An Open Letter To 18 NFL Teams
April 22nd, 2017
It’s Gil Arcia’s Saturday column! His 11th since joining the team.
Dear teams picking ahead of the Bucs,
You may not be familiar with who I am, but my open letters tend to influence some folks (see the Grimes family).
There is a running back by the name Dalvin Cook; your team may have looked into him a few times. I just want to say that you need to stay away from him.
Let me explain.
Several “anonymous” front office folks (it very well be your own) are coming out saying they do not like what they have learned about Cook. Even writers across the interwebs who pose as “scouts” feel the same. I’m here to echo their statements.
Why would you want a guy who has a checkered past? Why risk a first-round pick on a guy with question marks? Why waste a pick on a player who has had shoulder surgeries? What about those advanced-scouting Combine scores that are silly informative? And that Wonderlic score? Let’s not even go there.
All Cook has done is broken school rushing records, and he has one of the best set of hands coming out of the backfield. He has great burst and vision and has managed to do it all behind a horrible offensive line in Tallahassee and after those shoulder surgeries – all captured on film. Does that sound like someone you really want to have on your team?! You need MORE.
Ignore what those close to Cook say about him. Ignore his coaches and those close to the Florida State football team. At this point, hopefully, you have him way low on your draft boards.
Honestly, let him slide. Once Tampa Bay’s time to pick comes around, let them pick him. Let them deal with him and the “headaches” he offers after they select him. They have already spent a lot of time – maybe even more than your team has – vetting him.
Think about it. Do you really want to be the team taking all the backlash and criticism for drafting Cook in the first round with everything that has come out as of late? Plus, he is a running back. Who drafts running backs in the first round these days? I’ve been told it’s really poor value.
Be smart. Let Cook slide on draft night.
If the Bucs draft him, so be it. You’ll have other options that are not as good less risky in the later rounds.
Gil Arcia’s columns publish every Saturday at JoeBucsFan.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilArciaBucs.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:02 am
That’s some excellent snark Gil!!! Well done!
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:04 am
I love it!
Dalvin Cook’s right fit is the Bucs backfield.
Fastest running back in the past five years in pads per sport science on espn
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:21 am
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind Cook, I just don’t see Licht taking a RB in round 1…or at least not at 19.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:22 am
Gil The Shill…with a quality piece here. 🙂 I’m warming to the idea of Cook if/when he’s available at 19. Two yards and a cloud of dust/rust/re-signing bust put too much pressure on Winston last year. Cook is plug and play ready.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:22 am
Offense about to run like a well oiled machine.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:23 am
In still awaiting the correlation between NFL sack leaders and winning superbowl.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:29 am
Oh god Gil, not you too.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:29 am
Maybe the Texans are on they’re way this year I mean Clowney did break out with 6 sacks last season.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:40 am
If the Bucs end up having to settle on the 3rd best back in the draft so be it especially if they can trade back a few slots in round one
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:44 am
Cook will be there at 19 on Thursday and the Bucs will pick him I been saying it the whole damn time y’all just aren’t listening I’m just waiting on them to tell me when I can buy the jersey
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:47 am
What has been learned about Cook’s past that we have not already heard? Rehash of the same old info. Is there more dirt to shovel? The fine dirt just blows away.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:49 am
Nole do you so forget about Von miller. Or that Seattle d. Or strahan and the giants line
Not saying cook isn’t good but your point is invalid. You actually prove the point of others who say de
We can argue d line has more influence on a super bowl than a rb does
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:50 am
Sapp smoking weed and Brooks being small got us two Hall of Famers.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:59 am
If Corey Davis is avail @15 when the Colts pick I give up a 4th and jump Wash ans especially Tenn. Heis the most polished route runner to come out in years. He played in the same system with the same qb for 4 years. Then I sign his qb UFA and use him for a camp arm. If he falls to 18 and tenn picks him he will be a pro bowler as a #1 wr, we just need him to be a 2 and 3. That is the only trade up scenario I would consider.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Keep drafting Noles and we can run this thing. Aguayo might get his mojo back too, still doubt it though.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Dirks you mention entire defenses bro. My question because many here feel DE would be an ideal #1 pick is how many individual sack leaders have won superbowl over the last 10 seasons. I ask because they are quick to tell me how RB is not ask that important to the success of superbowl winning teams.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:04 pm
This was a fun read. With Mixon going in the first or top of the second I think the Bucs will be all in on a RB in the first.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:07 pm
87 they act like we want them all. I actually don’t just DC4. But I will admit I have a watchful future eye on Derwin James. They saying he may be a candidate for the Heisman this year.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:08 pm
We will have our trio for years to come and from here on out it will just be about adding complementary players and keeping up the Oline
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:10 pm
NosBos – people can’t call me a homer but given his clear leadership and skills I would like Derwin to be added next year and Demarcus Walker this year
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Really stupid article
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:13 pm
If we can pick up Cook at 19, and Njoku is still available, how great would it be to mortgage next year’s first and whatever we need this year to jump back in and get him. That would be a COMPLETE offense and scary.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Who is this clown? Waste of time reading this crap.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:22 pm
I don’t even know if Calvin Cook is good enough to garner this much attention. think a lot of you fans have you heads in fantasy football land. just because Doug Marti losses you your money every year is no reason for the Bucs to blow their wad in the first round. RB isn’t even our biggest need outside of fantasy points.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Very dumb. No RB with all those flags should expect to go in the first round in a draft that’s loaded at that position. People in Florida always think their UF or FSU guys are the second coming of the greatest players ever at the position. FSU fans are the worst when it comes to this. Delusional.
