10 Reasons The Bucs Need The No. 1 Pick
December 12th, 2014
Marcus! Jameis! Marcus! Jameis! Marcus! Jameis! Marcus! Jameis! Marcus! Jameis!
Oh, what a maniacal frenzy it will be if the Bucs maintain their current 2015 draft position, the No. 1 overall pick.
But that specific No. 1 slot is critical.
Consider the analysis of the Around the League crew at NFL.com. They’ve identified 11 teams on the hunt for a new starting quarterback. Of course, the Bucs are one of them, so that leaves 10 big reasons the Bucs need that No. 1 pick.
Here’s the order they provided, ranked by desperation level:
Bills
Jets
Texans
Titans
Redskins
Rams
Cardinals
Eagles
Browns
Bears
Yes, plenty of teams could be eager to trade up and leapfrog the Bucs in the draft. The quest for a franchise QB can make owners and teams do crazy things. And it seems there will only be two of those guys on the table: Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston.
The Bucs would be in quite a pickle if they have, say, the No. 4 overall pick and realize they need to draft a quarterback. They’d almost be forced to trade up to make sure they got their guy.
One giant factor that makes the No. 1 pick attractive is the ability to hire a new offensive coordinator that would best suit the team’s preferred potential QB. The Bucs could actually know what stud QB they plan to draft when they go through the OC hiring process. What a big fat plus that would be.
It’s fun to dream, but Joe is still bitter the Bucs didn’t draft a quarterback this past spring. What a flushed opportunity. The Bucs could have Mike Evans and a premier QB prospect right now.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Why would the Browns be on this list, they have Johnny Clipboard?
December 12th, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Who exactly should have the Bucs drafted at QB this past spring…assuming they took Evans at 7? Just curious…
Joe was pounding the drum all winter and spring for Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Football. Bucs could have had Bridgewater easily, giving up very little to trade up like Minnesota did. –Joe
December 12th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
If the Bucs can get the RGIII haul, they absolutely need to trade back. Andrew Luck is not available in this draft, every QB is a 60/40 guy (60% good NFL QB/40% bust) and this is a horrible team with a boatload of holes. Trading up would be a disaster because…too many holes to give up picks for one guy who won’t make a difference on a crappy team.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Evans is who they got because they didn’t take a premier qb prospect. Garoppolo, Mettenberger.. would have been the leftovers in the 2nd. Pass.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Garoppolo comes to mind… sigh.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Could’ve traded up for Carr at the bottom of the first.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:48 pm
The pic up top says it all. In my thinking. When is the last time the Bucs had the top overall pick in the draft? It’s been a long time coming. I doubt it will happen this year also.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
@Joe – I would have thought you’d look at us not drafting a QB this year as a dodged bullet. Given the scenario you suggested above, had we brought in a QB that fit Tedford’s system specifically then we’d be bringing a new OC in this year and he may not be the right guy to suit our QB or we’d be limited in our OC search because it would have to be someone who fit our young QB’s talents. We couldn’t have foreseen it but it’s been pretty fortuitous that we’ve ended up in a situation where we can bring the OC and QB in together.
Joe was pounding the drum all winter and spring for Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Football. Bucs could have had Bridgewater easily, giving up very little to trade up like Minnesota did. Bucs would be in far better shape with Bridgewater in the mix now. –Joe
December 12th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
@bucrightoff
If you are waiting for the magical year where we draft #1 and Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck is available, then maybe we get our guy sometime in the next 50 years. Mariota is not Manning or Luck but he’s darn near close. Even with Manning and Luck the pundits were split on whether Leaf or RG3 were better. QB is the only, repeat ONLY position, that can take a 2-14 team to the playoffs the following year. Its worth the risk. And its not like the Rams received all Pro Bowlers for trading down. 3 or 4 above average players does not equal a superstar.
December 12th, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Another reason to have the overall #1 pick is that the Browns (on the above list) have TWO #1 picks and TWO #4 picks that would help greatly to fill a roster FULL of holes.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Joe,
Concise as ever! The Bucs should have grabbed Johnny Football last year! I totally agree the #1 pick is vital, but WHO is going to make that pick? Before the draft arrives, Lovie will have to pick an OC and his record ain’t the best in that category!
Team Glazer needs to clean house and start from scratch!!
