For Those Who Like A PAC-12 Center
March 30th, 2024
Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson.
These two groups are just about one and the same.
Yes, Joe understands there is the loud crowd that cannot wait to run Bucs center Robert Hainsey out of town. Because he is the root of all evil. And that with him off the field, Rachaad White will improve his sorry yards-after-contact average per attempt that last season ranked No. 50 among running backs to, oh, maybe No. 47.
Then there is a group that walks around at attention believing this Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon will be the next Dermontti Dawson and dominate the NFL in such a way the Bucs won’t have to worry about an edge rush or Joe Tryon-Shoyinka getting a career-high 5.5 sacks.
(Why want 11+ sacks in a season when you can settle for five?)
Well, BSPN mocker Matt Miller has learned this Powers-Johnson isn’t nearly as high up on NFL general manager’s draft boards as what #DraftMedia and/or fans think.
Therefore, Miller believes Powers-Johnson could easily be on the board when the Bucs select at No. 26.
In talking to scouts over the past two weeks, it sounds like teams are not as high on Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson as the media consensus. JPJ had a strong early performance at the Senior Bowl before leaving the second practice with a hamstring injury. It was that early impression that saw him rise up draft boards. He followed that up with a good showing in position drills at the combine but didn’t participate in most of the other drills — he did only the bench press and vertical/broad jumps — before shutting it down. The feedback I’ve received from teams is that while he might go in the first round, it’s unlikely that he would be selected in the top 25 picks based on where teams are ranking him.
Would Joe slit his wrists if the Bucs selected Powers-Johnson? No. Joe just hopes the Bucs don’t. Not with a first-round pick. Not any center.
Joe posted research last week that showed the highest-paid centers (which, reasonably one can expect to be among the NFL’s best) are third-round picks as an average selection placement.
A first-round pick needs to be used on a difference-maker. A skill position player (offense or defense) or an offensive tackle.
Joe has yet to see a guard or a center lead an offense down the field late for a game-winning score or make a play that leads to a defensive turnover when the chips are down.
A center in the first round? No sir.
With the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft @JohnathanStee13 and the Dallas Cowgirls select…Jackson Powers-Johnson, C out of Oregon#DallasCowboyspic.twitter.com/tYu2MLfm0C
— Alex (@karlis_alex) March 25, 2024
March 30th, 2024 at 11:07 am
Get an Edge or a corner in the first round. Pick up a center in a later round. Maybe Slippery Rock has one coming out!
March 30th, 2024 at 11:10 am
Joe said:
You might as well say “I’m a casual who does not understand offensive line play, just the flashy stuff that comes behind offensive line play.”
No, centers and guards do not score tuddies. But fact is tuddies don’t get scored if OL play is poor.
Big Uglies make the difference, for better or worse, and the less you hear about them, the better.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:17 am
No Bucs’ interest in JPJ =smoke-screen???
March 30th, 2024 at 11:19 am
Cobraboy..well said. When Baker is running for his life, or has constant pressure is his face, it’s hard to hit Evans, or Godwin. If you need to protect the lead, but can’t run the ball, good luck. Joe thinks an edge rusher is all that’s missing. To bad you’re not going to get a good one where we’re picking.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:21 am
I’ll just settle for scoring more POINTS.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:22 am
Need a real difference maker in the first you can always find a guard or center in the later rounds, I think Jensen was a 4th round pick. I gotta feeling the Bucs are gunna take a WR would love brian Thomas jr
March 30th, 2024 at 11:23 am
The Bucs should draft Haason Reddick.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:36 am
Ask tom Brady what the difference is between having a great Center like Ryan Jensen or not having him…………
March 30th, 2024 at 11:43 am
There is a third group that believes Hainsey is a mediocre so should be replaced and White needs to find the lanes better. The thing is white could improve by being smarter and Hainsey could get better but between the two most will say Hainsey has a lower ceiling. Even if white gets better he is more a speedster and not a hammer which I think we need sooner than later.
