Bucs May Need A Safety More Than You Think
April 12th, 2025
Georgia S Malaki Starks.
The Bucs had a helluva year in 2024, probably one defensive stop away from making a helluva run in the postseason.
One negative Joe can take away from last season is All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield fully fell off the map. That was one of the reasons the Bucs pass defense was terrible,
Joe is a big fan of Winfield but, man, he was a non-factor the second half of the season.
Yes, referees ripped him off of another career highlight when he had a forced fumble at home against the Dixie Chicks; that play would have been the difference in a win.
Unfortunately, the NFL, swimming in riches beyond our imaginations, was either too cheap or too indifferent to order FOX to have a goal line camera for replays. So irresponsible. Aside from the opening game when Winfield got hurt in the final minute, and that play at the goal line against the Dixie Chicks, it’s hard for Joe to even remember Winfield on the field.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles swears Winfield was hurt all year and that was why he was invisible. But the way he was a ghost of himself, if he was that hurt maybe he shouldn’t have even been on the active roster.
If Winfield doesn’t return to his normal level, that opening at safety next to Winfield becomes bigger.
Bowles has floated Tykee Smith as a full-time safety. But he missed four games himself and only started six games at nickel corner. Joe would like Smith be a bit more reliable before handing him a full-time starting role. Bowles says he wants Smith in better shape.
The more Joe thinks about it, the more Joe thinks it’s not crazy the Bucs go for a safety in the first round.
Bowles seems to like Georgia defenders (why wouldn’t you?). So perhaps Bowles might bring in Smith’s ex-teammate, Malaki Starks? Starks is a three-year starter at safety (43 starts).
Here is how Dane Brugler of The Athletic described Starks in his “The Beast” draft preview:
SUMMARY: … a do-everything safety (post, split-field, box, slot) in head coach Kirby Smart’s man/zone scheme, often playing the “Star” nickel position. After announcing himself as a playmaker in his first game as a true freshman, he became a fixture of the Bulldogs secondary and earned All-America honors each of his three seasons. He quickly established himself as one of Georgia’s leaders, both as a worker behind the scenes and on the field, often getting his teammates lined up properly based on offensive adjustments.
With his length, athleticism and recognition skills, Starks is a strong space defender and plays confident in all aspects of coverage and run support. Though there are plenty of examples of his range and playmaking skills, he doesn’t consistently position himself to be disruptive in man-to-man situations — that issue led to several big plays allowed in 2024. Overall, Starks doesn’t have Teflon tape, especially in man coverage, but his athletic profile, diagnose skills and intangibles will make him an immediate starter and special-teamer in the NFL. His versatile skill set can give a defensive coordinator options, although he is best suited for a free safety role.
Well, Bowles likes versatile dudes so this Starks seems right up Bowles’ alley.
And here is Emory Hunt of CBS and his profile of Starks in his “2025 Football Gameplan Draft Guide:”
– Very good agility and quickness, which is evident by his ability as a return specialist and also how he’s able to mirror & match with receivers in the slot.
– Strong in run support. Will trigger quickly, get downhill and make the tackle or either funnel toward his defensive help.
– Good ball skills and ball awareness. Knows how to attack the ball in the air and as it approaches the receiver. Can leverage the route and ball with his closing speed & acceleration. Versatility helps him be a move piece.
Hunt has Starks rated as his No. 1 strong safety. Brugler has Starks ranked as his No. 2. As Joe has typed repeatedly, Joe could argue for the Bucs to draft any defensive position at No. 19.
(If the link of an NFL Network interview with Starks below does not work, click here, if for no other reason than to gawk at Taylor Bisciotti.)
https://twitter.com/TaylorBisciotti/status/1899904415034683638
April 12th, 2025 at 11:05 am
Starks = Yes please. Pairing him with Tykee is a no brainer.
April 12th, 2025 at 11:09 am
Pass-Emmanwori is the guy.
April 12th, 2025 at 11:10 am
Have been telling you—-Emmanwori———-Not going to let up until we take this guy at 19; or, trade 19 for Hendrickson.
April 12th, 2025 at 11:15 am
Agree with the guys above. Emmanwori’s film pops. Dude is a play maker.
April 12th, 2025 at 11:16 am
Emmanwori may be a combine champion, but that doesn’t make him a better safety than Starks. I’ll let Licht and his team make those determinations.
