5 Bucs Draft X-Factors To Consider
April 23rd, 2020
Reading this will require you to think outside the box.
There are X factors to consider when predicting any NFL Draft and this year provides more drama and questions than usual, especially for the Bucs.
*Joe Haeg – From everything Joe has read and heard, the Bucs’ new right tackle/versatile lineman had multiple options in free agency. He wanted out of Indianapolis because he was the sixth man there and desired to be a starter like he was in his first two seasons (2016 & 2017). Haeg played just 74 offensive snaps last year. Did the Bucs tell Haeg — or strongly imply to him — that he wouldn’t have to compete with a first-round right tackle?
*Peter King – The NBC Sports super insider has had a strong 2020 when it comes to behind-the-scenes information. He was clear in his Monday mock draft column that Bucs officials are very hot in the pants for a cornerback. Yes, cornerback. Suppose King is correct? Even if it’s not a first-round corner, drafting one in Round 2 would surprise a lot of people and send a glorious work-your-ass-off wave through the Bucs’ young secondary
*Gambling – With no live sports around, hundreds of millions of dollars are being wagered this year on the NFL Draft in various exotic bets and straight wagers. The expansion of gambling is huge, though not in Florida.
That kind of money being thrown around means there’s lots of room for corruption, especially on an event that isn’t a competition. After all, misleading NFL media types is ingrained in the job descriptions of NFL general managers and head coaches. Some refer to the period between the Super Bowl and the draft as “lying season.” And that BS affects the betting public and the odds.
Joe is very confident there are more than a few people tied to the NFL’s 32 teams who are eager to peddle nonsense in order to move odds, perhaps so their recently unemployed cousins can cash in. Earlier this week, Draft Kings sportsbooks, which operate in several states, were offering nearly 4-1 odds that the Bucs would draft a defensive player in Round 1. Joe called a friend and jumped all over that value.
*Team Glazer – Ownership’s influence on the Bucs and its direction has always been a wild card. No, Joe doesn’t believe the nonsense rumor that Team Glazer ordered the drafting of Roberto Aguayo, and Joe doesn’t think Joel Glazer turns over a mock draft that covertly says, ‘draft this guy or get fired.’ But Joe does believe Team Glazer is in on the overarching roster-building plan. So Joe thinks it’s very possible that Team Glazer told Bruce Arians they would prefer the Bucs draft a developmental quarterback if they’re going to sign Tom Brady. And Joe thinks Arians might very likely grant that wish.
*Justin Evans – Joe would consider 2017 second-round pick Justin Evans to be damaged goods, an injured safety not to be counted on. But that doesn’t mean Bucs officials feel that way. Joe has seen it happen previously; team officials banking on a guy to recover. Maybe — and hopefully — Evans is doing great in his rehab and on track to return in June, as Arians said at the NFL Scouting Combine. This could be a behind-the-scenes factor as the draft progresses. Arians has praised Evans’ engagement and learning of the defense even though he was out injured.
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:50 am
If TB does what he was brought in to do…..how will the Bucs be able to draft the QB of the future in 2021…..
this is our best shot at continuity
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Jordan Love @ 14 and MoveOn.Bucs
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:52 am
A CB in round 1 or 2 would not be wise. We don’t need a round 1 wr unless we are trading back. Hope we grab the best O or D lineman availible or can trade back.
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:53 am
even a broken clock is correct twice a day…….
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:54 am
1st round OL or DL unless simmons is available… he can do it all on defense
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:56 am
Simmons or bust!
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:57 am
There is only one thing close to being a certainty…….we will draft someone tonight.
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:57 am
Evans was promising before the injury bug hit him. If he really is healed up, he and Whitehead would be solid in 2020.
Still need a vet CB to help the youngsters IMO.
April 23rd, 2020 at 11:57 am
Really nice article, Joe. Couldn’t the same be said about drafting a running back to put RoJo on notice? Sure. RoJo also would be on notice with a later round guy.–Joe
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Joe – Those are all good comments. I think a player like Kinlaw might be no. 1. And a OT in round 2 or even 3. And QB in round 5.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Bucs will trade up to #8 and take Derrick Brown
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:05 pm
We have so many great opportuntities whether it’s a top 4 RT or Kinlaw or trade down and get CEH and the RT plus a safety.
Just no QB or WR early. Flashy little sub 4.4 WR’s will be all over the draft and some even as UDFA’s.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Trade up! I say we package our 1st rounder,O.J., this years 5th and next years 5th to move up to 6th spot and a QB. We only have brady for 2 years minimum and a max of 4 and what better than to draft his predecessor now.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:17 pm
Somebody always screws it up in round 1…hoping it’s not us…
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Can the Bucs even afford a top 10 picks’ salary? I do believe the Bucs may be interested in a CB. I’m guessing it would be CJ Henderson…we can’t afford a good vet CB and you always need talent on the back-end especially if you are blitzing…going to be fun!
