Solid Early Reviews
May 19th, 2018
Getting noticed early.
It is way, way, way early and we are over two months away from when the pads come on.
But thus far, if there is a player for fans to monitor through the remaining OTAs, minicamp and into training camp, a certain Ivy League graduate is opening eyes at One Buc Palace.
No, it’s not folks watching Ryan Fitzpatrick solve a Rubik’s Cube. And no, it has nothing to do with Cam Brate, who just signed a hefty new pact with the team.
The Ivy League guy happens to be Justin Watson, the rookie receiver from Penn selected in the fifth round.
Joe got a text from someone within the walls of One Buc Palace earlier this week as rookie minicamp had wrapped up. The text was nothing but glowing words on Watson. Granted, Joe was and is a tad skeptical. What can be gleaned from two days of underwear football going against soon-to-be exterminators and guidance counselors?
But Joe raised an eyebrow when Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who confesses to not being able to sugarcoat things, raved about the speedy 6-3 Watson.
“I really like him,” Monken said of Watson. “He’s big, fast, physical, smart. That’s what you’re looking for, a guy that can develop. Moving forward, those kind of guys rarely underachieve when you have that sort of measureable skill set. So, he’s looked really good at the start and what we looked for.
“I think that’s the biggest thing when you get those guys in here. You’re hopeful that they are what you thought they were so you can work with them and try to develop them. That’s what you’re always trying to do with young, talented players. We’re paid to develop our players and get the best out of them so that’s the exciting part.”
For background sake, let us gander into the not-so-distant future. If Chris Godwin continues to develop like he did last year, the Bucs have a special wide receiver to pair with Mike Evans. Internationally popular JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman predicted when the Bucs signed DeSean Jackson that he wouldn’t finish his three-year contract with the Bucs.
Well, if Watson is all that, and Godwin appears to be all that, Joe can logically see Ira’s prediction coming true.
Who the hell ever thought Joe would write about a logjam at receiver for the Bucs? What a bizzaro world we live in. Next thing you know someone is going to try to tell Joe that Las Vegas has a hockey team five wins from a Stanley Cup.
May 19th, 2018 at 10:24 am
Just a thought…… D. Jackson for an OL, CB, S or a good draft pick?? W
May 19th, 2018 at 10:35 am
Seems Watson is getting the same nod Godwin was given at this time last year during mini camp and OTA’s, I’d say that’s a good sign.
May 19th, 2018 at 10:49 am
Said it before and will keep beating that horse. I hope we trade DJax before the season starts. Hopefully for a CB or OL.
May 19th, 2018 at 10:58 am
Watson scored a slew of Penn records. He probably is the real deal. Logjam of talent is a good problem. Injuries happen.
May 19th, 2018 at 11:00 am
Cliff
I couldn’t agree more. I would absolutely love to trade DJAX for the best right guard we could get…that could complete a really potentially excellent OL.
Problem is I do not honestly know what kind of market there would be for DJAX.
Training Camp and injuries will change everything. Somebody may lose a #1 or #2 receiver and need immediate help. Of course ME13 could get injured which would also change our view point.
Joe or any JBF expert….Does DJAX have enough value in this league to pull a decent OL? How high of a draft pick would he be worth? Just askin I have no idea.
May 19th, 2018 at 11:10 am
Actually SPBF I think you hit the nail on the head. Injuries to another teams 2wr or even 1wr would make the market for DJax fairly high.
May 19th, 2018 at 11:18 am
StPeteBucsFan
2018 base salary 11,000,000, cap hit 11 mil, dead cap, 7.5 mil
2019 base salary 10,000,000, cap hit 10 mil,
total potential out number, 23.5 mil
per sportrac.com
should be tough to unload all that with these numbers
2017 with bucs: 50 rec,668 yds,13.4 avg, lng 41, TD “3”, rush att 3, 38 yds
We need for find a sucker….;)
May 19th, 2018 at 11:34 am
No one is going to trade for DJAX! He is a vet with a high salary. This is the last year of guaranteed money owed to him, so he is here. He will be a difference maker if he and Jameis starts to connect. No one on our team has his type of speed and defenses must respect that. The good thing with having young productive guys like Goodwin, Humphries and hopefully Watson is when one of our starters get tired or hurt and leave the game, we don’t miss a beat bringing in our young guys. This offense can and should be dominating this year. No team in the NFL have the combination of WRs/TEs that we have. If RoJo produces, Jameis should have MVP numbers.
