Bucs’ 2013 Secondary Taking Shape
January 23rd, 2013
Joe tracks every last word from Greg Schiano and rockstar general manager Mark Dominik, and based on numerous interviews and other sources, it’s clear the 2013 Bucs secondary is taking shape.
Dominik and/or Schiano have taken multiple opportunities to praise cornerbacks Danny Gorrer, E.J. Biggers and Leonard Johnson, plus Ronde Barber and Mark Barron have gotten all kinds of love, and rookie CB/S Keith Tandy got his share of kudos.
Joe’s also adding weed-free Ahmad Black to the love list after Dominik’s comments yesterday, via PewterReport.com.
“We were very happy with the way Ahmad Black played,” Dominik said. “He was a big part of why we won the Oakland game.”
The praise of Black takes Joe back to the alleged desire to have the best players on the field at all times. Last season, Joe believed it would have been wise to Barber playing more cornerback in order to give Black more plays. And Joe wonders whether that scenario might play out in 2013.
Anthony Gaitor, Myron Lewis, LeQuan Lewis, Eric Wright, Brandon McDonald, Sean Baker and Cody Grimm all seem to be likely castaways, though most (but definitely not Wright) likely will be among the 90 players coming to training camp.
If the Bucs add first- and second-tier free agent cornerbacks and, say, a second-round cornerback via the NFL Draft, Joe would expect they would join Biggers, Johnson and Gorrer on the opening day roster, alongside Barron, Barber, Black and Tandy, and possibly Grimm for the final season of his contract, if he can prove he’s healthy.
On paper, it should be a big improvement.
January 23rd, 2013 at 6:18 pm
I still think Gaitor is in the mix. I just dont see how they can choose Gorrer. Myron or Lequan over him.
January 23rd, 2013 at 6:25 pm
so Joe…the unsaid is……with the 13 pick in the 1st round…The Tampa Bay Buucaneers……………………………
January 23rd, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@Silence – Agreed.
January 23rd, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Following is my prescription for the secondary:
LCB – Free Agency (replaces Aqib Talib)
Sean Smith, Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, Mike Jenkins, Chris Houston, Chris Gamble (if cut by Panthers)
RCB – Free Agency (replaces Eric Wright if not re-signed)
Derek Cox, Leodis McKelvin, Namdhi Asomugha (if cut by Eagles)
CB – Draft 1st round (replaces Myron Lewis)
Dee Milliner, Jonathan Banks, Xavier Rhodes
FS – Draft 2nd round (replaces Ronde Barber)
Eric Reid, Kenny Vaccaro, Phillip Thomas (all big enough to play SS)
SS – Mark Barron
FS – Ahmad Black
FS – Keith Tandy (makes this team whether we like it or not)
CB – E.J. Biggers (re-signed/solid back-up)
CB – Anthony Gaitor
CB – Leonard Johnson (nickel -back, cannot play outside)
SS – Draft 6th round (replaces Cody Grimm)
Dexter McCoil
Notes:
(1) Let’s get a big secondary like Seattle
(2) Must get at least one experienced CB in free agency
(3) 1st round could be pass-rushing DE if CB taken in FA
(4) Gamble and Asomugha will be cut unless agree to salary reduction
(5) Danny Gorrer, LeQuan Lewis, PS candidates
(6) Iknow, I know, you want Barber back, sorry, I don’t
(7) PR says Myron Lewis will be back, I don’t want him either
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:01 pm
with the 13 pick in the 1st round…The Tampa Bay Buccaneers……………………………Taylor Lewan-tackle from Michigan
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:02 pm
~~~~~~~~Sharrif Floyd ~~~~~~
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:03 pm
please just cut myron lewis and use his spot to evaluate anything with a pulse who is not myron lewis.
it’s too bad it’s a HOF time for Sapp… I’d love to hear Sapp’s response to Tim Brown’s BS statements. I am disappointed that rice jumped on-board. I have lost a lot of respect for both of them.
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Miguel please,
Taylor Lewan went back to school!
