Kiper & McShay: Bucs Jump For Njoku In Round 1
April 9th, 2017
After deep study and research, the top BSPN NFL Draft analysts are convinced Tampa Bay will draft the Miami Hurricanes’ 20-year-old, athletic freak tight end David Njoku at No. 19 overall — while running back Dalvin Cook isn’t drafted until late in the first round.
Here’s the analysis behind a paywall on ESPN.com:
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mel Kiper: David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla.) |
Jameis Winston’s receiving corps has already been bolstered with the addition of DeSean Jackson, and Njoku would be another threat. He has the size (6-4, 246) and athleticism (4.64 40, 37½-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump at the combine) to run past and jump over defenders. Cameron Brate had a breakout season in 2016 (57 catches, eight touchdowns), but Njoku’s ceiling is higher. He could be an All-Pro.Todd McShay: David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla.) |
Mel is right about Njoku having freakish measurables. His 35¼-inch arms would be a good length for a left tackle, and they obviously help him as a blocker and in contested-catch situations. When you have a promising young quarterback like Winston, you need to continue stockpiling weapons around him. Njoku would give Winston something he currently lacks: a field-stretcher down the seam.
Kiper has Cook going to the Packers at No. 29 overall. McShay believes the Chiefs snag Cook with the 27th pick.
So would the Bucs draft a crazy athletic young tight end prospect at No. 19? Absolutely.
General manager Jason Licht already invested heavily into Austin Seferian-Jackwagon at No. 38 overall in 2014– when the Bucs didn’t even need a tight end. And Dirk Koetter showed extraordinary patience with ASJ and made him a key cog in the opening-day offense last year.
All that tolerance of ASJ’s lack of professionalism made it clear to Joe that Koetter desires a stretch-the-field tight end who represents a matchup nightmare. Cameron Brate is very good, but he’s not in that mold.
Joe would much prefer Cook or a defensive end or wide receiver at No. 19 overall, representing clear needs for the Bucs.
April 9th, 2017 at 10:35 am
Not gonna happen.
April 9th, 2017 at 10:54 am
It needs to happen..
April 9th, 2017 at 10:57 am
In that scenario, I would rather see the Bucs draft Peppers in the 1st, then use their 2nd round pick and another later pick to trade back up into the 1st round and draft Dalvin Cook in the late 1st round if he is now projected to fall that far! The Bucs would then have two immediate starters who would make an impact on both sides of the ball for years to come!
April 9th, 2017 at 11:03 am
No no nooooo! Thaaat’t not iiittt! They’re gonna draft OJ Howard in the 1st. Not only is he athletic but already is a good blocker. A more viable WeaponsforFameis.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:04 am
Should we go with the Joes who prayed and lobbied for Manziel and called Pro Bowler Vic Beasley a bust? Or trust guys who study prospects all year long for a living…
Joes are entertaining but their player evaluations are Dominik level of awful
April 9th, 2017 at 11:05 am
Joe Mixon = Madden 19 Cover…PERIOD..!!
April 9th, 2017 at 11:06 am
Great pick unless a great trade is available.. Cooks my guy but there’s quite a few good backs not as many TE’s
April 9th, 2017 at 11:09 am
Id be ok with njoku, just not if cooks still there. Of course McCaffreys my number 1 because he is a legit rb, wr and returner. Njoku is explosive tho. Anyone who hasnt seen him play should. There are alot of explosive playmakers in this draft. Cant wait to see how it unfolds. Im hoping for a run of qbs, des, cbs so we can have our choice of rbs , tes and wrs. Gona be exciting. 18 more days. Go bucs
April 9th, 2017 at 11:12 am
Please NO.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:12 am
Another thing that points to this kid being our selection is he’s only 20 years old!!! Licht loves younger kids. Think Evans and Winston
April 9th, 2017 at 11:21 am
I would love to see peppers at 19. Kids a freak and those who deny it are dead wrong. Heisman candidate defensive players work out. So will he. Then move up if need be for mixon or wait and snag perine
April 9th, 2017 at 11:21 am
Big catching target….long arms. Some think Evans is making #3 look good. Because he has a huge catching radius. After all he made Manzel look like a 1st round pick. I wouldn’t mind the pick. We do want the defence to cover every inch of turf. This guy and Brate lined up on the line . Evans and Djax and hump. Empty backfield= would be hard to defend…probably the best weapons in the league
April 9th, 2017 at 11:24 am
I would MUCH rather have Engram. And he can be had in the second. Yea he’s smaller. But he’s FASTER than Godwin….he ran a 4.4 flat!!!!
