Baker Mayfield Is Excited
April 26th, 2024
The Bucs are building around Baker Mayfield and Joe expects that to continue tonight with the addition of a running back and/or a wide receiver.
Mr. Mayfield doesn’t know what will go down in Rounds 2 and 3 this evening, but he sure knows what happened last night when the Bucs took hulking center Graham Barton out of Duke University.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht said Mayfield contacted him moments after the Bucs picked Barton and was excited.
“You know, quarterbacks get excited when you pick the big guys in front of them,” Licht said. “Keep them upright. [Mayfield] was excited.”
Joe is fired up, too. The last time the Bucs had a mauling center they won a lot of freakin’ games.
And what does the Bucs offense look like if its 440 or so rushing attempts per season doesn’t generate the worst yardage total in the league, as it has the past two seasons?
Joe would like to find out. And Barton should help with that.
For those moaning about the Bucs running 440 times in a season. That’s less than the NFL average. So stop whining.
April 26th, 2024 at 10:37 am
Joe is fired up, too. The last time the Bucs had a mauling center they won a lot of freakin’ games.
You are confusing us…….this must be the other Joe…..because one Joe has been very negative about the pick.
Either that or Joe is coming around after finding out just how good this pick was.
First, Joe has long stated that being excited to have a player and not liking the choice are two very different things. Pretty sure most fans understand that. Joe was excited to see O.J. Howard strap on a Bucs helmet after being crushed the Bucs didn’t land Dalvin Cook in the 2017 draft.
April 26th, 2024 at 10:51 am
Joe,
I’m excited that running it up the dick on first down will be effective! I would be ecstatic if Licht drafted another big ugly and just played bully ball. I also adore the thought of 4 linemen starting on rookie deals and then extending the sh!t out of Wirfs.
Licht trading up with Kyle and John for the rights to Wirfs was his best move. It was the piece that protected old man Brady and allowed us to win a title.
I also really appreciate Licht’s desire for trench players. It makes me smile to see us draft dudes up front. Even when it doesn’t work out, I’m thrilled with the attempt.
With that said, if we could trade up some for Zach Frazier, would you? And then maybe get the Wisconsin RB and let the big boy just tired out defenses. And hopefully a big bodied RB can tire out DBs and make it better to pass on them when they’ve taken a whopping each game.
Between Vita Vea and Wirfs, we could never be sexier in the trenches.
April 26th, 2024 at 10:53 am
If you think about a draft as a process through which a team hopes to add players to help it win games, and less as a thing to win itself, then filling a need with the best overall player at that position is very exciting.
April 26th, 2024 at 10:54 am
What player or position are you pounding the table for today Joe?
April 26th, 2024 at 10:56 am
I hope we go trade up for Zach Frazier and declare war on the NFC S by letting them know we are going to run it down their throats at will and pass to Evans to keep you honest. That would be my dream. 5 Licht draft picks from rounds 1-2 on the front line.
April 26th, 2024 at 10:56 am
Gotta get some D help too…Trade up….Payton Wilson, Cooper, or DeJean…or stay and grab Bullard….then we get Estime and Kamara with our 3rds
April 26th, 2024 at 10:57 am
well, Awesome pick. Think, receiver or running back is around 4/5th round. EDGE is next, all defense till 4th.
April 26th, 2024 at 10:58 am
I also miss Marpet and Jensen. Get nastier in the trenches.
I’m all for Joe’s fav, the Illinois DT too. Can’t go wrong with putting a guy next to Vita. Compliment the strength and let the NFC S know you will have to pocket to rise upon, not be able to run the ball. Just create hell up front.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:06 am
Baker is going to be cooking 🧑🍳 I said last year we gotta protect mayfield give him time to throw and this is a 10+ win team
April 26th, 2024 at 11:06 am
So, all the known top-notch edge rushers are gone? A known-quantity dude like Newton is next
April 26th, 2024 at 11:13 am
I’d love to get JPJ, Frazier, or Christian Haynes to solidify the offensive line and than trade for Trey Hendrickson
April 26th, 2024 at 11:16 am
Yes!!! Great pick indeed! I don’t think we’ll be seeing any of our backs just getting stuffed every time they get the ball. It was like the other team had a defender already in the backfield lined up.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Yes get this o line ready for our future franchise quarterback next year!!