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Macabee The Safety from Texas is A solid player who will NOT be around in round 2. Taking Rhodes over him is to me an insult. (No pun) It’s always important to draft the best player available, I watched these college guys closer this year than any other. Ogletree MLB from Georgia is a gem if we work this draft board like we did last year we really can become a legit contender
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:09 pm
We can Actually get a Safety, LB and a CB within the first 2 rounds
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:13 pm
13th Pick…..trade down (unless CB Milliner is there. I see a couple scenarios where he drops to #13. But odds are against it. AND he MUST run under a 4.50)
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Jacko101 (and ANYONE else) <——- Bucs are NOT drafting a SAFETY
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:17 pm
MAN UP……Ian’s Gay Lisp & Ron’s…any azz clown can say trade down……mommy please……
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Jacko101.
You’re probably right about Vaccaro. Dee Milliner wil probably not be there at #13 either. That’s why I listed several acceptable alternatives. A lot of things will change between now and the Combine. Just having fun and it’s just an opinion from looking at several early mocks. If I know dominik, probably want be anything like this at all. I think there’s a big TE early too!
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:23 pm
IAN I don’t know what or who they are drafting but as a BUCS fan I find it intriguing that the first names they brought up and interviewed were Poyer the Cornerback and Vaccaro Safety from Texas. I understand that’s just a process however I would love that pick. BTW he can play Corner really well.
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Macabee
I agree lol I’m just passionate about what I would love to see ten do. I’m not a huge fan of these corners in round one outside Banks and Millner. I absolutely love Ogletree, Jordan and Vaccaro
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Joe here,
@RastaMon – Joe can’t go there yet. There’s going to be so much action in free agency it’s too early to make an intelligent guess.
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:54 pm
2 CBs I see: Logan Ryan, Rutgers and Desmond Trufant, WA… Sure I stole that from PR, but it makes a lot of sense due to Schiano’s familiarity with one and Eric Stokes’ familiarity with the other. They both sound like solid starter material.
Not expecting FS to be a draft priority, as I think they may have expectations for Tandy developing into a player. I think more pass rushers is higher value than FS, especially if Barber sticks around for another year.
January 23rd, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I really believe everyone is underestimating Xavier Rhodes. The reason his stats are not off the charts is because QBs did not want to throw to his side of the field. I would be thrilled to take him at 13. Hes big and very physical for a corner in man to man coverage. I can envision him in red and pewter. but at this point ill take ANY corner with our first round pick. that position is in dire need of talent upgrade.
January 23rd, 2013 at 8:11 pm
I’m sorry, I see an offensive tackle in the Buc’s future with the 13th pick. There’s a half dozen available, pick the best one available.
Xavier Rhodes in the 2nd.
January 23rd, 2013 at 8:14 pm
@RastaMon…….(if I was FORCED to STAY at #13 and Dee Milliner was gone) I like Sharrif Floyd but @ #25…..so i go with DT Sheldon Richardson or RT D.J. Fluker <—- and NOT b/c..Gil Brandt likes him…I've watched him all year and he's finally getting the attention he deserves
January 23rd, 2013 at 8:19 pm
I just can’t wait to see who Coach Schiano replaces Dominick’s mistakes with. 1st pick will be DT or DE, then second rounder will be CB.
January 23rd, 2013 at 8:58 pm
How about a DB coach…
Banks in Round 1
Best available, CB, S, LB, RT DL in next rounds unless can trade back into round 1 and then you target who who want…
I don’t think they go FA route after the success of Eazy Eric lol….
January 23rd, 2013 at 9:03 pm
Macabee Says:
January 23rd, 2013 at 6:50 pm
(4) Gamble and Asomugha will be cut unless agree to salary reduction
YES PLEASE!
January 23rd, 2013 at 9:08 pm
Silly Joe, you do realize that Black was playing FS a lot near the end of the year (with Ronde moving to nickel CB), right?
January 23rd, 2013 at 9:10 pm
Top of my CB list is Brent Grimes.
