Why The Bucs Won’t Draft A Quarterback
April 12th, 2024
Joe realizes a chunk of Bucs fans, mostly Baker Mayfield critics, want the Bucs to find a way to draft a quality franchise quarterback prospect this month.
Forget that Bucs officials tell everyone that Kyle Trask is starter material. Forget that at least half the teams with a top-16 draft pick are either desperate for a quarterback or could use a young one. (And throw in the Rams’ potential interest at No. 19 overall with Matt Stafford at 36 years old.)
These Bucs fans want to make a huge investment in a rookie quarterback!
The Bucs pick at No. 26 overall and have Todd Bowles’ handpicked QB on the roster. That’s Baker Mayfield, who played exactly the way Bowles wanted him to last season. Mayfield and Bowles have the perfect football marriage.
So Joe expects that Bowles wants to draft a quarterback about as much as Joe wants to quit pizza, beer, chocolate and Instagram.
In fact, Joe thinks Bowles might have his first tantrum of the decade if the Bucs even put a quarterback on their Round 1 draft board.
Former NFL Network lead draft guru and ex-Raiders GM Mike Mayock talked recently on the 3 and Out podcast about how good general managers understand and know the strengths and weaknesses of their coaching staff, and they usually won’t cross swords with a head coach that’s adamant in not wanting a player.
“I don’t think a GM is ever gonna give a coach a guy he doesn’t want. Makes no sense,” Mayock said.
Mayock explained that GMs and the front office are usually far more savvy about a draft and coaches often aren’t skilled in assessing college players.
“Let’s face it, the GM and his staff live with that draft about 11 1/2 months of the year. They’ve got the best depth and feel for the draft,” Mayock said. “The coaches’ input is valued at varying levels by different teams throughout the league. … Not every coach is a great evaluator. They might be great teachers, great fundamental teachers, but they’re not great evaluators.”
Mayock noted how a GM has to know his coaches’ scouting abilities and that there’s a reason the GM has final say.
And this takes Joe to why the Bucs won’t draft a quarterback in Round 1. Bowles doesn’t want one or believe he needs one, and he’s not an offensive wizard and a former quarterback like Matt LaFleur, who took on developing Jordan Love with Aaron Rodgers in the house.
Licht is too wise to trade up to put a stud rookie quarterback in Bowles’ hands.
April 12th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
As a Gators Alum that roots for FSU every game except the last game of the Season I really hope they are looking at Jordan Travis in the Sixth.
April 12th, 2024 at 2:52 pm
I think Drafting Nix if Verse, Jackson and Barton are gone wouldn’t be a bad idea. Baker is on a short contract and a rookie Qb could use some seasoning before taking the reigns. Just my opinion
April 12th, 2024 at 2:54 pm
Trade up for Verse
April 12th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
Well if Mayock says so..
April 12th, 2024 at 3:01 pm
I personally think this draft class for edge rusher is weak and the team shouldn’t reach for one because it won’t end well.
April 12th, 2024 at 3:20 pm
ok i was saying you gotta consider bo nix in round 2…
but let’s say you nix that idea totally…( yup i just did that 🙂 )
what if he is sitting there shockingly in round 3 and we pick???
you gotta grab him
April 12th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
If Traskcan was a true starter level NFL QB…The FO would not have went out & signed “Walking Moxy” Mayfield, last offseason…They would have grabbed an aging Mentor BU QB to support #2’s development as the Bucs QB1 in the Post-TB12 era…That is really all the evidence you need to put 2+2 together to understand that Kyle’s a career clipboard guy & not so distant future Enterprise sales clerk or State Farm insurances salesman waiting to happen.
Frankly, it also makes dollars & cents for the FO to look for a young signal caller late Day 2 (Rattler) or early Day 3(Pratt)…Because replacing Traskcan with a 3rd rd or later fresh rookie contract guy = a $400K bonus in cap space in 2024 – even after cutting Kyle & sending him packing with a $346 parting bonus)…And getting a young BU in Coen’s system now helps incase Baker regresses after getting the big contract! Hard to imagine him stacking multiple “career year” stats together to justify him sticking through his full 3yr contract. (As he has been consistently inconsistent through his 6yr NFL tenure!)
