Crazy To Think Bucs May Eye Kool-Aid McKinstry?
April 23rd, 2024
Target?
Yes, we are in the throes of lying season. Every team reportedly wants to trade up. Every team reportedly wants to trade down. Every team reportedly is standing pat.
So what can you believe? Well, you have to work at it.
Joe saw Bill Belicheat on Pat McAfee’s show last week when Belicheat claimed that until the day of the draft, most of what you read and hear, especially about guys rising and falling on draft boards, is strictly agent nonsense.
On the day of the draft, Belicheat even admitted that’s when team leaks begin to surface.
So what do you believe?
Well, what Belicheat said isn’t exactly an epiphany. Smart NFL reporters know the game and likely will only talk with those they trust.
So this time of the year the three guys Joe trusts not to peddle agent propaganda are Peter Schrager, Daniel Jeremiah and Albert Breer of SI.com.
That’s because Joe knows who these guys talk to.
So Joe found it very interesting that Breer appeared to list edge rusher as the No. 5 need of the Bucs. It’s unclear if Breer put the Bucs’ needs in order of priority (see below). But if he did, holy smokes are the Bucs very, very confident in second-year edge rusher YaYa Diaby.
- First round: No. 26
- Total picks: Seven
- Needs: OG, LB, CB, DT, Edge, RB
What you need to know: The Buccaneers don’t have a ton of huge needs. Perhaps the biggest one is for an off-ball linebacker and, as is the case at running back, there really isn’t a guy at that position expected to go in the first round. So it stands to reason Tampa gets a corner to replace Carlton Davis, or perhaps a pressure player for their defensive front such as Penn State’s Chop Robinson.
The Bucs considering corner as a priority need wouldn’t shock Joe. And if you don’t think Breer is being played, then perhaps the Bucs aren’t slam-dunk sold on Zyon McCollum (or Jamel Dean).
Joe’s not against a corner whatsoever. T.J. Tampa out of Iowa State looks like a good one but at No. 26 is probably a reach.
Joe thinks the draft will put Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama in the Bucs’ wheelhouse at No. 26.
T.J. Tampa , CB
6’1 , 189 lbs , 4.45 – 40 Time2023 Stats
• 44 Tackles (3 TFL)
• 2 INTs (7 Pass Breakups)
• 78.3 Coverage Grade+ Big, physical CB
+ Thumper
+ High Football IQ
+ 1st Team Big 12– Plays a tad too high
– Struggles w/ smaller/twitchy WRs
– Better in Zone pic.twitter.com/WIr5OAmVqV— IamMontyFetti 🖤💙✊🏾 (@WestsideFetti) April 21, 2024
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:39 am
Of all the positions, a bad corner hurts the team the most. You see it every time the starter gets hurt, unprepared backup enters, instant 6 points
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:41 am
It definitely wouldn’t be a reach. The guy is a proven corner good in man and zone and a field general from what I read. If all the linemen are gone, then CB could be the best value
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:45 am
The Packers brought Koolaid in for a visit and they pick right before us
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:50 am
I think Kool Ade is a tick slow for my tastes. That Tampa kid is projected second round from what I’d reag and he’s not exactly fast.
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:53 am
Kool-Aid McKinstry is not a reach and certainly came from Nick Saban school of teaching cornerbacks.
I just like the bigger, faster, and more productive guy from college, Cooper DeJean, a little bit more. Would also feel more comfortable with DeJean in the return game as well.
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:58 am
I will be very upset if the Bucs pick a depth CB in the 1st round. Bucs need to go Edge, IOL,WR ir trade back. Worst case DT.
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:03 am
The Bucs seldom draft a decent corner in the first round.
Remembering Rod ‘toast’ jones. Burnt toast had nuthin on him. Ole Rod could give up td’s with the best of them, hence the name….
Then we got pretty shoes Hargreaves. All shoes and no play.
Definitely talked the talk. But turned into a non performing lawnchair when the rubber met the road fer sure.
Both first round picks.
If the Bucs go this route, I’d take that white boy. DeJean….He will double as a return man too. If he turns into a bust at one thing, he may shine at another. As the saying goes, 1 out of 2 ain’t bad. Or something like that. Anyhow
I figure licht will go big and interior with the first pick…. Imo
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:16 am
In due respect to toast jones, I do remember toast being the only corner to ever catch bo jackson from behind while bo was still healthy. Too bad it was for another team at the time….just sayin.
