Dungy Calls The Bucs’ First-Round Goal
March 20th, 2014
Joe must pay close attention when Lovie Smith’s friend and mentor speaks out on what he expects from the Buccaneers on Day 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Father Dungy joined the Ron and Ian show this morning on WDAE-AM 620 and weighed in on all things Bucs.
What was most stunning, but not really stunning at all, was Dungy saying the Bucs would jump at the chance to add defensive end/athletic freak Jadeveon Clowney. If Clowney’s not there with the No. 7 overall pick, Dungy said, then look for the Bucs to find a pass rusher or bolster their offense there.
“I would hope Jadeveon Clowney would fall down there and be there. I don’t think that’s going to happen. But I know in Lovie’s system, and I watched what they’ve done, they’ve signed [Michael] Johnson. They’ve signed a couple of corners that are able to fit in and play this style. But the big thing with this defense is you’ve got to be able to rush the passer. You’ve got to be able to create 1-on-1 wins with those defensive linemen. So I think they’re going to look for that high quality pass rusher at No. 7. If he’s not there, then maybe you go somewhere to help the offense.”
For those wondering, Dungy already is on record saying he’d draft Johnny Football, “if I’m committed to winning.” But Dungy said today, if he were playing general manager, he’d want to hear from his scouts that Johnny Football could handle being the face of the franchise and he’d want to be sure his head coach is ready to build his offense around Johnny.
This was an excellent Dungy interview. You can listen to the entire cut below.
Dungy talks about his first meeting/interview of Lovie, how he evaluates college players, and much more. Later, Joe will have a separate post on another Dungy take today.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
With Clowney that Dline would be lethal. They patched a lot of holes in FA. Could it be that they are prepared for trading up for Clowney??
March 20th, 2014 at 12:23 pm
I don’t think they are trading up. only have 5 pick to begin with. How many times have we heard value, value, blah, blah….
I would be more shocked if we traded up than if we drafted johnny football (I don’t think either are happening).
I actually think Bortles would be the best prospect, but only if he could sit an entire year and learn first. He needs to get faster with his reads.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
please be Blake, Johnny or Clowney.if we get one of these three guys it will be the best draft of my life.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:27 pm
What really would help the defense is having a lot of points on the board and Johnny Football could help us get a lot of points.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Interesting to hear Dungy tried to hire him back when he was in Tampa in thelate 90’s…
March 20th, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Saw Bortles highlights, he got the physical tools but I’m not sure he’s worthy of a #7 pick. Maybe less risky than Manziel from a physical standpoint but that’s about it.
They got value in FA and the roster now looks less flawed than a month ago, beside the unknown status of Nicks and MW.
Houston pick (QB or Clowney) can change the whole #2-6 picks. It’s gonna be a fun Draft to watch. Will L&L play it safe or go for the win?
March 20th, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Clowney won’t be there but QB’s will. We’ll be trading down a spot or two to pick up another third round pick.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
I’m of the belief that we now have much bigger needs.
However could you imagine the D-Line with Johnson, McCoy, and Clowney.
No quarterback would stand a chance.
However this is a pipe dream because there is no was Clowney is there at 7.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Joe this is the stuff we come to your site for! You get paid to research everything Bucs 24/7 and re-post or report about it here….. along with some of your own reports. That plus a few good one liners every now and then.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Joe when are we going to get a thred about trading up for clowney even dungy said we need him…. falcons willing to trade up y not us…then next year draft marcus marriota fits our system well…
March 20th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
If a QB is there at 7…..someone will want to jump Minn to get him…..we will trade down if Clowney or Watkins aren’t there….we can still get a great Olineman or WR/TE by trading down…and will have xtra picks…
March 20th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
I’d move up to get Clowney, but that’s me.
March 20th, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Seems some of you guys didn’t read the article…Tony said he would go D first…that consists of probably about three or possibly four guys out there. Offense is the fall back position. And as Watkins will likely be gone and a couple of QB’s, that would indicate D most probably would be the order of the Day (if Tony was calling the shots).
