The Need To Draft A Quarterback In The First Round More Imperative Than Ever
January 26th, 2024
Pressure.
“This Joe” strongly believes that the exit of former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales to Carolina puts Baker Mayfield’s status with the Bucs in jeopardy, both in the short-term and long-term.
Mayfield, who ought to win the “Comeback Player of the Year” award (he’s a finalist), just saw the man who saved his career and lead his best NFL season.
Outside of brief success with Los Angeles last year (small sample size as the stat geeks like to say), Mayfield’s career was heading for permanent backup status until he and Canales united.
Now what?
Mayfield is looking at a lucrative payday.
Since Mayfield had such limited success working for many coordinators over the years, why should Joe believe the same Mayfield of 2023 will be slinging the rock well in 2024 without Canales?
It’s a leap of faith. So the Bucs better cover their @sses. Time to draft a quarterback in the first round.
It’s crazy how many good quarterback prospects will be picked in the first round this year. Noted JoeBucsFan.com draft guru Sean Sullivan, who moonlights as the general manager of Bill Currie Ford, the largest Ford dealer in Tampa, believes this is the best quarterback draft since 1983.
You may remember the last quarterback drafted in the first round that year was some guy named Dan Marino.
Guys that normally would be going in the top-10 in any other year may get shoved down into the teens or, if the Bucs are very lucky, No. 20. The Bucs pick is at No. 26.
Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht better be building a war chest so he has the necessary ammo to trade up and get Bo Nix or Michael Penix if they slide past No. 15.
Hey, if the Bucs pick the right offensive coordinator and Mayfield returns to his 2023 self, awesome. Then the Bucs have a significant trade chip in the young quarterback.
If the Bucs only sign Mayfield for three years, that’s OK. The rookie quarterback can sit and learn like Aaron Rodgers, Pat Mahomes and Jordan Love each did.
Worked out OK for those guys, no?
January 26th, 2024 at 7:40 am
Won’t likely get one with our #26, have to throw in yet another one on top of that. I dunno, we’re just 3-4 upgrades from a super bowl team, hate to wreck that. I’m not a Trask fan, but I suspect he would be serviceable if Mayfield left. ANY QB looks better when given more time to throw, Brock Purdy good example of that
January 26th, 2024 at 7:41 am
Can we let the body cool before we throw the whole offseason plan out the door. There are WAYYY too many leads to reach for a qb at 26. Guard, center, safety and potentially receiver all all priorities. Licht and Greenberg have been here before, they fixed it, they will again. Mayfields not going anywhere.
The key to success in the NFL is continuity. Lewis will be promoted to OC, Mayfield will stay and the offense will continue to work in his skillset.
Only player I fear might leave (one that we would like to keep) is Evans… Houston looks SUPER attractive rn.
January 26th, 2024 at 7:42 am
*leads=needs
January 26th, 2024 at 7:42 am
I agree. But I wouldn’t be selling the farm for Nix or Penix. Just let the draft come to you. It IS a deep draft. Rattler looks like a possible starter and he’s 4th rd talent. Same w Jordan Travis. And then you have them compete w Trask (assuming you don’t trade Trask for whatever you can get…) and let the best man win.
While I’d love to get Penix, I can’t think that a team w the bevy of holes we have is ready to launch a second and third rd pick for him. That’s irresponsible
January 26th, 2024 at 7:51 am
While I typically like this strategy, Penix and Nix will both be 24 at start of season. Do you really want to wait until they are 26-27 before playing?
January 26th, 2024 at 7:53 am
What about Trask? Is Joe saying that 2 years behind Brady and another with Canales has concluded with him being unable to step in?
If so…..just say so.
January 26th, 2024 at 7:54 am
IMO, Todd Bowles saved Baker’s career and nearly crashed it with the run first
offense that was bad for the entire team, not just Baker. The lack of sustained drives and points scored had to wear out the defense and kept the offense from diversifying and mixing up the play calling. Bowles better hire an aggressive OC
or he will be on the hot seat early in the season.
January 26th, 2024 at 7:58 am
No. Because if you don’t beef up the fronts, and address some other needs, this team won’t be taken farther than it just went by any QB.
