About Drafting Kwon’s Replacement
March 20th, 2019
BY IRA KAUFMAN
All of a sudden a 5-11 football team is going to get picky?
There’s quite a bit of chatter out there in Buc Land suggesting Tampa Bay can’t afford to choose a linebacker at No. 5 in the 2019 draft.
That depends on the linebacker.
When it comes to LSU’s Devin White, it’s an entirely plausible pick. I can hear the pass-rush advocates screaming in unison — you can’t take White over a defensive end.
Says who?
If the Bucs stay at No. 5, they can’t afford to make a mistake.
There’s been too many during the NFC’s longest playoff drought. Nobody knows this better than Jason Licht.
You don’t have to select a Hall of Famer, but you’d better come up with a player who earns a second contract with the Bucs and is in the thick of the conversation when Pro Bowl rosters are debated.
White fits the profile and the departure of Kwon Alexander leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the field. Add in the uncertainty surrounding Kendell Beckwith and you can surely make a compelling case that inside linebacker is a major position of need for the 2019 Bucs.
While many draft pundits point to a strong defensive line crop, pass rush prospects tend to have a high bust rate. Dante Fowler, Dion Jordan and Solomon Thomas were each selected at No. 3 in recent years and have yet to make an impact on the pro level.
Linebackers like White can do wonders for any defense.
Copycat Vibe
The Colts drafted Darius Leonard last April and promptly vaulted from 30th in scoring defense to 10th while Leonard earned All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Bears emerged as the NFC’s top-rated defense last year and while Khalil Mack was the catalyst, let’s not forget the contributions of Roquan Smith.
Chosen at No. 8, Smith was credited with 121 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss and 5 pass breakups.
“Yeah, I see a lot of similarities,” White said when asked to compare himself to Smith. “He is a guy with a high motor as well and he makes sideline-to-sideline tackles. He can get in between the tackles and is great in coverage, He is athletic, our measurables are about the same. We both won the Butkus Award. He is a great player who had a phenomenal rookie season and I need to do the same.”
We’re not talking about a 2-down linebacker here. White’s stunning 4.42 speed marks him as a potential major factor in pass defense. And in a division with Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffery, a linebacker with White’s athleticism can make a big difference.
In the past two seasons, Kamara has tormented the Bucs with 26 receptions out of the backfield for 316 yards, catching 81 percent of his targeted passes. McCaffrey is right behind, catching 21-of-27 passes sent in his direction against Tampa Bay since 2017.
“When you have linebackers that can’t cover, it’s a liability and you will get picked on repeatedly,” says Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network. “It is tough to hide out there when you have a linebacker who can’t cover. White’s going to be able to run and help match up against some of the better tight ends and even some of these backs they’re using in the passing game. That’s a huge asset.
“I had a little bit higher grade on Roquan last year, but Devin is not far behind. I think he’s somebody that wherever he goes, he’s going to plug and play. He’s going to be a Rookie of the Year candidate who’s going to collect a ridiculous number of tackles and explosive plays.”
White has also displayed impressive skills as a blitzer and seems like a natural fit at Mike in a 4-3 alignment or as an inside linebacker when Todd Bowles shifts to a 3-man front.
It would be foolish to dismiss White as a logical first-round candidate for the Bucs. He has the physical tools to lead an overhaul under Bowles and the intangibles to supplant Alexander as the new face of a new defense.
“You can’t be a guy that shies away from leadership,” White says. “You can’t be a guy that doesn’t study and knows what he is doing on the field. You’re the quarterback of that defense, You have to be a playmaker and an absolute stud. I am not shy. I have to be able to go into the league, win guys over and start leading those guys.”
March 20th, 2019 at 11:40 am
buc fans deserve a better gm then Light has shown after all these years …Why is he still in charge????
March 20th, 2019 at 11:45 am
I agree with all of this. White could be a generational player, even more so than some of the D-linemen available.
March 20th, 2019 at 11:50 am
Yes he is quick but he also displays a very Kwon-esque con as well, being he overpursues on plays and can get caught out of position. If he can be taught to play his assignments religiously while still rocketing out to ball carriers this guys will be special.
