Mixed Emotions On Middle Rounds
April 30th, 2020
Home run call
What teams had an instant-impact-heavy draft?
A former NFL quarterback told his national audience that he sees five clubs who scored big with fast fixes, including Tampa Bay.
Brady Quinn is a very busy man with his CBS Sports and SiriusXM NFL Radio gigs. Joe knows Quinn puts in the time on all the prospects and he’s very reasoned and seasoned with his analysis. (In other words, he probably won’t work for BSPN any time soon.)
Quinn told his NFL Radio audience yesterday that he believes Baltimore, Denver, Cleveland, Minnesota and Tampa Bay knocked it out of the park, if you’re scoring last week’s NFL Draft on what teams were most successful filling holes.
He thinks the Bucs got that done with their first four picks, though he wasn’t high on their Round 3 running back.
“Ke’Shawn Vaughn, you know, [I] wasn’t really a fan of this particular pick at this spot, only because I don’t know how much he’s going to help add to that passing game element that we see that Tom Brady’s utilized in past years in New England, whether it was with James White, Rex Burkhead, etc,” Quinn said.
“He has caught a number of passes throughout his time at Vanderbilt. Maybe they feel like they can use him more in that role and they didn’t use him enough in that role at Vanderbilt. But that’s one that I was a little bit curious on. But it still provides depth in the backfield splitting carries with RoJo. Because Vaughn can tote the rock, there’s no doubt. It’s just more the passing element that I need to see.”
Fair point from Quinn, and the Bucs were not hyping Vaughn’s pass catching skills following the draft.
The Bucs traded away their fourth-round picks, and Quinn thinks they stepped up in Round 5 and knocked it out of the park with productive Minnesota receiver Tyler Johnson.
“Look, this guy to me does as good a job as anyone in the draft in creating separation at the top of routes,” Quinn said. “… Very savvy route runner. Makes tough contested catches. People made a big deal about drops; I didn’t see that over the past couple of seasons. This year there were a couple that stood out, but bottom line, I love the Tyler Johnson pick.”
There’s nothing quite like the optimism shot the draft provides.
Did the Bucs hit a grand slam with their first four picks?
Back in 2015, it seemed like general manager Jason Licht and Lovie Smith crushed it in Rounds 1 through 4: Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander.
If the 2020 crew is overall as good as those guys, the Bucs will be in excellent shape.
April 30th, 2020 at 3:23 pm
the draft was solid…wish we couldve added a pass rusher but it is what it is…..
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 30th, 2020 at 3:23 pm
pick 1 and 2 good…. 3 and 5 time will tell
April 30th, 2020 at 3:26 pm
You never know about a draft until a year or two. Bur I saw a consensus rating of about 20 pundits (like this guy) which rated Tampa’s draft as 5th.best. Can’t do much better than that with the no. 14 pick. All guesswork now but looks pretty good now.
April 30th, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Not sure I would call that 2015 quartet “crushing it” Joe. Winston and Alexander are gone, and even you’ve been hard on Smith for awhile. I love the Marpet pick though, he’s a definite keeper.
So with 5 years in the books and 2 of them off the Bucs roster already, I would give the Bucs a C+ for drafting that quartet, at best. I mean come on, they had the #1 draft pick that year!
Or in baseball vernacular, it wasn’t a “grand slam”, it hit one of them high rafters in the Trop and was just a ground rule double.
April 30th, 2020 at 3:40 pm
The Johnson pick seems to be a very good one. Outside of Kiper most experts talk glowingly about this kid. Hopefully he will be another find at receiver much like Godwin was. If he lives up to the hype I almost feel sorry for defenses that have to prepare for them. I know the Joes don’t really like the Vaughn pick, but his film is solid. I think he could end up being a very good pick. Seems like they reached for him a bit but I am hoping they saw something in him that most didn’t.
April 30th, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Brady and NE always used the RBs in the pass game but not a much as they have the past 2 years because Gronk was injured and then he was gone. The Bucs don’t need a RB to be James White and catch 70 passes.
April 30th, 2020 at 3:48 pm
The thing I thought of lately is many are upset about the Vaughn pick……….because they say it was a reach because Mel Kiper told them. But Mel Kiper do tell them that another RB would not be a reach…….some dude named Moss I think.
So fans would be less mad if we took Moss because Mel told the Vaughn was not as good………..But the Bucs took Vaugh over Moss so they say Vaugh is better. So fans are mad because Mel knows better then the Bucs. The funniest part is I bet most that are whining about a “reach” pick never watch Vaughn play and never watched Moss they are lashing out because a talk show host told them what to believe.
Its all just too much nitpicky for me……..is the reality of some #74th rated prospect and a #112th rated prospect that large of a difference?……..I don’t even follow all this draft nonsense but I know it’s not that big a difference. Draft ranking never equate to the pro game. Especially when you get that deep.