January 26th, 2024 at 7:59 am
I do *not* want to waste our first pick on a QB. This is still a rebuilding football team, too many holes (C, ILB, S, just to start).
Baker stays, Baker goes, meh. We are not going to Super Bowl LIX either way. The guy we must keep is Mike Evans. Franchise him if you need to, you will not be overpaying him. Build a championship team, and then if you need a QB, you can find one.
January 26th, 2024 at 7:59 am
Not this year. The NFC south will be improved & the Bucs are playing a first place schedule. With O/C being in question and bowles still in charge of the defense, the Bucs will struggle to be 500. Fire bowels the end of next season & draft a qb then.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:01 am
You just keep on awishin Joe.
We sign Baker (soon) and stand pat at QB in the draft is my bet.
Go Bucs!
January 26th, 2024 at 8:02 am
Baker came to the Bucs because of Bowles and the Org per him in numerous interviews . ..He never says anything about coming to the Bucs because of Canales in any interview and prob had no idea who he even was .
January 26th, 2024 at 8:06 am
There are more first round busts at QB, especially when you get teams reaching for QBs in the first round. Guys who before the draft happened, nobody thought were top 10 talents: Daniel Jones, Dwayne Haskins, Josh Rosen, Mitch Trubisky, Zack Wilson, Trey Lance, Mac Jones. Kenny Pickett.
First priority is to believe in your process of how good 5th or 6th year guys like Penix or Nix might be. Or are they just over experienced college players with not top 10 NFL potential.
One thing I note is Jordan Love is only 15 months older than Bo Nix and only 18 months older than Michael Penix Jr.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:07 am
Mayfield’s always shown well when he’s healthy, even with some of the worst coaches in recent NFL history. You should familiarize yourself with his career.
Todd Bowles and Bo Nix/JJ McCarthy. LOL.
Bowles did well picking Canales and he’ll find another good one. OC for Bowles is an attractive job, I’d think. Mayfield will stay if the money’s close, IMO. Trask is a better bet for Bowles than a late first rounder.
And now we’ll know what the Panthers are doing on first and second down for the next two years.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:08 am
Nah, Bucs don’t need to draft a QB in round 1 unless one falls in their lap at 26.
They will resign Baker and be good for at least a few years with him.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:16 am
lol…. we sacrificed the future for a few wins…
we been tellin yall. BM will stay, but thats not some great victory. He is middle of the road at best. I like his grit, but not his D reading ability or his touch on passes. His greatest ability is staying alive in a TB offense.
We need a better QB…but not until we get a real HC. until then we just need to stock up on ammo, picks, trade those worthy not names wirfs or winfield or CG.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:18 am
I have some confidence in Jason Licht and the Bucs scouting department, so if a QB is there they like, okay. If not, Mayfield or another veteran QB.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:20 am
So glad you don’t run the franchise. I’d rather have Trask on the bench than Fields in the bench.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:21 am
“Mayfield of 2023 will be slinging the rock well in 2024 without Canales?”
Again I find this totally direspectful to Mayfield! Some might understandably ask what will happen to Canales without Mayfield.
Mayfield totally outplayed expectations. But he HAD done it before in Cleveland.
Horrid management and a SERIOUS injury set him back! Canales was decent as an OC but he had LOTS of difficulties as well. To say HE made Baker’s career is absurd. HE was the guy who HAPPENED to get the job when Baker got his first decent shot since Cleveland. WTF has Canales done before Mayfield…Geno Smith? Wow call me underwhelmed.
Meanwhile you’re suggesting that we spend a ton of draft capital on an absolute crap shoot with 50-50 odds. A mistake in the first round with a QB sets a franchise back 3 – 5 years! JAMEIS WINSTON!!!!! #1 OVERALL in the entire draft. MARCUS MARIOTA…#2 in that draft also considered by many for the #1 spot. Yes there are the opposites…Rodgers,Mahomes and Love are good examples. That’s great IF it happens AGAIN there’s a 50-50 chance!
I’m with TBBF. What about Trask? Joe said he improved dramatically this past off season. If he went into camp anointed as the #1 guy if Baker leaves wouldn’t that just add to his confidence. If he fails look again next year.
