Loved getting Tristan Wirfs in Rnd 1 (A+), but these last 2 picks have me somewhat baffled. Bucs passed in Rnd 2 on several highly-ranked, badly-needed RBs in favor of a DB (when what we REALLY needed was a VETERAN SAFETY to add some experience to our Secondary). Then we grab a questionable RB in Rnd 3 when what we REALLY needed was a DLineman.
And now we don’t get to pick again until Rnd 5. My last remaining hope is that AJ Dillon is still available at that point, and that we jump at drafting him. Our RB stable right now is underwhelming.
Signing Gronk for a 4th Rnd pick AND $10 mil has turned out to be extremely expensive.
I think the mini run on safety spooked Licht into grabbing a safety in the second. The good safeties were a limited bunch and I believe he felt obligated to react. Also his selection at RB in the third wasn’t a bad selection considering his power ranking was only a few percentage points separated from that of a Zach Moss. I just question why he didn’t use the 7th rounders to move back into the middle of the 2nd for a chance to grab Akers, Dobbins or AJ Dillon.
Probably optimistic, I voted “A grade!” too, actually A-. First two picks were A+ Home runs in my mind. Two guys who were arguably the best (or in the mix) at their positions and obvious team needs…hard to hate. I still think Vaughn would have probably been available today, but if that’s the guy they had graded as their best RB left on the board at that pick (and with no 4th round picks) I can give the pick a B-. I personally thought Moss offered more RB value there, but they still get a guy who will contribute day 1. A-/B+ overall grade for Bucs’ round 1-3 picks IMO.
Gump’s job was simple. Get one of the top talents in the 1st without wasting draft capital….Grade D.
Move up into the last part of the 1st and get Clyde using your draft capital, #45, #117 and a couple 7th rounders…..Failed.
2nd day. After screwing the pooch on Day 1, don’t screw around, just grab Taylor, Akers or Dobbins with the #45….Failed again, got an under sized safety. Good safeties are a dime a dozen, game changing RB’s are rare and valuable.
In the 3rd, took a RB who was not even on the charts….. Grade F.
I loved joe’s line last night about how about our new RB Vaughn, “he’s a lovie smith castoff, so he’s probably good”. 😂 funny and true! Simple as that sucks at coaching. And his bears teams were littered with hall of gamers on D and the best return man, ever. Hell, that team rode Rex Grossman to the SB. Lovie proved to be inept on the highest level. Made me so mad when he gutted our roster for house plant Johnson, Anthony Collins, and others.
Is lovie still at Illinois and have they been bowl game eligible during his sorry ass turner? I saw a year or two ago where Lovie was the only school (Illinois) to not have a kid at the scouting combine. Dude just hires family and sucks out loud. And he’s arrogant.
I wanted a RB in the 2nd Rd, but you cannot deny we needed to improve at S too. And, I think improving in the secondary is going to take us further than at RB on an offense that is loaded. Our D needed the help more, not the offense.
I was pissed in the second round because we didn’t get a RB! But after thinking about it, we have one of the highest scoring offenses, with basically the group we had and added a guy who won’t
Give it a way 2 times a game and his side kick. Keeping the other team to less points should be a priority over more offensive players maybe….
If this kid is another fit in our young defense maybe that’s the ticket for the run. Let’s face it we will need a good fresh RB after Brady retires more, because we won’t have a QB and the defense will have to keep us in games.
The two leading rushers on the Patriots’ 2018 Super Bowl team were Sony Michel and James White. Who are they scaring exactly? But they fit in with what the offense was trying to do.
Allbuccedup … I missed that last night (Dillon going to the Packers in Rnd 2). Rats! It’s obvious that all the quality RBs were snatched up in Rnd 2 (Swift, Taylor, Akers, Dobbins, Dillon).
NOT signing a quality Safety in FA & having to use a Rnd 2 pick to fill that hole will come back to bite us in the proverbial arse. We now have 3 (normally throwaway) Rnd 5-7 picks left, no money to speak of, and holes at (1) DE; (2) DT; (3) WR#3 plus questionable backup QBs and a stable of RBs that likely aren’t any better than what we had last year (underwhelming?).
But oh ya, we do have 5 TEs, a position group that BA barely utilized in his offense last year for other than blocking. So ya, there’s that.
We passed on a 2,000 yd rusher (Dobbins) who would have made this already potent offense an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Instead we took a short Safety.
In Round 3, the heir apparent, Eason was sitting there for us, ready to come learn from the GOAT for a couple years, before taking the reins of the offense. Instead, we took a RB with at best a 6th round grade, who will strike fear into the hearts of exactly no one on opposing defenses.
Why do people continue to think quality RBs are available in later rounds. History tells us that’s not true and especially not true with the Bucs. I get it we needed a safety but it’s a hard pill to swallow for us to pass on quality backs every single year.
“…We passed on a 2,000 yd rusher (Dobbins) who would have made this already potent offense…”
How much Viagra do you need before it is just a waste of “potency”? I also wanted a stud RB, but I get it. IF the Bucs are going to play in meaningful games in January and February, we also need to STOP the other team, get good field position for our HOF QB, ME, CG, & Gronk.
@Defense Rules, same applies to you. We are fine on O. As your handle implies, lets not ignore the D
Winfield is an excellent pick at a position of need.
I wanted Eason in the third because I don’t think he’ll fall to the fifth.
So far as the RB, I would rather have taken Thaddeus Moss later in the draft…but no sense complaining that I didn’t get my guy. So far, I’m getting no one I wanted but I still like who we got.
I do think our new RT will add a new effectiveness to the run game.
Senor Harry … Believe me, no one wants a stronger defense than I do. I’ve said several times before that the Bucs NEEDED to sign a veteran, quality Safety in FA to be a ‘field general’ for our young Secondary. There were several out there who we passed on (Safeties like Tony Jefferson who has a really good background, including working with Todd Bowles in Arizona).
I’m sure Winfield Jr is gonna be a fine DB, but I’d also bet that he’ll see more time at nickel than at Safety. The league has quite a few WRs the size of Mike Evans who make a living feeding off of size mismatches. Sorry but a 5’9″ Safety is at a huge disadvantage going against a 6’5″ (or taller) WR in the corners of the end zone.
