Bucs Assistant GM: Tampa Bay Won’t Be A Factor For A Great Quarterback In The Draft
January 31st, 2024
“Dear John, please be quiet.”
Now this is the kind of January NFL Draft chatter Joe is interested in.
Yeah, Joe heard it last week, but why not save it for this fine Wednesday as the calendar turns to February, the month in which the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off?
Bucs assistant general manager John Spytek hopped on the Buccaneers Radio Network and chimed in about the draft.
Winning in 2023 was the goal, obviously, but doing that and advancing in the playoffs takes a toll on a team’s draft status. Tampa Bay owns the No. 26 overall pick in April’s draft, and Spytek says that will knock the Bucs out of being players for a top quarterback in this QB-rich draft.
Spytek noted the receiver quality in the draft and even seemed to ask fans for suggestions on trading up.
“Obviously, I think there’s a bunch of great quarterbacks in the draft this year. We’ve won far too many games picking 26th now to factor into that,” Spytek said. “There’s a bunch of really good receivers, which I know how much everybody loves receivers, but again, picking 26th makes it hard. I mean, if anybody has any good ideas out there about how we can get up to [pick No.] 6 or 7, we might have a shot at some of them. But they’re just too good.
“It really feels like an offensive draft for me at this point from a talent standpoint. How many of those guys fall to 26 will be something we have to monitor. I’m confident in our group. I’m confident in our scouts.”
Joe would encourage the amateur draft gurus reading this to reach out to Spytek at One Buc Palace. Spytek didn’t deliver a Bill Sheridan moment, but perhaps some good can come of it.
Of course, the Bucs are very capable of trading up and draft season is all about front office misdirection, but Spytek seemed very relaxed and as if he was speaking from the heart following a tough loss.
So which offensive studs fall to the Bucs at No. 26? The last time the Bucs had an offensive surprise fall to them it was O.J. Howard at No. 19 overall in 2017.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:04 pm
Months of pointless chatter that is mostly meaningless because the team usually doesn’t get the player unless they pick in the top 10 and even then often a different player than many guessed…
January 31st, 2024 at 5:09 pm
whats with some of these tight ends one guy tells police he’s going to poop in his pants another one plays pocket pool all the time Come on guys get a grip
January 31st, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Scouting players is really fun at this point in the season gearing up for the draft.
Thomas is a very interesting prospect and very comparable to ME. Last time we picked a WR in the 1st round it was ME. Imagining Evans, Godwin and Thomas on the field together is fun to think about, but I’d rather have a decent edge rusher.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:13 pm
More interested in what talent there is in the trenches thank skill players.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:19 pm
Right and we see how that turned out.
May as well not even have had that pick !
OJ is a good lesson for those teams that don’t have a first round pick , like Tepper. It’ll be alright.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:19 pm
“ The last time the Bucs had an offensive surprise fall to them it was O.J. Howard at No. 19 overall in 2017.”
and then he kept falling and falling and falling… LOL
January 31st, 2024 at 5:22 pm
OLB, IOL, SS, TE…in that order
January 31st, 2024 at 5:25 pm
Fortify the interior OL and draft a capable pass rusher with our high picks this year.
TRENCHES!!
January 31st, 2024 at 5:33 pm
Get the Oregon or Georgia center at 26 then trade up in the 2nd to get Pearsall at WR.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:34 pm
We need a quality, healthy CB more than we need another safety or OL.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:36 pm
I wonder if spytek is taking over as GM soon.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:38 pm
OG, OC, RB, TE, WR, OLB/Edge, Safery
January 31st, 2024 at 5:42 pm
How do you know who will be a great QB……”Mr. Irrelvant, Brock Purdy” comes to mind…
How about 6th round Tom Brady?
It’s somewhat of a crapshoot.
If i were GM….I’d use my first pick at 26 on the best C/OG on the board and thefre will be some good ones……that player will suit up for the Bucs for at least 10 years.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:49 pm
Idroolpewter&red Says:
January 31st, 2024 at 5:22 pm
OLB, IOL, SS, TE…in that order
___________________________________
Need to add an inside linebacker to that list… but otherwise, yes.
Interested to see which of those positions can be filled in free agency (if any).