There are other RBs in this draft.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Should have never drafted that undersized tweener Brooks.
Huge mistake.
FSU loser, just like Jameis.
Why get burned again?
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:27 pm
FSU has breeded a lot of great pro players. Not sure you can harp onthem fans too hard.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Like NFL teams are really going to listen to this Pulitzer Prize wanna be…
I just want to see Cook go before our pick to see the homers get on suicide watch..
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Damn Brad Johnson, Dunn, Dawsey….
Losers.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:34 pm
As of late Joyner,Ramsay,Cam,Benjamin,Greene,Telvin Smith and of course Fameis to mention a few. Our players are going into league and making immediate impacts. Selfless dudes no pre madona
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:36 pm
I just say f@!# whoever has a problem with the fact some of us want DC4 in Tampa.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:37 pm
I actually hope y’all change teams when he touch down.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:38 pm
hahaha fans actually think monster fantasy players win Championships. Why not you lt the Bucs build a hard nosed football tea since those are the teams that actually make it
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:38 pm
lol Eric
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Joe – Is Cook The Savior II?
Go Bucs!!!
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Most of you Cook fans probably want a 175 Lb WR in the second round too hahahahaha.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:41 pm
If Cook becomes a Buc I will support him wholeheartedly. I just don’t see it happening. I have been wrong once before though.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:50 pm
A letter to the 18 teams in front of us does little to prevent a team behind us from trading up and taking Cook….shouldn’t get your heart, mind and soul set on one player. He very well may not be there and even if he is, he might not be our choice.
April 22nd, 2017 at 12:56 pm
JimmyJack – as somebody who has had Cook, Mixon, and Mack as my RB preference I would actually prefer Godwin who isn’t 175 lbs.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:00 pm
A lot of experts at building a NFL team on jbf. These unwritten rules of the draft I find funny tho. Parrot keet syndrone is prevalent on this site. All it would take is one prominent NFL head to say otherwise and the same one’s here crying no would begin to say yay. So Marshall Faulk dumb,Mooch dumb,Booger dumb,VH3 dumb,Fameis dumb. Because all these folks think it would be a great idea adding DC4. I won’t even mention the opinions of the so called expert pundits that never played the game.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Those who do not study history are doomed to draft RB’s in the first round in the deepest RB draft class in a decade.
Thankfully, the scribes are not the GM’s. There is still hope.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Well played Gil.
But the other teams won’t listen. They watch tape too…
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:11 pm
I’ll feel so much better draft night knowing we didn’t draft Cook.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:12 pm
“Parrot keet syndrone” LOL
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parakeet
Freaking lol Nosbos, is this you?
http://bonnetapplebum.tumblr.com/post/148712989954/nobody-say-anything-to-me-ever
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Nos
Von miller and Demarcus ware absolutely won the super bowl for denver
Strahan and that line did as well
Name 3 rb that won the team a super bow
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:20 pm
Still missing my point Dirks. My point is there is no correlation between having the leagues sacks leader on your team and winning a superbowl. Just many here feel having a top rated RB is not necessary to winning a superbowl. I see your list of teams bro. But the pats won again without a top rank pass rusher.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:26 pm
^Just like there is absolutely no correlation what so ever that having a 1st round running back, or the number 1 running game in the league will result in a SB.
You realling think that Seattle makes it to those Superbowls without that defense?
It is a widely accepted fact that the best running back of this past decade is Adrian Peterson. A man who is such a freak of nature that he ran for 2 thousand yards one year removed from completely tearing his Acl & Mcl, has never even been to the superbowl.
The true dynasties of this league do not rely on featured running backs. Running back by committee is King.
Jason Licht is well aware of this fact. Dirk Koetter has already told us this.
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2017/04/need-meet-value/
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:29 pm
When I look at the offenses in our division alone my personal belief is we would best serve loading up on as many weapons as possible. You’re not totally stoping Brees or Ryan. You better be able to put up some points when they give you the ball back.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Instead of ripping Cook just think about a d cord trying to figure how to deal with Evans, D Jax, Brate, Hump and Cook! I mean you can’t load the box cause of D Jax, but can’t play two deep cause of Cooks explosiveness. Then when you go man with a safety over D Jax you have Evans to deal with. Then if you have two great cover corners and two good coverage linebackers who covers Brate, Hump and Cook cause yoi cant cover them all. Mismatch on every play!
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:31 pm
*really*
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Blake you think they win without Beast mode?
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Where did this NFL sack leader stuff come from?
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Blake have you seen me state at any point our team dose not need DEs??? No. We do need them,I just agree with Mark Sherlef and Bill Belichess. The game is transcending, it is being played from the back forward in contrast to the front backward. Stink explained this on NFL live a couple months back. It made all the sense to me.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Ndog….yes.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Also, Seattle traded a 3rd round pick for beast mode, so what’s your point?
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:36 pm
What have they won since he left?
