Projected Draft Slot: No. 9
November 14th, 2019
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
If you can’t play for the playoffs, you play for the draft.
And the Bucs, at least now, are doing neither.
Sort of like not acquiring a player — or trading player(s) — at the trade deadline for draft picks.
Yes, Joe has quit trying to figure out this team.
And with that in mind, with playoffs a pipe dream except for the select few dreamers, Joe brings word from NFL Network numbers chick Cynthia Frelund and her current draft projection. She has the Bucs selecting No. 9 overall on April 23.
In a perfect world, the Bucs would land a pass rusher for the next decade. Or maybe a running back who can regularly ring up 100 yards in a game, or at least make a defense think you have an above-average running attack.
But Joe fully expects the Bucs to draft a safety in the first round next year. Why? Why not? Bucs drafts (sans Vita Vea) have made little rhyme or reason in recent years, other than when a draft is stocked at one position the Bucs will turn their cheek and ignore it — even if it is a position of need.
So yeah, drafting a safety in the first round doesn’t add up. Just like recent Bucs history.
Figuring out Bucs’ drafts has led to Joe having frayed nerves, an upset stomach, pounding headaches, spiked blood pressure and guzzling too many beers.
For those wondering, picking No. 9 overall this year was the Bills, who finished 6-10 and selected versatile defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Buffalo now has the third-ranked NFL defense, though rookie Oliver was benched and is now a backup.
See you in Vegas. @cfrelund‘s projected 2020 @NFLDraft order through 10 weeks! đđ pic.twitter.com/jaouZ0BKqh
â NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2019
November 14th, 2019 at 12:04 pm
There is a third option……you play to win.
I do agree with developing players by giving them snaps in regular season when you are out of playoff contention….but that doesn’t mean you are playing to lose.
If we are completely out of it and the decision has been made on Winston….Griffin needs to play.
We should continue to develop our DBs….(actually have no other choice at this point)
November 14th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
We need a RT………let’s also go with DT/DE………
November 14th, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Draft a QB. Sign Winston to a one year deal via the franchise tag. Let them compete. Trade away the worst of the two or just let Winston walk after next year. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having two capable QBs.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:10 pm
We could get a QB. also if we draft that high we can trade up from the second round and get a value right tackle. If for some reason we do draft a safety there it will probably be Grant Delpit. Good news about him though is he is one of the best safety prospects to go through the draft in a while.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:15 pm
The bucs need so much and so many holes to fill except probably CB; but they need to start up front with the OL and DL…found this on the walter camp football draft site who have the bucs drafting #8 next year: The Buccaneers could draft a quarterback, but that would require general manager Jason Licht to admit that he was wrong about Jameis Winston. Licht believes he’s right about everything, so Tampa might give Winston another shot in 2020. If so, perhaps this pick will be used on a safety to finally make amends for not selecting Derwin James.
Grant Delpit is an exceptional talent who figures to be a top-10 prospect when he declares.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Play to win.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Tanking for the draft just reinforces a loser mentality. Play hard every week to win, use the rest the season to teach the youngsters what it takes to close out close games. Build a winning mindset. The draft guarantees you nothing. And the Bucs aren’t eliminated, the fat lady has warmed up the vocals and has opened her mouth, but she ain’t singing yet. Once we are eliminated then you play your depth guys to see what you got. Plus I don’t pay good money to watch guys purposely lose.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Can we draft a competent GM in January? For crying out loud none of the rest of this nonsense matters as long as the league idiot is drafting for this team.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:24 pm
bully pulpit BS
November 14th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Colonel Angus Says:
November 14th, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Tanking for the draft just reinforces a loser mentality. Play hard every week to win, use the rest the season to teach the youngsters what it takes to close out close games. Build a winning mindset. The draft guarantees you nothing.
The Colonel is spot on. You need to win a few games to start a winning culture, which can’t be done if you’re tanking. The team needs to learn to win.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:41 pm
A Winning Culture starts at the top & this organization has proven itself inept in that department.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Colonel Angus..
Thank you.
100% agree.
November 14th, 2019 at 12:47 pm
if we keep starting JW and then sit him the final 2 games we’ll make top 5….
GO BUCS!!!!!
November 14th, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Joe calls for us to lose then kills the team when they do. I guess keeping it real means finding faults wherever you can. SMH.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:03 pm
So they went from drafting 5 to 9…
How did Arians and his friends improve this team?
November 14th, 2019 at 1:04 pm
“NFL Network numbers CHICK Cynthia Frelund”??? I’m speechless Joe.