Build the freaking trenches!!! It doesn’t hurt who play QB if they end up like Baker running for his life or in Detroit facing jail breaks with DL literally untouched. That’s on Canales and the OL!!! Draft a great center and LG and two more pass rushers in the first four rounds! Then fix DB situation.
Sign ME13 and there is no need for another target this season!!!
I supported Mayfield as the starter based on his success in Cleveland literally one of the crappiest franchises in the league!!! I thought he could do it again.
HE DID!!! That doesn’t make Trask chopped liver anymore than it did Rodgers, Mahomes, or Love!
If the Bucs lose Mayfield roll with Trask and look for the next Brock Purdy or perhaps Tom Brady in the 6th or Brad Johnson in the 9th round.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:23 am
What about Joe’s A-List backup Trask?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Perhaps his favorite turnover machine is available?
Winston part two!!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
January 26th, 2024 at 8:24 am
Too many other places that need talent this year to waste it on R1 and sit the guy. You got a R2 QB doing that currently.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:24 am
NEED to draft a CENTER FIRST, regardless of the QB or OC, they won’t get any further than Divisional Title. Brady couldn’t do it, Baker couldn’t do it, nor will we next year. Get the best Center in this draft, then you have a solid 10 years of opportunity.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:25 am
Yoiur whole take along with the rest of the fake news is a bunch of rabbit pucky. Forget about Canales and quit slobbering over him. He is now the enemy.
Coaches are a dime a dozen . Remember coaches don’t play. Canales didnt make Baker better. Baker made him look better. In fact if anything he held Baker back. Two runs into the line then third and lon g. I don’t think another QB in the NFL spent so much time in third and long. Canales used Baker and his escape abilty to cover up many of this teams issues.
Buld up the O and D lines. Baker will take the next coach to the super bowl. Probably next year. It is the addition of Baker that makes this mediocre team a contender.
Baker came to this town as a complete stranger and was treated poorly as an unwelcome outsider from top to bottom except for Bowles.The fake news was already trying to run him out of the game and your incredibly ignorant and football savy fans dissed the kid at every single microscopic take. AT the same time overvaluing you talent depleted team. Baker mastered the new system,won the team over and led them to the divisional round.
Baker will be fine if your brain trust backs him up. Not that any of these trolls deserve it.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:30 am
BTW The Bucs have drafted a lot of QB’s and Fameis is far from the only bust.
Steve Young is the only success with Trent Dilfer OK. Doug Williams had a great year in DC for a GREAT coach with a GREAT team!
Meanwhile where did the Bucs get their two SB QB’s. HINT- it wasn’t the draft!!
I got sucked into Jameis fever. Oh he had grown up…not character flaws just immaturity. Right! Check yo sheets! Hey fool me once…Ok but again?
January 26th, 2024 at 8:33 am
BTW having said that about Fameis I’d be less upset if they brought him back than take a shot on a raw meat rookie with a 50-50 shot.
Perhaps the humiliation has given JW some perspective. Don’t really see either side though in a rush to make that deal.
JW has talent from the neck down. If his character flaws have been eliminated I would not be surprised to see him succeed with the right team and coach.
And this from a Jameis hater. LOL
January 26th, 2024 at 8:33 am
why draft a qb, bus have Trask?
January 26th, 2024 at 8:36 am
It will be a wasted pick with Bowles as HC. He did Trask ZERO favors in developing, we’re now on our 3rd OC in 3 yrs, literally the absolute worst scenario for a young QB. Why bother trying to develop a QB when the OCs will change every other year OR the entire staff is let go and now a new HC wants “his guy”. Bowles is such a clown show, one more loss this season and we’re looking to replace him. I really believe management is waiting to talk to Monken and Johnson. Monken is a known/proven offensive mind with a history with Mayfield. If you’re going to sign Mayfield to big bucks and draft a QB to groom, you want stability on the offensive side of the ball.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:37 am
“Tampabaybucfan Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 7:53 am
What about Trask? Is Joe saying that 2 years behind Brady and another with Canales has concluded with him being unable to step in?
If so…..just say so.”