March 20th, 2019 at 11:55 am
Thank you Ira, The sage as the voice of reason and give the reasons why
March 20th, 2019 at 12:04 pm
If Williams or Bosa is not there then I say take him.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
So, trade back a few spots, and take Devin Bush
March 20th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Impact inside LBs don’t have a sterling record when taken in the top 10. With the exception of Kuechly (whom I strongly advocated us taking), the players just haven’t panned out the way stud DEs have. If you hit on an outside pass rusher that’s a total game changer. You can’t pass on an Allen, Sweat, or even a Q Williams.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:07 pm
I think Devin White will be the pick unless “”this year’s” Josh Allen is available
March 20th, 2019 at 12:12 pm
If the big 3 are gone then White should be the pick! Then draft BA in the 2nd round at DE! Our LB situation is questionable at best!
March 20th, 2019 at 12:24 pm
Sage the voice of reason and the reason why
March 20th, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Who would you rather have….Aaron Donald or Roquan Smith?? LOL….that’ not even a decision y’all. First Kuechly is better right now than Roquan, and NO WAY do you pass on Quinnen Williams, for a freakin’ LB that doesn’t affect every play down in and down out! White is fast, does over-pursue, isn’t the greatest tackler (see the stats and game film). He’s just a really good LB.
IF QUINNEN is there at #5, you take Q. Get your LB’er in round 2 or 3.
And, for every Dante Fowler, Dion Jordan, and Solomon Thomas…..there’s a Joey Bosa, Clowney, Garrett….so there’s that. And they’re not Quinnen.
It just wasn’t a great article, point made. Albeit a good-maybe-later-great LB’er, White is still just a LB’er. He ain’t Lawrence Taylor.
You take Quinnen! OR…you trade back, and take White at say #12, with 2 new picks acquired.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Some experts said devin white was a better linebacker 2 years ago when both him and roquon smith were still in college.
I would take roquon stats right now
Love this kid-devin white
Again, if one of the big 3 is there you probably have to take one of them.
But devin white would look awesome in a buc Jersey.
Think about it too. Lavonte is my favorite player on defense but he will be one year older this season and towards end of deal (on big bucks)
Linebacker is absolutely the biggest need along with guy who can get after QB
March 20th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
where’s the stinkin’ podcast from Tuesday?
March 20th, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Finally some logic here! Thanks sage
March 20th, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Bravo! Finally some common sense in the debates. You are also supplying wisdom, which can apparently only be acquired over a decently long period of time. You are not called The Sage for nothin’!
Fans and pundits are still arguing and cussing over the selection of V Vea rather than D James last year, while “everybody knows” that you can’t realistically evaluate a draft or individual draftees in less than three or four year. GM’s can only hope they get it right for first round picks. There are no absolute guarantees. “Know it alls” will continue to rant and rave no matter what.
_______________
Go Bucs!!!!!!!
March 20th, 2019 at 12:35 pm
I remember one of the Joe’s complaint that the bucs drafted Barron instead of Kuechly. Now at least one of the Joe’s is acting like it would be a capital crime to draft White at 5. If the top 3 guys are off the board at 5, I’m not taking the 3rd or 4th best DE over White. There are multiple teams hoping that White falls to them so trading back isn’t an option. Cincinnati, Denver, New York and others are in the mix for White.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Very much agreed, would be nothing wrong with White at #5. Sweat? would make us sweat…heart issue
March 20th, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Excellent article Ira. So glad you called one of the Joe’s out. Yes I would like Williams Allen or bosa before white but white before the test. A mlb can absolutely change the defense overnight.
This guys gonna be special. Sweat Oliver Gary, I’m not so sure about.
Gotta ride the sure thing.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:49 pm
If Josh Allen is there I think he’s the pick. If he’s gone I think white makes more sense than Sweat. Ira is right on the money here. Joe just got smacked down hard.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:51 pm
BucOff, I agree that you shouldn’t draft a linebacker over Williams, especially if they have similar grades. The comparison of Donald to Smith doesn’t make sense though. One is I first year players and the other is a future HOF player. There isn’t a sure fire HOF player in any draft so of course we would select Donald. He’s a known commodity. The question would be, do you take Donald or Ray Lewis, Brooks, Taylor, or Seau.
March 20th, 2019 at 12:54 pm
I was watching NFL network last last and the skipped over the Bucs at 5…really pissed be off…showed Whites name but no discussion WTF !