The other part of this is that selecting a Safety in Rnd 2 (because we didn’t sign one in FA) forced us into having to take a lower-rated RB in Rnd 3. But look at what else we’re now missing. We lost Nassib, and haven’t replaced him. Lost Allen, and haven’t replaced him. So our DLine is now less ‘stout’ than it was last year. (And Nelson may get more snaps this year, but he was already on the team last year, so he’s not Nassib’s replacement … that hole still exists). Had we used our Rnd 2 pick on a RB (like we should have), we could’ve used our Rnd 3 pick on a DE or DT, and hopefully gotten a decent rotational player.
Sorry Senor, but going Safety in Rnd 2 ultimately hurts the defense AND the offense. And in my mind it’s all a domino effect that comes back to the cost of signing Gronk … a Rnd 4 pick AND our last $10 mil.
@Senor Harry in Costa Rica….btw, I lived in Costa Rica for a while in the 1980’s growing up…I understand what you are saying, but if we are going all in now to win (because Brady can’t play forever), and we know that RB has been an area of need for ….quite a long time….why wouldn’t you grab the best one in the Draft when he is right there in front of you? This Vaughn kid is a late round talent at best. And I’m sure Winfield is a decent Safety….although he had only 1 real year of production in school, and he is small by NFL standards for the position…I think Safety could have been addressed with a veteran presence after the draft. Dobbins would have given us a dynamic that the Bucs have not had in ages. You can find Safeties other places, but how many 2,000 yd per season rushers are out there?
All in all I’m very pleased with all the new additions the Bucs have made….including Wirfs. I just find it inexplicable that we pass on players of Dobbins ability….because they don’t come around very often…..and I hope this decision doesn’t come back to haunt us.
@ Defense Rules….with regard to your post above….SPOT ON. you are exactly right. And I bet there will be a few good veteran safeties looking for a job soon that we could have gotten to fill that role as veteran “field general”.
And the team is set. So we should be worried about it now. And to watch you people complain about he RB. Had he moved up you wold have complained. Then of course he would have picked the wrong player. They have not played a down yet nor is the team finished.
Good pick in the first round but he didn’t need to give up a 4th. The safety is a midget and the RB is ordinary. Licht still doesn’t know how to draft.
This draft is one that builds for the future, so I’m not surprised fans are freaking out. Most fans want instant gratification. They want big names the media talks about.
Here’s the simple truth: because teams had to recall their scouts, they had to rely on the tape more than ever…and the tape don’t lie.
The media watches 1-2 games of players that stand out to them. They get locked onto those players.
Don’t knock our picks. It is entirely possible this could be looked back on as the best draft in years.
@Defense Rules
I also have reservations about getting gronk. On top of the money and draft capital, he’s known as a major practical joker. I saw his brief appearance with WWE and honestly, he conjures images of Baker humping a tree.
But Tom Brady is all business. If Gronk were that bad, they would not be so close. Gronk was obviously a Brady wish fulfilled, so if that’s the price to become the first team with homefield advantage in the Superbowl, I’m good with it.
I suspect a few million will be cleared up after the draft, and that’s all we really need.
Señor Harry in Costa Rica Says:
April 25th, 2020 at 8:25 am
I wanted a RB in the 2nd Rd, but you cannot deny we needed to improve at S too. And, I think improving in the secondary is going to take us further than at RB on an offense that is loaded. Our D needed the help more, not the offense.
I get it Licht. Good job.
———————————————-
This guy gets it. Wish all Bucs fans understood football like Senor Harry
We don’t know yet about the 2020 draft class. We know much more about the 2016 draft class, so please have a poll for that one:
ROUND 1: CB VERNON HARGREAVES
ROUND 2: DE NOAH SPENCE
ROUND 2: K ROBERTO AGUAYO
ROUND 4: DB RYAN SMITH
ROUND 5: OT CALEB BENENOCH
ROUND 6: DEVANTE BOND
ROUND 6: FB DAN VITALE
I love the Bucs, but man do we have some of the worst and dumbest fans in the league. This team has gotten so much better since the FA bell rang over a month ago and it has continued the last two nights. Some of you don’t like the RB bc you haven’t heard of him, or bc Moss (who I’m guessing 10% of you have ever watched) but bc he was a name on Kiper big board you wanted him.
Winfield Jr was a great pick and also one the biggest needs for Bucs. Him and Wirfs could turn out to be the best players selected at their positions in this draft.
my bad, forgot bout the 3 hr time diff,
Tackle–very good and expensive
safety–very good
running back–good
hopefully Licht and team load up on some UDFA”s as we are short draft picks. Do not waste a pick on a QB as there will plenty for free. Besides we have Gabbert who is Arians man crush/bromance that never goes away. Nelson was a steal last year from a late round. Oh and have to say NO KICKERS/PUNTERS/SNAPPERS have to actually say it as we have a paltry few draft piks and JL wants to get cute every draft. JL was actually willing to trade our 3rd and 4th for 5 spots in the 1st–he panics and gives away too much.
It sure is ironic that last year you were so butt hurt that the Bucs didn’t pick Darrell Henderson, and how it was the biggest mistake ever, and now the Rams decided to take your next crush in Cam Akers on the second day of the draft one year after taking Darrell Henderson and watching him run for 3 yards a clip in his rookie year.
Can he just assume that you’re going to cry no matter what the pick is?
If good safeties are a dime a dozen? Game changing running backs are rare and hard to find? How many playoff wins do the Cowboys have with Zeke? How many playoff wins do the Giants have with Saquan? How many Super Bowls did the Vikings win with AP?
The Patriots have been led to all these Super Bowls in the last 20 years by their franchise running backs, right?
The Chiefs won it last year with their rare game changing running back, correct?
1985 called, they want their mouth breathing idiots back.
Hahaha! “Sign the paper, Old Man!” “I can’t ” you have broken both of my hands” “Hmm” “Cigarette, Old man?” “WOW! He stuck it in his EYE MAN!” HAHAHA!!!