Yes. If that isn’t obvious to some folks by now, it never will be.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:41 am
We need to draft a QB because we are really good at that
January 26th, 2024 at 8:44 am
Yeah, let’s draft the next worthless Kyle Trask at 26th.
Resign Baker, Evans comes back.
With Baker, I think it’s more about continuity with the players around him and stability of the franchise than the coordinator.
Gotta draft BPA. Period.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:45 am
Penix wouldn’t survive behind the current oline. He’s the best passer in the class but is worse than a 45 year old Tom Brady when pressured. No to Bo. He’s a career back up. Bucs need their teammates in Rome Odunze if Mike leaves or oregons Powers-Johnson would be a huge upgrade over Hainsey.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:51 am
We don’t have that luxury to draft a development/bench rising QB that early if we resign Mayfield! We need to bolster the trenches on both sides in the 1st-3rd rounds!
January 26th, 2024 at 8:53 am
Bucs will regret lettings Canales walk and keeping the Bowels movement onebuc.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:55 am
I want to see improvement next year. Drafting a 26th round QB won’t improve anything next year. llinemen and DB are what we need.
Bowles’ words, not Joe’s — “prolonging the obvious.”
January 26th, 2024 at 8:56 am
Does Baker see DC as “the man that saved his career”? Because all Bake has ever talked about is the BUCS as a team accepting him and allowing him to just be himself. He has talked well about Dave. But the majority of the press has been about the team allowing him to be himself. Not Dave saving his career…. As long as the Bucs have Mike, and Chris, and the young WRs and White, and commit to protecting him I am sure Dave leaving doesn’t change how the players feel about Bake being Bake.
January 26th, 2024 at 8:59 am
Is Trask going with Canales to the Panthers? Then yes, we do need another back-up for Baker. Hopefully, Evans and others will be back too.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:02 am
1st strategy no matter who is the HC, OC or QB is not being 3 and 8 after 2 worthless runs…… No team has success doing this and Canales seemed to have mastered that strategy.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:09 am
Canales did not save Baker. Baker made Canales look good enough to become the Panthers new head coach. If not for Baker Mayfield, Canales may have been fired from the OC job in Tampa. I see Trask fans are still rabid and foolish in their thinking. Trask is where he belongs. The back up on the bench. Can’t believe people still think he has any relevance after the season Baker gave Buc fans. Careful what you wish for. Wishing for a better Offensive line, secondary, and running game is smart, wishing for Trask instead of Baker to quarterback the Bucs, is stupid.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:12 am
Oh No! Not again.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:27 am
Joe joe Baker had tons of success years 1-3. It was injuries that did him in. Grab Alex Van Pelt now..
January 26th, 2024 at 9:30 am
I recall the Lions having a similar situation when Goff was tossed into the trade with the Rams. He was mediocre at best according to fans but Campbell stuck with him and boy has he produced for them! I think we probably have something with Baker, let’s give him a 3 year prove it deal!
January 26th, 2024 at 9:30 am
Send Trask down to the Ufl for playing time.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:31 am
This year wasn’t Baker’s Best statistical season. In my opinion Joe, that would be 2018, Baker’s rookie year. He finished with 27 TDs and 3800 yards in 13.5 games. And that’s playing for a team that was 1-34 before Baker played in his first game at halftime against the Jets. That year he also had two different HC’s and OC’s.
Canales certainly helped Baker there’s no doubt about that, but give him continuity with this offense and he’ll have a much better season in 2024.
BEEF UP THE O-LINE FIRST! If you feel that Trask can’t play then draft a QB in the later rounds. But the trenches come first.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:35 am
“Since Mayfield had such limited success working for many coordinators over the years, why should Joe believe the same Mayfield of 2023 will be slinging the rock well in 2024 without Canales?”
—–
All this tells me is you write off the top of yoru head more than you research. Take the criticism . It will make you a better writer.
Go ahead and put in the tape for all his games at the Rams and tell me what Canales made Baker do that he already wasn’t doing with the rams
Its a homer position I realize now you will never let go BUt it IS a homer position.
Canales can easily be replaced. With little by way of facts you hve just elevated him faar beyond what his role was with Baker.
