The Bucs And Maybe A Quarterback
April 21st, 2021
Joe has long maintained that the Bucs suddenly became the ideal lab to groom Tom Brady’s successor the day they signed the park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring, down-forgetting, handshake-stiffing, jet-ski-losing, biscuit-baking, tequila-shooting, smartphone-phobic, waffle-grilling, trophy-throwing, roller-coaster-scared, Bucs-Super-Bowl-winning quarterback.
Between all the quality coaches and the kid observing how the very best goes about his business, Joe considered the Bucs’ situation ideal to build a signal-caller.
It seems Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht agrees. But that doesn’t mean he will draft a quarterback.
Recently, Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians said he would not be opposed to drafting a developmental quarterback. Licht did nothing to throw cold water on Arians’ quarterback comments, other than to offer that it has to be the right fit for all.
“Well, there are always pros in drafting a quarterback for us because of our coaching staff,” Licht said. “You couldn’t think of a better staff to groom a quarterback. … You just want to make sure you are not picking a quarterback just to pick a quarterback.
“You want everybody to be on board. The guy has to have the right mindset. He obviously has to be talented enough to throw the ball. But he has to be somebody we all feel comfortable with above the neck.
“There are always positives to drafting a quarterback if all of those things align.”
So will Licht take a flyer on Davis Mills of Stanford or Kyle Trask of Florida, or gamble on another Jimbo Fisher quarterback pupil in Kellen Mond? Who knows? Of course, Licht didn’t tip his hand.
Licht did add that, “There are no absolutes in the draft. You are rolling the dice on just about every pick.”
DRAFT PARTY!
Your video invitation to Big Storm Clearwater, Thursday night, April 29! Giveaways, special guests, and more. Ira Kaufman and Joe will be in the house starting at 7 p.m.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:04 pm
No to Kyle Trashk, the dude is a telegraph machine who can’t get beyond his second read, if he’s lucky.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Kyle Trask was throwing to NFL targets in Gville and he would be perfect to come in and learn in the bucs QB room; dude was coached well by Mullen and can throw NFL guys open
April 21st, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Trashk better not be the answer in any round. Sims I can see…at some point, (not rd1) and mond…same thing I guess.
I’m really not loving this group after the top 3 or 4
April 21st, 2021 at 2:10 pm
If Mac Jones falls to the middle of the first round pull the trigger, Licht!
April 21st, 2021 at 2:23 pm
“But he has to be somebody we all feel comfortable with above the neck”
________
Joe,
As often as you read between the lines on things like this do you think that was a backhand slap on the Soiled Messiah?
America’s Idiot.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Yeah…..Bucs have a history of drafting physically talented QBs with not much above the neck.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:31 pm
I think the fact that we haven’t signed Gabbert is somewhat of a sign we may draft a QB as our #3 QB…..
April 21st, 2021 at 2:39 pm
One guy that I think could be snagged on the cheap and has shown some promise is Gardner Minshew. Jags will clearly go with drafting a QB and Minshew could create some problems if he plays well while the QB is being groomed or if the rookie goes down. That might be a headache they prefer to avoid similar to when the Bucs let Fitzpatrick walk because they didn’t want the fan base screaming for him to play every time Winston through a pick…..which would have been nearly every game…several times a game.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Most teams looking to draft QBs this year aren’t looking to sit them for 1-2 years behind a proven starter (like we are). Guys like Lawrence, Wilson, Fields, Jones & Lance will most likely go in the 1st Rnd to QB-needy teams. Looks to be several promising QBs in addition though who really aren’t ready to start right now, but who MIGHT fit the mold JL is looking for.
I think Trask is one of those (in say Rnd 2 or 3), along with maybe Mills & Mond (in maybe Rnds 3-5). After that you’re talking about Rnd 5-7 candidates and although we might hit on one, the odds aren’t in our favor. However, would much rather see us pick up a previous year high draft pick who some team failed to develop properly & is now looking to discard on the cheap.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Trask I would not be excited but could live with drafting…
IF Mond then the Bucs have learned nothing… Jimbo guys fail in the NFL…
Somehow if they landed Jones, now that would be excitement in overdrive…
anyone else would be a wasted 1st round pick..
April 21st, 2021 at 2:49 pm
Mond and/or Mills are hot. They could be the next Ryan Griffin.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:50 pm
So in other words, no.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:51 pm
They’ve definitely got their eye on someone. We’re drafting a developmental QB.
April 21st, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Above the Neck… how true. I think he learned alot from the Jameis experience.
April 21st, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Don’t believe any names this week or next.
If the Bucs don’t pick a QB on day 2, what about QB Ian Book from Notre Dame on day 3? Winningest QB in school history. Good arm, smart, mobile, used to playing under center and played well in big games/under the spotlight. His only knock is his size and his arm is good, not a cannon. Definately someone who has development potential.
