineman
• Paul Gruber | 2× All-Pro (1991, 1992)
(2) Pro Bowl Offensive Line
• Tony Mayberry | Pro Bowl (1997, 1998, 1999)
• Davin Joseph | Pro Bowl (2008, 2011)
Developed one UDFA
• Donald Penn (2010) ← Pro Bowl Alternate
Sorry men but that’s pathetic.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:35 pm
So you’re not in on Nelson because the Bucs don’t have a superstar RB??? You know we have more than one offseason to fill that spot right? If Nelson falls to 7 pick him up and find your RB later in the draft/next season.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:40 pm
January 11th, 2017 at 2:12 pm ←
I respect everyone’s opinion my bruddas.
Just remembering how many times we’ve been down this road in the past.
We never truly protected our former Franchise Quarterbacks.
• Doug Williams
• Steve Young
• Vinny Testaverde
• Trent Dilfer
Only to see them win with better protection elsewhere.
It’s almost like we’re chasing our own tails – every time we come to the crossroads – we act like – we don’t know which way to go.
Successful franchises always make sure the fortify the Offensive & defensive lines. Why? Because that’s we’re this game is played
So If a Blue Chip prospect is there draft’em.
—->>>Draft G Quenton Nelson
April 17th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
January 11th, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Sample:
Doug Williams left Tampa and Joined the Hogs
(The Hogs)
• LT -Joe Jacoby
• LG -Raleigh McKenzie
• C -Russ Grimm / Jeff Bostic
• RG -Mark May
• RT – Jim Lachey
Steve Young was traded and Joined a very good offensive line in SF
• LT-Bubba Paris
• LG-Guy McIntyre
• C- Jesse Sapolu
• RG-Bruce Collie
• RT-Harris Barton
April 17th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Sweezy is question mark. I would say doubtful.
Benenoch is good and terrible. Let’s says average at this point.
With Dotson injury , maybe they value another stud olineman than we are thinking. Just run the ball right up the gut with those 3 maulers in the middle. Smash mouth football.
I would prefer Chubb , Barkley or trade down but would be pretty happy with Nelson as well.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:42 pm
I can respect a trade back.
But you can never reach for a Blue Chip Prospect w/ All-Pro potential.
This kid is consistently proficient, and a straight up mauler.
The young man takes a lot of pride in his craft – U can see that on tape.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Guys, under what scenario do we have a choice in which of the big three we pick? In order of probability, 4QBs, Indy takes McGlinchy; 4 QBs Indy takes a linebacker; 4 QBs, Denver takes James or Evans; 5 QBs in top 6. Aggregate probability less than 3%.
Under what scenario would we have a QB-tradedown opportunity and have a choice of one of the big three? Again some has to take a McGlinchy or one of Smith/Edmunds or one of Evans/James/Fitzpatrick instead of (1) taking one of the big three and (2) not making a fleecing tradedown with one of the QB needy teams and still getting the guy you want at 11 or 12 or getting a guy almost as good at 13-15 and 17
April 17th, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Please do not forget to mention Steve Wilson who was the only original Buc to start games for 10 years and started all games in 1979 when the O-Line only gave up 12 sacks. He was a 5th rounder. Randy “Bubba” Grimes was a stellar Center for 9 years and was selected 45th from Baylor. Nelson should undoubtedly be the pick if he is available.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Since 1976
Ur right.
I should’ve added an honorable mention list for us; as well.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:48 pm
Joe the only think I don’t understand is you say you would use the#7 pick on a game changing player or trade down…….So if we can’t trade our pick and Chubb/Barkley are gone who are you drafting instead of Nelson?
I’ve read your take on this several times but you never say who you would draft.
April 17th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
1-Nelson
2-Barkley
3- Chubb
4- trade down
5- James
April 17th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
With a QB in place, 1st round picks should be used on best lineman available, offense or defense. Always
April 18th, 2018 at 9:38 am
Best case for the Bucs is trade Buffalo 7 overall for 12 and 56. Pick up best available DB at both picks. Preferably safety and corner.