Safety Needed Addressing
April 24th, 2020
Antoine Winfield, Jr.
Look, there is no question the Bucs needed a safety. That’s why Joe was beating the drum for Isaiah Simmons leading up to last night.
It was a huge hole on the defense that needed to be filled.
But at what price? The Bucs passed on serious running back talent, and that is a Grand Canyon-sized hole on the roster. The Bucs have been putrid at running the ball for years. But to date, the organization has demonstrated neither a sense of urgency nor concern about repairing that giant deficit.
So in Joe’s eyes, this selection of Winfield will be twofold. If Winfield balls out, it’ll be a hard to say it was a bad move. If Winfield struggles and the running backs the Bucs turned their nose up on, including J.K. Dobbins, ball out, it will be the O.J. Howard/Dalvin Cook debate for many more years to come.
Joe is not anti-Winfield in any way, shape or form. Again, this was and is a position that needed to be addressed.
If the Bucs can repair their run game (trade up from the third round to grab A.J. Dillon or Cam Akers, everything should work out just fine.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Winfield as his No. 6 safety.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Minnesota, Winfield was the boundary safety in defensive coordinator Joseph Rossi’s man-scheme, seeing reps in the box and as the last line of defense. A fourth-year sophomore, he suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2017 and 2018 before an All-American 2019 campaign, leading the team in tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions. Like his Pro Bowl father, Winfield is a smart player who understands angles and spacing, showing the opportunistic instincts and ball skills to go big-play hunting. While he is a composed athlete, his below average size and strength leave very little margin for error, lacking elite speed to easily recover. Overall, Winfield is a tough evaluation because his lack of length and top-tier athleticism frequently pops on film, but so does his football IQ, toughness and production, projecting as a potential starting safety or nickel in the NFL.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:30 pm
He’s to small, and injury prone, can we trade for John Lynch for GM????
April 24th, 2020 at 8:32 pm
Winfield and Whitehead on the back end, not a bad combo
April 24th, 2020 at 8:32 pm
Trade up with what Joe?
You’re right though all the decent RB’s will be gone if they don’t trade up.
Akers will deffo be gone before they pick again.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:33 pm
Below average size , lack of strength and speed…… Yep sounds like a Bucs DB to me lol. Licht trying to be cute again instead of taking the sure thing in Dobbins
April 24th, 2020 at 8:33 pm
There is still some good RB on talent on the board, far more than will be left at Safety. If you look at just how bad the Defense was the first half of the season in the backfield there was still a great need for a good player back there.
Also you look at the player and then what’s available. Akers, Dobbins, Moss one of those three could drop into Rd 3, of course a 4th round pick could’ve been ammo to trade up to late Rd 2 since ya know, those are worthless picks according to Joe anyways.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:33 pm
Bucs just got another Ronde Barber, congrats.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Minnesota had a good team in 2019. Nice highlights. And it looks like he could possibly fix our punt return problem.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:36 pm
And that’s what cracks me up about these draft talking heads, if a team picks a guy that they feel is less than another then it’s a surprise! Well, IMO it’s all about fit not rankings. This kid will be solid and in this division which throws a ton with 3 pro bowl QB’s it doesn’t hurt. How about Gibbons or Ackers if available in the third. This is a solid pick maybe not pretty but needed and that works for me
April 24th, 2020 at 8:36 pm
My second ranked safety. Looks like the rbs they wanted were gone. Didnt wana reach. Hope the Utah backs around in round 3.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Dude is a stud. He is similar size and skill set to the Honey Badger. And has NFL bloodlines.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Spot on HeavyE. How many picks on S are going to use? RB is much more involved in a game. Can’t go into season as Rojo as a starter. S is not a game changer. Late in games back up qb , red zone, poor weather, you lean on the ground game for the W, not a safety. Would rather had Hurts, Dobbins, or Davidson there.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:37 pm
He can return punts but 2 years of injury
So maybe not good idea
April 24th, 2020 at 8:37 pm
Nobody knows if he will be good or not. But I like his film and I’m willing to bet on him.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:38 pm
I love it. You are not anti this pic but you’re hedging your bets. That’s perfect. That’s what weak people do.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:40 pm
Bye,Bye, Akers……
April 24th, 2020 at 8:41 pm
Bucs got RoJo in the 2nd round two years ago. He showed flashes last year, pair him up with a power back and I think we’ll be good. We needed a safety and if he’s anything like his pops, we’re in business.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:42 pm
The Bucs have invested heavily in their secondary and they’re consistently among the worst in football.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Great Points, BigZ!!!! We need an new GM!!!! Enough is Enough…..
