Mocking: Desmond Trufant
April 18th, 2013
Man, Joe was so scarred by what passed as pass defense last year for the Bucs, he still can’t shake the memories of receivers running like wild African antelope evading hungry cheetah.
Guess this is what experts refer to as “posttraumatic stress disorder?”
Even if the Bucs somehow keep the No. 13 pick this year, and trade for Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, Joe wouldn’t be shocked if the Bucs grabbed a corner in the first round of next week’s draft.
Good guy Peter Schrager is of the same mind. The FoxSports.com columnist and tireless NFL beat worker believes NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell will call out the name of Desmond Trufant when (if?) the Bucs select at No. 13.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Tampa Bay hit the jackpot with its first three draft picks a season ago, nailing home runs with Mark Barron, Doug Martin, and Lavonte David. Trufant has the right blood lines — two brothers who played in the NFL — and the production at the college level to be worthy of a top-15 pick. A lock-down guy, he was a star at the Senior Bowl and ran an eye-popping 4.31 40 at the Combine. This is higher than a lot of other mock drafts will list him, but I don’t think Trufant escapes the Top 20. I think he’s a better fit than Xavier Rhodes, too. Of course, this all changes if a certain guy named Revis joins the team in the coming weeks.
Joe likes this pick. From what Joe has read, expect a rush at corner early. As many as six of the first 10 teams drafting have a need for a corner. That’s why Joe didn’t blink when he read a draft mocker suggest the Bucs trade up to get Xavier Rhodes.
There is nothing to dislike about Trufant, though Joe has heard some quibble he’s not physical enough.
Right now, the Bucs just need a corner who can cover lamppost, please.
April 18th, 2013 at 11:47 am
I would love for the bucs to draft this kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only reason more folks don’t know about him is because he played out in the west coast. He has seen more passing offenses than either Rhodes or Milliner.
April 18th, 2013 at 11:48 am
I dislike plenty. Huge reach at 13. Everyone blinded by his combine 40 time needs to go watch his film. It is not close to good enough to justify this high of a pick. His press technique is just bad. He makes a lot of boneheaded decisions in coverage. He isn’t very physical at all. His hips are terrible. His backpedal is worse.
April 18th, 2013 at 11:51 am
IF the Bucs get Revis there is absolutely zero chance they take another corner
in the first round. They will go after a DT to take the heat off of McCoy and make that front four beastly. Why would they take another corner in the first?? Are they going to sit Eric Wright? Are you going to draft a corner in the first and then make him a backup? Doesn’t make sense. No. If they get Revis they will set their sights on Eifert or Richardson. I think it will be Richardson at 13 or trade down for Eifert.
April 18th, 2013 at 11:53 am
If we get Revis we won’t’ have #13.
April 18th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
I would love this move too.
April 18th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
I can dig it.
Although, I would prefer I trade down and the pick up of a 4th or 5th and then select Trufant. Maybe package those to move up again? Who knows? If we don’t trade down I think I would prefer a DT with this pick.
Also, Meh, I don’t watch college ball so correct me if I am wrong but weren’t both of his fairly-successful brothers graded pretty low when they came out? They both turned out okay and they are definitely boosting Desmond’s draft stock.
Just sayin’.
I can’t wait for the draft!
April 18th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
So long as Trufant is the BPA with the 13th pick.
It would be shameful to take a lesser talent, only because our GM mismanaged the Cornerback Position in regards to free agency.
I hope we pick BPA. We are not a talented enough team to sacrifice talent over need.
If we were 1 CB away from the Superbowl, then by all means reach, reach , and reach some more.
What is the point of reaching on a CB, only to further our overall team talent in regards to the rest of the league?
April 18th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
If the BPA were a running back, you would want that?
April 18th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@stevek
Dom has ALWAYS drafted what they feel is BPA – to an extent. (Obviously, no matter how talented of a safety or running back is available we will not take one in the first). There has never been more evidence of that than last years draft. We take Barron when safety was a weak position but not necessarily a “need”. Then we trade up (very smoothly and right in front of the HB needy Giants) for Doug Martin, when we already had a proven back on the roster. Gerald McCoy was a huge talent matched with a major need. Freeman was a potential talent that also matched a huge need. The is about finding the correct ratio of talent and need.
