Shaq Talks About His NFL Draft Fears
May 18th, 2021
Confidence wasn’t always easy for Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett.
He entered the NFL as an undrafted edge rusher in 2014. And there his Broncos had studs Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, who Shaq said he learned a ton from as a rookie on the practice.
And then in comes Shane Ray as a 3-4 linebacker in Round 1 of the 2015 draft. Then Shaq gets nine starts in 2017, after Ware retires, but the Broncos turn around and draft edge rusher Bradley Chubb at No. 5 overall in the 2018 draft. Back to the bench you go, Shaq!
Those memories are strong for the Bucs’ Super Bowl hero, so he told the Catchin’ Fades podcast.
”Usually I worry every year during the draft, because you know [Denver] brought in Shane in one year, then they brought Chubb in another year. People always gunning for my position. But now I’m secure and I got no worries,” Shaq explained.
Podcast host Aqib Talib, the former Bucs corner and Shaq teammate in Denver, told Shaq that he didn’t realize his value on the depth chart. You were more than just a guy, Talib said, explaining to Shaq that behind his back, Miller and Ware were talking about how talented Shaq was and that he had the skills to take their jobs.
”You was like a fire under their ass, bro,” Talib told Shaq.
Of course, the Bucs just drafted edge rusher Joe Tryon in Round 1. But Shaq is cool with that. He looks forward to a “nice little rotation” of Bucs edge rushers.
May 18th, 2021 at 10:46 am
It would have been easy to think “Screw it. They’re trying to replace me all the time” He kept on grinding and became the outstanding player he is today. Work ethic. Two words that mean less and less these days, unfortunately. Good for him.
May 18th, 2021 at 10:56 am
Three words: ‘ Super Bowl Ring(s)!!! Adversity builds character! Go go get ’em again this season, Shaq! Go Bucs!
May 18th, 2021 at 11:03 am
How many undrafted passrushers have ever led the league in sacks like Shaq has?
Im guessing he is one of the few. His career is a very cool story. Proud that hes made his mark on the league here in Tampa Bay.
May 18th, 2021 at 11:20 am
I think that the idea is not to replace Shaq but JPP, perhaps after this season.
May 18th, 2021 at 11:37 am
Nothing like lightning a fire to keep those competitive juices flowing and growing 💥
LFG BUCS!!!
May 18th, 2021 at 11:45 am
Undrafted to monster contract…well done Shaq. Hopefully this isn’t a medical redshirt season for Tryon…he could have a lot of opportunities to rush the passer when the Bucs are up big in games this season.
May 18th, 2021 at 12:07 pm
And I hope Tryon keeps the fire lit on JPP and Shaq
May 18th, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Shaq is our sack king he won us a Superbowl he now can concentrate
on winning us another.
May 18th, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Can’t believe the Broncos let him walk let alone not even start him.
Elway has no idea what he’s doing
May 18th, 2021 at 1:08 pm
He sure talks a lot.
May 18th, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Talib has turned into a really fun and entertaining dude. Hopefully he has found peace for real. If he could get some experience and training in the broadcast booth, he would be pure gold on SUndays/ He knows what he is seeing on the field, for sure.
May 18th, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Ive never seen a word he didn’t back up Robert.
May 18th, 2021 at 2:30 pm
@SB……not talking smack, just saying he is very vocal to the media……
May 18th, 2021 at 3:20 pm
LFG!!