Bucky Irving Is An Example Of Why Todd Bowles Doesn’t Sweat The Draft
March 6th, 2025
Knowing what to look for.
It seems Bucs coach Todd Bowles has a simple philosophy about the draft.
Joe brought word yesterday of how Bowles believes there are good inside linebackers in the draft, just not that many at the top.
In short, Bowles said in the same media availability at the combine in Indianapolis, it all boils down to knowing what you are looking for and where to find it. So in the big picture, what experts say about a position in the draft doesn’t matter.
Bowles used running back Bucky Irving as proof.
“Oh yeah, [I’m] very happy,” Bowles said of Bucky’s rookie season. “This is a good running backs draft so it kind of goes to show you, last year we didn’t think it was as deep but we hit a home run.
“It doesn’t matter in a draft if the experts or the pundits are saying it’s very strong or weak at a certain position. You can still find a great player.”
The past two years, the Bucs have been uncanny at finding players on the third day of the draft. They’ve also been strong drafting on the first two days.
Joe wonders what sort of an effect John Spytek’s departure to Las Vegas will have on the Bucs’ talent analysis.
March 6th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Just hoping Spytek doesn’t pull a Jon Robinson, ala the Titans, when he traded up just before Licht to draft RT all-pro Jack Conklin from Michigan State. Still salty about that and hopefully Licht and Krewe have some fail safes in place to avoid the Spytek kokblocking my draft picks.
March 6th, 2025 at 10:35 am
Fear not, Joe. I am sure Spytek was not the only person in the draft war room!
March 6th, 2025 at 10:45 am
Part of Bowles problem is that he doesn’t sweat anything…which provides ZERO enthusiasm and motivation
March 6th, 2025 at 10:54 am
@Joe: “The past two years, the Bucs have been uncanny at finding players on the third day of the draft.”
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Also, they picked up Sean Tucker as an UDFA. Licht should be charged with Grand Theft for that!
March 6th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
He just doesnt give a crap.
March 6th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
RBs aren’t the best example to use since they are not a valued position. The league only requires 70-80 “good” ones total and they are all over the place.
I know RBs have tremendous value for a team but based on quantity and how much the state of your OL and scheme matters … easier to find a good one in round 4. Could be only 4-5 drafted before that round.
Luckily for us ILB is similar in terms of value and many being drafted early… let’s hope the staff has been doing a lot of good homework if Campbell isn’t our early pick.
Spytek may not hurt our draft process, as far as finding good players, but it’s certainly not a good thing for us. He won’t be an inept GM and will surely target the players we like, lessening our board in the process.
March 6th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
*not many ILBs going early.
March 6th, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Sounds like Bowles focuses on the Xs and Os with the coaches, while Licht and the scouts find the talent. It’s working well, so I don’t understand why folks are on Bowles about not being more involved. All Bowles needs to do is share with Licht what type of talent he needs to execute his playbook. Seems like a good approach and method to me.
March 6th, 2025 at 1:33 pm
Bowles doesn’t sweat the draft because Licht is picking all the players!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA
March 6th, 2025 at 2:31 pm
jimmy Says:
March 6th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
He just doesnt give a crap.
Is that why he arrives at the facility at 4am every morning??
Bucs fans continue to prove why we have the worst fan base in pro sports….All credit goes to Jason Licht, all blame directed at Todd Bowles.
Real fans put respect on the man whos led a steady ship when these were supposed to be the rebuilding years…Bowles haters= Fake fans
March 6th, 2025 at 2:35 pm
Allbuccedup
So if Licht is picking all the players….then why are his hand picked players so bad on defense? Anyone gonna blame Licht for that? Probably not.
God forbid we criticize our precious GM.
March 6th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
I’m guessing Bowles does look at the defensive players but not the offensive ones. Bucky was an interesting pick as many of us wanted Coens guy from UK Ray Davis. BTW, Davis ran for 3.9 yds/rush last year.
March 6th, 2025 at 3:46 pm
Ray David was also an older 5th year player switching teams every year just like his coach Benedict Coen.
March 6th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Mike Biehl is one of the Bucs secret weapons in the draft.
He was my neighbor. Very closed-mouth. At one point while meeting him walking our dogs I asked, “Why Vita Vea?”
His answer?
“Because we liked him best.”
Well…okayyyy
I never asked him another draft analysis question again.
Nuff said.
I respected his craft.