“Solve The Running Game”
February 21st, 2017
Running back quandary.
Joe does a facepalm and chortles loudly when folks push the notion in the comments on this very site that the Bucs should draft a tight end in the first round.
Um, the Bucs have a guy who will be 26 years-old who just led the NFL in touchdowns for a tight end Hello! Why in the world folks want to take targets away from a proven weapon is beyond Joe’s comprehension.
“But no, Joe, you don’t get it: The Bucs can turn into a two-tight end offense,” these daydreamers type.
That would make some (not much) sense if … A. The Bucs didn’t have a quarterback they could trust and went ground-and-pound. B. The Bucs had a running back to carry the load in a ground-and-pound offense. It’s rather foolish to transform the offense into a run-first unit without a running back.
And right now, the Bucs don’t have a running back. Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Rumors types this issue must be resolved by training camp, if not before.
Not only does retaining Martin (for now) make fiscal sense, but the Buccaneers don’t have another viable running back readily available to step into the starting role.
Well, Robinson suggested the Bucs tear up Martin’s contract and re-sign him for $2 million. His contract is no longer guaranteed after Martin got popped in a whiz quiz, and he’ll be on the shelf for the first three games serving a suspension.
Jacquizz Rodgers showed he can tote the rock but he got banged up last year. Robinson suggested the Bucs might kick the tires on Eddie Lazy, but two things spring to mind there: If a dude has weight issues when he is young, he sure as hell is going to have weight issues when he grows older. Second, the Cardinal Rule of the NFL is never, ever, ever, ever sign a guy Packers yoda Ted Thompson doesn’t want. Ever!
Given how thin the running back stable is in free agency, Joe is willing to lay cash the Bucs draft a running back come late-April.
And Joe is sure the Bucs didn’t draft a wide receiver No. 7 overall and a quarterback first overall in consecutive seasons, and hire a pass-oriented head coach, to go all Chuck Knox with a two-tight end set.
February 21st, 2017 at 5:17 am
First and foremost we would not be transforming into a 2 TE offense seeing that we run a great deal of it already. Second, 2 TE does not equate strictly to ground and pound offense. Thrid, hasn’t your bogus logic on this subject already been refuted?
How does getting another weapon at TE neuter Cam Brate, but getting another weapon at receivet not do the same thing to Mike Evans? Heck, by that same logic we shouldn’t even upgrade at receiver because that might take away precious targets from Brate. Cmon joe, get real.
Lastly, getting O.J. in the 1st is just one selection in a draft with 7 rounds. Leaving ample room to draft a stud running back, of which there are many.
February 21st, 2017 at 5:20 am
Greatest coach of the modern era runs a pass oriented offense focused around TE’s Joe. So while you may be chortling, you are the one making yourself look silly.
First, the Patriots have a unique Hall of Fame caliber tight end in Gronkowski. Can you even name their No. 2 tight end in 2015? Don’t think you can without looking it up. They run a lot less two tight ends than you think. Second, we don’t run their style of offense, and they probably wouldn’t run theirs if they had a receiver like Mike Evans.–Joe
February 21st, 2017 at 6:16 am
Why even bring up the possibility of drafting OJ Howard in the 1st rnd? Oh wait, maybe because he can catch AND block? (The latter isn’t exactly something that Cam Brate is known for as we all know).
Title of this piece “Solve the Running Game’ says it all Joe. If Cook or Fournette is there at #19, Bucs have to draft them, no question in my mind. (Same thing by the way if one of the top receivers like Williams or Davis is there; Bucs have to draft them because our need at WR is too great). But if the top RBs & WRs are off the table by #19, drafting OJ makes perfect sense. He’s an outstanding potential weapon, and the Bucs need WeaponsforWinston.
February 21st, 2017 at 6:18 am
Doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work, Joe. And, if Howard is the best option…it’s better than reaching for Ross…a second round talent
February 21st, 2017 at 6:25 am
I think the idea is to have a speed reciever and another te. Brate had a great year but things wont come so easy now that yhe entire league knows how much jameis looks for him. He was very good but hes not an eljte.
The line needs to.be fixed as well. Rb should be an easy hole to fill. I would have a loom into Crowell from cleveland.
February 21st, 2017 at 6:39 am
I can tell you that they ran a crap ton of 2 TE when they had Aaron Hernandez. And off the top of my head their #2 TE in 2015 was either Owen Daniels or that Chandler guy from Buffalo.
And yeah they have Gronk, but we have the guy who led* the league n Td’s just ast year do we not?