The draft will go based on who fills immediate and long term needs the best based on Licht and Bowles viewpoints. We won’t know till we get to the draft. Bucs could trade up for all we know.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:48 am
Sorry, but Centers are important! They call all the blocking and if there is a big rush up the center of the line, it makes a huge difference for opposing Edge rushers. Watch the tape from last season. Missing Jensen’s nastiness and leadership in the middle hurt us badly. This guy is a bigger, likely better, version of Jensen. Our run game was atrocious, a guy this big has got to be able to move some bodies. Let’s face it, I love Licht, but he has yet to find us: an Edge Rusher, a decent CB in the early rounds. I don’t trust him to do it this year either. He DOES do a hell of job with O-lineman. If he picks this guy, he’s solid. No question. I know you want an Edge rusher, Joe, but do you really trust Licht to make the right pick in Round 1?
March 30th, 2024 at 11:48 am
The problem is those later round picks need a year or two to develop. Jensen was a finished product after being a 6th round draft pick and spending three years to just figure out what position he would play. Bucs need an impact offensive lineman that can start right away and be able to perform way better than Mauch did last year.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:55 am
The difference between a latter round OL player and a 1st round guy is not only their ceiling it’s their readiness to start right away. Jenson is a perfect example he wasn’t a starter until his 4th year. There are always exceptions but you are competing with 31 other teams trying to find those exceptions.
As far as interior OL players not being important enough for the 26th pick. That’s just a ridiculous take. I’m surprised anyone writing about football for this long wrote it. I like some of the 2nd and 3rd round edge guys over guys like Chop anyway. Every draft lays out differently. Hopefully one of the top 2 IOL guys falls to 26 and Braswell, Issac or Kneeland are still there for their 2nd pick. If the Bucs get JPJ in the 1st and Kneeland with there 2nd it would be a great first two picks.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:01 pm
One of the most overhyped players in this draft.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:15 pm
BA’s Red Pen Says:
“The Bucs should draft Haason Reddick.”
I don’t know why but this made me laugh.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:18 pm
There are other IOL to choose from, as long as the Bucs get one of the starting caliber of liking it will be fine with me. More than one way to skin a cat . Already added 2 veteran IOL , still have the veteran IOL that will be cut after the draft and before camp starts.
I’m not worried that the OL will not be improved going into 2024. It was a massive glaring weakness in 2023.
I am extremely confident that the Bucs will be dramatically improved this year.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Picking #26 is not like picking in the top 10, if they are close to the same.
There is a point where first-round choices become “stretches,” usually around pick #20 when all the “can’t miss” guys are gone. There may be some “sleepers” but they are exceptions to the “can’t miss” group.
THEN the draft is a crap shoot, and I see no problem drafting for need/BPA if the two are reasonably close together.
The “but but but Jensen was a 6th round” belies the point that he is more the exception than the rule.
In my world, you can never draft too many solid, top-shelf linemen. When the OL & DL are solid, all the other positions seem to play better. Even the fancy-pants ones.
But I’m Old School and appreciate line play.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:20 pm
BTW: I don’t care if they draft C to G at #26, as long as that guy can come in and kick ass Day 1.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
The Ravens picked a pro bowl center in 1st round in ‘22. They had the no 1 rushing team in NFL last year.
And if it wasn’t for their 1st round ‘23 “difference maker” pick fumbling and bobbling the ball away in AFC Championship game, the Ravens could be SB champs instead of Chiefs.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:26 pm
I’ll take the center from West Virginia in round 2/3….
Zach something, lol…….Stud Wrestler
March 30th, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Joe – I don’t disagree with your rhetoric on positional value BUT we’re are talking an elite prospect at the bottom of round 1, not the top. To me that is a discernible difference.
That being said I think Joe would blow his head off if he knew the Bucs would also consider a QB, WR, or a CB in round 1 if the right one fell.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Bucfan – center from WVU looks as good as Powers-Johnson on tape
March 30th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Ko Keifer, that’s what I heard…He’s a mauler…
March 30th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Ravens have the number 1 rushing offense because they have Lamar and he can’t operate a passing scheme
March 30th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Personally, I do not care if the Bucs draft a center in the first round.