I was too late to vote for B. Still need DE/OLB DT QB WR
Has Licht been perfect at the draft? Absolutely not. But I think it’s convenient for people to bring up his history when talking about bad picks and ignore the good ones he’s made.
He is much faster than Barber and a better receiver than Barber, so besides being a north and south runner, that’s really not a good comparison. If this guy went to FSU or UF you people would be getting knots in your shorts.
We have to move money around after Gronkowski trade.
So far nothing.
Picks are lame. Reached for a OT and gave up a 4th. Too deep of draft we could of use it.
Winfield… not impressed
Vaughn … not impressed
Could of done better. Better skills set players we pass on.
We all go into the draft with our draft preferences based on games we watch or scout reports and rankings. So it’s only natural that we be disappointed if the guys we want don’t become Bucs.
I believe Winfield Jr. will also be an A. He has a great bloodline…he was a star on a very good Gopher team…he’s smart and will pick up the D quickly. He has great versatility and Bowles can use him all over the field even as a nickleback.
Of course time will tell but I’m very optimistic about Winfield…healthy of course.
And our third pick makes perfect sense to me. It goes to YOUR frequent point about creating a TEAM.
We have two pro bowl receivers…an HOF TE with two other very good TE’s.
We are not going to be a running team. If a defense just backs off and forces us to run perhaps.
And so everybody has pointed out that ROJO had good numbers which would have been excellent if he had more touches. These good numbers include receiving with a higher catch % than Gordon or Anderson. ROJO is virtually a lock to produce 1000 yards of total offense and if given the opportunity can probably rush for 1000 as well.
Meanwhile…Vaughn is the perfect complement for ROJO…better hands…but most importantly in your team building concept he is a very good blocking RB in pass pro. He’s going to be Brady’s bodyguard as well as an outlet receiver on hot reads.
I’ve posted this on another thread but it’s just awesome. He is a guy who gets it and is willing to sublimate individual stuff for team. One of the first things he said after the Buc’s selected him.
“I’m very comfortable there (in pass blocking). Now knowing that I have Tom Brady as my quarterback I gotta be even more serious about getting that done, and taking that more seriously as far as knowing who I got on certain plays, making sure my technique is good at all times. Because that man that’s throwing the ball, we need him at all times.”
I am really liking this Winfield selection. I seen the highlight. But what really stood out to me was and the game winning plays he made. This guy looks clutch!! He creates a lot of turnovers. Our defense thrive off takeaways. This looks like a great fit. I’m stoked to see how it pans out.
Defense Rules I don’t get your obsession with a veteran safety. Look at the track record. Bowles has done great work with rookie safety’s. And he did a fabulous job developing DBs last year…….With all due respect bud Bowles really seems to know what he’s doing with our secondary. Im betting he knows what he has and what he needs. I’m sure his input was part of the decision. And I’m sure this pick was planned………..
Concerning the DL I do agree about Nassib. That’s a hole. I think we should try to add post draft. But Allen is not a hole. Nacho proved he is a solid player. He progressed nicely and we can count on him. Na ho is you in house replacement. I realize he can’t play NT like Allen but Allen didnt always line up as nose and Bowles uses different sets so Nacho can easily be used as a rotational guy. Just because you lose somebody doesn’t mean you don’t have a replacement being groomed on the practice field you can trust.
Defense Rules…Antoine Winfield IS like drafting a veteran safety but much cheaper. You want a vet no one wants all the way till now? No thanks. And a runner/3rd down back is way more important than D-Line in terms of the team’s talent right now.
It’s so funny seeing so many people whine & cry about our draft picks!
The best is the people crying that we gave up a 4th to secure Wirfs. If anyone would have been told we could have had Wirfs in the draft if we give up a 4th, they would have been thrilled.
The Bucs had to draft a safety that has high starting potential as it was one of our biggest weaknesses. Justin Evans is a massive question mark due to his injuries. Our young corners still have a ways to go to improve in this “passing league” we’re now in. They need help from a safety that can help cover. Winfield is exactly that. He actually reminds me a lot of Ronde Barber. A guy that can play different positions and is simply playmaker.
The people criticizing the Vaughn pick obviously didn’t watch much SEC action the last two years. Some sites like Walter Football had Vaughn ranked as the #7 back in the draft.
But out of all the backs, Vaughn is one of the few with potential massive upside. He’s like a Chris Godwin pick (that many disliked). Vandy has been a TERRIBLE TEAM with a HORRIBLE O-LINE. Yet Vaughn was still a 1,000+ yard rusher for 2 years.
Not only did Vaughn rack up big production behind one of the worst O-Lines in college football, he did it against TOP SEC TEAMS. Many of the guys he ran wild on will be in the NFL. He had some big plays against LSU and Florida last season. He’s a potentially dangerous back.
Vaughn is also a solid pass protection blocker. He’s tough. So many of the other RBs in the draft suck in pass protection. Arians knows he needs better pass blocking from our backs. It’s why Dare was in many times over RoJo (who needs to improve). Vaughn is also a solid receiver.
Averaging over 7 yards a carry behind Vandy’s line in 2018 is nothing short of miraculous. Hell, averaging 5.4 in 2019 behind that same garbage line is also very impressive.
I think Vaughn is going to surprise a lot of people just like Godwin did.
Unbelievable…..There were way better backs avialable? Obvisously the Bucs think your are wrong. Time will tell.
I actually find it pretty easy to get excited for a pick like Vaugn. And if he dissapoints I will call Licht and Bruce dumbasses for picking him. Til then I’ll stay excited.
Welcome to Tampa Bay KeShawn…….Now get to work and bust your ass!!!
Christopher … Sorry, but a rookie safety is NOT the same as a veteran safety, and especially not this year. Had we signed a veteran safety, we could’ve used that 2nd Rnd pick to get a much higher-rated RB in Rnd 2, THEN used Rnd 3 to grab a DE or DT. And yes Christopher, those rotational players ARE important, especially when injuries happen. This year more than most, injuries could be a HUGE factor because of the coronavirus impact on training.
