Third-Round Talent?
April 23rd, 2017
Value for Bucs?
There is a chorus of Bucs fans that demand AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht not select a running back in the first round.
You can get a running back later, this loud crowd bellows, even though winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter doesn’t exactly agree.
Now South Florida running back Marlon Mack has been linked to the Bucs, but in the weeks following the combine, that talk died down considerably. May not mean anything, may mean something. We will find out this week (yes, this week!).
One guy Joe has a hunch might wind up with the Bucs is Toledo running back Kareem Hunt. While on tape he sure looks like Doug Martin, he’s different in that unlike Martin, Hunt is a weapon in the passing game.
Luke Easterling of USA Today believes Hunt is the best value pick at running back in the draft. And if you put any stock into the PFF tribe, Hunt forced the most missed tackles of any running back in college football last year (yeah, Joe knows he played in the MAC).
For those who scoff at the level of competition for Hunt, consider when he faced teams ranked in the Associated Press Top-25, hunt averaged 10 yards a carry two of the last three seasons. Catching the ball out of the backfield last year against AP Top-25 teams, he averaged 24 yards a catch.
More importantly, because in the NFL it’s all about turnovers, Hunt fumbled once in 855 touches.
Joe isn’t sure Hunt is quick enough, but the aforementioned numbers are hard to ignore. If there is any tell with Hunt and the Bucs, Licht seems to prefer guys who shine in the practices and the game during Senior Bowl week. Hunt did just that.
So for the anti-Dalvin Cook crowd, you may want to hang your hat, for better or for worse, on this Hunt.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:49 am
I just think he just looks too slow to be a #1 back, maybe change of pace but we already have that.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:08 am
People who have Hunt over Gallman are just doing it wrong.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:15 am
A great use of resources if he is a mid round pick after failing to acquire Joe Mixon.
Regards.
The anti-Roberto AguaOh,no crowd
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:21 am
He’s my top option if we don’t go RB in the first.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:45 am
not everyone has the time or is willing to watch 2-3 games from the top 10+ RBs on draftbreakdown, so I understand the hype around guys you hear about and are linked hightlights for most often. But Gallman was slept on the entire process, and since the illustrious combine didnt put him on the map, he remained in the background while quietly being the 4th best RB in this draft. Its irked me all throughout these road to the draft months where Hunt has been talked about in higher regard.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:50 am
Don’t forget..there IS Doug Martin. If he’s healthy body and mind he’s what the Bucs need. What we don’t know is what the Bucs know, what Doug knows about how he’s coming along. That changes everything.
The catch with a third round talent is why isn’t he a first round? And with RBs a lot of good ones in college do well because of shear athletic ability relative to other players around them that will soon be accountants and food service managers.
While Cook and Mixon are “game ready” Cook is damaged physical goods and Mixon is a thug. Both have been sent back to the factory for repairs.
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:57 am
No way is he fast enough. Not in initial burst/acceleration speed or in the open field–if this play is characteristic. Holes close up to fast in the NFL, and pro LBs won’t give him a chance to get through. You’re better off with a Marlon Mack type where they can fix his fumble issue. But not saying he’s the guy either.
April 23rd, 2017 at 4:12 am
Here is some wishful thinking…
https://www.all22.com/new-england-patriots/malcolm-butler-trade-colts-bucs-make-interesting-trade-partners
Bucs trading their first round pick for another (Revis stud type) CB? I just can’t see that.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:21 am
Kid reminds me of emitt smith and uses stiff arm like him as well
Interesting !!
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:32 am
No thanks
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:37 am
One of my favorite RBs this year. Although, Imo Jamaal Williams on Day 3 is better value than Hunt on Day 2.
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:56 am
Mixon! If we don’t someone else will, and we lose BIG LEAGUE!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 5:58 am
My favorite back in the draft. Want him in Tampa so badly.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:01 am
Samaje perine
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:39 am
If Cook & McCaffrey are gone early, then go for Mack & Perine.
With them we will run all the way to Minnesota in February!
In Licht We Trust!!!
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:10 am
Watch his Senior Bowl tape. He really impressed all week against an all-star team of athletes.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:18 am
This kid is a legit weapon. Looks eerily similar to Frank Gore Imo.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:26 am
I would love to have Cook, just not at 19. I prefer defense at 19 and RB/WR in the 2nd and 3rd.
April 23rd, 2017 at 7:34 am
This is a deep draft at RB…that being said, if Licht feels that a guy like Cook or McCaffrey is the best available when 19 rolls around, then I don’t have a problem pulling the trigger. But what I absolutely would not do is to trade up and waste valuable picks to get either of these guys….not when there are quality backs that will still be available deep into the 3rd round!
If the guy you want isn’t there at 19, take a TE/OT/DE who is, and then target your RB in Round 2 or 3!
April 23rd, 2017 at 8:07 am
I am going to be pretty upset if we do not Target an elite RB prospect. We do not need a mid round slappy Ala Charles Simms. Wasting picks is not a good strategy. Take a RB in rounds 1-2 or don’t draft one at all
This deep RB class is delusional. There are 4 elite prospects and I am on the fence with McCaffrey at that. The rest are marginal NFL prospects at best.
April 23rd, 2017 at 8:12 am
Ah draft time! I am so glad that NFL teams scouting departments are now obsolete. All you need to do is tune into your local blog to get the real, definitive, expert opinions on who the best players really are. I read in awe! LOL
April 23rd, 2017 at 8:22 am
If Licht’s guy isn’t there at 19, then trade down with Cleveland for their two second round picks (33 and 52). That would give us three (our 50) 2nd round picks.