April 9th, 2017 at 11:26 am
Is Njoku the offensive Obi?!? Idk, he looks strong in his highlights, i need to watch more film if someone can suggest a good Miami game or I’ll just find some-l, no worries… Anyways, huge upside obviously for both… High risk high reward.
Check this out lol, I was over my buddies place for the fights last night… and I saw a football in a glass case, guess who was signed by… NOPE, It ain’t Djax… it was none other then………”swaggy” Chris Baker!!! How hilarious is that, I was dying!!! That got me ever more jacked!!!
I said so what was ur opinion of Jackson… he said, “FASSSSST!!!!!” Not exactly NEWS, but he isn’t happy w these losses. GO BUCS!!!!!! Keep adding
April 9th, 2017 at 11:29 am
That’s the thing about this draft ^^ one more player on offense and we R loaded. Thing nobody plans for is injuries which is why depth could decide the fate of the team
April 9th, 2017 at 11:31 am
What about drafting the NC QB in the first round……..sounds crazy i know but gives us our backup. Plus if he’s a late 1st rounder this year. Then a year of being taught behind #3 and Koeter. Should make him as appealing as any QB next year. We could net a top 5 pick. I can’t see any way we lose and take a 2nd rounder. That would be a savy pick
April 9th, 2017 at 11:36 am
@Kalind Phew man, It’s for a toss up for me. But I feel you on Evan Engram.
When a dude is 6’3 235 and he can run like a gazelle, run’s sharp routes, and make acrobatic catches the way he does, with 4.42 speed?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPLsKmG6zOo
He is worthy of a first round pick.
But I love Njoku as well, he is a freak of nature to be 6’4 245 at 20 years of age. And could be a special player for years and years. And he is virtually a clone of Tyler Eifert from a Build/ Skill standpoint.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/tyler-eifert?id=2540148
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/david-njoku?id=2557986
Njoku, if he buys into the close knit, family atmosphere that we have, and of he is a dedicated worker like those around him, he could become a special, Antonio Gates type of Tight end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs8Xq0Xm0Oc&t=167s
I’d be stoked to get either prospect.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:38 am
From looking at several mocks lately, Licht may be able to trade down and still get this guy. The Houston Texans pick 25th and is expected to draft a quarterback in the first round. Competition from the KC Chiefs (27th) may motivate them to move up to 19 to ensure they get their guy.
If this were to happen, using the standard NFL draft trade chart, the 19th overall pick is worth 875 points. Trading down seven spots is valued at 720 points. That’s at least 150 points worth of value which would mean the Bucs would get the Texans’ 3rd round pick.
RD1 – TE David Njoku/Miami (FL) 6-4, 246, 4.64
*Well OJ Howard and Dalvin Cook are gone so tag you’re it Mr. Njoku. Not much left to say about this potential Nigerian nightmare – he’s big, he’s fast, athletic build and soft hands. This piece completes the trilogy – Possession receiver (Evans) , speedy downfield threat (D-Jax), and now a pass catching, run after the catch TE. If this happens, we gon’ hurt some people this year!
April 9th, 2017 at 11:42 am
Macabee, I love the trade down, but I don’t think Njoku will be there at 25. If that’s the guy we want we’ll have to pick him at 19.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:43 am
Give me Adam Shaheen over any of the bigger name guys.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:49 am
@Nosbos Are you saying that because of his measurables or because of his tape?
Be honest. Look at the film and tell me who would really be the better addition to our squad.
April 9th, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Adam Shaheen in the third or fourth if they really want a TE. Gigantic athlete that can block and has really good hands.
April 9th, 2017 at 12:09 pm
and then the Bucs trade back up into the late first and nab Cook…
Brilliant!
April 9th, 2017 at 12:13 pm
“When you have a promising young quarterback like Winston, you need to continue stockpiling weapons around him.”
Correct. Got it clowns?
Keep loading up weapons Licht!
April 9th, 2017 at 12:19 pm
2 clear cut top tight ends in this draft.
About 5 top tier RBs, scattered throughout the rounds, none of which a top 5 talent.