When the FO is staring down ~$100M in 2025 cap space from Mayfield, Evans, Godwin & Vea alone…Before pondering what to do with Dean’s $15M cap # or potential lifeline off-shoot of finding a sucker GM to take Dean’s last contract yr (like DET did with Davis this year)…Or before considering new BIG MONEY deals for Winfield & Wirfs…(Which will likely eat another $40-45M in cap annually)…Or who they may want to try & keep from the healthy list of soon-to-be 2025 UFA’s on current 2024 roster (beyond Winfield & Wirfs).
Considering the above…The FO needs to be a frugal as possible & save coin where they can…While also taking advantage of a very deep 2024 draft QB class. (2025 QB class looks less than stellar & if the Bucs repeat 2023 results in 2024…They will again have backend picks in each round of 2025 NFL draft)…Meaning it may be time to strike while the iron is hot & get a guy like Rattler in the 3rd or Pratt in the 4th on the cheap vs making a reach for a lesser rated Day2/3 QB in 2025.
April 12th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
The Bucs don’t develop QBs so why waste a pick on one? Why draft a QB and not let him start a regular season game and work with the starters. That’s the Bucs for you.
April 12th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
i agree the bucs have never had ANY luck with qb development…
all our success at qb was always when we brought in a good game manager type, all the way upwards to a goatly type of fellah…
but i say waste one of our 3rd’s on nix if he’s just dangling out there in the wind when we’re up next…
April 12th, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Don’t need a quarterback in any round! Moving on!
April 12th, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Rattler, if he lasts til the 4th, might be a good option. Or see if you can trade Trask for a mid-round pick, and see what happens.
April 12th, 2024 at 4:06 pm
Joe what are you talking about? I haven’t read any post on this site saying we need to draft a QB, let alone a chunk of fans wanting one. Stirring the pot Joe.
April 12th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
Trask has the worlds best job. Millions for benchsitting.
April 12th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
ProudBucsfan,
You think this draft class is weak, and we shouldnt reach for one, because you dont think it will end well.
You mean something horrible could Happen- like we’d be last in the entire league in pass rushing?? OMG!!!
Sorry buddy, but that boat has already sailed. We reached( no, drafted poorly) for the wretched Logan Hall, and the completely worthless Joe Tryon S.
No we are in the Hell of the horrible.
There are college teams with a better pass rush than us!
So Jason Licht needs TO STOP patting himself on the back, get his head outta his nether region, and find us a damn pass rusher!
Bring in a consultant! Call a friend! Whatever!
By the Way, there are actually quite a few guys capable of rushing the passer in this draft. What is missing is a guy who can rush the QB, and occasionally tackle a running back.
But we have got ourselves in a position where we cant be choosy.
We need to Draft a DE (edge) and LB who are pass rush specialist. There are some of both in this draft
April 12th, 2024 at 4:19 pm
1- edge
2- c/g or wr
3- edge or wr
3- wr or ilb
4- ilb or rb
5- rb or cb
6- tommy b
7- brock turdy
April 12th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
I have always said that I think Bowels is a poor evaluator of players. I wonder if he will get better, or just leave it up to other coaches and coordinators.
April 12th, 2024 at 5:03 pm
A drafting a quarterback should be the farthest thing from their minds. Look all the other areas we are in legitimately desperate need. GTFOH with all that nonsense. Cluck bait for sure
April 12th, 2024 at 5:15 pm
I forgot his name but the Bucs talent / scouting department head has done outstanding job finding talent
April 12th, 2024 at 5:25 pm
After Caleb is gone, there’s nobody better than Baker. Penix intrigues me, but we have much more important needs that high. The dude that mentioned the FSU QB in the 6th might not be wrong.
April 12th, 2024 at 5:33 pm
I’m very much in the camp that Baker is a middling QB, as supported by the stats and the eyeball test, but I’m not in the camp of thinking the Bucs should take anyone. If Baker busts this season, then Bowles is getting fired – and possibly Licht as well (I wouldn’t fire Licht, but teams love to clean house every once in a while). Most new coaches want their own guy at QB – and that’s why you wouldn’t spend a pick here. Plus, if Baker implodes and Bowles is fired, you’re likely going to be picking much higher in the draft. Not saying that will happen or predicted it, just saying the realities of the situation.
So since the Bucs went all in with Baker and kicked the salary cap ball down the road another year, I think the Bucs will mostly be drafting for need and guys that can play early in an effort to give Bowles his best shot at winning.
