New Corner … To The Rescue
May 9th, 2017
New blood
UPDATED 4:12 p.m. Whew!
Tampa BAY cornerback depth was downright scary until a matter of hours ago.
This was even a subject this morning on the award-winning Ira Kaufman Podcast,
After Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes, who literally played about 99 percent of all Bucs snaps last season, the Bucs don’t have much.
Josh Robinson is nice and has experience, but the dude couldn’t get snaps ahead of Alterraun Verner last season, and Verner can’t find a job now. What does that tell you? Second-year man Ryan Smith was a guy the Bucs thought was a safety last year, but now he’ll play corner. That crew, throwing in Hey Jude Adjei-Barimah and Javien Elliott at nickel corner, wasn’t inspiring.
Now there’s a new body in the mix, veteran Robert McClain, who played three seasons (2012-2014) for Mike Smith in Atlanta, mostly nickel corner. McClain didn’t miss a game and made 15 starts in those three seasons.
He was with the Super Bowl Panthers in 2015 and 2016, before getting cut in December. He finished last season with the Chargers.
McClain, who turns 29 in July, was a 2010, seventh-round pick of Carolina. He’s no superstar, but Joe will sleep much better with this depth addition/competition. Hey, the guy picked off America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, 15 months ago. (Video here)
McClain shared his excitement on Twitter, “I’ll give everything I got.”
May 9th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Looks like the rookie mini camp didn’t inspire Coach Smith much. This dude has been out of work since December. Definitely not an all pro.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Doesn’t he return punts too?
May 9th, 2017 at 4:18 pm
McClain says he’s givin it everythings he’s got huh? Yet he was cut in Dec. Go figure.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:22 pm
I like it, he terrorized us for years. In fact his falcon highlight video every other play is him picking off Josh Freeman or smacking Vincent Jackson. Not to mention he sacked and intercepted Winston.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Wait, we couldn’t trade a 1st and a 3rd rounder for Darrelle Revis??
May 9th, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Good depth move.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Good sign boys
Our DC aint messing around if he thinks the 2017 def is going to be the weak link
He knows our weakness and where the OCs is going to attack
Smith knows we cant handle Atl set of wrs with our cornerback crew
May 9th, 2017 at 4:38 pm
If he can also return kicks this is a good pickup. However, once Ryan goes through the Preseason and gets used to our defensive scheme at CB, I expect him to be even better and able to sub for our starting duo to give them breathers.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:40 pm
Think I’m starting to see a trend here, as in players being signed who used to play, at one point in their careers, for Dirk Koetter and Mike Smith (Brent Grimes, Jaquizz Rodgers, Joe Hawley, Gosder Cherilus, Daryll Smith, Robert McClain). Familiarity with the coaches’ systems is obviously a plus.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:40 pm
Dont kid yourselves. This guy us not better than jude. He has all of 4 ints in his 8 year career. I love when the bucs sign any name that is recognizable then many fans/writers expect some major upgrade over what the team already have. He has played on 5 teams in 8 years. Think ej biggers. Nothing more.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Didn’t he write and sing American Pie
May 9th, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Lovie did the same thing, he brought HIS players in. Difference is…
May 9th, 2017 at 4:48 pm
If any of you think ryan smith is a legitimate nfl cornerback oe safety,…you are sadly mistaken
Only reason ankle biter ball girl is still here because he was drafted in the 4th round
Because licht had a slam dunk draft this year and think it will be acceptable to take the publicity hit for picking him
DC smith knows he cant play in this level. Smith bringing in released vets in before the season
I think glazers will give the green light to licht ….to go all in
May 9th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Needed depth.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeee-it!!! EJ Biggers, that’s cold!😱
May 9th, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Looks more like camp meat than the savior of the secondary.
lol joe gets so worked up over some players and doesn’t even mentions others.
He was cut mid season after getting smoked Over and over again. The panthers turned to 2 rookies to start at CB while kicking this bum to the curb.
I doubt he makes the roster.
May 9th, 2017 at 4:55 pm
@dewey…great point…..GO BUCS!!!!
May 9th, 2017 at 4:58 pm
I thought Elliot played rather well last yr.
May 9th, 2017 at 5:00 pm
“My Defense played great and there is interest for a HC gig”
Mike Smith
“Come on Mike. Stay for 2 years and ill give you what you need for you defense”
Jason Licht
“Ok but i need to get my players. If my defense goes backwards, i wont get a HC job”
Mike Smith
“Ok, i promise”
Jason licht
“By the way, who the hell is that kid holding the lamp pretending we dont notice”
Mike smith
“Oh, dont mind him . Thats Kobe Faker aka 1Buc mole”
Jason Licht
“OK, atleast its not The Buc Realist!Lol!”
