“You Have To Go Get Him”
April 13th, 2018
Cannot procrastinate.
A Hall of Fame running back with a Super Bowl ring may not have been talking Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, but he may well have been.
Despite the knee-jerk wails of the crazies, the Bucs’ offensive line is not the worst thing seen by humankind since Rosie O’Donnell was last turned loose from her pen. The Bucs are loaded at receiver, loaded at tight end and have a rising star of a quarterback.
What is the lone thing missing from having one of the most powerful offenses? A crater-sized hole at running back.
Shoot, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter all but mentioned this at the NFL owners meetings last month when he said the Bucs were in the hunt for a top-shelf free agent running back until the price got too high (though Koetter wouldn’t offer the name of the target).
Teams don’t offer to shovel loads of Team Glazer loot at a player playing a position they think is a strength.
And if the Bucs want to have a dominant offense by adding a game-changing running back, Jerome Bettis said you have to be aggressive.
Appearing this week on “Good Morning, Football,” seen on NFL Network weekday mornings, Bettis explained the notion that teams can get value later in the draft at running back is a wives’ tale.
“I think if you get a running back late, usually you will get late-round production,” Bettis said. “Now you get lucky every now and then with a guy in the third or fourth round. But how many running backs in the third or fourth round that got picked in the last 10 years had that type of production [to be a bellcow back]? Maybe one, two, three or four.
“If you really want that game-changer, you have to go get him. He is probably [going to be drafted] in the first round or early in the second.”
Teams that wait until Day 3 to find their franchise running back, Bettis added, will still be looking for a running back in the coming years.
“He is probably not going to change your franchise,” Bettis added.
This is why Joe is of the mind if somehow teams above the Bucs get foolish and Saquon Barkley is there at No. 7, Licht cannot turn in his pick quick enough. And if Barkley is not there, Licht better not delay in trying to get back into the first round later on the first night to get the running back to make this offense complete.
This is also why Joe is a proponent of trading down. You could, in theory, get guard Will Hernandez, running back Sony Michel and maybe a defensive end (Joe suspects Marcus Davenport will go in the first round as well).
April 13th, 2018 at 8:08 am
Nelson will be the pick at 7. Our O-line will be set for years and we will get a quality back in 2nd round Michel or Chubb preferably as SEC backs have a higher proof of life in the NFL. Add a quality free agent corner like DRC and they should be very competitive in the upcoming season.
April 13th, 2018 at 8:16 am
There is a good chance Barkley is there at 7. The draft gets crazy at times all it will take is one maybe two unpredictable picks and he’s there
April 13th, 2018 at 8:18 am
Somebody got shot at DRC pool party last week. Might scare Bucs off roloff! lol.
April 13th, 2018 at 8:19 am
If we get Barkley, then the football gods are clearly looking out for us. I just don’t see it happening. This guy is absolutely electric, and you are out of your mind if you think there is anybody else in this draft even close to him. This guy will instantly transform our offense and make us a nightmare to defend against. I still don’t think there’s any way he makes it past 4, but I really really really hope I’m wrong.
April 13th, 2018 at 8:22 am
I would really rather not take a RB at 7, but how do your nips not get hard watching this kids highlight reel?
April 13th, 2018 at 8:26 am
Barkley is THEE guy in this draft. There have been very few recent RB prospects that compare.
April 13th, 2018 at 8:26 am
I’m so sick of all this draft talk….
I remember when people were saying Reggie Bush was going to be like barry sanders or better
………………and look at how his career ended up being like???????
So much talk……I wished the draft was over already so we can move onto other news
April 13th, 2018 at 8:30 am
I feel like Im one of the more vocal “wait on a RB” guys on this site. Waiting until Day 3 of the draft is waiting too long tho. Unless you are looking for a specific type of role player.
The Bucs need to come away with a starter quality RB on Day 2. Only offensive player that should be in consideration at #7 is Nelson imo. The defense needs to be fixed.
April 13th, 2018 at 8:35 am
Watching Barkley is difficult to do because, he’s so good it only deepens the man crush and hence the possible eventual disappointment of not drafting him. I agree with the premise of the article, if he is there, you get him. however, getting a good guard and another top-flight runner and possibly defensive player is probably the most intelligent play. It will be VEEERRRY hard to trade down if he is there at 7 and that is the only consideration for NOT taking him.