Marcus Mariota – – Jim Harbaugh – – Excellent OC!!
Now that is something to send to Santa as our wish for Christmas!!
Greg Schiano!!
December 12th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Don’t trade down. Take the QB. Tampa needs a hero worse than that chick from the 80s soundtracks.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:11 pm
If the players in San Francisco don’t like Harbaugh, what makes you think the Bucs players will? He would never come here.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:13 pm
@Joe – I remember clearly how avid you were about bringing one of those guys in, specifically Manziel. I just thought that you would have seen the way things turned out as an ultimately better situation. Shows what I know.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Agree Joe. 14 other teams drafted a quarterback somewhere, that’s almost half the league.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Am I the only one that really believes we are going to win at least one more game – most likely 2? I think we are going to rip Carolina, as well as the Aints. I’ll be cheering for us, but they won’t be as sweet knowing we’ll probably end up with about the 7th pick again.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:27 pm
“The Bucs could actually know what stud QB they plan to draft when they go through the OC hiring process.”
__________________
It’d be a huge draw for a top flight OC but I still don’t see the best candidates wanting to coach here. The reasons are obvious.
That said, Since it’s the Christmas season, I’ll wish for Trestman and draft Mariotta.
Trestman has the QB coaching background. McCown knows the system and could be a short term bridge.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Out of curiosity… why isn’t Glennon starting by now?
I mean, seriously, Lovie basically wanted Glennon to fail and is now rotting him on the bench while McClown plays like a… well, a clown.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Lovie never wanted Glennon.
Lovie still doesn’t want Glennon.
Playing him diminishes his trade value.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:37 pm
lol, Mariota is not even in the same league as Manning or Luck. The fact Amari Cooper has a legit shot to go in front of him tells you that. If the Raiders got #1, even with Derek Carr, they’d dump Carr for Mariota in a heartbeat if Mariota was Luck or Manning good. But he’s not, he’s a 60/40 guy. Andrew Luck was a 90/10 guy….in that 90% chance he was going to the Hall of Fame, and 10% he was going to be good.
3 or 4 above average players are desperately needed right now. The people who’ve convinced themselves if we take Mariota or Winston means we’re instantly contending for the playoffs are crazy. This team is so bad right now I don’t think people realize, or want to accept, it’s gonna be 5 more years at least before this team is playing meaningful January games. Getting a bunch of picks would help much more than a QB. The Rams are a QB away from being Super Bowl contender because of the RGIII trade. If they just drafted RGIII they’d be the Redskins right now, a debacle.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
#2 pick woud be OK…..would get either Winston or Mariota….probably Winston.
I would trade pick # 3 if deal is right….we have many needs and if we can’t get a QB we should go for extra picks.
It might be possible (not likely) to get Winston or Mariota @ 3 if teams above us don’t need QB like Jags/Raiders…..and price is too steep or if they really want another player with their pick…..
December 12th, 2014 at 1:41 pm
The only one we should be thinking about drafting is Jameis Winston. Anyone else will be a major disappointment.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Lovie does not want to draft a QB in the first round and he won’t. Offense is less important to him than defense and special teams. He said it himself.
December 12th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
The number one overall pick would be nice. Just think of all the trade offers coming the Bucs way. A perfect opportunity to build some depth on the team. More is better.
December 12th, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Lovie sticking with McCown is 99% of my little confidence in his decisions. I would think playing MG would increase his potential trade value.
December 12th, 2014 at 2:03 pm
@ Joe
How come you didn’t post an article about Mariota cleaning up at the College Football Awards last night on ESPN winning every award that a QB could win and your man Winston not even getting a mention?
December 12th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
as much as I like mariotta. let’s not forget about the Heisman curse. you don’t have to believe in curses , just look at the history.
December 12th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
I can see the Eagles or Cardinals picking up RG3. Kelly or Arians would turn him into a great QB. The Bears are stuck with Cutlers contract. The Browns have to start Johnny Clipboard because of his high draft status. The rest will be on the search. The Bucs must draft Marriotta if they have the 1 pick.