April 26th, 2024 at 11:26 am
Two players touch the ball every snap. The QB and Center are both critical positions IMO. I love getting Barton with our 1st pick.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:27 am
Oneilbuc,
Kind of like getting our O-line ready for the GOAT to come to Tampa and win us a chip! 🏆 🐐 🏈 7️⃣ 💍 s
Weapons for Brady (Winston?)
April 26th, 2024 at 11:27 am
We have our QB already oneil….shush!
April 26th, 2024 at 11:31 am
Now, I understand…..excited about player but didn’t like the pick….
Sort of like hopping into bed with the ugly one.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:32 am
Love the pick! I wouldn’t mind a trade up using one of the two 3rd rounders…if a targeted player falls a bit (Newton, McConkey, Cooper, DeJean)??
April 26th, 2024 at 11:34 am
To complement the Barton pick and kickstart the run game they need to add a RB. Either one of their 3rd round picks would seem to be the sweet spot for that.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:36 am
The convergence of BPA and need is a beautiful thing! Very hopeful we get several more starters from this draft.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:37 am
Saw some stats on Frazier last week that had Joe tapping the brakes on the guy.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:42 am
Edge, another IOL, CB, then best WR or RB in that order
April 26th, 2024 at 11:44 am
Joe has opinions just like everyone else here. He is right on some things, not so right on others. He had a real thing for a quarterback from Texas a&m a few years ago. Like everyone else, he makes mistakes. I trust Licht.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:46 am
Thanks, Joe, for the reply.
I’d be happy as hell if we could trade up for Newton imagine another beast next to Vita. I’d love edge or CB, but not to reach when a better prospect is there.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:49 am
And 3 other teams also though they had their quarterback lol 🤣🤣
April 26th, 2024 at 11:50 am
REJOICE! GRAHAM BARTON WILL BE BLOCKING FOR KYLE TRASK FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!!
April 26th, 2024 at 11:53 am
Bucs will take a RB tonight. They’ve clearly analyzed how terrible the running game has been yet know it’s hard to find a starting RB in the late rounds.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Years ago, Joe banged the drum for Lavonte David for months and I fell in love with the guy. I hope his same instinct and intuition are there for the Newton DT. That’s be a nice guy to put next to vita and create a rotation of problems.
April 26th, 2024 at 11:58 am
The Glazer family has finally won me over. I implored them not to mess it up after the transition from TB12 (TB Who?). They have masterfully transitioned us from the BA era (BA Who ?) (BL Who?). Thankfully they stuck with Todd Bowles (I was ready to bail on him twice.). Jason Licht (thank you Lovie) has matured and built a great front office. The Bucs now have the stable foundation for the future that has been lacking for almost 50 years. Some of you may remember that for many many years the Bucs just could not build an “O” line. I still believe Baker will become our version of Drew Brees. All the younger and/or newer fans best enjoy and appreciate things as they are now for you know not what it took to get here. The Bucs will never be the darling of the NFL but they could become the most notable team in a state with 3 NFL teams. Regardless, we are no longer the “Yucs”. Go Bucs !!
April 26th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
“Oneilbuc Says:
April 26th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Yes get this o line ready for our future franchise quarterback next year!!”
You must truly enjoy being wrong all the time.
April 26th, 2024 at 12:16 pm
If they never score, you never lose. Got the blocker, now get help to shut down opponents.
April 26th, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Agreed with posters above, let’s go ahead and take care of the OL today or tomorrow. Draft a legit center as there will be some GREAT options to choose from.
April 26th, 2024 at 12:32 pm
Get a mauler LG and a thumper RB – the rest is icing on the cake.
And to you trolls – boring and ignorant is no way to go through life. You’re on double secret probation.
April 26th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Restock the offensive talent. Our coach is a defensive guru that generates a pass rush with smoke and mirrors. Let him work his magic.
April 26th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
We need another WR and CB too.
April 26th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
There are some who can be an LVD long-term replacement and start immediately. Edgerrin Cooper of Texas A&M comes to mind. Not sure if they have a chance to get him though.
I see them taking a wide receiver, but not that soon, they already have their top three. And I would not count out Jarrett as emerging in the fourth position
April 26th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Listening to Sirius the other day, our old buddy-pal, ex-GM Dominick stated that this year’s class of edges is terrible, but next year’s edge class is one of the best he’s ever seen.
