Bucs To Kick Tires On DE
April 1st, 2017
Visit.
Joe is sure glad it appears folks with influence at One Buc Palace must read this here site.
Since Joe launched this little corner of the interwebs, Joe has been banging his keyboard, slamming his mug of beer on the bar, hollering at the local pharmacist and screaming into the night like a dog howling at the moon the Bucs need an edge rusher.
And Joe will continue to do so until or unless this Bucs team fixes the issue. Not since Simeon Rice have have the Bucs had double-digit sack guy, and that’s a dozen years ago. Shameful!
So Joe is warmed to read from Jenna Laine of ESPN that it seems the Bucs are brining in an edge rusher for an official interview, a guy thought to be a first- round pick. And that would be Derek Barnett of Tennessee.
I’m told that Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett has an upcoming 30 visit scheduled with the Bucs. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury at his pro day today but is battling through it. He also battled through illness at the combine. He’s one of the most productive pass rushers in this year’s draft, breaking Reggie White’s Tennessee sack record of 33 in three years. Aside from production, he has some great hand usage — not something you see a whole lot of with prospects coming out of college.
If Dalvin Cook is off the board by the time the Bucs pick (or they don’t up for him) and one of those lesser running backs the Bucs have worked out are actually targeted by the team later in the draft, Joe wouldn’t shed one tear if the Bucs drafted a defensive end.
Yeah, the Bucs have Noah Spence who Joe loves for his passion, but after shoulder surgery this offseason, who knows if and when he will return to form? Jacquies Smith? World of potential but the dude cannot stay on the field. Always hurt.
It is almost criminal how this franchise has p!ssed away the cream of Gerald McCoy’s career by not finding a competent edge rusher, and the one they had, they let go for no good reason!
April 1st, 2017 at 11:10 am
Eater of worlds!
April 1st, 2017 at 11:11 am
The Cream of Aunt Geraldine’s career???? LMFAO… You sound like a professional jock rider. The MF DOES NOT make those around him better. I don’t expect HOF or Sapp production from Geraldine because I know it isn’t in him. What I do expect is for that MF to play and make plays. The salary he makes is of a player who makes plays. Unfortunately, all he seems to do is talk, and all you seem to do is make excuses for his a$$$$$$.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:18 am
Id be happy with de, just not wanting to see any trading up
April 1st, 2017 at 11:29 am
Another guy I hope we’re interested in is Hassan Reddick. Freak of an athlete, and one heck of a rusher on film. I like him as much as I liked Noah Spence as a prospect last year.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:41 am
I’ll put money down that we do not draft D-Line in the 1st 2 rounds at least…. will not contribute enough year 1.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:42 am
Agree Blake..I saw film of Reddick this week..freakazoid for sure..but I would be happy with a DE myself..
April 1st, 2017 at 11:43 am
As anyone heard about any interest we may have in Alvin Kamara from Tennessee? He’s actually the back I would want us to draft
April 1st, 2017 at 11:44 am
If guys like Davis and Cook are off the board I am all for getting Barnett in the 1st.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:44 am
FYI,
Players with scheduled private visits to Tampa
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama (PRI)
David Njoku, TE, Miami (PRI)
Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State (PRI)
Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State (PRI)
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan (PRI)
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee (PRI)
*Courtesy Walterfootball
April 1st, 2017 at 11:48 am
One thing at least seems pretty sure…we are going to get several good players this month if Licht’s past draft history is any indication.
I mean how hard would it be to be disappointed over not getting a stud RB in the first but ending up with a killer DE? The pieces are falling into place! Let’s go all the way to Minneapolis.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:59 am
Brian Hill rb Wyoming is the biggest SLEEPER in this draft. Go watch his tape. Guy is a physical runner, has a NASTY stiff arm, decent in the pass game. But he is the kind of thumper you would get in Fournette or Forman with a lower price tag (5th or 6th round) He just runs thru people. Just my opinion. When he is wrecking fools next year just remember he was MY sleeper pick
April 1st, 2017 at 12:01 pm
OJ gotta visit also joe
April 1st, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Lmao.
Every football professional acknowledges that McCoy is an All pro DE. Their praise of him never ends. Including our own coach- he said the Falcons had to scheme for Mccoy, everytime they played him.
Yet 3 know nothing Dumbasses keep insulting him. Over and over and over.