Stay patient at RB
April 9th, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Uh Oh, here comes the great Nole/Blake Adam Shaheen debate! Lol. I can’t comment cause I’ve never seen him play and wouldn’t know him if I saw him!
April 9th, 2017 at 12:24 pm
87, you nailed it. Winston will be a deadly weapon as long as we supply the ammunition! I’m dying that we don’t have a game TODAY!
April 9th, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Did poor Glennon really just say we should draft a QB in the first??? lol now I’ve seen everything.
I like the athleticism of Njoku but if we’re taking a TE in the 1st, I would prefer a guy who is already a good blocker.
We need a RB, WR, DE, TE, S, and OL. Light needs to figure out how to get all those in the 1st 4 rounds.
April 9th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
*Licht – damn autocorrect
April 9th, 2017 at 12:43 pm
If possible ….
TRADE DOWN
Goal: Acquire Additional 3rd or 4th round Pick (Helicopter Money)
Draft (1st Rd) – (TE) Evan Engram
Take the additional draft pick – and move back into the 2nd round.
Endless Possibilities
• 1st Evan Engram
• 2nd Budda Baker
• 2nd Joe Mixon
• 1st Evan Engram
• 2nd Curtis Samuel
• 2nd Joe Mixon
• 1st.Evan Engram
• 2nd.Curtis Samuel
• 2nd Adoree’ Jackson
• 1st Evan Engram
• 2nd Budda Baker
• 2nd Chris Godwin
• 1st.Evan Engram
• 2nd Budda Baker
• 2nd Carl Lawson
April 9th, 2017 at 12:47 pm
Evan Engram (Ole Miss) vs. Florida State (2016)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzFvSjBwbgc
April 9th, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Brate gets open and catches touchdowns. What exactly is the upgrade here? And why not Cook or McCaffrey if you want a “weapon” in a position of need? This pick makes no sense in the 1st round.
April 9th, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Can’t get past curtent WR depth issue, we’re one injury away from same crapwagon as last season. Get a WR in first, then BPA. Freddy Martino does not inspire confidence. Would love a beasting edge rusher. In Licht we trust.
Go bucs’
April 9th, 2017 at 12:54 pm
David Njoku vs Florida State
• (2015) Rec: 2 | Yds: 33 | Avg: 16.5 | TD’s: 0
• (2016) Rec: 3 | Yds: 17 | Avg: 5.7 | TD’s: 0
Vs.
Evan Engram vs Florida State
• (2016) Rec: 9 | Yds: 121 | Avg: 13.4 | TD’s: 1
April 9th, 2017 at 12:55 pm
I think the big factor is if Cook is off the board. I agree with Mac. Trade down, pick up a 3rd, Njoku is one of the youngest players in the draft and I think Licht would love to replace what he lost in ASJ. OJ Howard will be long gone. Weapons for Jameis, the Dunkeneers. You can always use that 3rd rounder to trade up and get Mixon. Spend the rest of your picks on DB’s and Edge rushers.
April 9th, 2017 at 1:09 pm
I’m all for getting a WR in the first, but would love it if they got this guy. This guy can stretch the field. Brate cannot. I do think there is room for more than one quality TE on our roster.
April 9th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Kiper & McShay would only be right about Bucs selecting a TE at #19 IF OJ Howard happened to be there when we pick (very unlikely). TE is not one of our Top-3 needs for starters, plus there are several very good ones who won’t go in the 1st or even 2nd rnds, and maybe not even in the 3rd rnd. Agree with Macabee that trading down to grab an extra 3rd rnd pick is a very real possibility unless there’s a ‘got-to-have’ still left on the board at #19. Bucs 1st pick will either be a Safety or a RB is my guess, again unless there’s someone still there who Licht just can’t pass up. (And yes, an OLineman or DLineman is a very real possibility with Jason).
April 9th, 2017 at 1:15 pm
He reminds me of Tim Wright.
April 9th, 2017 at 1:24 pm
David you might want to check some mocks! Nobody has Howard falling all the way to 19
April 9th, 2017 at 1:25 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1689510/timothy-wright
Tim wright was 6’3 219 coming out of college. And not even as athletic as Njoku.
April 9th, 2017 at 1:36 pm
Njoku looks better to me on the field than Engram. Yes, Engram is faster, but in the NFL, simply being fast doesn’t mean anything. You have to be able to high point, win battles, block, etc. I just see Njoku as the better all around TE.