What you DON’T do can have an even bigger eventual consequence than what you DO do, and especially in the long term. Brady, Gronk, BA & Todd Bowles could all easily be gone next year or the year after, and then we stand a good chance of entering into yet another 10-15 period of nothingness.
You idiots crying over the Trent Willians trade have no clue. He’s getting $14 million a year right now and is going to want a new contract. Bill O’Brien just turned the offensive tackle market on its head with the ridiculous Tunsil contract, so what do you think Willians will want? $20 mil? $22 mil?
Bunch of fools that see a shiny object and have to touch it. It doesnt matter who they find out is on the trade block, they want them no matter the fit or price, just so long as they recognize the name.
Joebucsfan built these idiots with his never ending longing for every old vet on the market.
WHAT MONEY was going to be used to sign this awesome “Veteran Safety” you speak of? The Gronk situation was in play for awhile. They had to assume that a deal could get done for him.
Defense Rules
Although I agree the Bucs lack depth on DLine, your argument that Gronk was too expensive is nonsense.
Gronk and Wirfs will add 500 yards to the Bucs rushing game. Gronk is good for 4 receptions and a TD every game- assuming he’s healthy- he’s top 3 of ALL TIME and he’s only 31 when season starts.
And if JEvans comes back (big if) , Bucs have their veteran leader in secondary.
Wirfs: A+
If anyone said before the draft we could have Wirfs but would have to give up a 4th, so many would and should do it in a heartbeat. Will be a starter from day 1 and should be our RT long after Brady retires. He was the last of the big time OL’s and we had to get him.
Winfield: A-
Undersized but man this kid can play. He’s a ball hawk and blitzes exceptionally well which Bowles loves. I live in MN so watched him all year including against Auburn in their bowl game. Just wait – he will silence many of the ‘muh QB or RB’ haters on here.
Vaughn: B
Needed a pass catching back because it isn’t a strength of RoJo. Not sure this upgrades us at the position that much though. Can he pick up NFL blitz schemes? We need that for Brady. RoJo struggles with it so who can we count on for 3rd downs when defenses are bringing the house? Don’t love this pick but don’t hate it either.
All in all filled two massive positions of need so job well done thus far. This is coming from a non-Licht fan too.
April 25th, 2020 at 7:37 am
Loved getting Tristan Wirfs in Rnd 1 (A+), but these last 2 picks have me somewhat baffled. Bucs passed in Rnd 2 on several highly-ranked, badly-needed RBs in favor of a DB (when what we REALLY needed was a VETERAN SAFETY to add some experience to our Secondary). Then we grab a questionable RB in Rnd 3 when what we REALLY needed was a DLineman.
And now we don’t get to pick again until Rnd 5. My last remaining hope is that AJ Dillon is still available at that point, and that we jump at drafting him. Our RB stable right now is underwhelming.
Signing Gronk for a 4th Rnd pick AND $10 mil has turned out to be extremely expensive.
April 25th, 2020 at 7:52 am
“A”
Got a big nasty OT, and a starter.
Grabbed a FS who could a very good and has strong play in his lineage.
Grabbed the Vanderbilt back. Not bad.
I’m happy as hell.
Protect Brady and Gronk is a stud. Life is good. Go Bucs!
April 25th, 2020 at 7:56 am
Dillion was picked in round 2.
April 25th, 2020 at 7:56 am
Another just out of reach ,best of the rest draft
April 25th, 2020 at 7:59 am
I think the mini run on safety spooked Licht into grabbing a safety in the second. The good safeties were a limited bunch and I believe he felt obligated to react. Also his selection at RB in the third wasn’t a bad selection considering his power ranking was only a few percentage points separated from that of a Zach Moss. I just question why he didn’t use the 7th rounders to move back into the middle of the 2nd for a chance to grab Akers, Dobbins or AJ Dillon.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:09 am
B moss was on the board still I’m a sec fan . Liked Vaughn but he could have been there in the 5th
April 25th, 2020 at 8:10 am
Probably optimistic, I voted “A grade!” too, actually A-. First two picks were A+ Home runs in my mind. Two guys who were arguably the best (or in the mix) at their positions and obvious team needs…hard to hate. I still think Vaughn would have probably been available today, but if that’s the guy they had graded as their best RB left on the board at that pick (and with no 4th round picks) I can give the pick a B-. I personally thought Moss offered more RB value there, but they still get a guy who will contribute day 1. A-/B+ overall grade for Bucs’ round 1-3 picks IMO.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:17 am
I believe it was the fudge packers that selected AJ Dillon.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:21 am
Gump’s job was simple. Get one of the top talents in the 1st without wasting draft capital….Grade D.
Move up into the last part of the 1st and get Clyde using your draft capital, #45, #117 and a couple 7th rounders…..Failed.
2nd day. After screwing the pooch on Day 1, don’t screw around, just grab Taylor, Akers or Dobbins with the #45….Failed again, got an under sized safety. Good safeties are a dime a dozen, game changing RB’s are rare and valuable.
In the 3rd, took a RB who was not even on the charts….. Grade F.
Overall grade D. See you next year!
Gumpster Fire Stupid is as stupid does!
April 25th, 2020 at 8:23 am
I loved joe’s line last night about how about our new RB Vaughn, “he’s a lovie smith castoff, so he’s probably good”. 😂 funny and true! Simple as that sucks at coaching. And his bears teams were littered with hall of gamers on D and the best return man, ever. Hell, that team rode Rex Grossman to the SB. Lovie proved to be inept on the highest level. Made me so mad when he gutted our roster for house plant Johnson, Anthony Collins, and others.
Is lovie still at Illinois and have they been bowl game eligible during his sorry ass turner? I saw a year or two ago where Lovie was the only school (Illinois) to not have a kid at the scouting combine. Dude just hires family and sucks out loud. And he’s arrogant.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:25 am
I wanted a RB in the 2nd Rd, but you cannot deny we needed to improve at S too. And, I think improving in the secondary is going to take us further than at RB on an offense that is loaded. Our D needed the help more, not the offense.