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:18 am
I’m Okay with this
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:25 am
Recent speculations have been …
Chop
Barton
JPJ
McKinstry
If the Bucs stay at 26, Chop and McKinstry are the most likely. Chop is a Shaq clone and the Bucs will be moving on from Dean EOY. That said, I think a WR is highly likely.
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:47 am
That would be an epic fail. Don’t believe it. Nothing but smoke.
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:56 am
Kipper had Bucs ‘Needs’ as being C/G-WR-IOL.
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:57 am
Who ever wins the line of scrimmage wins the game. Period. No to a corner. Draft OL/DL and if your top guys aren’t there at 26 trade back.
April 23rd, 2024 at 9:08 am
T.J. Tampa fits the perfect Bowels mode, & if he’s there at #57 we should take him (as long as Frazier is off the board)… He seems very solid, durable, and well built for a nice 10 plus year career. He looks to have a pretty good floor with decent upside and potential. Would be a pretty safe and solid pick. And that “TAMPA 2” on the back of the jersey would be so epic. Might have to kick Trask to the curb for it though hahaha.
April 23rd, 2024 at 9:17 am
If Kool Aid was named Joe or any other common name, he’d be a JAG, IMHO… If TJ Tampa had the last name of Smith, most of you wouldn’t be talking about him.
I don’t care if somebody has a cool name, where he played college at, or his skin color. I just want the Bucs to draft good players.
April 23rd, 2024 at 9:51 am
No to Kool Aid at 26. If the OL or edge isn’t there at 26, trade down to the top of rd2 for Frasier or Braswell.
April 23rd, 2024 at 9:57 am
I think they need to go OL and then Edge in the second round and LB in the third round. CB is not a huge need we played most of the year without Davis and Dean as they were hurt majority of the year.
April 23rd, 2024 at 10:03 am
There SHOULD be 1 or 2 of the top Centers (JPJ, Barton, Frazier) still available when we pick #26. Any 1 of the 3 would help us this year, and IF 1 of them is there, that’ll be our #1 pick. We’ve got several bonafide candidates to start at the Guard positions (Mauch, Hainsey, Bredeson, Opeta) but Center has been our weak link.
April 23rd, 2024 at 10:18 am
Trade Down. Nothing worth first round after pick 20 IMO
April 23rd, 2024 at 10:32 am
Nate Wiggins!
April 23rd, 2024 at 10:35 am
Don’t sleep on Markees Watts.
April 23rd, 2024 at 10:56 am
Go get Gatorade Bartunek in the 8th round.
Where did I put my morning scotch?
April 23rd, 2024 at 10:59 am
Kool Aid, Wiggins or bust. Those other guys don’t have elite coverage grades like them. Except for the guys that will be gone. Arnold, Mitchell
April 23rd, 2024 at 11:15 am
Has nothing to do with the team not being sold on McCollum. He’s still developing. It has to do with the team knowing that Dean costs way too much for a guy that gets injured way too often and can’t catch gimme interceptions in the playoffs.
April 23rd, 2024 at 11:18 am
I never said take him at #1, “Joe.” I never said take him at #26, either. I said, at #57 (depending on how the draft falls until that pick) and that is right around the range that MOST ‘mocks’ have him ranked as a prospect. Some have him at the end of the FIRST… Others at the top of the THIRD. I have followed him some since HIGH SCHOOL, after he switched schools and Spectrum (HS) Sports did a thing on him. If his name was Joe Freaking BLOW, or whatever, I wouldn’t give a dammm… IF he couldn’t play. But, that’s obviously, NOT the case. My opinion is that he is a “safe” solid pick for that range, and the name is ONLY a bonus. So, ‘lighten up’ Old Man. Have some fun. You: “I Don’t Give A Darn What A Guy’s Name Is, Whether He’s Green, Blue, Purple, Or Where He Played At” Hahaha… Boy, you sure are a hardcore football guy there, Joe (spittin’ out all the old cliches) lol. I don’t believe there’s a single person on here lobbying for taking him or anyone else, over just a ‘name’ alone. The kid is good. Has ALL the measurables… Good size, speed, and not afraid to HIT. Plus, He CAN PLAY. None of that has anything to do with his name. Oh yeah… And, he’s black lol.
