Drafting For Tom Brady
March 23rd, 2022
This was a topic on the critically acclaimed Ira Kaufman Podcast and it’s a fun and relevant subject to debate over an ice cold Big Storm beer.
What will be the Buccaneers’ organizational priority in next month’s NFL Draft?
In 2020, the Bucs were hungry to find two starters: a right tackle and a safety. They got the job done and general manager Jason Licht knocked it out of the park with Tristan Wirfs (Round 1) and Antoine Winfield, Jr. (Round 2).
Last year the Bucs returned every starter from their Super Bowl team and many backups. Publicly they said the draft was very much about fortifying special teams. The Bucs only had modest success if that indeed was the goal.
This year? Joe would argue the draft should be focused on what it takes to keep Tom Brady playing in Tampa for the 2023 season.
Maybe that’s a poor approach for a successful organization. But one also could argue loading up the offense is the best way to keep Brady hungry and drooling for more — giving the Bucs their best shot at more Super Bowls and/or to potentially lure another quality quarterback immediately if Brady were to retire.
A lot of Bucs fans would start throwing things if Licht, for example, went offensive line, running back and tight end in Rounds 1 through 3 next month. Joe would not be one of those fans.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:39 pm
I’d like to get a really, really good return man. RB or WR, I don’t care. I just want someone who other teams fear returning kicks and punts. The guy we had last year wouldn’t scare fifth graders with his “returns”.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Tampa is in a good spot to trade if a WR falls to us and someone is willing to jump up to grab him. Or I wouldn’t be opposed to moving up to 20,21 if our guy is there and you don’t want o sweat it out. Shouldn’t cost to much for to move up 5-6 spots.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Bucs need to draft linemen and DBs.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:40 pm
We should focus on defense in this draft, except for finding a TE. The offense is already loaded enough.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Oh i am sure brady would like a defense oriented draft
Cmon now.
We have just gone after offense in FA so he is stoked
No drop off
He had to score big for wins the last 2 years
Watched rams go 70 yards in 15 seconds
And defense helped him out in NE so he knows
Trust me he knows . Selfless player.
Who knows if deal to come back didnt include changes on defense.
Could they grab a guard (tex am or BC guy) in round one? Sure
But if they trade back with extra picks , they could get db, d tackle , esge
Rusher and tight end with first 4 picks. Cause if defense can contribute on consistent basis , we can win another this year.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:43 pm
I don’t understand what the hold up is for TB12 adding another year to his contract, but we can assume this won’t be his last season and is he looking at this year for a practice run with the other Cali team ? Maybe that’s why he didn’t want to get traded so they 49ers don’t lose draft capital, but also saw that Baker Mayfield might be a possibility 😳 I would feel better knowing he’s on the team through 2023 instead of just this year
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Left guard Zion Johnson or Kenyon Allen Defensibe Tackle best available, with first two picks. Next two best available.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:45 pm
BPA
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:47 pm
I would conjecture that our GM’s priorities will be almost the exact opposite. Meaning defense primarily. That is of course unless a high value offensive player drops to us. This could include a dynamic wide receiver who has fallen from say a projected top 15 pick. Also offensive lineman are certainly in the mix and though they aren’t weapons, we all know how much they contribute to the offensive success of the team by keeping Brady’s jersey clean. Aside from that however I see this draft as being tilted slightly towards defense. Defensive line and secondary primarily.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:48 pm
TE and OL in 2 &3…
DL in 1 after trading up if needed. We need to at least replace Suh.
RB can be had on the cheap…
I think we will trade up multiple time this draft
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Isaiah Likely
TE
Coastal
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Interesting that we seem to assume that 45 and 46 year old QB will still be playing at an elite level over the next two years. Nothing he’s done yet would suggest otherwise, but you have to wonder when a decline would begin.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Tom Brady is smart enough to know you don’t win Super Bowls without a defense. I think if we don’t address the DL, CB position, we fans and Brady would be like, “What?”
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:55 pm
If any of the three UGA D linemen fell to 27, I would be all over it. Olave from OSU would be hard to pass up. Every year, someone from the top 15 always falls to the bottom of the round. Sit at 27 or trade down for additional picks. With an offense that should be prolific, you can never have too much defense.