What does it say about Barkley that he is clearly better than all the other running backs in a class with so many great running backs? He looks like a video game. Yes, I know there are other good backs but please, no one tell me that anyone else is better than him right now!
Is there a better player in the draft?
April 13th, 2018 at 8:36 am
Michel + Hernandez + Davenport = an awesome draft, which is why it won’t happen. Too good to be true.
April 13th, 2018 at 8:36 am
Take one of the big three or trade down if you can…..simple.
If none of the big three are available, that means only 3 QBs were taken in the top six…..that will mean that there is a very good QB available at 7…..with 3 or 4 teams wanting a QB….that should mean we will find a trading partner.
Or..
We can draft 2 CBs, develop them and prove Joe wrong…..
April 13th, 2018 at 8:39 am
Will Hernandez will not make it out of the first round…..especially since teams will not get a shot at getting Nelson……he’s the next best leftover to appease GM feelings of loss
April 13th, 2018 at 8:55 am
He is great in open space but how well does that translate into the NFL? He is electric but can he handle to speed and the hits between the tackles? Is he able to get those extra yards after contact in the middle?
April 13th, 2018 at 9:05 am
Imo the picks to look out for Barkley going to before the Bucs are Denver and the colts.. everyone keeps saying the browns will use 1 or 4 on him but the just signed Carlos Hyde to a big deal.. not the Hyde stops u from picking Barkley, but it’s something to think about when looking at who may draft him
April 13th, 2018 at 9:06 am
This is the very reason we continue to suck every year – we are scared to get a superstar. “Let’s not get a star RB at 7, but let’s wait and get a good one in the second”. When you do that you get a bunch of good players, but not enough great players. Teams don’t win without superstars!!!! It’s really not that complicated. I like Nelson, but he’s not going to affect a game like a superstar RB would (especially in year one). I’d rather have one superstar player than 2 quality starters. I want a guy that can take a screen pass and go 80 yards with it. I want a guy that can turn a 10 yard run into a 60 yard TD. That’s Barkley. Our offense has had to labor through long drives because we simply don’t have a game breaker (Desean hasn’t worked so far). Barkley instantly changes that. I do not want to settle for second or third best RB if a superstar is there for the taking (which he probably won’t be).
April 13th, 2018 at 9:06 am
Cough cough McNichols cough…
Exactly but this applies to most positions. Sure starters develop out of the later rounds. But if you want to actually draft a player who will start in a year or two, you are look at rounds 1-2, mayyybe 3.
Rounds 4-5 are looking for good developmental talent and solid backups (Ryan Smith not a crime on our Dstaff that he is just a backup talent @Joes)
Rounds 6-7. Literally throwaways
April 13th, 2018 at 9:21 am
Past 20yrs -A/G 18+ (SB Winning RB’s)
• Running Back By Committee 55.00%
• Bell Cow – 45.00%
Case In Point
Running Back By Committee 55.00%
• (1996) Green Bay – Edgar Bennett – Round: 4 / Pick: 103 *A/G 13.9
• (2001) New England – Antowain Smith – Round: 1 / Pick: 23 *A/G 17.9
• (2002) Tampa Bay – Michael Pittman – Round: 4 / Pick: 135 *A/G 12.8
• (2003) New England – Antowain Smith – Round: 1 / Pick: 23 *A/G 14.0
• (2005) Pittsburgh – Willie Parker – Undrafted *A/G 17.0
• (2006) Indianapolis – Joseph Addai – Round: 1 / Pick: 30 *A/G 14.1
• (2009) New Orleans – Mike Bell – Undrafted *A/G 13.2
• (2010) Green Bay – Brandon Jackson – Round: 2 / Pick: 63 *A/G 11.9
• (2011) New York – Ahmad Bradshaw – Round: 7 / Pick: 250 *A/G 14.3
• (2012) Baltimore – Ray Rice – Round: 2 / Pick: 55 *A/G 16.1
• (2014) New England – Shane Vereen – Round: 2 / Pick: 56 *A/G 6.0