February 21st, 2017 at 6:43 am
Just looked it up and it was Scott Chandler. So ha. 😀
February 21st, 2017 at 7:16 am
Taking BPA at #19 isn’t necessarily a bad thing – even it is a TE, Joe… I’m on board with DR, a good TE will be part of #WeaponsforWinston!
February 21st, 2017 at 7:24 am
Oj is the best pick for our run game and passing game. Brate is a role player if teams focus on him do u see him getting open still? I think this year he was such a non issue that he made plays based on that but this upcoming year I could see a lil more attention being given to brate n that will bottleneck our top 2 wrs. Why? Because Brate can be covered by the most athletically challenged lb on the field. Oj will demand the attention of at least 2 guys if not the 3rd best coverage player on the field. Let me say that again JOE the defenses 3rd best defender on the field. How many teams have 4? How many teams can spare double coverage on a te? We can grab a handful of guys in the 2nd at wr that will be sufficient as a number 2 wr. With oj we solidify the te spot. You wanted manziel so your draft opinions are highly questionable. I’ll watch film and opine based on my own eyes. Oj howard blocks defensive ends and lbs successfully in both the run plays AND PASS PLAYS! If we don’t get oj I hope we draft Jordan Leggett outta Clemson.
February 21st, 2017 at 7:26 am
Patriots 2nd te last year was Martellus Bennett u know Michael Bennett’s brother? I’ll add that if gronk didn’t get hurt he puts up at least 12 tds
February 21st, 2017 at 7:35 am
Everything Blake said!!!
That was not a good argument on this one joe. OJ Howard would be a great pickup especially seeing how much the team already uses 2 TE sets. But they usually bring in an extra OL because brate isnt a great blocker. Guess who is. You got it, OJ Howard
February 21st, 2017 at 7:43 am
I am in complete agreement with Blake. Joe, what you say does not make sense. NE has Gronk and Bennett and whoever at RB. That would be the bucs. And I am not saying I would take OJ Howard over a Mike Williams type or a stud DE. BUT if Howard is the best available STUD, you take him.
Joe, you are always preaching you adjust schemes to benefit the talent you have, NOT make the talent you conform to your schemes – and I FULLY agree with that. That is the same concept with taking the BPA. Pick the best studs and draw your X’s and O’s to make them shine. And if that is Howard, so be it.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:06 am
@Harry
I think you hit the nail on the head. It all depends on how the draft shakes out and who’s available. If he’s the best prospect on Licht’s board then I think you have to take a serious look into him depending on who else is left, and who we pick up in free agency.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:12 am
Trade down and get John Ross in second and OJ Howard in late first.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:13 am
I’m fine with adding whoever, as long as it’s a weapon for Winston.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:16 am
Thanks Carolina. I think Joe’s attitude about the Bucs drafting Howard is way off. Using the same logic, if Mike Williams or Corey Davis are available at #19 then you would NOT draft them bc we have our #1 WR in Mike Evans?!
February 21st, 2017 at 8:20 am
I do a facepalm and chortle loudly when the Joes push the notion that the Bucs should not draft a tight end in the first round.
A beast tight end could be just as good as any other offensive weapon in the draft.
OJ Howard, if he played in a pass heavy offense in college, would probably be a top 5 or 10 selection. This guy has the physical tools to be a potential top 10 nfl te.
Cameron Brate is a nice player who is easy to like. Smart, hard working team player who is very well respected. Yes he had a breakout year in terms of touchdowns. It will NOT happen again. I’m glad we have him – as a #2 (receiving only) tight end. He fills a role as a dependable sure handed short yardage or goal line option. He can’t block at all and doesn’t have the physicality to ever be a #1 tight end. He’s the same player as Adam Humphries
OJ Howard is the whole package. I believe he is the te the buds were hoping ASJ would be.
My official wish list (based on who’s available):
1. Cook
2. Corey Davis
3. OJ Howard
February 21st, 2017 at 8:21 am
Not a Howatd fan. All you SEC honks and ACC guys only want to draft who youve watched on tv.You see him catch one bomb in the championship and exclaim…..he’s our guy.The guy has not produced at a college level. Name the last great Alabama TE…..Keith Jackson?
February 21st, 2017 at 8:27 am
I was doing some research about this whole TE argument. I was trying to look up how often “12” personnel sets (2 TE sets) were ran by teams this past season. I came across an article from PFF 3 years ago that showed exactly what I was looking for. Granted it was 3 years ago so it is a little outdated, but I will share the numbers anyway.