January 31st, 2024 at 5:50 pm
the ONLY position that matters is HC. They can keep the ship afloat with toilet bowl, but it will continue to take on water. Each year he is still in the role the team gets weaker. We were fooled this year by a weak schedule, weak division, weak Igles and weak teams dropping 3 picks a week from Baker. Mike is only getting older and by the time they need him after getting rid of bowls and hopefully making a run dude will be retirement age by WR standards.
I know many have blind faith toliet bowl will finally learn in game calls, clock management and adjustments….but that ship sailed last year…..
I have hope….hoping for luck ithat is.
January 31st, 2024 at 5:58 pm
OJ Howard was a bust. Next…
January 31st, 2024 at 6:07 pm
It’s all a bunch of smokescreen chatter this time of year.
When these guys say they aren’t looking at QBs it means the exact opposite.
The wise thing to do is to just keep your mouth shut..
January 31st, 2024 at 6:15 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
January 31st, 2024 at 5:42 pm
How do you know who will be a great QB……”Mr. Irrelvant, Brock Purdy” comes to mind…
How about 6th round Tom Brady?
It’s somewhat of a crapshoot.
If i were GM….I’d use my first pick at 26 on the best C/OG on the board and thefre will be some good ones……that player will suit up for the Bucs for at least 10 years.
____________
Ah yes, the old “good for 10 years line”
How many years did Marpet play?
January 31st, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Bubby Says:
January 31st, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Why? Is Jason Licht retiring?
January 31st, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Spytek said. “There’s a bunch of really good receivers, which I know how much everybody loves receivers, but again, picking 26th makes it hard. I mean, if anybody has any good ideas out there about how we can get up to [pick No.] 6 or 7, we might have a shot at some of them.
“It really feels like an offensive draft for me at this point from a talent standpoint.”
From a fan standpoint, we cannot trade up to the top 10 without trading massive draft capital, which will impact us for years to come. (See, Browns, D. Watson).
From a fan standpoint, why would we be focused on the WR position in this draft? Evans, Godwin, possibly Gage will be back, Palmer…aren’t we pretty good in the WR room for 2024?
From a fan standpoint, isn’t a bigger priority in the draft to bolster our offensive line first? Then a few more needs, wants, but O-line should be our first draft pick.
So yes, Mr. Spytek, from this fan’s standpoint, those are my suggestions.
Go Bucs ! ! ! 🙂
January 31st, 2024 at 6:31 pm
Wisconsin always has a huge offensive line and probably ought to see what is available up there for O line help. Can never had too many good O linemen.
January 31st, 2024 at 6:31 pm
I don’t think Evans is coming back they probably should draft a wr.
January 31st, 2024 at 6:34 pm
It’s that time of season again. Smoke cloud’s and bs from here to June.
January 31st, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Sounds like Spytek is pretty much saying they gonna resign Mayfield. At 26 I think they will go OL or WR best available player out of those positions since those positions are deep the year. I hope they sign a free agent edge rusher because they have not had much success drafting one but have signed a couple of good ones in free agency S Rice and P Paul are 2 examples From the 2nd on they probably go LB and then draft for depth Again I not a GM or coach. This is just my opinion
January 31st, 2024 at 6:44 pm
Spytek listens to Licht too much Bucs can’t develop QBs Winston was a bust and Trask sat on the bench for 3 years.
January 31st, 2024 at 6:56 pm
Spytek is listening to Licht too much. The Bucs organization don’t have the patience to develop a QB after the Winston disaster. Trask sat on the bench for 3 years and will be 4 this year if they can’t trade him. What this team doesn’t realize if they could develop a young QB like the chiefs, texans, eagles, bengals, chargers, 49ers etc. they would not be chasing their tail for a QB. But I blame this on the Glazers who still think a football is round and green.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:09 pm
Wonder if Michael Penix gets a so so medical evaluation and falls to # 26 then what?
January 31st, 2024 at 7:16 pm
Jason won’t be stupid and trade up for someone who has a better chance of being Josh Rosen than Josh Allen.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:26 pm
I doubt more than 5 or so QBs go in the first round…that’s usually how it works out…and a good one usually falls too.
But Would rather take a top center. A big nasty one. Would be in favor of trading up for the best one.
If this really is a QB rich draft, then that means we can get a good one in the third round, where we have extra picks.