I aren’t know what so hard about rooting for the new guys we got. Y’all act like they are desiyined to make it so long as they are the highest rated. The darft is over…..and so are the ratings. Alvin Kamara is nodding.
April 30th, 2020 at 3:58 pm
The draft is a crapshoot, especially after the third round.
IMO, the Bucs hit grand slams with Wirfs and Winfield.
Forget about Winfield’s height. That dude will mess you up.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
I’m surprised Indy wasn’t on his list, they seemed to also have a really great draft. Dallas as well.
Otherwise I agree about the teams he listed- Minnesota and Baltimore in particular had outstanding drafts on paper.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:01 pm
This roster is closer to Pats 2007. Kevin Faulk had around 40 catches with the bulk going to Moss and Welker with the TE’s sprinkled in. We need a good between the tackles RB to move the chains, which is what I hope Vaughn will be.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Without even reading the article and just seeing the title/headline, I’ve already come to this one conclusion…
Mixed emotions w/ middle-to-late round picks, haha…what mid-to-late round pick isn’t?! My goodness.
In the words of Kevin Hart, “look at you….you are something else”.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:07 pm
Tom Brady was a 6th round pick……you don’t need to say more than that to understand that the draft is not an exact science….
April 30th, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Rex Burkhead caught a whole lot of passes from Brady
April 30th, 2020 at 4:34 pm
@CalBucsFan
I would give them a B for that draft, mostly because of Winston. He’s still young though and could learn a lot from Brees and Payton. Smith has consistency issues, but he’s been decent and most importantly, rarely injured. Marpet is a cornerstone piece on the O-line. Kwon was the heart of the defense (even if the unit wasn’t great overall) and got paid a ton in free agency. He has his faults, but he’s been great for a 4th round pick.
You can’t give the Bucs an A because their #1 pick didn’t sign a 2nd contract and the jury would still be out even if Winston re-signed. It was super unlucky that they got the first overall pick in an abysmal QB draft.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:47 pm
One thing I really don’t get is Rojo had over 1033 yards combined last year. He saw limited playing time in games he should have been pounding the rock more.
Yes I wanted another running back at some point I wasn’t opposed to it. But if we had a right tackle that could run block literally AT ALL Ronald Jones would have hit 1000 yards rushing last year. I am not saying he is incredible but he doesn’t really deserve the hate he gets around here.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:47 pm
I’m just spit-balling here, but if Rojo and Vaughn are only so-so in the receiving dept, what if the Bucs made Johnson more of a RB/WR guy? Someone they could line up in the backfield and send out for screens and whatnot? I know we have like 6 RB’s already now, just thinking.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:56 pm
Jimmyjack
Everyone has an opinion. No biggie. They wont ever admit if vaugn ends up better than Moss. Kiper neither. I didnt watch Kiper that night but i would have preferred Moss. But that’s not to say he will be better. Vaughns a Buc so everyone should root for him. One thing I’m sure of is Brady will have whoevers in there ready.
April 30th, 2020 at 4:59 pm
If Vaughn puts in the work, there’s no reason to believe that he won’t be effective. What, because nobody knew his name?! Give me a break!
An improved and effective passing game should open up things for the RBs. Keep in mind too that Gronk is a killer blocker and legitimate threat.Nothing opens up the run-game like having effective TE play, an improved OL doesn’t hurt either!
I thought we drafted well and I am optimistic that we will finally be a post-season threat.
April 30th, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Maybe Licht was listening to Quinn, the lightbulb flashed in his head, and he decides to sign a legitimate starting running back with proven pass catching skills? Rofl, not happening. Who needs Devonta Freeman when you have the fabulous Rojo and an untested rookie?
April 30th, 2020 at 5:17 pm
Dude had 28 receptions last year. He didn’t have a lot of drops on tape, doesn’t fight to catch the ball like Ronald Jones did in college and as a rookie. Really don’t understand why people are questioning his ability as a receiver out of the backfield…
April 30th, 2020 at 5:37 pm
I now understand Vaughn over Moss. Moss 4.65 40, Vaughn 4.51 40 and Moss had knee surgery in 2018. Vaughn has been pretty durable.
April 30th, 2020 at 5:46 pm
finally some feel good optimism thankyou Joe
April 30th, 2020 at 6:00 pm
@ArmChairGM
Your player value for the 4 is a fair grade. I’m really only grading the consequences of those picks and their value to the Bucs’ roster today, more so than the value of the players in general, so perhaps my rating is more on the GM than the players themselves.
I agree Winston is still young, but for whatever reason, despite the fact he’s had multiple well-respected QB coaches over the last 5-years that he repeatedly stated were the best coaches he’s ever had, it was time for him to go.
Also, I was ecstatic when Alexander was on the field and wish he hadn’t left, but kudos to him for the great contract he got doing it and going to a team that should be contenders for years that has one of the Bucs all-time best players as GM.