April 12th, 2024 at 5:41 pm
We brought in Powers today!
April 12th, 2024 at 5:50 pm
Bo Nix will be looong gone by our time in the 2nd round- -maybe before our turn in the 1st. By 26 any sure edge will be gone before, so pick best C/G/DL/CB unless we trade down. RB in 3rd.
It is asking for JTS type if we force an Edge in 1st round.
BTW, Bo Nix>>>Penix! I’ve watched them- -have you?
April 12th, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Yesterday you do an article titled ‘Drafting A Quarterback Not Off The Table’ and follow that up today with one titled ‘Why The Bucs Won’t Draft A Quarterback’.
One or the other was a trolling piece. Which one is anyone’s guess, but my guess is that it was the first one. Almost as much as yesterday’s piece on ‘Tom Brady Talks About A Comeback’.
April 12th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Adam they must have some great ganja in NY because anyone that thinks Nix will fall the third round has to be high as a kite. I will be shocked if he’s still on the board if he’s available when we pick at 26!
April 12th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
This will be a successful draft for Bucs if they get a starting Center, starting LB, contributing RB and contributing DB or WR.
April 12th, 2024 at 6:15 pm
Defense Rules Says: One or the other was a trolling piece.
———–
No, both can be true.
No position is ever truly off the table. I mean if Caleb falls to the Bucs, they’re taking him. So the position is on the table.
However that isn’t going to happen, so the position is not on the table.
If you want to blame anyone for draft talk, blame the NFL for pushing it so far back.
April 12th, 2024 at 6:16 pm
Bowles may not want another QB but his focus is only on winning THIS season, as job depends upon it. But Licht and his staff have to consider what is best for the team for multiple seasons. If there was zero possibility that JL would draft a QB he would never have done multiple formal interviews over the past month with QBs. JL wants to win this season as well but he has to also do what’s needed to stay competitive in the years to come. That’s HIS job and something the Glazer’s want to have happen. And since it’s the Glazer’s that pay him and not Bowles he’ll give priority to their desires.
I suspect there is a good chance JL does NOT draft a QB this season but it’s not because he’s looking to please Bowles. The team has a LOT of needs and there’s no way to draft all the players to fulfill all of them. But if one of the QBs they love falls far enough I won’t be at all surprised if they grab him.
April 12th, 2024 at 6:20 pm
“I don’t think a GM is ever gonna give a coach a guy he doesn’t want. Makes no sense,” Mayock said.”
If that were true in this instance Trask wouldn’t be on the team. Bruce definitely had no interest in molding a rookie qb at that point in his career. Bowles on the other just wasn’t willing to take the risk after Brady left and the season they had.
Speaking for myself I would just as soon the Bucs passed on any players from the Seminoles or the Gators ever. I don’t really care if said player was the greatest of all time at their position. It’s not worth the stupidity we all have to listed to.
Jordan Travis ? No No No No No NO.
April 12th, 2024 at 6:22 pm
YaYa Winfield Says:
Adam they must have some great ganja in NY because anyone that thinks Nix will fall the third round has to be high as a kite. I will be shocked if he’s still on the board if he’s available when we pick at 26!
———————————-
i never said that guy…….read properly
April 12th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
They would but wouldn’t sacrifice it for some other higher rated player. Who knows if they want to pay big money to baker after two years plus it would be assuming baker and Bowles have jobs in two years
April 12th, 2024 at 6:46 pm
BSPN Get up show last week asked one of their experts which is the only NFL to draft 3 QBs to win a Superbowl, answer was the Bucs. Sad part is all three (Williams, Young, Dilfer) all won for different teams.
April 12th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
The past no longer matters.
We’re not drafting a QB. Bowels won’t want a controversy.
April 12th, 2024 at 7:08 pm
I think it’s totally possible they’d take a QB from round 3 on… Spencer Rattler is on the radar (though he may be gone in round 2). Basically, we’re not drafting someone to come in and compete with Mayfield for starter reps.
I’d be fine with a QB in the draft and then they can maybe unload Trask for a 6th or 7th rounder.
April 12th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
Shoving a QB down the throat of a coach is never a good idea. Baker has been called a sober hard working version of the freakishLy talented JohnnyManziel. Well the Brain dead Browns owner forced Herr Fussball down the throat of Coach Pettine who was a game manager QB freak. It did not end well. What made Baker good this year is not trying to change him. In the Netflix drama Klingenberry said when i tried to change him things went badly. Todd loves baker just let it be. More QBs will come along as they stay longer in college and develop because they make good money from NIL.