If we are resigning our WRs, then we don’t need any. Otton is getting better and better at TE.
So after center, I think we need to focus on RB, DL and DB.
Or ILB…depending one the defense we end up running. If Bowles gets fired, it could change.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:26 pm
Nothing we diddn’t know… riight? That is why we need to be in hard for Brady.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:28 pm
Err. Baker. Still wish we had Brady.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:36 pm
Jack Burton Mercer Says:
January 31st, 2024 at 5:33 pm
Get the Oregon or Georgia center at 26 then trade up in the 2nd to get Pearsall at WR.
…………..
I LOVE Pearsall but he will be available in the Third.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:39 pm
The surprise was on us with OJ Howard. What a wasted first round pick. Joe, no more surprises please.
January 31st, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Allbuccedup Says:
January 31st, 2024 at 7:09 pm
Wonder if Michael Penix gets a so so medical evaluation and falls to # 26 then what?
………………..
Penix will DEFINITELY be there at 26! His injury history is too large to look away from. Personally I think he is the best QB in the draft talent wise. Availability though, may be his downfall.
January 31st, 2024 at 8:23 pm
I mean, if anybody has any good ideas out there about how we can get up to [pick No.] 6 or 7, we might have a shot at some of them. But they’re just too good.
Don’t really think this guy is GM material, better hope nothing happens to Licht.
January 31st, 2024 at 8:41 pm
@ Bonzai
There are 4-5 QBs who can go in round one.
Another 3-4 QBs who might go in rounds 2-3.
Everyone is looking for the next Brock Purdy…
January 31st, 2024 at 8:52 pm
Just need to hire Kevin Costner. He could find a way to get in the top 5. 😂
January 31st, 2024 at 8:58 pm
My gosh, ya’ll got more QB than you deserved….build around that. Pittsburgh and Denver could ride Baker to the playoffs and more. I know he wants to stay there, but be careful remember he got absolutely screwed before in Cleveland and could jump if nervous…..and he ain’t nervois about another gig now!
January 31st, 2024 at 9:05 pm
Both Penix and Nix are stinking it up at the Senior Bowl practice sessions. Tampa will probably have a shot at both of them. Buyer Beware. Keep Trask and draft some spots you really need.
January 31st, 2024 at 9:05 pm
They better find a couple interior linemen in the first three rounds, and hopefully another edge rusher
January 31st, 2024 at 9:08 pm
It’s a terrible idea trading up at all in the first let alone as high as Spytek suggests. The only worse idea is asking us for suggestions on how to do so. The Bucs could trade back into the second to a team in love with a certain OT or WR and pick up a third or fourth in the process and still come away with upgrades at OG, C and RB and pick up a solid DB, LB or WR to boot. The drop-off in talent after the non-playoff teams pick in the first round seems very gradual through to the fourth round. No QBs are generating positive buzz at the Senior Bowl. The only C prospect that won’t be there by the time the Bucs pick in round two is Graham Barton and Powers-Johnson and Van Pran both look like immediate upgrades over Hainsey so there is no need to trade-up anywhere in order to address the weaknesses that prevent the Bucs from running the ball effectively. Max Melton or Chop Robinson present excellent value earlier in round two than the Bucs pick. I can’t advocate over drafting for need so the Bucs could go defense with their first pick, wherever it falls if they swing a trade back out of round one, then BPA at C, LG and RB in rounds two and three. Trading up to give a defense first, then running the ball/ball control coach another WR to underuse is not something this Bucs front office would ever do. I think Spytek just has a twisted sense of humor.
January 31st, 2024 at 9:29 pm
Every friggin qb this season had dropped sure interceptions not just mayfield every damn 1 of them I am sick of u r 1 sided nonsense plus nobody is that lucky for 17 games pal how many of u r post on this site were dropped off non sense to many get a life jackass
January 31st, 2024 at 10:00 pm
Dooshlarue Graham Barton is who I want them to draft . You can get a very good O-line men at 26th but not any other position . Most of the time . Of course there is anomalies every once in a while but drafting at 26th O-line men work out more so than any other position on average .
Barton is a bulldozer and an excellent pass blocker He is big and nasty and tries to pancake players every play . He plays through the whistle. I think he is a day one starter .