Maybe the Bucs don’t grab an edge at all this year, or maybe some no-name late, with the idea they will have a better chance next draft to grab a quality/elite edge?
Interesting intel, but then again, it WAS Dominick saying this…so I dunno.
Can’t wait to open MORE Christmas presents tonight!! WOOOOOOOOOO.
April 26th, 2024 at 1:04 pm
With our 3 picks tonight, Bucs will take an Edge or DT (depending on who’s still available), an ILB (beefy enough to play MLB) and a beastly RB (to complement White). All 3 (plus Barton obviously) will play key roles this year & need to be starter-capable.
April 26th, 2024 at 1:32 pm
There is going to be a run on RB. I’m hoping one of the LB’s falls to us. Wilson, Colson or Trottier. Not convinced Britt ,Russell or Denis is the answer and David might retire next year.
April 26th, 2024 at 1:47 pm
Go Bucs
April 26th, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Any chance Edgerrin Cooper LB Texas A&M slips enough that the Bucs could trade up for him?
He is LVD but a harder hitter.
April 26th, 2024 at 2:16 pm
People are sick of talking ATL… ok.. How about Carolina. Why would you trade-
33rd and 141st overall picks to Buffalo for the 32nd and 200th overall picks?
Obviously the Bills were not taking your guy if they will trade.
I saw the division make some suspect moves. Happy
April 26th, 2024 at 2:18 pm
It just occurred to me that we have made three straight playoffs without the benefit of a running game. Can you imagine how good our offense would be if we had a bruising running game that wore our the opposing team’s Olinemen in the fourth quarter? It would keep our defense well rested, enhance our play action game and take a lot of pressure off Baker
April 26th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Joe… We should be giving some love to how Logan Mankins started the culture change with the O-line room and the fact that Jason Light pulled off the trade! This new kid reminds me of the manbeast Mankins!
April 26th, 2024 at 2:54 pm
Gitty up Joe! Great pick at #26. Look forward to stealing some more talent off the board tonight too!
April 26th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Trask To The Future Says:
April 26th, 2024 at 11:50 am
REJOICE! GRAHAM BARTON WILL BE BLOCKING FOR KYLE TRASK FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!!
—-
There is ZERO reason to believe Barton will end up being so bad that he will need to be traded to whatever team that Kyle is on next year.
But umm speaking of trade pieces for a 6th 🙂
April 26th, 2024 at 3:31 pm
D.R.
I largely agree except perhaps for the desperation many here are feeling for yet another edge rusher.
I absolutely value sacks! But Edge rushers are not the only place where the Bucs can get pressure…obviously the interior..two promising youngsters in Calijah and YaYa…Other than perhaps LVD perhaps not much help from LB with White gone…but there are still plenty of blitzers left…Obviously Winfield…perhaps Whitehead..McCollum is a VERY physical DB…my point is we go to war with the guys we got and I feel pretty safe. While most here simply want fling poo at Bowles…he is a true defensive creator. I trust Bowles a lot more to get creative with the D than leaving poor Coen to compensate on the O.
We have at least two “inside” guys who can play outside as well. Imagine an elephant DL with even Vea occassionally on the edge…he was a star HS RB and he can play in space for a big man.
Bottom line…I like you want Braelon Allen’s 245 lbs paired with White. Could be a mini revival of Thunder and Lightning…I emphasize “mini” I don’t expect Alstott and Dunn to return but perhaps their style.
The OL has improved…all talk of WR needs is focused on NEXT year and CG14’s expired contract. I get that…but I want to WIN NOW!!! Another WR is one of the least things this team needs for 2024! I’ll worry about ’25 next off season.
Get a monster RB!!! Not because White sucks…he doesn’t but to provide some balance.
April 26th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Atlbuc28 Says:
April 26th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Joe… We should be giving some love to how Logan Mankins started the culture change with the O-line room and the fact that Jason Light pulled off the trade!
Excellent observation ! It also indicates the time and patience it takes to bring such a change in culture. Once again, thank you to the Glazers and Licht.
April 26th, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Madman O’Neil is a genuine jackass
April 26th, 2024 at 11:47 pm
Baker fan. Lol 😂😂 that’s a good one lol 🤣🤣 ..