In 2013 (article is 3 years old so I assume it was refering to that season) the Atlanta Falcons, who’s offense was ran by Koetter, used “11” personnel (1 TE, 1 RB, 3 WRs) 59.63% of the time (league average was 51.62%) and “12” personnel (2 TE, 2 WR, 1 RB) 14.07% of the time (league average was 19.74%). 12 personnel was their 3rd most used package.
The 2013 Atlanta Falcons roster included Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones, and Roddy White. 3 guys who were still producing.
Honestly I think Joe’s point on an article about the TEs last week when he said we ran 2 TE sets because we didn’t have the WRs to run 3-wide has a lot if weight to it and it wouldn’t surprise me if Koetter would try an recreate that type of offense he had in Atlanta. That’s just me tho.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:38 am
Honestly, I think Joe has swayed me completely off of the TE early idea. I still would like to see us draft a TE in the later rounds for depth tho.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:45 am
Let me emphasize that much of this argument will play out in FA and the draft regardless of out personal preference. For me it comes down to what do we need most, a second TE or a running game. First the Pats have both. In order of preference I say RB and #2 WR prevail. Simply said you have to be able to run the ball. So if a top running back falls within our wheel house take him. If none fall in RD1 go ahead and get O.J. if he is available, but trade up, down, and sideways to Help our running game. Might get WR in free agency, if not get best available in draft.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:48 am
O J Howard, two weapons for winston in one. He can catch, he can stretch the field, giving ME more room to work, he can block that helps the running game and what happened when Brate went down at the end of last year, we had absolutely NOTHING at TE. Not discounting Cam, we just trying to add to the weapons, if we do not get the opportunity to draft one of the top two receivers, if OJ is there, he helps the offense.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:54 am
We need to do whatever it takes to get 1st rd.Cook, and go into the 2nd rd. Wr. Zay Jones great speed across from Evans, 3rd OL, 4th TE Jordan Leggett
February 21st, 2017 at 8:57 am
5th Rd. FS Marcus Williams, 6th Rd. OL, 7th Rd. trade for Cook move down.
February 21st, 2017 at 8:58 am
move up for Cook
February 21st, 2017 at 9:03 am
Man, everyone went in on Joe today Haha.
I have to agree. When I first read this article I was like, “WHAT?!?” The main response, in which many have already stated is because HE CAN BLOCK. A blocking TE is a game changer and forget about all the two TE sets, we can line up OJ and go anywhere from there. We’ve been running a lot of jumbo packages putting six linemen out there with Stocker. Imagine having a player that blocks like Stocker and catches like Brate? No doubt the league is now aware of Brate as well.
As far as the run game, isn’t that the chicken and the egg debate? Maybe our run game is suffering cuz we don’t have the line/te to be strong in that area. That’s a crazy idea, right? A blocking TE would upgrade that unit immediately. Not to mention the receiving threat as well for a check down or over the middle.
Like most people in here, I’m face-palming this article.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:20 am
@joeypoppems like u said that was 3 years ago. When Dirk had one of the best all around TE’s ever. And he also had Julio Jones Roddy White, and Harry Douglas. So why wouldnt they run 3 wide?
I lobby for OJ because he has the tools to be a gamebreaking weapon that would improve every area of our offense.
Joe is trying to peddle this argument that adding another TE would only be a detriment to Cam. Which I view as being 100 percent false.
O.J. Howard is not the end all be all must have prospect, but he would be a damned good option were he available.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:22 am
Agree, nothing wrong with acquiring more and better talent with another TE, and I freaking love Brate. You create mismatches when your same personnel can run/block/catch with the same proficiency.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:23 am
A draft expert, Joe is not.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:29 am
@ Chris
That whole when was the last good tight end from Alabama argument makes no sense. When was the last good WR from Texas AM? Should we not have drafted Mike Evans cause there hasnt been a great reciever from AM recently? When was the last good QB from FSU? Should we not have drafted Winston cause there are no good QBs from FSU out there? Should the Titans not have drafted Mariota? Players success in the NFL is not based on where they went to school.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:30 am
joeypoppems … Like your analysis but I think there’s more to the story. Look at who Koetter’s 2nd TE in 2013 was (Levine Toilolo), then look at who his WRs were (Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, Roddy White). He had also lost his preferred RB that year (Michael Turner) and they replaced him with a past-his-prime Steven Jackson. Tend to think that Koetter’s heavy use of 3 WRs & 1 TE (Gonzalez) was strictly because of the weapons that he had … he was adapting his offensive strategy to available talent. Oh and by the way, Falcons went 4-12 that year.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:45 am
@Defense Rules
I understand all that, but also look at the production that passing attack had those 3 years under Koetter when they were top 5 all 3 years. If you were Koetter and you coached a top 5 passing offense 3 years in a row, wouldn’t you want to recreate that? And if the answer to that is yes then why use a 1st round pick on a TE when your top 5 offense didnt have 2 TEs? That is the point Joe is trying to make imo.