April 12th, 2024 at 9:02 pm
The fundimental problem with Tampa Bay Fans here as well as the wording in this column is that very few QB’s drafted in the first round become “Franchise QB’s” and no one seems to recognize this. I give you the 2021 NFL Draft First Round. I’m sure the same people who want Trask to start and/or the Bucs to draft a QB, would have insisted if these players were draft eligible in 2024 out of college, that they’re franchise QBs & to replace Baker Mayfield with them. The point is only a small percentage of QBs drafted in the first round turn out to be so called Franshised QBS.
Draft Pick Player Team Comments
1 Trevor Lawrence Jaguars Slightly Above Mediocre
2. Zach Wilson Jets They can’t give him away!
3. Trey Lance 49ers Nooo!
11. Justin Fields Bears Meh
15. Mac Jones Patriots Meh
April 12th, 2024 at 9:11 pm
Adam – “I say waste one of our 3rds on Nix if he’s dangling out there in the wind when we are up next.” Maybe you could enlighten me as to what I misread there lol. He will not be dangling in the wind and undrafted when the 3rd round rolls around.
April 12th, 2024 at 9:44 pm
Rod, please dont voice an opinion.
You have been proven a clueless *&$*& , who has no knowledge of football, humans, or pretty much anything else.
Try to stick to bland observations for the next few years, until you build up a little credibility.
Honestly, you probably wont live long enough.
That goes for the rest of you clueless trask *$#&*$ers too.
April 13th, 2024 at 4:55 am
uuummmm…
i have bo nix going to denver in round one…
i don’t think he gets past sean payton imho…
April 13th, 2024 at 6:46 am
Very confusing Adam. If you’re saying to take him in the first why would we need to “waste a third” of we are next up?
April 13th, 2024 at 8:30 am
Anyone who thinks Baker Mayfield is a franchise quarterback is Baker Mayfield fan or don’t know nothing about football. This fan base are to sick and tired of stop gap quarterbacks . Baker Mayfield is Garden Michew, Jeff Garcia , Jacoby Brisett and maybe Ryan Tanahill that’s the kind of quarterback Baker Mayfield is . You ain’t winning a superbowl with those kind of quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield will be average again this year and next off season you guys will be saying he threw 4,000 yards as if that’s hard to do in today’s NFL especially when they keep taking away from the defense side of the ball . And when he plays bad you guys will blame everyone else but Baker watch and see. This is a waste of time and I will bet my house that the bucs ain’t going to the Superbowl or the NFC championship this year!!
April 13th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
I am still not sure Trask lost the competition last season. Baker won because he has experience, not that he played better.
I think Trask will surprise some folks this preseason, but I am not sure it will get him anywhere, Bowles doesn’t want him. Bowles is also afraid to trade him, because he will come back and haunt this team, like so many QBs the Bucs jettisoned.
April 13th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Ok onielbuc. Tell the quarterback who will win the super bowl and Licht will go get him.
April 13th, 2024 at 8:31 pm
@yaya:
yeah we are getting all crossed up…i’ve been leaving snippets for a while about nix on many threads…so my fault…
i probably should have just done a more concise post about nix…
i was really just throwing different scenarios out there…
no i son’t see him around in the 3rd round…lol…or the 2nd round either…
i’ve said on other threads we should grab him at #26 if he’s there…and even though we don’t need a qb – grab him if he falls to 26…
if he’s still there in the 2nd, definitely forget the board and take him…
and if still “dangling around” for whatever reason in the 3rd (like he went on a coke binge the night before the draft, and is currently in a jail cell)……you gotta grab him in the 3rd anyway…
i’ve said all this through multiple threads – so it’s confusing – and my fault…lol…my posts aren’t always the most consistent or concise…
anyway, i think he doesn’t get past sean payton and denver in round 1 – payton knows what he’s doing, and nix should be gone by then…
i’m fairly confident nix becomes a competent game manager or better in the nfl…i don’t see him busting like so many others…
if we somehow do get him, i’m comfortable with him in the pipeline behind baker for a couple of years, and then eventually being the future qb
April 13th, 2024 at 8:32 pm
no i don’t see him around in the 3rd ***