The best TE in the draft is OJ Howard, hands down. Just think of how dominant he would have been in Alabama used him properly. I don’t see him slipping, and don’t see the Buccs trading up for him either.
April 9th, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Oh it’s going to happen! So get all your crying and complaining about it done now so you can embrace our new TE/WR Nigerian Nightmare draft night! Most you won’t stop bitching un till he has 800 yards and 16 TD’S then you’ll claim you wanted him all along lmao
April 9th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
What would be the cost of getting Najoku at #19, and then trade up and snag Cook early in the 2nd round (Assuming he is there)??
Thoughts?
April 9th, 2017 at 2:04 pm
All that matters is the “W”…
Draft S Obi M. with the first pick!!!
He represents the greatest value. FS that would TRULY allow VHIII to feel confident in jumping routes
Obi in the first
Mixon in the second
DONE DEAL!!!!
April 9th, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Joe, not sure how it can be said the Bucs didn’t need a TE in 2014. Brate was an UFA who came in then, and no one sure about him. Brandon Myers was signed to a basic contract and not a stud by any stretch. And Tim Wright? Well, we know about him. Luke Stocker was never really developing well as a pass catcher. However, it could be argued we do need one now…especially with all the two-TE sets, but the other needs are greater. Namely S and WR…and you can make the case for a RB. I think all this goverage is great…folks gotta look at all the options. But still keep coming back to S and WR and RB.
April 9th, 2017 at 2:11 pm
feelthepewterpower
See:
• Shannon Sharpe
• Vernon Davis
• Delanie Walker
• Jordan Reed
April 9th, 2017 at 3:27 pm
#1 Blake Shaheen lead all college TEs in TDs. #2 I’ll sum it up like this Tim Wright or Rob Gronkowski. Which would you rather have???
April 9th, 2017 at 3:29 pm
You can add Greg Olsen to that also. Cause thats who I see when I watch OJ Howard.
April 9th, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Howard will be long gone! I’m not worried about either way I’m sure the bucs would do their due diligence and get the player they feel is best for what they need it’s all in their hands hopefully they make the right choice for years to come .
April 9th, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Adam Shaheen played in division 2 football. And if you watch his highlights, it looks like a highschool kid playing in a peewee league.
So you’re gonna trash McCaffrey for playing in the pac 12, but rep Shaheen when he didnt even play Fbs football?
April 9th, 2017 at 3:42 pm
And I say again, Tim Wright was 6’3 219 coming out of school and ran a 4.65
So you can really compare him to anyone in this current crop of TE’s.
And don’t get me wrong, I like Shaheen a lot, but to say he’ll have more of an impact than Njoku or Evan Engram who are pure freaks that produced at a higher level.
April 9th, 2017 at 3:43 pm
sorry, you *can’t* compare him to anyone in this class.
April 9th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
I’ve always said I’m worried about the small school guys. Shaheen does look like a grown man playing against kids and reminds me of me playing in adult recreational league soccer. I played soccer my whole life, got recruited to play in college, if you put me on the field against my coworkers and rec league players I am the most dominate player on the field but it doesn’t make me good enough to be a professional player.
April 9th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
If Barnett, Davis, Williams, Howard are gone (and should be), since Cook is falling, I would trade back or go ahead and grab Obi or Cook then trade back up for the other one.
Grab TE Engram in the 2nd, probably have to move up though.
Coming away with those 3 players would be HUGE! Then grab CB Kazee.
April 9th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
*its crazy to say* he’ll have more of an impact. left that key bit out for some reason.
April 9th, 2017 at 4:09 pm
I’d love OJ Howard at 19, but Njoku would be a great addition to the tam! Imagine thes guts ALL these guys on the field at the same time….Evans and Jackson at WR, Brate and Njoku at TE, and Mixon/Foreman/Kamara/Hunt at RB!
Talk about stretching a defense thin! How do you cover all those weapons?
April 9th, 2017 at 4:23 pm
What Jeagan1999 said..just picture that folks!!
April 9th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
I could see him being the pick but not my choice at all for #19. I would rather have Jordan Leggett in the 3rd or 4th.