May 19th, 2018 at 11:38 am
@Buc4life…I think you’re right.
May 19th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Have to agree no one is gonna trade for DJax and his salary when WR’s like Dez , Decker,and Maclin are still unsigned and would be cheaper.
May 19th, 2018 at 11:51 am
RAS, granted some FA receivers are cheaper, but nothing says Bucs wouldn’t eat part of DJax’s contract just to get enough in return to sign say a veteran Guard or CB. Or perhaps via a trade that isn’t even-steven.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Most importantly can he play special teams? Can he return Kicks? If so it would solve a long time problem. And make the team better.Then if he works out J.L. can pick and choose who stays and who gets traded. WIN WIN!
May 19th, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Got a good feeling about this guy.
DJax needs to be the full-time punt returner. He can still take the top off the defense and make some plays.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:10 pm
By the way nice problem. Don’t ever in 42 years recall the buc’s having this one!
May 19th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Why would anyone trade DJax….a proven vet that stretches the DB coverage….only because he is a weapon that does not fit…. the opposing DC/DB’s are not afraid of Jameis ….I hope #3 burns their azzes….just have not seen a hint of deep ball accuracy …hence a roster of “wide catch radius” receivers….if ya know what I mean Vern….
May 19th, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Very excited. 4.4 all around monster with hands.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
This one of the main reasons that “real” fans are not looking at this season as a do or die season!!!! The franchise is finally heading in the right direction, and if allowed to continue, we will see much depth in other positions as well!!!!
Good times are ahead, as long as we don’t let the so-called fans destroy what gains have been made!!!!!!
The full rebuild from the disastrous talk show dominik and loser lovie days!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 19th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
bucs can’t afford to trade a talented player like djax. Djax is not going anywhere. The one that needs to be worried is the short, slow fumbler Adam Humphries. Every receiver in training camp has more upside than Humphrey but again let’s not let facts get in the way of the lovefest of mediocre players beloved by emotional low standard bucfan.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Don’t forget to mention bouncers Joe. I’ve met too many bouncers that tried and didn’t cut it. Cappa is “the Bouncer”, but he’s gonna be tossing NFL dlineman out the club, not 20 year old UT lacrosse kids on South Howard.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
teams can contain evans when he is only weapon on the field which proves Humphrey scares no one. hump does not have the ability to be an nfl threat. boring on special teams and easily upgraded. The only players on offense coordinators are truly concerned with is DJax and Evans. hump and brate are good stories but not scary a single coordinator in the league. only buc fan gives free passes the rest of the league requires players to earn before giving them credit.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Rotation, Rotation, Rotation. It pisses me off that DJax is getting $11 million to be a rotational player next to Godwin and possibly Watson, but I also love how great that depth and freshness is.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
“He’s big, fast, physical, smart.
Not to early if the coaches are saying that, sounds like the description of any late round steal even if it takes a year or two
May 19th, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Reality-is-a-Beotch
Brate caught most TE TDs two years ago. Pretty sure opposing coordinators keep an eye on him when he steps on to the field.
May 19th, 2018 at 12:57 pm
There’s a guy out in Oakland who LOVES aging stars… we should work out a trade with them…
Hey Joe, so Maxipad is allowed back??
May 19th, 2018 at 1:01 pm
Im all for trading djax while he still has value
May 19th, 2018 at 1:09 pm
Actually, Once Jamius started targeting Hump & Brate at the end of the season, they started winning. I wouldn’t sell either of them short.
May 19th, 2018 at 1:13 pm
jmarkbuc, why would you want to encourage Joe to bring back maxipad? This board has been awesome lately. We don’t have to scroll thru BS to actually read Buccaneer takes.