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:37 pm
gotbuc I asked because many believe a DE is What we need to go to another level. I began wondering to myself how many sack leaders have been apart of superbowl winning teams over the last ten season’s. My point is they can be viewed in the same way an RB can. The pats aren’t concerned with a pass rush they only want to control the los.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:38 pm
I think that they would have had a better chance to win with that defense and a RB committee, than with just Marshawn and a middling level defense.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Didn’t the Falcons draft Tevin Coleman in the 3rd Round and Devonta Freeman in the 4th Round? And in those same drafts, they drafted LT Jake Matthews and DE Vic Beasley with their 1st round picks. That’s what I call intelligent drafting.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:40 pm
I will look it up Nosbos. Give me a few minutes
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:43 pm
This obsession with what round players are drafted just is ridiculous. If a player you believe can be great AND fits your team is there you take him, period! This whole you can’t take X at this round is idotic. Great players win games, Cook will be great and change our offense. Remember how good our o was with Doug in 2015 and a rookie QB? Now imagine that same QB much better and with a way more explosive runningback. Yeah that would be awesome, not to even mention DJAX speed!
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:43 pm
I’d say that them trading away Max Unger. (won of the best C’s in the league) for the Queen of all Gingers, the decline of Russel Okung, and the loss of Earl Thomas were far more detrimental to that team than Beast Mode retiring.
Don’t take this the wrong way, I love Marshawn Lynch, one of my favorite running backs of the modern era. But I honestly think that Oakland trading away picks for him after a year away from football, is going to blow up in their faces.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Marshawn was the heart of that team and they will tell you that to a man. Look at them last year with that same defense and no threat in the backfield. Yep straight trash but just ignore that right guys cause it doesn’t fit your narrative.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:49 pm
It was not the same defense. They lost Earl Thomas, who was/is the Lynch pin of their defense. No pun intended.
That, and they had one of the worst offensive lines in football. Which led to Russel Wilson being dinged up for the majority of the year.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:51 pm
This draft is not loaded at RB. There are only about 3 or 4 with a good chance of being stars. The rest are just average. With our 1st pick we need an instant difference Maker. Most DE’s need a year or two to make a difference. 1: RB. 2: Safety 3: SAM LB 4-7 BPA.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:52 pm
Dating back to the 2003 season, the league leader in sacks that season was never on the Super Bowl winning team.
Dating Back to the 2003 season, the leading rusher that season was never on the Suoer Bowl winning team.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:54 pm
No balance killed that oline, I agree they were bad but we’re they much better before or did a great runningback make them look better?
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Id love to have the nfl sack leader too.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:56 pm
That settle it then. You a bad boy Pop.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:58 pm
4 days until Uber-Ebonics boy’s implosion!
Go Licht!
Kill the drooling, sack-hugging dreamers dreams and BUILD this team the right way.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:59 pm
McCaffery Please
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:59 pm
And to continue off of that, well, kind of idiotic reasoning:
Dating back to 2003, the leading passer that season was never on the super bowl winning team. I guess QBs don’t matter that much.
Dating back to 2003, the leading receiver that season was never on the super bowl winning team. I guess WRs don’t matter that much.
Dating back to 2003, the league leader in INTs that season was on the super bowl winning team 1 time. Richard Sherman for SEA in 2013.
I guess by this logic CB must be the most important position so lets go get one.
April 22nd, 2017 at 1:59 pm
All Belichess is doing is doubling your number 1 Wr and putting his number Cb on teams number 2 Wr. They rank at top of league in run defense every year making you one dimensional. Thusly playing right into they’re defensive scheme. They are not overly concerned with a pass rush.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Whata ya know a Summer’s Eve siting. Howdy fella.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Now that’s insight Pop.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Ndog said it best. Reread his post over and over all of you “no RBs in the 1st round guys!” I am not an FSU fan but I am a Bucs fan. In order for this offense to really work we need a home run threat RB that can run and catch. It is really quite simple.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:03 pm
CBs do seem to be going high in every draft lately.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:03 pm
If not him I would prefer Ramczyk in the first and Baker in the 2nd.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:04 pm
I like the part he said about great football players. Ion care what round you find them Summer’s.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Early on in the proccess I was right there with the “No RB in the 1st round” group. Ive backed off that recently, but the main point Ive always had is this:
We don’t NEED a RB in the 1st round to upgrade. Is Dalvin Cook the best option? Imo yes, he is. He isnt the only option tho. If we don’t get him or any of the other 1st round RBs there are still plenty of other RBs to be had this year that will still be an upgrade.
I’m not gonna argue about when you should and shouldn’t draft a RB anymore. Its pointless and has been done to death. I just want a starting RB out of this draft. Whether he comes in round 1 or round 7 I dont care.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:13 pm
If not RB what in your opinion would be best in the first Pop???
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:13 pm
It wasn’t even the same O-line dude that’s what I’m telling you.
The 2013 line was comprised of Russel Okung playing better than he ever would again at LT, James Carpenter LG who is no longer on the team, Max Unger C traded away, JR Sweezy RG…. And Breno Giacomini who is retired.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Ryan Ramczyk is my 1st round pick. If not him, then Budda Baker or Taco Charlton.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:19 pm
Honestly as much as I’m yelling for weapons. If I couldn’t have my guy I want the best Hybrid run stuffing/pass rushing DT that could be found. That dude inn superbowl out shined Beasley.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:20 pm
Swaggy was a huge addition figuratively and literally.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:21 pm
Derrick Barnett or Takkarist McKinley is my wishlist.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:22 pm
And good day to you NOS my homie
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Guys, guys, guys, I have the perfect solution! Trade them draft picks and we can get it all!
