3 Clues To The Buccaneers’ Draft
April 23rd, 2019
Yes, it’s the season of smoke, draft nonsense and misdirection.
However, studying over time always reveals at least a few good indications of a team’s plan in the draft.
Take Dirk Koetter’s words on drafting cornerbacks in March of last year.
His tone of voice combined with the message led Joe to be very clear that fans should expect the Bucs to draft a cornerback or two. And they did in the second round.
But what about this year? Well, Joe has a few firm conclusions:
1) This year, Jason Licht has said multiple times with emphasis that he’s impressed by how this draft has plenty of long and athletic cornerbacks. They’re the kinds of guys, Licht told a national radio audience, who represent the new prototype corners because of how route running by receivers has changed. Well, not only could the Bucs use upgrades at cornerback, but they need capable bodies period. So Joe fully expects the Bucs to select one of these long, Carlton-Davis-like corners in this draft.
2) More than a month ago, Joe explained that the Bucs were leaning defensive tackle with the No. 5 overall pick. Joe doubts any of that has changed, though their DTs of choice may be off the board. Sadly, Joe thinks the Bucs would much rather bet on Carl Nassib succeeding off the edge versus Beau Allen up the gut as Gerald McCoy’s replacement. Plus, nobody knows how durable Vita Vea really is.
3) For another tip-off, Joe’s going to go with the obvious that is too easily ignored. The Bucs need a right guard in a hurry, especially considering Bucco Bruce Arians essentially told the freakin’ world that Demar Dotson can’t run block.
Arians’ son Jake has a podcast and he spoke with conviction weeks ago about how Round 2 is where you find starting guards who can play for a decade. He was adamant, and Joe has noticed the younger Arians appears to parrot his dad’s philosophy. Joe certainly would bet a few bucks that Tampa Bay goes guard in Round 2.
So there you go: defensive tackle, guard and cornerback early for the Bucs, and throw in a third-down running back kind of guy to round out the Bucs’ picks in the first four rounds.
Bucs passion will flow with fans from many states, a few countries, and loads of local hardcore fans enjoying the draft until it ends. On Thursday, music starts outdoors in the 5 o’clock hour and runs until just before 8 p.m when the draft kicks off. The regular menu is available, in addition to a $25 buffet all night long. Sage Ira Kaufman will be in the house. Joe’s been a part of hosting draft parties for years. They’re a load of fun. Thanks to Bud Light and Buffalo Wild Wings for their desire to serve the fans.
April 23rd, 2019 at 5:07 am
6-10
Last place again.
April 23rd, 2019 at 5:31 am
That sounds good to me . With chucky in front of us anything is possible….
April 23rd, 2019 at 5:34 am
This article screams trade down. Which I would have zero problem with if QW is gone by 5. Extra picks would go a long way to adding a starter or two and much needed depth.
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:19 am
I think theyll take a corner in the 2nd
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:27 am
These clowns might take a kicker again in the 3rd. No telling what this Gm will do.
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:28 am
And IF that scenario happens Joe, you’ll be the first to line screaming that our LBs got eaten alive AND that our run defense sucks yet again. And oh ya, that the Bucs defense continued to fold in the 4th quarter because they couldn’t stop the oppositions’ late drives composed of runs up the gut and short passes over the middle.
I hope that BA & Todd Bowles know better.
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:58 am
Arians and Bowles will be calling the shots
Can’t wait until Thursday. Hopefully we have 2 first day picks.
I would give up a better pick next year for a player this year.
Arians wants to win now. Hard to do with no free agent cap space and Jameis large salary potentially looming next year. Gotta hit on this draft big time. Next year too
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:02 am
Looks good….but where is our MLB?
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:05 am
Figures Says:
April 23rd, 2019 at 5:07 am
6-10
Last place again.
Why are you here again?
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:06 am
I think they want Nasir Adderley if available, CB, S and kr
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:25 am
Fitzpatrick and James….could have have both …someone was choking on their own smoke !…
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:43 am
@TampaBayBucFan – Haven’t you heard, MLBs are so 1970s according the the Joes. We can just throw UFAs out there and we will be fine. We will just hear all season that Bowles sucks too because he can’t stop runs up the middle and passes in the slot.
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:48 am
If we’re going to say that the current secondary was under coached then we might want to hold off on drafting another CB. Either we already have good corners that just need coaching….OR…..Licht is god awful at scouting corners and its a waste of time continuing to use picks on them. We wont know until training camp/preseason
This team has enough holes that the best approach is pick positions that Licht has a decent history of selecting. He’s good with offensive linemen, LB and decent at defensive linemen. There’s not enough duct tape to cover every hole this offseason….That’s reality. Once we factor in lack of depth…and the challenging schedule, this team is another year away from being positioned to actually compete.