April 24th, 2020 at 8:43 pm
I am wondering if they aren’t thinking Perine in the third.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:44 pm
I think we get Dillon in the third where there will be a serious run on RB taken. I feel we should make a trade for an extra third to address the need for a young DT and draft the kid from Utah. He’s strong against the run and has displayed great strength overall. Would be a nice fit next to Suh and Vea to complete a Samoan size defensive line. It would also allow Gohlston to be moved to the bench and come off in rotation along with Nacho as well
April 24th, 2020 at 8:44 pm
Can’t believe we passed on Dobbins and Ackers. Winfield is injury prone and vertically challenged. Hope he works out for the Bucs….
April 24th, 2020 at 8:45 pm
Reading his lower body injuries concerns me… Already have Justin Evans who has been out so long. We don’t usually have much luck with these guys
April 24th, 2020 at 8:48 pm
Bye bye Heavy E as GM! To small my arse! It’s about toughness and heart ever heard of Barber? Lol! Just having fun! Hope somehow they find a way to make you happy!
April 24th, 2020 at 8:49 pm
Needed the Safety
Defense will be nasty
April 24th, 2020 at 8:49 pm
I would have preferred we secured the RB first. Bruce appears to have a blind spot when it comes to RBs. Remember this is the same coach that wanted Aamir Abdullah over David Johnson.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:50 pm
If the RB’s the team covets doesn’t fall rather than force a pick there is always another FSU running back sitting by his phone waiting for a call…Devonta Freeman. Freeman happened to have 59 catches from Matt Ryan out of the backfield last year. Not the worst consolation prize if the team cares about letting the board come to them.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:50 pm
As far as this pick in the draft of Winfield it is a total steal. Again same as Wirfs though very unsure where he actually plays due to his height and size. He looks promising as a Safety and Nickel corner and can really be versatile around position. He gets to the ball where he lines up at though. He could turn Honey badger or he could turn Ronde. I’m excited about him teaming up with SMB as well who is another player on our defense with great instincts at getting to the football. I see people down on Edwards but he will come around just has to stay healthy. Whitehead is a gamer as well when healthy but the secondary is coming together with outstanding depth
April 24th, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Was thinking about a guy like Freeman as well if someone like Baun on the spine happens to fall to 3rd
April 24th, 2020 at 8:51 pm
What the. I saw did last year, was invest in the coaching staff to get the most out of the defensive backfield. Winfield shows on tape, that’s what matters (well what really matters is that he shows up in the NFL). There are still several RBs that can compliment ROJO that are still available (Dobbins won’t be there, but Gipson, McFarland, Moss, Dallas) will be there. Also there are still free agents on the market that may take that one year deal, Thompson, Freeman, Gore)
April 24th, 2020 at 8:51 pm
I wonder what Justin Evan’s gonna do or is he healthy or what?
April 24th, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Solid pick, happy to get a safety with smarts, haven’t had that since lynch. Running backs are a dime a dozen, safeties dont grow on trees, sick of the poorly thought out ideas on this site. Bucs4life
April 24th, 2020 at 8:54 pm
The right pick but please, please don’t start the old he’s a S, no he’s a Nickel, no he’s a S routine with yet another 2nd Rd pick.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:54 pm
i think we are out of cash, but see if the jags want a 3 for Leonard
April 24th, 2020 at 8:54 pm
Actually, on ESPN, when we drafted him, he was rated as the best player on the board not yet drafted. So though some of us may not like him, obviously others think highly of him. Just hope he turns out to be the next honey badger or Ronde.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:55 pm
Meh…Looks like he will be a good gunner on special teams, probably not much else. This draft is depressing.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Love this pick
April 24th, 2020 at 8:57 pm
All American, All Big Ten…scourge…don’t know how great he will be, but much more than a special teams player. Predicted to be a good starter within a year or two…just saying.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:58 pm
Both picks suck. Licht sucks. Two face suck.
April 24th, 2020 at 8:59 pm
Licht has been “trying” to trade up. Instead of letting draft come and manage it.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:00 pm
I’m rooting for this guy since he is a Buc now, but did we really need a small, weak, and slow safety over a stud running back like Dobbins or Akers? The front office’s lack of urgency in fixing our running back situation is beyond frustrating. Gosh damned clown show.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:00 pm
All good running backs are gone.