I get it Licht. Good job.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:30 am
I was pissed in the second round because we didn’t get a RB! But after thinking about it, we have one of the highest scoring offenses, with basically the group we had and added a guy who won’t
Give it a way 2 times a game and his side kick. Keeping the other team to less points should be a priority over more offensive players maybe….
If this kid is another fit in our young defense maybe that’s the ticket for the run. Let’s face it we will need a good fresh RB after Brady retires more, because we won’t have a QB and the defense will have to keep us in games.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:32 am
The two leading rushers on the Patriots’ 2018 Super Bowl team were Sony Michel and James White. Who are they scaring exactly? But they fit in with what the offense was trying to do.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:43 am
Allbuccedup … I missed that last night (Dillon going to the Packers in Rnd 2). Rats! It’s obvious that all the quality RBs were snatched up in Rnd 2 (Swift, Taylor, Akers, Dobbins, Dillon).
NOT signing a quality Safety in FA & having to use a Rnd 2 pick to fill that hole will come back to bite us in the proverbial arse. We now have 3 (normally throwaway) Rnd 5-7 picks left, no money to speak of, and holes at (1) DE; (2) DT; (3) WR#3 plus questionable backup QBs and a stable of RBs that likely aren’t any better than what we had last year (underwhelming?).
But oh ya, we do have 5 TEs, a position group that BA barely utilized in his offense last year for other than blocking. So ya, there’s that.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:50 am
Wirfs is a solid A+
The other 2 guys…..not so much.
We passed on a 2,000 yd rusher (Dobbins) who would have made this already potent offense an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Instead we took a short Safety.
In Round 3, the heir apparent, Eason was sitting there for us, ready to come learn from the GOAT for a couple years, before taking the reins of the offense. Instead, we took a RB with at best a 6th round grade, who will strike fear into the hearts of exactly no one on opposing defenses.
We just got “Aguayo’ed”! AGAIN!
April 25th, 2020 at 8:55 am
Winfield was a steal. Dude makes big plays in big moments. Don’t know why anyone would not like that pick.
April 25th, 2020 at 8:56 am
Why do people continue to think quality RBs are available in later rounds. History tells us that’s not true and especially not true with the Bucs. I get it we needed a safety but it’s a hard pill to swallow for us to pass on quality backs every single year.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:10 am
“…We passed on a 2,000 yd rusher (Dobbins) who would have made this already potent offense…”
How much Viagra do you need before it is just a waste of “potency”? I also wanted a stud RB, but I get it. IF the Bucs are going to play in meaningful games in January and February, we also need to STOP the other team, get good field position for our HOF QB, ME, CG, & Gronk.
@Defense Rules, same applies to you. We are fine on O. As your handle implies, lets not ignore the D
April 25th, 2020 at 9:14 am
Buc50
How do you know that Vaughn won’t have a better career than Dobbins, Akers, and Taylor? There was not much separation in their NFL power rankings
April 25th, 2020 at 9:16 am
Wheres buco realisto?
April 25th, 2020 at 9:21 am
Too late to vote, but I would have gone B.
Winfield is an excellent pick at a position of need.
I wanted Eason in the third because I don’t think he’ll fall to the fifth.
So far as the RB, I would rather have taken Thaddeus Moss later in the draft…but no sense complaining that I didn’t get my guy. So far, I’m getting no one I wanted but I still like who we got.
I do think our new RT will add a new effectiveness to the run game.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:24 am
WE GOT WINFIELD JR! AUTOMATIC A FROM ME!!
April 25th, 2020 at 9:26 am
I can tell alot of u know nothing about college ball
April 25th, 2020 at 9:26 am
A
Now we need to figure out how to move back into the 4th for DT Raequan Williams, 6’4 308, Mich St.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:31 am
A
Good Job GM
April 25th, 2020 at 9:35 am
Senor Harry … Believe me, no one wants a stronger defense than I do. I’ve said several times before that the Bucs NEEDED to sign a veteran, quality Safety in FA to be a ‘field general’ for our young Secondary. There were several out there who we passed on (Safeties like Tony Jefferson who has a really good background, including working with Todd Bowles in Arizona).
I’m sure Winfield Jr is gonna be a fine DB, but I’d also bet that he’ll see more time at nickel than at Safety. The league has quite a few WRs the size of Mike Evans who make a living feeding off of size mismatches. Sorry but a 5’9″ Safety is at a huge disadvantage going against a 6’5″ (or taller) WR in the corners of the end zone.
The other part of this is that selecting a Safety in Rnd 2 (because we didn’t sign one in FA) forced us into having to take a lower-rated RB in Rnd 3. But look at what else we’re now missing. We lost Nassib, and haven’t replaced him. Lost Allen, and haven’t replaced him. So our DLine is now less ‘stout’ than it was last year. (And Nelson may get more snaps this year, but he was already on the team last year, so he’s not Nassib’s replacement … that hole still exists). Had we used our Rnd 2 pick on a RB (like we should have), we could’ve used our Rnd 3 pick on a DE or DT, and hopefully gotten a decent rotational player.
Sorry Senor, but going Safety in Rnd 2 ultimately hurts the defense AND the offense. And in my mind it’s all a domino effect that comes back to the cost of signing Gronk … a Rnd 4 pick AND our last $10 mil.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:36 am
@Senor Harry in Costa Rica….btw, I lived in Costa Rica for a while in the 1980’s growing up…I understand what you are saying, but if we are going all in now to win (because Brady can’t play forever), and we know that RB has been an area of need for ….quite a long time….why wouldn’t you grab the best one in the Draft when he is right there in front of you? This Vaughn kid is a late round talent at best. And I’m sure Winfield is a decent Safety….although he had only 1 real year of production in school, and he is small by NFL standards for the position…I think Safety could have been addressed with a veteran presence after the draft. Dobbins would have given us a dynamic that the Bucs have not had in ages. You can find Safeties other places, but how many 2,000 yd per season rushers are out there?
