Minkah Fitzpatrick = Jalen Ramsey
February 10th, 2018
Corner or safety?
In the eyes of a popular NFL draft analyst, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is the next great NFL defensive back.
Currently, it’s a coin flip for who is the best cornerback in the NFL right now, Jalen Ramsey of the Jags or Xavier Rhodes of the Vikings. And you could flip the coin again for Arizona’s Patrick Peterson. Ramsey is a play-anywhere defensive back and Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com believes Fitzpatrick is the next Ramsey.
In other words, is Fitzpatrick a corner or a safety? Brugler’s answer is, yes.
The “Is he a corner or is he a safety?” debate with Fitzpatrick is similar to what Jalen Ramsey faced coming out of Florida State. The correct answer is it doesn’t matter because he can play either position at a high level.
Brugler lists the top 50 prospects and believes Fitzpatrick is No. 2 overall in the draft.
Joe would not be appalled if the Bucs drafted Fitzpatrick. But Joe will repeat, after watching 32 games under this current Bucs defensive staff, Joe has no faith they can develop a young corner and that includes Fitzpatrick. Drafting a corner, unless unforeseen changes are made, is as good as throwing away a draft pick.
That is why Joe is reluctant to draft Fitzpatrick, no matter how good some folks think he will be.
Other players Brugler ranked that may be of interest to Bucs fans are guard Quenton Nelson, No. 1; defensive end Bradley Chubb, No. 3; running back Saquon Barkley, No. 4; defensive end Marcus Davenport, No. 12; and running back Sony Michel, No. 38.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:52 am
Man, that win against the Aints felt good, but it’s reall biting us in the ax right now.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:59 am
If 3 QBs are chosen in the top 6, one of these players will be available and all are positions on need. If 3 aren’t chosen, it is likely there will be a team wanting to trade up for one of these three that still remains, Darnold, Allen or Mayfield.
Teams needing QBs would be Arizona, Bills, Bengals & Redskins…..some of them wanting a young QB to develop behind vets.
If that is the case a trade down could probably produce 2 players of need.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:00 am
I hope we can land Chubb but if not, Fitzpatrick would be a solid pick if we can’t trade down.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:03 am
Dooshlarue…
Yes, but it serves little purpose to look back…..it put the Jets and Broncos in front of us and they likely take QBs……but Cleveland may take one or trade a pick for someone who wants one and that would give us our shot at a player.
Most Buc fans want Chubb, as I do…..or Barkley…..but Nelson & Fitzpatrick are great players and would likely be long time Buc stars….and we desperately need to improve our DB corps & a Guard.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:09 am
While i wouldn’t be irate with the pick, I’d rather go with Vita Vea…if he does well at the combine n workouts, he’s the pick. @BigHog…gotta build that damn wall! Lol
#TRENCHWARFARE
February 10th, 2018 at 7:11 am
We need to aggressively go after Bradley Chubb!! This guy is as nasty as they come. He’s a get in your face violent type player that is much needed on defense. Forget about upcoming draftees Davenport and Vea because they don’t match up against Chubb. He’s resilient and gives 100 percent each down. He’s your Ray Lewis, Jack Lambert, Dick Butkus type player. Watch the game he played in the rain against Notre Dame, True GRIT…just what the doctor ordered! He’s an immediate Beast Mode threat at DE. We haven’t had a beast DE since the days of Selmon. I dont count Rice because I saw Emmitt Smith block him at ease and literally run through him like paper. We need Chubb, and we need him now!!
February 10th, 2018 at 7:15 am
@Tbbf…i think we need to sign the two best PRESS man corners and oline help.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:28 am
As much as we need DE’s,we need good corners almost as much.Nobody knows if Grimes will come back,and if he does, will be able to avoid injuries. Miko
claimed Grimes only played at 80 % all year. We need Grimes heir apparent
on the team now.