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:50 am
Trade down is coming. Extra 2nd at least. After the trade down:
1st: Christian Wilkins (3-4 DE/DT)
2nd: Chris Lindstrom (RG)
2nd: Lonnie Johnson (CB)
3rd: Germaine Pratt (ILB)
4th: Jalen Hurd (WR/RB/3rd down back)
Maybe GMC can bring us an extra 4th or 5th this year or next.
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:56 am
Lindstrom won’t make until 2nd
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:57 am
@ndog
Im here because I’m a fan since 1987 and haven’t missed one game over that span. And I see life as it is not what I dream it to be. And this team is not good.
No matter how much you drool over your boy Winston or anyone else they will still suck this year.
You’re gonna be really disappointed with how this season turns out. And I’m gonna laugh at your ignorant stupid as$
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:58 am
Joes…how about a poll for the player you don’t want taken with the 1 st pick….that should be good for chewing the gristle
April 23rd, 2019 at 7:59 am
No Lindstrom, McCoy or McGovern will be there. Not a problem!
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:02 am
The three clues should be defense, defense, defense!
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:03 am
Maybe with the extra picks we can trade back into the bottom of the 1st for a targeted player such as Lindstrom.
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:05 am
I hope Bucs Draft a LB or 2 David isn’t getting any younger an Beckwith might not play again at all
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:39 am
Whatever positions they draft, they better get it right. We simply cannot afford to whiff on premium draft picks any more (I’m looking at YOU Jason Licht!).
We can argue over what positions and/or players all day long. The fact is that they better be competent, STARTING football players.
Trenches, LB, DB, RB…..
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:44 am
Lindstrom is a stud. Would love him as right guard
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:47 am
One of the stats that I don’t see talked about much with OLmen in draft is penalties. Anyone know of the top lineman, which ones are disciplined and play penalty free?
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:49 am
Joe – if we take Q Will / E Oliver (I.e “DT”) early – then we are upgrading our pass rush same or better as a DE fir the most part. These are not your average DTs when they move like DEs. IMO at least
Beau Allen brings no pass rush compared to these guys.
Nassib/Barrett are at least serviceable
Still I want an edge OLB and a interior athletic freak regardless
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:04 am
I would be all-in for DL/LB @ #1, OL at #2, OL/DL at #3.
I’d be OK with Simmons at #2 for future considerations.
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:25 am
You forgot the LB with pick 5
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:33 am
Gotta go Dline, Allen if hes there of course but most Likely Ed Oliver is our guy. Then you have the opportunity to go Oline in round 2 or take advantage of another Dlline player that may have fallen and really come out of this draft with your Dline looking set for years. Imagine Oliver and Simmons with Vea for the next 5 years. Or if Greedy falls past 20 for some reason then we oughta think about jumping back into round 1. Oliver + Greedy alone would be a killer draft.
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:44 am
Can’t argue w/ that conjecture or logic. I think you may be right, but what about an edge rusher?!
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:46 am
Good question TackleBlockWin
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:48 am
@ figures
you are crazy as hell. Tampa has the talent on the roster to compete with anyone add a few pieces on defense and they will be fine. It’s all about coaching. I’m all for trading down but they got to hit on the extra picks. Licht sucked last year with the M. Stewart pick, I’m not giving on ROJO yet and I think C. Davis will be better in this scheme.
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:51 am
I’m good with White at 5 if they let him be. It’s all about getting the most out of a player. If Bowles uses White like LSU did then he will have us in prime time games by the end of the year.
April 23rd, 2019 at 9:57 am
some folks have it backwards…lol…
if we take QW or EO @5, that will improve our run defense and help out the LB’s…..lol….
they wont get “eaten alive” because VV and QW/EO will be commanding double teams keeping them(LB’s) clean…..OL wont be able to get to the second level as easy because they have their hands full up front…..
i cant remember a time when LB’s made the DT’s look good…..lol….it doesnt happen like that…..
DT’s make the LB’s look great…..as good as ray lewis was, tony siragusa made him look great….haloti ngata had him look great….arthur jones made him look great….same with brooks…as good as he was, sapp made him look even better…..
BA and TB know the bucs have been losing the trenches for too long and it has to end…..and it will once we select QW or EO at #5
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:16 am
I am with you, 813! Bulid the trenches, build the team!