All in all I’m very pleased with all the new additions the Bucs have made….including Wirfs. I just find it inexplicable that we pass on players of Dobbins ability….because they don’t come around very often…..and I hope this decision doesn’t come back to haunt us.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:44 am
@ Defense Rules….with regard to your post above….SPOT ON. you are exactly right. And I bet there will be a few good veteran safeties looking for a job soon that we could have gotten to fill that role as veteran “field general”.
Well said.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:53 am
You have to trust Licht cause all his past drafts have been stellar.
Oh wait.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:55 am
And the team is set. So we should be worried about it now. And to watch you people complain about he RB. Had he moved up you wold have complained. Then of course he would have picked the wrong player. They have not played a down yet nor is the team finished.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:56 am
Good pick in the first round but he didn’t need to give up a 4th. The safety is a midget and the RB is ordinary. Licht still doesn’t know how to draft.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:58 am
Seems like there might be a few Golden Gopher homers on here.
April 25th, 2020 at 9:58 am
This draft is one that builds for the future, so I’m not surprised fans are freaking out. Most fans want instant gratification. They want big names the media talks about.
Here’s the simple truth: because teams had to recall their scouts, they had to rely on the tape more than ever…and the tape don’t lie.
The media watches 1-2 games of players that stand out to them. They get locked onto those players.
Don’t knock our picks. It is entirely possible this could be looked back on as the best draft in years.
@Defense Rules
I also have reservations about getting gronk. On top of the money and draft capital, he’s known as a major practical joker. I saw his brief appearance with WWE and honestly, he conjures images of Baker humping a tree.
But Tom Brady is all business. If Gronk were that bad, they would not be so close. Gronk was obviously a Brady wish fulfilled, so if that’s the price to become the first team with homefield advantage in the Superbowl, I’m good with it.
I suspect a few million will be cleared up after the draft, and that’s all we really need.
April 25th, 2020 at 10:03 am
Well today we’ll find out how much the 2- 4th rounds picks cost….
April 25th, 2020 at 10:05 am
You want to complain more. Watch Gronk as White Tiger on The Masked Singer. Oh he is so terrible.
April 25th, 2020 at 10:06 am
Señor Harry in Costa Rica Says:
April 25th, 2020 at 8:25 am
I wanted a RB in the 2nd Rd, but you cannot deny we needed to improve at S too. And, I think improving in the secondary is going to take us further than at RB on an offense that is loaded. Our D needed the help more, not the offense.
I get it Licht. Good job.
———————————————-
This guy gets it. Wish all Bucs fans understood football like Senor Harry
April 25th, 2020 at 10:08 am
For those whining about Winfield’s height. Earl Thomas 5’ 10”, Tyrann Mathieu 5’ 9”, Ronde Barber, 5’ 10”.
April 25th, 2020 at 10:11 am
We don’t know yet about the 2020 draft class. We know much more about the 2016 draft class, so please have a poll for that one:
ROUND 1: CB VERNON HARGREAVES
ROUND 2: DE NOAH SPENCE
ROUND 2: K ROBERTO AGUAYO
ROUND 4: DB RYAN SMITH
ROUND 5: OT CALEB BENENOCH
ROUND 6: DEVANTE BOND
ROUND 6: FB DAN VITALE
April 25th, 2020 at 10:17 am
I love the Bucs, but man do we have some of the worst and dumbest fans in the league. This team has gotten so much better since the FA bell rang over a month ago and it has continued the last two nights. Some of you don’t like the RB bc you haven’t heard of him, or bc Moss (who I’m guessing 10% of you have ever watched) but bc he was a name on Kiper big board you wanted him.
Winfield Jr was a great pick and also one the biggest needs for Bucs. Him and Wirfs could turn out to be the best players selected at their positions in this draft.
Great job so far Jason and Bruce!
April 25th, 2020 at 10:28 am
put up a poll later in the day–when did this get posted 0dark 40?
April 25th, 2020 at 10:41 am
my bad, forgot bout the 3 hr time diff,
Tackle–very good and expensive
safety–very good
running back–good
hopefully Licht and team load up on some UDFA”s as we are short draft picks. Do not waste a pick on a QB as there will plenty for free. Besides we have Gabbert who is Arians man crush/bromance that never goes away. Nelson was a steal last year from a late round. Oh and have to say NO KICKERS/PUNTERS/SNAPPERS have to actually say it as we have a paltry few draft piks and JL wants to get cute every draft. JL was actually willing to trade our 3rd and 4th for 5 spots in the 1st–he panics and gives away too much.
April 25th, 2020 at 10:50 am
Erick
Maybe some people look at Lichts history at drafting failed RBs and take that into account?
I watched Vaughns film, he is not very impressive. We basically just replaced Peyton Barber with another Peyton Barber.
April 25th, 2020 at 10:57 am
@ Ghost of Darrell Henderson
It sure is ironic that last year you were so butt hurt that the Bucs didn’t pick Darrell Henderson, and how it was the biggest mistake ever, and now the Rams decided to take your next crush in Cam Akers on the second day of the draft one year after taking Darrell Henderson and watching him run for 3 yards a clip in his rookie year.
Can he just assume that you’re going to cry no matter what the pick is?
If good safeties are a dime a dozen? Game changing running backs are rare and hard to find? How many playoff wins do the Cowboys have with Zeke? How many playoff wins do the Giants have with Saquan? How many Super Bowls did the Vikings win with AP?
The Patriots have been led to all these Super Bowls in the last 20 years by their franchise running backs, right?
The Chiefs won it last year with their rare game changing running back, correct?
1985 called, they want their mouth breathing idiots back.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:00 am
Hahaha! “Sign the paper, Old Man!” “I can’t ” you have broken both of my hands” “Hmm” “Cigarette, Old man?” “WOW! He stuck it in his EYE MAN!” HAHAHA!!!
I was too late to vote for B. Still need DE/OLB DT QB WR
April 25th, 2020 at 11:04 am
More undersized DBs more average running backs.
When will Licht learn from his mistakes?
April 25th, 2020 at 11:06 am
TBbucs3
Has Licht been perfect at the draft? Absolutely not. But I think it’s convenient for people to bring up his history when talking about bad picks and ignore the good ones he’s made.