I know a lot of people are under the impression that Dom somehow forgot/ignored the CB position. I assure you, this is NOT the case. If Dom takes a corner it will be because they value a corner at that position. Dom has not been accused (by anybody credible) of reaching for a pick. He has always been praised for getting a lot of value for where he makes selections.
This is not biased, blind Dom love.
Also, what other positions are SO devoid of talent that we could not be playoff contenders with the addition of one legitimate corner? DT is debatable but Roy Miller’s position will be relatively easy to replace in this scheme. Not necessarily with a major talent but with a serviceable player.
The ONLY position holding us back right now is the corner position. Its the only one that keeps us from being playoff contenders.
April 18th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I hope the score of 7 on the Wonderlic test stops the Tavon Austin talk.
April 18th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@NJBucsFan
I believe A.J. Green scored a 10, Percy Harvin scored a 12, and Hakeem Nicks scored an 11.
Just sayin’
April 18th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Trufant is a massive upgrade over what we have. Anyone is an upgrade. Last I checked, his Brother Marcus is still available as a free agent.
We should sign them boh
Then we’d have two Cbs.. Don’t have any now
April 18th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Also, Frank Gore scored a 6.
April 18th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Sorry for all the posts but for more on the credibility of the Wonderlic check this out:
http://deadspin.com/5899735/why-does-the-nfl-still-use-the-wonderlic
April 18th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Not saying it dictates the players ability, but this coaching staff will not pick players that do not fit a certain mold. I would imagine a Buccaneer Man would need to score well on the test.
April 18th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
@NJBucsFan
I certainly hope not. With what I have seen I hope they don’t even look at the Wonderlic.
In that article I linked Jerry Reese (GM of the Giants) said that you actually have to be careful with the ones that score high. This is because they know they have a fallback if their NFL career does not pan out (Possibly making them not give as much effort). Whereas a player that scores really low knows that the NFL is their ONLY chance to make something of themselves.
Also, in TE’s and DB’s, on average, the ones that scored lower actually outperformed their high-scoring counterparts.
April 18th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
I really like Trufant the best…BUT, I really think the Bucs go DT (Star or Richardson) and try to trade back up to take him if he falls.
April 18th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Star…Star…Star…Do not waste a first rounder on a CB unless it is Milliner. We keep hearing that this is a very deep CB class. Draft corners in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Hold out on Revis till next year, when we won’t have to waste picks and will have a good idea of whether he is stil great. We need DL help. Star Lotulelei would immediately make our line better than last year. Dude is a beast and was expected to be the number 1 pick until his heart problem, which turned out to be nothing. Enough with the Tavon talk. Either get Milliner, Star or trade back to get a CB…don’t reach.
April 18th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Good straight line speed, but his hips look stiff at the combine when conducting changing of direction drills. I think he’ll be a decent player in the NFL, but #13 is way too high. There’s good value for CB in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I could generate a list of about 10 quality CB we can take in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. We also need a run stuffing DT, TE or slot receiver, DE depth and OL depth. Our DT need is more of a role position and can easily be filled in the 3rd round by picking the man beast Brandon Williams. DE depth can be filled with the 4th round and wave of free agency after the draft. No need to waste a 1st round pick here until we know exactly what we have in Clayborn & Bowers. The OL depth can also be filled with the post draft wave of free agency. That leaves our #13 pick on a TE or slot receiver. I think our slot can be adequately filled with Underwood, Ogletree and Smith provided we get a great TE. This will make our passing game dynamic and leave Josh with no excuses but to put up massive numbers. All great offenses have multiple receiving options, not just 2 like we currently have. I would try to trade back a few positions to get Tyler Eifert at a later pick. If that’s not possible, then I just bite the bullet and pick Eifert a little early. His 6’6” frame will go a long way to complement Josh’s less than stellar accuracy in short passes.
April 18th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
This kid may have the best footwork of all the cbs in the draft(excluding Millner)
April 18th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
West Coast Bucs Fan,
We are in dire need of a CB or two or even three.
