Varying Opinions On The Big-4
April 15th, 2020
Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills. Could he make Carlos Valderrama wigs cool again in Tampa?
By most accounts, four elite offensive line prospects are in this year’s NFL Draft, but ranking them is not clear cut.
Months ago, a former Pro Bowl offensive lineman started diving deep into college film for NFL Network and he has no issue picking winners.
Retired Giants center Shaun O’Hara joined SiriusXM NFL Radio today and gushed about this year’s tackle class, saying it may be better than the 2013 class of Lane Johnson, Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher, who were taken in the top-5 before D.J. Fluker out of Alabama was a bust with the Chargers at No. 11 overall.
O’Hara’s clear film winner in this year’s class is right tackle Jedrick Wills from Alabama.
“Watching him on film compared to the other tackles, I felt like he had something that the other guys didn’t necessarily have,” O’Hara said. “He has this fast-twitch; he’s got sweet feet but he’s got nasty hands.
“And when you watch him in his kick-slide, he is so smooth. He is always in balance. He never gets his weight on the outside of his foot. He does a great job changing direction and his kick-slide is so pure. It’s fun to watch as an offensive lineman.
“And then to watch his handwork — great hands, great punch. He’s got a really good single-hand inside stab hand.”
Wills reminds O’Hara a bit of multiyear Pro Bowlers Taylor Llewan and Joe Staley.
O’Hara loves that Wills was polished enough to start as as true freshman at Alabama and that he’s still just 20 years old.
“I love his ferocity. nastiness. I didn’t see that from all the other tackles,” O’Hara said.
Joe loves that Wills has the right tackle experience and comfort.
No. 2 for O’Hara is Andrew Thomas out of Georgia, who he calls “a pure left tackle” who reminds him a bit of Eagles star Jason Peters and a better college version of current Patriots left tackle Isaiah Wynn.
Monstrous Tristan Wirfs from Iowa ranks No. 3 tackle for O’Hara, who wonders whether Wirfs is too thick in his thighs and ass to be a superstar at tackle. Still, Wirfs has great hands, feet and strength, and calls him the “safest pick” of the Big 4.
Last among the Big-4 prospects is Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton. O’Hara says he needs quality coaching on his hands and feet, but he has the incredible strength and pass blocking skills. “I would rewind the tape just to watch him obliterate defenders. … the most devastating blocker in this draft class.” O’Hara said.
There’s hardly a consensus on the tackle rankings. So what happens if Wills falls to, say, No. 10, with the Bucs sitting at No. 14. Might Jason Licht get on the phone?
April 15th, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Wills at 14 is the dream for me.
Jedrick Wills
Justin Madubuike
Jalen Reagor
Zack Moss
Praying every day this haul is possible
April 15th, 2020 at 2:13 pm
O’Hara is dead spot on!! Willis’ film is just better, period! God I wish he fell to the Bucs somehow. I prefer Willis, then Thomas. #4 is Wirfs. I saw Wirfs’ holes exposed on an All-22 film study by a guy that goes by Voch Lombardi and it was eye-opening how Wirfs seemed to lack awareness at times, specifically on stunts and was getting his QB crushed. Its worth a look. Becton has huge upside and great measurables though so he comes in at #3 for me.
April 15th, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Don’t know these players but the one that scares me is this Becton guy……From everything I hear his best attributes are a combination of combine skills. But this guy O’Hara is talking about actual production so that assuring.
April 15th, 2020 at 2:17 pm
When they start talking about a prospect and you hear crap like wingspan start eating the convo……I start getting nervous.
April 15th, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Yes, Jason needs to pick up the phone if Wills is there.
April 15th, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Wills would be great. But personally I’m hoping for Becton. Dude has Jonathon Ogen/ Orlando Brown levels of size and Athleticism.
Sure hes a bit raw but when you watch him throw defensive ends and linebackers 10 yards on running plays you take that with a grain of salt. This kid with refined technique has the tools to be the most dominant OT in the league.
April 15th, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Wills would be a sweet pick if they go RT at #14. Strong legs, great hands and balance. Apparently he jumped a lot at Alabama. Tom and BA staff could hopefully help in that department. But we’re looking for Javon Kinlaw to be at #14 anyway.