December 12th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
I don’t understand the Manziel love. He has done nothing but hang out with Bieber and how’s that working out for athletes/teams? Bridgewater? Really did anyone see his play against the vaunted Bucs D. Unfortunately, I think the Bucs must roll the dice with Winston and give him the Dez rules. The alternative is years of mediocrity at best. The trade down idea is not an option as it almost certainly seals the Bucs fate. Ask the Rams how it’s going. A middle of the road draft pick and no closer to the QB that makes them a true contender. This is the first time I have ever posted something. I guess I chalk this one up to 35 years of frustration coming to a boiling point.
December 12th, 2014 at 2:29 pm
Harbaugh is going back to college. He has already hinted that.
No offensive coordinator in the right mind would come here. I could see trestman but he is a better coach than Lovie so that won’t happen. Chicago’s troubles are not on trestman but the greatest coach killer since jeff george Mr cutler
December 12th, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Caption: Look Vincent, I’m a QB zombie!
December 12th, 2014 at 2:31 pm
If the Bucs don’t get the first overall pick the last thing they should do is trade up. Way too many holes to fill. A new offensive line, pass rushers and more help in the secondary and definitely a QB. The line is probably the biggest need. It makes no diffrence who the QB is if the line can’t play. No reason to draft a rookie QB just to throw him to the wolves. After a year playing behind the current line, he’ll be shell-shocked and probably will never be the same.
December 12th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
You do NOT pass up an opportunity to get a possibly elite qb. Even if it is a 60/40 chance. Thats 60% better than one of our current qbs turning elite. More than 75% of super bowls have been won by current or future Hall of Famers. When we won without a great qb, it was an exception not the rule. Everyone that wants us to “fill holes” first, at what point to we get a qb?? Everyone that says its risky to take Mariota or Winston in the first round, overlooks the fact its MUCH harder to get a franchise qb in any other round. EVERY player has risk attached, however you mitigate the risk by taking the consensus best QB of that year’s draft and hope it pans out. Sometimes you get a Manning, sometimes you get a Couch. There is no perfect method to picking a QB but NOT picking one ensures mediocrity (or worse).
December 12th, 2014 at 2:53 pm
and they gave this pinhead total control really! the glazers better step up and tell him to pick a QB or he is gone! unless they think its glennon. cuz idiot lovie don’t care he loves mclown.
December 12th, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Well let’s look at the best QBs in the league, give or take, shall we?
Peyton, #1 pick
Luck, #1 pick
Brady, 6th round
Rodgers, bottom of the 1st round
Brees, 2nd round
Romo, undrafted
Russell Wilson, 3rd round
Roethlesberger, outside the top 10
Philip Rivers, top 10
Joe Flacco, bottom of the 1st round
Looks to me like it’s literally 50/50, you can find a great QB outside the top 10 picks just as easily as inside it. Then, go take a look at Heisman winning QBs of the last 30 years. It’s a frightening list. Drafting a Heisman winner is a big red flag. None of the guys in that list, you’ll notice, won the Heisman. So trading back is not a bad thing at all, nor is passing on the two Heisman winners.
The thing is, any QB coming here would be set up to fail. The worst QB evaluator in the NFL would be his coach. His coach would preach being conservative and playing it safe to let the defense win it. He’d be behind the worst offensive line in the league. He might lose his #1 receiver if VJax is dumped. We’re not exactly set him up for instant success.
The reason guys like Roethlesberger and Flacco have done so well is they went to ready made teams. Those teams were strongly built already. We’re a dumpster fire. We have so much more work to do than other teams. A QB is not saving us no matter how much people want to delude themselves into thinking otherwise.
December 12th, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Yep, drafting a QB will cure all our problems! That’s all we need. (sarcasm)
December 12th, 2014 at 4:27 pm
I agree Bucrightoff. Both of the top two QB picks are not No. 1 worthy picks. Both have major flaws. Someone is going to be an idiot and give up two No. 1’s for them much like Snyder did.
The bengals have their feet under themselves now and are going to expose Johnny Footballs major weaknesses this week.
December 12th, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Our biggest problem is QB.. so yes.. We need one. Why not take the best one available?
O-lines and defenses ebb and flow. Once you fill one “hole” another appears. Manning, Rodgers, Brady have played on teams with bad lines and great lines. Bad defenses and good ones. But they go to the playoffs every year. Every year.
December 12th, 2014 at 4:35 pm
@JOE Your job will certainly become more interesting if the Bucs get the # Pick. There are two debates. The first…take a QB..trade down for a boatload of choices or pick a “generational” O lineman if one is out there.