It is just odd that this Joe acts like there will be a stud pass rushing edge guy available at the end of the 1st round.
If there were, every team would have a couple already.
What is wrong with the fans wanting to replace one of their weakest starters on the team?
I am curious. Does Joe have Hainsey as a better starter than Baker, White, Evans, Godwin, Otten, Wirfs, Goedeke, or Mauch?
March 30th, 2024 at 12:32 pm
The first pick needs to be either Edge, Center or LG. Get the best player available when we draft if it’s JPJ then I’m fine with that. If it’s a difference maker at Edge like Verse that is great. All positions must be upgraded. When you reach for one position you waste it i.e. Logan Hall and JTS. I think JTS is a ok backup. He seemed to have more fire after was demoted. Hall needs to be gone. Hainsey needs to be a backup. Shaq needs to be replaced. LG needs a real starter too.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
Graham Barton
March 30th, 2024 at 12:42 pm
Blake Corum
Not much talk about this football player, old school tough guy.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Cometowin2..anything else? Ha ha.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Here’s a wild idea… don’t run up the middle all the time.
I know, it’s wacky, but if your personnel doesn’t do something well – then change what you’re doing to something your personnel does do well.
Nah, can’t have that, because the 1970 Coaches Handbook says any deviation from YOUR plan is a sign of weakness, and that leads to chaos, which leads to upheaval.
Anywho, with all that said, the running game looked much better in the 2nd half of the year as Cody improved, and they stopped playing that flop from the Rams they signed. Once that occured, the run game wasn’t terrible.
But we all know if the Bucs had only traded for Zack Moss we wouldn’t be worried about the line, because that would have fixed everything.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Turner, Verse, Latu, Powers-Johnson, Barton
Those are the 5 players who meet our biggest needs (Edge & IOL) AND are legit 1st round talents.
Any one of those players still on the board at #26 will be the Buccaneers selection.
If all 5 are gone – then Licht will probably look to trade down.
If the above 5 are off the board and there are no good offers to trade down, then Licht will be selecting BPA at 26 for a position of relative need – which would likely be either CB or WR.
March 30th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Ditto on Barton. Or Van Pran since he played in the SEC, which is the closest thing college has comparable to the NFL.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Looking at our GM’s draft history show a few trends.
#1 – He has never drafted an IOL in the first round.
#2 – About 80% of Licht’s 1st rnd picks have been premium positions – WR/CB/QB/DT/OT/DE
#3 – All but two 1st round picks (Evans/Winston) have had RAS of over 9.25.
#4 – All of Licht’s 1st round picks have been 22 years old or younger except Vita Vea who was 23.
A few players who fit this criteria who might be available at pick #26 –
– WR Adonai Mitchell – Texas
– WR Brian Thomas Jr. – LSU
– OLB Chop Robinson – Penn State
– CB Nate Wiggins – Clemson
– CB Terrion Arnold – Alabama
If I had to take a guess I believe Chop Robinson or Nate Wiggins will be the pick for the Bucs.
Plus I don’t believe JPJ will make it past the Eagles who lost Kelce to retirement this off-season.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Hopefully Jason Licht gets a fantastic franchise changing EDGE in round one and picks a gnarly center in later rounds–a durable, big, nasty, never back down son of a gun that can be a game changer.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
a First round pick has to be a game changer–not a center lol! Has to be someone that take over an entire game–not a corner, not an IOL (we need those spots but not round one) lets be honest Licht is trading down unless there is an Edge that is worthy still on the board.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Would be thrilled with either Latu or JPJ in round 1. Plenty of Guard talent in later rounds. Protect Mayfield and the results will be incredible.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
The team is last in Rushing offense.
All on our running back?
Then what about how bad we sucked running the football last year?
Playoff Lenny was the Running back.
No one hates Hainsey. Or Stennie.
They are both Backups, trying to be Starters.