Bucs will finish this second half of the season with a 6-2 record & end up 8-8. Offense will settle down & play more consistent football and the defense will gel & come on strong. The stage will be set for 2020 & we’ll have a better-than-decent chance of making the playoffs then. After that, anything can happen.
UNLESS of course BA decides to listen to Joe and play for the draft. Then the Den of Depression will truly deserve its nickname.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Another team or another time I’d agree with Joe. But at this point in time, on this specific team, the culture is job #1. And there isn’t a close 2nd. There’s too much nuance to just throw out a blanket statement like “play for playoffs or play for draft.” That’s an over simplification of the problems at hand
November 14th, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Well said Colonel. People pay money to watch teams try to win not play for the draft. This is why I believe the NFL needs to implement a lottery for the draft.
At least we know what this Joe does when life gets tough, just tank and prey things get better……
November 14th, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Resign barret/jpp go for a DT replacement for suh and draft a OT.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:14 pm
1. A.J. Epenesa â IOWA
2. Curtis Weaver – BOISE STATE
Would be nice additions out of the 1st two rounds.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:23 pm
That kid out of Auburn – DT Derrick Brown would make a solid paring w/Vita as well
November 14th, 2019 at 1:23 pm
The draft and free agency are all but meaningless (at least to me) until Licht and every last scout on this team are banished for their ineptitude.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:33 pm
LUV you are slacking man. You forgot to include position for those of us who don’t watch college and never heard of them guys. Thanks.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Youâre wrong. Theyâre playing to win as they should.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Playing for a draft pick is meaningless IMO. You play every game to win and deal with the draft position. I think youâre sending a terrible message tanking. You dance with who brung ya as they say.
November 14th, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Number 9 is a good and lucky number according to my numerologist friends. I would rather have the Bucs run the table, and win the last 7 games. And why not? Saints/Aints are the toughest team on the schedule. Bucs will split with them again. Nobody but die-hard fans like me see it coming. LOL đ Go Tampa Bay Sunday!!!
November 14th, 2019 at 1:43 pm
You play to win PERIOD. GTFOH with that trash Joe
November 14th, 2019 at 1:58 pm
Drafting a QB might make Winston nervous and we can’t have that…
November 14th, 2019 at 1:59 pm
Great idea. Let’s play to lose.
Who cares about winning culture. We don’t need it.
Who cares about confidence. We don’t need it.
Who cares if we build belief we can beat teams in our own division. We don’t need it.
Who care if JPP Barrett & Suh wanna run from a loser orginazation. We don’t need them.
Who cares if top tier free agents don’t wanna cjoin 3-4 win teams. We don’t need them.
Only one thing we need and that’s two slots improved draft pick. That’s what’s needed to change everything.
November 14th, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Still too early to talk draft. I truly have little patience for those who would rather lose so that the draft is more interesting. Worry about the draft in the Spring. You can always move up. I remember getting skewered by recommending packaging the first two picks in 2016 so that the Bucs could get to Ramsey… or say stetting up in the draft to pick McCaffrey. (I suggested this in the Rose Bowl vs Iowa). There was no reason, Licht couldn’t have picked Howard and Cook. Would’ve just had to forfeit Justin Evans and Kendal Beckwith.
Teams trade up and down every year in the draft. No need to lose just to improve draft position.
Most people that are on the “Just lose baby” bandwagon just want to make sure Winston is not resigned.
November 14th, 2019 at 2:12 pm
JJ
My Bad
1. DE – A.J. Epenesa â IOWA
2. DE/OLB – Curtis Weaver â BOISE STATE
November 14th, 2019 at 2:16 pm
catcard202 Says:
November 14th, 2019 at 12:41 pm
A Winning Culture starts at the top & this organization has proven itself inept in that department.
cat card i agree gm jason ( forest gump) has a 33% winning record … and its “OK” BY GLAZERS STANDARDS… wtf … dont change anything … because its all GOOD !!!
November 14th, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Several mocks, including Sports Illustrated, have the Bucs picking Justin Herbert, QB from Oregon, at #8.
I know the Bucs, need a QB. But he reminds me of a cross between Winston and Mike Glennon.
November 14th, 2019 at 2:22 pm
The worst part about this idea is you aren’t even telling us a name Joe. Who is this guy we are throwing away 8-9 games for? Who is that freaking special in this draft? If this decision was that obvisous provide a name should be easy. Such a strange idea to waste away an entire half season for this nameless player.
November 14th, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Thanks Luv. Personally I want a OLnext off-season.