He is much faster than Barber and a better receiver than Barber, so besides being a north and south runner, that’s really not a good comparison. If this guy went to FSU or UF you people would be getting knots in your shorts.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:11 am
I would give it an A, if he still had one of our 4ths
April 25th, 2020 at 11:11 am
Its funny how so many people had us getting Josh Jones, and he fell to the 3rd
April 25th, 2020 at 11:12 am
Man, I am so tired today. Between the lack of sleep and the rainy days, I’m about to pass out.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:12 am
Antoine Winfield JR was the LEADER on a team that has had no relevance in the Big 10 for 60+ years. At one point last year they were 9-0.
That counts for something. The kid is a LEADER, and a ball hawk, and is going to be a fantastic addition to that BUCS defensive backfield.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:27 am
7 th DB taken since 2016. Winfield will be another experiment. Edwards played well. Why not add a vet S instead of drafting.
We just drafted another version of Peyton barber. Nothing special.
Two face says ….
No TE in offense , but he has 7 signed.
No rookie oline , but he drafts one to start.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:28 am
I like the safety pick, but there were way better running backs available. Moss was still there in the 3rd even.
And if we had gone running back in the 2nd, there were still good safeties available in the 3rd.
Vaughn will be a complete waste, because Jason light can’t help but be too cute for his own good year after year.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:28 am
Our current TEs:
• Rob Gronkowski
• Cameron Brate
• O.J. Howard
• Tanner Hudson
• Antony Auclair
• Jordan Leggett (Has Halfback Build)
• Codey McElroy (Has Halfback Build)
Wonder who that 4th TE will be…
April 25th, 2020 at 11:29 am
Adrnagy Says:
“Why not add a vet S instead of drafting.”
Cap Space.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:31 am
We have to move money around after Gronkowski trade.
So far nothing.
Picks are lame. Reached for a OT and gave up a 4th. Too deep of draft we could of use it.
Winfield… not impressed
Vaughn … not impressed
Could of done better. Better skills set players we pass on.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:31 am
unbelievable Says:
“Jason light can’t help but be too cute for his own good year after year.”
Do you really think Arians doesn’t approve each pick?
April 25th, 2020 at 11:33 am
Arians = two face sucks.
He will be gone after this season. He don’t care . Underachieving coach.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:34 am
Biggest diva in NFL
April 25th, 2020 at 11:36 am
Doesn’t care??? You don’t go all-in and not care.
We all go into the draft with our draft preferences based on games we watch or scout reports and rankings. So it’s only natural that we be disappointed if the guys we want don’t become Bucs.
But that doesn’t make the picks wrong.
Personally, I wanted Thadeus Moss TE/HB.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:40 am
D.R.
Cheer up! First off agree that Wirfs was an A+
I believe Winfield Jr. will also be an A. He has a great bloodline…he was a star on a very good Gopher team…he’s smart and will pick up the D quickly. He has great versatility and Bowles can use him all over the field even as a nickleback.
Of course time will tell but I’m very optimistic about Winfield…healthy of course.
And our third pick makes perfect sense to me. It goes to YOUR frequent point about creating a TEAM.
We have two pro bowl receivers…an HOF TE with two other very good TE’s.
We are not going to be a running team. If a defense just backs off and forces us to run perhaps.
And so everybody has pointed out that ROJO had good numbers which would have been excellent if he had more touches. These good numbers include receiving with a higher catch % than Gordon or Anderson. ROJO is virtually a lock to produce 1000 yards of total offense and if given the opportunity can probably rush for 1000 as well.
Meanwhile…Vaughn is the perfect complement for ROJO…better hands…but most importantly in your team building concept he is a very good blocking RB in pass pro. He’s going to be Brady’s bodyguard as well as an outlet receiver on hot reads.
I’ve posted this on another thread but it’s just awesome. He is a guy who gets it and is willing to sublimate individual stuff for team. One of the first things he said after the Buc’s selected him.
“I’m very comfortable there (in pass blocking). Now knowing that I have Tom Brady as my quarterback I gotta be even more serious about getting that done, and taking that more seriously as far as knowing who I got on certain plays, making sure my technique is good at all times. Because that man that’s throwing the ball, we need him at all times.”
April 25th, 2020 at 11:43 am
Adrnagy down on the Bucs? Who could see that coming lol.
What makes me laugh is people getting mad about a running back they know nothing about.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:48 am
I am really liking this Winfield selection. I seen the highlight. But what really stood out to me was and the game winning plays he made. This guy looks clutch!! He creates a lot of turnovers. Our defense thrive off takeaways. This looks like a great fit. I’m stoked to see how it pans out.
Defense Rules I don’t get your obsession with a veteran safety. Look at the track record. Bowles has done great work with rookie safety’s. And he did a fabulous job developing DBs last year…….With all due respect bud Bowles really seems to know what he’s doing with our secondary. Im betting he knows what he has and what he needs. I’m sure his input was part of the decision. And I’m sure this pick was planned………..
Concerning the DL I do agree about Nassib. That’s a hole. I think we should try to add post draft. But Allen is not a hole. Nacho proved he is a solid player. He progressed nicely and we can count on him. Na ho is you in house replacement. I realize he can’t play NT like Allen but Allen didnt always line up as nose and Bowles uses different sets so Nacho can easily be used as a rotational guy. Just because you lose somebody doesn’t mean you don’t have a replacement being groomed on the practice field you can trust.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:50 am
Bonzai they are upset because Mel Kiper told them to be.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:51 am
Where’s our thread??? EEEEK!!!!
April 25th, 2020 at 11:52 am
I would like to see us take QB, DL and Kicker.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:52 am
Oh, and if they want to throw me a bone, Thadeus Moss.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:54 am
Defense Rules…Antoine Winfield IS like drafting a veteran safety but much cheaper. You want a vet no one wants all the way till now? No thanks. And a runner/3rd down back is way more important than D-Line in terms of the team’s talent right now.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:55 am
It’s so funny seeing so many people whine & cry about our draft picks!