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:25 pm
“There is only one thing close to being a certainty…….we will draft someone tonight.”
8pm the speculation will cease and we will know the identity of our new Buc. Just make the right choice Licht. No more misses, and no more “luxury” picks. Get the right guy in there.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:26 pm
I would be furious if we waisted a pick on corner. We drafted 4 corners and 2 safeties in the last 2 years! We have NO starting right tackle. Our best linemen are on short term deals and no youth at the position. No depth at guard or left tackle or center. Light has been terrible in the 2nd round but even the first rounds, Hargraves was a 1st rounder, gone. Winston number one overall, gone, Howard in the first round, buried on the depth chart and doesnt get used. 0-3 on drafting running backs. Its groundhog day around here. Build the team from the line back like every other good team for the last 100 years of nfl football.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:29 pm
I say they either trade up or trade down.
Trade up to get one of the big 4 OL or trade down & draft Clyde late in the first.
Go Bucs!(where I have a pretty good idea)
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Doesn’t matter who we draft in the 1st. They’ll be gone in 2-3 years.
People are ooh-ing and ahh-ing about the free agency signings. They’re cool and big signings but are just smokescreens to the truth.
Every 1st (outside of mike evans) and almost every 2nd rounder that Licht has drafted is either no longer or may soon be no longer with the team.
That is plain terrible.
I get that drafting can be difficult and odds aren’t great. But this is just plain terrible.
The dude really needs to get called out by the media for the smokescreen that this is.
jus sayin.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Joe, I totally forgot or just never thought about it because we drafted Dunn, but we traded out of #6 Walter Jones! LOL! It’s a Bucs Life! Expect anything!
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:35 pm
We dont have enough good corners
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:35 pm
CJ Henderson = VH3 2.0. He’s small, skinny, and is not a good tackler.
Hard pass on Henderson. Buyer beware. He’s gonna be bullied by NFL caliber WRs. Especially, if he lands in the NFC South.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:48 pm
The rumor is that Tua might fall to 16. If he is at 14 might the Bucs not draft him? He could carry a clipboard for a couple years, and be groomed behind the GOAT and another Vet QB. I’d think that is a little crapshoot, but we could easily end up with the best QB in this years draft if that unfolded.
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Jeff Okudah is supposedly the best corner in the past 5-10 years to come in to the draft. Just an absolutely, all-world, lockdown corner. I’d be totally ok with THAT GUY as our first pick but there is no way. Detroit needs a corner more than anyone in the NFL by far. If the Bucs trade up itlle be to where Jax is, and id rather it be for Simmons if he falls that far over Henderson all day
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Is Kendell Beckwith coming back
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:59 pm
THAT GUY Said it perfectly. Little negative for today but not wrong.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Do NOT trade up under any circumstances, unless it involves peddling Brate or Howard and no pics. Stay at 14 and take one of the big 4 OTs. If none of them are available, see if you can move back, acquire an additional 2nd round pick and then consider your options when the time comes.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Also, no kickers, punters or long snappers in any round or we back to Lichtmyballs from Licht.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:08 pm
There is almost no chance Peter King is right. I could see a Safety, but not a CB.
I HOPE it is a Right Tackle.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:18 pm
That Guy – have a snickers
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Any from my wishlist would be great!
Quarterbacks
• QB Tua Tagovailoa
• QB Jacob Eason
• QB Nate Stanley
Offensive Line
• OT Andrew Thomas
• OT Josh Jones (R)
• OT Lucas Niang (R)
• OT Ezra Cleveland (L)
• OT Colton McKivitz (R)
• OT Mekhi Becton
• OG Kevin Dotson
• OG/C Kyle Murphy
Wide Reciever
• Henry Ruggs III
• Justin Jefferson
• Michael Pittman
• Antonio Gandy-Golden
Running Back
• Cam Akers
• Zack Moss
• Rico Dowdle
• Thaddeus Moss (TE/HB) *
Tight End
• Adam Trautman
• Colby Parkinson
Edge
• Yetur Gross-Matos
• Derrek Tuszka
Defensive Tackle
• Derrick Brown
• Leki Fotu
Safey
• Xavier McKinney
• Kyle Dugger
Linebacker
• Logan Wilson
Kicker
• Rodrigo Blankenship
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:22 pm
I would especially like Thaddeus Moss, who is Randy Moss’ son. He’s listed as a tight end, but also plays Halfback. He could be Alstott-like. Plus, his father played with Brady, so they probably know each other.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Bonzai you lose the draft. How do you not even have Simmons in your wish list? That’s appalling.