We need a starting TE, RT, and MLB.
Stack the Bucs roster against the: Saints or the Falcons. How do we compete? It will be by drafting the BPA. If we reach and grab the 3rd or 4th CB on the draft board, then we are sacrificing much more talent at another position of “need”.
We “need” to be a playoff team again.
We “need” to pick BPA, in order not to create a further gap in talent with the rest of the NFL.
April 18th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
My only problem with Trufant is that he drops a few ints. Rhodes is a better playmaker, but I think Trufant will be a more consistent corner.
April 18th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
@stevek
Again, CB is the only “need” and we only “need” one starter. All the other positions are in “need” of depth. We have seven tight ends on the roster so we don’t even “need” depth there. RT is set with Demar Dotson and Jamon Meredith. (An upgrade would be nice but it is NOT a “need”). At MLB we have Mason Foster and Adam Hayward. Mason Foster started the season at pro bowl caliber level of play and Adam Hayward is a very serviceable backup.
The Saints and Falcons have had more time to build their teams. Brees and Ryan were already on their respective rosters when Dom took over the Bucs.
I agree, we do. Dom and Schiano will make that happen.
April 18th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Westcoastbucfan.
Dom is 24-40. The Bucs have finished last 4 out of 5 years.
We”need “more than one cornerback. We last our starting Nosetackle and San Lber. We have no TE. No Slot Wr. And only excuses for CBs
Despite your unjustified praise and optimism- it’s a badly assembled team, with a bad GM.
We do have some great players. Hopefully they can get us out of last place
April 18th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
I like what you did there timmy. Gave Dom credit for a 5th year that never took place?
You fail to see any sort of context timmy. This is the MAJOR FLAW in your thinking.
That 24-40 has to be taken with context. Let me give it to you:
Dom’s first year on the job he had to gut the entire team (if you think he didn’t need permission/was ordered to cut legend Derrick Brooks or the other vets you are high). Three players are left from the old regime that was in place only five years ago. A true testament to how horrible Allen/Gruden were at managing the team. Nobody expected a first year Coach/GM to muster even an 8-8 season(and they didn’t). Next season they, arguably, overachieved and lost out on a tiebreaker after winning TEN GAMES. Thats only happened a handful of times. Then Raheem gets some steam going next season (I think they started 4-1) then BOOM, McCoy goes down and Raheem loses his team entirely. Next season, Raheem is, deservedly, fired and in comes Schiano. (Finally a guy that Dom was actually involved in selecting.) In Schiano’s first year he comes in and sets the tone and, arguably, over achieves to a 7-9 record with a lot of losses coming in the closing minutes of games.
Context timmy. Its the reason Freeman is not being dubbed the best quarterback to ever where a Bucs jersey despite breaking all sorts of franchise records. Learn some context and maybe someone can take your views seriously.
April 18th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Some more context for you. Our “last place” finish this year (in our division) involved a three way tie at 7-9 with the Panthers and Saints. We were only technically last because of tie breakers. We finished with just as many wins and losses as the Panthers and Saints.
Context.
April 18th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
So, then you agree that Schiano was the impetus for getting rid of Winslow.
Since he was there until Schiano’s camps and all. Context, right?
April 18th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
@Oil Derrick Brooks
The impetus for sure. Winslow ousted himself though. He heard “toes on the line” and ran for the hills. Schiano did not command Dom to get rid of him. (Not that anyone can prove it one way or another). That is because he did not need to. Winslow distanced himself from the team and (without information stating otherwise) you have to assume Dominik (the person in charge of player personnel) got rid of him. Any fan stating otherwise is speculating. The GM is responsible for all personnel moves unless stated otherwise.
April 18th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
Then the GM is responsible for all hires. That includes Raheem, Jagz, Copper, etc. It cannot be both ways.
As much you claim to not be a Dom fanboy, you certainly give him every benefit of the doubt , yet, give him credit for things that seem glaringly obvious (Schiano did not want Winslow, etc.) My point is, if Schiano were not on staff, Winslow would not have been moved. Ergo, Schiano was responsible for Winslow being gone.
April 18th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
“You are who your record says you are.”
