Isaiah Spiller And The Bucs
March 10th, 2022
With so many Bucs question marks before the free agency siren rings on Monday at noon, Joe has typed very little draft talk on these here pages.
But one thing is coming into very clear focus. The Bucs will need to rely more on their running game without Tom Brady and the Bucs likely will have to improve their stable of running backs via the draft.
Leonard “Playoff Lenny” Fournette could be the most expensive running back in free agency and Bucco Bruce Arians doesn’t overpay for that position. Ronald Jones probably wants out, and the Bucs appear finished with him.
So that leaves unproven but likely capable third-year running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and perhaps the Bucs bring back Giovani Bernard and/or Le’Veon Bell to win a job in training camp.
Joe would love to see the Bucs snatch veteran Melvin Gordon in free agency, but that seems unlikely and expensive, though cheaper than Playoff Lenny.
So that leaves the NFL Draft for Tampa Bay to find a significant upgrade to their running backs stable.
Joe has been studying lots of college backs and perhaps Isaiah Spiller out of Texas A&M is the Bucs’ guy. He’s an interesting mix of power, elusiveness and versatility at 6-0, 217 pounds. Lots of proven success in the SEC (like Vaughn) and it seems he might be there for the Bucs at the end of the second round.
Bucco Bruce Arians always says having multiple running backs is critical, and the Bucs proved him right the past two seasons.
Joe can only imagine the horror show it would be if Blaine Gabbert or Kyle Trask were forced to throw 40 times per game.
March 10th, 2022 at 10:13 am
Even if Trask or Gabbert are significantly better than we all think they will be(top 20 in the world QB) this team will still not be anywhere near as good as it has been over the last two years with the GOAT.
It stinks to admit this, but the Bucs need to retool the roster to make a run in 2024 and going forward.
March 10th, 2022 at 10:15 am
It’s said a running game makes for a better pass game.
March 10th, 2022 at 10:16 am
I like Spiller too. But small guy KV paired with road grader Brian Robinson is what we need…he can also be had in the 2nd…trade out of the first to mid 2nd…boom.
March 10th, 2022 at 10:25 am
1-does he pass block?
2- can he catch a football?
March 10th, 2022 at 10:27 am
I am not so sure about running backs or wide receivers that did not run the forty at the combine. It tells me they are not very fast.
March 10th, 2022 at 10:30 am
Please stop with the Lev Bell talk Joe. He’s toast and each time you bring him up as an option your credibility drops.
“Lev” Bell is a fine option if he’s willing to be a bottom-of-the-roster running back if you think your team is a contender. He added value last year — to multiple teams. –Joe You do an amazing job keeping us informed while adding solid insight. Much respect for all the Joes, but Lev Bell? He hasn’t passed the eyeball test for years.
He was a desperate signing due to injuries at oline & RB, and chosen to protect an immobile TB.
March 10th, 2022 at 11:10 am
I am all for adding a back through the draft to go along with Vaughan. I would think it beneficial to add a guy like Marlon Mack, but seeing as Bruce likes adding talent he is familiar with I feel like if we add any free agent RB it will be David Johnson who is capable in the pass game but in the event of injury am not sure can be counted on to be the guy for any decent stretch of time.
March 10th, 2022 at 11:12 am
* I would think it beneficial to also add a guy like Marlon Mack….
March 10th, 2022 at 11:22 am
The draft is the cheap and smart way to fill
this position. Today.
March 10th, 2022 at 11:47 am
PRIORITIES … PRIORITIES … PRIORITIES. Bucs desperately NEED a starter-capable CB (plus another to rotate in would be nice). Bucs desperately NEED a starter-capable DT (preferably 2 to replace Suh AND McLendon, assuming that we re-sign Gholston). Bucs desperately NEED a starter-capable OLB/DE to replace JPP and rotate in with Shaq & JTS (plus it’s nice to have 3 for when 1 gets injured, which I know rarely if ever happens).
Oh tisk tisk, I forgot. Bucs also NEED a starter-capable Guard (actually we NEED 2 Guards PLUS at least 1 more for depth). Bucs also NEED a starter-capable Center (just in case Hainsey gets injured or doesn’t quite work out?). Oh my bad, Bucs also NEED another WR (since Godwin will probably miss half the season).