April 12th, 2025 at 11:22 am
Just thinkin’ here –
If the Bucs draft Jihaad Campbell in the first round, perhaps in round 2 or three they should back him by drafting a safety, named Junta Rhunna? A defense with a Jihaad and a Junta?
April 12th, 2025 at 11:22 am
I like the way you’re thinking Joe. But it scares me to think that perhaps AW’s
injury may be career threatening.
At the top of his game AW is a game changer. Now that the Bucs have gotten their FA pass rusher and will probably get more in the draft as well as the hoped for growth from Braswell, I want a great safety and a great ILB.
Winfield and LVD are both great, how much do they have left in the tank?
April 12th, 2025 at 11:23 am
would think we could get a decent safety in the later rounds, trade back if we are so dire we have to get a safety in round 1
April 12th, 2025 at 11:26 am
Personally I don’t want Stark’s just because his athletic measurements are really just average. I think in today’s NFL you need somebody who’s athletic talents are quite High to succeed at this level. This is why I would be okay getting Campbell assuming his shoulder checks out. Or somebody like Emanwari who is an unbelievable athletic Beast and matches the type of safety that would thrive in a Todd Bowles scheme
April 12th, 2025 at 11:31 am
I saw an interview with Emmanwori. Seemed like a self-promoting showboat. I just don’t see him as a culture fit, and again, athletic freaks are fine, but if Starks has better tape, it’s Starks.
April 12th, 2025 at 11:55 am
Safeties always fall. get one in Rd2
April 12th, 2025 at 11:59 am
I know I’m just some random armchair GM here, but when I approach the draft, it’s honestly tempting to take two cornerbacks and two safeties—along with two linebackers and two or three pass rushers. Obviously, this would be with trade-down scenarios, but still.
The defense in Tampa was among the worst I’ve ever seen. The offense truly carried the team, while the defense usually did just enough not to lose the game. I can’t recall a single game where the defense *won* it—where takeaways and sacks sealed the deal or where turnovers changed the momentum. At best, they kept the team in some games, and a few individuals played better than others, but overall, it wasn’t enough.
So yes—we need safeties, corners, linebackers, and more defensive linemen. The few who played well last season are aging, and the rest simply didn’t perform well enough to justify keeping—unless there are literally no other options available. I’d take one of you guys at Linebacker over KJ Britt no offense but standing there you might be just as effective….
April 12th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
he might be the second best safety. bowles would love Nick Emmanwori
April 12th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
I’m sure Starks would be great for us. How much better than Winston Jr. though, if we were to take him in round 2?
I suppose you could say that about any position and player, I just have a hard time not sticking to the trenches in round 1. I don’t think Ezeriraku or a top DT/NT like Grant should be passed over for the secondary unless it’s a lock down CB.
Will not be surprised if Starks is the pick, said it a while back, he screams Bowles guy. I won’t be upset about it, just tough to get too excited.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
ILB or safety are what I’d be targeting unless a truly HUGE talent (regardless of position) inexplicably falls to #19.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Emmanwori hands down!!!!!
April 12th, 2025 at 12:25 pm
I’ll take the 3 time all-American over the showboat combine star.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
With Jason Licht’s track record of drafting defensive backs I’m comfortable with whomever they select! This is a great draft for us Bucs fans and we are going to come up with some massive upgrades to our depth! Go Bucs!!!
April 12th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Dewey Selmon Says:
April 12th, 2025 at 12:25 pm
Exactly. It’s amazing to me that, despite all the evidence over the years showing combine numbers don’t make a football player, people still seem to fall in love with combine freaks.
Bowles values production. As does Jason (generally).
April 12th, 2025 at 12:37 pm
It all depends on how Licht has the players ranked of course.
In round 1 – If a player sits at the top of your board – and you KNOW you are getting a very good football player with the temperament and character to match – then it really doesn’t matter what position he plays – as long as there is at least relative need – you keep building your team with the best football player you can get your hands on Day 1.
That said – IMO, the “need” at Safety is not a very big one.
Winfield is all pro level when healthy. Smith and Izien are both very good young players (with versatility) who have already proven themselves in multiple roles – and Merriweather has also proven he can play solid defense in the NFL if you need him off the bench.