As for development,
it is up to the player to be in position to make a play. I don’t think VH3 responded to coaching when he was told he was giving too much cushion. Some think Vh3 needs to play bump and run,but I wonder if he will be pushed aside and left trying
to catch up to the faster receivers in the league.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:37 am
lol stick to runninrg a website. Derwin James = Sean Taylor/Jalen Ramsey. Just cause this guy guys to Alabama people know about him. Wait until the combine joe your gonna be so shocked, can’t wait to hear your tune when Derwin James gets linked to the bucs. Jalen Ramsey himself will admit. Profootball focus and mike mayock and coaches and scouts know about him. The rest will follow in stide. Josh Jackson is just as good as minkah Fitzpatrick.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:39 am
Didn’t even was the article read the head line. That’s my fault
February 10th, 2018 at 7:43 am
NFL-
Absolute alpha in the locker room. Comes up to handle film sessions on weekends. When he talks, players listen. Hits all the height, weight, speed marks you want for an early-round safety. Extremely versatile weapon. Can be deployed anywhere on the field on any given snap. Rangy with ability to chase throws from deep middle. Quick to squeeze routes approaching his area of influence. Doesn’t just look to hit, he looks for the football once he ranges to the spot. Used in hybrid role near the line of scrimmage. Reliable in his fits and standing up to the run or peeling off and covering tight ends. Savvy blitzer with speed and athleticism to get home. Smooth, loose movement allows for coverage potential against big slots. Careful to leverage ball carriers to the sideline and won’t give away an inside cutback. Pursuit strides are fluid and powerful. Solid open-field tackler with reactive athleticism to handle late elusiveness.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:45 am
you can find adaquate CB in free agency or mid round draft!!!!!!! WutdaBucthis has it right!!!!!!! And it will only become more apparent to the sheep once the training combine and free-agency are done!!!!!!! But it is like we heard the call for “Mount Vea” a while ago??????? Oh Yea!!!!!!!! Its another “Realist Repost”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Buc Realist Says:
January 20th, 2018 at 12:42 pm
If the top DE does not fall,,,,,,
Please free up the LB’s by selecting Mount Vea!!!!!!! trade down and/or pick up a “Man among boys” Vita Vea!!!!!!!! switch to a 3-4 for a point of difference in the division!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 10th, 2018 at 7:53 am
If that is true.
That is a no brainer. We have never had a true shut down corner ever. Jalen Ramsey is already the best in the business in year 2. An absolute beast. We can work on defensive ends in 2nd 3rd 4th.
And revis doesn’t count cause we used him in zone coverage for some reason. And he was starting to decline
February 10th, 2018 at 7:54 am
We will find out more as weeks progress.
I am coming around to vita vea as well
February 10th, 2018 at 7:55 am
Chubb or bust. The guy is nasty, violent, mean, high motor player. He is all the words I want to use when describing a DE lol. He is exactly what this D needs. We need to fix D line before defensive backs in my opinion. We are ok at LB. Maybe find a couple DBs in free agency since our coaches stink at coaching up younger DBs.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:57 am
No disrespect to Fitzpatrick, he is a gamer. I just rather have Chubb.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:17 am
Kobe crunched numbers in the war room
Barkley is the next Ki jana Carter. Doesnt have the elusiveness and stop and go burst quickness. Game will not translate to the NFL
Fitzpatrick is not that fast to be another ramsey. Wont be better than marshon lattimore
Agree with the poster above-
Derwin james will be sean taylor. Derwin games translates to the NFL.
If healthy Derwin James will be HOF type player
February 10th, 2018 at 8:52 am
Why draft a CB with elite cover skills, only to play him in soft, zone coverage with a 12 yard cushion for the receiver?
I’m all for Minkah, but his talent would be wasted until thisbstaff figures out how to play with aggression, or gets replaced with one that knows how.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:59 am
Pass…
February 10th, 2018 at 9:06 am
Joe, if the coaching staff can’t mold a rookie cornerback, then what makes you think our “guru” of a defensive line coach will transform Chubb into the second coming of Michael Strahan?