November 14th, 2019 at 2:49 pm
Man, win games. Let these kids get the taste of a city and crowd cheering for them. Thatâs part of being a winner. If you draft right you can get an impact player whenever.
November 14th, 2019 at 2:59 pm
What!!!!! Where are all the “trade down” for extra picks so gump light can waste even more draft picks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! guess what sheep!!!!!! Next year will be a wasted year as well!!!!!!!!!!
Because the Bucs will keep licht weight for bruce arrogance, who will in turn keep jay-miss to make licht weight look good, who will waste a lot of money to keep jay-miss, so bruce arrogance will not get as many needed player with the mini (disaster) reload that will occur this upcoming offseason!!!!!!!!!!!
the bucs will go no where in 2020 and will have still be in the top 10 for draft pick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 revealed answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already knew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 14th, 2019 at 3:15 pm
I have been hard on Bucs fans who have at times said we should lose to get a better draft pick. I am heartened by the lack of that sentiment in today’s posts (so far). Play to win. We CAN win. Lets get after it. Go Bucs!
November 14th, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
November 14th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
We need a RTâŚâŚâŚletâs also go with DT/DEâŚâŚâŚ
I 100$ agree with you Tampabaybucfan
November 14th, 2019 at 3:33 pm
Thank goodness the Bucs and the majority of fans on here do not agree with Joe.
The Bucs need to change their culture by winning as many games as they can.
November 14th, 2019 at 3:52 pm
I am looking for a stud offensive tackle, defensive lineman or outside linebacker with our first pick in the next draft. Take the best player possible period. We have to find the kind of OL and DL people to support a winning team in the draft and through free agency as well, sooner and NOT LATER. 2020 is the year for this regime.
All other positions of need can be filled in rounds two through four.
November 14th, 2019 at 3:55 pm
^^^ agree except OLB in first round
November 14th, 2019 at 4:05 pm
I don’t care about the draft at this point. That is months away.
I care about winning now. I care about the team not quitting on each other, the coaches and the fans.
Year after year, there is an element of the fans who always want to tank for a draft pick. And yet, they expect the culture to change?
Get real.
November 14th, 2019 at 4:06 pm
Haha, 2ând or 3ârd pick for sure. 3-13 here we come. Bye Jameis
November 14th, 2019 at 4:12 pm
Win out. 10-6. Chance to make the playoffs. If the organization isn’t thinking like that there’s a real issue — BA said he isn’t rebuilding and has backed America’s QB every step of the way. Fire them cannons!
November 14th, 2019 at 4:16 pm
Jason Licht is a muppet, just look at that photo.
November 14th, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Anyone remember the teams we beat last year? Yeah me neither, tank!
November 14th, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Ronde Barber as the next GM…!!!! 2 January 2020
November 14th, 2019 at 4:38 pm
If Licht and the Bucs’ brain trust had truly drafted the best player available, regardless of position with the first pick of the last five drafts I am sure that Licht’s draft reputation would be different at this time.
Best player AT a position of need would be a secondary consideration to bring into play. Then all other considerations should come in to play.
Those draft criteria may or may not have meant James over Vea in that case. This can be argued forever by fans and pundits. I favored Vea. It should always be the Buccaneer personnel evaluation over reporters and fans in any case.
By the way I always wondered why we ended up with VH3. I was not that impressed with him because I never watched him in college. I just saw how he was during his rookie off season. I did not have strong convictions about anyone in particular for our first pick that year. In retrospect it should have been OT Laremy Tunsil or DT Sheldon Rankins.
November 14th, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Have seen a few mocks, some out of national publications, that show the Bucs taking Justin Herbert, QB out of Oregon, at #8.
Even though I know the Bucs desperately need a QB, this scares me as to me he looks like a cross between Winston and Mike Glennon.
November 14th, 2019 at 4:51 pm
If you want to sustain a losing culture continue to do that which breeds it. Basic football at any level.
We here in Tampa Bay are looking for a major culture change to blot out the previous 10 years of futility (that’s TEN YEARS, y’all). I see real progress in spite of our record this year. There has been improved performance on may fronts also.
You have given us the quote of the day, Colonel Angus. “Tanking for the draft just reinforces a loser mentality.”
What kind of football analysis are you giving us @Joe?
November 14th, 2019 at 4:51 pm
If my vote counts I say best player available in each round for
DT, OT, RB, OLB, S
November 14th, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Yeah, it should have read “on many fronts also”
November 14th, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Another lazy article, I mean really lazy…
That video is worthless.