Like Repeating something Stupid, Will somehow fool somebody.
It doesnt
You, Db55iq, and Tmaxipad are mocking birds of ignorance.
A DE at 19 is what Ive said all along.
Baker will help McCoy on the inside.
Now lets FINALLY get him some help on the Outside. Ayers is a good De.
But Getting old.
Lets get another quality DE. Put Spence at LB – instant pass rush
April 1st, 2017 at 12:09 pm
This is the pick I’m hoping for
April 1st, 2017 at 12:31 pm
I would love Barnett. Ayers is getting older and Noah is the speed rusher on the left side while Barnett has the speed, strength, and moves to work to work the right.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Budda Baker or Obi Melifonwu in the first. Hell no to DE in the first round.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:40 pm
For Gods sake Joe!!!! How many times do I have to tell you guys? This is the SAME THING as the LB in the first round thing. You’re going to draft a DE in the first round to AT LEAST play behind the recently well paid Gholston and Ayers. And hopefully Spence, and PROBABLY Smith too (at least early on).
So you’re not ok with a LB (me either) but you’re ok with drafting a 5th DE. Inconsistent in the EXTREME.
Come on guys.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:43 pm
This visit is ALL about Bennett being a future FA. They can do math. Contracts will be expiring and we’ll be in the market. But there’s a 0% chance they take a 5th DE in the first round.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:43 pm
@Kalind
Their is a big difference between the 2 positions. Kwon and Lavonte take nearly every snap at their respective positions, due to the fact they are both excellent nickel package Linebackers, so they almost never leave the field.
Where as Defensive lineman are in a constant rotation. Jay Hayes made him self a reputation on mixing and matching various line-ups to take advantage of situational match-ups. All the best pass rushing units are like a platoon, constantly being cycled in and out. And you can never have to many pass rushers.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Even if that’s the case. Your 1st round pick is in a constant platoon with (early on) better players. Whereas drafting Obi or drafting Cook or Davis or Engram or Howard would put them on the field MOST plays. I the case of Obi…every play
April 1st, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Not to mention the cash. Ayers, Gholston and now Bennett would all be pretty expensive. And looking down the line, you’d have Spence and Bennett coming up bang bang in resigning. I agree you can never have enough. But that’s tooooo significant of an investment. Fix it when Ayers retire and Jacquies has moved on.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:47 pm
Perfectly said Blake..
———–
Blake said:
Where as Defensive lineman are in a constant rotation. Jay Hayes made him self a reputation on mixing and matching various line-ups to take advantage of situational match-ups. All the best pass rushing units are like a platoon, constantly being cycled in and out. And you can never have to many pass rushers.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:50 pm
My point w the LBs was about the Sam being a part time player. Joe doesn’t want us drafting a part time guy in the first. I agree.
A DE though, by y’all’s own admission would be part time. I’m pointing out the inconsistency. It doesn’t carry the value of a full time player. I’d LOVE to have him. But not at the cost of a full time starter
April 1st, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Will nit draft DE in first. An over rated position. I bet you most if these guts you mock in the first will never be double digit sack guys. If you’re looking depth, draft round twonand beyond for somebody with physical tools like Spence. Is anyone raving about these DEs aftet the first two? No. an ok DE with the 19th pick? Hell no..
April 1st, 2017 at 12:52 pm
not.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:58 pm
@Kalind I am of the opinion that when it comes to pass rushers, it’s more about the impact plays they can produce, rather than snap count tallies. Every time you can impact the opposing quarterback, that’s a chance to create a game altering play.
Pass rushers are like crisp 20 dollar bills, you can never have too many of them.
April 1st, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Look at Barnett’s production vs Myles Garrett’s vs the SEC. Barnett destroyed Garrett’s sacks and numbers. Garrett compiled his stats vs the Rice’s of the world while Barnett proved he could excel against the best. He’s legit.
In 18 SEC games, Barnett has 21 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss.