Frankly Caales STILL hasnt used Baker to his mzimum infairness inpart beause of the alck of a runnign game.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:36 am
stpetebucfan Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 8:21 am
Mayfield totally outplayed expectations. But he HAD done it before in Cleveland.
Horrid management and a SERIOUS injury set him back! Canales was decent as an OC but he had LOTS of difficulties as well. To say HE made Baker’s career is absurd.
—————–
stpetebuc,
totally agree with you. There has been so much nonsense re Baker on this blog that it would be better if he just took the big money and ran. These fools derisively like to call Baker a “journeyman” while failing to recognize he was worshiped by the Cleveland fans until he got injured and tried to play through it. Got traded to Carolina and requested his released in 2022 to sign with Rams at midseason while Matt Stafford was injured. Baker threw the game winning TD pass to beat Las Vegas at the buzzer last year despite being with the team a grand total of 24 hours. Seriously doubt that happened because of an OC. No OC throws passes to Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. It was Baker who did that and it is significant that both those guys say they want Baker back. Let RodMunch be OC next year and have Trask as QB.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:40 am
You don’t force a QB pick, likely would be the 4th to 5th QB off the board.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:44 am
FU to Canales. What a piece of work. I hope he fails miserably in Carolina, and he probably will.
TRAITOR.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:48 am
Gipper Says:
totally agree with you. There has been so much nonsense re Baker on this blog that it would be better if he just took the big money and ran.
—-
Put me on board that train. I rooted for baker before he was a Buc and I can root fo the bucs and Baker seperately again. Steelers would be awesome and the rams if Stafford decides to hang it up. Shucks theres even a little bit of old school raiders in him too.
Baker didn’t need tampa. He just wanted to start. With the rams and stafford being injured every season as a backup he would have had his shots to continue at LA turning heads. Would his payday have been less this year? sure but that actually would have him in an interesting position with teams this year given he would be cheaper.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:51 am
So Joe if you’re drafting a quarterback who do you hire to develop this kid. It didn’t workout well with Trask we currently have no offensive coordinator so you have to hire one that has the vision and a plan to develop. Tampa has NEVER developed a quarterback Winston was a complete waste of 5yrs.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:57 am
I don’t understand how there is any threat of Mayfield leaving. The Bucs have the franchise tag available.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:59 am
Anybody that suggests we take Michael Penix anywhere before round 3 should be immediately banned and barred from uttering another word about football on this site. Age, injury history, long history of subpar play in college, very poor final performance in college. The dude is damaged goods, too old, and didn’t find success until he was the oldest, most experienced guy on the field. He’s the Tennessee QB from last year everyone thought except NFL teams thought was a first rounder only left handed… hard pass.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:04 am
I’d rather have an OLB/DE, Center/OG, and MLB in the first three rounds.
We have Trask if Baker departs.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:04 am
Absolutely disagree with you Joe. Too many other needs.
Forget JJ and Bo. Only consider Penix if he’s there at #26.
If you can’t re-sign Baker, put the FA tag on him for a year.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:07 am
Despite a few hiccups, Jason Light has been killing it when it comes to snagging powerhouse offensive linemen and standout wide receivers. But let’s be real here: his quarterback picks have been downright rough. So why throw your faith his way when it comes to QBs? It’s like trusting a wrench to do the job meant for a hammer.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:09 am
Go right ahead and draft a QB with that 1st pick. We had better find a pass rush from somewhere next season. Or its going to be the same old Sh…
January 26th, 2024 at 10:10 am
Oh, dear lord. Is this the same “Wirfs can’t play LT better than some semi-scrub FA” Joe? Marino only went that late because of off-field concerns, there is no Marino other than the top-3 picks. Why sign young Baker Mayfirld to a lucrative contract to then worsen the team by picking his backup high. You do know Baker Mayfield played good before Dave Canales, right? Some Joe just said he did awesome with Alex Van Pelt. He only played semi-badly with the bad shoulder, then he got to camp super-late in Carolina & that & Cleveland are two utter trainwreck franchises. McVay sure thought he was good. This is a top-5 worst Joe Bucs Fan take.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:10 am
Brandon Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 9:59 am
Anybody that suggests we take Michael Penix …… Age, injury history, long history of subpar play in college, very poor final performance in college. The dude is damaged goods,
—
Yes but he is in this years draft and we all know this draft has QB fairy dust sprinkled all over it.
