Buccaneers’ Official Draft Board Taking Shape
December 9th, 2015
It’s never too early to talk NFL Draft, especially when Bucs general manager Jason Licht is talking draft.
For many teams, the December draft board is a big piece of the puzzle. Hall of Fame GM Bill Polian likes to talk about how much he relied on that board because it was nearly completely based on talent and scouting — and not yet colored by personal impressions of a college kid and other outside influences.
That sure makes a lot of sense. A December board is all about football.
Licht seems to be in the same camp. Per his Sunday chat with the Buccaneers Radio Network, Licht and his scouting staff were assembled at One Buc Palace and finalizing the foundation of the 2016 draft.
“We got the [draft] board not completely set, but the skeleton of the board at least, including all juniors we think may come out,” Licht said. “We try to nail it down as early as possible. It helps us focus in on the players we think can help us the most down the line.”
Licht has been vocal previously that he doesn’t put much stock in the underwear Olympics of the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Lovie Smith, however, is a huge combine guy.
Regardless, it’s comforting to know Licht and his grand slam team are deep into the draft. Another one like this year’s and Bucs fans will be talking Super Bowl.
December 9th, 2015 at 5:11 pm
You can keep December 25th. I’ll be looking forward to getting my gifts on April 28th. To borrow from Adam Sandler, instead of 1 day of presents we’ll have 3 crazy nights.
December 9th, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
December 9th, 2015 at 5:28 pm
I think this year’s draft will be the best in Buc’s history!
Obviously to get a quality franchise QB like #3 is the real haul.
But to then pick up a starting possible franchise MLB as well is just freaking amazing.
Now add two starting OL one of them possibly a future pro bowler…this draft was truly mind boggling.
If we could get Aguayo if he comes out and have dominant kicker of Vinateri level for the next 15 years I would be ecstactic..add a dominant DE and a couple good DB’s…and we’re rockin’ it for next year. We get the vast majority of our FG’s once we get into enemy territory…we augment our pass rush and help the back seven.
December 9th, 2015 at 5:34 pm
Lets get three real thumpers on D….after that, I don’t care…..
December 9th, 2015 at 5:52 pm
I’d say:
1. DE
2. CB
3. Free Safety
4. KR (someone on the SEATTLE Tyler Lockett field)
5. OL
6. Best Player Available
7. Best Player Available
December 9th, 2015 at 5:55 pm
Would like Sterling Shephard for a slot WR.
December 9th, 2015 at 5:56 pm
I have to disagree with Kelvin. I’m all in on Jameis. Give me 2 OL and 1 speed WR at the top.
December 9th, 2015 at 5:57 pm
1.WR
2. CB
3. DE
4. OL
December 9th, 2015 at 6:09 pm
“I think this year’s draft will be the best in Buc’s history!”
Didn’t they choose 2 Hall of Famers in the draft one year?
December 9th, 2015 at 6:20 pm
Bpa first three picks. We are going to start having needs filled by players wanting to come to Tampa and play with Jameis. Would love to give L’ael Collins another chance to make his decision
December 9th, 2015 at 6:23 pm
Hopefully we can sign a few quality free agents:
(Receivers)
• Travis Benjamin
• Mohamed Sanu
Corners
• Casey Hayward
• Trumaine Johnson
Strong Safety
• James Ihedigbo
Note: Call John Schneider (Seattle) and Check to see if he’s willing to part ways –
SS Kam Chancellor
December 9th, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Defensive Ends
• Olivier Vernon
• Vinny Curry
December 9th, 2015 at 6:41 pm
Hopefully through back channels – a friend of a friend. Has spoken to a guy that fit the description of Mario Williams – about coming to Tampa if he’s released- I’m just saying 🙂
December 9th, 2015 at 6:52 pm
LUV…John Schneider from The Dukes of Hazzard?
December 9th, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Buc1987
Haha -Nah Boss
December 9th, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Damn U 87, now you got about cars.
But seriously though – I hope Licht is ready to sign Mario Williams – if he’s released.
December 9th, 2015 at 7:14 pm
now you got *me thinking about cars.
December 9th, 2015 at 7:28 pm
I think we should go DE, CB, OG. WR in 2017 as long as VJax stays next season. I was in the OL club but they have played well. Need a Guard to replace Mankins in the Third.
December 9th, 2015 at 7:34 pm
In 2017 – Give up the farm for Myles Garrett. I have to go see this kid play in person next year – Monster!
December 9th, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Keep in mind we have Kenny Bell coming back next year with his 4.2-4.4 fourty speed.
December 9th, 2015 at 8:38 pm
@Stanglassman
Excellent point about Kenny Bell. We have to do some serious evaluation in the next month.
If there’s a silver lining to GMC’s abscence it’s that Gholston is getting a chance to “be the man”. If the Atlanta game is any indication he may be ready to blossom.
Remember Simeon Rice was a good player with talent before we got him in the trade and he became great.
We may have some real talent on this team that is just beginning to blossom.
December 9th, 2015 at 8:52 pm
StPeteBucsFan
Do U remember back- when Illinois Fighting Illini Had two of the Best Pass Rushers in the Nation?
Simeon Rice
Kevin Hardy
Also remember – we got Simeon Rice in Free Agency – It was a real big controversy at the time. Because no one could understand, how a we could fit Rice under the salary cap that year- when we were so close to the max. We got one the best Pass Rushers in the league for a cool million.
Everyone thought the glazers guaranteed – some type of back deal with incentives (lake front property, etc)
December 9th, 2015 at 8:54 pm
Everyone thought the glazers guaranteed – some type of back *hand deal with incentives (lake front property, etc)
December 9th, 2015 at 9:42 pm
It needs to be best player available regardless of position from this point on.
December 9th, 2015 at 9:53 pm
Just do what you did last year.
Go Bucs!
December 9th, 2015 at 10:18 pm
I wouldn’t count on Kenny Bell amounting to much. He basically didn’t make the team this year. He didn’t have a season ending injury. The Bucs didn’t think he was ready and are hoping next year he can develop a little more. As good as this draft was with the first four picks, the last 3 were complete wastes. Could have used some better choices with those picks for depth. Having said that if we can keep hitting home runs with the first 4 I will be happy.
December 9th, 2015 at 10:57 pm
LuvmyBucs
Thanks for that info. I was not aware. Are you an Illinois grad?