I think Licht sticks to his winning philosophy of primarily using high picks for the trenches and selects an Edge or NT/DT in round 1.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
Watch his tape. You guys saying he is a combine star are woefully mistaken. Jeez, one poster makes an uninformed comment and you guys run with it.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:51 pm
I envy Joe’s ability to only (mostly) see positives. ‘One Helleva post season run’ and two seasons ago going on about one timeout from Bowles to beat the lions.
We were one half away from being 9-8 and out of the playoffs last year.
Can this team go to the superbowl next year with the right draft – absolutely. But it will take the right draft and personal coaching growth from Todd to get there.
I trust he’ll get the defense right with the new personnel and I trust that he hired the right OC as his history is excellent there. But he’s got to get the in game management down.
April 12th, 2025 at 1:09 pm
In the Bucs draft room rankings and in any order
ILB
CB
Safety
and or course
LB3 @ 19
April 12th, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Bottom line is who has been a better player, Emmanwori or Starks… if the tape says Starks, don’t fall in love with the other guy’s combine numbers. Emmanwori may be a great player too. The Bucs also put a high value on character, intelligence, and team orientation, and de-value showboats and dumbasses. Starks is a Buccaneer man. Not so sure Emmanwori fits that profile. And Starks has the results to show.
April 12th, 2025 at 1:11 pm
I could see variations of picks …
1st-2nd-3rd-4th
CB, MLB, CB, S
S, CB, MLB, CB
CB, CB, MLB, S
I just don’t want a MLB in the 1st. Seems like a waste. We can get a solid MLB 2-4.
April 12th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
I’ve seen it many times that once a player gets paid with a big contract complacency and a lack of production soon followed. I hope this is not going to be the case with Winfield and that he just had an off year with the ‘injury’ if indeed he was truly playing injured. Just sayin’.
April 12th, 2025 at 1:28 pm
If, after doing their due diligence on all of the prospects of this draft, Licht and gang decide to roll with Starks, I will cheer as loud as anyone. Licht and co have earned my trust when it comes to the draft. Personally I’m pounding the table for DE from BC. But what the hell do I know?
April 12th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
SPBF
Winfield is 26 years old, entering his 5th year.
Surely, barring injury, he has plenty in the tank.
April 12th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
The only safety I would get giddy over is named Lott, Ronnie. Or pick any of the other stud safeties – Head n Shoulders king Troy P, S. Atwater….pick your favorite.
My point is, and my hope is, that the Bucs drafting an eventual stud at any position. Tristan Wirfs qualifies in my estimation.
Let’s get a generational talent, a future HOF’er – those types, I get excited about.
The problem is that nobody knows who will be a stud or a HOF. I wonder if the Giants KNEW L. Taylor was a stud when they drafted him, or was it a “BPA, we think he’ll be good/great.”
Sorry for the rambling. I hope we draft someone dominant at their position for years to come, is what I’m attempting to eloquently elucidate. Again, Wirfs is the type of player I’m hoping for in this draft. In Licht we trust and hope!
April 12th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
*26 yrs old..
April 12th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Im still back and forth with Emman and Starks. Emman has that size and speed and to me, could play LB or even a little CB if needed. In some mocks, both are gone by the time we pick, but if one was there, I would go for it. I was talking about Emmanwori back in October because I knew what I was watching him do live in games. And their LB Knight could also be there around pick 95-110. SC had a great D this year.
If both plus Harmon are gone, I think we can trade down some and still get a great player.
April 12th, 2025 at 2:02 pm
D-Rok.. exactly.
John Lynch nearly didn’t even play football, and he wasn’t elite physically, but man what a brain and heart.
Biggest hitter since his idol Ronnie Lott..
April 12th, 2025 at 2:27 pm
I loved Emmanwori to the Bucs in January but once I got beyond his highlights that changed. I see a player whose lack of instincts leaves him slow to react too often. He plays too straight up near the line of scrimmage, has no single high potential, has very poor recovery ability when he misdiagnoses things and looks indecisive and wobbly too often to be the instant impact folks are adamant that he will be. Bowles needs his starting safeties to be able to play high and in the box therefore he is not a fit. Like Marc Barron and Obi Melifonwu I expect him to pan out as a decent player but not worth a first round pick.