April 15th, 2020 at 3:14 pm
We’re not the only ones doing these assessments. No way Wills falls to #14 or even drops low enough to warrant a trade up. I’m high on Becton, because he’s a beast. He has the lowest grade on technique, but I’m guessing he’s coachable. He may not be the first choice if you had a choice, but no way the Bucs should pass on him. And, he has the best chance of sliding to @14.
April 15th, 2020 at 3:15 pm
NCBucs -Agree. Initially it was Wirfs that was the most highly rated, but there is so much buzz now about Thomas and Willis, and if O’hara has these thoughts you can bet scouts and GM’s are feeling the same the more they watch film. Would not be surprised at all if Wirfs is the one that slides and he is the one we end up with -annnnnd, I guess we will have to be happy about it.
April 15th, 2020 at 3:34 pm
I love Chris Trapasso’s (CBS Sports) mock draft from earlier today. He has both Thomas and Wills available at #14, and the Bucs taking Thomas. Wirfs goes at #8 (Cardinals) and Beckton at #12 by the Browns (who trade down with one of their 1st Rd picks). Wills isn’t taken until pick #18 by the Dolphins. In Rd. 2, Trepasso has J.K Dobbins (RB) going to the Bucs.
Granted its a mock draft, but love the picks.
April 15th, 2020 at 3:47 pm
sooooooooooo we going to talk about those OJ Howard Trade Rumors that just now popped up?
April 15th, 2020 at 3:55 pm
SOE
i agree….
kinlaw at #14
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 15th, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Exact same order I have them in. Pat on my own back, because a person that knows football and OLineman exponentially better than oneself sees it the exact same way as I have had for the last month.
It’s definitely Wills and Thomas. Then Wirfs and Becton.
Wills has this passion and energy that’s so evident on tapa and I think that is one of the reasons that he stands out among the group. They all have potential, but this guy has something extra and meaningful to his game when watching on tape.
April 15th, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Tampabuscsbro Says:
April 15th, 2020 at 3:47 pm
sooooooooooo we going to talk about those OJ Howard Trade Rumors that just now popped up?
DO TELL…..
GO BUCS!!!!
April 15th, 2020 at 3:57 pm
i hope its OJ to the redskins for trent williams….lol….
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 15th, 2020 at 4:05 pm
I’m not that knowledgeable. I read the scouting stuff but I don’t pore over hours of video. So this is one place where in BA I have to trust.
BA knows he now needs to protect the GOAT. He’ll find the right guys.
I like the move with Haeg. He has started in the past…can play all the positions.
IMO Haeg came here because he sees an opportunity to start. He only has to beat out a 1st round draft pick…which for a Vet might seem doable. And considering BA’s attitude about rookie OL he might be right.
April 15th, 2020 at 4:15 pm
^^^stpete- Haeg’s presence on the roster has been understated. Not to say he’s THEE guy, but he’s versatile enough to play different positions, even start. While we should definitely target a OL, having Haeg takes the pressure off of making knee-jerk decisions. There will be a “trench” guy at #14 on either offense or defense. We need to be smart with our picks.
April 15th, 2020 at 4:59 pm
I have read a couple articles like this from experts and Wills seems to be the best of the four. I will be surprised if he makes it past the 4th pick for the Giants. Becton has the highest ceiling but do we want a guy learning on the job while our 43 year old immobile QB is trying to sling it all over the place.
April 15th, 2020 at 5:03 pm
TampaBucsPro – where are you seeing these rumors? I don’t see anything anywhere regarding that.
April 15th, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Preseason prediction fall 2019…
Jameis will play just good enough to put the top draft prospects the Bucs covet…just out of reach…..don’t reach please !….if possible trade down with the Fins to 18
get the Fins 2nd second round pick and swap 3rd round draft places
.
.
“No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime you find
You get what you need”
April 15th, 2020 at 5:17 pm
Trent Williams wants 18M a year. He’s not coming here. Simple math of what he wants and what cap space we have.
April 15th, 2020 at 5:25 pm
Pretty sure TampaBucsPro just making sh$% up. There is nothing to be found regarding reports of OJ being traded. Hopefully he is one of the dumb fans who wants him traded right before the greatest QB to utilize tight ends arrives in Tampa.
April 15th, 2020 at 5:25 pm
isn’t
April 15th, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Stop making excuses, we’re not trading OJ HOWARD, I don’t know where you’re seeing the rumor
April 15th, 2020 at 5:47 pm
BradyBunch …google it.
It’s there.