The hype is real
January 26th, 2024 at 10:12 am
This is the exact concern I had last year., drafting in the 20’s rather than around 10. Glad to see the playoff victory. But now time to pay the piper. I don’t think any top notch QB will be there at 26. Or that we would be willing to pay the price to move up a dozen spots to get one, and basically patchwork our other needs without any other high draft picks. So I’d say find a way to sign Baker, draft a QB in the second or third round, and develop him… unless Trask is the heir apparent. And I haven’t seen glimpses of that.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:24 am
\
Beware of Bo Nix……….how’d he look in the big games??? Like crap!
January 26th, 2024 at 10:25 am
First things first! Hire a new OC that brings a system that compliments what Bowles does on Defense then draft a Qb that fits the scheme of the new offense. No point in drafting a guy who can run a 4.3 if he’s playing in a west coast offense when there’s a better picket passer available.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:48 am
If we retain Baker, Trask, and Wolford, it’s hard to envision the Bucs drafting a QB. Too many other pressing needs, mostly in the trenches.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:55 am
Bo Nix = Sam Darnold
January 26th, 2024 at 10:58 am
The person “that saved Mayfield’s career” was Baker Mayfield period. The journeyman handle, scrap heap and the rest is just nonsense. Mayfield like Matthew Stafford is an elite NFL QB. All elite QB’s need supporting casts as Stafford proved with the Rams. Anyone smart enough to look behind the scenes in Cleveland could have figured out the real story with Baker. Instead they just relied on an untrue narrative much like the 3.5 year “Russian Collusion” story that never happened.
January 26th, 2024 at 11:02 am
Milton: “Or Bo Nix, known as Bo Pix at Auburn! You can’t make this stuff up.”
He sure as hell wasn’t Bo Pix at Oregon. I watched every game he played up here and he was dynamite! He will not last to get drafted by the Bucs. Ever since the Mariotta/Jamis situation I don’t trust drafting any QB in first round UNLESS we absolutely need one. We have one already (and a HOF candidate on the Bench)!
January 26th, 2024 at 11:33 am
“BM will stay, but thats not some great victory. He is middle of the road at best”
4000 yards and 28 TD’s says otherwise
January 26th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
Draft a QB? For what? Licht drafted Trask…another 2nd round bust.
No thanks. Roll with Baker.
January 26th, 2024 at 12:14 pm
We are drafting 26th.
Take the BEST PLAYER Available.
We have plenty of needs.
MLB
LB
DE
CB
RB
C
G
January 26th, 2024 at 12:21 pm
The stupidity in losing Canales is still mindboggling.
It puts Mayfields status at risk, more because he is likely to leave more than his regression.
We were set to own the NFC South for years to come.
Now, It is likely we lose Mayfield and Evans.
And if the traskies didnt think they could look more like fools, than they did last year,
Wait til trask does start this year.
January 26th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Bo Nix or Michael Penix–ok great but Joe you are dreaming if you think that will happen, Jason Licht is a bargain hunter–nothing more. Those to qb’s are very very good and will not be available in the bottom of the 1st round. I would say J.Trav. in round 3 or beyond is much more likely to be Licht’s style.
January 26th, 2024 at 12:37 pm
I would be very surprised if the Bucs tagged Mayfield this years franchise tag for a QB is 36 mil. He is definitely not worth that much. I mean you could sign Evans and Winfield for that money. I don’t believe the Bucs will draft a QB even if they can’t sign Mayfield. They will just sign Gardner Minshew or someone like that and hope for the same result.
January 26th, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Bo Nix would make Kyle Trask look like Dan Marino. He’s the biggest fraud since Johnny Football. No. Not happenings. Jason and his crew are good and will know what to do, and that isn’t to select a QB in round 1.
January 26th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Weeeeeee let’s throw away a 1st round pick on a QB we don’t need in the short term and won’t be the cup of tea of whatever OC/HC we have in the future for the long term.