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Good day to you too SB.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:32 pm
I assume if it came down to choosing between the two you would go Barnett right???
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:32 pm
I think we can do it! Let me trade all of 2018 and 2019 and I am sure I could land…McDowell, Brantley, Baker, Melifonwu, Godwin, Shaheen, Mixon, Perine, Nico Siragusa, Julien Davenport plus some others too I’m of it.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:33 pm
Yo…. someone be back peddlin so he ain’t be lookin the foo when his boy don’t be gettin picked.
Know whad I be sayin?
Skraight up now.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:33 pm
I wish I could come down there and drink another couple cold ones with ya again this year. If we make the playoffs you can bet I’ll be coming down for a game!!😎
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:40 pm
I’ll be looking for you Big Homie. Summer’s you into gambling???
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Now you sound like you hunchin a porcupine.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:43 pm
Put a lil bit up,I know you retired and sittin on it. Friendly wager???
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:45 pm
@Nosbos
Its a tough call. If RB is out of the equation I think DE is kind of the only other option. A case could be made for TE as well I guess. #19 is too early for Safeties like Baker and Obi.
So if we got either David Njoku, Derek Barnett, or Cook I would be cool with that.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:50 pm
Only 5 more days till the end of the biggest fued in JBF history, the great Nole/Blake debate!
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:51 pm
I happen to think that the most likely selections @19 are probably Derek Barnett, Charles Harris, David Njoku, and Budda Baker, or a trade down.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Honestly, the same thing I said about RB I can say about DE, WR, TE, and Safety.
“Why take Dalvin Cook in the 1st when you can get Hunt/Mack/(I guess) Perine in the 3rd?”
Well
Why take Derek Barnett in the 1st when you can get Willis/Rivers/Watt/Lawson in the 2nd?
Why take David Njoku in the 1st when you can get Kittle/Roberts/Legget in the 4th?
Why take Budda Baker in the 1st (we shouldnt) when you can get Evans/Jackson/Maye in the 3rd?
Its all the same argument. We got a lot of options this year. That is a good thing, but tough to pinpoint whay is going to happen lol
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Got you Pop..
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:53 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says
“In still awaiting the correlation between NFL sack leaders and winning superbowl.”
How many super bowls has the best running back in the NFL over the last 10 years won?
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Got you again Pop. I just lean towards what I’ve seen. I’m not as astoot as y’all when it comes to knowing about other players so I stick mainly to what I know. Baker might be good but I had to wait a year I could for Derwin James.
April 22nd, 2017 at 2:57 pm
We’ve covered all that Bonzai.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Met a girl, thought she was grand
Fell in love, found out first hand
Went well for a week or two
Then it all came unglued
In a trap trip I can’t grip
Never thought I’d be the one who’d slip
Then I started to realize
I was living one big lie
She f**king hates me
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Nole..i’m glad you mention the DT from the Super Bowl. It was Grady Jarrett that blewup the Pats O-Line with 3 sacks and 6 hits. Now we need our O-Line to Man Up ..it’s time to quit getting pushed around. The Falcons have added
big mammoth ,speedy DT Dontari Poe to play NT next to Grady Jarrett. I just hope our O-Line will be able to hold up against Dontari Poe, Grady Jarrett,Beasley, Adrian Clayborn ,Courtney Upshaw, Jack Crawford. And Dan Quinn is talking about drafting an Edge Rusher with their 1st round pick..George Warhop has his work cut out for him this season.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Former Buccaneers DB coach Jimmy lake, who coached Ronde, and was the Co D Coordinator/ DB coach at UW this past year – Has been quoted saying that Budda is a faster, slightly larger Ronde Barber. Also says that he can play every position at a high level. Nickel, Corner, and both Safeties.
Bishard “Budda” Baker exhibits suberb instincts on film. As well as a propensity to dish out bone crushing hits, and a knack for getting after balls in the air.
My opinion is that Baker would be a chess piece that could be utilized phenomenally within Mike Smiths scheme.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:09 pm
brought to you by the same website that was begging for the Bucs to draft Johnny Football 3 years ago.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:10 pm
I failed to mention that Baker also compares favorably to Tyrann Mathieu and Earl Thomas.
So yeah there’s that.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:10 pm
@Nosbos
Nothing wrong with that. The way I did it this year was looking at mocks early on to see who was being linked to the Bucs and then I went to http://draftbreakdown.com/players/ and watched tape on that player. And it is actual games, not just highlights.
Then whenever I found somebody I really liked, I checked out different sites player rankings to see where they were ranked. If there was somebody that I havent heard of at that time ranked higher than the guy I was looking up then I went and watched who was ranked higher.
I found it to be a good way to become familiar with a lot of the players in this draft.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Blake I hear ya bro but I think you’re conflating some things here.
Rarely are great teams built on a running game…some in recent years have relied on a soiid game…but it’s a league that’s dominated either by a dominant franchise QB having a great year…or a defense that comes together and peaks at the same time.
So I agree Dalvin is not going to take us to the SB….he’s just the missing piece.
I also agree with running back by committee which is why I hope Jaquizz and Peyton Barber emerge from great camps and Dalvin is only rushing it 15X or so.
