Round 1 Vote Of Confidence For Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
April 28th, 2023
A great Thursday night for new Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.
University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, who expects to be cleared medically to practice in training camp, was on the board for the Buccaneers last night. Tampa Bay passed.
Same for banana-peel-eating Kentucky QB Will Levis.
Big-time and legitimate film-guru analysts believe Hooker is a true franchise quarterback candidate. His only red flags seem to be his age, 25, and that he’s coming off major knee (ACL) surgery. But the latter typically is recovered from and more and more quickly. Just ask Joe Burrow, who was carted off in late November of 2020 after blowing his ACL and he missed only one start the following season. Chris Godwin was a speedy recovery, too.
As for Levis, Joe thinks the guy is a bit of a clown, and Joe never thought the Bucs would take him in Round 1. But again, many ex-quarterback analysts think Levis has proven he has the skills to be a top quarterback.
Apparently, the Bucs looked at those options at quarterback and said,”We’re good with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.”
Joe appreciates the confidence, and Joe thinks it’s very reasonable to believe Mayfield will be at least an average NFL starter this season, which could make him the best QB in the NFC South.
However, passing on Hooker will be quite a discussion topic if the Bucs struggle at quarterback this season. He’s still on the board. Round 2 opens tonight.
Ira Kaufman has a message for Bucs fans.
((This is Ira when he's had a couple of cocktails @BigStormBrewing)) pic.twitter.com/Q5OzS6lh2U— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) April 28, 2023
April 28th, 2023 at 8:14 am
Not that I care about Hooker, but I have to laugh when his age, 25 is brought up against him. Men don’t hit their prime till age 27, and Brady played till 45! The kid could play for 10 years, and only be 35 which is not old for a QB these days. Rodgers going on 39, and still considered elite. If Hooker doesn’t have a good pro career, it ain’t going to be because he’s 25 now! He’s got another 40 years till medicare.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:17 am
Well Baler DOES have a lot of talent. He does have a gun and I personally like the fiery/magnetic personality that sells tickets unlike Trask. The question is him putting it altogether. Geno Smith was much more of a disaster than Baker and for about 8 weeks he was atleast in the discussion as an MVP candidate. If we protect the guy and give him some semblance of a running game then there’s reason to be optimistic. He did play fantastic with the rams with zero weapons. I suppose since we had 3 yrs of a middle aged Brady, a lot of fans feel entitled now or something but the new look Bucs could be refreshing, ESPECIALLY with the drastic schematic change. Besides, the Bucs were the most disgusting team to watch by a mile last yr WITH Brady
April 28th, 2023 at 8:20 am
doesnt seem like a vote of confidence om the QB room, more like Lovie, err, Bowles, knows his job is on the line and cant waste a 1st rounder on a QB that probably wont have an immediate impact
April 28th, 2023 at 8:22 am
@Hodad
The age gripe works two way, people will use it against Hooker without metioning/admitting that the NCAA basically gave every eligible player an extra year of eligibility when the world basically screeched to a hault a few years back. While talent evaluators can use the age as a selling point attributed to Hookers “maturity” as a player.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:22 am
Last night was the first time it dawned on me the draft picks and trades actually happens hours or days in advance of the actual draft. The NFL Draft is just a live television show, that’s all.
Also, last night should put to rest once and for all that mock drafts are dumb. Everyone’s mock draft was blown up by the 3rd pick.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:26 am
Right, wrong or otherwise a 1st overall pick and a 2nd round pick are already slated to compete for the job this year. I’m not sure it’s an endorsement so much as a recognition that bringing in the leftovers of this years QB class won’t increase the competition this year.
If one succeeds then the Bucs could be competitive and might win the division. If neither succeeds then they’ll have knowledge that it’s indeed time to move on, and be in a much more premium position to select from arguably better talent available next year.
It’s a process, and it might require patience. A lot of people don’t have that, and I’m sure they’ll be upset they’re not instantly gratified.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:29 am
He got paid in beer, nachos, and tacos to deliver this advertisement
April 28th, 2023 at 8:30 am
The Bucs have so many needs, they could not use their 1st pick on another QB. They still need OL, ILB, Nickel Corner, TE, Edge.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:53 am
I’m guessing Hooker and Levis go before our pick at 50. But I’m OK with Hooker if he falls.
Mayfield is interesting but I’m not sure on what his actual upside is. His best season as a pro was still more as a game manager (3600 yards / 26 TD / 8 INT), although he had a 3 TD performance to beat the Steelers in the playoffs.