• (2015) Denver- Ronnie Hillman – Round: 3 / Pick: 67 *A/G 12.9
Bell Cow – 45.00%
• (1997) Denver -Terrell Davis – Round: 6 / Pick: 196 *A/G 24.6
• (1998) Denver – Terrell Davis – Round: 6 / Pick: 196 *A/G 24.5
• (1999) Baltimore – Jamal Lewis – Round: 1 / Pick: 5 *A/G 19.3
• (2000) St. Louis – Marshall Faulk – Round: 1 / Pick: 2 *A/G 18.1
• (2007) New York – Brandon Jacobs – Round: 4 / Pick: 110 *A/G 18.4
• (2008) Pittsburgh – Willie Parker – Undrafted *A/G 19.1
• (2013) Seattle – Marshawn Lynch – Round: 1 / Pick: 12 *A/G 18.8
• (2016) New England – LeGarrette Blount – Undrafted *A/G 18.7
April 13th, 2018 at 9:30 am
Update! (Wrote the previous post last year)
Past 21yrs -A/G 18+ (SB Winning RB’s)
• Running Back By Committee 65.00% <–
• Bell Cow – 45.00%
Note:
• (2017) Philadelphia – LeGarrette Blount – Undrafted *A/G 10.8
April 13th, 2018 at 9:39 am
Bell Cow – 35.00% Ouch
April 13th, 2018 at 9:50 am
Past 21yrs (Super Bowl Winning Running Backs)
• Only 28.57% of RB’s were picked in the 1st Round
• Of that 28.57% only two were picked in the Top-10 = 9.52% ←
Note: Undrafted Free Agent RB’s – 23.81%<–
April 13th, 2018 at 9:54 am
There ae maybe 3 or 4 impact RB’s in this draft. Hopefully, we get one of them.
April 13th, 2018 at 9:55 am
You have to take Bark if he’s there, he’s the best offensive player in the draft. However, I just saw draft analyst Josh Norris on with Mike Florio where he mentioned, among other things, that Derwin James is the best overall defensive player in the entire draft, even over Chubb. He just posted his latest draft on NBCsports @ http://www.nbcsports.com/video/2018-nfl-mock-draft-40 (Bark going 5th), where he focused on the Bucs 7th pick, going into some detail about how the smartest pick the Bucs could make in this case would be James.
April 13th, 2018 at 9:56 am
There’s about 8 to 10 running backs in this draft, that can help the BUCS win games in 2018.
April 13th, 2018 at 9:57 am
The reason why the 1st pick is huge is because New York will probably take Saquon Barkley if Sam Darnold is gone. However the GM at Cleveland has a reputation of wanting Big Upside QBs and Josh Allen fits that bill. Playing behind Tyrod Taylor for a year or 2.
I firmly believe if Cleveland goes Allen #1, then New York takes Darnold who can be good quicker and they really like him.
We know the Jets will take Mayfield or Rosen.
Then you have to look at the fact that Cleveland and Indy have 2 picks before us in the 2nd.
I believe if Bradley Chubb is available at 4 the Browns will wait until the 2nd to address RB.
Then Denver will be a prime spot for Buffalo to trade up, but taking Barkley seems like a stretch for a team with CJ and Booker.
We all know how bad Indy fans are clamoring for OL help to protect Luck and Nelson will not be passed up, especially with 2 picks early in the 2nd to address RB.
So the 1st thing that needs to happen is the Browns pick Allen, then Denver HAS to trade or pick elsewhere.
Then Barkley is OURS!!!!!
April 13th, 2018 at 9:57 am
I watched him every weekend living here in PA. Those highlights show his burst, but he is a very powerful RB that can push the pile. The reason he doesn’t have a lot of highlights about short yardage is because he makes so many people miss. The best thing about making people miss is that he rarely takes a big hit. HE is not small either.
I would love to have Barkley go to the Bucs. He is amazing.
Side Note: Penn State has anther RB on the Bench that will light it up. His name is Journey Brown. The kid set the PA high school record in the 100yd dash in spring 2017. He will be a Sophomore this fall.
April 13th, 2018 at 9:59 am
Cornerback round one, running back round two.
April 13th, 2018 at 10:05 am
@Phil
No CB in this draft is worth a top 10 pick.
April 13th, 2018 at 10:20 am
It is SO tiring listening to so many of the people on JBF, about draft-related opinions.