Have to agree it was a year too early to have a top-pick when Goff and Wentz went 1 & 2 the next year.
However, since Marpet and Smith are the only one’s still on the Bucs roster from that 2015 pick group, I will stick with my C+ rating. Good discussion though, thanks.
April 30th, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Go get Taco Charlton Jason. Great depth piece and it costs you nothing.
April 30th, 2020 at 6:12 pm
How can anyone even think it was a “grand slam” when only one will be left after 6 years??????? That evaluation was so far off the mark!!!!!!!!!! It was a single off of a fielder’s error at best!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 30th, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Marques
Clay matthews out there too
Had 8 sacks last year
Great leader / winner
Played for 4 mil last year
He could be had for 3-4 mil. Thats dirt cheap for 8 sacks
April 30th, 2020 at 6:19 pm
Vaughn is everything we needed. Pass blocking, pass catching. Strong legs to pick up small yardage and broke the rushing record on an SEC team. He can bust runs out if he finds a hole.
April 30th, 2020 at 7:24 pm
Bird,
Clay 33 Taco 25. Todd Is the teacher that can get Taco to the next level. He would naturally replace Jpp one day. This would be his 3rd team in 3 years so the cost would be very cap friendly. It’s a no brainer for me.
April 30th, 2020 at 7:42 pm
Marques
I hear yah. I would be fine with that. Age before beauty
Just concerned he has 9 sacks in 3 years and prior teams really questioned his attitude
April 30th, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Agree go get Taco. We could use the depth.
April 30th, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Taco might be the only FA we can afford lol
April 30th, 2020 at 8:22 pm
Just watched the live Zoom with Wirfs, Winfield, Vaughn & Johnson…..and it looks like those guys have known each other for a while….
Vaughn is a scream……..could be a bada$$……….Winfield & Wirfs extremely bright and Johnson and all were very personable……
A must watch…….
April 30th, 2020 at 8:31 pm
Taco’s, burritos bring them all in.
April 30th, 2020 at 8:44 pm
Improved and effective passing game will open up the running game says Bucsfanman, you can’t improve on the passing game we had last year, over 5,000 passing yards and a 60 something percentage completion ratio….efficiency maybe the word you’re looking for, Mr. 5,000 needed to be more efficient within his game, which would have lead to less interceptions … a lower number of turnovers and fewer pick-6s….I still feel that another under BA would have helped Mr. 5,000 become a more EFFICIENT QB ….but he gone now and we put all our eggs in the hands of 42 year old, past his prime, tap dancing, GOAT and his should have stayed retired BROKE BACK MOUNTAIN MAN GRONK!!
April 30th, 2020 at 8:58 pm
Yes totally agree on Taco. He’ll be a great rotational player who will put up some good numbers on our defense and look great and go sign somewhere else to give us a solid compensatory pick. We need lots and lots of 3-5 round picks to build up quality depth to pay and keep our superstars. That’s what has made the Ravens and Patriots such solid football teams. We are usually the team buying the overpriced players instead of essentially selling.
April 30th, 2020 at 9:49 pm
Ive screamed and hollered about drafts in the past.
Many remember me saying Heargreaves and Spence were both bust- the days we drafted them.
But I think this was a fantastic draft. Great Tackle, Safety, WR, DT, and Kick returner.
Im a wait and see on the RB- but have reason to be confident.
This Draft will add starters and depth, in places of great need.
This year should be a great year for the Bucs!!
April 30th, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Buc1987 Says:
April 30th, 2020 at 8:31 pm
Taco’s, burritos bring them all in.
…………
Hopefully we scored an enchilada and a Gordita
April 30th, 2020 at 10:02 pm
*as well.
April 30th, 2020 at 10:55 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo is partial to Cajetas”
April 30th, 2020 at 11:07 pm
Davis is as strong as a bull and fast to the ball. 8 sacks last year. How the hell did that guy not go till the sixth?! Love his style and hope he can develop into a starter for us.
May 1st, 2020 at 5:53 am
Sorry, mistype or something there Joes, in 2015, they did not crush it in round 1 with the pick of JW…..he held our franchise back. But I guess without his losing, we wouldve missed out on Big V, D. White, some good DB picks, and Wirfs/Winfield this year. So if you’re looking at it from that aspect, then ok.
May 1st, 2020 at 7:25 am
I love how before the draft everyone says no need to get a rb in the first round, there are plenty available in later rounds. Then we take 2 rb’s in later rounds and people are still bitching! Lol.
May 1st, 2020 at 8:36 am
Capt Tim I am sure you are the only one who remembers your draft predictions from years past. Contrary to what you believe, readers aren’t all that interested in what a UPS driver (or insert any other job that has nothing to do with football) predicted regarding a draft that took place four years ago.
May 2nd, 2020 at 1:41 pm
First off I had forgotten all about Matthews. That would be a hell of a pickup. As far as the draft only time will tell.