Dane Brugler, Author Of “The Beast,” Leans Jahdae Barron For Bucs
April 9th, 2025
Texas CB Jahdae Barron.
Today, “The Beast” was released.
“The Beast” is Dane Brugler’s exhaustive draft preview for The Athletic that puts other draft guides to shame. It is a detailed, behemoth breakdown with a profile of just about every halfway decent draft prospect.
Want to know about the undrafted free agents the Bucs sign who sat the bench for East Cornfield State? You will find their profiles in “The Beast.”
But at this early hour that Joe is typing on Thursday, “The Beast” has yet to surface. (Joe’s note: “The Beast” just published a few minutes ago.)
Until then, how about words on who the Bucs may pick at No. 19 from the man himself, Brugler? He appeared on Mina Kimes’ podcast and the two did a mock draft. Novel, right?
When it came to No. 19, Kimes told Brugler he had a choice: Either corner Jahdae Barron of Texas or shady defensive end from Tennessee James Pearce.
Brugler went with Barron.
“I mean, if the Bucs go defense, defense, defense in their first three or four picks, I don’t think anybody would be surprised by that,” Brugler said. “If I’m going to stay true to my board, I’m going to go Barron.”
Then Brugler brought up intel on Barron that makes Joe wonder if Bucs coach Todd Bowles would sign off on him. Apparently, Barron is largely thought to be a nickel corner, only.
“Is he really a true, versatile guy?” Brugler wondered. “Is he a nickel only? I think that’s where the debate is, from team to team.
“Some teams see him as a nickel only. He’s got under-30 inch arms. He’s was at his best when he was on the inside as opposed to the outside. And so maybe some matchup problems out there.
“But you add him to the mix in Tampa Bay with some young corners they have there, I feel like I’m upgrading my secondary with a guy that can help out in a few spots. So this this I think makes sense for Tampa Bay.”
Well, if Barron is truly just a nickel, isn’t the 19th pick in the draft rather high for a nickel? The Bucs drafted Tykee Smith in the third round specifically to play nickel (though he may get moved to safety full-time to replace Jordan Whitehead).
Wouldn’t drafting a corner for all intents and purposes be to either replace Jamel Dean or to have the rookie ready to step in when Dean goes down — and he will get hurt.
Joe guesses this all depends on how the Bucs scout Barron. If they think he can play outside corner, Joe guesses Barron could be their pick.
https://twitter.com/nickmcclay22/status/1892937709187993957
April 9th, 2025 at 9:40 am
i would not mind him or revel but jihaad is most likely our pick if he falls
April 9th, 2025 at 9:45 am
If Jalon Walker is already off the board (to the Panthers or wherever), you might have to make a move up to about 13-14 to grab Barron instead… I noticed that Kiper had him pretty high last night! I think first CB off the board. It’d be a nice consolation prize for missing-out on Walker. Win-Now Mode = Immediate Impact Player. Don’t miss out. Go grab one at a major position of need. Quality over Quantity at this point. There seems to be enough $$$$ to fill-out the rest of the roster and make a few other ‘moves/trades’ here or there.
April 9th, 2025 at 10:11 am
As much as I enjoyed watching Pearce play in 23, I didn’t in 24. 19 is too high for him. Seems to be for Barron as well.
Can’t wait, Joe, to see what Jason does at 19. At the moment, unless a surprise pick drops in their lap, I’m thinking he’s trading back a few spots. Obviously a pure guess but I’m not seeing 20 obvious picks out there, knowing that Licht just has to wait to see what falls to him.
April 9th, 2025 at 10:13 am
Please…NO!
April 9th, 2025 at 10:28 am
Barron can play safety as well, but I still prefer we improve the trenches. Ezeiraku or Harmon for instance.
April 9th, 2025 at 10:47 am
Love Dane Brugler. He is not always right. But I think he is the most comprehensive of the guys doing evaluations out there. Regarding teams — he historically has done less mock drafts. He is more evaluating the player and not how a draft board will fall.
I guess he is finally getting into that more — probably for the clicks.
Brugler on 2021 draftees:
JTS: Looks like an action figure with his muscular, athletic frame…quick off the snap and accelerates well for a 260-pounder…executes loops and stunts with
his lateral agility…: Not a power rusher and struggles to consistently create movement…plays tall and is more agile than bendy…too easily knocked off his rush track or slowed by allowing blockers into his body…lacks deception i his rush, and tips his hand at the snap…
Trask: Sturdy, big-bodied passer…delivers with above average timing, trajectory and touch…good-enough arm strength to make every throw when he uses proper mechanics…Has heavy feet and lacks the body quickness to consistently evade or reset vs. NFL rushers…lack of mobility is a hindrance on his playmaking ability…below-average consistency with his passing mechanics…doesn’t drive through his hips, which leads to poor zip and his passes dragging…
Hainsey: Wide base with adequate quickness and mirror skills…understands pass-set depth…Lacks ideal mass in his lower body…He can provide valuable depth while competing for a starting role at either center or guard.
Darden: Quick acceleration to top speed… Undersized with thin bones and a slight build…looks near maxed out size-wise…small target for quarterbacks and doesn’t have a sizable catch radius…under-powered, and physical press corners stall his routes off the line…will hear footsteps,
Britt: Britt’s athletic limitations will be tough to overcome in the NFL, especially in coverage, but he is a run-down banger with pro-level toughness that could help him stick as a reserve inside linebacker.
April 9th, 2025 at 10:47 am
A 19th on a nickel passs go dline or trade back
April 9th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Yes trenches, beastly DT!