However…
“And if the Bucs want to have a dominant offense by adding a game-changing running back, Jerome Bettis said you have to be aggressive.–Per Jerome Bettis
“This guy is absolutely electric, and you are out of your mind if you think there is anybody else in this draft even close to him. This guy will instantly transform our offense and make us a nightmare to defend against.–Per @Hawaiian Buc, summarized well.
I am in agreement with Bettis, and @Hawaiian Buc’s summary above is an accurate one, and in harmony with so many draft evaluators. The wisest choice at #7 is not that hard.
Buffalo in some form with still affect the #4 CLE pick through trade. Licht simply needs to send a 2nd round pick in 2019, and perhaps our 4th round pick in 2018 to Denver to move from #7 to #5, and follow Bettis’ wise words to “be aggressive” and follow all talent evaluators in acquiring Saquon.
It’s NOT that hard, folks.
Go Bucs! Go Bold! Go Barkley! Go Primetime!
April 13th, 2018 at 10:27 am
This team is not one player away and we really need those other top prospects. Especially when there’s comparable value available when we pick @ 7.
April 13th, 2018 at 10:37 am
“This team is not one player away and we really need those other top prospects. Especially when there’s comparable value available when we pick @ 7.”
—————
Here’s the thing about your theory: I think we can all agree drafting good players is extremely difficult. It doesn’t matter the team or the GM, the percentages aren’t great to get multiple good players in one draft. Look no further than our drafts over the years. Mike Evans is the only player left from his draft. Point is, it’s hard to get one, it’s even harder to get 2 or 3. So if you have the closest thing to a sure thing (I understand no one is a sure thing, but Barkley is as close as it comes) who just so happens to fit a MAJOR need, why wouldn’t you take it? So you can get the second or third best at a later time? So I could be wrong, but don’t you win by having the best guys, not the second or third best? That logic just doesn’t make sense to me.
Hit a home run with Barkley. There are other players there if you scout well, but Barkley is a no brainer. Don’t be scared to get a great player. I know we haven’t had many great players over the years, but I promise it’s a lot of fun to have them.
April 13th, 2018 at 10:47 am
Look at what Zeke did for the Cowgirls. And look what happened to them when he was suspended. Look what happened to their QB. You think that’s a coincidence? Barkley is considered in the same class as Zeke. Anyone remember who was the second RB chosen in Zeke’s class? Derrick Henry. He represents better value, but which player would you rather have? Do you think Dallas regrets their pick?
April 13th, 2018 at 11:03 am
Hawaiian
What kind of Oline did/does Dallas Have? That might have something to do with Zekes performance.
And wasn’t it when Dallas’ Oline suffered injuries that they stumbled?
April 13th, 2018 at 11:05 am
To Hawaiian Buc:
And since we agree that drafting good players is extremely difficult, it only makes since that the more shots you take the better your chances of hitting. And you’re giving up those high chances on a player who is, himself, a gamble. Don’t believe it? Think about other “close as it comes” players who were also considered “no brainers.” Remember: Ron Dayne, Trent Richardson, Cedric Benson, Ki-Jana Carter and Blair Thomas? I could probably think of ten more “sure fire” running back prospects who became disappointments after the fact. Don’t get me wrong. I like Barkley and would take him if he’s there, but there’s no need to throw away other draft “lottery tickets” to move up when there will be a couple other top rated players available when we pick at 7.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:05 am
Joe can answer that:
Terribly overrated since Dallas has retooled its offensive line this offseason.
What kind of offensive line did C.J. Anderson have with the Broncos? A total trainwreck yet he still ran for over 1,000 yards.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:06 am
makes “sense”
April 13th, 2018 at 11:08 am
Hawaiian Buc
I understand where U coming from – But the interior offensive line of the Cowboys, is head and shoulders better then Tennessee’s.
Zeke’s (arguably) been running behing the best line the NFL.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:14 am
C.J. Anderson has average 4.0 yards a carry. And is on the trading block.
And Denvers QB’s were laminated for 52 sacks.
56% percent of those sacks came form A-Gap pressure. So what’s your point?