April 15th, 2020 at 5:48 pm
O.J. Howard Trade Rumors: Buccaneers to Only Deal TE for ‘Substantial Offer’ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would only trade tight end O.J. Howard for a “substantial offer,” according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
April 15th, 2020 at 5:50 pm
Itz not going to happen. These 4 OT are not going in the top 13. QB’s WR’s pass rusher or stud DT’s or CB’s are going to go early because they have the most value in the draft. I say resign Dotson and draft antoine Winfiend and let him play the jamal adams role for Todd Bowles. Our current safeties are the worst time to upgrade and make the defense top 5.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:02 pm
Getting excited. Best off season since Grudens arrival.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:03 pm
the governors of both major cities…
new york and california…
have announced there will be no professional sports or concerts in their states until 2021…
so the football season is over…
no jets, giants, bills, rams, chargers and 49ers games…
everyone will follow suit unless these 6 teams are just forfeiting their games and the nfl plays with 26 teams…
all concerts and sporting events are finished until 2021 as well
April 15th, 2020 at 6:04 pm
if brady ever plays for the bucs it won’t happen until he is 44
April 15th, 2020 at 6:05 pm
With some coaching, I think Becton is a hell of a prospect. Ya can’t teach size.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:12 pm
LMAO – is everyone trolling now. Check dates 87. That article was written during the season.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:26 pm
And Adam a mayor is not the same as a governor. Also, when a “mayor” say it is unlikely there will be sporting events this “summer” that does not mean there will be no sports in 2021.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:26 pm
be no sporting events.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:40 pm
I’ll be happy with any of the big 4 OTs or trade back and get Josh Jones or Ezra Cleveland.
April 15th, 2020 at 6:52 pm
Trade OJ Howard for Trent Williams & 4th rd pick
April 15th, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Wills is one of the best overall OT’s I’ve seen in many years. He reminds me of a mocha Paul Gruber. Never gets overpowered, always sticks to his man, few mental errors, expends enough energy to win every battle, goes about his bidniz quietly.
But unless the Bucs trade up (OJ Howard+), he won’t wear those sweet ned threads…
April 15th, 2020 at 7:22 pm
So Cuomo says no sports. Don’t both NY teams play in Jersey anyway?
April 15th, 2020 at 7:23 pm
@ TheBradyBunch:
both governors actually said it…not the mayors
April 15th, 2020 at 7:24 pm
this is all very upsetting…
April 15th, 2020 at 7:27 pm
and where the hell did tjmaxxcon go ???
i think the joe’s killed of their bad boy character once brady signed…
tjmaxxcon was just the bad guy on the site to spark up controversy and shorten up lulls with upsetting ani-bucs talk…
he was clearly killed off once we signed brady…
as hope and much more traffic has developed
#KillOffTheBadGuyLikeInTheWWE
April 15th, 2020 at 7:43 pm
Adam and Ndog must be Butties!!!
April 15th, 2020 at 7:45 pm
Well, I guess great minds think alike. Awesome! I settled on Wills last week after having all this time off to watch a lot of film. He’s def the best of the four with one caveat, he’s probably never going to play anything other than RT. Now that can be real good. A jack of all trades or the best out there at one (which happens to be a position of need for us). I’ll take that. But if he’s gone and we cant trade up, then just sit tight and settle for Thomas or trade back and grab Ezra.
im really starting to think Wirfs is going to be an awesome RG. Could we use him at 14? Yes, I wouldnt be opposed to it. Huge upgrade from Cappa and the run game would blow open on that side of the ball. Just have to try and land a true player for RT later. Dont get me wrong, I know Haeg can start. But if we came out of this draft with Wirfs at G and a 3rd on a RT, say Bartch or Peart….depth and everything is taken care of with massive O line upgrades. Still land a RB and trade up for a Safety, and I think we’re good to go.
April 15th, 2020 at 7:50 pm
I want to #SinkForSewell this year.
Good god, a left tackle in the Heisman voting!
April 15th, 2020 at 7:52 pm
I got them all ranked the same.
Joe, are you gonna give any credence to the O.J. trade talk? Maybe that explains why he isn’t jumping out of his shoes to talk about playing with Brady or maybe why Bucs execs “forgot” to give Brady OJ’s number, you know when his only request was his teammates numbers.
I think it would be incredibly dumb to trade him for anything less than a higher 2nd.
April 15th, 2020 at 7:54 pm
I must have heard CA Governor Newsom differently.