Jensen was our starter. Ali Marpet was our starter.
We need to replae the starters we lost, with Starters.
And let the Backups go back to backing up the starters.
Its that simple
I want us to sign a proven pass rusher. Then draft one with our first and 3rd picks. We need a DE and LBer who can scare a QB.
But picks 2 and 4 need to be a Guard and a Center.
There is run after contact- when a RB at full speed blows thru an attempted arm tackle.
Our RBs dont get to full speed. They are getting “contated” as soon as they get the ball.
Yeah, thats because our line sucks.
We wont fix our run game, by telling our Back to run harder.
And a new back wont accomplish anything, but giving us a different person to blame. We tried that.
Right, playoff Lenny?
March 30th, 2024 at 1:37 pm
I don’t want Hainsey ran out of town. He will be perfect as our LG and help bring our bigger more powerful new C along. I hope he can get a little stronger too, but we’ll see. But ive never said get rid of him. He’s done his best after being thrust into that role after we lost Jensen. Powers is definitely worth a 1st. I remember going nuts about wanting us to draft Tristan, and even Marpet and look how thos picks worked out. I’m feeling the same way about Powers.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:38 pm
No thanks. An over achieving edge rusher is the best hope this defense has this year. Or it will be very likely that Mayfield will need to put up 30 points a game, and will not matter if White learned how to be a good running back in the off-season, because the offense will be playing from behind.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:41 pm
I also hope we pick up a power RB like Estime. Then use our other picks on Braswell and Trotter jr.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
1st – BPA
OL, DE, S, CB, QB. Doesn’t matter.
We have enough picks to fill holes in later rounds.
March 30th, 2024 at 1:54 pm
1) Hainsey is a below average IOL, but above average backup. Bucs should let him compete for LG as they planned prior to Jensen’s injury.
2) I agree with Pickgrin’s assessment on the 5 players who are difference makers at Edge and IOL worthy of a first rd pick.
3) There are at least 6 other team’s looking for a starting C: Seattle, Pitt, Miami, Philly, Dallas and Baltimore. Will any of the top 4 Centers be available in the 2nd round (JPJ, Barton, Frazier, Van Pran)? I’m concerned about that as 5 of the Center needing teams pick in front of the Bucs.
4) All other Edge rushers in the top 9 are potential: Chop, Isaac, Kneeland, Trice, Robinson/Missouri, Braswell. I like some of them, but realistically they are worthy of a 2nd rd grade. Some teams will reach on them in the first rd.
March 30th, 2024 at 2:01 pm
3) Will any of the other top 4 C be available at #57?
5) Bucs need a LG, Power RB, TE, WR and ILB. Pick 3 of 5 to use your 3rd and 4th rd picks on. I believe TE is the most likely to drop to the 6th or 7th rd along with CB or S depth.
March 30th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Man give it a rest with all of the whining about going with a center in the first round. The Chiefs, Ravens, Cowboys, Steelers, etc. have drafted C in the first round. OL are important especially when you have a shorter qb you need guys who can get a push up the middle Hansey is not that guy so he needs to be replaced.
We are picking 26th, I would rather take the higher ranked player than reaching for need i.e., a DE who may be a project.
March 30th, 2024 at 2:26 pm
If we restructure Wirfs and Winfield, we would have other options.
We sign Dalton Risner(G) and Connor Williams (c)
Proven Vets.
Then Let Jason Licht Work his magic, signing some small school kids that need some coaching.
Risner and Williams are both major upgrades,
Frees up our draft, to fill other needs.
Can we afford them? That is a question fot JL
March 30th, 2024 at 2:39 pm
I’m SOOOO tired of hearing can the Bucs afford WHOEVER!!! What contender in the league has less challenges with the cap than Jason Licht managing the Buccaneers?? ALSO plzzz no more project players on the Oline from NOWHERE U!!!!
March 30th, 2024 at 3:15 pm
I’d honestly rather trade out of the 1st round all together in this draft if possible. Every player that looks to be available at the end of round 1 this year isn’t all that much better than the prospects that will be available all the way through round 2.