March 20th, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Agree 100%. This idea that you can’t take a LB at 3 is flawed. If he is an impact player, if he significantly improves an area of deficiency, then grab him, and have him anchor our D for the next 5 to 10 years. Our LBs have been a black hole. This guy could be the center spoke for our next great D.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:00 pm
@Whatthebuc…
The way Ira wrote the valuation proposal for players already drafted, I was using Aaron Donald (at DT) versus Roquan Smith (at LB).
Quinnen Williams (at DT) NOW >>>>> versus Devin White (at LB) NOW.
Of course everyone with any sense about them, would want Donald over Smith or even Kuechly, and we would want Quinnen over White or any LB’er now.
A superior DT over a LB anytime…..is the point…and Q is wicked special.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Actually I was the first one on this board saying to draft Donald then McIceCream immediately took to Twitter to laugh at me, well who’s laughing now? Although in all fairness Evans wasn’t a bad pick. Ijs he ain’t a 2x player of the year but I digress.
Let me spell it out real simple:
1. Draft Haskins unless Josh Allen or Q are avail.
2. Draft Tre Lamar
3. Draft Paris Campbell or the kid out of Missouri actually like the kid out of Missouri better bc he got better hands.
You keep Haskins on the bench, if Jaboo balls out then you have a 1 rd pick trade next year if Jaboo doesn’t ball out you got your next starting QB on a rookie contract. Boom easy peezy
March 20th, 2019 at 1:04 pm
There ARE NO MORE Lawrence Taylor’s, there won’t be. Seau was just a really good LBer, perhaps even a great one.
Putting any proposed LB’er in Brooks or Lewis category is kinda crazy. Kuechly ain’t Brooks or Ray Lewis, no there’s no LB’ers in this crop anywhere close to those.
And Aaron Donald is a “known commodity” for a reason. Because of his play, not because of an elapsed number of years played in the league.
You take Quinnen!
March 20th, 2019 at 1:06 pm
I am firmly in the, “do NOT draft a stand-up linebacker” crowd…. However, if it comes down to it and the “Big 3” are all gone.. I’d rather have Devin White over Rashan Gary.. but we should really trade back if that happens.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:10 pm
What a great article. I agree 100% – the best points are that we can’t afford to miss with this pick, and the high rate of busts when picking edge rushers. As Bucs fans we ought to know that.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:13 pm
I gotta agree with @BuccOff…you go with Quinnen over White all day at #5 assuming they’re both there at #5. Q already presents a much more disruptive force all the time at several points along the D Line. No LB can or will do that. Not to mention how unique Q is for a DT.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:14 pm
jason gump…..will eff this up…
March 20th, 2019 at 1:21 pm
@buccoff you are foolish taking Q over Devin white. How has Jonathan Allen worked out for the redskins? What about Marcell Dariues. Alabama has a system that cranks our DTs that look better than they really are. You have a chance to take a generational Patrick Willis type linebacker that will be the heart and soul of our defense for the next 12 years, and you would pass for an interior lineman. And don’t tell me he is the next Aaron Donald, if anything Ed Oliver is the one with that type of ceiling.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:22 pm
fowler sure made an impact with the rams…..lol….
and as you mentioned a second round pick turned a defense around while making all pro and that LB class was similar to this years class…..white is nice but he’ll do nothing if we dont stock the trenches…..we HAVE to find GMC’s replacement or VV running mate 1st round this year…..
mack wilson can be had in the 2nd round and is a 3down backer…..tre lamar can be had in the 3rd round and has been coached by some of the best at clemson….vosean joseph can be had in the 4th round who has great speed and can blitz…..
trade down, draft ed oliver and watch him and VV dominate…..
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
March 20th, 2019 at 1:25 pm
famous
i disagree with you regarding white over Q….i’d take Q over white all day and twice on sunday…..
but i agree with you 100% about ed oliver…..thats who i think we should draft….him and VV would be nasty together imo…..