I realize he will likely be a Top 5 selection but until that moments comes he is the only guy I want.
Once his name gets called then I’ll move on and worry about Tackles and DL.
Just so long as we don’t take a receiver I’m happy. Gotta build a team here. Improvements needed in our Rushing offense and pass defense. WR does not make us a better team and hurts our future ability.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:50 pm
BB if we draft Blankenship this board will go nuts. Rightfully so. But you would be happy?
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Greg Says:
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:26 pm
I would be furious if we waisted a pick on corner. We drafted 4 corners and 2 safeties in the last 2 years!
1st NE drafts corners every year. That seems to work out for them having a very good defense so not so crazy.
For the Buc’s it appears that 3 of 4 corners will work out.
The 4th – MJ Stewart – not at all. Player personnel in the NFL know that you need 4 solid corners to compete in this league , so we clearly need a 4th that can play. I am not sure why you think that is a wasted pick.
Further, Cornerbacks miss plays more than other positions and miss games more than other positions.
You know what position does not miss a lot of games or plays. Offensive lineman.
I want us to pick an offensive tackle in the 1st but would not be surprised at another corner in the 1st or 2nd.
Just remember on OT – those college guys only play in 2 point stances. Most of them take time to adjust to play in the NFL.
I tend to think that Haeg this year could be better than any RT that we could pick.
BTW – Howard may be buried on the depth chart this year but not at all last year. Brate played almost none of the running plays where many games Howard was playing over 85% of TOTAL snaps.
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:59 pm
No matter who they pick, certain people will be ‘unhappy” or ‘furious”. Lets try and take the approach that young TALENT is being infused into our favorite team and be excited for the opportunity to see said players in action this fall. I know most of us are armchair Gm’s in our spare time, and that is the fun part this time of the year, but for once lets come together and support/welcome our new Buc babies as they prepare for the CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON ! And trade up for Simmons lolol
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Since the NFL Draft is upon us, I’ve got my wish list. There’s something in it for everybody, so feel free to laugh at it (“mock” it even!), or join me in hoping it comes true: (And yes, I did select 3 Ohio St. guys)
Round 1:
14. TRADE….Bucs trade 14 & 161 with the Eagles (Eagles want to move up for one of the WR’s they have their eye on). Bucs get picks #23 and #53 for compensation
23. Bucs select…..Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia (to protect the GOAT)
Round 2:
45. Bucs select J.K. Dobbins, RB OSU (the most dynamic runner…and good receiver…in the Draft)
53. Bucs select…Damon Arnette, CB OSU (would probably be a first rounder based on talent alone, but had a few “character” concerns. Very physical and talented defender forTodd Bowles to mold into a solid Corner.)
Round 3:
76. Bucs select….KJ Hill, WR OSU….yep, 3rd Ohio St. guy in a row! (Meet the new Julian Edelman! A slot receiver who runs excellent routes, has solid hands, and moves the chains. The all-time leading catch leader for the Buckeyes, and another solid weapon for TB12!
Round 4:
139. Bucs select….James Morgan, QB FIU. (A 6’4”, 230lb young, raw QB with a strong arm, to learn for 2 years behind the GOAT. Played in a pro-style offense at FIU, and while his decision making is not always the best, he does have all the physical skills you want in a pocket passer)
Round 6:
194: Bucs select….Joe Graziano, DE Northwestern
Round 7:
241. Bucs select…..James Robinson, RB Illinois State
That’s my list.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:18 pm
To that guy and Greg, the last 2 years we drafted Devin White – good pick, and Vita Vea – good pick. Maybe it took Licht awhile to get the hang of this. Also Evans in 2014. At worst 50% in the past six years if you want to hate on Howard and Winston. We all agree Hargraves sucked
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Tua would be an awful pick to sit behind Brady. Their games are nothing alike plus Brady is 7ft tall while Tua is 4ft tall. Tua is one big hit away from being out of the NFL for life. To risky since he’s already had 5 major surgeries, and will probably have an arthritic hip waiting for Brady to retire.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:21 pm
DanBucsFan…….That is the truth buddy. My personal favorite is how so many fans whine about not drafting for the trenches and when Licht actually did draft a trench player(VitaV) fans then whined that we didn’t take a skill position.