April 23rd, 2024 at 11:18 am
Kool-aid doesn’t exactly fit what Licht has been looking for in the length/speed categories for cornerbacks, but Licht may also be switching gears to try to find guys that can stay on the field and catch footballs.
I won’t be upset if they pick a corner. I’d rather target Max Melton in the 2nd round since he can run really fast and actually catches footballs.
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:09 pm
no more betting the house on cornerbacks! they are one of the least important positions in the game. Even Revis only won a championship when he got to play with Brady. Edge Rusher or trade down.
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:10 pm
After this weekend, the truth will be known. The lie season will end.
This is when the real off season begins to me. Once we know the draft picks.
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:12 pm
Give me a big guy in the trenches before a corner all day
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:13 pm
Scott Says
“Kool Aid, Wiggins or bust.”
LOL. Sorry…but the ‘or bust’ comment is especially fitting in the draft. Just got a laugh at that.
I want a franchise center. We get that…and I’m happy with the whole draft. I mean, sure, I want good picks all around, but Center is really our biggest need. If they can properly fill that role, I’m happy…no matter the round.
(although a first round center for once would be great)
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Conner50 Says:
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:12 pm
“Give me a big guy in the trenches before a corner all day”
This.
Have we ever even drafted OL in the first round? It’s time.
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:23 pm
U would rather see them fix the oline
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Kool-Aid I think will compare to Brent Grimes.
April 23rd, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Kool-Aid could be the best cover corner in this draft.
So – YES – I would be fine with that pick.
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Unless one of Bucs targets with a true first round grade (likely only 12-15 with that grade) drops to them then I hope they trade back rather than reach. Rather have more day two and three lottery tickets. Feel good about JL and company finding players to fill needs in day two and even three but would feel much better with one or two more selections.
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Thank god this is almost over lol
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:06 pm
LC …I concur.
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Bonzai…Wirfs was drafted in the 1st.
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Big boys please – OL, DE/DL, WR, RB – no small slow corners!! Licht got burned on VH3 and so don’t think he’ll do that again. We need thumpers!!
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:23 pm
If they pick a CB ima lose my $hit
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:46 pm
The best qb class in decades and not gonna draft one to develop cuz average baker was extended for two years, that’s irresponsible imo and is not setting us up for the future. I don’t think baker will win us a Super Bowl so why not draft one of these QBs smh
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:49 pm
Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers had Kool Aid for lunch as they had almost 200 yards of passing against him in the LSU v Bama game.
April 23rd, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Kool Aid would be an option in a hypothetical trade down situation. But at #26 F no.
Why? Because there are about to be 6 quarterbacks taken before the Bucs pick. There’s gonna be a Graham Barton, or a Latu, or a Verse who is sitting there. That’s who the Bucs pick. It will be apparent when it happens
April 23rd, 2024 at 2:13 pm
A good corner is worth nothing without a solid pass rush. Go D-Line or O-Line heavy. Even Darrelle Revis would get exposed with no Pass Rush.
April 23rd, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Best player available between Edge. Center, LB, RB, WR, TE. Find one of these guys that will be a future All Pro
April 23rd, 2024 at 2:19 pm
@geno711
Dejean will be gone by 20. Kool-Aid is the best WR that will drop to us
April 23rd, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Next year I’ll ask to be put in a medically induced coma right after the SB so as to be shielded from all this horseninny nonsense.
April 23rd, 2024 at 3:17 pm
kaimaru Says:
April 23rd, 2024 at 2:19 pm
@geno711
Dejean will be gone by 20.
Maybe, even probably. I just used him because Joe has pushed for Kool-Aid over him, because of the name apparently.
Draftbuzz is not my favorite website for draft except that they list where other scouting services have a player ranked.
On Cooper DeJean here is the list as of now:
PFF 8
Walter 14
Draftwire 15
PFN 18
MD DB 20
Draft Buzz 21
ESPN 22
CBS 22
Brugler 25
33rd Team 33
NFL 37
April 23rd, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Bowlestown
April 23rd, 2024 at 3:33 pm
The Bucs do best drafting linemen in the 1st round.
April 23rd, 2024 at 3:54 pm
They targeted him 4 times for 1 catch vs LSU from what I’m seeing. The whole year he was targeted only 36 times for 16 catches / 169 yards
April 23rd, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Buc1987 Says:
April 23rd, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Bonzai…Wirfs was drafted in the 1st.