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
March 20th, 2019 at 1:28 pm
Top 10 Drafted Linebackers (2000-2018)
MLB
(2018) 1st/8th *Roquan Smith MLB Georgia Chicago Bears
(2012) 1st/9th *Luke Kuechly MLB Boston Co. Carolina Panthers
(2010) 1st/8th Rolando McClain MLB Alabama Oakland Raiders
(2008) 1st/10thJerod Mayo MLB Tennessee New England Patriots
(2000) 1st/9th Brian Urlacher MLB New Mexico Chicago Bears
RUSH/SAM
(2016) 1st/9th Leonard Floyd OLB Georgia Chicago Bears
(2015) 1st/3rd Dante Fowler OLB Florida Jacksonville Jaguars
(2015) 1st/8th Vic Beasley OLB Clemson Atlanta Falcons
(2014) 1st/5th Khalil Mack OLB Buffalo Oakland Raiders
(2014) 1st/9th Anthony Barr OLB UCLA Minnesota Vikings
(2013) 1st/6th Barkevious Mingo OLB LSU Cleveland Browns
(2011) 1st/2nd Von Miller OLB Texas A&M Denver Broncos
(2011) 1st/7th Aldon Smith OLB Missouri San Francisco 49ers
(2008) 1st/6th Vernon Gholston OLB Ohio State New York Jets
(2003) 1st/10th Terrell Suggs OLB ASU Baltimore Ravens
(2000) 1st/2nd LaVar Arrington OLB Penn State Washington
WILL
(2009) 1st/4th Aaron Curry WLB WF Seattle Seahawks
(2008) 1st/9th Keith Rivers WLB USC Cincinnati Bengals
(2006) 1st/5th A.J. Hawk WLB Ohio State Green Bay Packers
(2006) 1st/9th Ernie Sims WLB Florida State Detroit Lions
March 20th, 2019 at 1:36 pm
I like Devin White, but the Bucs get pushed around on both lines. I would prefer the first three rounds the Bucs stick with Oline and Dline.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Though I think It’s unfair to compare Devin White to (complete) linebackers like Patrick Willis or Luke Kuechly coming out of college. I do see a lot of similarities to D.J Williams (Miami), John Mobley (Kutztown), and Mike Croel (Nebraska) in his game.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:44 pm
What happens if the first 4 picks are Bosa, Williams, Allen and White?
March 20th, 2019 at 1:46 pm
@ Dewey Selmon
Then draft Oliver and cut/trade McCoy. Easy peezy!
March 20th, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Str8 like dat😠. Salute Ira.. F@&) what think.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:50 pm
I agree with @BuccOff. His main point anyway. If Quinnen and White are both there at 5 then you take the better prospect which is Quinnen.
March 20th, 2019 at 1:56 pm
If the “Big Three” are gone by #5, D White should be a slam dunk.The Bucs have been weak at MLB since Quarles.
March 20th, 2019 at 2:00 pm
I agree with Fameis Jameis Bama Dlinemen have be n great in school but who among them have shined in the nfl??? Really doesn’t matter considering Gruden has to make up for allowing Mack to leave and ain’t no way Mayock will pass on him. Even if he does the Jets just lost a starting DT in free agency. I’m mystified as to why Allen is considered a Big 3 member,did he ever shine against Clemson???
March 20th, 2019 at 2:05 pm
What no LUV for Devin Bush??
March 20th, 2019 at 2:13 pm
Devin White (LSU LB) vs. Alabama 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woJsOsRPBIc
March 20th, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Whatever pick you get a DL or a LB, you have to trade resstructure or let go some of the big contracts, is simple the bucs are over the cap. My guess will be or GMC or JPP, so my second guess will be they will draft a DL/DE…….
March 20th, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Well done @Poppems and @straightcashhomey…
At least a few of us are being sensible out here. With the predictable, always prevalent Bama haters, to whatever else’s….
When just looking at the generational talent that Quinnen is, and not overthinking it….even Nick Bosa takes a backseat to Q.
You take Quinnen!
March 20th, 2019 at 2:28 pm
As always Ira you remain the voice of reason while strawhat joe rants and prattles on and on spewing unsubstantiated tripe.
March 20th, 2019 at 2:32 pm
My buddy says you’re blocking his IP adress
March 20th, 2019 at 2:40 pm
From commenting? Joe has never blocked someone from viewing the site (have to jump through serious technical hoops to do that). If the guy is blocked from commenting (Joe rarely does this) it must be for a good reason.
March 20th, 2019 at 2:55 pm
He will be waaaaay better than Kwon
March 20th, 2019 at 3:02 pm
Darius Leonard was a second round pick and was much better than Roquan was. Take elite d line talent at top of draft and find linebacker later on. Its a passing league and the bucs d line is starting to get very old.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:09 pm
LMAO, Sarasota Garey reads the article and says pick a different linebacker! SMH!