In 18 SEC games, Garrett has 11 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
Barnett would be MUCH more beneficial to the Bucs than taking a RB in the first round. The Bucs can get a great RB in rounds 2 and later in this deep class. Go after a premium position (DL, WR, DB, OL) or a guy like Njoku in round 1.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:00 pm
@Chris
The reason we were able to get Spence in the second was due to his off field concerns, namely his reported former addiction to Mdma. You don’t always get that lucky.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:13 pm
BPA is a must. I can see us taking Oj Howard, taco charlton, Derek Barnett, Ryan rwmcyzk, or Forrest Lamp in round one. It’s a trench war.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:15 pm
Kalind,
I know it’s it a glamorous pick, but D-Line would be a great pickup. We are yet to get a ten sacked in a dozen years. If we want the playoffs we need to be able to create pressure on QBs, especially in our division.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:17 pm
If Cook, Howard, Davis, Williams and McCaffrey are all off the board. Barnett might just be available. Maybe. I’d be OK with Barnett at 19 in that case if no trade down is available…
April 1st, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Kalind you drop major knowledge at 12:43. Salute my G.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Basically you just schooled us to the game behind a lot of these visits.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:36 pm
Both Swaggy and Desean said they visited Tampa years ago prior to the draft.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:43 pm
Who doesn’t want a 10 sack guy raise their hand?
Would be stoked with him.
Drop in a corner or safety at 2
Now you’re messing with a sob
April 1st, 2017 at 1:48 pm
How often does ten sack guys come into the nfl and not pan out to being a ten sack guy. Need I mention the names of the people we’ve hoped would become just that and didn’t.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Derek Barnett is on my annual wishlist too. I would be very happy to get him.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:58 pm
R.O. Says
“I’ll put money down that we do not draft D-Line in the 1st 2 rounds at least…. will not contribute enough year 1.”
If that were the case, they would NEVER draft D-Line in the first 2 rounds, guy.
Besides, they’ve filled holes with temporary guys already. The rest is up to the future kids.
April 1st, 2017 at 1:59 pm
It appears Myles Garret stock may be falling due to a medical issue revolving around being hit in his left eye during youth baseball. Doctors are saying he could lose sight inn that eye over the next four or five years. Think Rivera would still pass Pick???
April 1st, 2017 at 1:59 pm
I’m all in on Barnett. This is the guy I want! When the Buc d-lime was dominating down the stretch we were at our best.
Seems to me Smith and Koetter believe in having a strong defensive line rotation and I think in Tampa heat it’s a must have.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:00 pm
NosBos,
FYI. The only thing sure is draft night when the pick is in.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483402/article/eight-reasons-why-predraft-visits-are-overrated
April 1st, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Him or thomas are my top 2 picks. But both will probably be gone 😓
April 1st, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Just read the Bills have signed Tom Brady from the Pats. Fake news even on April fools day.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:01 pm
That one revelation could cause a trickle down effect that changes the entire first round.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Kalind, DE would only be a part time player if he is not ready to start, and only this year, assuming he’s not a bust.
You cannot develop if you don’t acquire the talent.
We need a safety and a DE as soon as possible. More so than a RB.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:06 pm
D@$! now that was informative mac.. Thanks Sir.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says
“It appears Myles Garret stock may be falling due to a medical issue revolving around being hit in his left eye during youth baseball. Doctors are saying he could lose sight inn that eye over the next four or five years. Think Rivera would still pass Pick???”
Interesting.
I have an uncle who the doctors all claimed he would be completely blind in both eyes by 30. He’s in his 50s now and seeing well enough (with glasses).
Doctors tend to get predictions wrong when over a long span of time.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Can’t argue that Bonzai but no two people are exactly alike either. It is April 1st but that article don’t sound like play play news. Written by Kevin Jairag-USA Today sports. I ask you the question Pick because it came from SBnation Catscratchers some Panthers site.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Good point on April First…maybe I should avoid sites today, lol.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:24 pm
For the sake of friendly convo lets say its real. Charles Johnson coming off herniated disc back surgery,JP what 45 years old. If it is real and he’s on the board which I would bet he still would be that young man is as good as a panther as you’ve ever seen one.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Again the writer name is Kevin Jairag-USA Today sports. Some dude last night said something about me answering questions like 12 times. Seems he’s a little slow cause he read all 12 answers. So that’s for you bro. If you were important I would’ve bothered to recall your tag. But clearly you’re not.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Ayers has two years left on contract. Spence coming g off surgery. Jac Smith can’t stay healthy and coming off major knee surgery. Gholston can’t rush the passer as an end.
Yup. Pass-rushing from a DE is a model of stability and strength for the Bucs.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:42 pm
I’d be 100% OK with Barnett. One thing I like about him beyond physical skills is he has excellent “field awareness.”