My gut is making me believe Licht is going to do everything in his power to trade down closer to the 25-30 range to pick up extra picks. We need at least 2 more picks in this draft. Preferably in rounds 3 and 4. There will be a ton of talent coming out of those 2 rounds this year.
April 9th, 2017 at 4:44 pm
If I were Licht I would be on the phone with Cleveland and try to pick up one of their 2nds, a 3rd, and maybe a 6th for the 19th pick. Would be a great move if he could pull something like that off.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:06 pm
So we gone bring up level of competition when it comes to Shaheen but not so much when it comes to McCaffery and Mixon.. Gotcha bro. Did you say that about Mongo when Licht drafted him??? So you said what a waste of a pick huh. The Steelers of the 70s were built on small school football players.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Njoku looks just like Tim Wright. Howard looks just like Olsen. Good football players but a notch below Gronk.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:18 pm
Ion care what the level 6’7 278 is dominant. Especially with a basketball background like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez. The kid is running away from DBs in his video.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:33 pm
If they could get Njoku I would be fired up.
There’s no depth behind Cam Brate. This guy can stretch the field and is a match up nightmare. There’s still great receivers and running backs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. At 20 years old I’m all in.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:52 pm
OJ won’t make it to 19. Only way I see them taking Njoku is if they think he can also be a stout blocker.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:55 pm
^^^^that’s absurd^^^^^^ he’s not a great blocker and they would still draft him.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:56 pm
I like it
April 9th, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Hell I would be happy with Gronk or Olsen to be honest. Who wouldn’t?
April 9th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Pewter Report has a great article on us trading back with either the Texans or the Chiefs and what we would get in return for those trades pick wise very interesting and I think it would be a good idea with the draft so deep we could get an extra third and fourth round from the Chiefs possibly and 3 and 7 from the Texans would be very nice to get those extra pics and still get an impact player in the first rd.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
@buc scotty I saw that, and think it would be fantastic if we could make that happen! Of course we’re not the only team looking to trade back and acquire more picks, this draft is just so deep at multiple positions.
We should be able to walk away with viable players at WR, S, RB, and DE. And a good possibility of a TE and a CB.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:25 pm
WHAT IS WITH ALL THIS MIXON LOVE! HE IS A PART TIME RUNNINGBACK IN COLLEGE WITH A TON OF BAGGAGE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!
April 9th, 2017 at 6:34 pm
I wish I was a little bit taller
I wish I was a baller
I wish I had a girl who looked good, I would call her
I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat
And a six four Impala
April 9th, 2017 at 6:42 pm
ndog they need someone to mention because they’ve grown tired our Dalvin Cook representation. I see a good back in that kid but not someone on the same level as DC. I wonder why Perine seem to be more of the workhorse if mixon was so special.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Just draft the best athlete available on the board.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
64 Impala??? I’m thinking about buying 67 Chevy Nova myself.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:46 pm
Unbelievable I’d be happy with either also but if forced to choose one I’m taking Gronk.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:49 pm
My issue with Njoku is if you like him why did you allow Wright to leave the building???
April 9th, 2017 at 6:52 pm
36in vert 4.6 40..
April 9th, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Becuase #1 we traded him 3 years ago 4 logan mankins before Njoku even played a year of college ball. #2 because Njoku is 20 pounds heavier than Wright and still faster and more explosive.
I’m telling you, Njoku has an incredibly high ceiling. Could be the next Antonio Gates.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:03 pm
ndog Says:
April 9th, 2017 at 6:25 pm
WHAT IS WITH ALL THIS MIXON LOVE! HE IS A PART TIME RUNNINGBACK IN COLLEGE WITH A TON OF BAGGAGE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!
———————————————————————————
Well first off if a guy can get 1274 rushing yards, 10 rushing TD’s at 6.8 yards a carry, and 538 receiving yards with 5 TD catches at 14.5 yards a catch, if he can get production like that in a part time role where he basically split time 50-50, then imagine what he could do in a full time capacity.
Not to mention he’s 6’0 228 and he can do everything that Cook can do plus a little bit more. And you know, he hasn’t had to have 3 different surgeries for the same kind of injury before he takes a snap as a pro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1PkiOroeZE
Maybe re-watch this if you’ve sobered up Ndog.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:10 pm
This guy is freaky good….I’d be happy with the pick. We need to spend the pick on a TE, WR, RB……another long-term weapon for Jameis.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Mixon averaged 6.8 yards per carry with 10 TDs last year. Also had 14.5 yards per catch with 5 TDs. Over the last 2 seasons he has 17 rushing TDs and 9 total receiving TDs.