February 10th, 2018 at 9:39 am
Joe, I think I’m falling into Realist’s camp: You have the sheep well-trained. Joe continually spouts the line that he “has no faith they (Bucs’ defensive staff) can develop a young corner and that includes Fitzpatrick. Drafting a corner, unless unforeseen changes are made, is as good as throwing away a draft pick.” And from what I can see, lots of JBFers start singing the same song.
Who have the Bucs’ defensive coaches been given to work with by management in the past 2 years? (Defensive coaches DON”T DRAFT … that’s on ownership (yes), the GM with some input from the HC & some from the rest of the staff). Mostly though our GM owns these selections (check the job descriptions).
OK, so VHIII? Played satisfactorily the first year (didn’t exactly set the league on fire) then regressed. Hmmm, same coaches BOTH years. Yup, must be the coaches. Or maybe Ryan Smith? Licht said when he was drafted that he was picked as a SAFETY in the FOURTH RND. So the defensive coaches wasted a year doing what they were undoubtedly told to do, then converted him back to his natural position: CB. Thus last year he was a rookie CB for all practical purposes (and BTW, he did improve as the year went on). Or maybe Javien Elliott? Ya, UNDRAFTED … all 176 lbs of him. Kudos though, he has started TWO games in TWO years.
For a change, how about folks stop pissing & moaning about how bad the coaches are, and start looking at the talent … across the board … that these coaches have been given to work with. VHIII & Ryan Smith especially have gained some valuable experience in these past 2 years and are ‘keepers’ IMO, but … let’s stop pretending that they’re both shutdown corners at this point. In a couple years? Maybe, but not today.
February 10th, 2018 at 9:55 am
The combine will have an effect on that order too, Davenport could rise!
February 10th, 2018 at 10:01 am
1 Chubb
2 Barkley
3 Fitzpatrick
4 James
5 Nelson
I would take the highest one left on the board at 7. I heard a draft guru talking and he said in today’s nfl I would only take players that make touchdowns or prevent touchdowns and it is now a passing league. I think you can get guards outside the top 10. I think it was “Pollian” who made the statement. I think there are running backs to be had that are very good in rounds 2-5. I watched tape on Barkley and thought he is special back and would warrant a very high pick. He makes a very hard cut up field and is gone. He is a big difference maker.
February 10th, 2018 at 10:12 am
If Chubb is off the board at 7 then we should trade down and grab Davenport.
#TRADEDOWNCLUB!
February 10th, 2018 at 10:36 am
Fitzpatrick=Barron 1. Chubb 2.Nelson 3.Vea. Barkley. If those four are gone, trade down.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:00 am
So Brugler has Quentin Nelson as the top talent available. This is not the first time I’ve read this. I’ve read several sites that claim Nelson is the very best talent but the fact that he plays guard is what sours his draft status which is why we may have a chance to grab him.
If it’s Chubb and Nelson still on the board I would go for Chubb because he too is a terrific talent at a position where we have a greater need. If it’s Nelson or Minkah I go Nelson for sure. Again…I don’t care how good Minkah is until we fix our pass rush he’ll be rendered ineffective.
So I go with the BPA Nelson and then draft a BUNCH of DE’s in the remaining rounds.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:00 am
Barkley is a bust. We need a DEF pick at 7 even if we get some help in FA. DEF needs major help.
Chubb or Fitz makes sense for TB. If we can get 2 decent edge pass rushers or some more stability on the back end then watch out 4 GMC. “We need to get YOUNGRY on D” – Morris.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:01 am
BTW….SB…
I have no problem with trading down and that may be the answer if Licht can get the right deal.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:17 am
Yeah SPBF…..I am torn on Nelson too. Would LOVE him but in order for us to be able to take him we would have had to score big on DE in FA. That is my best case scenario, we hit a homerun on DE in FA and have the luxury to take Nelson at 7
February 10th, 2018 at 11:27 am
If Denver passes on Nelson he will be there at 7 and should be our pick.