Keeps him healthy and fresh and man will defenses have trouble figuring out which play is called when Dalvin is on the field.
AP never played with a QB…so Minny seemed to think they could get away with having an offense carried by a feature back. I do not believe Dalvin can carry the Bucs without #3 and the rest of the cast playing well. But Dalvin can be one of a half dozen offensive stars on this team who all make a big difference.
I also suspect the legend of Ali Marpet goes national this year. Mongo explodes at Center which is a position created for him. Given his strength and ability to fight and hold his ground…it’s going to be a pleasure to see #3 without a DT in his grill right after the snap.
This team has some real offensive potential and Dalvin just crosses all the i’s and dots the t’s….but then so does McCaffery.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:20 pm
If we just have to take a RB in the 1st, give me McCaffery.
But I want a DE.
I hear people say a DE takes a year or two to produce…..
To those people, please explain Joey Bosa’s numbers last year?
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:24 pm
I think the fundamental difference in opinion between me, you and Nos, Is that I don’t view running back as the Missing piece. Our Depth at DT, DE, Safety, Corner, WR, TE and RT are all pretty pathetice. And I just happen to think that we would be better served using our Premium picks to address premium positions.
And I don’t view RB as a premium position.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:26 pm
*pathetic*
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Gil
Better yet let him slip to 50.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says
“When I look at the offenses in our division alone my personal belief is we would best serve loading up on as many weapons as possible. You’re not totally stoping Brees or Ryan. You better be able to put up some points when they give you the ball back.”
You know, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. The Patriots win super bowls because they can score points AND stop offenses.
I could care less about our division. If we can do what the Pats have done, then we’ll win our division every single year, along with many super bowls.
I want one super bowl. Then another. Then another. I want our team to be in constant discussion like the Pats are.
But we will NOT get there if we keep ignoring the defense. Offense has gotten most of the picks for years. Give Mike Smith the tools he needs.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:36 pm
I think Dalvin is going to be the best player on the board when we pick and we need a running back so why not. Someone else may fall to us but I dont think so. Also I personally believe Cook is the best running back in this draft and we arent going to get the best player at any other position at 19; maybe oline but I really doubt we go there. Also its not a top 15 pick I dont think 19 is really all that bad to take a running back. If we stay at 19 I want cook. Or Id like us to try to drop to mid 20s and take best available. Cook first round then maybe best dlineman or Zay Jones or Chris Godwin in the 2nd. Id love Desmond King in the 3rd. Then in the 4th round we could go dline or wr whichever we didnt get in the 2nd 5th round tight end. 6th round depth linebacker
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Soo..Barry Sanders won how many Super Bowls? What about Walter Payton(1, with possibly the best defense of all time), Curtis Martin, Ladanian Tomlinson and then there was Emmett Smith (3). Those are the top 5 NFL rushers of all time, with 4 Super Bowls in the group.. Hmmm. Those were all before the NFL became a pass first league too..
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Defense wins championships. Enough said about that.
Give me Watt or Barnett in the 1st or Conley cause he is going to be special. We will not be drafting Cook sorry guys. Licht knows better. You can get a starter in the 3rd or 4th at RB.
The only offensive guys I would consider in the 1st would be Williams or Davis at WR, McCaffrey (won’t be there), and it wouldn’t kill me if Mixon was the pick. He is the real deal and not used up in college. There are 4 guys who I’m praying one ends up being a Buc that is Watt, Barnett, Davis, or Williams.
Watt is still my 1st pick he is going to be a superstar
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:41 pm
or if we dont go cook in first trade back and get Baker. trade up in 2nd with the extra third we get and draft Zay Jones. Foreman or Hunt in the 3rd
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:53 pm
That’s what’s up Pop. I’ve taken notes bro.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Bonzai bro everyone including you knows the pats hand benefited from weakest division in the NFL. Not saying they are not good but that weak division certainly helps.
April 22nd, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Man, what pa just said.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Jackpot pa its 19. If not then when is it okay to take an RB??? Never in the first???
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Question to anyone opposed to RBs in the first round. Hypothetically lets say we had the first pick in the second round. Would you all still be opposed to an RB that early???
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Everyone is too caught up with the whole the best running back in the nfl doesnt win super bowls. If we draft a running back we dont need him to be the best in the nfl. Besides we should be looking at drafting the best player who can help us win the most. If that happens to be a running back then so be it. If there is a better player there at a different position that we need then im for us drafting that player. You could make the whole best in the nfl at their position not winning a super at pretty much any position except qb. there is no magic formula on how to build a team to win a super bowl except for putting out the best possible team you can and being strong at as many positions as you can as possible.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Also all these people wanting a safety in a first round I hope you realize that historically safety is seen the same way as running back. Its viewed as the least valuable position on defense and probably the least drafted position on defense in the first round.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Not opposed to 1st round RB but we have bigger needs in other areas.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:16 pm
pab….I think it’s easier to find a probowl Safety at 19 then a probowl RB
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Blake any other year I would probably share your disposition inn regards to RBs. We differ this year because 1 I witnessed our run struggle on Sundays last year after watching my guy shred everyone on Saturdays. 2 Having watched him to me he is special. I recall losing my mind everytime coach K would run toss plays with DM,Dalvin lethal when comes to those and fully capable of attacking the middle. I agree with Pete 15 to 17 touches with a committee makes the most sense to me. You all would probably never hear my sponsor the idea of a RB this early again.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:19 pm
What you think the biggest need is Jack???