Combine numbers schmombine numbers- safeties need to be fluid and instinctive. Emmanwori’s numbers are “Woo-hoo!” and Starks’ are “Boo-Hoo…” but that is all poo-poo when it comes to a sound projection of their impact. I’m okay with Starks at 19 but he is no Ed Reed. His instincts are all there- I love how he blows up screens and runs which moots his poor combine performance but he had an off 2024 sans injury excuses and lacks elite ball skills. He is not the best safety in this draft and neither is Emmanwori.
The best safety and best fit with Bowles’ Bucs is Andrew Mukuba. He is a true tone-setting enforcer and has the second best ball skills among all DBs in this year’s and last year’s draft combined and additionally has the instincts and football IQ that let him thrive in the box, up top and at nickel- Bowles dream. He was Offensive Player of the Year in his district in Texas as a HS senior. Went from there to be the first true freshman DB to start for Clemson since 1972 and was named ACC Rookie of the Year. He is an absolute enforcer whose Chuck Cecil like abandon as a striker never landed him on the injury report. He has 50 career starts against ACC and SEC teams. He led the SEC in INTs in 2024 with 5 and was the most dominant defender in the Texas vs. Ohio St playoff game. Yeah, whats his face had that 90-yard strip return but that was one play. Its a shiny thing like combine numbers that skews many co-called analysts, especially fans but Mukuba was a force of nature from the opening whistle to the final one. He is only 185 lbs so he gets pigeonholed as a talent who needs to hit the weight room but he consistently tackled Cam Skatteboo one on one at or behind the line of scrimmage, pops off helmets and is a general downhill menace with the recovery skills to peek in the backfield then take off like a rocket to make a play on a ball deep downfield or on the opposite sideline. He should beef-up so he can match up in press with TEs as a nickel but this kid plays way bigger than his britches, is made of steel and has the zone master skills to start as a Bowles safety week one and keep up his years long streak of whooping up on opponents in every way a safety should.
Emmanwori is a good safety. Starks is a good safety. Mukuba is, as Licht says, “the right player.” He is worth the Bucs second rounder and a little trade-up if need be. He is a zone fluent ball hawk who plays with psychotic “killer instinct” but has the instincts, fluidity and football IQ to not get caught overcommitted in coverage or as a tackler more than I consider acceptable for a rookie.
Knock it off with the one line Emmanwori noise- we heard each of you the first time and every time since. Starks is a well-rounded week one starter and has “killer instinct” but so is and does Mukuba. His ball skills and later availability is what makes Mukuba “the right player” to bring a new identity to the Bucs pass defe… I can’t even apply that word to that 7 INT limp shrimp unit that was so bad it must be called offensive even though its the other side of the ball.
Watch the game that Ohio State won by a cat’s whisker to get to the National Championship that Mukuba dominated like a man possessed and then his game vs Skatteboo and tell me his isn’t “the right player.”
April 12th, 2025 at 2:54 pm
Watts from Notre Dame is intriguing. Converted WR who had 13(!) total INTs the past two seasons.
April 12th, 2025 at 3:06 pm
SlyPirate… I hope that’s wrong.
Can’t avoid the DL in the first 4 rounds.
1 CB and 1 S in the first 5 rounds is good enough for our starter/depth needs.
McCollum-Dean-Rookie-Hall-Vildor-Hayes-Funderburk
Winfield—Rookie-Smith-Izien-Merriweather
With Smith and Izien able to go both ways I see no problem with that.
Much rather have a potent backup for Vea or Reddick or Kancey or Diaby in case one of them were to miss time.
April 12th, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Yes Andrew Mukuba is all that and then some!
Definitely dynamic & Better ball skills. I give a little thought to the fact he plays the same position as AWJ, but that’s not a drawback.
Todd likes interchangeability for scheme diversity plus AWJ will miss some time going forward like all DBs do now per league averages.
Starks is Awesome period. There is no but. If we ended up with Malaki the Bucs defense would drastically improve. The cost of a 1st round pick is the value difference.
Because the Safety position historically in the draft has a different value than other positions we can benefit.
Andrew Mukuba is the right player for the Bucs selected somewhere on day 2.
Go Bucs
April 12th, 2025 at 3:44 pm
Safety was by far the most disappointing positional group for the Bucs last season. Not only the Winfield regression but Jordan Whitehead clunker then car wreck as well.
As a Bulldog fan…I must say Starks is legit.