That’s why there’s in the mix for Quenton Nelson as well.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:14 am
What LUV said……
April 13th, 2018 at 11:17 am
He does not get caught from behind
April 13th, 2018 at 11:19 am
Yes, Zeke has a really good OL. However, we have a better QB and better receivers. We just got Jensen, and are moving Marpet back to guard (where he’s best). Donovan Smith is in a contract year. While we may not be the greatest OL in the league, we should be much improved. Not to mention that we could actually grab a guard in a later round, or pick up one that gets cut. Guards don’t win games like RB’s do.
If you are giving all the credit to Zeke’s OL, then you apparently haven’t seen Zeke play. I can’t stand the guy, but he is a special talent (as I believe Barkley is). A good OL doesn’t help you drive guys backwards on contact. A good OL doesn’t help you make guys miss. A good OL doesn’t help you run past guys.
I don’t know when people are going to understand that you have to have explosive plays in the NFL. Steelers, Patriots, Saints, Eagles all have one thing in common – explosive playmakers. It’s too hard to grind out 80 yard drives 4 yards at a time. It’s hard to have 15 play drives that don’t get killed by penalties. Are we trying to score 20 points a game or 30? Would you rather have Jameis drop back 40 times a game with defenses dropping 7 in coverage, or 25 times with defenses terrified of our RB taking a draw to the house? This is such an easy decision, but one that I still don’t believe we will have.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:21 am
So after watching Joes highlight package, which is literally the first time I have watched any Saquon Barkley…. To me the guy is obviously a physical specimen , but on every one of those long runs he was not even touched at the LOS.. That doesn’t happen In the pros.
Draft Nelson and plug and play any good RB for the next 10 years
April 13th, 2018 at 11:23 am
And since highschool he’s NEVER BEEN a good between the tackles runner #Fact.
Like Reggie Bush McCaffery and many others – these kid is a BEAST on stretch runs, etc. U get him in space and its a wrap.
But he’s far from the best running back prospect in past 25yrs. Nowhere close to Marshall Faulk or Edge
April 13th, 2018 at 11:36 am
We should do whatever we have to- to get Barkley.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:38 am
Ricky Williams was ” generational”. His career wasn’t however…
Dalvin Cook was everybody’s favorite last year, but injury wiped that out. Not saying that will,happen to Barkley, but it very well could, then you are using a second string back anyway. Great Oline > RB.. Look at what NE has done for years..
April 13th, 2018 at 11:39 am
@Reality_43…I agree with that draft scenario because it ACTUALLY makes sense and it’s probably one of the most logical scenarios I’ve read out of any poster thus far on JBF, especially on this thread.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:40 am
Does it really matter what any of of think. Assuming Chubb, Nelson are gone and Barkley is there Licht is taking him. It’s a basic no brainer.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:40 am
All this falling over adulation for a back that averaged less than 3 yds/ carry in 3 games last year- yes, he’s a great athlete, but compare his college stats to Barry Sanders OK State stats- it’s not even close…
April 13th, 2018 at 11:42 am
Jmark….The only problem with that is that the Bucs are not getting a choice here. We will need a touch of luck just to get either Barkley or Nelson to drop. The chances of both of them being there at #7 is basically non existent.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:51 am
Maybe Bettis should actually watch football and make informed statements. 4 of the top 5 RBs last yr were 3rd rounders or later. As were 7 of the top 10
April 13th, 2018 at 11:56 am
Barkley makes players miss. That’s whats makes him great. As much as Martin was hit behind the LOS last year(btw, your RB should make those guys miss from time to time) he got to the second level plenty. But Martin never made any tacklers miss him. You draft Barkley and if he can make these NFL players miss we will get him to the second level enough to see the dividends.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:56 am
At the end of the day, if we draft Barkley, I won’t jump off the skyway…
But, as cliche as it is, football is won in the trenches. Our lines on both sides of the ball have been atrocious for years. Think long term and fix those first, then fill in from there. Let’s face it, this one draft this year isn’t going to solve all our problems. We are in too good of a division to think we are going to vault into the playoffs.
April 13th, 2018 at 11:57 am
Talk and guess Wait til later. Yes wait and find our next Dancing Bear.
April 13th, 2018 at 12:01 pm
SB……I’m pretty sure Bettis was talking about the history of that position and not just last year.