May 19th, 2018 at 1:22 pm
SoeBuc
Winstons health was the reason for the victories NOT a short slow fumbler and an average te. Nice try to spin it though. Bucs need Djax far more than you want to realize but he does not fit the mold of low standard bucfan so keep hoping for a trade he is not going anywhere.
May 19th, 2018 at 1:23 pm
Reality
Wow you forgot two critical targets. Godwin who caught the TD to win that final game of the season…and OJ a kid with the potential to be the top TE in the league.
Both of these guys are potential stars just now coming into their own in just their second seasons. ROJO could also add another target out of the backfield and if he gets a seam he’s GONE!!!
May 19th, 2018 at 1:25 pm
I understand the desire to trade DJax but I would count our chickens just yet. We are only a year away from starting scrubs at WR. Unless we get a really good offer I would ride with what we got. Our schedule is hard enough without giving away talent. Don’t forget coaches have to win this year or they are most likely gone. How pissed would they be a trade happens and the WR Corp takes a step back.
May 19th, 2018 at 1:33 pm
Well I guess things are at least looking up for the guys getting cut? Now they’re going to be guidance counselors and exterminators, instead of truck drivers and insurance salesman. Lol.
May 19th, 2018 at 1:39 pm
StPete
In case you missed it, Winston was the one tossing the ball to Godwin. Love Godwin but again they have NOT EARNED nor ACCOMPLISHED anything. Show me, don’t tell me. Myron Lewis & VH3 supposedly had potential and both HUGE busts so until they EARN it on the field they are just losers, all of them.
Potential “Star” means NOTHING… Let them earn on the field before you anoint them. They have just as much potential to bust as to be great.
May 19th, 2018 at 1:43 pm
why do so many of you get so attached to mediocre losers? Don’t you want the TEAM to win. Upgrading talent each and every year at each and every position is KEY to contending yet you people fall in love with such mediocrity and wonder why this franchise has embarrassed itself for a better part of 2 decades.
May 19th, 2018 at 2:12 pm
“Facts?”
Adam Humphries led all Bucs wide receivers in YAC last year.
Feel free to look up that fact.
May 19th, 2018 at 2:14 pm
The Bucs signed DJax so that they could win now. That didn’t happen, so now the coaching staff wants to “develop” players. I hope that the coaches stick around long enough for that to happen. This year is the last chance for a lot of players/coaches at One Buc Place.
May 19th, 2018 at 2:18 pm
I expect the Bucs to use DJAX in the slot a lot more this season, and try to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. That should allow Godwin more opportunities on the outside, and maybe Watson can get some snaps too.
May 19th, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Cage gets unlocked when the regular season kicks off. Whether he chooses to comment will be up to him.
May 19th, 2018 at 2:38 pm
Our big trade chip for a top lineman is Brate, not DJ Dallas could be a partner.
May 19th, 2018 at 3:15 pm
Adam Humphries led all Bucs wide receivers in YAC last year.
Feel free to look up that fact.
Fact is they still finished dead last even with such a super star effort by your boy. Raise your standards
May 19th, 2018 at 3:17 pm
Joe
Leading the worst franchise in the league in any category is meaningless. Object of game is wins not stats.
May 19th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Kmart led the world in blue light specials where are they now??? About as relevant has humps yac. He cost bucs more than he is worth. Talent wins not favourites
May 19th, 2018 at 3:25 pm
Reality:
By your standards, Bucs should also unload Mike Evans and Csm Brate.
May 19th, 2018 at 3:44 pm
Great, now we have some idiot trying to lead a campaign against a good slot receiver. A guy who has been as solid as can be. He fumbled one time I can remember and it cost us one game. Every player fumbles occasionally, just not great timing on his. I’m sure he would be the first to stand up and voice his disappointment in himself.
Stats 2015- 27 Rec 260 yards 9.6 avg 1 TD- UDFA
2016- 55 Rec 622 yards 11.3 avg 2 TD
2017- 61 Rec 631 yards 10.3 avg 1 TD
Not bad for a slot receiver that split time.
At least maybe McCoy will get a rest from these morons.
May 19th, 2018 at 3:54 pm
StAugBuc Says:
May 19th, 2018 at 2:38 pm
Our big trade chip for a top lineman is Brate, not DJ Dallas could be a partner.