Let’s go to the second debate if we do decide on a QB in that first debate.
Then your particular set of fans, more than in any other city, will be going nuckin futs. In fact I honestly believe there will be some loud shouting matches in bars, hopefully no fisticuffs.
Because of Jameis Winston’s horrible off field behavior he comes totally tainted Yet even the most ardent Jameis hater has to concede that he may yet mature and grow into a great QB or at least serviceable QB. See Cam Newton.
And since Jameis led FSU to one and maybe another National title, has the Heisman, the Nole fans in our area are not in the mood for a rational debate on this subject. It will be Jameis or we’ll never see the Bucs again. Waaaa.
The crying has already started. Imagine what will happen if we actually had the unhindered chance to get Jameis?
The other side will be screaming for Mariotta for all the obvious reasons.
While I’m no Nole, they are from the Sunshine State and so I hope they win another title. But my eyes are not clouded over with Garnett and Red glasses.
And so fault my logic. Both Mariotta and Winston are described as the “real deals”, the closest thing to can’t miss in the draft.
One is a model citizen. one is a spoiled rotten, pampered little jerk who may blow up into a full blown head case ala JFro when he hits the NFL.
All things on the field being this close, and all things off the field being this totally different, the choice seems freaking obvious to me. Take the kid without the baggage. I want to be entertained not embarrassed!
December 12th, 2014 at 4:35 pm
@ddneast
What are Mariota’s flaws? (btw his schedule is not a personal flaw.)
December 12th, 2014 at 4:42 pm
BTW
Like another poster I have a problem with that list. Why the Browns? Does anybody believe the Redskins will package a group of picks to leap past us. Isn’t that why they are where they are right now?
@Bucrightoff
Nice stats and nice analysis chock full of excellent points. Obviously I agree with you 100%
December 12th, 2014 at 4:42 pm
I sincerely hope the Bucs win this game so I can here you losers whine even more.
December 12th, 2014 at 4:51 pm
StPeteBucsFan …you’re getting embarrassed right now.
Draft Jameis.
December 12th, 2014 at 4:55 pm
A QB won’t save us right now, but you don’t pass up the chance. That QB can be built around and the team might be ready in 2-3 years. Yet you’ll still have that great QB that you drafted back in 2015.
December 12th, 2014 at 4:59 pm
If anyone wants to say we shouldn’t draft Mariota, that is fine.
Name a reason.
December 12th, 2014 at 5:02 pm
And by reason, I mean why he wouldn’t be a good pro qb. Not that you think left tackles or d-linemen are a better choice (as evidenced by all of Joe Thomas’ and JJ Watt’s super bowl rings).
December 12th, 2014 at 5:20 pm
How well the NFL teams have picked QBs is in it self a story. Joe Montana was picked in the 3rd round, the 82 pick in the draft. Was he a 10/90 QB? Before he played in the NFL probably, but he is in the HOF.
So the people that choose players in the first round are not always right, but the very good choosers almost always prick correctly and the others don’t and that is where we are, the choices in Free Agency have left something to be desired or seen in some cases, but their first round pick so far is the cream of the crop. Hopefully they do the same on our next draft picks.
December 12th, 2014 at 5:37 pm
But Nick QB is not our biggest problem. We have an atrocious offensive line who can’t open holes for running backs and can’t protect the QB. Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers would have very little chance behind our current line. If we draft a QB and don’t make significant offensive line upgrades, that QB is set up to fail.
And no, FA is not an option for upgrading the OLine. Aren’t we tired of getting burned going that route? It has to be through the draft. That’s why the trenchmob exists, cause we’re sick of poor solutions or stop gaps. Build it right and then worry about the QB. But this team is deeply flawed. St. Louis, Kansas City, Buffalo, these are teams a QB away from contention. We’re a QB away from being a last place team with a new QB.
December 12th, 2014 at 5:39 pm
One last point.. the assumption that we would pass on a QB and pick an automatic pro bowler at another position is more faulty logic. For every JJ Watt, there is a Dion Jordan. For every Joe Thomas, there is an Eric Fisher. Almost all 1st round picks are a 50/50 proposition. However, if you hit a homerun with a QB you are set up for a decade. If you a hit a homerun with a Watt or Thomas, you can still be 4-12.