March 20th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Maybe that’s why they’re bringing in DE Dee Ford/Auburn for a visit. Could be trade down or top of 2nd round pick. Or it could just be kicking tires!
March 20th, 2014 at 1:13 pm
I agree with Macabee. I’ve been thinking Dee Ford would be the guy after a trade down. But maybe at 7 too if they really like what they see.
March 20th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Clowney will be a collosel bust!!!
Mark my words…
March 20th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
get Aaron Donald at #7. He’s closer 2 being Sapp than Mccoy is (not knocking McCoy btw)
March 20th, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Take a QB in the first, second and maybe even again in the 3rd. To be successful you need a QB. Coach’s only get 2 maybe 3 years to start winning so why not play the odds in your first year and load up. Worst case scenario is you hit on more than 1 of these guys and parlay them in future talent. Must. Have. A. Quarterback.
March 20th, 2014 at 1:31 pm
Well don’t worry about Clowney. That ain’t happnin’. As for another pass rusher. Who fits our system that will be there? Mack doesn’t. And I don’t want him anyway. Guy is screaming ‘Bust’. And Barr is garbage heap guy. Did you see his bench? 12 reps? Uninjured? Come on man. There’s tiny CBs that do 15. So there just isn’t a pass rusher there worth the 7th pick. (Mack will be gone anyway-thank god)
Don’t blame Dungy, he’s no draft guru.
March 20th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Macabee and Doubting, guys! Come on, Dee Ford? The guy that was dominated in the championship game? The guy that is barely 240 lbs? No no no no no.
Ford isn’t a good fit for a 4/3. Sorry guys, he’s not a DE in that system. We need a big d tackle (not a tiny one like Donald) or another CB, WR, or QB. Those are realistically the only reasonable choices.
Why would we take Donald if we have McDonald? They’re the same type of player and neither really as good as GMC…..
March 20th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
I’m optimistic about the Bucs D-line for the first time in a long time. Provided the important parts stay healthy most of the year, they ought to be targeting 40+ sacks.
March 20th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Aaron Donald and Clinton McDonald could probably rotate at nose and play LDE on passing downs. It’s never bad to have too many D-lineman, especially when you’ve had too few for years.
March 20th, 2014 at 2:26 pm
My draft board:
1. Clowney
2. JFF
3. Watkins
4. Robinson
5. Mack
March 20th, 2014 at 2:35 pm
I’m glad clowney won’t be there. I’m calling it now. clowney and manziel will be the 2 biggest busts of this draft. give me mack or Watkins.
March 20th, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Trading down takes two teams. After Minnesota, how many teams are in dire need of a QB? If there are 2 of the top 3 still available, nobody will trade ahead of Minnesota, they will simply wait to see who the Vikings take and determine if they want the 3rd guy or wait until the 2nd round of QBs. Because they aren’t needy at QB, they may find Carr or Garropolo or someone else just as attractive as Bortles, Manziel or Bridgewater without having to give up picks to move up and get a guy in a deep draft. Most of the reports I’ve been hearing is that virtually every team is entertaining offers to move down and gain more picks, but only one or two are exploring options of moving up. Not saying that a team won’t fall in love with a guy that drops past who they thought would take him and find value in moving up to get him before another potential team jumps on the pick, but that isn’t necessarily at QB. Could be Mack, or Watkins, or even Clowney. It is possible we trade up or down, but the highest likelihood is that we pick at #7 which gives up a lot of options to choose from still. If Clowney, Watkins, 1 or 2 of the QBs, Robinson, Matthews, maybe Mack are top 7 guys, we’ll have a shot at one of them or the #3 QB or #2 WR, #1 TE, #1 MLB, #1 CB… so please stop with all the “trade back” chatter. While it would be nice to do, and I wouldn’t be opposed to it, the chances are slim of that happening and we could have better discussions leaving the “trade down” option off the table.