January 23rd, 2013 at 9:32 pm
D.Trufant is looking great so far in senior bowl practices.. He has good size and is a solid man-man cover guy, it would be nice to pick him up in the early second.
@Jacko101
I honestly hope we dont draft Poyer, kid definetely has some talent, but is WAY to small. 5-10 182? does not have a muscular build for his weight also.
I just read an article on PFT that the Jets are willing to trade Revis.. that would be great to see him as a Buc if he were healthy, but it would cost a lot to trade for him
January 23rd, 2013 at 9:45 pm
Just read on pft that Revis is on the trade block. Just sayin
January 23rd, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Just saw on nfl network jets want to trade revis …..buccaneers. helo
January 23rd, 2013 at 10:44 pm
As much as I hate to say it, I’m of the same mind as Miguel as far as the team taking an OT in the 1st rnd. Some very talented ones this year and coupled with the fact Dominik publicly stated that he doesn’t like drafting OL makes me think it’s even likelier to happen. If Penn goes down, who would the team want to put over there to cover Free’s blindside?
January 23rd, 2013 at 10:48 pm
If the scenario plays out and we get 1 (if not 2) solid Starting CB . I really want to get a MLB Ogletree (maybe even Teo).
I strongly believe if we can find a true (and talented) MLB the overall defense can become much stronger. See Both of those players have the kind of talent and skill set to dominate in this defensive scheme. They play the run very well and also can drop back and cover some of these new breed TE’s, best part both are excellent at blitz packages. If our pass rush increasing even a little. It would take the strain off our secondary and make even mediocre DB’s seem like pro-bowlers.
the second reason is because it would allow us to Slide Foster to SAM (his true position) where he will excel at. Some one needs to fill in Q Black’s spot. NO!, Hayward is not a permanent answer and Watson is only a pass rusher so far. Foster is a great 2 down LBer. He’s strong against the run but is a liability in Coverage.
To me makes sense when you really thing of the Defense as a whole. Yes we need some better talent in the secondary, but the rest of the defense needs some tweaking too.
January 23rd, 2013 at 11:20 pm
We all love Revis’s stats, but I think we all can temper our expectations. The Bucs will not trade a 1st round pick for Revis.
Althoughif a 2nd round pick is good enough ……… DO IT!
January 23rd, 2013 at 11:40 pm
Revis’s contract is scary big! dont know if Bucs are willing to pay him $16 mil for one player. if they can get him to restructure cuz of his knee then we might get him for 2 2nd rounders. id do that! BUC IT IM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 23rd, 2013 at 11:48 pm
2nd rounder, 4th from talib trade, and arrelious benn for revis….do it
January 24th, 2013 at 12:07 am
^^^^ true that we def dont want to take on that big contract. plus you have to figure that if he is so great then why are the jets so eager to get rid of him? could it be that with all of his injuries he is already on the decline? I will say this though, a Ravis at 50% is better than most of our corners at 100%.
January 24th, 2013 at 12:12 am
Well said 941-BUCS I love Ogletree also, I know we need a CB but I would be super excited to see us Get a Ogletree,Teo, Jordan, Hankins, Banks or Vaccaro
January 24th, 2013 at 12:23 am
I read Revis is only $6mill for 2013′. Knee recovering but worth a gamble. Wasted more than that on Leftwich, Wright and others.
January 24th, 2013 at 1:17 am
If the Jets are going to trade Revis, The Bucs need to get heavily involved. Can you imagine Revis Island in Tampa.
The Pats will probably let Wes Welker test the market, and again the Bucs need to be involved. Welker could be that slot we’ve been needing and the dude catches practically everything.
The Bucs should sign both Bennett Brothers and re-sign Miller the space-killer.
All this and a quality draft, I see good days on the horizon!!!
January 24th, 2013 at 2:11 am
If Michael Clayton can get a contract, so can Revis.
Ogletree or Austin Collie would be good #3 receiver options.
January 24th, 2013 at 7:10 am
oooops my bad it was only $6 mil for 2013,, go make the trade. the reason the jets wanna trade him is because their not sure if they can resign him long term and he has a clause in his contract that states he can NOT be franchised. thats y their looking into the trade market. lets make it happen!!!!! BUC IT IM OUT!!!