__
I don’t like this because I know that you know your Football!
May 19th, 2018 at 3:56 pm
Dak and Brate would be incredible because they have Zeke! However, let us hope that JW3 and Rojo can instill the same Fear while we Have Brate, and OJ.
May 19th, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Joe, is it not glaringly obvious to you two that Reality is actually Trollmax? Almost verbatim the same language and tropes. I know he’s an idiot but every internet troll knows how to get around an IP stamp (the way I assume you regulate these things).
May 19th, 2018 at 4:01 pm
Joe, look at the Florio post for the bread crumbs that lead straight to the troll Asylum. Might as well just let him have his name back at this point.
May 19th, 2018 at 4:08 pm
@Reality … “He cost bucs more than he is worth. Talent wins not favourites.” I’m big-time with Joe on this one Reality. Adam is durable AND reliable … he’s caught 70% of the balls thrown to him over his career, MANY of those in tight coverage for 1st downs. Over 3 yrs, of his 143 receptions & 6 rushes, he’s got 79 first downs from what I can see (uhhh, feel free to name me anyone else who gets a 1st down over 50% of the time he catches/runs with the ball). Maybe that’s why Jameis called him a “third down machine”. Gaining over 10 yds every time you catch the ball may not be fancy to you, but Hump gets the job done as well as anyone. And BTW, as far as how much he’s worth? Adam makes LESS than your new Bucs’ kicker, less than Mitch Unrein,and less than TJ Ward and Josh Robinson each made last year. He’s a bargain IMO since he got almost as many yards last year as DJax (631 vs 668 yds), and made a LOT less $$$.
May 19th, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Reality-is-a-Beotch Says
“The one that needs to be worried is the short, slow fumbler Adam Humphries.”
Even with Godwin, they resigned Humphries, so obviously you are wrong.
May 19th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
Good detective work Steven007.
May 19th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Thanks St. Pete. Just for grins I’m going to give the Joe’s one more assist. It’s kind of fun exposing a trolls troll.
May 19th, 2018 at 4:31 pm
Sorry Joe, any idiot with a smartphone and an internet connection can get around any of your standard IP blocking utilities if they really want to. This loser can’t stand not posting so much that he’s clearly gotten around it by creating this transparent new account and saying the exact same eye-rolling word salad every time. I knew it the second I saw it and so can any regular poster who has seen his seventh grade ramblings enough. In case you were wondering here’s what to look out for: Dungy is terrible and a career loser, GMC ditto, JW can do no wrong, Evans is great, Humphries is worthless, raise your standards, worst franchise in the league, mediocre losers, anything less than a win is meaningless, emotional low standard fans, soft team, no talent choir boys, etc. Are you seeing the pattern here? We’ve heard this all before wrapped up in the same turd sandwich.
May 19th, 2018 at 5:01 pm
Wow, next thing you know the Bucs will have an overabundance of DE’s with double digit sacks, eh Joe?
May 19th, 2018 at 5:01 pm
I wouldn’t trade anyone. That’s called having quality depth, which killed us how many seasons before when a top wr went out hurt and we had martino and friends starting
May 19th, 2018 at 5:11 pm
Reality is a Beotch… Sure reminds me of someone from the past, who had a major beef with #93……JUST SAYIN
May 19th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Steven007,
I don’t think that the Reality dude is tmax, but it is obvious that tmax is in your head.
May 19th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Dave, you’re delusional. It’s quite obvious. Not that hard to do. Dude can’t stay away from the website which is good for the Joes. But let’s be real.
May 19th, 2018 at 5:59 pm
lol if that’s not tmax himself, then he must have a small cult of followers posting for him for him cuz that schtick is waaaay too similar just to be a coincidence.
but welcome back man, haha
May 19th, 2018 at 6:01 pm
Steven007,
I may be, but his posts do not read to me like a tmax post.
Not 1 mention of cancer93 and not enough typos.
It could be that other posters share similar thoughts as tmax.
May 19th, 2018 at 6:12 pm
I see Godwin being the slot guy if this dude pans out.