Periene had 5.4 yards per carry with 12 TDs last year. Averaged 10.6 yards per catch with 1 TD. He has 28 rushing TDs and 2 total receiving TDs the past 2 seasons.
Either guy would instantly become our best back on the roster. Would be lucky with either and wouldn’t involve our 1st round pick. Mixon is more athletic and less wear on his body. Perine is a power back that would fit the bellcow mold.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Blake you do realize that Mixon missed as many games last year due to injury as Cook did over the last two years right? So injuries is one of the reasons you don’t want Cook but you want the guy that has missed more games due to injury AND comes with extreme baggage. SMH
April 9th, 2017 at 7:40 pm
I am with FuNkY.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:44 pm
My last Mixon comic got deleted. Probably appropriate
April 9th, 2017 at 7:47 pm
No. He didn’t.
http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/joe-mixon-player-game-log
He played 12 games last season, and missed one game due to the parking ticket suspension.
Dalvin Cook Played 13 games.
So Joe played one less game than Dalvin.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:54 pm
Sorry I read dnp on ESPN as he did not play but they did not play my bad.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:55 pm
I really can’t imagine why it’s so hard for you guys to believe that there is a higher than normal probability of Dalvin will sustaining the same injury for a 4th time or 5th time.
And if he needs surgery during the season, as opposed to the off season, he will be gone for months.
I am opposed to drafting John Ross for the same exact reason.
April 9th, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Ignore that will in between Dalvin and sustaining, I meant to erase that.
April 9th, 2017 at 8:24 pm
That’s why they’re called mocks tdtb…….they really don’t know who’s gonna take whom. If OJ is close enough you trade up for him.
April 9th, 2017 at 8:35 pm
Make it happen Joe!!
April 9th, 2017 at 8:43 pm
I love the back and forth about these prospects, but why does the argument for a player always end in trashing the other player. There’s no reason why they all can’t succeed. Mixon splitting carries has nothing to do with how good Cook will be and Cooks shoulder surgeries has nothing to do with Mixon. Let’s remember that any pick can bust, even the guy you like. There are players that I don’t want, but, at the end of the day, I’m not a draft analyst and my opinion won’t matter. They could end up being good players.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:01 pm
To be honest I think cook is the best runningback BUT I still think getting some other position and then Marlon Mack might be the way to go. I am really torn as to what I really want.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:10 pm
I’m the same way ndog, I love Cook, but something smells fishy. I can’t point my finger on it. I think I’m starting to lean to getting a RB in the second or third. I’m not sure why.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:31 pm
1st round TE talent is rare. You snatch those guys up when they are available. RB talent is a dime a dozen. Terrible value in the first round. Maybe you go very late first round for Rb to get the 5th year option. But all in all RB value is too low. None of the RBs in this draft are unbelievable talents. All good players that will be productive, no doubt about it. But not worth a mid first round pick.not when you have other positions that are much harder to find elite talent. There are 2 top end TEs in this draft. There are 4 RBs and the secondary RBs are also very good. All of them will be productive in the NFL. The difference is that when there are only 2 TEs worth a damn, vs 10 RBs. The value is obviously in TE.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:34 pm
BucaneerEric – maybe you are feeling the same thing I am. Cook looks to be an amazing RB and maybe the best in this draft class, Mixon is very, very similar to Cook but will at most be taken in the second round and maybe even the third. So you are starting to wonder if we should draft Cook in the first or take a guy like Mixon later. I am also wondering why the mocks are pointing to Cook but the Bucs have not had any workouts or meetings with Cook reported. We are at the point that these meetings are often times reported before the team and player even meet so I think it unlikely that the Bucs are keeping it under wraps.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:39 pm
Trubucfan – that’s the way I am starting to see things too, never mind statements by Licht and Coach K, and the team meeting with and working out all of the top TEs in this year’s draft.