@Blake
Imo Joe is saying that if we add WRs, like we all expect to happen, we won’t run as many 2 TE sets. And if that is the case then yes, adding Howard would push Brate down the pecking order.
The question is does Koetter want to become a 2TE offense or does he want to build what worked for him in Atlanta.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:54 am
I’m all for whatever combination that equals “weapons for Winston”!!!
I’m not a huge fan of drafting OJ Howard in the 1st, for the record.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:56 am
I think the answer is easy Pop.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:00 am
@Nosbos
So do I
February 21st, 2017 at 10:01 am
Most of the time these NFL head’s stick to what they are comfortable with their are exceptions like shaping an offense to suit Mariota but by in large they usually stick to what they had the most success with. John Gruden came to the east coast and brought the west coast offense with him did he not.. Same can be said for Andy Reid in KC.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:02 am
Who NoSBoS?! 🙂
February 21st, 2017 at 10:06 am
@joeypoppems … “why use a 1st round pick on a TE when your top 5 offense didnt have 2 TEs?” Hmmm, given an top QB like Matty Ice, plus a top TE like Tony Gonzalez, plus 3 top WRs like Julio Jones, Harry Douglas & Roddy White, a RB named Steven Jackson (plus Jaquizz Rodgers was there too), and oh ya, a 2nd TE (rookie) named Levine Toilolo (who is still with the Falcons by the way and has caught 62 passes total in 4 yrs), which ones would I put on the field the most often? Koetter just adjusted his attack to the available talent. In the Bucs case, we’re not close to having the array of receiving talent that was available on that team. Tend to think that Dirk would love to have a TE like OJ Howard, and that he’d adjust his offensive strategy to keep him on the field as much as possible.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:07 am
I’d rather have us sign a WR in free agency, draft a RB either Dalvin Cook if he somehow falls to us, or Samaje Perine in the 3rd. Perine and Sims would be a great two headed monster at RB.
We could draft Malik McDowell if Cook or a receiver like Mike Williams or Corey Davis doesn’t fall to us.
The reason why I am against OJ Howard is I like to see some kind of production from prospects. A previous user mentioned the same thing. You see one big game and try to extrapolate based on that.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:21 am
Not sure what you are asking Fanman???
February 21st, 2017 at 10:27 am
I track not to even mention college production because when I do people say my guy has bust written on him.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:27 am
If we only come away with 1 legit WR in free agency, its well within the real of possibility that we go the w dominant TE’s route.
And I agree with Defense rules, Koetter fields his Offense based on what personell he has.
And theres the argument to be made that Koetter wasnt all that successful in Atl. One 13-3 season followed by a 4-12 and a 6-10 that got you canned.
Also, our Gm has shown no hesitence to draft tight ends early. Like in 2014 when he drafted Asj even though Tim Wright just had a solid year.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:28 am
I agree Mick Says: I like drafting a RB as in Cook, If Cook is not there get a speedy WR in the 1st, then get a Rb Alvin Kamara who run like Cook in the 2nd. Only if we don’t get Cook.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:30 am
No way i would draft a TE or RB in the 1st round. If WR Mike Williams or WR Corey Davis is not there. Then I would go DE,CB,DT or S.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:31 am
we need to get OG Kevin Zeitler from free agency for the Bengals he is 27 yrs old and only allowed 1 sack in 2 years
February 21st, 2017 at 10:34 am
@Defense Rules
I will ask you this. The 2 TE sets we ran last season, was that adapting to what we have here or is that going to be the standard scheme?
If the 2 TE set offense will be the base offense then yea OJ Howard would be the perfect pick. However if he would still like to run the offense he ran in Atlanta then creating our own version of Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Harry Douglas should be the priority. And we already have the TE in place for that
I understand he was adapting to what he had, but I just feel that you’re overlooking the fact that it worked and it worked well. Its not like he adapted to what ye had and it ended up being an average offense lol
February 21st, 2017 at 10:36 am
We were 5th in rushing a year ago. With a healthy O-Line and more experience from the young guys. We can get back to a top rank rushing offense, with the RBs that we have.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:49 am
Can’t put the blame of Atlanta’s losing records only on Koetter. Teams still play defense and special teams.