My only excuse is that I had just woken up after a 3am night, lol
April 23rd, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Most of us want to trade back…so we’ll probably trade up 😉
And because it hasn’t been said…I will continue the tradition…
Kicker in the first!
April 23rd, 2024 at 4:42 pm
I’ve Decided we should get Brian Thomas Jr. WR from LSU in the first round
its a bucs life
April 23rd, 2024 at 4:47 pm
I like my corners with a little more chip on their shoulders to be a first round pick. 1st Round Corners should be lock down – non divas. Kool Aid could be that guy!
Carlton Davis and Jamil Dean were day 2 guys that came in hungry and physical
I’d rather trade the #26 pick for Patrick Curtain if we go corner.
Excited for the Draft its a bucs Life!!
April 23rd, 2024 at 4:54 pm
But he’s a man-to-man corner and Bowles is going to primarily play his super soft zone. Sounds like a terrible fit.
April 23rd, 2024 at 5:08 pm
Didn’t Kiper or Jeremiah put Wiggins as a true first round grade?
Can’t remember which, but they did.
I have never seen Koolaid with that grade.
I think Wiggins is more of a ball hawk and would rather have him if available.
That said, I really don’t think they go CB unless Mitchell or Arnold or Cooper is there.
I agree if JPJ, Barton or Frazier are there, that would add more value than a flyer on CB.
April 23rd, 2024 at 5:11 pm
The Iowa kid reminds me of C.Davis. So you get his replacement for a quarter of the price. Still to rich for my blood at 26 though.
April 23rd, 2024 at 5:50 pm
Kool-Aid was asked to meet prospective teams outside after his first few visits ended in the coaches’ offices walls being demo’d!
“Heeeeeeey Kool-Aid”!!!!
April 23rd, 2024 at 5:58 pm
Absolutely no. Use our 1st round pick on a guy Bowles is just going to play 20 yards off the line of scrimmage and wait for WRs to catch the ball? UDFAs can do that.
April 23rd, 2024 at 6:07 pm
Rod Munch Says:
April 23rd, 2024 at 4:54 pm
But he’s a man-to-man corner and Bowles is going to primarily play his super soft zone. Sounds like a terrible fit.
This comment is both funny and true.
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:05 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai,
ROFL!!! Tristan Wirfs!!!!!!! Paul Gruber!!!!! Kenyatta Walker!!!!!
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:39 pm
I expect IOL, WR, LB/CB, OLB, RB. And more.
April 23rd, 2024 at 7:52 pm
Buccaneer Draft
Desperately needed starter
DE, Left Guard, Center
Starter needed
OLB.
Upgrade or depth needed
Ilb, TE, WR, Rb, CB
Team strength
QB, OT, WR, S, DT
When you list your needs like this- the moves become obvious.
Alot of the speculation is just lazy or uninformed reporting.
That list is the facts. Supported by all of the stats.
This time of year, GMs sometimes fall in love with a player, and it hurts the team for years.
JTS was a reach on everyones board. Huge bust.
Logan Ryan was a reach. Bust
Vea was not a reach.
The Hardest thing this time of year for the GMs- is staying true to their board and more importantly their needs.
Best player available is a lie. Always was a lie. Only time you follow that policy is if you are an expansion team, or in a complete rebuild.
You dont waste a top pick on a player who is gonna watch a starter all year.
April 23rd, 2024 at 8:05 pm
No CB in the first. Bucs need to build in the trenches. Big OL or Center in the First. Or maybe a real DE, but not a CB.
April 23rd, 2024 at 9:14 pm
Horrible first round pick. Corner is one of our deeper positions despite the exodus of Carlton Davis. They have to go pass rusher (DT/OLB or Center/Guard) with the first pick.
Whatever of those two they don’t get in round one, they need to get in round two.
After that, they have far bigger needs at RB, WR, TE long before they consider another CB.
April 24th, 2024 at 5:22 am
the white uni-corner looks identical to adult film star alex davis…like go figure on that lol…they’re probably brothers…
and this guy is names kool-aid…
don’t drink the kool-aid or the tang on either of these guys
April 24th, 2024 at 7:40 am
Don’t be surprised to see our Bucs drink the Kool-Aid.