Bowles isn’t alone in liking Bulldog defenders…world champion Eagles have drafted several successful defenders from Georgia in recent years. They come pro-ready.
April 12th, 2025 at 3:49 pm
We have 1 combine star on our team, aka Tristan Wirfs. It all depends, lol
April 12th, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reading scouting reports, mock drafts, watching highlights, etc – there’s a ton of safeties in this class. I’m pretty sure you could get a very good safety in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
I think the 1st round you’d only take a safety if they were truly exceptional and jumped on the page in terms of talent, and from what I’ve read, I’m not sure Starks get quite to that level. Personally, I’d love if Winston was still there in the 2nd round – he’d be my pick in a second. However I have no idea how the board will play out as I’ve seen Winston’s value all over the place, from the top of the 2nd to late in the 3rd.
With there being quite a few good safety options, I think that is going to hurt their values and cause them to fall a bit since teams will just keep saying they can still get their 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th option later.
In any case, I still fall back to the Dungy rule, that you build your defense from the front to the back, and that’s also how you draft, as you can generally find corners and safeties in those 2nd and 3rd rounds.
April 12th, 2025 at 4:01 pm
I wasn’t cognizant the lack of a better safety kept us from being the Foreskins. The lack of a pass rush did, though.
April 12th, 2025 at 4:02 pm
Our GM is addicted to high RAS players – especially in round #1.
M. Starks RAS = 5.29
N. Emmanwori RAS = 10.0
No contest…
April 12th, 2025 at 4:25 pm
I see no reason to jump the gun and go after safety this year. Primary needs are CB to replace Jamel Dean asap, and then another pass rusher to build up our next generation defense.
Now cb I think is more priority than pass rusher now since we added veteran star Hassan Reddick. Why? Because we also have the young developing pass rusher who was selected in rd (2) out of Alabama, Chris Braswell, and he has shown some flashes here & there! Yaya Diaby on the other side has been great at creating pressures but he needed more help on the other side desperately and when he gets it and when the defense together is healthy all year like glue it will work.
Making sure that our front 7 is a bigger priority right now. Jamel Dean haters I get it. I truly understand. However he’s under contract and still talented when the knees are not on fire. Yes brick for hands also but the footwork and speed is phenomenal and it shows. Chris Braswell , D.Z outta BCU in rd (2) maybe also rd (2) a cb such as Trey Amos ole miss.
I think I’d be ecstatic if we could walk away with these guys in rd (2). Even Shavon Revel. That’s a chance I’m willing to risk. If not then go ILB/S, I don’t think we have to move Tykee Smith to S , like him inside the slot. He just has to stay healthy. Reminds me of Charles Tillman the way he punches the ball out and love to see it. Haha
April 12th, 2025 at 5:07 pm
Without a strong pass rush it won’t matter who’s at Safety. Not in this defense.
April 12th, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Whitehead wasn’t the same they combine with awj injury not worried about Todd seems not worried about cornerback in the first go bucs
April 12th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
There’s a couple good safety’s
Starks
Emmanwori
Watts
Winston jr
Mukuba
We need one of them.
April 12th, 2025 at 5:28 pm
He’d play nickel here too. Interchangeable like Todd likes. Winfield was banged up last year. It was Well documented it wasn’t something Bowles just made up. Smith will most likely make the switch to safety this year. Only thing that will stop it is if they can’t find a nickel they feel they can trust.
I like Starks but he’s not the top of my list @19. Lots of really good safeties in rounds 2-5 too.
April 12th, 2025 at 5:45 pm
Yes we need to draft a Safety.
Yes we need to draft a CB.
Yes we need to draft an ILB.
But at the head of the list, we need to build the trenches. When Vea’s not in there, we give up way too much. If Vea goes down for any period of time, our Super Bowl hopes go down with him.
Spend our 1st pick on a beastly DT/NT (Grant, Collins, Williams) to play on the front line the 40% of the time when Vea is on the bench and to periodically pair with him 20% of the time when he’s on the field. We can dominate the pass rush and everyone becomes more productive.
April 12th, 2025 at 5:50 pm
Winfield should be back to his self. He wouldn’t coast. But let’s see how he plays out in camp. No. That doesn’t help us in the draft. I’m hoping Smith and Winfield. I would think the medical staff would have some input before the draft as to Winfields health.