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:22 pm
I just rather what appears to be the surest thing. The deeper the draft gose the bigger the roll of the dice becomes on these players.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Spelunker: This satirical attempt is more appropriate for a blog that doesn’t ride the coattails of someone else’s amazing outlet for Buccaneer insight. Joe, we’re less than a week from the draft and we get one fan’s want in an attempt to be funny regarding a running back that he is clearly being a homer on.
Our best bet is to take our highest valued edge rusher or safety/CB. Dalvin Cook is an explosive player, but there are so many RBs available with this much upside. If we were to get one more key piece for our defense, whoever we have at running back will possibly look a whole lot better. I wish for us to wait till the 2nd or 3rd round to take a back. Besides there is a free agent that may be entering the mix too. Let’s shy away from the sexy pick and let’s go with someone who can potentially solidify our defense.
Joe, thanks for the amazing website. You guys are great.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:24 pm
well if we just had one need that was greater then RB it would easier to make a case for RB. As is we have no safety and a bunch of holes o the Dline. TE is weak RT blows and you could make a bigger case for needing a LB then a halfback
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:30 pm
pa….that’s true, but a safety that can also cover the slot is a different story. Baker and Melifonwu can both do that. Compound that with the fact that the Bucs just might have the worst group of safeties in the league, and it’s all up in the air.
We have the 19th pick in the draft, you better have a list of three or four guys that you feel comfortable with them picking.
That would be a more worthwhile post on this site. Open a thread where everybody posts their top four players that they want the Bucs to take in the 1st round, nothing more, no discussion, then everybody can see where everybody else’s head is at once and for all. Then we can finally see if NOSBOS has spent time watching and researching anybody but Cook.
And I don’t want it limited to just posters, I want to see the top four choices for all the writers of this site.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:31 pm
So if Barry Sanders climbed into a time machine and was available in this draft, you wouldn’t take him????
Cause the lions never won the bowl.
The lions have never even made the bowl with or without Sanders…
Lunacy.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Yeah Eric that’s true. Calvin Cook is not being touted to be seen as that special by most teams or he would be a top 5 pick. If the Bucx think he will be that special the they should draft him. If not they should be getting somebody they see more potential with IMO
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Bucs will pass on cook unless he is there in the 2nd. No way they take him at 19. Listen to Licht’s press conference. He is going to have a “safe” draft. Cook’s character and physical issues eliminate him from consideration in the first round. Bucs will take a “safer” player.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Cook, Howard, Barnett, Harris, in no particular order. I won’t be upset if it’s not one of those 4. Just as long as who we pick ends up good in the league.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:47 pm
“No safety and bunch holes on D line”. Wow. That D line and those no safeties did lead the league in sacks, points allowed and turnovers for a 6 week stretch last season. One could argue had they had more help from the offensive side we would have been a playoff team last year.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:49 pm
gotbucs I work a full time gig and have a couple littlins. I ain’t got times to research all these players bro.
April 22nd, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Not to mention it took half the season for the defense to become comfortable in Mike Smith’s scheme.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:13 pm
I’m not really for taking Cook since I think the Bucs have so many needs in so many places and I firmly believe Martin will return to his odd year self and be a pro-bowler, but I’m totally for taking Cook if it eliminates the possibility of taking that piece of garbage Mixon.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:28 pm
My four players are: Ryan Ramczyk, Taco Charlton, Jabrill Peppers, Quincy Wilson.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:33 pm
I have a feeling we will one-day win it all and people will come back here and still say we have so many holes.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Ram a RT Lakeland???
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:36 pm
I’m curious to know if people feel we have legitimate holes or are some of these players your favs and you just wouldn’t mind seeing them on the Bucs???
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:38 pm
I gave a short list of Seminoles that are now currently in the league performing well. I left out Freeman my bad. Can anyone give me a short list of Huskies that are doing anything in the NFL lately.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:48 pm
Nole – Safety is a giant hole, the Bucs need two of them. A 3rd WR is a giant hole considering D Jax is an aging injury prone WR. We need a right tackle, if not for this year by next and you shouldn’t rely on rookies coming in and starting every year. The Bucs need depth on the d-line, although I’m not as sold as others that the d-line is a problem. We need a starting LB still. We need a 3rd corner, after VH3 and Grimes the Bucs have nothing that is close to an NFL player. That’s off the top of my head. I think Cook is going to be a very good running back in the NFL, not sure he’ll be elite but I think he’ll be very good – but the Bucs have an elite running back already, the only all-pro RB in team history, and he’s on the roster right this minute. If the board falls in a way that Cook is the best player available and there is no value at other positions the Bucs need, then take him, but targeting Cook, I’m not so sure about that as RB isn’t a need. To those saying Martin is suspended for 3 games… so what, Bell in Pittsburgh was as well. Now next year, an even number year, you have to assume Martin will turn back into a pumpkin, so if you’re taking Cook for next year, then fine, but I don’t get the lynch mob mentality on Martin, in particular when most of the lynch mob seems to be OK with bringing in a piece of garbage like Mixon.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:50 pm
There is only 2 cases that can be made for drafting a LB early this year.