And he was highly productive against the best college football has to offer.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:55 pm
He would represent great value at 19…
I do have a question though, is he any good at stopping the run? If he is., then easily he should be our pick
April 1st, 2017 at 3:00 pm
That is one of many idiotic moves the franchise has made in recent history.
However, somehow they have pulled it together and are on the verge of a good run.
Good coach and GM will do that for ya.
April 1st, 2017 at 3:16 pm
If they went with Obi at 19, I wouldn’t mind them getting Takk McKinley in the 2nd if he was there, and WR or RB in the 3rd. Granted, this probably isn’t that likely, but I’d be good with it.
April 1st, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Just read PR.coms newest mock draft. And it’s probably the most sensible one i’ve seen yet. At least the first 4 picks.
Round 1 – Obi Melifonwu S
Round 2 -Jordan Willis DE
Round 3 – Kareem hunt RB
Round 4 – Michael Roberts TE
All 4 are exciting prospects that all have potential to be impact players in year 1. Maybe I would swap Mike Rob for Adam Shaheen if possible, but by all accounts Roberts is one heck of a blocker, and no slouch of a pass-catcher.
All in all I would be stoked with such a draft.
April 1st, 2017 at 4:31 pm
NoleBuc.
Bro, I knew you were smart just based on your univeristy of choice. Go Noles.
Joe and Blake.
joe, I’m just taking off what you said yourself. Even if those guys aren’t consistent, they’ll still be playing a huge number of snaps. A MAJORITY of snaps. So if SAM is out cause of it’s part time nature, which I agree with. So too should be another DE. Be consistent!
April 1st, 2017 at 4:33 pm
The point you’re missing is that we don’t have a need at linebacker. Where we do still have a need at Saftey and Defensive End.
April 1st, 2017 at 4:34 pm
It’s not like SAM is not a contributing position on the field. Sure it is. But it’s not valuable cause it’s part time.
Same with a Backup DE. Thus a WR, RB or safety would be contributing much much more.
April 1st, 2017 at 4:35 pm
But we have a need at SAM. And a need for another part time DE. Ok. But can we agree neither are worthy of a first round pick?
April 1st, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Also, I don’t know where the negative connotation that part-time player has come to have. Luke Stocker played more snaps than Cameron Brate last season, yet Cam lead the league in Td receptions in a “part-time” role.
It’s about quality, not quantity.
April 1st, 2017 at 4:40 pm
Ok, whenever a player breaks a record by a player the caliber or Reggie White you HAVE to take notice. After watching highlights, I kept saying wow,over and over, but then I started watching full games. Watched about two hours of his tape. This guy is a demon against the pass. Can bend the edge better than anyone Ive seen in college in a while. But he is limited in that he doesn’t really have any secondary moves. Can he learn them? Maybe. Maybe he just hasn’t had to yet. That is not my concern. My concern is watching him in the run game. Decent blocking TE’s handle him. Can kick him out wide and can wash him down the line. This is more concerning. For a first round pick, either I want a pass rush stud with multiple moves, or a prospect pass rusher with all of the athletic ability (which he has) but then is also a stud on run plays.
And with Joe lamenting last season about how Noah Spence was not a physical freak, don’t look up Barnett’s physical numbers, as Spence was better in most categories. They both were fighting hamstrings at the combine so thats kind of a wash.
My point about Barnett, there is a lot to like. I wanted Spence last season, but we need to understand. Barnett is closer to Noah Spence than Robert Ayers.
April 1st, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Breaking news. The Bucks just signed Adrian Peterson
April 1st, 2017 at 5:03 pm
^
April Fools?
April 1st, 2017 at 5:11 pm
SB … Damn homie don’t play like that
April 1st, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Agree with R.O. We won’t and shouldn’t be drafting a D.E. in the first 2 rds. Some combination of RB, WR, Safety in the first 2 rds.
April 1st, 2017 at 5:39 pm
To weigh in on the whole DE vs SLB debate. It is pretty simple.
Daryl Smith, our starting SLB, played 44.9% of the defensive snaps last year. 2 DEs will be on the field 99% of the time.
As Joe mentioned, look at our current stable of DEs. William Gholston can’t rush the passer, Jac Smith is coming off a torn ACL, I love Noah Spence but he just had shoulder surgery, and Ayers is on the wrong side of 30 and has dealt with injuries himself over the last few seasons and he has 2 years left with the team.