Never mind if he’s any good. This draft stinks outside of the top 2 QBs. It having a ton of guys that are draftable and might be long term 3rd string guys in the league does not make it a good QB draft.
January 26th, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Gipper Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 10:58 am
The person “that saved Mayfield’s career” was Baker Mayfield period. The journeyman handle, scrap heap and the rest is just nonsense.
—-
Well you have to understand. People HATE to be wrong. So you have two choices on Baker
1) We were wrong and Baker was a good QB in bad situations.
2) We were right and that bad QB all of a sudden became great so we don’t have to eat egg on our face.
So they chose nummer one to keep their egos well nourished. It doesnt matter squat he is now playing at the same level he was before injury in Cleveland and continues on from what he was doing witht he Rams. It has to be Magical Canales so they can claim they were right but HE changed.
January 26th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
No, if Mayfield comes back you gotta use that pick on an OLB / edge rusher, or an interior lineman, or a ballhawking ILB.
Way bigger holes to fill than QB if Mayfield is still here. Just get a good OC ffs
January 26th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
I do wonder if Canales can poach Evans? If Tepper offers Mike an extra guaranteed year, nice signing bonus…this troubles me..I think franchising Mike may be in the future.
January 26th, 2024 at 2:16 pm
If you’re going to pick a QB at 26, you’re basically drafting a 2nd round pick. Why not go with Trask, a known commodity rather than take a chance at 26 with someone who’s never been to an NFL training camp let alone taken an NFL snap. I would prefer to take the available talent that can contribute almost right away.
January 26th, 2024 at 2:19 pm
The best franchises take best player available with every pick. It ain’t rocket science.
January 26th, 2024 at 2:31 pm
UKBuccaneer Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 2:19 pm
The best franchises take best player available with every pick. It ain’t rocket science.
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One of the few sensible things ever said on this blog. Another way of saying the same thing is “never draft for need, always draft the best available player.” Too bad most GM’s never figure this out.
January 26th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Why would anyone who is sane just assume Baker isn’t going to revert to being what he’s always been?
I’m fine with bringing him back, and paying good money for it, in hopes that maybe he won’t turn into a pumpkin, but the history of QBs who are busts, who suddenly have a good year, the history says they revert to being what they’ve always been. Now, that doesn’t mean Baker will not be an exception, they do happen, like Geno Smith had a nice year this year after his breakout in this same offense – but most QBs bust.
So, with that said, if a QB falls to you – of course you take them. Best case, Baker is good, and the rookie can sit and learn for years like Love.
Talking about the first round pick though, no need to waste picks on later rounds where guys almost never turn out to be any good – and rarely have the talent needed to be a legit starter.
January 26th, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Rod Munch Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Why would anyone who is sane just assume Baker isn’t going to revert to being what he’s always been?
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Munch, you are beyond redemption. Maybe Bruce Arians (a Baker fanboi?) can explain it to you. If not, why don’t you straighten him out? We know you have been on the wrong side of the Mayfield fence all year and you just can’t let it go. Would love to publish for all a montage of all your Baker bashing comments from week 1 right thru the near miss in Detroit. Meanwhile, Baker outperforms in 2023 most so called elite QB’s. What’s more he did it with a running game that was dead last, a spongy O line, and yet another new head coach and new OC.
January 26th, 2024 at 4:23 pm
Rod Munch Says:
December 31st, 2023 at 5:15 pm
He was trash in the weeks before his two career games, vs the two worst passing defenses in the NFL, then returns back to who he was before he played those terrible pass defenses.
I was legit hoping that perhaps those easy tune up games might get him into the zone and perhaps he could stay hot, then he comes out and has his worst game of the season (and no, I don’t care about garbage stats that came after they were down 20-0).
But Baker is who he is, a mid-tier backup QB.
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Rod Munch,
Turns out I don’t even have to go back to Week 1 to demonstrate your irrelevance. Don’t even need to go back a full month. Your comments above less than a month ago are significant as Baker will undoubtedly sign a contract in the neighborhood of $40Million/yr very soon with a team looking for a “top tier” QB.