He’s talking about a partial return to normalcy and I thought that included professional sports in empty stadia.
It’s still all speculation at this point. We’re kinda getting worked up for nothing either pro or con.
April 15th, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Something else to think about with Wirfs, He won a state wrestling title at Iowa. Those guys seem to always make the best Gaurds in the NFL.
And with his speed, whose to say he couldnt line up at FB when we’re in a short yardage situation. He blows open where he can, then here comes Big V right behind him. OMG wouldnt that be fantastic to watch!! FB and OG taken care of with one mountain of a strong, fast athlete. OH YEAH!!!
April 15th, 2020 at 8:09 pm
stpetebucsfan Says:
“I must have heard CA Governor Newsom differently.”
You heard him right.
April 15th, 2020 at 8:13 pm
Trump’s already spoken with some NFL owners…fact.
Trump said he sees no reason why the season can’t start on Sept 10th.
BradyBunch…nope the rumor was for today. Again google it. Check the date!
April 15th, 2020 at 8:30 pm
There’s also this from Cuomo yesterday :
“I would like to start watching sports,” Cuomo said. “You know, whether or not we sit in a stadium with thousands of others, I don’t know that that is in the short term for the foreseeable future, but I don’t know why we can’t watch it on television, right? Why can’t you have games with no audiences, and just to start the sports and entertainment so people have something to watch and follow?”
April 15th, 2020 at 9:05 pm
Adam, why choose to be such an alarmist? You’ve made the same comments every day for a few weeks now. Regardless of the context of the actual post. I don’t understand the repetitiveness. Everyone’s in the situation, we’re well aware of the potential repercussions. Not sure why you beat the same dead horse when you’re offering nothing but the same rhetoric. We get it. We’re all living through this. There will be changes that aren’t great. I just don’t understand the need to repeat the same thing over and over and over and over…
April 15th, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Is it worth a trade up for one of the top 4 if you can trade back, pick up an extra pick and still draft Josh Jones or Austin Jackson?
April 15th, 2020 at 9:17 pm
There’s no way I’m trading up, the Bucs have to leave this draft with a legit #3 WR and you’re unlikely to get that later in the draft. Yes, you can get lucky and get a Godwin ever once in a while, but most of the time you do not.
In fact, if I’m Licht, I’d try to trade down and pick up another 2nd. Licht has a great track record of getting offensive lineman, he clearly has a talent for that (and he sucks at picking corners). So trade back, if it’s an option, and in the 1st, pick a top WR.
Then in the 2nd, with two picks, take two tackles. One for now, one for after next year when you likely can’t afford to keep Smith. Or mix it up, get a tackle in the 1st, then a WR and OT in the 2nd. Whatever.
Heck, if you do this, then you can even waste a 3rd on a RB that people seem to think is needed so bad (meanwhile you can find a ton of RB’s sitting on the unemployment line that can be had for nothing).
April 15th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
St Pete…..great point on Haeg….It’s been a very overlooked move. We brought in Watford last year and he was a solid player. We haven’t been so great with lesser know guys. Brought in a few last year, I think they all flopped. So let’s hope/expect the scouting is better with pro experienced players like Watford and now Haeg.
I mostly like the fexibilty this move provides. We are now not as desperate if RT don’t go our way in the draft.
April 15th, 2020 at 9:25 pm
Wills is #1 and Thomas is #2. Wirfs would be better at Guard and Becton is too much of a LT prospect that doesnt work with the Brady Years. Wills is and will remain my dream pick even with almost 0 chance it actually happens. The best thing for us is the Giants at 4 taking someone like Simmons and not a tackle.
Isaiah Wilson would be a great trade down candidate and I like Jones and Erza as well. Tackle is actually pretty l0aded this year. But round 2 is the round to get our RB, preferably CEH, so 1st round needs to be tackle
April 15th, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Ok I finally found a nugget about Howard but it sounds like pure speculation. I think trading him and his friendly cap number would be really dumb. The guy has a ton of upside and keeping him in Tampa as another receiving threat makes defending this offense that much more difficult. Brady of all people should be able to utilize his strengths.
April 15th, 2020 at 9:42 pm
If Wills is the last one out of the big four left and he drops to 10 you can bet Licht will be on the phone inquiring the cost. Now whether a deal is actually made, who knows. Because the Browns may covet Wills too.
