Koetter (Licht?) Likes Versatility
September 6th, 2016
Bucs want versatile backups.
So it seems the code has been sort of cracked as to what the Bucs look for in backups.
When the 53-man roster was released last week, Joe thought it was odd that defensive tackle A.J. Francis was cut. He seemed to produce well in preseason games and in training camp practices.
Instead, someone by the name of DaVonte Lambert was kept. Joe did a bit of research on Lambert, listed as a defensive tackle by the Bucs. Seems he played defensive end at Auburn. OK.
Then this week, Koetter was asked about the immortal tight end Alan Cross. Of all the tight ends the Bucs had in camp. This guy never crossed Joe’s radar. Joe couldn’t pick him out of a police lineup. So how did he slip through the cracks?
Simple, Koetter said. He’s versatile.
“Well he’s a tough guy and he’s a smart guy and he competes and he’s very versatile,” Koetter said. “So all things that we’re looking for in every player.”
The plot thickens. Then there is this nugget from long time Bucs beat guy Woody Cummings typing for Florida Football Insider. He notes the Bucs want their backup cornerbacks to play safety as well, noting rookie Ryan Smith was converted from corner to safety and free agent corner Josh Robinson has been working at safety in practice.
It’s all about being versatile, Koetter said Monday.
“We have to cross-train guys, those D-linemen have to play multiple spots, offensive linemen [do as well],” Koetter said. “When you just do the math, we kept six corners and four safeties, so usually you’re only going to have three safeties up on game day, so traditionally you do train your fifth or sixth corner to play some safety and Josh is one of those guys.”
In other words, if you want to be a backup for the Bucs so long as AC/DC-loving Jason Licht is running the show, and Koetter is coaching, you better damned well be versatile or out the door you go.
September 6th, 2016 at 12:03 pm
i like this approach by licht and koetter. this team is on the rise but could be deadly in 2 years.
September 6th, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Great philosophy… We’ve already witnessed it’s succes on the offensive line. It should pay dividends in the secondary as well if someone like grimes gets hurt we have VH3 and Verner who can play inside and out. It’s a next man up league and coaches have to prepare their rosters for moving forward after injuries.
September 6th, 2016 at 12:14 pm
I think Jason Licht is hearing ACDC backwards
Our special teams is going to cost us a few games
September 6th, 2016 at 12:33 pm
The fact they cut Bell, Vitale, and Francis, says they want playmakers, not just players that look like they can play.
September 6th, 2016 at 12:37 pm
We already have plenty of versatility in two DEs who can also play inside. We should have kept A.J. I think Licht is unnecessarily putting versatility above proven production on the field in this instance. I am all for it in the OL and have said for years that We have a Safety who played CB at WVa. and he should be cross trained as a CB too but that never happened!
September 6th, 2016 at 2:20 pm
No more One Trick Ponies
September 6th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
You’d have a sure spot on the team if you could play several positions and you were ambidextrous.
September 6th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Yeah, but I don’t see them handing the ball off to Cross or Stocker on a dull back dive play
September 6th, 2016 at 8:10 pm
We need versatility in our back ups because our back ups suck. Depth is an issue for this team. I would much rather have a LB who is an excellent LB than a LB who is ok but can also play safety. At this stage in the game with the lack of the depth we have, we need to have as many bodies available as possible. It is unfortunate and hopefully in the near future the roster will be in better shape to keep players that actually good at their designated position.