Now the Bucs will have to settle for another slow “power” back in AJ Dillon.
But I agree with prioritizing the Secondary> RB just wish the Bucs would’ve used free agency to help them out in 1 of those spots.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:01 pm
Actually faster than the honey badger… 4.45 vs 4.51. And certainly faster than Ronde.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:02 pm
We just picked another Justin Evans. Smh
April 24th, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Am I the only bone that thinks Rojo could be very good behind our new OT, Gronk, and O.J. blocking for him? If you think our OL is improved, you have to think Rojo could take a big step this year. That being said, still wanna another RB to give us a combo. Again, AJ Dillon.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:02 pm
This may not be all that popular, but the Bucs are the worst drafting team I have ever seen. Prove me wrong, and I love the Bucs. It kills me. That’s the reason we can’t get back into the playoffs.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Least we didn’t trade up for him..
We have to draft 27 players at a position to get one player
April 24th, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Raheem Mostert is a great example as to what can happen with RBs…..
Cut from several teams and is a star in SF…..
There are RBs out there who can help us……I, too wanted a RB in round 2…..but let’s see how it goes…
There will be a dozen FA RBs that will come cheap…..
April 24th, 2020 at 9:03 pm
We will take Eason or Fromm if they are available in the third
April 24th, 2020 at 9:03 pm
BigZ, a safety is as important as a RB in 2020, esp a coverage S. You can clean out the clock with RoJo. People forget the Bucs couldn’t run to the right side because of Dotson. And I love how you talk about a clock-eating runner then mention a QB, a 3rd down back, and a guy I’ve never heard of.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:04 pm
But licht didn’t trade up for this. He literally let managed it as it came to him..
April 24th, 2020 at 9:05 pm
Eason or Fromm in the third if available
April 24th, 2020 at 9:06 pm
A safety is on the field significantly more than a rb
Jesus people. Go back to your shanty’s
April 24th, 2020 at 9:06 pm
We passed on a lot of ballers to take him….
April 24th, 2020 at 9:06 pm
Y’all tripping acting super negative. Our team is much better and if the OL plays better we’ll be just fine at rb by the start of the season.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:06 pm
Man, it seems we got some a bunch of haters in here lol! What was it Sapp said… Spot me what 14, 17 pts. And the defense will take care of the rest. I seriously think that Lee got it right that I would be thrilled winning 31 to 28! Relax fellas, trust the process, those dogging Licht well tell me what GM had a better off season this year,
im dropping the mic. Peace!
April 24th, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Shanty’s lmao- sincerely shooter
April 24th, 2020 at 9:08 pm
I just don’t like this pick. I understand the logic of not reaching for a position when the value isn’t there, then why turn around take a safety, a position that just got picked over right before our pick. I think I would have liked Josh Jones better at that pick.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:09 pm
Only thing I don’t like is his size- especially at safety when there was a 6”1 corner still available
April 24th, 2020 at 9:09 pm
Hey Adrnagy, why don’t you go follow the team that picked up Winston.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:10 pm
Winfield is a crazy baller in college. His size is a concern to me.
But in 2013, Bruce Arians took Honey Badger in the 3rd round and everyone said he was too small to play safety. But Arians said that he was going to play safety and he did.
Honey Badger measurables that year was 4.5 forty. 5 foot 8 3/4 inches and 186 lbs.
Seems like this coaching staff has the possibility to make Winfield a good player as well.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:11 pm
I would have preferred the Bucs picking Akers, but Winfield was the best safety in college football last year, he is short, but he has good speed and elite instincts and is a very good at tackling.
If the Bucs are lucky Zack Moss will be available in the 3rd, if not I’d rather them get an interior offense or defensive linemen.
If the Bucs don’t get a RB in the 3rd round they can always go after Devante Freeman after the draft if he is willing to take a reasonable contract.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:11 pm
One thing you can count on with loser Licht, he will screw up the 2nd rd. All the RB”s sitting there & OL he picks a friggin S. I bet Brady really appreciated that. Thanks for getting Brady more help you moron. After that pick I just turned the TV off.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:11 pm
@geno if he can be like honey badger- then it’s a great pick- he def plays hard and has a knack for the ball
April 24th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Chaisson. Ezra Cleveland. Josh jones. A Jackson. Clyde Edwards- hellaire. Isiah Wilson. Jk dobbins. All available.