Despite all of your excuses, scenarios, and general B.S.- the facts remain
24-40. Last place every year but one( 3rd place)
After4 years of rebuilding
A) worst Secondary/pass defense in the league. By far
B) defensive line has no starting nose tackle. No depth. Is still a work in progress.
C) still incomplete WR corp. despite wasting picks on Benn, Straughter, stocker, etc, etc. – we still have no slot Reciever. No TE. No depth. To great starters- nothing else.
D) Linebackers- we have David and foster- no Sam LB. little depth.
I could go on- but why? DL, LBers, secondary still missing starters, have no depth. Defense is incomplete- After 4 years of rebuilding and excuses.
Wr unit not complete. Wasted picks, no depth.
RB needs depth. Line Needs depth. No competition at QB
After 4 years.
We had a better record the year before Dom took over.
Yeah- context that crap. Play politician all you want. Dom has failed.
Team needs a real GM to move forward!
April 18th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Maybe you should whisper your name in the Glazer’s ear Tim? Obviously your brilliance and expertise in being an arm chair GM is far superior to anything Mark Dom could do for us.
April 18th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@Oil Derrick Brooks
Im sorry but Dom takes zero blame for Raheem, they were promoted at the same time and Dom had no voice in that decision. That is a fact. Jags was a horrible decision yes but give Dom credit for recognizing it quickly and getting rid of him. Cooper was part of a series of coaching hires that were last minute because of how late Schiano was hired. It is still Doms fault for selecting him but its not like there were very many options out there. I never said Dom was without his faults, he has very many. Especially in his first couple of years.
As far as Winslow is concerned, you stated previously that Schiano got rid of Winslow and you purposely said that it wasn’t Dom. Winslow left because of Schiano yes, but not by Schiano’s command.
@timmy
FACT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers averaged 297.4 passing yards allowed per game. (32nd). New Orleans averaged 292.6 passing yards allowed per game.
By far? I think not. The pass defense will be much improved with the addition of Goldson by himself, let alone the players we pick up.
FACT: Bucs on roster at DT: Clebert, Richard; Gibson, Gary; Irvin, Corvey; Levingston, Pep; Masifilo, Matthew; McCoy, Gerald;
A nose tackle in this defense is a dime a dozen. A guy that can take two blockers every play can be had in third round of this draft. Still a work in progress? I guess if Pro bowler Gerald McCoy, Da’quan Bowers, and Adrian Clayborn are lacking talent then yes, a work in progress. We need one starter. (As if every team in the NFL is not a “work in progress”)
This is the most hilarious one.
FACT: WRs on the roster: Douglas, David; Jackson, Vincent; Ogletree, Kevin; Owusu, Chris; Page, Eric; Smith, Steve; Underwood, Tiquan
Incomplete? Seriously? Stroughter in the seventh was a waste? This speaks volume about your lack of football knowledge. We have seven TEs on the roster. Steve Smith, Kevin Ogletree, and Tiquan Underwood will duke it out for the slot position. Did you expect them to acquire a premium talent for a position used so little in this offense?
The SAM LB took about 30% of the total defensive snaps last season so excuse me if we are not scrambling to fill the spot with a talented starter. Ever heard of Dekoda Watson? Maybe Adam Hayward? Little depth? What a joke.
You actually can’t go on because most of what you said is either speculation or false. By the way this “incomplete defense” was number one against the run last year. No easy task even with a terrible secondary.
We also had a better year the year after Dom took over.
You see when I put all of your cute little bullets into context they really have no bearing. We have a real GM and even if we didn’t I would not be so ignorant as to call the off-season “totally blown” before the draft has even taken place. Im sorry timmy but you are wrong. Now act like you never saw this and continue commenting on newer articles before you get embarrassed.
April 18th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
you know, sometimes i get REALLY frustrated at some of the “fan’s” “assessment” of the team on here….
…then i see something written out so thoughtfully, acurately and backed up properly and it puts a smile on my face…
thank you WCB.
April 18th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
No, thank you Celly. I understand your frustrations. I can only sit back for so long while timmy and others make baseless accusations. Then Joe interprets what this minority says and the goes on to say that “Bucs fans are calling for Doms head…etc…” when it is only a few short-sighted but vocal people.