1) He can also play DE and rush the passer
2) If he can’t do #1 then we better be transitioning to a 34 base defense.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Nole…he’s a LT
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Hey NOS
Bread and butter for DC is the toss sweep?
Of all the run plays, if you can get a crack or a defender is a smidge late,…you can get some huge explosive plays
Never seen any RB that can run it like him. very patient that bolts thru
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Nole..actually we need 2 safeties and corners.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:52 pm
@Nosbos
Off the top of my head Marcus Peters, CB on the Chiefs. Don’t sleep on Washington DBs man. The 3 that are coming out this year, assuming Sidney Jones returns to form (hopefully in Pewter and Red), are gonna be good if not great players
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:52 pm
??? Didnt finish my post
NOS, Koetter run that play alot?
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:54 pm
We need a FS and SS..I’m not sold on J.J Wilcox, Chris Conte or Keith Tandy..We need to draft Brent Grimes replacement and we need to draft a Slot CB.
April 22nd, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Well I know that we have a definite need on for an injection of youth to our Dline.
Malik Mcdowell would be amazing I think, but I haven’t heard or read anything that would incline me to believe the Bucs are heavily interested.
But I sure hope they are.
http://draftbreakdown.com/video/malik-mcdowell-vs-notre-dame-2016/
All of those who doubt his motor, please watch this video in its entirety. Keep in mind that Notre Dame has one of the best Olines in CFB. Now, Malik Mcdowell is not exactly Tecinical sound, but his hands are fast and really, really strong.
For being 6’6 295, he is stout against the run, and can anchor against Big nasty’s that are naturally more squat. And often times, is the only spartan on the Dline getting consistent penetration on Kizer.
He has the physical tools to play a multitude of roles up and down the Dline. And has Michael Bennett type potential, and even if it took him half a season to acclimate in Schmitty’s scheme, he could provide an instant shot of energy to our trenches.
With GMC and Swaggy quickly approaching 30, Beastly Rob Ayers already being 32, it would be wise to look for a young DT to take their place when the time comes.
Not saying it has to be Mcdowell, but we absolutely need to address our Dline depth, why not do that while at the same time adding a future starter?
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Agree Ron
We have absolutely no depth in alot of key positions…its downright scary
We lose corner, linebacker,wr for even few games we will be out of the playoffs. We lose anybody our offensive or defensive side will completely shut down
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:15 pm
Ryan Smith may become a decent Slot CB.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:15 pm
Haasan Reddick, Forrest Lamp, Derek Barnett, Corey Davis.
Reddick would be a Sam on 1st and 2nd and rush end on 3rd.
Lamp can step in immediately at guard or center.
Barnett replaces Ayers at RE
Corey Davis steps in at the #2 spot and allows them to be very creative with how they insert Desean Jackson in the game plan.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:17 pm
I’d be down with Reddick and Davis as well.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:22 pm
I feel the same way about McDowell as you do about Cook, Blake lol
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:26 pm
xD To each his own I guess lol.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:26 pm
I just read the best 7 Round Mock Draft for us at DRAFTTEK…1st Round.RB. Dalvin Cook. 2nd Round. FS Marcus Williams. 3rd Round. TE Jake Butt. 4th Round. TE Dawuane Smoot. 5th Round. WR. Fred Ross. 6th Round. Jerod Evans. 7th Round. OT. Justin Senior.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:27 pm
DE Dawuane Smoot
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:28 pm
I really do think that a Coach as good as Jay Hayes could really have a tremendous impact on an athlete with Mcdowell’s attributes/ skill set.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Guys we have already discussed and debunked the defense wins championships. The only time defense has a clear statistical advantage is when a team has the number one rated defense.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Bet it up Lakeland. Rod if you’re saying we need two safeties because our safeties will never be All-pros then I get but I do recall plays being made from that group later in the season when everyone became comfortable with what they were doing. I’m all for an upgrade but don’t see it as dire as others see that position. Now I agree we need some more youth on that D line. I like McDowell,I think some are down on him because he seemed a little unmotivated late in the season. But I wouldn’t hold that against him considering he was the best player on underachieving defense. #3 Wr??? Rod Rudy ain’t going no where soon bro. I do hope they address that spot with a player also.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Agreed USF.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Hayes could have an impact, or McDowell could just be not committed. He is a pretty big gamble, especially in the 1st round.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:37 pm
I am not saying that we shouldn’t draft defense but the concept that we can’t draft offensive players in the first round is silly. I could get on board with the argument if the top teams never drafted skill position players in the first but they do just at a lesser rate than other teams. To me this just speak more to their skill at hitting on draft selections and then keeping those key skill positions for an extended period of time.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:37 pm
More and more mock drafts has us taking Dalvin Cook.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Of the 2 teams that play in the Super Bowl, the team that was the higher scoring offense has only won 1 time since 2010. That was when the Pats beat the Seahawks…. and they won on an interception lol.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Some players require a little developing. I think we have something in Ryan Smith Lakeland. Kid fast as s@$! and has to feel about going back to CB.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:39 pm
I do think McDowell could be a great player with the right coach. I think he would shine at DE too.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:40 pm
Pop I bet a potent run game went along with those opposing teams.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Michigan State’s defense was 32nd out of 128 teams. They could have been better, sure. Its not like they were giving up 40 points a game tho.