March 20th, 2019 at 3:13 pm
We need White please
March 20th, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Doctor Berto did you read the article? A fast LB can do a lot in pass coverage on the shorter routes to TEs and RBs, specifically Kamara and McCaffery. If you haven’t noticed that has been a HUGE weakness of the Bucs defense for years now.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:19 pm
A good upload LUV,Bama was clearly the better team but early on seem like they gameplanned away from Devin but to my eye when he made contact with ball carriers the ball stopped at the point of contact. Now see if you can find one of josh Allen against Clemson. I’d greatly appreciate it bro.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:19 pm
touchdown, yes i read the article and still do not think a stand up linebacker makes even close to the impact that a d lineman does. Bucs are old on d line and this might be the last chance they get at drafting an elite talent. You can find linebackers later on.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:20 pm
@DB55
Lol, The 1st??
Funny how they had Aaron Donald listed as 2nd to 3rd round pick at that time.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Taking a MLB at 5 makes me want to vomit
March 20th, 2019 at 3:20 pm
josh Allen is Leonard Floyd 2.0. Not bad in the league but not all that great either.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:24 pm
With Licht’s track record….you have to go with the obvious talent, especially if the boom/bust rate is 50/50 on top 10 DEs. Just take the stud LB and have no regrets. No need to get cute or over think it.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:25 pm
I’m fine with Devin white at 5th overall, as long as we can get chase winovich In the 2nd
March 20th, 2019 at 3:30 pm
White better be the second coming of Ray Lewis (he’s not) to take him over elite defensive line prospects.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:34 pm
Luvmybucs;That video says it all!Draft a Dlinemen first ,then linebacker, guard ,running back.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Jamaal
U didn’t see Damien Harris meet him in the alley – an run that a$$ over lol.
The kid has some talent, no doubt about that. But he’s shouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence – as the great Patrick Willis.
March 20th, 2019 at 3:40 pm
M O N T E Z S W E A T !
March 20th, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Oliver or Sweat if big three are gone! Or trade way back and take Devin White/Bush
March 20th, 2019 at 3:50 pm
I agree #5 pick must be a home run!! White will have an instant impact…
Great Article
March 20th, 2019 at 3:51 pm
If we walked out of this draft with…
Montez Sweat – RUSH
Jeffery Simmons – DE/DT
Elgton Jenkins – G/C
We good
March 20th, 2019 at 4:00 pm
U can Start
Sweat @Rush
Jenkins@Right Guard
Then next year – U got a Top-5 talent in Jeffery Simmons coming off IR.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:04 pm
What the buc Says:
“If the top 3 guys are off the board at 5, I’m not taking the 3rd or 4th best DE over White.”
This single line wins the thread.
If Bosa, Q and Allen are off the board – and there are no good trade down offers – then White will almost certainly be the best football prospect on the board. He plays defense and a position which is an extreme need for the Buccaneers now that Kwon is a Titan and Beckwith’s future is so uncertain.
BPA at a position of great need. White will be a substantial upgrade over Kwon – who btw, just got paid $13.5M per year. How could anyone complain about a pick like that?
March 20th, 2019 at 4:12 pm
1YR LATER (JBF MARCH 20,2018)
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2018/03/chris-simms-not-suh/
March 20th, 2019 at 4:16 pm
Really LUV.. You ever put on pads bro??? When momentum is coming and hits you at stand still you tend to go backwards. Devin made the tackle bro. I recall after being plunked by Ray Lewis for years Eddie George ran him clean over while playing for the cowboys. You gotta come better than that man.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Jaylon Ferguson could be the best pass rusher in the draft. He could be had in the 2nd possibly. He didn’t play good competition so he may need time to progress.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:18 pm
And he ain’t got to be no second coming of anything. Just need the best Devin White. That’ll suffice.. Like knew Ray Lewis (a converted RB also) would become a HOFr the minute he entered the league. Please.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Meant to say Kwon is a 49er. Hump is the Titan…
March 20th, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Ray Lewis was also drafted at end of the first. Not at freaking 5!
March 20th, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Maybe that’s going back a little too far LUV the Eddie George/Ray Lewis example. Let me give you one a little more recent. If my memory serves me correctly did C.J Anderson not run Luke Kuehly @$$ slap over on the goal line in the panthers/broncos Super Bowl Agee years back. Feel free to it out bro.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:34 pm
It’ll be great if we take devin white. Can watch the d line get no pressure for the next ten years but we will have a stand up linebacker!