I am not on anybody’s “side”. I just do not appreciate the twisting of a few stats (24-40) and making bold statements like “…team needs a real GM…”. Football teams operate just like that, a TEAM. One part of the organization not doing their job can bring the whole team down. Rah dragged this team down. Then Wright and Talib dragged this team down with their unreliability. Dominik made the mistake of trusting both of them so he gave Wright a “prove it” deal and shipped out Talib. He corrected the problem, what more can you ask for?
There are fine lines between optimism, pessimism, and realism.
If I told you Josh Freeman broke franchise records for a Buccaneers QB you would think he was amazing until I put it into the “CONTEXT” of the fact that he choked at the end of the season and cost us a game or two and was part of the reason we missed the playoffs.
Context is everything.
April 18th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Celly and West Coast Buc Fan,
Fact: We have had 2 straight seasons of 5+ game losing streaks.
We are 30% under salary cap.
We are 24-40, with 2 drafted pro bowls in 4 years under our GM.
Our GM paid: Derrick Ward, Mike Nugent, and Michael Clayton. Whoops, Dom, whoops.
We need to not be mediocre anymore. We need to win.
We need to make the 2013 playoffs.
If Dom and Freeman can’t make it to the playoffs in 5 years, than good riddance. Too many rookie QBs and 2nd year QBs have played well, and played well in the playoffs. It would be foolish to extend the GM and QB that can’t flat out get it done.
April 18th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
The joy of being delusional, I guess.
Reality beckons
April 18th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
Speechless huh timmy? Nothing to say after everything you said was shot down? (By a young whipper snapper no less). Unless of course you mean that YOU have the, “joy of being delusional”? Which does make a little sense. No quirky comebacks or smart remarks?
Priceless, thank you timmy.
@stevek
Your referring to moves made three to four years ago, let it go.
I just got through talking to timmy about context and then you throw this out there?
One losing streak came on a head coach’s last year and the other was on a head coaches first year. Did you expect Schiano to come in and take the Bucs to the playoffs in his very first year as an NFL head coach? The ten game losing streak was Rah’s fault, that is why he is gone (If it was Dom’s fault HE would be gone). Unless of course you think that you know better than Dom or the Glazers? The five game losing streak was just that, a streak of losses. It happens. You can lose five games and still go 11-5. A five game losing streak does not need any other explanation other than that it was a rookie coach’s first season at the helm.
I am scratching my head as to why $30 million of cap room is a problem? Do you think Dom is willing to just deal with the penalties of not meeting the salary cap floor? The draft has yet to come, relax.
I don’t have any problem with this and I agree entirely. Where we differ is on the belief that Dom can get it done. I believe he can and apparently you and timmy believe he can’t. That is where it is at because from that point it becomes speculation and I don’t argue speculation.
April 18th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Celly- you from San Francisco also?
April 18th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Yes timmy, call out other posters because the guy directing messages right at you embarrassed you so badly. You are so low you are calling people out for where they (potentially) live? Laughable timmy. You are so arrogant you call yourself “Capt. Tim”. I am sure you Captain the crap out of that little dinghy of yours.
April 18th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
West Coast Bucs Fan,
Great points, thanks for breaking it up and clarifying for my thick skull, much appreciated.
You say:
“I don’t have any problem with this and I agree entirely. Where we differ is on the belief that Dom can get it done. I believe he can and apparently you and timmy believe he can’t. That is where it is at because from that point it becomes speculation and I don’t argue speculation.”
– I believe he can too, he has 2013 to get to the playoffs. If there was doubt in his ability to lead a franchise, then he would not be GM.
I am not doubting, I am just stating the cold hard facts of losing.
Playoffs in 2013 or new GM and new QB. Dom can save his skin if he gets us Revis, or drafts another triplet of good players.
I am just pointing out the facts, 30 million in cap space- no FA CB, not a problem, as long as we make the playoffs. The moment we are knocked out of the playoffs, all these reasons will surface as the the “culprits” of mediocrity.
I just want to see the “best effort” from all hands on deck.