January 31st, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Bakers too inconsistent. Next QB up. Find our next Brad Johnson.
Dilfer > Mayfield. Dilfer walked. And we won a super bowl with Johnson
February 1st, 2024 at 12:01 am
Trade to the top of the second round again…RT Amarius Mims (Goedeke is a bu or a guard, and dont know whats up with Center, is Jensen coming back? Hainsey at bu…yes please)
WR Johnny Wilson….then Safety, dont know who yet.
February 1st, 2024 at 12:03 am
We should have another 3rd with that trade down, can possibly use it for a mid round trade back into the 3rd for a powerful run up the gut RB.
February 1st, 2024 at 12:45 am
Don’t understand the comments about drafting a TE. Otton had a great second year and will keep improving. Durham is a hidden gem , who may develop into a better Otton. Let’s draft both trenches!!!!
February 1st, 2024 at 2:19 am
trading back and stacking 2’s and 3’s if necessary to build the trenches and add an edge, lb and safety…
trade back or stay put this year…
only reason for licht to trade up is for an elite center or guard – and that is our gm’s wheelhouse, so that can never be questioned on any level…
otherwise sit tight, or fall back and stack
#FallBackAndStack
February 1st, 2024 at 3:12 am
Why do people keep saying we have extra draft picks in the 3rd round?
We don’t have ANY extra picks.
We don’t even have a 5th rounder.
We have the 26th pick in rounds 1-4 and 6&7. That’s it.
All this advice and people don’t even know what picks we have.
February 1st, 2024 at 7:23 am
“The Bucs can’t develop a QB”. What a completely false narrative.
“The Bucs can’t scout and pick thr right QB” – more accurate.
They don’t develop a college QBs because apparently they can’t scout them correctly.
It’s not that they can’t develop them. It’s the ones they’ve picked flat out suck.
The only QB that the Bucs didn’t develop and went on to anything more than journeyman or career backup status is Steve Young.
Doug Williams had one good year with the Redskins, then was promptly replaced by Rypien.
Dilfer was a caretaker in Baltimore. They couldn’t dump him for Grbac fast enough.
Testaverde was the ultimate journeyman. But that’s all.
Winston can’t get himself off the New Orleans bench.
The rest are not even worth rehashing.
They’ve been snakebit when it comes to picking QBs.
February 1st, 2024 at 11:08 am
I love looking at the draft, it’s a lot of fun for me to download Draftek’s Big Board and think who could fall to the Bucs. About 5 years ago I looked at all the guru’s 1st round mocks, and Draftek did the best job predicting the first round.
Despite having fun with the draft, we have FA first to go through. There might be some FA’s that we can afford at center and edge. Licht has mixed success with FA’s and he needs to improve his evaluation of them as they should be more predictable than a draft choice. I really like the idea of bringing in a good FA center who can make blocking calls and is strong. Also there seems to be some good FA pass rushers. Obviously, we aren’t swimming in cash, so I’ll be curious to see how the FA season plays out.
We should have some talent at EDGE and SS left when we draft at #26, I hope that’s what we do.
FA center
FA edge
1rd EDGE or SS
2rd DL, OL, EDGE
February 1st, 2024 at 10:57 pm
Someone need ta check on your boy Boss…he sound a lil down on the world and maybe hisself
February 1st, 2024 at 11:06 pm
Seriously, 3rd division title in 3 years, beat last year’s NFC champ and everyone’s”he’s the next coming” QB from last year in the wild card. (It wasn’t even close and if the team played as good as Baker, it’d of been worse) The Lions game was a 17 point win if Tampa’s team cleaned up its own mistakes, that’s all it needed. So the BUCs are capable of going all the way…right now. BUT a few people to round here don’t think division titles and competing in the Playoffs for a shot at the Superbowl is good enough?! No, of course it’s not, winning the Superbowl is good enough but bashing on the guys that gave you a chance, that just shows stupidity. What a bunch of couch coach blow hards.
February 1st, 2024 at 11:13 pm
After that last awesome tip about being a fan, I’d like to help you negative Nellie’s in another way: If you don’t tell your woman everything you think, you might do better there too. 😜Cyas next year, the BUCS were awesome to watch this year, Go Baker, Go Bucks!