April 12th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Trade down and draft Campbell (if he falls) or Ezeirauaku or Barron then use draft capital to trade back into the 1st rd to draft Emmanwori.
April 12th, 2025 at 6:18 pm
If Jahdae Barron and Starks are still on the board when the Bucs pick, who would they take? Can either one of those guys play Outside Corner at a high level? If the Bucs were able to trade down, get an extra pick and get one of them (or Shavon Revel, if the Bucs think he’s a Zyon-type) I’d be okay with that. To summarize, I’d want a guy who could also play Outside CB, if taken in the 1st Round.
April 12th, 2025 at 6:39 pm
I like that big one that runs like a deer.
April 12th, 2025 at 6:43 pm
Besides if emanwori doesn’t cut it at safety. Put him in corner. I’m sure Dean won’t mind!
April 12th, 2025 at 7:02 pm
When a player’s combine measurements fill a spider graph all the way out like Wirfs’ did I do get excited and very interested but stuff like Starks’ 40 time and the drop that came with it just makes me smile because I get a little more hope he’ll be available at 19 but with his tape he’ll still likely be gone before the Bucs are on the clock.
Golden and Emmanwori’s rises also make me smile because that is another first round dud to push better talent back toward the Bucs like quarterbacks with unjustified buzz that blinds teams to limitations or makes them seem fixable often do.
There are no absolutes in the draft and the player I would violate my “don’t fall for an injured player” rule for this year is Revel. I’m done with Dean but I’m happy to have him for 2025 if whoever the Bucs draft at CB isn’t ready to start Week 1. He could be dealt after the draft or before the trade deadline and I like the boost in performance players in a contract year often provide if he’s not. i won’t be sad to see Dean go but I hope it can happen in a way where the Bucs pick up a draft pick that can be turned into a Jalen McMillan level performer and he can earn himself a big payday elsewhere like Calton Davis’s end did.
April 12th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Any suggestion Winfield got paid the big bucks and coasted is bs. Clearly, he was hurt last year. I’m sure he was disappointed more than the Joes here. The dude is an all out gamer. Hoping he comes back strong this year.
April 12th, 2025 at 7:08 pm
safeties, plural, not possessive
April 12th, 2025 at 7:47 pm
Def has the profile of a “Buccaneer man”, as opposed to someone like James Pearce…
But I also like the idea of Mukuba or Winston in the 2nd round instead more, tbh
April 12th, 2025 at 8:04 pm
I agree. Personally, I’d rather see our first rounder spent on a guy who can flatten QBs. Spend 2nd rounder on safety.
April 12th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
Mukuba 6’0 190, 13% mis tackle rate, some guys just seem to bounce off of him (scouting report i read), then i went to watch the tape and yeah, too small for me.
Winfield is 5’9 203 and thats a lot more muscle on his frame.
April 12th, 2025 at 8:34 pm
Mukba doesn’t have the same stats of Emmanwori or Starks and he was also injured two of seasons in college. I want a guy with more consistent production
April 12th, 2025 at 8:36 pm
Also wanted to add something here I didn’t mention earlier in the day. I agree with Sly Pirates comment , I don’t want an ILB in RD (1) not a huge need for it. Not even next year after what’s likely LVDs last season (maybe) , I see in NFL Channel it’s saying Jihad Campbell, I don’t like this pick though for the franchise.
He’s also hurt and not available. So who knows how long that shoulder is gonna have him out for exactly!!!???
I also trust Sir Dennis. He was drafted by Tampa Bay and was productive until he got hurt. I think we’re set for now. I like the idea of depth right now. Not in hurry. I also am a fan of Anthony Walker and timing works. He can play ST. He fits the teams best interests and franchise’s need’s now. Training camp, roster cut day is gonna be epic this year.
April 12th, 2025 at 8:49 pm
JefferyLane77 :
“Without a strong pass rush it won’t matter who’s at Safety. Not in this defense”
Me: That may be so bud, but my point stands still. Safety isn’t a huge concern or deal. We just don’t need high draft pick or FA to be a starting safety at this time.
Me: I liked how they did it last year with whitehead who was an average safety with some starting experience around this league. He provided value, and I do have mixed feelings, opinion’s, but basically I just liked how he was affordable and showed up that makes a lot of sense.