I’m guessing we are going to ignore QB, and continue the rebuild/re-load in the hopes of having a team with an elite D, game manager QB and solid run game. Not sure if that will work out but I think that is the identity they are seeking at least this season.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:57 am
I love Hendon Hooker.
Great processing and decision making and he can make all of the throws.
I will not be upset if he’s a Buccaneer.
But, the Bucs desperately need help in the trenches. If they decide to draft Hooker, then they must concentrate on the trenches in the rest of the draft or in free agency.
April 28th, 2023 at 8:59 am
Trade up and get Hooker, a double threat.
April 28th, 2023 at 9:02 am
Canales is being set up for the fall guy next the Toad will say Jason I am not running the offense this will by the four time loser another year. Then Licht can mortgage our future on 100 mil contract for White and 80 mil for Winfield a mega million dollar defense with no offense. Can’t win without scoring in this offensive minded NFL.
April 28th, 2023 at 9:36 am
@Hodad. I love Hendon, but Brady playing until he was 45 is a COMPLETE outlier. I doubt if any player would be that good into their 40’s as Brady was. Brady will always be the outlier that shouldn’t be compared to anyone. Also, I wish people will stop comparing short QBs to Brees. Total insult to Drew, once again, Brees is an outlier for success as a shorter QB. Brees had elite accuracy and pocket movement. He also had a very high football IQ. He was one of the most underrated QB of all time. Yes, I’m giving props to an Aints’ player. You can’t deny greatness.
April 28th, 2023 at 9:44 am
Not sure I’d call Brees underrated – maybe by Marty Schottenheimer, but he’s 1st ballot HoF for sure. And why all the negative on the roster? We’ve got loads of talent lefts from the first two Brady years, and most of what we shed was age, not beauty. We’ll take our salary cap lumps this year and maybe next. I think a QB would be a wasted pick. Mayfield rocked socks in Cleveland, played the 2nd year with a shoulder injury, and never got a chance to settle and show what he has. He worked with zero talent last year in Carolina, showed a little moxed in LA, and now he has a massive chip on his shoulder just in time to play in the Bay. We’ll be calling him Baker Bayfield before too long, watch. He still has it.
April 28th, 2023 at 9:47 am
Umm Joe?
31 other teams passed on your BFF QB’s.
Tells me something entirely different than the headline suggests
LOL
April 28th, 2023 at 9:56 am
It’s not the banana peel eating that has me worried, its the mayo in his coffee.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:06 am
They’re going to regret not taking Hooker.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:14 am
That’s one way to interpret it.
The other way is that Licht and Co. despite all their posturing know that this year is forfeit and picked the BPA on their board. And they didn’t have a 1st round grade on Will Levis or Herndon Hooker, nor should they have.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:18 am
AGAIN QB is not a big need for the Bucs entering 2023!
The Bucs have a Heisman trophy winning QB on the roster. A QB who at least ONE season demonstrated success getting to the playoffs and NOT one and done but beating an arch rival Steelers team in Pittsburgh. That ain’t easy!
Trask was the 4th leading vote getter in the Heisman balloting behind Trevor Lawrence who is potentially great and Mac Jones who is ???.
Trask had a few snaps with the Bucs but in reality neither of these QB’s have had a chance yet to show what they can do with this team. I remain optimistic but also realistic. Still I find it disrespectful to IGNORE what BOTH of these guys have accomplished!
I know…it’s what have you done for me lately…I get that…believe it and support it but “lately” will be at the end of this season. IF they both fail then move on but there is literally NO need to simply dismiss the ability of these two.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:25 am
Speaking of clowns , has Mayfield started making any commercials yet?
April 28th, 2023 at 10:29 am
Not sure if it is a referendum on our current QBs, or the lack of talent in this QB class, or of whom the media decided should have been at the top of the class.
This season is going to be a watermark for the Bowles cleaner. No further excuses will be allowed on his defense.
If the defense fails and the offense gets a consistent 17-20 points, it will be on him for this pick, though I like it.
Mayfly will wash out, but Trask is still too much of a question for a second round pick. Maybe he will get warmed up and show something. His play in camps has been spotty because of the total lack of reps.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:29 am
Baker flamed out with the Panthers and the Cleveland Browns ran him out of town. The rams also apparently underestimated his greatness.
Heck the panthers went on a run after they cut Baker.