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:06 am
Like him
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:14 am
Samaje Perine please.
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:15 am
Hey Joe, what happened to all the “Morning Cups”?
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:17 am
Kid is fast enough. Nothing but big runs and pass plays. Perfect fit for the offense.
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:18 am
Nevermind, I didn’t scroll down enough. Always interesting, or insane comments on the MCOJ.
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:24 am
@gilhealy There are no” cups of Joe” on the weekend.
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:45 am
give me foreman or perine or gallman , kamara over him. might even take mack over him even tho i’m pretty convinced he is not the type of guy we need we need someone we can depend on for 20 carries if neeeded i’m not to sure how many of the running backs outside of the top 5 guys can do that that’s why i take my chances at a back round 1 it’s so much of a need and they’re is gonna be someone talented there for you to pick
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:55 am
I just want it to be draft day already!
April 23rd, 2017 at 9:58 am
Bring us samaje perine baby! Allstott 2.0 baby!
April 23rd, 2017 at 10:12 am
Does the guy continually get pulled down from behind or can he take it to the house? No more “muscle turtles” please.
April 23rd, 2017 at 10:16 am
I’m all in on Mack…. If we can get him at good value, it’s a no brainer to me. I really like Cook’s tape, there’s just something about him that says bust. I dont know if it’s the injuries or what, I just can’t say he’s worth a first rounder. I still think Licht goes defense in round one. Safety or DE.
April 23rd, 2017 at 10:40 am
I’m thinking that we double dip at running back.
Some combination of thumper’s and home run hitters.
Pick up somebody like Hunt, Conner, Perine, or Jamaal Williams in rounds 3 or 4: Guys who can get consistent chunks of yardage, and wear down defenses with a heaping helping of smash mouth running.
Then double-up in round 4 or 5 with a guys like Jeremy McNichols, Joe Williams, Tarik Cohen, or Donnell Pumphrey to compete with Peyton barber and Chuck Sims for the 3rd running back spot.
It would be hard to complain about a Draft that netted us a potential game-wrecker of Dlineman in round 1, a dynamic receiving weapon for Jameis in Round 2, while at the same time transforming our Rb depth.
April 23rd, 2017 at 10:42 am
Wow hadn’t seen much on this guy but I love the highlights. So patient and shifty. His running style reminds me of arian foster. Very impressive.
April 23rd, 2017 at 10:47 am
Fred raises a great point about Doug Martin and what we don’t know what the Bucs know. Still, I see the Bucs doing more than due diligence on the RB position. They’ve worked out/visited with Cook, Perine, Foreman, Mack, Mixon, Hunt, and maybe others that we haven’t heard about. That’s a long list of players at one position, and it would be a waste of time to invest so much scouting on this many RBs, if there is no intention to use a pick on this position. With this draft, the Bucs can go younger and shore up the RB position for the next 5-7 years. Let’s hope that they get it right!
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:39 am
I like James Conner the beast but this guy looks good too.
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:58 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byxgC3Hmlfk
Seriously guys. Take 5 minutes out of your day to appreciate how good James Conner is. Heck, take an hour out of this fine Sunday to watch his game tape on draftbreakdown.
#NextBeastMode
April 23rd, 2017 at 11:58 am
One man cannot tackle him!
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:18 pm
@Fred E.
Where Hunt may lack in raw speed and burst behind Mack, he makes up for in decisiveness and vision. Who’s faster, Doug Martin or Charles Sims? Charles Sims is…easily…who would you rather have as your every down running back? Doug Martin…easily…because Sims is indecisive, has poor vision, and dances behind the LOS. Mack does the same crap…and those are traits that are difficult to teach imo.
April 23rd, 2017 at 1:43 pm
This makes so much more sense than Dalvin Cook in the first round. Let’s get a solid DL or DB in the round 1 and then go for broke in rounds 2 or 3 in drafting the top rated WR and RB. I would much rather get a defensive lineman or safety than a RB in round 1. With a chance of grabbing a Nixon, Hunt, Kamara, or Williams on day 2 or 3, I think we should get our highest rated defensive player in Round 1. Then again, if Fournette or Ross fall, then maybe snag one of them. But outside of Fournette or McCaffrey falling intou our lap at 19, I don’t believe we should be in the first round running back pageant; let the other teams make our decision on which RB to take. Let’s take the least sexiest pick.
April 23rd, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Hunt in the 3rd AND Joe Williams in the 6th! RB problem solved for years to come! Answer me JOE!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y8WyD-nmWY
April 23rd, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Like Joe said his game looks like Doug Martin who has been a very good back for the Bucs in past years. Another thing Joe mentioned is Hunt has very good receiving game. And one more thing I noticed, is he’s taller and has a longer stride than Doug. I don’t know if that makes a difference, Doug could still be much faster, but one of Doug’s biggest problems was not being able to score a TD on long yardage breakaways because of his stubbiness.
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:06 pm
Ah, thanks @SB.
April 24th, 2017 at 1:22 am
He’s decent. But we have decent on the roster, in this deep draft we can snag a stud in the 3rd. Plus didn’t dude run a 4.7 or something? He may be on the board still in the 5th or 6th..
Nab a solid offensive lineman in the 1st like Lamp and it won’t matter who you have in the backfield. Lol kinda kidding