April 13th, 2018 at 12:11 pm
I don’t think it’ll be a tough decision when we get to #7. If one of the ‘big 3′ are there, you grab ’em. Barkley>Bush for sure! I have to say, It’d be a tough call to overlook this guy. I’ve watched him play, there’s not much even close IMO later at RB. But don’t fall asleep at the wheel and think you’re going to find the next Hunt or Kamara. There is far too much talent to pass on and, like Hawaiian has stated, we NEED game-breakers.
April 13th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Totally agree with that Jmark.
We got the #7 pick this year and with so many QBs getting taken we will be getting basically a top 5 prospect. You don’t get a top 5 prospect come along often so that’s why you take Barkley if he’s there, again assuming Chubb, Nelson are gone. Barkley would be the only one that fits the top 5 prospect, that’s why we are calling Chubb, Nelson, Barkley the “Big Three”
The only thing I don’t understand is that a month or two ago Minkah Fitzpatrick was considered a top prospect along with those three. It seemed like a “Big Four”. Now Fitzpatrick is getting lumped into the 2nd tier of prospects with Ward and James. Yet to hear any rational explanation why his stock dropped.
Maybe these analysts just up and change their prospect rankings based on what info they gather from the teams. They call a guy “can’t miss” until they hear their isn’t as much intrest as they thought their would be. All the mocks and expert insider opinions come across as very disingenuous sometimes.
April 13th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
JJ
As you said, they wont both be there (Nelson, Barkley, if either of them are)
For me, I cant think of the last DB that was a legit first round pick, well maybe Jalen Ramsey. Seems to me we could pick any DB in any round to stand 12 yards off the ball and watch WR’s catch slants untouched. Then proceed to whiff on tackles. 😉 Until we get better Defensive coaches, nobody is gonna make a difference
April 13th, 2018 at 12:35 pm
I think if your a RB away from being a dominate offense then yes….pick a RB early….but when you have the worse defense in the league or holes along the oline, then I think you a different route…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
April 13th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
****************
Let’s say our first three picks are used on a RB, OG and CB …
Option One: Saquon Barkley + Best CB available (2nd) + Best OG available (4th)
Option Two: Quenton Nelson + Nick Chubb + Best CB available (4th)
Option Three: Denzel Ward + Nick Chubb + Best OG available (4th)
Which is YOUR favorite option?
**************
April 13th, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Option 2
April 13th, 2018 at 12:50 pm
If I’m being honest, the problem with this whole line of thinking is we are going offense heavy again and defense isn’t getting much better….
April 13th, 2018 at 1:04 pm
*****************
^ I’d be okay with all the options honestly, but I do hear what you’re saying about going offense heavy … however I think that just may be what we do as Licht went defense heavy in free agency … JPP+Curry+Allen+Unrein probably allows him to draft offense before defense in the draft.
I think Licht also may be thinking that he prefers veteran defenders and young offensive players to grow with Jameis, and that he will even be able to fill additional defensive needs after the draft when teams start cutting players.
And, that may not be a bad plan … I’d rather have a veteran defense and young offense than a young defense and veteran offense for sure, especially with Jameis only being 24, as they can grow with him.
The ONLY thing that still really bugs me about our offseason was the Catanzaro signing as that money could have been used on EJ Gaines, Brashaud Breeland or another CB which we desperately need imho.
*************
April 13th, 2018 at 1:09 pm
I hear ya Nut re: kicker..
Cannot understand how Licht and the Bucs have turned having a kicker into this soap opera EVERY year.
And say this kid they are trying out from UF is lights out? Are we on the hook for Catanzaro. I mean how guaranteed is his contract?
April 13th, 2018 at 1:12 pm
I like option 2 NFL Nut.
April 13th, 2018 at 1:23 pm
Nut- Sign me up for option #2 please.
April 13th, 2018 at 1:31 pm
We’d be better off with Nelson or Chubb with such a high (and valuable) pick this year. It literally does all start up front in football – and the GM while making very good player selections 2 out of the last 3 years – has not given enough position consideration to these 2 most important units that (combined) literally constitute 35% of the entire roster.