Me: Right now I don’t like the idea of smith moving to safety, but I get if he has to for one season. I prefer watching him play inside the slot. He does a phenomenal job when healthy. Love watching him punch the ball out of opponents hands.
Me: Next year I’d suggest drafting that ILB.
Or try to find another Sir Dennis in rd (5).
April 12th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
Well I wouldn’t even draft a guy at 19 to flatten QBs if it’s not one of the top-3 best pass rushers.
I mean if not these guys below why bother.
1. Mike Green
2. James Pierce
3. Jalon Walker
I trade back and reassess the teams needs. (3) seconds never hurts!!!
Imagine what you could get with (3) seconds. Gotta think value does exist and this is a rebuilding long term defense, and we also want immediate return value too. Lol
April 12th, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I don’t think in (4) years it’ll really matter. We don’t need a major stat stuffing safety rd two necessarily.
Just a solid average to above average one who can fill in until we’re ready to get one in the draft. Idk that’s what I think. Hard saying I guess not knowing! If we have (3) seconds though opportunity is there for us long term right now.
I am thinking another SB this year , if a deal can be made with Chicago!
Let’s send LVD out in style. With another ring guys!
April 12th, 2025 at 9:15 pm
I feel like Tampa Bay could throw in a super fast 4.4 or 4.5 guy who can tackle at safety and start him next to Winfield & behind a solid CB2 then we’d be fine & dandy! I’d take a 3rd , 4th, 5th rd safety and yes start him.
Why? Because I think as long as he has the main tools speed and can tackle somewhat he’s gonna be okay for a year or two.
(2) Donovan E. OLB Boston College University
(2) Shavon Revel CB2 competition or maybe Tre Amos CB2.
(2) Best Player Available, Biggest Right Now Need!!!!
I’d probably imagine it could be a lot of guys.
Maybe DLineman depth, Olineman depth, likelihood it be a starting safety is 50/50 imo. Heck even some WRs I see here I really do like rd 3. Possibly a good chance we snag one now. Definitely some interesting selections could swing our way. Can’t be too careful when selecting.
April 12th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
You’ve got it all wrong. It will be that left guard from North Central (IL) Cardinals. He’s the best Division III guard. We got to have him!!!!
April 12th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
One of these posters doesn’t like Emmanwori because he “showboated and talked about himself too much” in a combine interview. What’s the guy supposed to do, downplay his skills and abilities? It never hurt Muhammad Ali when he talked about himself. Furthermore, have see the “offending interview tape” and it isn’t at all offensive. Emmanwori mentioned Ed Reed as a guy he tries to emulate. That’s pretty good company. Whichever team gets Emmanwori, they are getting the 2025 NFL DRoY. It would be nice if Bucs.
April 12th, 2025 at 10:44 pm
Trench warfare, pilgrims. Center cut, deeply penetrating beef. Let’s eat.
April 12th, 2025 at 10:52 pm
Gipper Says:
April 12th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Just sayin’, Licht and Bowles have built this culture based on humble, team-first guys. That’s why they have been able to build good teams and keep good players who might have gone elsewhere in free agency. It’s also why they have been resilient the last few years. I’m not even saying Emmanwori is definitely not a fit, but based on my admittedly limited knowledge, I’m inclined to think he may not be the kind of guy they’re looking for… but hey, if they decide he really can play and he’s better than the other guys on the board, and they’re comfortable he’s not a locker room a$$clown like Devin White, then go for it… but this is the problem with guys who are too proud of their ability and think too much of themselves —>> Devin White.
April 13th, 2025 at 12:06 am
Filthy Animal,
Ok now I get it. You are talking about the defensive pass coverage culture that Bowles and Licht have built that doesn’t cover, tackle, knockdown, or intercept. Not sure why anyone would want to protect that. Most of us have seen too much of that especially in the last couple of years.
With Emmanworii, we are getting a rare combination of size, speed and length at the centerfield, safety position. The tape doesn’t lie. Biggest problem with this guy is it is doubtful he will be available at 19.
April 13th, 2025 at 1:44 am
Gipper Says:
“With Emmanworii, we are getting a rare combination of size, speed and length at the centerfield, safety position. The tape doesn’t lie. Biggest problem with this guy is it is doubtful he will be available at 19.”
That sounds almost exactly like the pre-draft hype for Obi Melifonwu in 2017….