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:20 am
@813:
You got alot of love for Ed Oliver and state it every chance you get, but he is not as invincible as you describe. First, he is NOT as good as Quinnen Williams in any facet of playing Defensive tackle. Similar measurables and plays with a high-motor, but gets washed way too often and doesn’t disengage consistently due to not using his hands very well. He was used completely wrong on a consistent basis at Houston, but at times he did line-up as a 3 tech and we saw his capabilities (vs Oklahoma). He is a one-gap penetrator (which we will run) but he will not command a double-team in the run game as you stated. Maybe in passing situations a chip, but he won’t free up the linebackers…sorry! He was down 8lbs at his pro-day as compared to the combine so I am inclined to believe he put on weight for the combine. Playing in the humidity and heat of Tampa will cause him a challenge maintaining that weight (more likely to lose). As much as I critiqued him I wouldn’t be mad at us choosing him first, but the implication that he will be demand all these double-teams in the run game (not even Aaron Donald does) is a bit of a reach on the scouting front. We will still need some reinforcements at LB on the inside if for nothing more than to spell Lavonte and Bucannon (who are both undersized at 235 & 220lbs respectively). If we for whatever reason stayed at #5 and picked Devin White, I would like to think a defensive lineman such as Jerry Tillery would still be available (but White is a reach at #5).
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:28 am
And Siragusa didn’t make Ray Lewis look great (idk where else I heard that bullcrap) Siragusa was the 2nd fiddle DT to Sam Adams in their Super Bowl years. Both of them were 330lb+ DTs for that Ravens squad. The NFL was much more of a simple, run-based scheme for the most part.and they excelled then, but Ray Lewis instincts and knowledge made him great…..not some damn Tony Siragusa, smh!! Or Haloti Ngata for that matter (who played a base 5tech for the Ravens and was therefore a DE, not a DT, 2 different defensive schemes). And even Sapp, as great as he was, didn’t make Brooks great. Sapp was a 3tech!! Get upfield!! Thats it…and he did, but that does not free Brooks up. Brooks was weakside often opposite Sapp anyways
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:32 am
Figures Says:
” You’re gonna be really disappointed with how this season turns out. And I’m gonna laugh at your ignorant stupid as$”
((((((((
So….
You are basically rooting for them to lose.
Lol, dumb a$$.
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:41 am
Like I’ve said here previously, The AZ Cards and Oaktown Raiders are the keys.
Them Cards might not go QB with that 1st pick. And we all know them crazy
Raiders are unconventional. No tellin what they might do. If these 2 teams
do not do as predicted, it changes the whole draft and gives us hella more options.
April 23rd, 2019 at 10:42 am
I think Oliver or Williams would be a great pick early. I would not be surprised if the Bucs nab a LB early in the draft as well, but a Guard and Corner are definitely needed as well.
April 23rd, 2019 at 11:49 am
NCBUC
i dont think he’s “invincible” as you suggested lol….every prospect has weaknesses and flaws…..i think he’s the best fit for the bucs because of his versatility and the havoc he caused while at houston…..TB can line him up all over…
if ed oliver had played DT and not strictly NT at houston, i think we’d be having a different conversation about who’s better…..but we’ll never know…i think the gap is smaller than you think….
imo, OC’s will have to pick their poison….double VV and let EO win his 1on1 battles or double EO and let VV win 1on1 battles…..beau allen aint winning 1on1 battles….and either is gholston…..
either way, OL wont be able to get to the second level because of the penetration and disruption both will cause if they play together…..i find it funny your so sure ed wont be doubled….lol….and ive seen donald doubled in the run game plenty of times…..thats why phillips started to move him around and line him up on the edge…..
regarding ray lewis, your missing the point and misinterpreting what i said…..never said tony made him great….tony and others made his job easier which made ray lewis play faster…..he was flying around like he was shot out of a cannon because he was untouched by OL……yeah he was great, but without the big boys up front being disruptive and getting penetration, teams wouldve been able to send OL’s at him…..
same with sapp…..teams knew they had to deal with sapp up front first before they could even think about trying to block brooks…..sapp penetrating or “getting up field” quick fast and in a hurry allowed brooks to dissect plays faster which made him play faster and put pressure on the offense….
the only thing we agree on is white is a reach @5…..ed oliver imo, isnt a reach @5…..@5 he’s a no brainer…..especially with VV as his running mate…
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
April 23rd, 2019 at 12:04 pm
@813: Solid explanation and agreed!!
April 23rd, 2019 at 1:27 pm
Please, Bucs, take Devin White with our 1st pick!
He will lead our defense for at least the next 5 years and Dominate…
April 23rd, 2019 at 4:11 pm
We need a badly so we need to draft the best one available .
April 23rd, 2019 at 5:47 pm
^^ I took a look at your artwork, Erik.
Really, really killer stuff.
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:12 pm
I’d trade down in the first and go with Michigan players with 3 of the 4 picks
1. Devin Bush
2. Chase Winovich
3. David Long
With the trade down I’d look at Eric McCoy/Michael Jordan/Garrett Bradbury/Michael Deiter/Connor McGovern/ to fill the RG/C role whichever they play best along with Jensen since he didn’t impress at C in his first year here.
April 29th, 2019 at 11:59 am
one for three lol