Result? The Offense (with a high end QB and receiving weapons galore) looked out of sync and unbalanced the majority of last year. The Defense (fielding one of the best LB groups in the NFL) simply could not stop opposing offenses whenever it mattered most in 2017. Run or pass – we couldn’t stop anything when the chips were in and the game was on the line. QBs had plenty of time to survey the field before throwing and our DBs looked awful as a result. Lowest sack total in the league is a hugely representative and symbolic stat regarding last year’s Buccaneer defense.
With all that said – however, if Barkley is the one that drops to 7 – then I’m pretty sure Licht will draft him and be glad for the opportunity to get high end talent at a position of (arguably) our biggest “need”.
Unless…. A good trade down offer comes knocking….
Would you rather have Barkley and Jaire Alexander
– or would you rather have Guice/Michel, Hernandez and Jaire Alexander?
I would take the later all day every day.
The Bucs are very high on Guice btw if anyone wasn’t aware of that. They don’t see this huge talent gap between Barkley and Guice that some are trying to allege.
April 13th, 2018 at 1:35 pm
“Are we on the hook for Catanzaro. I mean how guaranteed is his contract?”
Answers are “Yes” and “Fully”.
I’m sure the plan is to bring a promising free agent into camp and hopefully onto the practice squad – “just in case”.
April 13th, 2018 at 1:39 pm
A major reason you’re in moderation is because you repeatedly misrepresent Joe. Find another hobby.–Joe
April 13th, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Well,
So we signed a kicker to a guaranteed deal, not knowing what the hell he will do?
What is it with Licht and Kickers? Was he the last one picked for dodgeball or something. Dodge, duck, dive and dodge
April 13th, 2018 at 1:46 pm
Licht might be looking at the team and seeing that the biggest area of need for us is secondary. He may have no plans on getting past round 2 with addressing that.
Our other biggest holes are at G and RB but both positions are a lot stronger right now then our secondary.
April 13th, 2018 at 1:47 pm
Exactly….@Capt. Tim exactly.
Capt.Tim Says:
April 13th, 2018 at 11:36 am
We should do whatever we have to- to get Barkley.
Only would add, it won’t take “whatever it takes”, but we all get your meaning.
Go Bucs!
April 13th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Jmark……Have no idea what these team is doing with Kicker. I’m actually getting angry typing this beacause I have to think about how bad that position has been.
Some teams fix kicking problems mid season. Rarely do they struggle back to back years. It’s truely mind blowing wh6 this team can’t figure it out. At this point I’m blaming coaching.
That being said, I have no problems paying good money if this guy can be a good kicker for us.
April 13th, 2018 at 2:06 pm
JJ
Maybe it’s taking guys and making them the guaranteed starter, right off the bat, Aguyo, now this guy…
Don’t know how you guarantee anything when they’ve never kicked for you.. If catanzaro comes in here and is awful..oh my.
April 13th, 2018 at 5:27 pm
SB and BUCSFANMAN,
I prefer option #2 as well, though I’d be thrilled with option #1 and okay (I think) with option #3 …
April 13th, 2018 at 6:02 pm
🙂 🙂
@Hawaiian Buc….
I hear ya brotha! The sense and sensibility hopefully takes hold with Mr. Licht and Mr. Barkley on the 26th.
Go Bucs!
April 13th, 2018 at 7:51 pm
The kid has amazing speed and lateral agility.
But my concern is can he really run through the tackles and be productive? I only saw a few Penn state games last season, but even watching that highlight reel for 5 minutes, I only counted 2 plays where he broke a tackle.
Every other time he is running through massive gaping holes, or catching the ball wide open in space. Does anyone think our o-line is going to be opening up holes that large for our running backs?
The cowboy spent a top-10 pick on a RB after they had one of the best offensive lines in the league. We do not have such a thing (though I’m hoping Jensen makes us a lot better than last year in that regard).
April 13th, 2018 at 10:18 pm
unbelievable, you are absolutely correct. There have been better Penn State RBs than Barkley over the years who went #1 or near #1 overall, and they were all BUSTS.
I see far more weaknesses in Barkley’s game, namely here you a big bruiser type who AVOIDS contact. That is a big red flag. Then, I don’t see the vision & instincts, and he should definitely be able to break more tackles. He also doesn’t have the natural balance & leverage you see in the great backs like E. Smith, B. Sanders, or even E. Elliot.