The best is the people crying that we gave up a 4th to secure Wirfs. If anyone would have been told we could have had Wirfs in the draft if we give up a 4th, they would have been thrilled.
The Bucs had to draft a safety that has high starting potential as it was one of our biggest weaknesses. Justin Evans is a massive question mark due to his injuries. Our young corners still have a ways to go to improve in this “passing league” we’re now in. They need help from a safety that can help cover. Winfield is exactly that. He actually reminds me a lot of Ronde Barber. A guy that can play different positions and is simply playmaker.
The people criticizing the Vaughn pick obviously didn’t watch much SEC action the last two years. Some sites like Walter Football had Vaughn ranked as the #7 back in the draft.
But out of all the backs, Vaughn is one of the few with potential massive upside. He’s like a Chris Godwin pick (that many disliked). Vandy has been a TERRIBLE TEAM with a HORRIBLE O-LINE. Yet Vaughn was still a 1,000+ yard rusher for 2 years.
Not only did Vaughn rack up big production behind one of the worst O-Lines in college football, he did it against TOP SEC TEAMS. Many of the guys he ran wild on will be in the NFL. He had some big plays against LSU and Florida last season. He’s a potentially dangerous back.
Vaughn is also a solid pass protection blocker. He’s tough. So many of the other RBs in the draft suck in pass protection. Arians knows he needs better pass blocking from our backs. It’s why Dare was in many times over RoJo (who needs to improve). Vaughn is also a solid receiver.
Averaging over 7 yards a carry behind Vandy’s line in 2018 is nothing short of miraculous. Hell, averaging 5.4 in 2019 behind that same garbage line is also very impressive.
I think Vaughn is going to surprise a lot of people just like Godwin did.
April 25th, 2020 at 11:58 am
Unbelievable…..There were way better backs avialable? Obvisously the Bucs think your are wrong. Time will tell.
I actually find it pretty easy to get excited for a pick like Vaugn. And if he dissapoints I will call Licht and Bruce dumbasses for picking him. Til then I’ll stay excited.
Welcome to Tampa Bay KeShawn…….Now get to work and bust your ass!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
April 25th, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Someone wake Joe up. No thread yet!
April 25th, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Well, now thread, so here’s my updated list:
Quarterbacks
• QB Jacob Eason
• QB Jake Fromm (New Addition)
• QB Nate Stanley
Offensive Line
• OT Lucas Niang (R)
• OT Colton McKivitz (R)
• OG Kevin Dotson
• OG/C Kyle Murphy
Wide Receiver
• Antonio Gandy-Golden
Running Back
• Rico Dowdle
• Thaddeus Moss (TE/HB) *
Fullback
• Bronson Rechsteiner (New Addition)
Tight End
• Adam Trautman
• Colby Parkinson
Edge
• Derrek Tuszka
Defensive Tackle
• Leki Fotu
Kicker
• Rodrigo Blankenship
April 25th, 2020 at 12:12 pm
49ers got Trent Williams in trade.
April 25th, 2020 at 12:16 pm
2020 5th and 2021 3rd for Williams. Damn, Jason. Are you still partying over Vaughn?
April 25th, 2020 at 12:17 pm
John Lynch just traded for T. Williams….oh boy..Lynch is killing Licht in the draft… why isnt Lynch our GM?
April 25th, 2020 at 12:18 pm
Sorry for mistakes…autocorrect
April 25th, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Christopher … Sorry, but a rookie safety is NOT the same as a veteran safety, and especially not this year. Had we signed a veteran safety, we could’ve used that 2nd Rnd pick to get a much higher-rated RB in Rnd 2, THEN used Rnd 3 to grab a DE or DT. And yes Christopher, those rotational players ARE important, especially when injuries happen. This year more than most, injuries could be a HUGE factor because of the coronavirus impact on training.
What you DON’T do can have an even bigger eventual consequence than what you DO do, and especially in the long term. Brady, Gronk, BA & Todd Bowles could all easily be gone next year or the year after, and then we stand a good chance of entering into yet another 10-15 period of nothingness.
April 25th, 2020 at 12:49 pm
You idiots crying over the Trent Willians trade have no clue. He’s getting $14 million a year right now and is going to want a new contract. Bill O’Brien just turned the offensive tackle market on its head with the ridiculous Tunsil contract, so what do you think Willians will want? $20 mil? $22 mil?
Bunch of fools that see a shiny object and have to touch it. It doesnt matter who they find out is on the trade block, they want them no matter the fit or price, just so long as they recognize the name.
Joebucsfan built these idiots with his never ending longing for every old vet on the market.
April 25th, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Defense Rules,
WHAT MONEY was going to be used to sign this awesome “Veteran Safety” you speak of? The Gronk situation was in play for awhile. They had to assume that a deal could get done for him.
April 25th, 2020 at 1:44 pm
Defense Rules
Although I agree the Bucs lack depth on DLine, your argument that Gronk was too expensive is nonsense.
Gronk and Wirfs will add 500 yards to the Bucs rushing game. Gronk is good for 4 receptions and a TD every game- assuming he’s healthy- he’s top 3 of ALL TIME and he’s only 31 when season starts.
And if JEvans comes back (big if) , Bucs have their veteran leader in secondary.
April 25th, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Wirfs: A+
If anyone said before the draft we could have Wirfs but would have to give up a 4th, so many would and should do it in a heartbeat. Will be a starter from day 1 and should be our RT long after Brady retires. He was the last of the big time OL’s and we had to get him.
Winfield: A-
Undersized but man this kid can play. He’s a ball hawk and blitzes exceptionally well which Bowles loves. I live in MN so watched him all year including against Auburn in their bowl game. Just wait – he will silence many of the ‘muh QB or RB’ haters on here.
Vaughn: B
Needed a pass catching back because it isn’t a strength of RoJo. Not sure this upgrades us at the position that much though. Can he pick up NFL blitz schemes? We need that for Brady. RoJo struggles with it so who can we count on for 3rd downs when defenses are bringing the house? Don’t love this pick but don’t hate it either.
All in all filled two massive positions of need so job well done thus far. This is coming from a non-Licht fan too.