Ideally we trade back to the very end of round 1, then a QB needy team trades up from the 2nd round for Penix or Nix if they’re still available and we pick up some future draft capital.
March 30th, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Marine – nice take. And you did it without spending 6,387 words and capitalized phrases. Thank you.
In Jason we trust.
March 30th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
I’d take graham barton at 26…something about him..feel like he is gonna be a solid nfl player for many years…also would like zach frazier round 2
March 30th, 2024 at 3:55 pm
Chop Robinson had 6 sacks in 3 years! Most overrated player in the draft. College production should matter!
March 30th, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Joe posted research last week that showed the highest-paid centers (which, reasonably one can expect to be among the NFL’s best) are third-round picks as an average selection placement.
weak sauce no matter how much you post it. NO team ever drafted an average. Decision on who to draft come down to talent evaluation not position. Thats why your rule is demonstrably wrong . Many teams ahve drafted a cener in the first round and they know collectively much more than you do.
March 30th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Agree to disagree. If Jensen 2.0 is on the board at 26, the Bucs should run his name up to the podium at light speed.
March 30th, 2024 at 4:30 pm
Here is the Question. How big is the drop-off from 1st round c/g edge to 2nd round. If there is a small dop-off at center and a large drop-off at edge there is your answer.
March 30th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
From the guys who brought you the idea that drafting Johnny Football would be a good idea comes more brutally stupid analysis. This kid is gonna be a problem for d linemen.
March 30th, 2024 at 5:14 pm
It should always come down to the best player available at a position of need. The Bucs have their own draft board that will differ from those that are shown by the pundits on draft night. They will almost certainly pick the guy on the top of their board who remains. Unless they are tempted by a player who slips in which case the extra third round pick will help.
March 30th, 2024 at 5:21 pm
Kudos to all; some great comments & analyses here. Keep thinking that Joe’s just in his ‘junkyard dog mode’ … he’s got ahold of that bone & he’s not letting go come he11 or high water.
Rod, your comment about ‘running up the middle’ got me interested in doing a little research. Turns out that the Dolphins #2 offense (496 points – 29.2 PPG – 6822 total yards) ran 1053 offensive plays last year. Also turns out that the Bucs #23 offense ran 1047 offensive plays last year, VERY close to what the Dolphins ran. And yet, we only produced 348 points – 20.5 PPG – 5321 total yards. That’s FAR BELOW what the Dolphins produced in the same number of plays. I think it’s fair to ask the simple question … WHY?
Start with the QB. Tua did better than Baker, but not dramatically so. Tua threw for 29 TDs; Baker for 28. Tua threw 560 passes completing 388 (69.3%) for 4624 passing yards. Baker threw 566 passes completing 364 (64.3%) for 4044 passing yards. Essentially they threw the same number of passes and had about the same number of TDs. But that’s where the similarities between the 2 teams ends.
Dolphins ran for 27 TDs; Bucs ran for 8 TDs. Wow! Dolphins ran 456 times and gained 2308 yards (5.1 YPC); Bucs ran 439 times and gained 1509 yards (3.4 YPC). MAJOR DIFFERENCE in the 2 teams running game.
The biggest difference IMO between those 2 offenses was the running game. And yet, they both ran roughly the same amount (Dolphins ran on 43.3% of their plays, while the Bucs ran on 41.9% of our plays). I’d contend that Tua did better than Baker in completion percentage largely because he was supported by a much more effective running game (defenses had to respect it more?).
Miami’s best RB, Raheem Mostert (5’10” & 205 lbs), has bounced around the league quite a bit, but had his best season in 2023 … 1012 yards (roughly the same as Rachaad White). Their other RB, De’Von Achane (5’9″ & 188 lbs), was a rookie & he added 800 rushing yards.
Hmmm, 27 rushing TDs with 2 small RBs. Gut feel … IT WAS THE DOLPHINS’ OLINE THAT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. But ya, let’s focus on pass rushers & CBs instead of beefing up the middle of our own OLine with 1 or 2 high picks who can start on Day 1 … and kick a$$.