I think the Bucs are planning on Howard being gone and so the target is Njoku. Second round I think the Bucs go S and WR via a trade up or trade in. As the draft gets I am also really starting to think if Howard is gone that the Bucs will try and trade back and still land Njoku. We could all be wrong though and the Bucs go DE or CB who knows.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:44 pm
There are so many proven players in the draft, I hate to take a developmental guy in the first round. Gaines Adams is an example of that going badly. I’m and FSU alum and don’t recall him doing anything eye-popping against FSU’s defense the past three years. Tight ends don’t get the ball much. I don’t see upgrading from Cameron Brate a first round priority unless he is a freak like OJ Howard.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:48 pm
Njoku is from the U, we haven’t won since we had a player form the U, last winning record before this season, it was a U tight end on the roster Kellen Winslow II. That is reason enough to draft him.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:58 pm
@Brett
Make no mistake, Njoku produced at Miami. He had roughly 700 8 touchdowns in 2016 with a 16.2 yards per catch average. In 12 games of action, and the plays he made were incredibly explosive in nature.
http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/david-njoku-player
He has the skill set of a day 1 impact player. And has the ceiling to be a perennial pro-bowler. Imagine having 2 TE’s that you could move all around the field that could probably both average upwards of 800 yards and 10 TD’s a season.
With Njkoku having an even higher ceiling than Brate, who is a stud redzone targer in his own right, it would be hard to argue against selecting a get with the Nigerian Nightmares skill set.
April 9th, 2017 at 10:03 pm
selecting a *guy*
lol that was a weird typo.
April 9th, 2017 at 10:08 pm
He has the skill set as day 1 impact player but from what I’ve read a bit raw. I know bucs want to build thru the draft but there is also some pressure to produce next year. I think the pass for someone more polished
April 9th, 2017 at 10:22 pm
USFBUC, It might be because I still have a hard time forgetting the two back to back fumbles he had against Oregon when the game was still a game. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because Cook reunited with Winston seems too good to be true, that something has to go wrong. A little part of me worries about his ability between the tackles. Maybe I’m over thinking this.
April 9th, 2017 at 10:29 pm
Whoever we draft, I’ll trust Licht until proven otherwise. Hargreaves wasn’t great, but CB’s usually struggle like DE’s thier first season. He tends to hit in the first few rounds, Aguayo not withstanding. He also has shown the ability to find OL in the later rounds that can contribute. I’m in on Bennenoch. The Aguayo pick proves he has balls and doesn’t go with the talking heads! What do they know?!
April 9th, 2017 at 11:51 pm
Nnnn…make Mixon a Buc
April 9th, 2017 at 11:59 pm
This “I trust Licht” nonsense.
People way too trusting with little evidence. It’s a faith thing that requires the suspension of disbelief…and welcome to America!
Trust away fanboys and America
April 10th, 2017 at 12:22 am
@PhallusBuc
I know you’re butt hurt over chris conte, but I still don’t understand how you can’t appreciate the simple fact that in 3 years time Jason Licht has turned a sorry af cellar dweller into a legitimate playoff contender. With a budding a star of a franchise QB surrounded by a nucleus of young, talented, hungry players.
Just you watch, as deep as this draft is, He probably come away with another grand slam that nets us 4 solid rookie starters.
Whether you can see it or not dude, we’re on the come up. And you should feel blessed.
April 10th, 2017 at 12:45 am
LOL You prefer Bruce Almight to return?
April 10th, 2017 at 1:22 am
JOES we need to start a new chant at Raymond James,your site is the only way.i love the Tampa Bay chant but only half stadium at a time.we need to be loud we’re working on a dynasty here you brought it up a while back after we beat Kansas City. Let’s get it done.draft oline if best available protect Winston can never have enough guys to protect him without him season over.goal here nest line in League Dynasty here we come. Who put the Cowboys line this or Dak Prescott average Quarterback at best! Tampaaà
April 10th, 2017 at 4:36 am
David Njoku only started nine games in his two years on the field with the Hurricanes. He also has an 11 percent drop rate. Draft either TE Bucky Hodges (6-7 257) , who ran the 40 faster than Njoku as well as vertical and brad jump, in the second or TE Jorden Leggett (6-5 258) in the 3rd. The greatest needs are WR, CB and Safety. Licht should let the draft come to him. Pick the BPA by position of need and everything will work out just fine. I would like to see us draft a RB, either Davin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, Joe Mixon or Samaje Perine. The first pick has me going so many directions. Justin Evans of Marcus Williams are great picks at Safety.
April 10th, 2017 at 9:36 am
That would be F#@king Awesome