April 18th, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Westcoastcoachfan
What’s to talk about? The team feeds us crap for 4 years. Most don’t like it. Some love the taste!
You are just another confused, self indulgent Californian- happily telling us how lucky we are, having Dom, and losing every year!!
And why wouldn’t you?
You don’t hike miles to get to the stadium, after paying $20 bucks to park. You don’t get frisked by security, then go to you $750 dolkar seats. Toting your $50 bucks worth of Beer and hotdogs.
You don’t sit in the stadium, when its 110 degrees in the seats, watching our CBs lose the track meet with the opponents WRs. You don’t watch our secondary giving up 500 + yards.
No. The most you’ve done, is buy NFL ticket. If the Bucs suck, you flip to the Niners. The most you have to endure, is flipping channels.
Yet here you are. Telling us lucky Tampa fans how lucky we are. How grateful we should be to finish in last place every year. You don’t spend a nickel on the team, but think somehow you can convince us if the joys of losing.
Pull your head out of your butt, and go watch the Rams,err, Raiders. We know bad ( and good) football when we see it. You enjoy your” NFL ticket. If we need someone to kiss Dom’s butt repeatly, we’ll call you.
April 19th, 2013 at 12:09 am
@Capt. Tim
So, going to games makes your opinion worth more than mine? Or that you actually live in Tampa? Facts are facts, whether I went to games or not.
To suggest I simply “flip teams” when the Bucs are losing is probably the biggest insult you could give to a fellow Bucs fan. I mean, how dare you? I felt every bit of heartache from every single loss last year. You think I feel it less because I am on the West coast? Because I don’t fork out the $1000+ a game that you seem to do? (those numbers seem a bit inflated if you ask me). What kind of jackass do you have to be to insinuate such things?
It actually is worse here in California. At least you have fellow Buc fans to converse with. This is it for me. Joe’s website and other fan sites. No one here to talk Bucs. I grew up in Tampa. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a Buc fan.
Its easy to be a Buc fan living in Florida. Try being one knee deep in Raider country. You know how many arguments I get into with random Raider fans just for wearing my Bucs gear?
When did I say we were lucky to have Dom? Your just grasping at straws now making up things as you go. I don’t LIKE losing. I don’t know how ignorant someone would have to be assume such a thing. (Well, apparently I do know how ignorant someone has to be.) I simply understand why we are losing and you fail to do the same. Your ignorance has reached such a level that you call an off-season “totally blown” before the draft has even started. Do you even realize how ignorant that is?
Simply put timmy, all your points have been proven wrong so, backed into a corner, you attack my loyalty as Buc fan. It is really just sad. You contribute NOTHING on this site. All you do is spew negativity. “blah, blah, blah….last place this….blah, blah, blah…..24-40 that……etc” like a damn broken record. SAY SOMETHING ORIGINAL.
Better yet, just go away.
April 19th, 2013 at 12:27 am
@stevek
Well said. You at least use some actual logic to come to your conclusions. The same cannot be said for poor timmy.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:15 am
How did Tim’s points get shot down? I’ve in the past argued vehemently with Tim about aqib Talib but facts are facts. Dimitroff turned Atlanta into a powerhouse signing turner in his prime and dealing a rd two pick for tony Gonzalez. Dom trades our even more valuable round two pick with studs like shady McCoy Matt forte and ray rice on the board for Winslow who he then made the highest paid tight end in league history while signing ward to big money…
Dom is inept but he will give big money so lets just prey he does nothing to save his own butt; even if it hampers our flexibility moving forward. I do appreciate Doug Martin and Lavonte David but also felt we should have went Claiborne last year and safety this year. Lots of excellent safety prospects in this draft we can only prey Barron learns to cover better or I find it hard to buy him as worthy of being selected over Claiborne and Gilmore
April 19th, 2013 at 3:11 am
Dimitroff and the Falcons have one playoff win in five seasons. Dom and company have a chance to match that this season.
When people like to point out Dom’s “ineptitude” they ALWAYS point to the transactions in his first year or two. That’s because he has learned from his mistakes and doesn’t make them nearly as often.
