Lovie Hasn’t Done Much Scouting
February 23rd, 2014
The Buccaneers’ new commander is very much a fresh set of eyes at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Lovie Smith says he had previously devoted scant time to preparing for the NFL Draft.
Speaking at the combine, Smith told Buccaneers.com reporter Scott Smith that he’s been busy on more pressing matters.
“I’ve done very little as far as looking at college athletes. Right now, it’s been mostly devoted to the unrestricted free agency period, getting ready to start,” Lovie said.
Of course, Lovie’s also been busy evaluating the Bucs roster — who will say and who will go.
In what should surprise no one, Tampa Tribune veteran Roy Cummings shared on Twitter that after talking to Lovie and general manager Jason Licht he expects at least half the Bucs roster to be purged.
Surely there will be big names among the cuts. Joe’s merely warning fans who expect Lovie to right the ship with largely the same crew.
Damn, what Joe wouldn’t give to know Lovie’s real thoughts on the roster and potential new Bucs. Answers are coming when the free-agency bell rings on March 11.
February 23rd, 2014 at 8:58 pm
They better resign Dekoda Watson
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:11 pm
At least half? I can see at least half gone over the next few seasons but don’t see that high of a turnover immediately.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:17 pm
I like what I see from Lovie. He’s very clear about its message. The fact that he decided Tampa was his last stop gives him even more latitude to do what he thinks is best for the franchise. There is no nonsense in its speech and he doesn’t feel obligated to keep anyone.
Really excited about this year.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:21 pm
“Really excited about this year.”
BucsQcCity…enjoy it now, while you still can.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:35 pm
Sounds like the approach Dungy took. I’m sure Lovie is sickened by the play he saw on film.
And he should be.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:40 pm
I am no scout but just based on what I saw today I have to admit that I was disappointed with Watkins. He dropped a few passes, ran a slower 40 time than expected and the worst part was watching him run routes. He just didn’t look comfortable making cuts. I’m not saying he wouldn’t be a game changer but he just didn’t look very polished. Clowney did the 225 bench only 21 times, Miami’s punter did more. He also dropped some weight to look more like a 3-4 LB to look the part of the Houston scheme. Mayock has also been all over him and his question marks. I’m excited to see the DL and LBs tomorrow to see how Clowney, Mack and Barr look doing the drills.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:41 pm
50% sounds about right. Some of them will be painful for sure.
What Joe, me and the rest of the Buc’s fan base wouldn’t give. Man, this is gonna be a long off season. Ugh.
February 23rd, 2014 at 9:51 pm
Think about it, he almost has to clean house on many mistakes from the Schiano and Morris era. Keep the very best and eliminate some of the good, all of the bad and all of the ugly. Restructure to improve cap space and cut the rest. Take your losses now with the bad apples and build the best nucleus you can for the future. If you only get 2 or 3 top FA’s ok. If you have to trade up in the draft and only end up with 2 or 3 prospects make sure they are keepers. I am by no means a football guru but this does not seem like rocket science for a coach like Lovie Smith and company.
February 23rd, 2014 at 10:36 pm
Lovie has scouts for scouting…when the battle lines are formed…Lovie will call the shots !
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:05 pm
Spring cleaning!!!
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:14 pm
Gruden’s 2002 team had 26 out of 53 players new. Look it up. Kept the defense. Purged the offense. Sound familiar?
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:17 pm
work on the free agents boss!!!! let the scouts scout !! oh man i can’t wait to see our team this year Go bucs!!!!!
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Purge away because 4 wins sucks.lets get some players hungry to win!
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:37 pm
Why are they rocking the “old” logo in that video? I would think that when you announce a new logo, that you would have it ready to be rolled out across the board.
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Just win baby!
February 23rd, 2014 at 11:52 pm
“Gruden’s 2002 team had 26 out of 53 players new.”
Snook…but wait the MORONS that say it was Dungy’s team that won the SB, will surely call you a liar. Looking it up or not. They will refuse to believe that.
Oh and believe me there are many MORONIC Buc fans that still think this. You will see them on these boards from time to time saying it was Dungy’s team that won the SB. They are still out there.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:00 am
Snook…My cousin was also part of the newbies. Before anyone asks. My cousin was the Bucs LS during the SB season. Signed in week 4, started and got himself a ring.
I got to wear it and get my picture taken with it on. I was sooooo close to being able to hold the Lombardi as well. I was only in town for a short while and communication got crossed between my aunt and my cousin, but apparently he had other plans that day.
Ahhhh well got to wear the ring though. My eyes as big as saucers while putting it on.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:04 am
Just win baby
February 24th, 2014 at 12:08 am
I know you can’t wait to see if he kicks Glennon’s assume back to North Carolina. Then we will see if you still beat the dead horse “we have the worst quarterback in our division.”. I know fairness will prevail as always.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:21 am
Blow this sh!t up!
We need a complete overhaul.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:36 am
Purge away – start with the veterans / leaders on the team that have been below average on the field. Start with Davin Joseph – great community guy etc, but no team should have a leader whom performs so poorly. Leaders set the standard
February 24th, 2014 at 1:12 am
Sounds like answers to our questions about the “power struggle” we talked about a when Lovie was hired, then Licht. Although it’ll be interesting come March if Licht doesn’t feel like making deals with all the guys on Lovie’s FA wish list.
February 24th, 2014 at 1:27 am
@ Sammy Watkins Mob,
I really like your name.
February 24th, 2014 at 3:45 am
From the sounds of it, Lovie plans on using FA to fill most vacated spots. While Licht is probably more in control of the draft strategy and the order of their draft board. They do have limited draft picks and will definitely need to be heavily active in FA to fill an alleged and significant roster turnover.
February 24th, 2014 at 7:43 am
Is Sammy Watkins Dropping Passes so he can fall to #7 and his Hometown Bucs.
February 24th, 2014 at 7:51 am
Smith is setting the tone early. By announcing that possibly half the roster will be turned over he has the players attention before training camp breaks. This regime brings optimism back to the fan base.
February 24th, 2014 at 10:58 am
Most of the underachieving d-linemen on their rookie deals will stay though I’m guessing, since their contracts are guaranteed.