Their offense was ranked 75th tho. Just going based off those rankings I would think their offense was the problem. And because of that their best defensive player gave up. Then he blames it on the coaching. Idk, something just doesnt seem right with that to me.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Lakeland I’m trying to tell people there are people out there in the know. And these last days Mockers are placing him with us to make themselves look good next week.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:43 pm
I will look up the numbers Nosbos. Give me a few minutes.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:43 pm
I feel you on that one Pop.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:44 pm
I also believe you put McDowell around other talent he’ll shine.
April 22nd, 2017 at 6:48 pm
First off, I was incorrect. 2010 Green Bay averaged more PPG than Pittsburgh and they won. Since 2011 is what I should have used. Was trying to go off of memory from a post I made on this topic a couple months ago lol
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:01 pm
SB 45 (2010) – Packers won with 24th ranked rushing offense (100.4 YPG)
SB 46 (2011) – Giants won with 32nd ranked rushing offense (89.2 YPG)
SB 47 (2012) – Ravens won with 11th ranked rushing offense (118.8 YPG)
SB 48 (2013) – Seahawks won with 4th ranked rushing offense (136.8 YPG)
SB 49 (2014) – Patriots won with 18th ranked rushing offense (107.9 YPG)
SB 50 (2015) – Broncos won with 17th ranked rushing offense (107.4 YPG)
SB 51 (2016) – Patriots won with 7th ranked rushing offense (117 YPG)
So 4 of the last 7 SB winners were in the bottom half of the league in rushing the uear they won.
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:03 pm
But the Falcons lost the Super Bowl, because they quit running the ball.
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:09 pm
Either you have a great defense or you have elite QB play.
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Back in the day..Super Bowl winners had 1,000 yard rushers. Franco Harris, Tony Dorsett, Emmett Smith, Walter Payton, Roger Craig, Terrell Davis, Jamal Lewis, Joe Morris etc.
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:13 pm
@LakeLandBuc
It goes without saying that teams today don’t play back in the day. They play in the modern era. That’s why more recent statistics are far more relevant.
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:31 pm
I left out Marshawn Lynch, Larry Csonka, John Riggins, Marcus Allen, Mark Van Eeghen,Dorsey Levens, Marshall Faulk, Brandon Jacobs.
April 22nd, 2017 at 7:36 pm
I left out Mark Van Eeghen, Dorsey Levens, Marshawn Lynch, Marcus Allen,John Riggins, Marshall Faulk, Brandon Jacobs, Larry Csonka.
April 22nd, 2017 at 8:18 pm
Foreman is UT’s all time leading rusher, ahead of E. Campbell. Mixon leads OK all time by passing who? This fact may or may not be a valuable indicator.
April 22nd, 2017 at 8:57 pm
Joe Mixon has 26 total touchdowns in 2 years. We had no idea what you guys seeing this clown. Perine has 51 in three years.
April 22nd, 2017 at 8:58 pm
*I have*
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:08 pm
@SB – is not just what we are seeing in Mixon. Do a single search or read an article that isn’t about the incident which he has settled and you will see that basically everyone in the football world thinks he is the best or one of the best RBs in this draft.
April 22nd, 2017 at 11:30 pm
SB – that would be like saying that Blount is a better RB than Bell because Blount had 18 TDs last year. Bell is the better RB but Blount was given more chances to carry the ball near the goal line. Perine and Mixon are two different types of RBs just like Alstott and Dunn were different RBs.
And that’s not even acknowledging the fact that had Mixon not been suspended that first year that Perine would have seen a reduction in yards and touchdowns.
Beyond that Mixon is the ideal size for the position, can run, catch, and pass protect, and his measurables in combine events were great. What are you not seeing in Mixon beyond the incident?
April 23rd, 2017 at 12:59 am
What do you know there is a new article on cook and nosbos is handing out free bj’s again….shocked
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:04 am
College football guy who thinks “his” college team (actually never been to college) is better than the other guys college team has always been the biggest tool in my book. lol
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:34 am
Great Damn Letter
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:57 am
When I type this, I’m not so much saying we should draft Dalvin Cook, but that the “we shouldn’t draft a RB in the first round of a deep RB draft” logic has got to be some of the stupidest **** I’ve ever heard (or read) in my life. WE PICK AT NINETEEN!!!!; which ultimately means that a player that is potentially rated much higher could fall BECAUSE it is a deep draft at certain positions. A lot of you people are ultimately saying, “in a deep QB draft, don’t take Peyton Manning in round 1, because you can essentially get Kirk Cousins later”. Sheer stupidity. (I’m in no way suggesting that Dalvin Cook is a ‘Peyton Manning’ caliber player; I’m just pointing out how acenine this logic is).
April 23rd, 2017 at 12:34 pm
Stop comparing QBs to RBs. QBs are important whereas RBs arent. Not that complicated.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Okay, fine, It is like saying “let’s leave Jerry Rice on the board, we can have Victor Cruz later”. The position is a moot point. The premise is still ridiculous.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Let me break it down for those of you who are going to choose not to see my point. If the highest rated player on your draft board is a RB, you take him, even if it is a deep draft at the position. If you have two rated equally, one at a deep position; one not at a deep position, then and only then is the “we can take one later because this draft is deep” a valid tool.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:07 pm
The position is not a moot point. It is the main point. RBs are undervalued so teams prioritize other positions over RBs which cause good RBs to fall which creates that mid round value that everybody brings up.