March 20th, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Who gives a s&@$ where he was drafted he became HOFr regardless. Was it his fault so many idiots passed on him. You people funny wit your value this value that analysis. You just like me are nothing more than a fan. Yea I know you probably a rocketsciencedocter muthaf@&)( in your personal life. But you ain’t s@$$ when it comes to the nfl. Believe that.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:38 pm
That’s funny,I just watched JPP give 12.5 last season wit a injury riddled body. More like nurse- Berto if you ask me.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:39 pm
Still patiently waiting on that josh Allen against Clemson video bro.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Y’all thinking is skewed. Ima say one more time,the Dline ain’t the major emphasis in a 3/4 scheme. The linebackers are.
March 20th, 2019 at 4:42 pm
You’re right, I am nothing when it comes to the NFL but I also understand how it works and d line is wayyy more important than a middle linebacker…especially at 5. Gerald and JPP are old and this is hopefully the last chance to fill that with an elite talent. Kwon was a fourth rounder!
March 20th, 2019 at 4:44 pm
The Bucs will be choosing a D-line man in the first, or the pass rushing outside lb!!!!!!!!! but it will be someone that adds to the pass rush, not a inside lb which has been found later in the draft!!!!! In the second the Bucs will target a RB!!!!!!! nothing but a smoke screen of all the talk of how much the like Barber!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 20th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
That being said. Id be ok with trading back and taking White
March 20th, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Fireee Licht!
March 20th, 2019 at 4:51 pm
He could reach your site, but it wouldn’t update. He doesn’t make comments. He called me he said it’s fine now Joe. Thanks
March 20th, 2019 at 5:07 pm
Love to see Licht trade down one or two and get White
March 20th, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Doc stop lettin Joe control your mind bro wit that JPP is old noise man. Is he spring chicken no,does he still have plenty game left yes. There’s reason people continue asking for Michael Bennett services. He can still play bro.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:15 pm
LUV- What up dude?! Convince me on Sweat. I know about the combine but I’m still iffy.
We NEED LBs, no doubt. Is White a generational talent? At #5 can you convincingly justify the pick beyond “needing a LB”?
I know this much: WHOEVER the Bucs draft in the 1st, better be a guy that changes the game. We have wasted so much draft capital on guys who don’t even see the field on Sundays or are easily replaced. We have got to get this right.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Jamaal Stanley
Check this out pimp – I just hit 52 this year.
So I haven’t laced’em up in a long time. After 3years of Semi-Pro, the closest I got to the league was a 3-day tryout for the San Diego Chargers. So I wasn’t anything special.
After coaching HS Ball for 2yrs, and Pop Warner for over a decade. I spend a few moments of my time; online spitting my POV.
And
Just like everyone else…I ain’t always right. Hell, you don’t have to review more than a decade of comments here on JBF & TBO to know that.
Now with that said – During my short years on this earth playing & watching football. There are a few things that always stand out in the makings of good middle linebacker. Outside of being a great sideline to sideline tackler, play recognition has to be at the top. And that’s a part of Devin White’s game that is seriously lacking. So excuse my bias.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Bucsfanman
Whatz good?
Been remodeling one, building one, and trying to sell another.
Before the sh!t hitz the fan my bredren.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:33 pm
Bucsfanman,if you’re curious about sweat then read Stephen White’s write up on him.
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/15/18263489/montez-sweat-nfl-draft-2019-mississippi-state-scouting-report-defensive-end
March 20th, 2019 at 5:34 pm
bucsfanman, if you want to know more about Sweat then just read Stephen White’s write up on him. Can find it online cause apparently I can’t post it here.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:34 pm
He also does a real good one on Ed Oliver
March 20th, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Thanks Doctor Berto. Will do.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:44 pm
Last thing Jamaal – Sure Edge Rushing LB’s are premium in a 3-4 Defense.
But It’s always been a Luxury Item for 3-4 based team to draft an Interior backer with a Top-15 pick. Typically the Steelers & Patriots of the world don’t pass up Richard Seymour for Dan Morgan. Or Cameron Heyward for Akeem Ayers.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:46 pm
Bucsfanman
I agree bredren – we gotta get this one right.
March 20th, 2019 at 5:57 pm
I have no concerns about who we pick in the draft this year. It should be obvious to the casual observer from the picks made in free agency that Jason Licht will not be making the choices. Free agency has BA and Todd Bowles hands all over it. I expect the same will be done in the draft. Go Bucs!