Not getting the confidence people have in him.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:44 am
Here’s a question for Joe and everyone…
Teams who could be looking for a QB are below… like Bucs, not necessarily teams that have to have a QB. But who takes Levis and Hoover tonight? Who takes the kid from UCLA or Houston?
TB (Baker and Kyle get their shot at 1 Buc Place)
Tenn (Tanneyhill’s days are numbered)
LV (Jimmy G will never stay healthy)
Wash (Is Howell the future?)
Minn (Cousins last season as a Vike)
NYG (I can’t believe they are paying DJones that kind of money)
Detroit (do they give Goff an extension or go another direction)
ATL (seriously? Ridder? No pass rush, dont use Pitts and they draft RB?)
LARams (Stafford is aging)
SF (Will they trade Lance? Will Purdy be ok to play in 23?)
Its going to be interesting tonight, especially with Levis and Hooker.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:48 am
Eric – reading comprehension is the first step to understanding. AGAIN – what did Geno Smith do before this year? Please advise.
Baker also has an outstanding yr on his resume, and played really well with the Rams with a new offense and no weapons. Who in the F is suggesting hes going to be the next Peyton Manning or something? 2 good years out of an aged Brady and Bucs fans feel entitled to year in and year out greatness? Running game/new scheme and putting people in a position to succeed will go a long way towards determining QB Play. The Bucs offense was an abomination last yr, with Brady.
April 28th, 2023 at 11:44 am
I am still underwhelmed with Geno Smith. He isn”t taking anyone to the promise land.
We beat him last year.
The fact remains that the Panther had him and said no thanks. And his performance with the rams was gutsy but they are sticking with an aging Stafford.
Not seeing it.
April 28th, 2023 at 11:53 am
If the Bucs struggle at QB this year we’ll wish we had drafted a one legged old man in Hooker who struggled to distinguish himself in four years at Virginia Tech but flourished in the gimmick offense at Tennessee… makes sense. A 25 year old rookie will come in and outplay a former #1 overall pick and playoff QB who’s actually won games at the NFL level.
April 28th, 2023 at 1:41 pm
QB is not as great of a need for the Bucs as other positions..
focus on the trenches and maybe Stetson Bennett in 5th or 6th round if available!
April 28th, 2023 at 1:53 pm
IMHO…let the Baker bake.. I have a good feeling we’ll be eating some “W”s this year.
I’m looking at you, Jaboo…😂😂😂😂
April 28th, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Yes, thank you Joe. That’s exactly what it was. The birth of team spirit.
April 28th, 2023 at 2:39 pm
REPORT: Bucs Salivating Over the 25 Year Old Hooker.
April 28th, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Tyson Bagent
Use one of those 3 picks within fewer than 10 spots tomorrow.
April 28th, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Yeah the age thing with Hooker doesn’t matter to me. If anything, he’s just going to be mature, while still being plenty young and in his prime years.
If your concern is that you might only get a 10 year, instead of 15 year career out of him because he’s already 25, well, that seems like a ridiculous reason not to draft someone you believe in.
That said, I’m sure he’ll be gone long before we pick tonight.
April 28th, 2023 at 4:18 pm
Joe writes ” Joe appreciates the confidence, and Joe thinks it’s very reasonable to believe Mayfield will be at least an average NFL starter this season, which could make him the best QB in the NFC South”
Joe already assumes Baker is the starting qb and forgets Trask even is on the roster. He is also so disappointed Bucs didn’t draft a qb in round one as much he hates Trask.
Trask would have been 2ed or 3rd pick overall if he was in this draft class. Instead Joe is advertising Hooker to us. LOL.
April 28th, 2023 at 5:52 pm
When I was reading about the Bucs giving up a load to trade up to watch Levis, I went and watched his film, and said at the time, I have no idea why he’s being talked about as a top pick and he’s not someone who is a 1st round talent.
I was right, all the ‘experts’ were wrong.
Now I wonder if he slides further since he’s going to be a 2nd rounder, and as such he’ll only be under contract for 4-years instead of 5.
Then again, if you actually think he can play, you got an ultra cheap QB for 4 years, which lets you load up at other positions.
April 28th, 2023 at 6:09 pm
I hope Trask is good, but the team isn’t acting like he is.
April 28th, 2023 at 10:03 pm
Baker the Faker will do just fine, Buc’s win division, and get in playoffs, not a big deal, Buc’s are in, and that about sums it up,
April 29th, 2023 at 1:45 am
Ya, some legitimate support from team-management is probably all Baker Mayfield really needs; his recent “problems” seem to have been mostly political.