April 21st, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Bobby M,
I mentioned Minshew awhile back too.
I could see that working out.
April 21st, 2021 at 3:06 pm
What about Jamie Newman? Can he develop?
April 21st, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Jamie Newman is someone who is intriguing
April 21st, 2021 at 4:23 pm
Alls I know is Im so freaking happy we dont need a QB.
If you are an NFL franchise and your biggest need on draft day is a QB it almost certainly means you are a garbage lising team with little hope for the future.
The Bucs wont need a QB til Toms retire in 2030. And when that time comes who knows what options we have……In the meantime I like the Bucs per that Licht laid out. They only drafting a QB ifeverybody is on board.
20 years of torture but the Bucs finally got a stable foundation for developing talent and not having to fire coaches every 30 games.
April 21st, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Jamie Newman couldn’t make it at Wake Forest. Doubt he’ll make in the NFL.
April 21st, 2021 at 4:24 pm
I would take Mond over Trask any day of the week.
April 21st, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Will Brady be in the draft room Joe?
April 21st, 2021 at 4:56 pm
The first two picks should be players that get playing time-
Dline, receiver/returner
If they can get Mills or Trask in 3, go for it.
For you people who say no to Trask, I don’t know what you’ve been looking at. He goes through progressions, he gets the ball out on time, he makes the right decision, he has a strong arm, he seems like a guy who could definitely be groomed into a damn good NFL quarterback.
I don’t know Mills.
April 21st, 2021 at 5:04 pm
^^^ What he said. But no way Trask lasts until the 3rd. QB’s always shoot up the board on Draft day, no matter what anyone says
April 21st, 2021 at 5:11 pm
If it’s a qb, he has to be able to stand on his 45 yard line and drop the ball, accurately, into the end zone…… Like TB12
April 21st, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Keller Mond in the 3rd…
April 21st, 2021 at 5:21 pm
We’ll draft Feleipe Franks in the 3rd round
April 21st, 2021 at 5:30 pm
David … Spot on. I believe Mills and Trask will be available in the 3rd. This is where trading back from 32 could pay dividends. Having 2-2s and 2-3s allows the Bucs to make extra luxury picks like a project QB.
April 21st, 2021 at 5:36 pm
If you can’t get Lawrence, Fields, Wilson, Lance or Jones might as well wait until the 3rd day and see if Ramsey, Costello or Brook are available. They have as good of a chance to develop as Trask, Mills or Newman.
April 21st, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Book not Brook
April 21st, 2021 at 5:50 pm
I like Newman, to say he couldn’t make it at Wake Forest and transferring UGA, wouldn’t that be an upgrade
April 21st, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Mills in the 3rd, especially if you are able to acquire extra picks in the 2nd or 3rd from trades.
April 21st, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Frank’s sucks. Book would be a great developmental guy after the 3rd round.
April 21st, 2021 at 6:14 pm
I think Bucs would do well to take a QB in the later rounds and invest in OL in the middle rounds. I don’t think QB in the first, second or third round is a sound investment right now. I would like to see the bucs draft EDGE/CB/WR/OL/QB/RB/ILB this year. The first three in that order. The last four could flip flop rounds.
April 21st, 2021 at 6:53 pm
you guys are repeating what the talking heads are saying as if you know what you’re talking about lol
April 21st, 2021 at 7:09 pm
TampaTown Says:
April 21st, 2021 at 5:04 pm
^^^ What he said. But no way Trask lasts until the 3rd. QB’s always shoot up the board on Draft day, no matter what anyone says
__________________
Remember when some Bucs fans wanted the QB from Washington, Jacob Eason, in the 1st Round last year? Some wanted him in the 2nd Round? Some wanted him in the 3rd Round? He went 4th Round. So no, that’s not always the case.
April 21st, 2021 at 7:09 pm
All Live Matters – Franks in the 5th round would be great value. I don’t think he got fair shake in college, and he definitely has the tools to be a starting QB. He needs great coaching in order to be successful, and where better to learn than with Bruce, Clyde, and behind Brady? If he can improve his short range accuracy and learn to put more touch on the football he could be an interesting option in a couple years.
April 21st, 2021 at 7:16 pm
The fact that any Bucs fan would want the Bucs to draft Ian Book makes me glad that said fans aren’t doing the drafting. Ian Book is a Casey Weldon/Eric Zeier/Bruce Gradkowski type that would be okay as a 3 stringer in a West Coast offense, but would have a less than 5% chance of making the team in a Bruce Arians coached offense, IMHO.
April 21st, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Kalind
“I’m really not loving this group after the top 3 or 4.”