Please trade djax for a kicker or a water boy because you know he won’t take a hit in the slot.
Why the hell is Desean Jackson not our return guy?
May 19th, 2018 at 6:14 pm
Dave, while I think he’s an idiot and the vast vast majority of his takes are ridiculous bordering on absurd, I don’t think he can help himself. That said I do think he is smart enough, and I’m using the word smart very generously, to not use cancer 93 which was probably his most easily identifiable trope. But every single other one is right there for all to see. And while there are a few outliers who agree with his shtick, they have been around for awhile and are easily identifiable. DB55, Atrain, Doosh, and a few more. But out of the blue Reality shows up and sounds identical to Trollmax? Not a coincidence.
May 19th, 2018 at 6:21 pm
Steven007,
Could be but, I believe that tmax reveled in his notoriety. And likes to put his own name to his posts. Then would sit back and laugh at how upset it made so many JBF posters.
Just my thoughts.
May 19th, 2018 at 6:57 pm
I don’t see the Buccaneers trading for a CB, they had a chance at Peters, and Talib not to mention they just drafted two in the second round. All a veteran would do is slow the process of bringing along the rookies.
May 19th, 2018 at 7:13 pm
DJax…has been way overrated his entire career. He is a WR diva!
May 19th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
A fast white guy. Kinda weird. 😉
May 19th, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Dave, could be. But it’s hard to change your voice particularly when you’re clearly not putting that much thought into it. At the end of the day it obviously doesn’t matter. But my guess is if this dude keeps posting he will magically stop posting when the Joes release him from his self-imposed exile.
May 19th, 2018 at 9:41 pm
this guy could be just as dangerous in the slot vs a smaller #3 corner.
May 19th, 2018 at 10:01 pm
I think just mentioning his name has my posts in the cloud. Twice it has happened to me lol…. I AGREE STEVEN007….. Im sure its killing him not to mention 93 n his hate for him lol good times
May 19th, 2018 at 10:02 pm
Even the new name screams who it really is lol. Well played maxon.. Even you gotta be pleased with our off season acquisitions and improvements
May 20th, 2018 at 9:41 am
007, you beat me to the punch but, I believe Pear is correct; Beoch can form sentences better than tmax. Tmax could have been practicing all of this time, however!? The rapidity of the posts is a more telling sign! Beoch is probably just a disciple, though.
Ugh.. It just occurred to me that I wasted two minutes of my life on this nonsense. maybe I should become a disciple!
May 20th, 2018 at 9:57 am
Watson was a great pick. He will take Humps spot next year and Godwin will take DJ’s spot. We can’t afford either with all the big contracts next year. With all the receiver and tight end talent we have, this year should be fun !! Then add RocketAss in there and look out!! LOL Go BUCS !!!
May 20th, 2018 at 11:39 am
This guy needs to make those tackles and play special teams I hope he can beat out the Freddie Martino Bobo Wilson etc…
May 20th, 2018 at 12:18 pm
@Steven007:
You are absolutely correct in my opinion. Nothing gets a quicker response from
Reality=tmaxcon than any mention of GM93 or Glennon.
tickrdr
May 21st, 2018 at 6:26 am
Oh Reality,
You want to use stats when it supports your position on a player. Ok, then look up gmcs stats and tell me again why you don’t like him? Oh let me guess, he doesn’t win in big games or show up in the 4th quarter, or doesn’t raise the guys level of play around him? Well… Neither does humpries! Why don’t you rag on him in every post.
May 21st, 2018 at 10:23 am
Newsflash with DeSean… we’re not likely to get a draft pick for him unless it is of the extremely late round variety. His contract is very big… it was signed last season as a free agent, meaning any other team had the right to match or surpass and they chose not to, basically meaning that he is worth only what he is getting paid… definitely no more. That being said, he could be traded for another player that has a bloated contract… a guy that is also too expensive to trade. Teams don’t usually find buyers for veterans with big contracts. So if there is another player, whether it be OL, DB, or whatever, that another team wants to unload, there’s that possibility. Jamar Taylor was just shipped to the Cards for a 6th, he would have fit that criteria but he is now pretty much off the market.