We traded a pick. And ended up with wirfs and Justin Evans JR.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
At least Licht didn’t pick a complete surprise…….when we picked Winfield, ESPN had him listed as the #1 player at any position still available…..#1
Now, at least some experts agree that it was a good pick.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
We needed a veteran safety. Not a rookie.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
We already have an injury-prone safety on our team!!!!
April 24th, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Mike Says:
April 24th, 2020 at 9:05 pm
Eason or Fromm in the third if available
…………….
Interesting. You think we would go QB over RB. If so I would prefer Eason
April 24th, 2020 at 9:13 pm
Coulda had Dobbins….best RB in the draft. But Jason Licht obviously knows nothing about drafting a top flight RB.
I’m surprised he didn’t go Kicker here. SMH.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Never said I wanted to a GM, what are You talking about noles?????
April 24th, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Only read up couple of comments and it’s probably already been said. But small. Tell that to the honey badger.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:14 pm
SB ..
go back to your backyard and keep on drinking that toilet water you like.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:15 pm
Derrick Brooks 6 foot even. Too small for an NFL linebacker to some who were drafting that year. He had a 4.71 forty time. That was very average. Nothing special.
He had a crazy good college career. He worked out pretty well in the NFL.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:15 pm
Todd Bowles has his say so on that pick. He knows how to use his players
April 24th, 2020 at 9:16 pm
SB- I just see one of those two available before any decent back- agree if a RB is there, and he’s decent that grab him but what a better way….hold up I bet the pats take Fromm or Eason now they trDed
April 24th, 2020 at 9:17 pm
No they didn’t wow
April 24th, 2020 at 9:17 pm
Winfield kinda reminds me of Troy Polamalu the way he plays and the way hes built.
That would be amazing. The Bucs need a star in the secondary.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:18 pm
I just think Fromm or Eason would be set up right to learn from the goat
April 24th, 2020 at 9:18 pm
🤭 VH 3 flashbacks
April 24th, 2020 at 9:19 pm
Josh UChe better than Winfield imo
One year wonder is gone after this season and jpp is old.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:19 pm
EVERYONE who is against this puck, will act like they loved the pick once they start playing. He will be a top 5 safety in the Nfl and that is no joke. Size … Yeah ok. Watch the tape, and lack of speed??? 4.46 and 4.48 at combine !! And lack of strength?!?!? , please go to bucs website and look at pictures of this kid…built like a brick sh$#t house. And pro bowl DNA to boot. Electric punt return skills, team captain also… WHAT IS NOT TO LIKE? Mark my words, TOP 5 in nfl.. Him at Whitehead will be a outstanding yound duo. GREAT PICK MR. LICHT
April 24th, 2020 at 9:20 pm
DR FEELGOOD Says:
April 24th, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Am I the only bone that thinks Rojo could be very good behind our new OT, Gronk, and O.J. blocking for him? If you think our OL is improved, you have to think Rojo could take a big step this year. That being said, still wanna another RB to give us a combo. Again, AJ Dillon.
You are not the only one, I seriously think Rojo will be fine with the new OT, Gronk, Round 3 I could see a DT, picking up a FA rb for cheap. Maybe Gronk would sign a new deal for 2 years to free up more cash so we can pick up someone like Freeman.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
Idiots. All players look good on tape. You think they show tape when a player screws up? NO Just a highlight reel. Well now Dobbins & Akers are both gone. Hey Licht whats next a kicker in the 3rd. You moron. Safety was definitely not a priority over RB or OL. Let that sink in.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
all the ‘good’ rb’s are gone, now guys like Leonard Fournette get a second look
April 24th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
I know Fromm beat Eason out in his freshman year but I just feel that Eason will be the better NFL QB
April 24th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
If You guys think, he will have a career like Ronde, DB and the Honey Badger, You are all totally NUTS!!!!! LMAO!!!! Stop the Comparisons!!!!
April 24th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
Licht shouldn’t have traded up for wirfs. He should of played it out.
A. Jackson , josh jones , Isiah Wilson , Ezra Cleveland were still available.
And you keep a 4 th. Too deep of draft to trade away picks. Teams are smart and not trading as much. Too deep of draft.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:22 pm
Am I wrong in thinking you don’t need to be as tall at safety as you would at corner when you’re playing in his back pocket? My main concern is injury since we haven’t had much luck wtih those types and we already have a safety with that problem
April 24th, 2020 at 9:22 pm
That’s why I also say they go QB in the third round- if those two are there
April 24th, 2020 at 9:25 pm
HeavyE.. You sir are apparently uninformed on how talented this kid is. But u will come around its ok.. Top 5 safety in nfl year 2
April 24th, 2020 at 9:26 pm
STUD STUD STUD and oh yeah, a freakin STUD. Another steal! Go Bucs!