Wait, Bucs might also NEED a TE (actually at least 2 TE) to pair with Brate (IF in fact we end up keeping Cam). And yes, someplace in there we NEED another RB (actually 2 other RBs, and maybe 3).
Lots & lots of NEEDS. But hey, we’re good, Super Bowl or bust. I have total confidence in Joe to get us there.
March 10th, 2022 at 11:56 am
Brian Robinson Jr. way better at a lower round. Give me the Alabama RB every time , they are the definition of well coached,
March 10th, 2022 at 12:09 pm
The bucs seem like there are so many holes to fill the RB doesn’t seem like a very important one and I doubt arians retools his scheme to make it more run friendly especially with the needs on the oline. Cornerback and dline and oline I feel are the biggest needs right now with RB being an afterthought
March 10th, 2022 at 12:20 pm
@DR. you forgot punter/kicker…lol
Spot on man, you’re on it….so am i
March 10th, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Better get the running game beefed up. BL will not have TB12 to cover his idiocy. Going to be a long cold winter.
March 10th, 2022 at 12:25 pm
The ghost of John McKay is floating around RayJay sideline. None of this sounds good at all for this year. I remember the losing and it was still fun then just to have an NFL team. You could get great tix in the parking lot super cheap and the tailgating in the 3rd quarter was going off. Everyone was party in the parking lot.
March 10th, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Not to say it is not important, but I feel RB is the last of our major priorities to draft. DL,OL,CB. If they can hold on to to Cappa or feel Stinnie is starter material and resign him, than I may be able to go with a RB late in the second round. Need to trade out of the first round.
March 10th, 2022 at 12:33 pm
@DR…tell me what you think, I value you…
Wirfs goes to LG since he can be our future LT….(he can handle it)
Trade down our first….
draft OT Darian Kinnard for RT
then hope or trade up for Brian Robinson in the 2nd
3rd we grab CB Alontae Taylor
4th DT Perrion Winfrey
another 4th we trade for..WR Calvin Austin
5th pick will be our new punter/fg kicker Matt Araiza
March 10th, 2022 at 12:45 pm
This is not your typical draft year…Due to all the Covid Super Sr’s added to the mix, 2022 is a very very DEEP class at a # of positions of need…including a ton of quality backs that can be had in the later rounds.
Outside of Breece Hall… I cannot see another RB that the Bucs should spend a Day1/2 pick on….If B.Hall somehow slides into the Bucs range on Day2…Sure, go grab him – He’s special…Otherwise, hope the FO focuses on entering Day3 with G, DT & CB already checked off the Needs list.
March 10th, 2022 at 2:06 pm
Spiller will be gone in rd 2. Bucs should only be considering day 3 RBs. Too many bigger needs for rds 1-3.
March 10th, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Defense Rules nailed it
March 10th, 2022 at 4:13 pm
I can’t see them taken a running back before rd 3. I really think the first two rounds are DB and D line.
3-5 RB, O line, and maybe TE
March 10th, 2022 at 6:08 pm
I’m always good with drafting talented running backs and this dude has some serious potential.
March 10th, 2022 at 6:19 pm
Damien Pierce will be a steal in the 3rd or 4th. 5’10” 220 lbs., can squat 700lbs. He can block and Fla even lined him up at the Y position many times.
His 40 time is what will make him drop at 4.59.
March 11th, 2022 at 1:44 am
Best pick available. I like spiller hes got some nice jump cuts hands n blitz reads. The first prospect i’ve watched this offseason so far but i wouldnt be mad at the pick. Donovan smith really ruins our cap. Hes due 15 million n he doesnt play like it. Ridiculous how he is paid more than lavonte david. We dont need 2 year ex0ensive free agent contracts that will handicap us next offseason. Lets take this L this season n re-up for next year. 15 million for inconsistency foh.. Playcalls have helped this trash oline seem better than it actually is. Brady was delivering passes in less than 3 seconds after snap. Not sure what trask has learned but its going to be a rough year. A quality back could offset some of these problems. If i was the coach i’d develop my run game this year. Draft wr early next draft
March 12th, 2022 at 11:51 am
We need defense players more than anything. Since Brady retired we are losing many good players to free agency and most are defense. They should restructure the team and get as many rookies as they can in the draft and build it up. I don’t expect this team to make it to the playoffs this coming season but 2024 should show some great improvement if we don’t suffer to many injuries like last year.