Geno711…….That’s a pretty good argument for drafting a corner. I would not mind a corner at all if the talent is there. I’m just not sure it will be there. We could be looking at aist of players who could easily be considered a Top Ten player be avialable for us…….Guys like Kinlaw or Brown or one of the Tackles. I don’t really see or hear about any corners being talked about that highly……..This draft might be like the Vernon Hargreaves/Eli Apple draft where it’s just a terrible year to need a Corner.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:21 pm
Sorry….meant Eagles at 21 not 23.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:31 pm
Jeagen I like it. The main thing I like about it is you are adding a defensive player in the first two days.
I’m hearing so many Bucs mocks having is take all offensive players in the first two days. I just cannot wrap my mind around why we are completely ignoring the defensive side of the ball. We just saw this defense show some signs of life. We really need to build on that. Not ignore it.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:40 pm
The thing is.
The people who bitch about Vea say he isn’t a true trench player he is just a run stuffing DT that doesn’t do anything. Basically Clueless people who believe what the PFF tribe tells them.
oh also they 100% knew Derwin James and his injury history would be an all pro safety in a mike smith run offense and gotten hurt here the next year.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:48 pm
Rumor is the Bucs want Mechi Becton, but if he doesn’t land at 14 and they don’t trade up (which I highly highly doubt they would willing give up draft picks for any one guy), then they are looking to trade down.
I actually hope they trade down in a scenario where the top 4 OTs are gone. That would guarantee a DL and top RB.
April 23rd, 2020 at 2:56 pm
If they can’t trade up, trade down, or get Becton, then you probably go for Javon Kinlaw if he’s there.
I personally wouldn’t mind getting the RB we need, if it’s about winning now. Get your pick of the litter at 14, instead of whatever is left in the 2nd Rd. But, if you’re going strictly by the draft board, then a DL is the wiser choice. But, anyone other than Isaiah Simmons, will not impact the defense like the best RB would impact the offense.
April 23rd, 2020 at 3:50 pm
I pretty much always gives the Buc’s a pass on draft days. There are always fans going we should have taken Greedy Williams over SMB in the 2nd or Derrius Guice in the 2nd over Rojo.
Sometimes the pick the buc’s got worked out better.
I think when a lot of fans suggest that we should take Taylor or Dobbins over CEH, I do not disagree but I think there is clear evidence that the Buc’s disagree.
Remember Feb 25th at the Combine – Bruce Arians spoke to the media – how many things have come true that he said that day!
BA not sold on Jameis
Bucs want to resign their FAs
Justin Evans Buc career probably over.
BA likes Brady and Rivers
OJ Howard likely to get 5th year option picked up in April.
Brate not likely to stay at 6 million per year.
Shaq Barrett is not a 1 year wonder (i.e. Unicorn) to Buc’s brass. They want him for longer term.
BA always wants running backs that also excel in catching the ball as well.
Suh has expressed interest in staying in Tampa next year and Jason says Bucs want him back.
BA says that he sees 6 elite offensive lineman in this draft.
Perriman will definitely not be back.
Hasn’t most of this materialized?
So for the draft in the next two to three days – I would not be surprised if:
1. The Buc’s take an OL at 14 who is not one of the big 4 since they valued 6 guys.
2. The Buc’s like CEH, Akers, or Swift for the pass catching ability more than Taylor or Dobbins.
April 23rd, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Trade Howard to Pats for James White. Trade #14 and #45 to Arizona for #8 and one of their 4th round picks. Select Isaiah Simmons, an OT in the 3rd round and Antonio Gibson with a 4th round pick.
April 23rd, 2020 at 6:17 pm
I’ve been asking about Justin Evans rehab for a while. And we just got Mike Edwards last year in the third round.Maybe not All-Star, but I think he will be better and more comfortable his sophomore year. I would be very excited to here Justin Evans say I’m feeling great after all my rehab. If they are looking for a safety as priority to draft, I would trade back in the first for Isaiah Wilson and two second round picks and get j.Taylor and Kyle Dugger. Dugger walking into Bowels defense I’d be F-ING PUMPED!!!
April 23rd, 2020 at 6:54 pm
SC Bucs Fan Says:
April 23rd, 2020 at 1:18 pm
That Guy – have a snickers
HA!!!
April 23rd, 2020 at 8:04 pm
lambchop Says:
April 23rd, 2020 at 12:35 pm
CJ Henderson = VH3 2.0. He’s small, skinny, and is not a good tackler.
Hard pass on Henderson. Buyer beware. He’s gonna be bullied by NFL caliber WRs. Especially, if he lands in the NFC South.
…………
As a Die Hard Gator fan and Alum I couldn’t disagree more. CJ’s hips are WAY more fluid and his recovery speed is Elite. CJ will have a LONG NFL career if he stays healthy.
That being said we don’t need to spend a first rounder on a CB. RT ALL THE WAY BABY!!!!