Mike smith
May 9th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Elliot played good when called upon last yr. This signing is depth. I am feeling slightly better about CB. Another signing after cuts will make me feel better though.
May 9th, 2017 at 5:21 pm
McClain can still ball, he is a GREAT option at nickel
May 9th, 2017 at 5:22 pm
And people that can still ball get released all the time, so that’s a lame reason to be down on him.
May 9th, 2017 at 5:28 pm
@prbucfan
If you can “ball”, you do not play on 5 teams in eight years. Thats the definition of not a baller ie journeyman. When has a journeyman ever been labled a baller? Dont fool yourself.
May 9th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Joe but that interception wouldn’t of happened if Brate hadn’t fallen.any better highlight(s) of him than a lucky pick?
May 9th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Isn’t it you guys who say Players are on the Steet for a reason? You started the column off with “Whew”? Who cares…
May 9th, 2017 at 5:32 pm
@ prbucfan
When grimes was released by miami, he could still ball. Only 2 teams in 10 years with 26 ints coming into tampa. See the difference between “ball” and journeyman?
May 9th, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Well I like it ! And so do the bucs everyone on a team is not a super star you need depth and a nickel cb and that’s what he is stop the bitchin ….
May 9th, 2017 at 5:43 pm
Anyone who thinks he is better than jude or elliot are fooling themselves. But i know, buc fans loved to be fooled. Camp meat/insurance.
May 9th, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Hey Mike aren’t these the same guys that got your arse fired in Atlanta….. didn’t work for Lovie defense got worse with “his” guys.
May 9th, 2017 at 6:04 pm
lol. Do people really expect “all-pros” to be roaming the streets right now?
He’s a vet w/ plenty of experience and familiarity w/ our DC, who will at the very least, push other guys for battling for depth and maybe even impart some knowledge.
May 9th, 2017 at 6:07 pm
Three way battle at nickle. May the best man start.
May 9th, 2017 at 6:11 pm
cool. Let’s see if he’s a Tim Jennings or an actual useful player lol.
lol @ kobe hating Ryan Smith. Whatd he do to you man? Dude hasn’t even played an NFL snap at CB that any of us have seen yet
May 9th, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Was the deepest db draft in 10 years…..
There were some bangers we could have had with the 2 pick
May 9th, 2017 at 6:14 pm
It is not unreal to believe Unbelievable!
May 9th, 2017 at 6:15 pm
Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:
Didn’t he write and sing American Pie
—–
nope, he is the main character from the “Die Hard” movie franchise. getting on in years, but off-the-charts toughness based on my film study
May 9th, 2017 at 6:17 pm
thank goodness i was getting worried too while i like elliot and jude is serviceable they are both slot corners and shouldn’t touch the outside , now we have at least 1 quality boundary cb backup and we will see if ryan smith is worth all the buzz
May 9th, 2017 at 6:18 pm
and for those not happy because of how deep the corner class was last year do some research next years might turn up just as good a lot of pass rushers also
May 9th, 2017 at 6:36 pm
A better DL push will make the DB’s shine. If y’all recall, the DL got whacked with injuries early on and that caused problems in the pass D.
About mid-season the DL got healthier and the DB’s looked much, much better.
May 9th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Camp help. He will not make the 53 man roster.
Relax.
May 9th, 2017 at 6:44 pm
Winston threw the ball right to him. Anybody could have caught that. A one armed player.
May 9th, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Very good DCs vs avg DCs
Mike Smith is a top very good DC
avg DCs need talent on all 3 levels and a rush for the corners to play good
Mike smith doesnt need all pro defensive ends that has double diget sacks…though we had decent amout of sacks we had 3rd worst amount of QB hurries
Mike smith and the top DCs need only to stop the run. If we can stop the run, Mike Smith will scheme and make enough adjustments for the team to win
Mike smith cant create a defense that can win or compete if a offense can run and pass at will. If mike smith can make our opponent 1 dimentional, we have a opportunity to win any game vs anybody
Mike Smith is that good as DC
I think with our front 7 new players and depth we can clog and stop the run
Mike Smith, king of 3 and outs…
And our punter is badass
May 9th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
I am stunned to be in agreement with Kobe Faker.
I need help.
May 9th, 2017 at 7:03 pm
He is probably better than our rookies with less upside…don’t count out the young guys yet.
May 9th, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Maybe he’s better than Javien Elliot.