And what if instead of fitting the scheme to the talent we have, why not get the talent to fit the scheme we want to run? To me that seems like a good idea.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:05 am
If OJ is the BPA, take him otw there are some decent FA TEs. If Jimmy Graham gets released like some seem to think, do the Bucs kick the tires on him? He has had 2 subpar years in Seattle m/l because of the offense that they run. He is only 30.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:08 am
But Blake what do you have to support your statement of him being a “dominant TE”??? His measurables???
February 21st, 2017 at 11:10 am
Jonzey would you take him over C Jason Kelce.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:11 am
@jonzey I agree we should pursue zeitler but koetter said he likes our oline. Except the drafting of kamara I didn’t like what I’ve watched from his tapes not worth a 2nd round nor a 1st.
@mick production doesn’t equal success. Manziel should be a top 5 qb or whoever insert name (tebow, geno smith, etc..)
Howard has the hands and the speed to stretch the field. There’s no doubt.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:12 am
Trade down in the first for Budda Baker, Isaiah Ford round 2. Solves two of our needed problems in the first two rounds with two very good players. We still need some more receivers though. It’s not totally out of the question that the Bucs keep Doug. The nice, good man that was second in rushing two years ago made one mistake and now everyone is ready to kick his butt to the curb. Chill out on the first round RB everyone. And can I get to see some Peyton Barber carries in the first three games of Doug’s suspension if that is the situation?
February 21st, 2017 at 11:14 am
See we can’t say one guy has bust written on him and he’s an all time great from a production standpoint and then say another guy will be awesome when his numbers don’t really support the assertion. Just like you say Dalvin will be facing NFL comp,so will O.J.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:15 am
College numbers dont mean anything in the NFL
February 21st, 2017 at 11:16 am
SOE jbf posters are not the one’s you should be telling to chill bro. You might wanna hit up Jason Licht.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:24 am
So you don’t believe they factor in Pop???
February 21st, 2017 at 11:41 am
@delson it’s not guaranteed that production equals success in college, but it is one of the check marks. I don’t want a guy that showed one great game on tape, plain and simple.
There’s obviously a limitless example of players you can make that had production that failed in the pros, but it’s one of the prerequisites. And you can cherry pick a few that go your way that did not have great production that produced, but IMO it’s something that you really need to see from a player in college.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:42 am
Ion know maybe it’s just me but it Seems like everytime I look up now someone linking Dalvin to the Bucs. Some of y’all should check Bucs.com and check out the latest. Sound precisely like the same stuff I’ve been saying for weeks.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:46 am
Some stats are a factor. Like if a RB gets 20+ carries it can translate to them being able to handle a big workload. They don’t factor into a reason why a prospect gets drafted.
A team isnt going to draft Zay Jones because he caught 150 passes. They will draft him based on how he looked catching those 150 passes. Route running, speed, high catch rate, seperation from defenders, his size, etc.
A team wont draft Dalvin Cook because he had 5,500 yards, they will draft him for how he looked gaining all those yards. His vision, explosiveness, ability as a receiver, lateral quickness, etc.
Thats what I mean when I say stats dont matter. Its how you look putting up those numbers that matters more. See what I’m saying?
February 21st, 2017 at 11:48 am
The draft is full of safeties and WR’s this year, but when you have a playmaker like Cook you need to grab him. College numbers mean a lot when you are playing great teams. Cook had 19 carries for 169 yards, 8.9 yards a carry 4 rushing TD’s, 2 Rec. 15 yards receiving vs Clemson this year. Cook had 1,765 yard 19 TD’s in 2016, 1,691 yards in 2015 19 TD’s, and 1008 yard 8 TD’s in 2014.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:51 am
NosBos his physical traits and film are what lead me to believe he can be dominant. That and the way he balled out in every big game he played in.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:00 pm
I understand joeypoppemsSays: but Cook vision, explosiveness and ability as a receiver was off the chart. He is what Tampa needs, the speed.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Zay Jones is a great receiver with a lot of speed, he is also great after the catch, Copper Kupp, Taywan Taylor, and Dede Westbrook
February 21st, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Dayum Joe you got em riled up again.
Free agency is right around the corner.
LakeLandBuc might bet you they don’t draft a rb in first 4 rnds.