March 30th, 2024 at 5:35 pm
Hainsey 6’4 306 25 yrs and maybe a little room to grow and get a little stronger
Powers 6’3 325 just turned 21 and a lot of room to grow even bigger and stronger
I rest my case….
March 30th, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Gonna have to trade up for him Jason…maybe 19 to beat out everyone….
March 30th, 2024 at 5:41 pm
Hey Defense Rules…
Wow!! that’s quite the analysis, spot on!! O-LINE !! All the other stuff is hot air.
March 30th, 2024 at 5:54 pm
Yeah DR knows his stuff, particularly where to look.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Go watch the Voch Lombardi breakdown of Powers…its pretty telling. I used his take when I wanted us to draft Vea and Wirfs….he knows how.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:03 pm
The avg may have been 3rd round but no top C was a 3rd rounder. Mostly 1st /2nd or late rounders
March 30th, 2024 at 6:03 pm
Yeah I completely disagree this. Chances of getting an edge at 26 who will make an immediate impact are slim to none. At that point you can draft an edge in round 2 or 3 and hopefully find someone with juice like Diaby.
We don’t need an OT, which Joe says would be a first round option, but we need to be stronger in the trenches so what’s the next best thing ? An IOL who can start right away and likely have a bigger impact for the team replacing Hainsey or playing LG.
I badly want an edge rusher as well and if they draft one at 26, great. I also don’t hate Hainsey, he has done an admirable job for us. Having said all that, if no edge is available at 26 that they like and we can instantly upgrade from Hainsey or Opeta with JPJ or Barton or Frazier, I am all for it and will celebrate a trench pick no matter where it comes along the line.
About to pay Wirfs big money and will have a C, RG and RT all young and locked in for a few. Once we have that, draft all the weapons you want. We still will draft a WR in the first 3 rounds and it’s a deep class.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Sorry Joe but you are just wrong on this. You must build a strong offensive line….period. a great wide receiver isn’t catching any game winning touchdowns if your quarterback is laying on his back two seconds into the play.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:18 pm
Hike!
March 30th, 2024 at 6:21 pm
Anyone else see a post that had Ira Kaufman pushing for Penix at 26?
March 30th, 2024 at 6:23 pm
Plan 9 is our man. Uopn Pan 9 ewst the season.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:24 pm
I couldn’t disagree more with this Joe and the majority of his takes. Without the big men, the little men can’t find space to score points. Football is the epitome of team sports and no one man is the key to scoring points and winning games. It takes all different sorts of skill, talent and size to be successful at this game and no one man is the key to success. Yes it does take superstars but that word is pluralized for a reason. We need Mike and Baker but for them to succeed we need a strong line of hogs pushing people around.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
inny from NYC Says:
March 30th, 2024 at 6:21 pm
Anyone else see a post that had Ira Kaufman pushing for Penix at 26?
I saw it and now NFL com has a story on it… Thought it was an odd take…waste a 1st round pick on a QB that probably won’t start until he’s 26 or 27????
Oline and a bruiser back is what we should be focused on…an edge rusher but weak draft on that front but maybe strike gold in the 2nd round
No to QB!!!!!!!
March 30th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
hoop d DOO
March 30th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Miami could go after DE Latu…let em
Philly needs a CB…maybe a C
Giants DT
Dallas needs a WR
Packers need S/CB
Its Pitt picking at 20 and Philly thats my main concern…
But at 19, Rams need a CB, and DeJean might still be there at 26 for them if we can talk them out of it with our 26 and a 3rd….
Or lets just hope he falls to us which is NOT gonna happen….i dont know.
March 30th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
The top priority is the best possible Center, wherever available in the draft picks. The point is to get some serious leadership ability in the interior O-line. Yes, you need a pro-bowler; it’s the only way out of this interior O-line problem.
It’d be much better to look for this Center in the expensive (well worth the Cap-money) FA opportunities, but this either
wasn’t available or Jason just passed on it.