This a QB driven league. The offenses are designed for them. The rules are changed for them. To be without one is crippling.
December 12th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
@bucrightoff
I didn’t see your comment before i posted my last one.
I believe QB is our biggest problem. And if by chance it is not, a good QB can erase problem areas. A good QB can keep our defense off the field. A good QB has a quicker release and decision making,which makes our line look better. A good QB makes receivers look better (ask Eric Decker).
If and when we were able to build this perfect system as you say, who is to say we would be in position to get a good qb then.
Marcus Mariota will be the best QB available to the Bucs next year (assuming we keep this current draft position).
You must take the chance and hope we can fill the other holes as we go.
December 12th, 2014 at 5:54 pm
KUDO’S JOE……I was a huge Bridgewater supporter and have asked the same question over and over and over. The thought of developing the Bridgewater to Evans combo would have meant wins…lots of wins.
December 12th, 2014 at 6:10 pm
A good QB who’s got no running game and has 2.5 seconds of pocket time to pass is going to be a failure. There’s no if, ands or buts about it. No QB ever can succeed like that, maybe, maybe Mike Vick in his prime with supreme accuracy. But that’s it. You’ll notice Tony Romo might make the playoffs after they finally invested in OLine. You’ll also notice most of the best QB have upper echelon lines. It’s not an accident it goes like that.
Then, you have to remember Lovie has to win next year or is fired. Do you really think he’s throwing Mariota into the fire and hoping it works out? Yeah right. McCown will be the starter and Mariota will ride the pine….but that doesn’t help Lovie win next year (which he needs to) does it? Randy Gregory, Leonard Williams or an offensive lineman? They’ll definitely help Lovie win next year.
December 12th, 2014 at 7:14 pm
So your plan for Lovie to right the ship and save his job is more Luke McCown and Rany Gregory?? Good luck with that.
You basically prove my point. If Lovie’s sole motivation next year is to save his job, then of course he drafts a QB. It’s the only position that directly translates to wins.
And Rodgers and Manning have had atrocious OLines in the past.
If your only reason for not drafting Mariota is that he might get sacked a lot.. Why even get out of bed in the morning because you might get hit by a car.
December 12th, 2014 at 7:55 pm
But he’s not drafting and starting a QB. So how does MAriota help him sitting on the bench? He doesn’t in any way, shape, or form. So you’re missing the critical point: Lovie doesn’t trust young players and won’t be relying on them for wins. For instance let’s say somehow Mariota comes out and in his first two games makes game deciding mistakes. That’s that for Mariota as Lovie’s starter. You need to look into Lovie’s history a bit more to understand why a rookie QB is unlikely to start. And wasting a draft pick on a player he may never coach as a starter? Not wise for Lovie is it?
And if you’re only reason for drafting Mariota is “We need a QB”, why not spend every pick the next two years on QBs? One of them is bound to work out right? Or you could build a team since they win Super Bowls, not QBs (how many does Brady have in the last 9 years again? Did Ben win one with the worst QB rating in SB history?).
Mariota, maybe, makes us 5-11 next year instead of 2-14. Yay? It’s amazing people have been conned into thinking QBs are everything. If that were the case why are the Saints so awful this year? Oh yeah…it’s still a team game…and we still have a mostly awful team.
December 12th, 2014 at 8:17 pm
Your critical point is “Lovie doesn’t trust young players”?
Based on our conversation, I believe that you think that’s an issue. I’m not even sure how to address such a blanket statement. I’m sure you’ll have loose, anecdotal evidence though.
I’m a historical evidence guy myself. Hall of Fame QBs saturate the Super Bowl record book. I’ll take an educated guess on Mariota. Enjoy McCown!
December 12th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
@bucrightoff
5 years is far too extreme. I think it’ll be more like 2-3 realistically.
I wwant a QB with that #1 pick, but…we could rake the redskins over the coals by telling them RGIII and two #1 picks. They would have to pay it.
And if they do very bad next year, wee would probably have a mid first round and a high first round pick as a result. Or we could trade up for the #1 next year.
In that deal, we would get a better QB AND a first round OL guy.
December 12th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
bucrightoff Says:
“…QB is not our biggest problem.”
Credibility lost.
Why else fix the oline?