Is that a group of guys that can be counted on every week?
April 1st, 2017 at 5:55 pm
Well, an edge rusher isn’t a part-time player since defense is in nickel- and dime-packages roughly 60 percent of the time.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:10 pm
@Capt. Tim,
Please add me to your list of GMC haters.
I can’t stand that soft, under performing, overpaid, overrated POS as much if not more than all 3 combined.
Happy is the day we let him go.
He’s a loser.
April 1st, 2017 at 7:00 pm
‘m with you 1 million percent on the edge rusher Joe. Our whole game changes when we got that rush. I mean the 2nd half of our season looked like we were a different team than the 1st half. Our Offense will be fine. But we gotta be able to stop somebody consistently to get to the next level. I’m all in at DE for our 1st pick.
April 1st, 2017 at 7:12 pm
YES!!!!
Been banging this keyboard myself for Barnett even before the college season ended, I know what I saw. And I just have that gut feeling he’s gonna be a huge star. I doubt he’ll be there at #19 for us, but if he drops past 12, I wouldnt mind one bit if we traded up for him.
Then get Obi or Zay (if Obi is gone) with our 2nd pick if possible….WR Godwin with our 3rd pick (if we found a way to grab Obi).
That would be TWO future star players at D positions for us that we shouldnt have to address for another 4 years. Get it done Mr. Licht!!!
April 1st, 2017 at 8:10 pm
Tennessee gets good talent. I knew they were going to beat the Gators last year. The opposing QB under pressure would be a refreshing change for the Bucs.
April 1st, 2017 at 9:03 pm
LOL sorry guys. It is April Fool’s Day after all
April 1st, 2017 at 11:02 pm
Joe, it IS part time, if he’s splitting time on the field w Jacquies, Spence , Ayers and Gholston. All of whom have been used in pass rushing situations. A first round DE would be at BEST a part time contributer. Hardly like drafting Evans, Jameis, or Hargreaves is it?
April 1st, 2017 at 11:10 pm
I think Barnett will be gone way before we pick. Take TJ Watt and call it a night. Would be fine with Barnett if he were somehow available.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Godwin is flying up draft boards. Might be a high to mid 2nd round pick.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:21 pm
I guarantee you they will not draft any linebacker whatsoever in the first round.
April 2nd, 2017 at 11:39 am
I know his 40 time was weak, but man the kid lives, eats, and breathes football. He also had and awesome game against Alabama. Spence one side and barnett on passing downs sounds scary.
April 2nd, 2017 at 11:39 am
I like Taco as well but I’ve seen him give up on plays to often.
April 2nd, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Film looks identical to Robert Ayers when he was coming out of Tennessee. I can’t begin to tell you how pissed I was that they took Josh Freeman over Ayers. Having said that, having seen how most of these straight up 43 DE’s just aren’t making much of an impact in the NFL anymore, I would lean more towards the tweener guys that are just too fast for most tackles to handle.
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:23 pm
I mean that’s good value.
I just hope Licht is aware of his corner back situation. Mr.Grimes is 34 with a year remaining on his contract. We need to take advantage of the depth in this draft.
I’ve been all over the place this offseason. I hope Mr.Licht sticks to his guns and trusts his gut. This off-season has been very very interesting I think the draft will have plenty of surprises straight out of the gate.
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:30 pm
But they let go Bennett because of a shoulder injury…so your analysis while appreciated is inaccurate and tells half the story with the wrong conclusion. Spencer shoulder will be fine. No need to overload on DL. Remember Joe Ayers will occupy 1 edge so to have Jac or Noah there with backups like Russel isn’t a bad DL it’s actually formidable. Especially with Gholston working on his pass rushing abilities. No way that guy wants to come off the field. That competition will only help the real Bucs Pass rusher to emerge.
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:41 pm
Trust Joe, that was baloney. There is a thing called “injury settlement” if his shoulder was that bad. That story was strictly a cover.
Think about it: weeks after claiming Bennett couldn’t play due to a sore shoulder, the same outfit traded a first round pick to a guy who was coming off of major knee surgery.
April 2nd, 2017 at 11:37 pm
Oj Howard broke Julio Jones single game receiving record in yards and TDs.. team player can block play slot and h back… best option if their.