And I know I’ll make a few people cringe…. but if the SDSU punter is available in Round 4 (or maybe a trade down to Round 5)… this guy looks to be a generational punter averaging over 50 yards per punt, hang time in the 6+ seconds and great placement inside the 20….AND he can be the long distance FG kicker. If you’re in a a scoring race with TB12, imagine being put back at your 20 when EVERY TIME we DON’T score.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:57 pm
I look at it this way….
drafting offense could possibly entice Brady for another year (I don’t think that is a given at all at this point – and even by following this draft strategy might not be enough, anyway)
BUT
drafting offense also makes it attractive for other QBs, for the same reason it would be enticing for Brady. It’s a good way to hedge for next year, regardless of what Brady ends up doing. Look at the Rams – their offense was loaded, they were a QB away, got the QB and won the SB. Same thing with Tampa in 2020….
the D needs to be solid enough, for sure – but that can also be addressed next year through FA.
March 23rd, 2022 at 12:58 pm
start with getting jaelon darden out–he is a disaster waiting to happen, has not worked out–move on. we need to put scotty miller in for reps–he is a playmaker and is seasoned at this point. get a real fast corner in the second round and use him for return duty when available
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Rob, I would definitely consider the punter in round 4 if other positions have been addressed the previous three rounds. The guy is a generational punter who also has very deep kickoffs. Great value.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Tariq woolen kalon barnes
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:09 pm
OK, Ol,TE, but some DE Beef 3rd round, then a RB. And let Brady call the 1st 15 plays at will, not NA.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Colin in Canada Says
“Bucs need to draft linemen and DBs.”
Exactly.
These should be the main focus…maybe a safety to replace David later too.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:16 pm
I would be throwing things. Need to get younger (and less expensive) on D-Line.
Unless you are in love with somwone, trade out of the 1st for a 2nd and 3rd rd pick. Take DE and DT in rd 2, CB and TE in the 3rd with RB in the fourth. Follow up with P and WR or LB in the 7th.
No G because Hansen and Stinnie are going to fight it out for that position in camp and the Bucs will pick up a vet at min salary for depth.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Lavante David isn’t going to last much longer, and he isn’t tradable at this point (that window closed a couple years ago)…so we need an heir to his spot. Doesn’t have to be in the first couple rounds though…but if a later rounder Licht will have to strike gold.
Our most important need is offensive line. Then Defensive Back. THEN Defensive line.
We have Lenny, so we do not have to get a RB…I suspect Jones will be back (barring something I have not seen in the past day).
If a QB expected to go in the first round drops to a later round, it might be worth taking the risk. He’s have a chip on his shoulder and we need true competition for after Brady actually does retire. Kyle Trask might end up being the heir, but he’s gotta earn it. Bringing in another young guy to compete is the best way of making him do so.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Hopefully TB12 has everything he’s needs on offense. We really need to focus on defense just resigning CD n getting a another DB is not enough. I golston came back but we need help at every level on defense. Don’t slip n think for one second we are good at LB. might be deep but at 1 time last seaso. Jpp saq and lvd were all out n white was not 100. Please send us defensive help
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:22 pm
I’m hoping for Travis Jones in RD 1. He could take over for Suh and rotate with WG.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:22 pm
I would love to pair up Jelani Woods with Gronk. Not sure Woods will still be there for our 2nd round pick, but I could get behind that selection.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Honestly I think brady would be happy with another mauling smart gaurd…Julian Edelman or julio jones..he gets that n maybe a rookie beast rb he will keep us scoring 30+ points..
Now defense needs the dline to create pressure so I expect dt n olb..probably a corner…we can also wait till after the draft n trade or pick up somebcut players.
If we keep suh or jpp then I would still see us going dline.
My concern about Julian or Julio is they neither play special teams..
We have perriman Miller Johnson Darden.. we need to trade one of them in the scenario we get another wr …
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Suh ain’t going anywhere. He is tampas best defensive lineman clearly. Just look it up…. And he’s 10 years younger than Brady. Oh yes, suhs got a whole tank full left. Don’t get your panties all in a bunch about suh.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Stop with the 49er nonsense. You guys just can’t let it go. Y’all talk about sports writers making stuff up and then you do the same.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:29 pm
They desperately need to draft a TE but the highest rated TEs in this draft are projected second or third rounders at best.
I do see them taking a RB and another offensive lineman. I think the priority is D line and probably another DB within the first three rounds.
It always depends on value and depth at the positions but I suspect D line, RB, DB as the most likely first three rounds in no particular order (other than I can’t for see a running back being taken in the first round)
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:31 pm
Id take Travis Jones over Suh in a second. Also, Suh is his own agent and always takes the most money he can get. Love to see him stay but his salary and effectiveness need to line up.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:32 pm
WillieG I hear you and agree. We need a true top of the line return man!!!