January 24th, 2013 at 9:34 am
I agree if we could get Revis knee injury and all I’ll take him all day baby!! Him alone would take us from last to 20 before he even stepped on the field. I would give the Jets our 1st round pick and the Jets give us there 2nd or 3rd round pick and we pick up the contract. We’re weare pick at the #13 spot. I’d take Revis over anyone of them. He’ll recover from the knee. Come on Rock Star GM Make It happen!!!
January 24th, 2013 at 10:05 am
Dominick will not invest $10-15 milliion a year plus multiple draft picks that it would cost for a CB who is coming back from knee surgery. He hasn’t played a full season in two years. I’m pretty sure he will hold out again for 2014 for a new contract which will pay him as the highest paid CB. I would love to have Revis, but to get him to stay in Tampa might be too costly.
January 24th, 2013 at 10:28 am
Not so sure we want to waste a pick on a 1-year Revis, unless it’s a lower pick, considering he will command way too much in his next contract. Obviously we can fill our CB void without wasting that much money on one player in FA. We need to spend that money on our slot vacancy…Wes Welker or Greg Jennings. I prefer Welker, but either one would be good. Then we need to sign the Bennet Brothers, sign Roy Miller, draft 1 CB, 1 MLB, 1 TE, 1 S, 1 QB and then fill in depth. While our D line did not perform well in the sack column this past year, I predict they will light it up even with an average pass defense. If we sign Bennett and Welker/Jennings and Free doesn’t perform this year, there is no way in hell he is resigned.
January 24th, 2013 at 11:07 am
Funny how the Jets have the wisdom to deal Reavis while he still has value but the Bucs will allow Gosh to eat all that salary cap next year and then lose him without any compensation.
If they signed Reavis he might only make it through 4 gauntlets before he hears a loud pop (Brian Price) from his knee and goes down in a heap. The Teflon Dom will trade him for a 7th rounder before the stretcher can load him up and remove him.
Maybe, the Little General will give him the Bower’s exemption.
January 24th, 2013 at 11:25 am
Patrick never I mean never bring up the name Micheal Clayton ever again.
January 24th, 2013 at 11:33 am
@Miguel
Jets Wisdom? The same Jets that signed Sanchez to that ridiculous contract? The only reason why The Bucs won’t trade Josh is because nothing better out there to replace him with. Kansas City will not trade for him now that Andy Reid is the coach. The main reason they are trying to trade Revis is because they can’t band-aid his contract anymore. He will command too much money and since Cromartie made the pro-bowl they have a replacement for him. We can’t the same for our backup.
January 24th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Millner or Reevis hmmm.Millner doesn’t even project as a shut down corner.The other is the ultimate shut down corner.The jet’s are desprate(-19 mill in cap space) a first rounder is all they’ll get.His cap hit is 9 mill woopty do Wright was 7.5mill.If we cut Wright loose I believe we’ll have 38 mill to spend.That could mean we would lose Bennett thou.Team’s are drafting for need over best available.Way more wheeling and dealing and trading down to get a value pick.Team’s don’t reach for a guy that is ranked 40th by most experts.With the 20th overall they trade down to 30th.Except the Raider’s of course.The Saint’s and Panther’s cap situation is funny.The Buc’s picking right before them each round.Plus a couple bonus pick’s.A 4th seed schedule and the cap situation.The Buc’s will project to finish 2nd in the south.
January 24th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Honestly I don’t think the Bucs will have to give up a 1st round pick for Revis. The Jets are trying to get what they can before the reshape their roster so They would probably take a 2nd for him unless there is a bidding war for him and I don’t think many teams outside of Miami Dolphins has the cap room to afford his contract.
January 24th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I would not give up a 1 or a 2 pick for a 1 yr Revis. He’s good, but injured, with no future guarantees. Maybe trade a player or two, including Wright, but no more than a 4’th round pick. If he was healthy it would be a different story.