Agreed. Very weak year at QB in the early rounds.
April 21st, 2021 at 7:37 pm
Joe in Michigan:
Not sure if you’re suggesting Trask will drop or just that it happens. I agree. Trask is in the top 10 (if not 6-7) after the big 4 so no, I don’t think he’ll drop. I should have qualified my statement. And admit I’m a huge Gator fan. Sorry
April 21st, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Top 10 QB’s
April 21st, 2021 at 7:57 pm
QB Sam Ehlinger (Texas) in the sixth round.
A leader in the locker room. Three rushing TD against Georgia in a 2019 Sugar Bowl win 28-21. 6,200 yards in both his junior and senior year with 58 TD and 15 INT. Very tough. Very strong at running the football. Our Taysom Hill.
April 21st, 2021 at 8:05 pm
no expectations… no dreaming … just a reminder.. JW. so good luck
April 21st, 2021 at 8:19 pm
NFLDRAFTBUZZ has less than stellar ratings on Ian Book and Sam Ehlinger:
Ian Book, 23rd rated QB, 524th overall prospect
(That would be a 15th Rounder, if there was such a thing)
Sam Ehlinger, 36th rated QB, 664th overall prospect
(That would be a 19th Rounder, if there was such a thing)
They might get drafted on name recognition, I think that’s why they’re being brought up at all is because they’re recognizable names.
April 21st, 2021 at 8:24 pm
TampaTown Says:
April 21st, 2021 at 7:37 pm
Joe in Michigan:
Not sure if you’re suggesting Trask will drop or just that it happens. I agree. Trask is in the top 10 (if not 6-7) after the big 4 so no, I don’t think he’ll drop. I should have qualified my statement. And admit I’m a huge Gator fan. Sorry
_______________
It’s all good, I have no idea where Trask will go, just saying that guys drop, even QB’s. I read that there were commitment/maturity concerns with Eason and that’s why he dropped.
April 21st, 2021 at 8:42 pm
When Joe heard Sam Ehlinger was coming out in the draft, Joe laughed out loud. “There’s no more AAF draft.”
Sam Ehlinger stinks. Nice quarterback when you need to run for two or three yards. Nothing more. Like a shorter Scott Frost.
April 21st, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Give me Mond if he’s there in 3,4… Then Mills… then Book! Other than that, BPA!
April 21st, 2021 at 10:13 pm
Fun reading the board… reality is that 2021 is again SB or Bust. TB12 seeking #8!
Regardless, BA is likely retiring next year and he is not interested in developing a QB, and TB12 does not want to be a mentor. They WANT contributors in 2021 draft. Yep, we are loaded, but injuries happen, so JL will backfill in draft, especially pass rush or D/ CB. My 2 cents.
April 21st, 2021 at 11:39 pm
Slow up. I’m talking a second string QB in the sixth round cus there’s no actual solid looking QBs out of the top five that we don’t need to draft early right now. Ehlinger is 6’3”225lbs Joe. Bucs have drafted too many late round and UDFA stars to listen to anyone but Licht and not some DRAFTBUZZ bullspit. Holds records for…
University of Texas- Most rushing TD by QB(16) 2018
Big 12- Pass attempts without an interception (308) 2018
10 games in 2020: 2566 passing yards (17th). 26 TD (T-10). 5 INT (T-54)
April 22nd, 2021 at 12:05 am
@Soebuc – again – JL,BA and especially TB12 – are focused on another SB n 2021. TB12 loves Ryan Griffen for holding his ass up after boat partying, who hmm, was resigned by Bucs. We don’t need another QB. Blaine G is the fill-in.
I predict Bucs will sign position players who are potential help in 2021, aka Defense.
Any QB signed/drafted by Bucs will be 7 round or later, as camp arms. BA does not give a sh!t about 2022 or later. Continuing to build roster to win NOW.
April 22nd, 2021 at 2:47 am
the draft room will be at brady’s house…
and he is deciding if he should invite the head coach and gm…
he might demand they bring wings and brews if they’re welcome to join the party
🙂
April 22nd, 2021 at 2:49 am
this qb class is mostly scrubs
April 22nd, 2021 at 9:48 am
REDZONE BA
We just resigned all our starters so I don’t know why we would be scouting guys to win NOW? I’m just talking about a late pick compared to a bunch of 50/50 QBs early if we were going to get a QB. Look at the size of the RB room and a bunch of people want a RB. But I agree. Trenches and defense. I’m standing by my vote for Creed Humphrey. Sitting under Brady and Jensen for a year could mold a badass young C. I’m down with win NOW but I also want to win NOW LATER.
April 22nd, 2021 at 10:05 am
trask all day….3rd round would be great!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!