I am praying 4 qbs go in the top 6 picks. That would guarantee one of Nelson, Chubb, Barkley, or Fitz.
Chubb is my clear favorite but there’s almost zero chance he will still be available. Nelson to me is the next best pick. He helps out Jameis, our RBs, and our receivers. He is the best guard to come out in years and we would be lucky to have him.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:30 am
Nelson is a rare player that only comes round maybe once in a decade. He is a freak and anyone doubting his value at 7 need to go have their heads checked out cuz something is wrong
February 10th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Fitzpatrick will have be a CB on the NFL level. He’ll have to prove at the combine he has the neccessary footwork, agility and speed. If he doesn’t do well he’ll fall a bit.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Derwin James and Denzel Ward, two DBs to look out for.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:42 am
I know you have your Florida college bias Joe, but Heartgraves is who he is. He was toasted by NFL caliber receivers in college with his 4.6 forty d
speed. He was over drafted, just like Aguayo. He should have been a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Fitzpatrick has Ramsey like skills and a threat to take it all the way when he gets the ball. Not much coaching up is needed with elite athletic talent, which we lack.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:47 am
Jesus all you people want to do is draft Florida players. No,no, no , your FSU guy is no way another Sean Taylor. There was only one, never wil be again.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:54 am
If this psycho picks another corner in the first round he knows he’ll get fired as soon as the losing starts, you can get a corner anywhere free agency or how about what every other team does and develop your own guys. You need help in the trenches, if you can’t get Chubb get Vea, what kind of impact are we expecting from a rookie corner with no pass rush? No veteran corner on the roster to guide him or would we prefer vh3 to help him along
February 10th, 2018 at 12:13 pm
The Bucs wouldn’t know what to do with Derwin James. I hope the Bucs don’t draft him, because they will waste his talent. I hope he fall to the Carolina Panthers, or they move up to draft him.
February 10th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
But, I don’t see Derwin James slipping past the Los Angeles Chargers at 17.
February 10th, 2018 at 12:20 pm
I like Nelson the sure thing@7 but if we go safety id prefer James from fsu over Fitzpatrick. James can play ss next to evans at fs and we are set at safety for years a new ” no fly zone” as James is way more physical than Fitzpatrick, James will be a steal in the draft if he goes outside of top 10. He reminds me of a Cam Chancelor type of hitter and I can envision him bringing a new bad ass attitude to our defense along with Kwon. Mark my words you heard it here first whatever you wanna say but James will be BEST safety coming out of this draft and a CAPTAIN of whatever team he goes to by year two.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
James is a chiseled 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, with strength and explosiveness that set him apart even in one of the most talented locker rooms in the country. He can bench press 450 pounds, and he’s approached 600 on the squat rack. He’s broad jumped 11 feet, 3 inches, which would have ranked him in the top five among more than 300 players at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. You want speed? He was clocked at 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Nike Opening coming out of high school.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:20 pm
it’s a coin flip for who is the best cornerback in the NFL right now, Jalen Ramsey of the Jags or Xavier Rhodes of the Vikings……
Hmm… two Seminoles. 😉
February 10th, 2018 at 1:20 pm
Justin Evans is s freak!!
Put Minkah next to him and watch the F out!
Those two next to each other would be NASTY.
I would love him.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
Being a tide fan id hate to see them waste this kids career here.
Sad to say that but I feel sorry for guys drafted by tampa
February 10th, 2018 at 1:29 pm
Chubb will not be available!
Draft Fitz, bring back Talib….Hargreaves in the slot…would like to see grimes return but who knows so don’t take a gamble…worst case you have two vets as DBs, question mark in Vernon and put fits as a safety for now.