So, the opportunity is gone.
What are the odds of drafting an instant, plug n’ play, exceptional Center with the leadership abilities of a Ryan Jensen; a pro-bowlin’ rookie: somewhere below zero.
It’s over for that pipe dream.
However, it probably would be worth it to make an attempt in just upgrading the interior O-line and hope the crapshoot comes out on the positive side.
Drafting to what would be a rookie edge rusher who’ll be good enough to solve the problem of: a great need to pressure the opposition-quarterbacks so they can’t chunck-it-down-field against Bowles’ “phantom zone defense.” Same problem: what rookie is going to be good enough?
(See the pattern? It’s all oriented toward “Bowles–proofing” against losses due to bad decisions on defense.
Conclusion, imo: Top draft-priority is, a real good Cornerback.
)
March 30th, 2024 at 6:50 pm
The thing is the factor of how the 1st round falls. The Top 2 needs are Edge and Center. If all the top Edge are off the board, and JPJ is there … ya gotta take him and go for Edge in Rd 2. Adisa Isaac outperformed Robinson, in this scenario could go for him as our 2nd pick or trade up to grab Braswell or Trice depending on where they land. Centers are important especially when they are projected to be great. Jensen was a key part of this team. As good as ya know JPJ, Barton, Frazier are going to be .. being such a big need for us …. they ought to be the targets in either top round according to how the draft flows and how JL may maneuver
March 30th, 2024 at 6:56 pm
Defense rules-awesome post…I knew the running game sucked but when you hold them up side by side….wow
I preach the same thing…oline but I also think the bucs should draft a bruiser like Braelon Allen in the 3rd…the running game is killing an otherwise really good offense
March 30th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
I have been high in this kid since I’ve seen him play three times against top 20 teams, and he dominated, in the run and pass. He is athletic and physical. I completely disagree that a center can’t be a game changer. He controls the line and a real good center makes the guards better. It affects the entire line which absolutely is a game changer.
You cannot win this league unless you win the trenches.
That said, I would take a dominant edge rusher any day. I think the kid VERSE from FSU is that guy.
I just don’t think he’ll be there, I don’t think any edge is going to be there that’s a guarantee.
It’s all opinion. Mine is that is a center that will be a pro bowler a few times over the next decade and will anchor the line along with Wirfs.
But, don’t get me wrong, I will always take a pass rush. The other unfortunate part is the Buccaneers record in drafting and edge rusher.
March 30th, 2024 at 7:05 pm
Too many wasted picks on 1st rd edge rushers (sorry Jason) just no.
Braswell in the 2nd if he’s there…he’s strong and you need that more than speed.
March 30th, 2024 at 7:08 pm
has tampa bay picked any cornerback in the first round that turned out any good?
March 30th, 2024 at 7:14 pm
The Bucs YPC in 2021 before our all pro center Ryan Jensen got injured and our all pro guard Ali Marpet retired in 2022 was 4.3. After they left our YPC dropped to 3.4 YPC. But Joe swears up and down Rachaad White is to blame for our YPC being less than 4 YPC and not our sorry as run blocking.
Make that make sense Joe
March 30th, 2024 at 7:35 pm
Bucben61 … I’ve been all-in on Braelon Allen since I first started looking for who’d make a decent power back for the Bucs in this year’s draft. Almost identical size (6’2″ & 245 lbs) to Mike Alstott (6’1″ & 247 lbs). Here’s what UW’s site says about him …
Rushed for 3,494 yards in his 3 years … ranked fourth in program history with a 5.85 career yards per carry clip … finished tied for sixth in UW history with 20 career 100-yard rushing performances … recorded three seasons with 150+ carries, 10+ touchdowns and a 5.25+ yards per carry average, joining Jonathan Taylor as the only two Big Ten running backs to accomplish the feat in 3 seasons from 2014-2023 … went over 100 yards rushing in 18 of the Badgers’ 22 wins from 2021-2023 … declared for the NFL Draft after the conclusion of the 2023 regular season’.