His tape was nothing special- but boy did he ‘wow’ at the combine – tricking many draftniks and armchair GMs into believing he was worthy of a mid 1st round selection.
6′-4″, 225 lbs, 4.40 sec 40, 44″ vertical, 11′ 9″ broad jump…. For a Safety, Dude had it all and then some physically…..
But somebody forgot to tell NFL GMs how well those ‘attributes’ would translate at the NFL level even though Obi’s tape showed the player himself was not special…..
Melifonwu was not drafted until the middle of the 2nd round by the Raiders – who completely Wasted that pick – because Obi was not an NFL talent…. even with all those amazing physical attributes – Melifonwu was not even 1/10th the player that 5’10” 195lb Budda Baker is – from the same draft and 2nd round….
Different players obviously – but this argument for how dominant Emmanwori would be because of his measurables sure sounds familiar….
April 13th, 2025 at 3:24 am
Sleeper 7th round safety pick Home town kid Mac McWilliams could be something to look at, Also RJ Mickens could be a late round safety we could pick up or Jaylen Reed from Penn state. Undrafted free agent pick up Shilo Sanders
April 13th, 2025 at 3:25 am
I swear Todd looks at all players as possible safeties.
So any CB who fails at CB ….wait for it….may be a safety. Any safety who fails at safety may be a slot. Our new punter may be …a safety.
Starks is a safety Todd.
Go Bucs!
April 13th, 2025 at 4:23 am
If Campbell or Jalon Walker are on the board, take the ILB.
Starks’s instincts and football IQ with a bit better than average speed and subpar lateral agility give him a high floor in the box and in zone coverage, but his man coverage does not rate a #19 pick, and he doesn’t bring the man coverage help the Bucs need.
Emmanwori has great speed and size, but he does not have Starks’s instincts and football IQ, and his lateral agility also looks like a liability in man coverage although I like that his pass breakups usually look like he is making a deliberate effort to use his length to take the ball away and not just knock the ball away. But, #19 looks to high and he doesn’t bring the man coverage help the Bucs need.
If Campbell and Walker are gone, I hope the Bucs trade back. Then, move up into the second round to take Safety Xavier Watts from Notre Dame. 6’, 205#, 4.56, not the greatest physical gifts, but great football instincts and IQ with the fluidity to play man, single high, or box, and he would be a great wingman for a healthy Winfield, and a solid foundation if Winfield is injured again.
Late second round or early third, Safety Andrew Mukuba from Texas also brings the superior coverage skills the Bucs need. But, 6’, 190#, 4.45, he needs to bulk up to play in the box.
Campbell ILB first round and Safety Mukuba second round wound be great value and really improve coverage in the middle of the field where the Bucs were so vulnerable last year. When playing nickel, put Smith at Nickel CB and Mukuba and Winfield at safety. When not playing Nickel, play Winfield and Smith at Safety until Mukuba puts on some more muscle.
Campbell ILB first round and moving up for Safety Xavier Watts early second round would be ideal, but I am afraid that Licht would find it too expensive.
April 13th, 2025 at 4:45 am
We cant trade up. If anything, and I know Jason, we’ll trade back….which wouldnt be bad…lots of talent in the 2,3,4 and even 5. We dont have a 6 so it would be nice to gather one and use it on DT/Edge Elijah Roberts (underrated).
April 13th, 2025 at 2:21 pm
Gipper Says:
April 13th, 2025 at 12:06 am
Well, thank you for the irrational response to rational points. Bottom line of what I’m saying is they’ll pick whoever they think is going to be a better player for them, whether it’s the guy with superior combine numbers or the guy who was regarded as the better college player. And maybe the tape is close and they’ll pick the better athlete. Or maybe they’ll pick the guy who they think will be a better team leader. Not my call. Nor is it yours. Get over your mancrush on the freak athlete and maybe consider that the Bucs front office and Bowles probably know better than you.
April 13th, 2025 at 3:39 pm
FilthyAnimal,
This is a forum where none of us are paid to pick players for the Bucs. Not even you with your case of Extreme Unction. Have heard many dumb things expressed here but you are usually the dimmest. Having good combine numbers doesn’t mean anything other than there is an apples to apples comparison of metrics that NFL scouts consider important. I have studied all safeties available in this draft and conclude that Emmanwori is the best. If you don’t, ok with me. I am accustomed to being right on these things. Confident that time will prove my point.