March 20th, 2019 at 6:07 pm
There is a legit NFL team reasons there has only been 4…yes 4 linebackers selected in the top 5 in the past 10 YEARS! Much like the RB position, LB is not as important as DE/DT. Mathematically its 4/50 or .08. Less than 10% chance.
BTW- the 4 were Curry, Miller, Mack and Fowler. Fowler and Mack are both on their second teams. Miller and Mack are the only all-pros in 10 years. I would say the odds are stacked against the Bucs picking a LB at 5. Its simply too high and history says otherwise.
The top 10 scope above was too much and there is a huge difference in player quality 1-5 v 6-10 so I focused on top 5.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:08 pm
There is a legit NFL team reasons there has only been 4…yes 4 linebackers selected in the top 5 in the past 10 YEARS! Much like the RB position, LB is not as important as DE/DT. Mathematically its 4/50 or .08. Less than 10% chance.
BTW- the 4 were Curry, Miller, Mack and Fowler. Fowler and Mack are both on their second teams. Miller and Mack are the only all-pros in 10 years. I would say the odds are stacked against the Bucs picking a LB at 5 that will match that production. Its simply too high and NFL draft history says otherwise.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:24 pm
@macabee…
Yesssir!!
A castrated, realistically known shame. Licht’s wife says…you better keep that salary/job. Hence, the state we’re in.
Gotta get Quinnen!
March 20th, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Idk if Ira actually reads the conments on here or not, but this is an excellent article imo.
Idk, to me the conversation of drafting Devin White is more than just positional value. The guy has everything you are looking for in a player. Whether its intangibles, athleticism, production, character… he is everything an NFL team is looking for. Saying he isnt worth a top 5 pick because of where he lines up is silly to me.
Sure there are guys who should be ranked ahead of him. He probably wont be the #1 player on the Bucs board. But he has everything you are looking for out of a top 5 pick.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:29 pm
Draft white then Trade back up!!!!!!!
March 20th, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Ben
A group of 11 pro bowlers off other squads wouldnt have done jack in that mess of a defense of years past. All the sudden after the winning season coming up Licht will be applauded. If youre put in position for failure you have no shot. Pretty simple.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Doctor Berto- thanks. Good read. It makes me feel a little better. He’s got moves, speed, and power. Good traits for a DE.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:45 pm
Still gotta hope someone slips ahead of us so we can get one of the big three.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Williams if he is still there at #5 and then offload MCCoy to pay for the draft and sign a veteran ILB for a year.
Btw, I’d draft Taylor at RT before I would draft White. Our Run blocking needs to get better and the players on the online aren’t very good.
March 20th, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Cobra boy you are dead on right..s.quarrels turned I to a fantastic middle linebacker for us ! He was better than Barrett ruud & king kwon.we need a really good middle linebacker but would hope we could trade down to say 9 and get him only and I mean only if Josh Allen or q.williams are gone…i would rather have a great middle line backer over Oliver or Gary as I feel there are a couple of throws guys every draft and a Luke keucly type linebacker only comes around every couple years…picture him covering Te’s all,day long and knocking the snot out of Christian mccaffery and kamara..make them think twice for sure !
March 20th, 2019 at 7:32 pm
Luv
I think you got me dawg but I know that you know that I know that you know what’s up.
March 20th, 2019 at 7:35 pm
Where’s the damn podcast?!
March 20th, 2019 at 7:42 pm
LUV = #1 JBF draft talent evaluator by far IMO
March 21st, 2019 at 12:06 am
DB
I know that… U know that I know.
U were so warped as a child …That U tried to stuff real bullets in your nerf gun.
March 21st, 2019 at 12:09 am
Knowing what they know now Ray Lewis would’ve been drafted top 3 instead of late 1st. Don’t take the 3rd best edge rusher you take Devin White top rated LB
March 21st, 2019 at 12:10 am
LC
I appreciate the LUV bredren. U a beast 2. Along with my brothas MadMaxx, Maccabee, Pickgrin, DB, Murdah, and a bunch of others.
March 21st, 2019 at 9:17 am
“U were so warped as a child …That U tried to stuff real bullets in your nerf gun”
LMAO! I just spit my coffee across the room!
March 21st, 2019 at 1:56 pm
Luv
Still do bro, still do. Lmao