April 24th, 2020 at 9:28 pm
Another RB (AJ Dillon) off the board
April 24th, 2020 at 9:31 pm
Why didn’t we get Jeremy Chinn 6-3, 219 he is a freak we have to many short safety’s
April 24th, 2020 at 9:32 pm
Hey Dan, I hope You are right. No problem admitting, that I was wrong with the pick…… Go Bucs!!!!
April 24th, 2020 at 9:40 pm
Apparently people thought every hole would be filled from last year in one draft. No one from the Bucs are asking our opinions so no need to be upset like you won’t watch games. Can’t say any pick is good or bad until they get on the field a lot of the same people were crying when we drafted Vea. Welcome to Tampa boys ball out because this is a tough crowd
April 24th, 2020 at 9:45 pm
Anyone think we’ll look at josh jones if he’s still on the board over a QB?
April 24th, 2020 at 9:46 pm
Fromm is gonna be a terrible pick for somebody. He wasn’t even average last year imho
April 24th, 2020 at 9:49 pm
Jones is a 6”7 – 310 OT
April 24th, 2020 at 9:49 pm
Man Mike, I can’t see them passing up on a RB or DE depth.
I am still shocked that OJ Howard hasn’t been traded already.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Agreed HeavyE.. Go bucs!! And Tom… Idiots?? Why because we have different opinions than u do? Lmao… I didnt know that u were the town expert.. Bahahaha…. Anyways, u seem like the moron actually … The took a tackle in round 1 and im POSITIVE that I have more faith in front office as opposed to a idiot like you. Your one of the clowns who keeps bringing up the kicker joke year after year… Safety was a priority dingleberry
April 24th, 2020 at 9:53 pm
Im out, to many basket cases on here lol… Please dont beat your wives or kick your dogs over the fact that your butt hurt that we didnt pick the players u wanted lolol
April 24th, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Agree- I’m surprised regarding Howard as well-
April 24th, 2020 at 9:56 pm
This next pick is gonna be Interesting.
Brady has no more than two years I don’t care what he says.
We need a project to be tutored by Brady.
We also need a RB unless ROJO has suddenly gotten better hands and can spread wide.
April 24th, 2020 at 9:58 pm
I’ll say judging by all the RBs gone- I would lean QB
April 24th, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Since we now don’t have a 4th rounder we really need to nail this next pick.
April 24th, 2020 at 10:01 pm
@Mike……Perine would be awesome for Brady but I agree, we need a project for Brady. I keep hearing more and more about James Morgan who should be available in the 4th
April 24th, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Agreed
April 24th, 2020 at 10:02 pm
I like Eason as well – josh jones now off the board
April 24th, 2020 at 10:02 pm
There went Jones!
April 24th, 2020 at 10:04 pm
Jax-Cle-Indy – any of those could take a QB
April 24th, 2020 at 10:11 pm
The damn saints traded up for a a QB I bet
April 24th, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Nope- another Surprise
April 24th, 2020 at 10:17 pm
They went with a RB
April 24th, 2020 at 10:29 pm
James Morgan in the Fourth Please Lord.
This draft would be almost complete!
Eason won’t be there. Brady needs a student.
April 24th, 2020 at 10:30 pm
If they don’t take a QB tomorrow then they believe RG is ready?
April 25th, 2020 at 12:27 am
As of now we don’t have a 4th, Gronk and moving up in 1st
April 25th, 2020 at 12:28 am
No fourth
April 25th, 2020 at 10:49 am
Completely agree.. Safety is a need but RB should’ve been our top concern after OT.
We wait to take a RB until after the run is over? This baffles me. I was praying we were going to move up to the top of the 2nd and take Swift. Then in round 2, when pick 13 rolled around and Cam Akers was still on the board, I thought it made too much sense.
I’m a UF fan and even I realize you don’t pass up an FSU RB.
Safety should’ve have been addressed in FA. We need experience in our young secondary. Our secondary made strides last year but they still have a ways to go. A strong secondary is so crucial. Have you seen all these WRs that have been drafted so far?
We need to be able to stop elite WRs. I’m not hating on Winfield, he could be a great safety but will he develop fast enough to be a great safety this year? Let’s hope so.