April 15th, 2020 at 10:03 pm
BradyBunch it’s coming from Michael Lombardi via GA.
April 15th, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Is anyone besides me surprised to see the technical flaws in Tristan Wirfs game? I thought all Iowa linemen were well coached, this didn’t look to be the case to me, IMHO.
April 15th, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Brady bunch….A ton of upside? They don’t even trust the guy and ripped him from the game plan.
And everybody wants to know why he was underused. He was a big g part of the game plan against San Fran. He was awful. The worst player on the field……..I think all of our heads swelled with rage when Winston threw the pick six to seal defeat and we forgot just how bad OJ was.
And when our receivers went down and we needed OJ to step up he played like absolute crap all over again.
He’s not a receiving threat. He’s a freaking liability.
April 15th, 2020 at 10:49 pm
I’ve a had a very strong feeling that the Bucs are going to do something big in this draft and I keep hearing OJ Howard, but I’m leaning that Mike Evans ( who I love ) might get traded ? I haven’t heard him say one thing about Tom coming to Tamps and maybe he has, but I wouldn’t mind. I’m not looking to be the NDOG on the JBF site, but he’s got major value and besides Moss TB12s WR haven’t been huge and not only land Willis, but also Ruggs or another stud receiver. Seriously what could we get for Mike ? Definitely not a first round pick, but maybe a move up and a second and third ? Looking at the teams with a lot of picks are missing big time WRs and Godwin has surpassed ME13 skill wise, age, route running, speed, and after a catch doesn’t head to the sideline. Like I said I love Mike, but with two very big TEs and add a speedster and RB that offense would be Tommy or Patriot like ( and they’ve been extremely successful) just throwing it out there !!!! OL, RB, WR, Safety, QB
April 15th, 2020 at 10:58 pm
@Yuc, yes its out there where ME13 was celebrating with some good drinks while gaming with some people how excited he was to play with Brady. At one time I thought he could be traded a couple years ago, i didnt want it, just thought it was possible, (anythings possible). But now, No way he’s getting traded. Him and Godwin are the main reason Brady wanted to come here.
April 15th, 2020 at 11:17 pm
ok guys…i’m sorry…
i will stop talking about covid and keep it to the bucs…
it’s just the covid talk is so prevalent and in my mind when i come on the site…i will stop…
i will get laser focused on the bucs and tom gravy…
and the draft…
#ImReadyToGetBackOnTheGrayTrain
April 15th, 2020 at 11:18 pm
Wills is perfect for us. Have to get ahead of the Jets. I don’t see any way an OT tackle falls to us without a run on WRs happening before 14. Willing to make that move as long as it doesn’t have to include #45.
April 15th, 2020 at 11:19 pm
@madmax I said maybe he has, but he’s coming off an injury and I was just thinking about it because looking at what Tom had with the Pats. Yes Randy for a year or two, but most have been smaller and burners. I love Mike and awesome on the field and off, but with our huge TEs and Godwin maybe moving up and adding another second and 3rd might not be bad ? Mike is 28 and makes huge money and eventually this team is going to pay have to pay Godwin it’s something to think about ? Yes he’s been probably the best WR on the Bucs, but paying top dollar for two elite WRs is going to be tough next year and bro just a thought. Oh and need to change Yuc now that JW3 is gone. Hope all is well and really hope things get back to normal and looking forward to the draft !! Next year though ME13 will come up and pray he stays healthy this season
April 15th, 2020 at 11:28 pm
@madmax he will be 27 in August and if you look at the teams with a lot of picks Miami and the Raiders don’t have top WR talent and if Chucky or the Fins make an offer they definitely have to think about it. Yes if we didn’t have Godwin I wouldn’t even be saying this, but also Justin Watson got some playing time and did some good things. Mike isn’t a burner and the one thing that bothers me is he does drop very catchable balls and after a big play he’s always waving to the sidelines to come out?
April 15th, 2020 at 11:36 pm
27 in August, but paying two elite WR after this season isn’t going to be easy and would never say this if we didn’t have Godwin, but something to think about? Chucky and the Fins have a lot of pics and seeing Watson grow last season was good to see and ME13 is also coming off an injury. If they don’t do it this year, I think next year it might not be surprising
April 16th, 2020 at 9:46 am
OJ and pick 14 to Arizona for pick 8 Jedrick Wills.
April 19th, 2020 at 4:50 pm
Are we talking left tackle not dreaming about right tackle,