Again FA is right around the corner.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:08 pm
@mick very true. I watched Howards tapes that are on youtube. Not his highlights his gametapes. His traits as a run blocker and even as a pass blocker are on full display. Where howard makes catches the guys makes big plays outta short routes or burns his man deep so he has the hands and the athleticism to be a huge impact. I have done the research. Have u watched any game tapes besides the national championship?
February 21st, 2017 at 12:10 pm
All I need is Dalvin Cook to remain relatively healthy for the next 4 years or so.
2 Super Bowls in that time frame. Count em. TWO.
He better NOT go to Carolina.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:11 pm
@JoeyPoppems i agree that atl’s down fall wasnt all on Koetter.
But I’ll you this, having watched Koetter work his magic in tampa these past 2 seasons, i am a believer that he cant mold his scheme to fit around exceptional talent at any position.
And to me, O.J. is just one of many options we could go with in the 1st. And to me, it would be 100x more reasonable if we were to stay put st 19 and draft O.J. as o
February 21st, 2017 at 12:13 pm
As opposed to trading up for a running back.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:14 pm
After that draft whatever. You got me NOS. You got me.
I see screen passes to Cook and him taking it to the house from 40 yards out or more. Draft Cook. If the pot is too rich to get him and someone nabs him top 10 then so be it.
NOS…if Jameis signs off on it. Licht will trade up. Aguayo sucking or not.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:15 pm
I would NOT be opposed to drafting Howard though.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Yes, he can mold his scheme to fit the talent he has. That doesnt mean he should have to do that. Again, if the offense Koetter wants to run is the same offense he ran in Atlanta we should be targeting guys that fit that scheme.
Would OJ Howard fit that scheme? Yea, probably. The argument could be made that he fits it better than Brate. It is extremely hard to make that argument after the year Brate had tho.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:23 pm
@Jonzey
Zay Jones is not very fast at all lol. He is great after the catch because of the seperation he is able to get due to his great route running.
If we do end up with a smaller speed receiver in FA, Zay Jones would be a great pick. As would Malachi Dupre, Chris Godwin and obviously Corey Davis and Mike Williams.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:25 pm
@NosBos
Right. Cus Licht always let’s the public know what he really wants to do.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:31 pm
@delson which games on youtube would you recommend I watch?
February 21st, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Joe, Joe, Joe … drafting OJ Howard and having a two TE set featuring he and Brate would be a dynamic , pass-catching unit that creates mismatches all over the field … it would NOT be a ground-and-pound unit.
Was New England when they had Gronk AND the murderer a “ground-and-pound” unit? Not even close.
February 21st, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Brate and Jordan Leggett would also be good
February 21st, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Leggett is 6-5, 258 with great speed and hands
February 21st, 2017 at 1:12 pm
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/o-j-howard/
@mick u can choose whichever game u want. There’s ten
February 21st, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Or u can listen to a guy who has experience breaking down film so u can understand what u are watching
https://youtu.be/RO29ZgeynR0
February 21st, 2017 at 1:16 pm
@jonzey Leggett is my 2nd favorite te he was used like oj but featured a little more than oj in the Clemson offense. Good blocker just needs to play to the whistle in my opinion
February 21st, 2017 at 2:32 pm
You draft OJ Howard or David Njoku in round 1 if you can’t get Mike Williams or Corey Davis. Not interested in John Ross. I would not draft a RB in round 1. An athletic receiving TE can open up the passing game and help in the running game. As usual, the J0es lock into a position rather than looking at the bigger picture. No doubt they need WRs, and will get some.
February 21st, 2017 at 2:57 pm
@Buc1987 … “Free agency is right around the corner.” Hopeless battle 1987. Quite humorous though when Joe gets the JBFers all biting frantically with some top-water bait like this, then 2 days later or so takes an opposing position and gets everyone biting even harder. Makes for some really interesting (and fun) journalism though.
February 21st, 2017 at 3:23 pm
The Bucs won’t draft a TE in the first round. But they would take David Njoku if he’s available in the second round.
Don’t forget, the team needs serviceable bodies at the TE position. Luke Stocker has one year left on his deal. Cameron Brate will be around for the next few years. Then there’s not much on the roster at that position.
Drafting a TE doesn’t mean the offensive is suddenly going to start using a double TE set all the time. Guys can rotate in and it provides options for different two TE looks based on match ups, including H back or slot.
Actually, running a set with two TEs that are passing threats could help the running game in situations, as the defense has to account for them as they can clear space.
One last thing…remember Brate and Stocker both missed time last year with injuries.