April 9th, 2025 at 11:07 am
Went to Dane Brugler’s draft guide for this year. He has Jahdae Barron at 30th on his top 100 list.
and for DR
Kenneth Grant 23
Tyleik Williams 40
Alfred Collins 68
April 9th, 2025 at 11:23 am
For first draft in a while I am sort of wr ease feeling like we have to reach at ang particular position. There were certainly a few that we could use an upgrade, but if we got a pro bowler at another position we could live with what we have. Made enough low key signings. Really feel like bpa leaming defense is way to go. Don’t have to have a stud at every position and hopefully we get guys who will be studs for a long time
April 9th, 2025 at 11:28 am
gotta trade down toward the end of round 1. can still get one of the guys you want and will score in the middle rounds with the extra pick(s)
April 9th, 2025 at 11:32 am
If this is the book on Barron, pass.
April 9th, 2025 at 11:33 am
Man that 21 draft was awful lol – there are only about 10 dudes in this draft with a first round grade from what I gather – it’s going to be a complete crapshoot with flags on most prospects (injury/character) – here’s to hoping for some luck & magic
April 9th, 2025 at 11:33 am
geno711 … Good stuff on JTS, Trask, Hainsey, Darden, Britt. And would love to see a beastly DT/NT there when we pick at #19. Interesting that Brugler has Williams ranked so far above Collins.
April 9th, 2025 at 11:49 am
Well we can count Nolen out for being a Buc. New article about “maturity issues” just dropped. Doesn’t seem like a Buccaneer man.
April 9th, 2025 at 12:02 pm
Get some hogs
April 9th, 2025 at 12:02 pm
You don’t waste the #19 on a guy who can help in spots. Just get BPA and stop getting cute with potential or raw talent. I would rather have production at any position over potential. We have made those mistakes before. Offense or Defense it doesn’t matter. Just get a day 1 starter.
April 9th, 2025 at 12:04 pm
Can this dude play nose tackle and spell Vita?
April 9th, 2025 at 12:37 pm
Absolutely not to spending a 1st round pick on a nickel CB.
April 9th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
As long as he can play 15 yards off the line on 3rd and 6, Bowles will love him.
28-27
April 9th, 2025 at 1:48 pm
geno711 / DR … wish Licht would have read what Brugler put out on JTS, Trask, Hainsey, Darden & Britt. LOL VERY telling and pretty spot on!
Kidding… some of these guys were pretty low picks and were low risk (wish they would have read up on JTS and Trask at least). Not all your 5th – 7th pics are going to stick.
The Bucs draft brain trust has come a long way since 2021 IMO. We had a strong 2020 draft (manly due to two picks… but they were epic) … took a year off kinda in 2021 unless you love Trask… and the last three drafts have been decently strong with a lot of players on the roster or starting from those three drafts.
April 9th, 2025 at 1:48 pm
I really don’t like it that more pundits are pushing Barron up their draft boards. Keep him a secret for a little bit longer.
When you think of Barron, think Ronde Barber with 4.39 speed.
Barber played outside corner in base and moved to nickel in subpackages.
If you don’t like Jahdae Barron, that just tells me you haven’t watched him play.
April 9th, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Best case scenerio maybe trading back a few, draft DL/edge/maybe LB then trade back up in 2nd if need be and draft CB/S/LB depending on things shake out
April 9th, 2025 at 3:39 pm
I’ve played around with mock draft simulators a bit to see where the sweet spots might be based on positions.
First you have to decide what positions the Bucs need help with. IMO it’s CB, ILB, S, DL, OT and Edge.
For CB need to take in 1st or 2nd round
For ILB good players available 3rd or 4th round
For S can get a good picking the 3rd round
For DL The draft is deep this year and can go 2-7th
For OT (backup) can get decent value in 5th round
For Edge can go anywhere from 1st to 7th but won’t see the field much this year and possibly not even next year with Braswell ahead possible Reddick resigning. I like Elijah Williams from Morgan State as a seventh round developmental prospect. He’s broken home with school’s records for sacks etc.
April 9th, 2025 at 4:12 pm
He’s a good player, but he would be a wild departure from the typical outside CB that Bowles likes. He’s smaller with shirt arms. I don’t expect him to be a buc.
April 9th, 2025 at 4:31 pm
Pick Jahdae if miracles happen and he’s available at 19.
April 9th, 2025 at 5:31 pm
I see we had a meeting with CB Nohl Williams….might be there in the late 4th/early 5th.
April 9th, 2025 at 5:41 pm
Rd 1 – DT
Rd 2 – CB
Rd 3 – LB
Rd 4 – WR
Rd 5 – 7 – raw talent
April 9th, 2025 at 6:35 pm
cornerbacks don’t excite me much, tbh
A bonafide pass rusher, that’s different.
April 9th, 2025 at 11:06 pm
Look at his size, he would compete at safety and NB
April 10th, 2025 at 12:23 am
Geno 711
Thanks.
He nailed it!
Darden: small bones “will hear footsteps”
Hainsey: “lacks lower body strength”
This scout is good!
April 10th, 2025 at 12:29 am
That draft after the Super Bowl was horrible!
1st round: JTS: young, weak, not experienced
Trask: we drafted to be our 4th QB!
Hainsey: a RT to play center
Darden: a tiny scaredy cat. He looked like a HS player
Britt: too slow for the NFL
Stuart: traded him away
This draft set us back 3 years!
We had the chance to draft a backup for Suh and Vea.
Learn from your mistake!
Use this draft for depth on the D-line!!