May 9th, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Cobra
I forgot how mike smith defence looked and played like
The mike smith defensive identity last year in tampa was the same in jacsonville when he was DC
No blown coverages and just kickass grinders
He didnt have the best talent in jacsonville and last year was a patchwork of talent to say the least
Everything in front of you and the offense has to make plays to score. Mike smith def wont give anything cheap and the offense hase to go 80 yards to score vs Mike smith
I believe we lead in 3rd down effiency? I wouldnt doubt he was always top5 3rd efficiency also in jacksonville
He wanted 2 big dts like he had in jacsonville…welcome chris baker
How many times did jameis with his turnovers or koetters too conservative 3 and outs put Mike Smith and the defense at the opponents scoring position?…
And they didnt score
May 9th, 2017 at 7:27 pm
I guess worse things could happen Cobraboy.
http://i.imgur.com/kmNSWbi.jpg
May 9th, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Kobe, No argument from me.
IMO, you can have Jackson, Baker and Howard. Them single most important Buccaneer off-season acquisition is Mike Smith for two more years.
May 9th, 2017 at 7:29 pm
@ SB:
HA! 😀
(And I never gave permission to post my picture…)
May 9th, 2017 at 7:33 pm
LOL!!
May 9th, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Did he play with Grimes
May 9th, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Is this guy better than Verner, because if he is not…
May 9th, 2017 at 7:58 pm
What up SB?!
May 9th, 2017 at 8:07 pm
It’s a depth and veteran signing, nothing more. I am not as impressed as others may be with this signing, but will not criticize the move. Our DBs will look much better with more of a pass rush. I think Ryan Smith will be just as good if not better than McClain. I think Elliot did rather well last season and will only get better this year. I know injuries will happen to every level of the team, and depth is always a concern, but that goes for every team in the NFL.
I am looking forward to seeing Ryan Smith, Devonte Bond, Benenoch, Elliot, Hargraves, Spence, and Aguayo this year. Bring on TC and may the best man win.
Go bucs
May 9th, 2017 at 8:09 pm
All is good UB! Just living the dream up here in the Mountains. A big part of me wishing I could go to a Bucs game. I have already committed money to a separate account to fly down there for a Playoff game WHEN we get there.
May 9th, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Competition? What you mean competition? I thought everyone just loved our small little corners in grimes & Hargreaves?? Those 2 a joke, now at least someone at 1 Buc is realizing they can’t play with bigger receivers. Cause they are midgets. 8-8 at best this year
May 9th, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Hey Buddy……..have a Snickers.
May 9th, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Or go be a Dolphins fan.
May 9th, 2017 at 8:15 pm
Mike smith last year in Atlanta had control of defense and say in personal … was like 27 th points allowed and 30th yards allowed…. pink slip
May 9th, 2017 at 8:16 pm
Crap defense is why he was fired
May 9th, 2017 at 8:18 pm
Hey Dom……..Have you practiced “Would you like fries with that order?” in several languages?
You prolly should. It would mean a big pay raise for you.
May 9th, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Desperate?
May 9th, 2017 at 8:35 pm
Would you like fries with that order ?? Sure that’s a question you ask your patrons daily. Amazing that’s the first thing that came to your mind… you still at work?
May 9th, 2017 at 8:40 pm
I can see that sardonism escapes you Dam. That’s ok because I am sure you are use to this with women too.
May 9th, 2017 at 8:47 pm
Get this from your women too … come on bro be more original than that. Maybe I should come back with… I get from your mother all the time… really are we talking about football or not? I stated a fact feel free to look it up
May 9th, 2017 at 8:51 pm
I like Unbelievable at 6:04. Kobe is correct the key is making the opponent one dimensional. Accomplishing that makes the Sunday afternoon easy. Swaggy and Tui should help with making that possible.
May 9th, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Its like Tmax tell’s y’all everyday. No more excuses. I’ll add we have all the pieces now.
May 9th, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Dom is gone why don’t you leave like your name suggests but since you are here go make me some fries
May 9th, 2017 at 9:12 pm
^^^^^^^ 🙂
May 9th, 2017 at 9:12 pm
Nothing worse than when GM s and coaches are signing people they have ties with. This is always a sign of weakness within the organization following their scouting dept.
Everyone knows that the Bucs d has some great players but they are one corner short and an injury away from sinking the hole season due to organizational stubborness ( bad trait of Licht) .