We must get a qb, eith by first round pick or trade down.
December 12th, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Also, the draft doesn’t stop in the first round. we can still draft oline. And you said it will take years the fix this team, right?
Scenario 1 – Draft a QB in top of round 1.. Draft oline with next twob picks.
Scenario 2 – Trade the first overall for 2 first rounders and a decent qb with upside.
I would take RGIII and two firs5s in a heartbeat. Remember, washington needs to unl9oad him and they think he is a bust. They would do anything to get their choice of QBs in this draft.
And we have really good luck with washington QBs.
December 12th, 2014 at 9:03 pm
I heard a rumor that there might also be a draft in 2016.
December 12th, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Bonzai that you’d take RGIII shows all we need to know. RGIII can’t read a defense, he can’t scramble as he’s a 50% injury risk every time he does, and he’s got bad mechanics and is gun shy. He had 5 open receivers against us on one play, and were he Andrew Luck would have thrown for 500 yards against us. But he’s RGIII, a bust. You also somehow assume the Redskins are moving on. Danny Boy is firing Gruden before he dumps RGIII, you can book that one.
And I don’t want McCown…but Lovie’s convinced he can win 10 games with Josh McCown. Sucks but he believes it even if we don’t. And he needs to win next year to keep his job. Drafting Mariota and going 6-10 = fired. And if Mariota is gonna be sitting, what point is there, from Lovie’s perspective, to drafting him? Anecdotal evidence is Bears fans who have 9 years experience with Lovie. Ask them how much he plays young guys over vets. They’d know best after all.
Besides, do you really want the worst QB evaluator in football being involved with a #1 picked QB? Fire Lovie, hire an offensive coach, then drafting a QB can be a good investment. But a defensive minded, very conservative coach wth a #1 QB? Sounds like a terrible idea.
December 12th, 2014 at 10:38 pm
What evaluation? By pure fate and suckitude the planets have alligned and a blue chip QB could fall in our laps. The only evaluation Lovie needs to do is on the spelling of “Mariota”. One R, one T. Preheat oven to 350. Wait 5 months and voila, franchise QB.
December 13th, 2014 at 9:00 am
@bucrightoff
First, RGIII is not the main part of the deal I mentioned. The two first round picks are. In his current state, RGIII would get the skins no more than a 3rd rounder.
Secondly, you are 1000% wrong in regard to the skins not giving up on him. They already have. If they have the opportunity to get the first pick in the draft, at ANY PRICE, they will take it. And they won’t want a QB controversy, so they will cut or deal RGIII. So adding him to a trade deal gets them out of paying him and removes the potential for controversy.
You say we need oline. This deal would get it for us.
You are also 1000% wrong in regard to McCown and Lovie. Lovie is not as hooked on McCown as you think. Heck, he let him go when he had him last time.
You are missing things on so many levels on this one. It’s alright, everyone is wrong at times, and I guess it is your turn.
Consider this:
A change of scenery could be just what RGIII needs. He can be had at a low cost, or included in a deal for the first pick.
He has a year left on his deal. If he doesn’t do well, he’s toast…and we STILL have two first round picks next year.
Josh McCown is going to retire. He was going to before coming here, but figured he could get a payday AND thought maybe he could have one good year or two. Instead, he’s broken down to tears and made little money, because most of his contract money was incentives. He’s retire after this year, because he just doesn’t have the fight left in him. I am right on this…just like I predicted 2 months ago (or more) that Tedford would never come back. AND, before we even signed McCown, II predicted he would only last a year here.
The “quarterback evaluator” on this team is Marcus Arroyo…and he’ll be fired at the end of the year. Lovie and Licht will have to fire Arroyo, Frazier and the ST coach…maybe even the offensive line coach.
As I said a while ago, Lovie wanted Rod Marinelli as DC, but Jones would not let him out of his last year. This ticked Rod off, as he WANTS to work with Lovie. Frazier doing badly is just what Lovie needed to open that door. And Jones tried to convince Marinelli to stay, offered him a bunch of money and a longer contract. Rod refused. He wants out of Dallas. The writing is on the wall. If you don’t agree, again, you have the right to be wrong.
Meanwhile, Lovie and Licht need a new Offensive Coordinator. With Arroyo fired, and the Oline coach fired, the OC will get to pick the guys he wants to fill those roles. PLUS the promise of the high round pick for either oline or QB is there.