Solid, pass rush will still stink but I see no fixing that this upcoming year, we will just have to deal with it another make shift line that cant close out a game
February 10th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
But trooper,
Finally, the commonality is identified! FSU and LSU produce pro ready players year in , year out.
The mt. Vea or bust cries are increasing. But why let a more valuable position player go undrafted. We have the 2nd best DT in the NFL on the team already,
is that working? Yes, I think the kid is a beast but that’s not the best way or most difficult position to fill. So instead of hoping and praying Chubb falls to #7, how about trade up and go get the guy we need.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
Vita Vea, Joe? They might be interested in him too.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Teacher,
Yes sir! Way more appealing combo than vea and gerald
February 10th, 2018 at 2:04 pm
Derwin will be a stud in the NFL, reminds me a little of Kam Chancellor but better in coverage. However, Chubb or trade back a few picks and nab Vita Vea… dude’s bigger than Danny Shelton and Ngata and is more athletic. Look at the Panthers, they drafted Star Lotulelei and backed it up with Kawaan Short AND took another DT 1st round in Vernon Butler. That’s how you build the trenches.
February 10th, 2018 at 2:17 pm
ManzielMadness
Yeah Carolina is the perfect fit for Derwin James, SS Michael Adams is 37.
February 10th, 2018 at 2:18 pm
Derwin is a combo chancellor/earl thomas
He will be the highest player, other than a qb, that will be jumped to acquire
“The saints are a safety/linebacker away from winning multiple superbowls”
Lakeland
February 10th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Kobe,
I agree, he’s physical like his cousin…Vince Williams
February 10th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Saints can taste the Lombardi trophy
Brees pissed he couldnt torch philly and pats defenses
Saints FO they are few defensive players away from winning it all
No less than 12 wins again….yucs again bottom dwellers
February 10th, 2018 at 2:54 pm
I am FSU fan but not a huge believer in James as I have watched every play of his career and after his injury was not impressive at all. In fact in a few games like against NC State he was roasted multiple times. Not sure he’s going to be anything more than average safety that will gamble and give up a big play quite often. One thing I know is that he is way to big a risk for us to draft.
February 10th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Lakeland
Agree, with their front seven they could move him all around the field (in the nickel, at LB, etc.) he’d be a matchup nightmare.
February 10th, 2018 at 2:58 pm
Knowing that Bradley Chubb absolutely will not fall to us, Quenton Nelson is my #1 Target.
He is without a doubt the surest of sure things in the entire class to begin with, and certainly has the ability to be the most dominant Guard to enter the league since probably Larry Allen.
With the potential Acquisition of guys like Carlos Hyde, Isiah Crowell, or Jerick Mckinnon in Free agency; Or Sony Michel, Josh Adams, or Rashaad Penny on day 2 of the Draft – Quenton Nelson could truly transform this offense into a powerhouse, smash mouth offense with an emphasis on Ball control.
I would not be disappointed with Saquon Barkley ( who is every bit as athletically gifted/ skilled as Ezekial Elliot ), or Minkah, maybe even Vita Vea if we trade down a few spots. But for my money, Nelson is the guy.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Brugler is saying EXACTLY what I have been saying for many months … and JOE … Minkah does NOT need to be developed … he’d instantly be the best DB on our team and the QB of our defense … he’s ready to play at an All-Pro level from day 1.
Quenton Nelson would also NOT need to be “developed” … same with Saquon.
However, EVERY OTHER PLAYER in the draft needs at least some development I think, even Bradley Chubb.
But, it seems we will get either Quenton Nelson, Minkah Fitzpatrick or be able to trade down and any of those three options would be GREAT!!!!!!!
February 10th, 2018 at 3:08 pm
Derwin James was ready for the NFL when he played at Auburndale High before he went back to Haines City. He’s the next great football player to come from Polk County.