Being an NFL GM sn’t about challenging yourself, proving yourself to yourself and getting cute and this clearly is a very bad trait that Licht repeats every year. There is numerous quality experienced FA corners that I am confident the scouting dept has ranked much higher than McClain. Not sure this is the case at safety or o line but it surely is at LB and Corner and the cap isn’t an issue what so ever. Why do these guys have quality ( bridge) players available and they let down the hole team, fan base , owners and the NFL by being self consumed.I Like allot of what Licht does but he does this every year with a position or two. He has probably taken a year or two off the franchise qb’s career ( totally unacceptable, see Cam Newton )with his OLine bull headedness which is enough to get some people fired !! Now that being said the O Line in its third year together should be better ( if 3 leads the league in hits again you will be fired) but he killed his qb in the process ,some other good moves have helped to cover up his bone headed blunders and the kicker is way lesser of an evil than what I am referring to. There is plenty of serviceable NFL kickers you can win with and the same can be said your third LB but it can’t be said for CB and OL.
Quit being cute Jason and build a winner now !!! Your not going to have this bridge / cap luxury in two or three years unlike many other GMs, Coaches, Teams , Owners and Fan Bases that have dead money and little cap room !!!
May 9th, 2017 at 9:13 pm
I know I said this the other day to you NOS but this it the most stoked I have been about Bucs football in the last 15 years!
May 9th, 2017 at 9:18 pm
Koetter’s Draft has one thing in common. OJ Howard, great Blocker, Chris Godwin, willing blocker as a WR. Jeremy McNichols second best blocking RB in the draft.
Weapons for Winston in different ways.
May 9th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Pit you and SB stick with comedy… your fry jokes are a lot more entertaining than any football take all have posted
May 9th, 2017 at 9:22 pm
Dom….no offense but you were coming off as a troll with your comment.
May 9th, 2017 at 9:25 pm
Joe….the falcons had the worst secondary imaginable under the watchful eye of Mike Smith and his defensive coaches. What in the royal hell would make anyone get even slightly encouraged by this???
God this sucks, at least I wont be as let down as most Bucs fans when.our secondary sucks ARSE and yet again has another season og.embarrasing completion percentages allowed. Mike Smith deploys soft coverage for four quarters and now hes bringing in someone probably worse than verner. At least hes cheaper I guess whoohoo
May 9th, 2017 at 9:29 pm
Well, anyways, the wife has burgers on the Grill.
And Yes I am having fries with them.
Peace out Bucs fans.
My bad Dom if I was wrong.
May 9th, 2017 at 9:48 pm
I am neither excited nor disappointed with this signing
May 9th, 2017 at 10:49 pm
Almost every coach in football will bring in some of their former players in the first 2-3 years of getting a new gig. It is not just a safety net and competition, it is also another guy on the field or sideline who can explain to others how the scheme works from snap to snap. In this case and many others (Lovie Smith excluded), the typical aim is not to find starters but rather guys who will make practices more competitive and film sessions more productive. The only coaches who are not doing this are the ones who have been coaching for their current team so long that their former players are either not around or have been made irrelevant by continuity on the coach’s current roster
May 9th, 2017 at 11:06 pm
@SB dude I haven’t been this hyped for football in so long are bucs are back baby and they are being built to be scary good Im so damn ready
May 9th, 2017 at 11:21 pm
What 6 said at 10:49..
May 9th, 2017 at 11:23 pm
And I feel you SB. All I can think about is payback and what Fameis will look like hoisting that Lombardi 🏆..
May 9th, 2017 at 11:28 pm
The last time Fameis was surrounded by this much fire power on both sides of the ball he demolished everything in his path en route to a National Championship. I expect the same next season. Y’all ain’t really even seen Fameis yet. No worries tho, in a few short months you will no longer have to “Just wait it”.
May 9th, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Who didn’t pick off Jameis in that game?
May 9th, 2017 at 11:54 pm
Good pickup
May 9th, 2017 at 11:55 pm
We’re making moves fellas.
May 10th, 2017 at 4:08 am
This is NOT a good depth move at all. It;s a horrible move and he won’t be on the team come training camp, much less make the final roster. He’s worse than even the rookie CBs on the team.
May 10th, 2017 at 4:09 am
Know why Joe mentioned he was a healthy during those years? Because it is the only positive stat that man has.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but he’ll be gone in a short while.
May 10th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Something we often dont consider.
Our new CB is not an all pro.
But he is very familiar with the System.
That makes him more valuable, because he can help our young guys
Sometimes- getting the kids in the right place,To make a play, is almost as valuable as making the play yourself.
May 10th, 2017 at 4:52 pm
SB-
Nice! I was lucky they played out in SD last year. Don’t think there is any on the schedule this year I can make it…. But if we make the playoffs, hell all bets are off!