Also need O-line , D-line, TE, and secondary. I feel it is safe to say we all should agree on that. However, when was the last time a D-linemen made an true impact in his 1st year. Even Sapp struggled his first year and a half. So go
O-line in 1st round or trade down and get more picks. JL has proven he can get above average to great linemen in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I will say if one of the Georgia D-linemen falls to you. You probably can’t pass them up. But it is still a 2 year project for them to make an impact. But when they do. Lookout, scary good with when put in with Vea. If you are looking for immediate impact. There are only a few positions that you will see those immediate results with a late 1st round pick. O-line, Rb, Lb, and Safety, possibly Wr. Of those O-line would be our biggest need. Protect Tommy!!!!
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:33 pm
If its not Devonte Wyatt or another georgia lineman then we should trade back and we can fill the roster with good value
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:33 pm
Will someone please ask Jenna Paine to ask Brady who he likes in the draft already😂
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:37 pm
“If its not Devonte Wyatt” Both Georgia DT’s will be gone before we pick. But I wish
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Wirfs getting hurt last year was disastrous. I think Brady will demand a better quality backup tackle. Maybe not 1st round, but perhaps 2nd? Otherwise, I think he would not mind a defense heavy draft.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Brady knows the D has got to be better. He knows more than anyone.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:45 pm
I still can’t get over tampa paid Lenny 1/5 th what Miami paid for hill, and Lenny had more total yards last year.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:45 pm
This Jody thinks we need secondary and D-Line help. Everyone is stoked Gholston came back, but lets remember, a few years ago we were calling him a bust. I think he is valuable, but he’s only had 19.5 sacks his hole career. Sh*t, Shaq got that in a year. Run stuffer sure, but we can find that.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:45 pm
It has to be the big plug in and play guard from BC Zion Johnson….you saw in the Rams game….we got to keep the O-line full of studs….he will be there at 27. 2nd round …best player.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:45 pm
“If its not Devonte Wyatt” Both Georgia DT’s will be gone before we pick. But I wish”
Devonte could fall bro. He’s the only one that has the chance to fall from gerogia.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Brady wants the team to play defense too.
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Six words: PASS RUSH, PASS RUSH PASS RUSH!
March 23rd, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Antoine Winfield, wasn’t he the one that couldn’t keep up with Cooper Kupp in the last play against the Rams ?
Bring in Julio Jones, I read TB12 talked with him m, draft an edge rusher, draft a corner back or safety.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:09 pm
The beauty of the draft for Licht is that he can wait for the BPA to come to them. I would like to see the defense improved through the draft but the best available could be a TE or WR. I dont think this team really worries about improving the defense because they can score and move the ball on offense. If the offense improves on its time of possession by running more, we reduce the amount of time the defense has to bust on plays. I think we see an even greater game managment from TB12 this year. He can and likely will control EVERY aspect of the game this season.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Need to draft defense. DL and CB. I have no faith in SMB. Tired of watching 3 and long becoming 1and 10 all the time. The secondary has been a weak point for a long time.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:16 pm
They need to draft another pass rusher whether that be a D end or D tackle that can also rush the passer. I don’t care how prolific our offense is because if the defense is giving up 30 points a game you won’t even make it to a Super Bowl let alone win one. Sure we could win a lot of football games but most Super Bowl champs has at least a pretty good defense if not great. You want to keep Brady here, draft players that will help you win a Super Bowl.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:20 pm
“Devonte could fall bro. He’s the only one that has the chance to fall from gerogia.”
I hope your right but i don’t see either of them getting outside the top 20 unless there’s a health or character concern we are unware of. Check out Travis Jones I believe he’s as good as Wyatt.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Brady also needs a defense to win. Just look back to the Rams game!
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Brady has no time for rookies. He’ll take the vets and let Bowles have the rookies.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:45 pm
I wouldn’t mind a TE in the 2nd or later, or a RB in the 3rd or later.
But the biggest needs are still on defense- specifically the D-line and outside linebackers.
And a great defense WILL ABSOLUTELY keep Brady around. He thrives when he was a good defense.
March 23rd, 2022 at 2:51 pm
An improved Defense would make Brady very happy, and take pressure from the need to score every possession…
Ask Peyton Manning how important a better D was for late in his career…
March 23rd, 2022 at 3:01 pm
If you listen to Jason Licht on his Sirius radio interview, doesn’t sound like he thinks Brady is playing 3 more years? And everybody signing 3 year contracts? Just hoping..