Bookmark it
February 10th, 2018 at 3:11 pm
Joe by your logic they shouldn’t draft anyone because no one is playing to the best of their abilities. No one!
February 10th, 2018 at 3:16 pm
Another CB prospect to watch
MJ Stewart – 6″ UNC
Kid makes plays all over the field.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Lakeland,
Derwin’s a bad boy … when healthy. He wasn’t healthy all last season though … are you saying you’d take him ahead of Minkah?
If we trade the #7 to the Bills for the #21 and #22 and get both Derwin and Arden Key I’d be thrilled too.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:34 pm
ManzielMadness
MJ Stewart will probably be a 2nd round draft pick. But Todd McShay has him going 31st to the Patriots. I like his game, he’s a solid CB.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:36 pm
NFLNut
Derwin James and Nick Chubb was two players who was Top-10 talent before they injuries. I believe both of them will return to form in he NFL. I feel the same way about Arden key.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:39 pm
I also see buff #21 and #22 picks to be the prize for the the team who wants to drop back
Buff wants a QB.
Our #7 position is right in the mix for some team to trade their first born
I think forrest gump is going tp trade the pick
February 10th, 2018 at 3:40 pm
If I’m the Bucs I will take Minkah over Derwin James. I believe Derwin James will be a better OLB in the NFL than a Safety. His strengths is playing at the SOS.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:45 pm
I meant LOS
February 10th, 2018 at 3:48 pm
**the top players in the draft are players that have skills and talent that translate to the nfl game
Some players game shines more in the pro game than their college tape
Fsu last year was a train wreck
February 10th, 2018 at 3:52 pm
Lakeland
Ya I was hoping he’d fall to day 3, but its not looking good. Also like the OL out of UTEP, Will Hernandez. Looks like he’s starting to shoot up people boards though too.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:57 pm
ManzielMadness
Will Hernandez will probably be a 1st round draft pick.
February 10th, 2018 at 4:01 pm
WalterFootball.com has the Bucs drafting Will Hernandez at 38. But I think he might go late in the 1st round.
February 10th, 2018 at 4:28 pm
I would be thrilled to get this guy on our defense. Nuff said…
February 10th, 2018 at 4:32 pm
If the coaches are the problem then koetter should get rid of them and get new ones. This is his make or break season now. Pull out all the cards on this one. So will Licht.
February 10th, 2018 at 4:59 pm
Lakeland
Yeah he’d be hard to pass up if he’s sitting their in the top of the 2nd. I believe I read that he gave up one QB pressure all year. He’s gonna be a good LG for some team out there.
February 10th, 2018 at 5:32 pm
Chubb is a pipe dream. He will be long gone.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:00 pm
Alot of mocks have chubb at #3 with indy
Indy needs offensive lineman to protect luck…and they need aot of picks
I see them trade the pick to a qb hungrey team
That leaves denver and the jets who want qbs or cousins
If Indy dont take Chubbs at #3, we still have a legit chance he drops to us at #7…
February 10th, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Fitzpatrick is another overrated Alabama Defensive back.
A lil safety, a lil Cornerback . .
BS
Mark Barron was a too slow Safety, who had to move to Lb.
Fitzpatrick is a too slow Cb with bad coverage skills. He will end up as an in the box safety- not worth a high pick. You can get those safeties in the 3rd-4th round.
He looks good at Alabama- because they have a disproportionately dominate Defensive line. Their Dline is much more talented than their opponents Oline
That wont happen in the NFL. ESPECIALLY With the No DE Having Bucs.
Like Hargreaves, he’ll get exposed on every play.
We need to sign a DE, Then Draft a DE.
Only exception would be if Barkley falls to us.
Otherwise, we Need to go
DE,RB,CB,C.
Then Move Marpet back to Guard. Hes a great guard, lousy center.
Sweezy will be much improved- having shaken of the rust from the year off.
Marpet and Sweezy would be a great Guard combo- if one can move to Left guard.
