“I Think We Are Going To Be Stacked At Outside Linebacker”
July 30th, 2023
Talks rookie OLBs.
So this past spring, the Bucs, hadcuffed by the salary cap but knowing their edge rush had to improve somehow, decided to add edge rushers the economical way: through the draft.
So Tampa Bay drafted the University of Louisville’s YaYa’s Flame Broiled Chicken Diaby (Round 3) and Eastern Michigan pass rusher José Ramirez (Round 6).
A certain veteran who knows something about sacking quarterbacks, Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett, is already impressed.
“I think we are going to be stacked at outside linebacker this year,” Shaq said of the addition of Diaby and Ramirez. “From what I have seen from OTAs and what I am seeing out here right now, I’m glad I don’t have to be a coach because there are going to be some tough decisions to make.
“We’re going to have a good group this year.”
Of course, all of this has been in underwear football. A far cry from real football. When the pads come on, underwear football stars can vanish. Whatever happened to Kenny Bell?
So Joe asked Shaq what impressed him about Diaby and Ramirez. The basics, Shaq said.
“Get off the ball,” Shaq began. “Strength. It’s just pass rush moves. Meat and potatoes pass rush and [defending the] run, they are really solid. They really are.”
Also, you hear occasionally a rookie who first comes on board say he will hound a star player at his position to learn everything he can in order to excel. Shaq said Diaby and Ramirez are like puppies to him. They are always following him around, asking questions.
And Shaq is happy to help the pups become potty trained in the NFL.
“Oh yeah, we talk,” Shaq said. “We talk. They have some respect for me and I appreciate that and I’m trying to give them whatever they want.
“And I’m willing to teach them because that’s how we get better.”
Joe loves how Shaq used the word “We.” Not “they” or “them.”
July 30th, 2023 at 3:23 pm
A big part of the pass rushing improving is for JTS to take the next step. The time is now for him.
July 30th, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Shaq is a tru pro. Love that guy. So hard not to root for him. Teach em up Shaq.
July 30th, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Love Shaq!! Always will….and he’s been through some stuff so DONT NOBODY say a bad word about him. I think he’s going to take a different approach at his playing skills (mindset), and as long as he stays healthy, he’ll be killing it for us.
July 30th, 2023 at 4:02 pm
Mayor Shaq Barrett <3
July 30th, 2023 at 4:17 pm
Curious to know if JTS was as proactive about picking Shaw’s brain for way to improve his game. Or if Shaq has more of a soft spot for the later round guys.
July 30th, 2023 at 4:18 pm
*Shaq’s darn autocorrect
July 30th, 2023 at 4:20 pm
Shaq is the man. No one ever touches his Bucs record of 19 sacks
July 30th, 2023 at 4:32 pm
Licht hit a home run with the Shaq FA move in 2019. It might arguably be his best find during his tenure here.
July 30th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
That’s nice to hear and I am thrilled Shaq has made it back after facing such tremendous adversity last year.
I hope he is right but we will now more once the pads are put on. We will know even more once these guys play a few preseason games…
July 30th, 2023 at 4:42 pm
*know more… not now more.
lol
July 30th, 2023 at 4:43 pm
Yep, Licht will be in the ring of honor some day. You can take that to the bank.
July 30th, 2023 at 4:57 pm
Have to love a company man.
Hope he is right
All the scouts had him as a 5th rounder
Jason usually gets a guy every 3rd draft, hope this is his guy
July 30th, 2023 at 5:27 pm
“Shaq said Diaby and Ramirez are like puppies to him. They are always following him around, asking questions.“
Great mentality for the rooks to have imo any amount of information helps whether it be a leverage point or move combo down to how to tape wrists, hands and ankles. No such thing as too much info to inquiring minds and I’m glad to hear these young boys are seeking knowledge from Shaq. Still weird seeing him in that #7.
July 30th, 2023 at 6:12 pm
It’s a blessing to be in the NFL and have the opportunity to play and start and Shaq’s path hasn’t been an easy one. He had to earn it, and you better believe he had some good mentors in his time at Denver, so he definitely wants to pay it forward to these guys and help them in any way he can. Always appreciate guys like that!
July 30th, 2023 at 6:31 pm
Destinjohnny Says:
July 30th, 2023 at 4:57 pm
Have to love a company man.
Hope he is right
All the scouts had him as a 5th rounder
Jason usually gets a guy every 3rd draft, hope this is his guy
^^^^^^^^^
All the scouts had him as a 5th rounder? You talked to every scout? Some of you MF’ers like to make things up…This is made up.
July 30th, 2023 at 6:39 pm
Lance Zierlein, NFL website, had Diaby being drafted in Rounds 3 to 4.
July 30th, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Shaq is one of the 4 or 5 guys in the conversation for our best free agents ever.
July 30th, 2023 at 7:19 pm
I’m hoping for a 70 sack season from this defense.
July 30th, 2023 at 9:36 pm
Joe in Michigan,
Way to be a sprayer.
#knowledgeisntoverrated
July 30th, 2023 at 10:17 pm
Dooley. You are not the only one getting use to #7. I listened to a video podcast the other. Day and the guy kept talking about Shaq and it was Watts (now #58). Shaq had a planned day off. I don’t think he ever realized it.
July 30th, 2023 at 10:38 pm
Wow! Another veteran complimenting some rookies! Happens every year and what does it mean? Nothing. If these rookies need their egos stroked, maybe they shouldn’t be on the team. Let’s see them in pads before we anoint them as pro bowlers. Shaq probably said the same things about JTS and Hall. Two wasted draft picks or bad coaching? These guys had talent and what have they done for the Bucs? Nothing. I hope everyone lives up to the hype of the vets and coaches, but we need to see them on the field to decide. I’m still hopeful, but dubious.
July 30th, 2023 at 10:50 pm
Every year we do this: So, tell us Player X: What do you think of this years crop of rookies? The answer you will never hear? Well Joe, I think they are all trash. I can’t imagine what they were doing drafting these jokers!
July 31st, 2023 at 8:28 am
“Shaq said Diaby and Ramirez are like puppies to him. They are always following him around, asking questions.”
That fact is impressive to me Joe. These guys know that they don’t know. Yet
Go Bucs!
July 31st, 2023 at 10:32 am
Destinjohnny Says:
July 30th, 2023 at 9:36 pm
Joe in Michigan,
Way to be a sprayer.
#knowledgeisntoverrated
^^^^^^^^^
What is this nonsense?
July 31st, 2023 at 10:32 am
Oh how many expect JTS and the (missing man) Logan Hall to ball out this year. I expect at least one, if not both, to wash out this year. Nothing against either, however, I don’t think going from invisibility to all-star is unlikely.
July 31st, 2023 at 12:16 pm
JTS shows tons of raw athleticism, but little discipline. He has a new position coach this year. Hopefully the new coach teach him to calm down and use good strategy. If he learns to focus on the more important stuff he will have a great year and I do believe he will shine this year. Hall? IDK.
July 31st, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Anyone following JTS around? I don’t think so. These rooks are smart too.