March 23rd, 2022 at 3:50 pm
DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!
March 23rd, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Brady would love a dominant D as he ages. He has tons of weapons and a good o-line (if healthy)
We have the makings of a great front 7 (SHAQ, White, Lavonte, VEA). Bucs should load up on front 7 IMO. We have Gholston to help dominate the run. Add a ton of pass rushers. Resign SUH. Resign JPP for cheap and pray. Develop JTS and pray. DRAFT more pass rushers. Give Suh a solid sub. If the front 7 is beast, I like our secondary much more (Carlton Davis, Winfield Jr, Logan Thomas). Bunting and Dean need to step up if they want to get paid.
Davis needs to work on his brick hands, not miss half the season because of an injury on special teams, and he is a top-10 CB IMO.
Go Bucs
March 23rd, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Think safety and obviously corners. Draft for the team mainly then get a young TE if Gronk is gone. How you being jack the same and rarely add outside of a new WR I’ll never understand. Corners! Sign someone you need to badly. Corners!
March 23rd, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Figure out how to get RB Cook on the team would help running and passing game so Brady can play a few more years
March 23rd, 2022 at 6:35 pm
I would love to trade back out of the first round. Get a 2nd and 3rd round pick from a team with an early round pick. Get top 5 pick in 2nd and 3rd to go with our own 2nd and 3rd. 4 players in top 100 versus 3. Draft best available player with 1st 2nd round pick then draft need with 2nd 2nd round pick same in third round. I would love to do that where we can get a defensive lineman and a fast stud receiver/ return man from a big time school. Then in 3rd round get a offensive lineman and corner. 4th go for a small school guy with big potential. 5th draft another fast project defensive back/safety. 6th and 7th go best kicker and punter. Hope they beat out the starters and save us about 5 million.
March 23rd, 2022 at 6:36 pm
Great take Joe! I’m with ya on this one!
March 23rd, 2022 at 7:18 pm
Offenses with QBs and Trios of Weapons win championships, with the exception of the pass rushers, see Von Miller Broncos v. Carolina and Aaron Donald/Miller greatly helped Rams in 2021.
The pass rush became an Achilles heel in 2021 and I don’t think Troy Shokinka was a hit.
I’d draft two pass rushers interior and exterior before I took any other player on defense.
If a truely great weapon falls in the No 1 spot I would side with a best TE in draft type player over the 5th DE.
March 23rd, 2022 at 7:43 pm
Need pass rusher w motor, d and oline in first 3 rounds. If there is a player another team needs with that first rounder we have and there isn’t a quality guy Licht wants the idea of getting another 2nd and 3rd rounder makes sense to me
March 23rd, 2022 at 8:19 pm
They need to trade down at least once. Especially with only five picks. They need more picks.
March 23rd, 2022 at 8:44 pm
I would be one of those guys! I agree with all those who want D!!! I like our FA Safety to fill that hole at safety and glad we resigned Davis but we’re far from deep with a secondary that is frequently injured.
Past Vita and Tryon we’re not very young on our DL. We need another stud DL.
We NEED to improve our pass rush!!!
We’ve signed CG14, Playoff Lennie, perhaps even improved at one guard spot and Stinnie should be able to fill in the other. We have a solid OL…great WR’s…Gronk will probably return now…and Playoff Lennie. The O is looking good.
I want to win this year!!! Screw next year!
Joe you’re a Van Halen fan so I’ll conclude with one my faves although you’ll hate it because I’m not a Diamond Dave guy…great cheerleader and showoff but not the vocal chops of Sammy.
THIS should be the Bucs song with lyrics included. RIGHT NOW BABY. THIS YEAR!!!
Maybe because I’m the old dude here…this is what I’ve learned..Van Halen is right! “Right now is your tomorrow…it’s everything.”
March 23rd, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Drafting for Tom Brady= drafting DEFENSE and more DEFENSE.
Drafting for Tom Brady= drafting trenches, offensive line.
Drafting for Tom Brady=creating a team so strong on both sides that he doesn’t have to do anything but hand the ball off, and the occasional pass when needed.
Drafting for Tom Brady is what the Doncos did for both John Elway and noodle-arm Peyton Pud Manning, what the Ravens did for Trent Dilfer, and what Bucs did for Brad Johnson.
March 23rd, 2022 at 11:11 pm
Tom Brady knows that offensive players need years to align with him. He certainly prefers veterans like Eldeman not a rookie again. Another factor is the success rate of the position draft. TE is the most difficult to predict. The Bucs scouts are better at identifying the defense talent.