Then, we draft a center, and cross train Pamphile at Center. He actually would be a good center. More quick than strong- he might florish.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:19 pm
If we could trade down with the Bills #21 DT Vea/DE Hubbard #22 CB Jackson/ CB Ward. #7-Chubb, Fitz, Nelson.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:53 pm
WalterFootball.Com has the perfect 5 round mock for the Bucs.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S/CB, Alabama
38.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
69.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
104. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chad Thomas, DE, Miami
135. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State
I love this mock draft
February 10th, 2018 at 7:26 pm
*************
LAKELAND … would you rather have Minkah at #7 or trade down and get Derwin at #21 and Arden Key at #22?
As for the WalterFootball.com mock … it’s a very good one indeed … I’ve played the firstpick game a bunch and had some very good ones as well, such as:
7. Bradley Chubb
38. Sony Michel
69. Derrick Nnandi
104. Frank Ragnow, GC
135. Desmond Harrison, OT
7. Saquon Barkley
38. Ronnie Harrison, SS
69. Anthony Averett, CB
104. Justin Lawler, DE
135. DJ Reed, CB/RS
7. Minkah Fitzpatrick CB/S
38. Ronald Jones, RB
69. Derrick Nnandi, DT
104. Chad Thomas, DE
135. Desmond Harrison, OT
21. Derwin James
22. Arden Key
38. Will Hernandez G
69. Rashaad Penny, RB
104. Frank Ragnow, G/C
135. Holton Hill, CB
I have faith that Jason Licht will have a solid draft … but he really needs to hit some home runs in free agency this year as well, and I’m not as confident in that happening …. there really is NO REASON the Bucs shouldn’t have ALL their problem areas fixed after free agency and the draft, but we’ll see what happens …
*************
February 10th, 2018 at 8:08 pm
NFL
I rather have Derwin James and Arden Key.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:19 pm
The problem with Fitzpatrick is that he doesn’t have an appropriate name for the position he plays, and players like that always bust.
You might laugh at that, but in 30 years of having this rule I made up I honestly can’t remember a single player I’ve been wrong on, and Fitzpatrick is a terrible name for a corner or a safety. Don’t do it.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
Munch-
Lol, there really is something to that.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
I’m not buying the whole argument that we haven’t developed a corner so it’s a wasted draft pick. If that’s the case you outta just say to not draft and defensive line players either. And you better not draft any running backs too.
The fact is if these coaches are that awful they will be gone. And if the next staff is any good are going to need young talent to work with at all those positions.
It’s just an extremely closed,indeed and shortsighted way to look at a draft/ team building stragety. It’s also just an opinion that could be proven wrong.
We need young corners and if Fitzpatrick is BPA you get him. If not for 2018 then for 2019. If our coaching is that awful we aren’t going anywhere next year anyway so you don’t let that be a reason to take lesser talent when you get your pick.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:53 pm
Former Alabama CB, 1st round pick by the Bengals…Dre Kirkpatrick
February 10th, 2018 at 10:13 pm
LakeLand – Dre Kirkpatrick… hummm, I’m kind of neutral on that name. Kirkpatrick is more encompassing than Fitz in my mind, also the Dre first name works for a DB, even if Dr. Dre was built more like a punter.
February 10th, 2018 at 10:17 pm
JimmyJack – Agree with you on the coaching situation, if the Bucs continue to stink it won’t matter since the coaches will be fired. Also what young talent have they had? VH3 is about it and he had a solid rookie year. Ryan Smith is a 4th round pick, a small school project player who is absolutely terrible, but I’m not sure you blame a coaching staff because a project player, a 4th rounder, who is playing out of position is terrible. To be clear I think Mike Smith is terrible as a DC, but blaming him and staff for young guys not becoming solid starters is ridiculous. Plus J Evans also came off a decent rookie season, it’s not like he’s a lost cause or anything either. VH3 I think comes back and is OK, although I’d have him as the #3 guy, which might be best for everyone.