A simple bullet point list would have sufficed, or can you not figure out the coding?
LD-Joe wants a running back who can âget 100 yardsâ?
Why donât you break the film down like you know something and tell us how many carries it usually takes a good RB to get 100 yards in a game?
Why donât you write any unique content other than commenting on otherâs posts?
Lazy!
November 14th, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Iâll wait on the wheezing âI donât see Gale Sayersâ in the backfield. I like running backs teams fear…â constant rhetoric.
TRENCHES
TRENCHES
TRENCHES
Step your game up LD-Joe!
November 14th, 2019 at 5:10 pm
what is playing for the draft supposed to mean?
November 14th, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Bucs to attend Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta. I swear, if they sign him I am done with this regime.
November 14th, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Okudah or Delpit 1st round. 2 high quality players from two schools that have produced above average DBs. Okudah is a dog. Grab a RT 2nd rnd. Pass Rusher 3rd round. Running back 4th round.
Resign JPP, Shaq and Suh. Trade Brate or waive him. Cut Gholston and grab a proven secondary player in free agency. Resign Jamieâs at 20-21 a year for 3 years with a club option. Planning ahead to draft a QB in 2021 that can sit for a year and take over or be an insurance policy.
Mahomes, lamar, Rodgers, and Tom Brady all watch a year. Stop drafting QBâs and throwing them in the fire.
November 14th, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Now it is back!
I just love how the Internet works these days.
I guess I will have to quit posting for a while. *-*
=-P
November 14th, 2019 at 5:19 pm
This disgruntled follower says draft a locker room custodian physically gifted enough to pick up and remove the corpses left over from the sham competitive football season. Oh, and include the surplus coaching assistant whatever.
November 14th, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Don’t worry Bonzai. No one will sign him. He’s not good enough to raise your blood pressure over worrying about.
November 14th, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever agreed with so many posters in one thread! Ironically it’s also one of the times…not that often..when I disagree with Joe.
Yes play to win! Do not tank. Clodhopper and others are correct we need to change culture. That’s ONE significant reason.
Another…the FREAKING DRAFT.
Most here including Joe make a common debate error. Going from the general to the specific can create huge errors.
IE…virtually all of us agree that the Bucs need to improve through the draft(general) But to follow that by putting all our chips on ONE (specific) pick makes no sense!!!!
IF you look at the odds…it makes even less sense!!!
I agree with all the folks…and as always LUV is our draft expert…who wish to invest picks in the trenches. AMEN.
In fact why is NOBODY even considering taking the pick..wherever it is and turning it into multiple picks. That is another very viable strategy. AGAIN Google Bobby Beathard a HOF GM.
November 14th, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Quarter
November 14th, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Back
November 14th, 2019 at 5:50 pm
I hope the Bucs concentrate on an O tackle, D-tackle and a DE next season. Fortify that D line!
November 14th, 2019 at 6:17 pm
Scuttlebucs have it right: Licht is addicted to drafting DBs like Matt Millen was infatuated with wideouts year after year until the Ford family ended Matt’s suffering. BTW, RIP wideout Charles Rogers who punched his ticket in Ft Myers last week after fighting cancer and other issues.
November 14th, 2019 at 6:31 pm
The first sign of a rudderless organization. Refuse to admit your talent failings and donât play for the draft.
Yep. Thatâs the Bucs.
November 14th, 2019 at 6:48 pm
weren’t you the one screaming for Oliver? i said back then he was too small for the position … when you are getting paid and are a professional YOU ALWAYS PLAY TO WIN!!! only losers and people who dont know football lose games purposefully to hopefully get some 20 year old kid who may never even see the field …. man i am tired of hearing this draft crap!! you play to win!! …. what do you suggest Joe? should arians tell your boyfriend to go throw EVEN MORE PICK 6s …. hey why dont we just get rid of David and Evans and every other COMMITTED vet we got and then we can just have a bunch of kids that have no idea what they are doing!! but of course we will keep the guy who has turned the ball over more than anyone in the league right?? yeah he deserves to stay!! but lets get rid of the only guy that makes him look halfway good sometimes…. idiot
November 14th, 2019 at 6:56 pm
BA will get a free agent Qb veteran ! Teddy Bridgewater, Andy dalton , Philip rivers Ect….. he wants to win asap Winston should go back to baseball….
November 14th, 2019 at 7:09 pm
We play for the draft every year not because it is the goal… we just suck! As long as Licht is in the draft room weâre doomed!
November 14th, 2019 at 7:50 pm
@Tampabaybucfan Says:
“If we are completely out of it and the decision has been made on WinstonâŚ.Griffin needs to play.”