January 26th, 2024 at 7:46 pm
What young college quarterback in his right mind would ever want to be drafted into Tampa ? Tampa has a horrid record in developing young quarterbacks starting from the present and going back to their beginnings, if you find yourself here , try to escape to somewhere , anywhere but here! Follow the example of our young OC and flee as soon as you get the chance!
January 26th, 2024 at 9:04 pm
Oh, gee. Warm weather for 10 months a year. Not obnoxious cost of living. Zero state income tax. Yeah, what a pit.
You are right. Better off in Chicago, Detroit, Philly, Jersey or Washington.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:21 pm
For crying out loud Joe HOW MANY passes did Canales throw? How many crippling shots did he take? Baker was one of the best QBs in the NFL this year. There is NO QB available to the Bucs who could replace Trask much less Baker. Baker literally played his ass off. Bowles is aggressively pursuing some great OCs so just stop the squawking. We will dominate the South next year with Baker.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:44 pm
We got Kyle Trask and he’s going to be a player once he gets his opportunity.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:47 pm
So the strategy is use 1st round pick to draft a young QB who won’t play for 3 or 4 years when Vea, Evans, Godwin, Dean, Davis, R White, David are all past their prime or retired. Oh, and also telling Bucs fans that Trask was a wasted pick.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:00 pm
I personally think it’s insulting to Mayfield as a man and as a player to put so much of his success this year on Canales and not on Baker himself.
From what I saw (and from what I saw posted by others most of this season) was the same old offensive schemes as last year with Lefty for the most part. Mayfield had weapons to work with, a not too tough schedule of opponents and I think even if Lefty were still here his performance would have been about the same.
His throwing mechanics, footwork, release time, etc all looked the same as they ever were with him for what I’ve seen over the years. The major improvement was his confidence and belief in himself and his teammates.
I think Mayfield did more for Canales and made HIM look good by balling out rather than the other way around.
I’d wish Canales well if he was in a different division or conference but since he isn’t, I hope he fails miserably and uses the bank he’ll make to embark on a self-help “power of positive thinking” speaking tour after he gets canned by Tepper.
January 26th, 2024 at 11:11 pm
Joe: yes those are nice peripheral benefits, but that’s not why young professionals who have dedicated most of their lives to develop their skills so that they can get a chance to play at the highest level, and then to go to a team and never get a fair shot to prove yourself or what must be worse , absolutely soul crushing , is that you ,and everyone else , knows you outperformed your competition and still have it taken away from you. Over the years Tampa has gotten that reputation, Steve Young escaped to SanFrancisco and made it into the Hall of Fame, Doug Williams escaped to Washington and made history at the Superbowl, funny , why can’t Tampa seem to be able to get that done here? We have never had a quarterback even come close to spending their whole career here, We are getting a bad reputation and it’s going to bite us.
January 27th, 2024 at 12:47 am
Joe writes many articles based on emotion of the moment. If they resign Baker they’re not going to draft a QB in the first round!!!!! They’ll have Baker and Trask on an expiring rookie deal. Find the right OC draft needs like edge rushers, Lb, CB even a guard. Pass on the 6 year college QB I’d rather have Trask
January 27th, 2024 at 9:22 am
Next year when Baker goes back to being Baker y’all will be saying we could have drafted this quarterback and that quarterback when they playing well. Just like we could have had Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson who were both better than Baker Mayfield . And we will see it again this year if they don’t take advantage of this rich quarterback draft class even if you bring Baker back. Baker is not going to go average to below average to being a elite quarterback at the age of 29 it don’t work that way!!
January 27th, 2024 at 9:25 am
Alanbucs. Who sniging Baker to a 4 year deal that will be bad for business and for the team. Baker is not a franchise quarterback man you people have lost y’all minds!! Lol 😂😂
January 27th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Oneilbuc Says:
January 27th, 2024 at 9:22 am
Next year when Baker goes back to being Baker y’all will be saying we could have drafted this quarterback and that quarterback when they playing well. Just like we could have had Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson who were both better than Baker Mayfield.
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Pretty dumb things to say about a guy about to sign a $40mill/year 5 yr deal with some team.
January 27th, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Gipper. And you will be the main one making up excuses for Baker Mayfield and blaming the coaches next year 😂😂!!