March 20th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Kalind,
Kalind,
Macabee likes every player he sees in the first round! lol. Got my favorites, but this is a hard draft to get wrong! If you read my post correctly or better stated, the intent of my post was to say the Bucs are bringing in Ford for a look see. I have no idea if they have any interest beyond that.
Personally, I like WR Watson in the 1st, OG Gabe Jackson in the 2nd, and one of CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste or Keith McGill in the 3rd. I don’t even watch 3rd day draft.
For the record, the Bucs never pick who I Like anyway, so I reconcile myself to get on board with whomever they pick and hope for the best. lol.
March 20th, 2014 at 2:48 pm
correction: Watkins
March 20th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Donald has better technique, stronger, faster, better stats, credentials and film than McCoy coming out of college. He’s only 10 pounds lighter than McCoy. Warren Sapp wasn’t big and how that work for him….Hall of Fame. He ran a faster 40 than Sapp. Let that marinate in your brain
March 20th, 2014 at 2:52 pm
I am sorry, but picking a QB with the 7th would be sooo damn stupid and i think they won´t do it, because they seem to know what to do – besides they said they will consider doing it – but you always got to consider everything – and Licht has already said, they think there are franchise type of QB out there even in the later rounds (QB´s not everyone is aware of, example stupid fans).. so forget the bortles (overhyped) BS as of the johnny football (too risky and hyped up) BS – and Bridgewater is very good – while i dont know if 7th pick worthy but yeah i think he is the only QB top pick worthy and he won´t be there at the 7th. so stop that lame BS talking of drafting a QB with the 7th – just because you think its sounds professional to draft one in the 1st round – yeah sexy pick – but stupid like hell!! Lovie Smith may not have a great mind for offense – but he isn´t stupid!!!
March 20th, 2014 at 3:14 pm
so sick of hearing father dungy……..
he did not build the Tampa 2 / defense and Gruden won the SB……and Manning got Dungy the SB.
March 20th, 2014 at 3:24 pm
Just signed Mike Jenkins
March 20th, 2014 at 3:25 pm
1 year, 1.5mill with another .5 in incentives
March 20th, 2014 at 3:32 pm
I love the idea of Donald.
3 good DTs?
Awesome! With Spence asa. Run stuffer? Thats 4! Finally! Injury protection!
Now that is Seattle like depth!
I think we could trade down to 15, and still get Donald!
March 20th, 2014 at 4:00 pm
My draft board:
1. Clowney DE
2. Manziel QB
3. Jake Matthews OT or Greg Robinson OT
4. Blake Bortles QB
5. Khalil Mack OLB
6. Trade down and take Carr instead.
March 20th, 2014 at 4:24 pm
I don’t like it when the spurrier thinks his work ethic is just ok
March 20th, 2014 at 5:24 pm
If you want more disappointment in another failed draft attempt at DE, then go for Clowney. I used to want him too. Then watching him suck wind so much last year and missing plays because he needed to catch his breath occurred. I wouldnt even draft him in the 1st, too many other great prospects. I know what I saw in him last season and cant imagine him doing well after the first 5 mins of play under Tampa heat and humidity. But he’ll be gone (hopefully, just like man crush manziel).
March 20th, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Donald can also be used as a DE. He would be our fastest lineman
March 20th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Clowney = Bust
March 20th, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Johnny = Bust
March 20th, 2014 at 9:06 pm
You gotta think Watkins and Donald are rising up the Bucs draft board. I’m dreaming of Donald and Kelvin Benjamin as the first 2. That would give McCown a pair of monster WR’s like he had in CHI, and produce interior pressure that is hard to double or chip block.
March 20th, 2014 at 10:54 pm
Draft: Clowney/Mack/Robinson/Mathews/Donald/Watkins/Lewan.
One of these guys will be there @ #7.
March 20th, 2014 at 11:51 pm
I heart Dungy.