February 10th, 2018 at 10:20 pm
Of all the players that will move up or down depending on their 40 yard time will be fitzpatrick
Ramsey ran a 4.41 and saints traded to get back in the 1st round to get marshon lattimore who ran a 4.36
You need superior speed and quickness to be a starting outside corner
Recovery speed and quickness is needed to be a starting corner in the nfl
You cant play man coverage without this skillset. After the jam at the los, they have to recover back to the wr
You need the recover skillset to jump routes to breakup and create interceptions
Milli Vanilli schitzo does not have this skillset and will never have these skills. It cant be coached and the reason why they are drafted on the 3rd round
Vh3 is a nickel zone partine passing down cornerback
Vh3 will never jam a man on the los or jump a route because he knows it will be a touchdown the other way
So stop dreaming buc sheep. He is who he is
“I like to trail recievers” VH3
February 10th, 2018 at 10:30 pm
@Rod…..I think I heard Josh Robinson mentioned as part of the talent they had to work with hahahaha.
Didn’t we trade some camp meat for him? Or something close to that…….In any case, I was pretty sure when we got him he was going to be a special teams guy. I guess some people had higher hopes.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:55 pm
Lakeland,
I’m with you on having Derwin AND Key over just Minkah … but what if Derwin and Key are equal to Mark Barron and Adrian Clayborn and Minkah is JALEN RAMSAY … the draft is a tough beast but Licht has been very good so far.
February 11th, 2018 at 1:09 am
the D-Line is by far the most important part of your defense…. doesn’t matter if you’ve got a bunch of HOF db’s out there if your D-Line is amateurish.
February 11th, 2018 at 8:59 pm
Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1 202) 40 time was 4.39, faster than Ramsey.
Jalen Ramsey (6-1 209) 40 time was 4.41
Derwin James (6-3 215) 40 time was 4.39
I strongly doubt Fitzpatrick or Barkley will fall to the seventh pick. If Chubb is drafted before us that means either Fitzpatrick or Barkley will fall to us. Much also depends where Kirk Cousins signs. If he signs with a team with one of the top six picks, Chubb is gone. Its crazy when you think about it, why isn’t James getting any respect? All I can say is that Jason Licht is going to have the decession of his career come draft day. Lets say Chubb is gone –
G Quenton Nelson (6-4, 325) Notre Dame
S/CB Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1 202) Alabama 40 time 4.39
RB Saquon Barkley (5-11 229) Penn State 40 time sub 4.30
S/CB Derwin James (6-3 215) Florida State 40 time 4.39
And the seventh pick in the 2018 NFL draft G Quenton Nelson Notre Dame
February 12th, 2018 at 5:41 pm
If Nelson is the sure fire lineman that pancakes the middle of the line then you draft him because it doesn’t take time for a great offensive lineman to come out of college and dominate whereas most CB’s and DE’s don’t their first few years. Ramsey did benefit from one of the best pass rushes in football.
I thought one of the reasons Philly beat New England is their offensive line blocked well for Foles and their RB’s. Yes, for sure the Bucs need a better defense but if a great player falls in your lap that is a sure-bet, than don’t draft for need a position that requires time and development.
February 13th, 2018 at 7:35 am
Tom you’re an idiot Mark Barron was a stud nominated for rookie Defensive Rookie of the Year he was used improperly and I love you Smith System goes to the rain in two years in a row as a hybrid linebacker leads the team in tackles so you’re an idiot minkah Fitzpatrick was voted as the most valuable defensive player in college football this year he doesn’t need to be developed because he was in the saving program and tests on the same football IQ at as Nick Saban arguably the best college football coach in NCAA history we don’t need another monster tackle when we drafted one last year that shows you we’re reaching for players when you have a proven player like minkah Fitzpatrick sitting there at 7 you take him he’s the best player and most versatile defensive player in the draft