That is a dream option…..waiting forever for this option…. and yes, everyone should play to WIN, or out of here.
But I doubt that JL who drafted him, and BA who protect him, and owner who don’t know what is going on, are going to make that decision…. this city is cursed…
BA = LovieS 2.0
November 14th, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Draft a RT or a CB. Start Ryan Griffin and tank for Trevor Lawrence bc JayMiss ATM WinsNot is gone garunteed.
November 14th, 2019 at 8:19 pm
âIf you canât play for the playoffs, you play for the draftâ
This is just a terrible way to think about professional sports. Your basically eliminating any chance the Bucs have at a comeback because the 1st couple games didnât go your way. As far as Iâm concerned the Bucs have a chance to go 10-6. But Joe thinks we should roll over and repeat the cycle of losers.
Joe, 1st round pick Vernon Hargreaves just got released, so weâre gonna dedicating an entire season of Tanking for the high possibility of drafting a bust or just an average player. Itâs a really pathetic way of thinking.
November 14th, 2019 at 8:32 pm
Lol youâre wrong joe we gotta go Oline with our 1st !!!
November 14th, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Letâs be honest. We arenât beating the saints. We might beat Atl once but honestly we are 5-11 at best.
November 14th, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Potential 2nd Round Pick
DE/OLB â Curtis Weaver â BOISE STATE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6msU7eXdjLM
⢠Hands
⢠Bend
⢠Snap Anticipation/First Step
⢠Relentlessness
Note: If this kid âeverâ hit the gym real good itâs a wrap
November 14th, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Mike Evans is on path for hall of fame. Thatâs with Jameis. Godwin is putting up a pro bowl season. Thatâs with Jameis. Humphries was a catching machine with Bucs. Thatâs with Jameis. Why canât baker do it with Beckham and Landry. ?
We donât need to draft a QB. We need a solid defense. Draft pash rusher. DT. Olb. Steeler defense is winning against browns with ruddy not having weapons.
November 14th, 2019 at 11:25 pm
Fire everybody, trade ME13 to a contender and draft the best available QB
November 15th, 2019 at 12:16 am
I say again, Dungy went 1-7 his first 8 games. Did he play for the draft? No. He knew to change your he culture, you needed to play to win.
Did we make the playoffs that year? No. We didn’t even have a winning record. But the next year we went 2 games deep into the playoffs.
You will lay to win. Period.
November 15th, 2019 at 12:52 am
Adrnagy,
They did all that with FITZPATRICK last year too! You just proved that Jameis is not necessary.
Time to move on from Jameis.
November 15th, 2019 at 1:04 am
3-4 games fitz played and youâre stuck with getting a new qb every 3 yrs.
all time int by QB
Favre
Blanda
Brees
Eli
Most likely all hall famers. Qb will elite after 6-7 yrs. but if youâre looking for a 1st yr home run I understand. Keep playing lottery until you hit.
November 15th, 2019 at 1:53 am
So fitz threw Evans all his 7,000 yards?
@ Bucs bandit , you are a bandwagon. Know your team and football. And go draft Justin Herbert.
November 15th, 2019 at 7:49 am
How this guy got a contract extension after being ole of the worst General Managers in the leauge is beyond me. We truly reward loosing around here and will likely keep Winston another consistent looser for us. You canât win when your team is rewarding loosing.
November 15th, 2019 at 7:59 am
The game is won in the trenches. That is how you build a successful franchise. Trade JW for whatever you can get. Trade down from number 9 and pick up draft picks. You need a RT and you will need DL by the trainload. Pick up a QB in the later rounds and develop him behind Griffin.
November 15th, 2019 at 9:39 am
Here it is two weeks before Thanksgiving and once again the Bucs front office and talking heads are offering hope through the draft for next year!
I read an article last week about the attendance being the lowest its been.
I’
m sure the Bucs leaders are puzzled by this.
With a winning pact that Rivals the Culverhouse years it’s no secret why the stadium isn’t full.
The last thing I want to hear is how the area doesn’t support the team.
That’s a bunch of bull.
My suggestion to the powers that be.
Sell it to someone that wants to win.The Bay area deserves a winner at the house of depression.
November 16th, 2019 at 7:31 am
You guys make me ill talking about the draft. Losing is never the way to go. Maybe tanking a game at the end of the season but now? Forget about it and win some games.
November 16th, 2019 at 9:19 am
Bucs scouts were seen at Oregon game watching Jason Light eat donuts.