People saying no OC will want to come here? They are full of it. We have some really good talent on both sides of the ball. Yes, we have some bad talent, but anyone with an once of common sense knew it would take a couple years to fix the team when Lovie was hired. The fact that we have a high round pick will speed up the process.
And as far as free agency, don’t give up on that yet either. Mankins and Johnson may not have played great this year, but look at the talent around them. Johnson had GMC, but that’s it on the line. Mankins had no one. They’ll both stay. I’ll address the lines in another post.
Just know that the Bucs can free up about $26m by cutting certain under performing players. Yes, there are a bunch of holes to fill. No, there will NOT be an instant fix. (On that we agree) But it doesn’t have to take as long as you think.
We can get the QB we need, or we can trade for a QB and extra picks.
I also disagree with everyone that claims we need to build the oline FIRST, before we get the QB. At least on the surface. If we draft either one of those guys, we can sign a vet to play for a year (and don’t tell me teams don’t sit a highly drafted QB for his first year, it happens all the time) or start him halfway through the season if the vet is doing bad.
So, either trade with Washington (or another team that will give up a QB with upside and two first rounders) or sign a veteran (a guy like Sanchez for example, who wants to turn his career around and has playoff exp) and draft our QB. If the vet does well, keep the rookie benched for his first year. If the vet does REALLY well, keep him as backup like the Packers did with Rodgers until the time is right.
Use the remaining picks to address oline, the safety positions and a DE. Hope for gold, and fill the remaining holes with FA or the next draft.
So far as talent evaluation, 19 players were replaced on this team in the off season. The odds were against even half of them working out. And, if you look at the contracts, the guys that didn’t, except for Mankins and Johnson, have contracts that will be no problem when they are cut. It’s obvious Lovie and Licht knew they might not be good players, but they had to fill holes as best they could until the next draft.
December 13th, 2014 at 9:01 am
Wow, that was a long one. (that’s what she said)
December 13th, 2014 at 9:02 am
BTW, LOVIE WILL NOT BE FIRED!
Not going to happen. Not this year. Be realistic, people.
December 13th, 2014 at 9:05 am
“Joe is still bitter the Bucs didn’t draft a quarterback this past spring”.
Sorry Joe – but no QB in last year’s draft was worthy of a high pick. Neither Bridgewater nor Manziel will be top tier QBs. Bortles was likely the best of the bunch and I don’t think he will be a star either (+ was already off the board). Carr may have been the only QB worth taking a chance on at the top of the 2nd round and even that is pretty iffy. Bucs probably would have taken Carr if he had lasted 4 more spots until our 2nd round pick – but that didn’t happen and I’m sure the Bucs felt that moving up to get him was over paying for that option.
Once again – NO franchise QBs coming out last year. I believe time will prove that statement correct. Its always a crap shoot with drafting a QB on day 1 of the draft and I believe the Bucs made the best choice in passing and waiting for a better opportunity. This year is that opportunity because there are 2 QBs in this upcoming draft that have a legit chance to be special in the NFL.
December 13th, 2014 at 10:01 am
If we take Hoyer or RG3…I’m leaving the team. I don’t think I’d be able to take it.
December 13th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Bill Musgrave as OC + Mariota + 3 Olinemen= 10+ wins and NFC South Champs in 2016. Mark my words.
December 13th, 2014 at 3:34 pm
“Bucs would be in far better shape with Bridgewater in the mix now. –Joe”
Hey Joe, can ye give me the wining lottery numbers, I just read you know things that have not happened.
How can you say this? How would Bridgewater be able to Block for his own blindside, hike the ball to himself, would he be able to create space for his running backs with his superior blocking skills? come on Joe. We know how our Bucs luck works, he comes in and can’t pass gas, never runs for the first down and if he did he would get hurt on a freak knee injury…
I think we need to select the best player available that upgrades our team long term. Could this be a QB, OT, DE, G, LB, S. I do not know. I do know that to build a strong building you need a strong foundation. I believe this to mean we should have strong oline and dline with good backup players. we have a good group of WR a good group of TE a stable of eh RB’s. we could use better QB play. But our oline and most of the dline need to be improved. Can we do this in this up coming draft? I have my fingers crossed.