April 19th, 2013 at 10:28 am
Dimitroff (twice named Executive of the year by TSN) has been to the playoffs 4 of 5 years. 5 consecutive winning seasons. 2 division championships. One drafted Matt Ryan, the other Freeman (please save me the Raheem stuff, GMs are responsible for all personnel, right? or does he get ANOTHER gimme?) But, by all means, don’t point that stuff out. You have a knack for cherry picking facts.
Doesn’t make them nearly as often? You mean like last years defensive back debacle? If he a bare minimum contingency plan, the team could have made the playoffs. That’s all on him. Just last season. Not 2009.
The team would still be paying off Haynesworth’s signing bonus, if he had yes to Dominik. He wanted Haynesworth. I knew that guy was a lazy piece of crap who played hard his contract year while he was in Tennessee. But, Dominik and the Redskins wanted him (Nice company, aye?).
You also like to keep pointing out it’s his first GM job and how bad the roster was when he took over. Filled with bad, old free agents, correct? Who do you think was director of pro personnel since 2001. But, I’m sure that wasn’t his fault, right? Blame that on the old regime, right?
All I hear is excuses. You act like most GM’s don’t walk into bad situations, where they have to gut the roster. In fact, MOST do.
Context, what a joke. Like billionaire owners care about context, not results. Context did not make them billionaires, results did.
April 19th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
So you name one mistake (as opposed to the slew of mistakes in his first two years) and then proceed to bring up old transactions that never even occurred? Hey guess what? Jerry Reese took a risk and put Jake Ballard (a young, up and coming tight end) on IR only to have him snatched up by the Patriots. Even the best GMs make mistakes at times. Oh and before this gets totally blown out of proportion I am NOT comparing Reese to Dom, just giving examples. Speaking of the Giants and their GM, they didn’t even make the playoffs this past season. He must be a terrible GM right?
As far as the Falcons are concerned, I don’t care where TSN ranks him. It matters about as much as some claim pro bowl voting to matter. The bottom line is they have one playoff win in five years. All of those “successful” seasons only got them low draft picks and bragging rights in the division. Nothing else. Dom and the Bucs can match and actually do better than one playoff win in five seasons. But that’s just potential. We have to wait and see how that pans out.
Oh, and you call me out for cherry picking facts? But its okay to mention that they “almost” signed Haynesworth, however, I am cherry picking if I mention Nicks, Jackson, and Goldson? Get a grip.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
I have tried three times now to respond, and its not showing up.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
I will try bit by bit, maybe we can see where the filter is:
One mistake…like it’s small. It was nearly the worse passing defense in HISTORY. “One mistake” LOL. That’s like saying drafting Ryan Leaf is just one mistake. It’s another failure on his watch. Tell me how that team would not have made the playoffs, if he had an iota of a DB contingency plan last season. You simply can’t.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:12 pm
What’s wrong with mentioning Fat Albert? Are you denying he offered him more $ than Cerrato/Washington? That simply adds too his screwups. We are simply lucky he said no to Dominik.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
It really blows that certain things I post don’t show up. I have two paragraphs that say they are posted (duplication warning) but do not show…
I never said you cherry picked those signings. I like them. But, it’s not enough. No one is patting proven good GM’s on the head for their signings. It’s expected. “You want a cookie?”
April 19th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
I will try reworking the sentences to get around the NON filters.
Stop trying to compare potential with results. You might be the only fan I have ever known in my life of following pro football who doesn’t care about five winning seasons, two South crowns, and a clearly better franchise QB. C’mon, this is getting pathetic.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@Oil Derrick Brooks
That is correct, we are very lucky Haynesworth opted for Washington. You don’t think it is a bit low to criticize a man for something that never even happened? You criticize him for attempting to acquire what was largely considered to be the best FA DT in a long time?
Hindsight is 20/20. You claim to have “known” that Haynesworth would be a bust at the time? You had this amazing inside information that Bruce Allen and Dominik did not have access to?
Dom gambled with the secondary last season. He knew expectations were low with a new coach. So he went with Talib and Wright. They both got suspended. Bummer. The worst case scenario happened. We still went 7-9 and are in great position to make the playoffs this year.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Unfortunately I cant get the rest of my post to go through. It involved comparing Jerry Reese, instead of people like Piolo and Cerrato. Much closer comparisons. (in reality, not potential, that’s where I live).