What I see is a CONSISTENT performer over 3 seasons of heavy use. I wouldn’t spend a Rnd 1 or Rnd 2 pick on a RB given our other Bucs’ needs, but selecting him in Rnd 3 looks like a no-brainer to me. We need a bull and he qualifies.
March 30th, 2024 at 7:40 pm
@MadMax: Hainsey’s 305 is maxed out. He can get fatter, but not necessarily bigger. He was not born naturally big, he had to work on it.
March 30th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
Unfortunately, with all the draft’s there are no real impact players projected to be available at 26. Chop Robinson, on a good year, is a late 2nd/early 3rd pick. There probably will be a decent WR available, and maybe a Corner. IF It falls the way I suspect, we’ll trade back to upper 2nd round, pick up a 3rd, and maybe trade for a decent edge somewhere.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:08 pm
I don’t think anyone with a brain wants Robert Hainsey out of town. That sounds like exaggeration to me.
But Robert Hainsey is not currently a good enough Center to justify starting. Maybe he can play guard or something, or become depth.
And I’m sorry, Joe…but it all starts with the lines. Both lines. And while I would consider a pass rusher a part of the line, we NEED the center because of Baker Mayfield.
Robert Hainsey faced inferior teams for the most part last year, but things will be getting tougher, and if Mayfield is going to have ANY chance to succeed, a good Center is a must.
March 30th, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Oh, and if Scouts and teams are saying he isn’t ranked high? He’ll probably go top ten.
Season of lying…
…mock drafts are hardly ever accurate outside the first 5-10 picks.
March 31st, 2024 at 4:32 am
Gotta say I like JPJ but Im NOT trading up for him when there are serviceable Centers in round 2. If the top 3 are gone (JPJ, Barton, Frazier) that just pushes CB and DT down. Dejean or Wiggins would be immediate upgrades over McCollum I just believe Bowels wants him to start.
It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Fiske is our first pick.
That dude is a rock. Or if Murphy somehow falls.
Maybe even Darius Robinson although they didn’t interview him. (Same with Kancey)
I really think with the O Line additions we already made, O Line will be pick 2 or 3 again.
March 31st, 2024 at 5:31 am
I don’t mind this guy. Has a good chance to be a great C in the NFL , not a lot of standout prospects at C on draft day rd 1. With Tristan Wirfs already the best OT in the NFL a star studded C would just make this young and upcoming O lines job even easier. Could use better Gs also. Have had a hole there ever since Ali Marpet left. I prefer defense, but had we traded for Hassan Reddick 3rd round pick we could’ve not needed to worry about pass rusher as much. Now it’s definitely time to look at OLBs in Rd 1. Would have been nice though a C rd 1 and a proven OLB with one of those 3rd round picks. YaYa and Reddick blitzing the QB. I’m also looking at trading up to get Robinson DE from Missouri
March 31st, 2024 at 9:46 am
What’s a tuddie?
March 31st, 2024 at 11:37 am
^LOL…ask Gronk
its td’s
touchdowns
March 31st, 2024 at 12:47 pm
@DR: My prediction is that because of the hip-drop penalty, the league will see more big powerbacks.
Hip-drop is how a smaller guy brings down a bigger guy. That’s how I did it since I could not match muscle and size.
It is also what I teach kickers and punters.
So if a small guy cannot hip-drop, Imma gonna throw bruisers to bet in the second+ level.
March 31st, 2024 at 1:15 pm
This guy or one like him will become Rachads new besty
March 31st, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Give me the Center all day long. Defense can’t even tackle anymore so a 1st round defensive puck is just a penalty flag.
April 2nd, 2024 at 11:06 am
The Bucs would need to find a trade partner to be in position to pick this guy. Way too much of reach at 26 and won’t last to 57. I rather trade up from their 2nd round pick. Most mocks have him going somewhere in the middle of the 2nd, mid to late 40s. Bowles likes bigger CBs so I doubt he’s very high on their board.