What did Bruce Allen have to do with Haynesworth? That was a bidding war between Cerrato and Dominick. That was to be his big splash first signing. Niiiiiice.
I had access to it?? Everyone in the league apparently did but those two.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Dom gambled, has always gambled, and continues to gamble. That’s my problem with him.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
My point is they didn’t DO anything with their two South crowns and five playoff appearances. They do have a better QB but he was picked up before Dom took over. What QB has come out that would have been a clearly better option than Freeman? Dalton, Kaepernick, and Wilson? All guys taken after the first round and, at the time, were no sure thing.
What GM doesn’t gamble? What successful GM plays it safe all the time and is a consistent contender? The aggressive or “risky” teams are the ones that compete. You don’t get anywhere by “playing it safe”.
April 19th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
That’s great that that is your point. But, it’s not better. Dimitroff is better based on results. Results matter. It’s that simple.
Ever team aspires to win the division, then the Super Bowl. Atlanta was how far from the Super Bowl? How many plays away? That’s how close Dimitroff was.
This is really sad. I will get back to you on the QB thing. Busy.
April 19th, 2013 at 2:07 pm
I never said Dimitroff wasn’t better. He has definitely been better at acquiring talent thus far. It took the Falcons five years to get to the championship game. If Dimitroff sets the bar than Dom gets five years by default.
All I am saying is there is a reason Dom is still the GM. Lets find out why. I would not consider his career as a GM thus far as a “success” but not necessarily a “failure” either. More like, “to be determined”. He was handcuffed with Rah and the players Rah wanted. Dom ultimately makes personnel decisions but the coach and GM work as a team. The coach knows what he needs and influences part of the GMs decision. The GM is not going to go out and acquire a 3-4 OLB to come play a 4-3 defense. There needs to be some level of communication there.
Coaching has been more of a problem to this point, more so than a lack of talent. (Not that it can be PROVEN one way or the other).
April 19th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
If you are going to point your finger at Rah for personnel decisions then, I will in turn say that last year’s success can be conversely attributed to Schiano. You can’t have it both ways, man. It’s one way or the other.
Dimitroff went to the playoffs in his first season. The year before they were 4-12. He followed that up with a 9-7 year (no playoffs) and then 3 straight playoff appearances. He has been a better GM.
Sure, by all mean, take the 5th year…
THE GM is responsible for all coaching hires, as well as personnel decisions. If the coaching was bad (not just Rah), that’s on him. There’s has been a ton of coaching turnover at the position level. That’s his responsibility.
There’s a reason he’s still GM? I am sure you hope and believe there is a reason. As of today, neither of us know. And the history of this team with and before this ownership has proven the reason is not always a solid or valid one.
April 19th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
I am not trying to have it both ways. The head coach and GM run the team as a unit. The GM gets the players and the coach develops them. That is how it works. Position coaches only have so much impact. It is the head coach and, to some extent, the coordinators that directly control the on-field results.
And yes, I think Schiano had a great affect on our players and even a guy or two we took in the 4th and 5th rounds. Now that we have a “team” of a head coach and GM we can start our road to the playoffs. There is not a coach in the NFL that doesn’t have some input on personnel decisions. And who knows? Maybe Schiano looked at our group of corners last season and said, “I can make this work”. That is getting into speculation though.
I am trying to make this as clear as possible. My position on Dom is that he has done just ENOUGH to keep his job thus far. Nothing more and nothing less. I do not think he is some genius sent from God to lead us to the Super Bowl, as has been implied. If we lose this season then crap. That sucks. Evaluate all members of the team and if we lost due to a lack of talent then FIRE DOM. Boot him out of here and bring in someone that can do it better. I am all for it!
As far as the Glazers are concerned, they brought in Dungy (a successful pick up). Then Gruden (another successful pickup). Then promoted Raheem (the ten win season was nice, right? Ultimately a failure). Now we have Schiano (At least looks like a good coach thus far). I would like to think they have been fairly successful at choosing FO and coaches, when necessary.