BY IRA KAUFMAN

You’d better believe he has Jason Licht’s full attention.

In overseeing the past 10 drafts for the Bucs, Licht has shown a knack for hitting on offensive linemen. He overcame a sluggish start at the position, selecting Kadeem Edwards and Kevin Pamphile in the fifth round of his inaugural 2014 draft.

Edwards never played a game for Tampa Bay and Pamphile was a pedestrian 2-year starter at left guard before Ali Marpet wisely found a home there in 2018. Those were two misses, yet hardly mistakes worth noting because few fifth-round picks make any noise at the next level.

Licht hit it big the following year, grabbing Donovan Smith and Marpet in the second round. Caleb Benenoch, taken in the fifth round in 2016, was released by Calgary of the CFL last summer after a nondescript NFL career.

Again, no big deal. [read more]

A tray of Hooters wings and their great salads, sandwiches and shrimp make for a heck of a lunch or dinner! Get it done! Locations are across the Bay area and online ordering is always easy from Joe’s great friends.

The Bucs don’t need a quarterback. They’ve got Pro Bowl QB Baker Mayfield and the guy that allegedly was within inches of winning the starting job from Mayfield last season: Kyle Trask. [read more]

USC Running back MarShawn Lloyd.

The Bucs need a running back. Anyone paying attention knows it, especially if they’re listening to Todd Bowles and understanding how much the man wants a solid running game.

[read more]

Washington QB Michael Penix.

Quietly stunning revelation yesterday. [read more]

Sad confession.

Joe is starting to come around on this tackling thing. [read more]

Tampa-bound, mockers believe.

Joe was listening to a podcast recently where the hosts like to gamble on the draft. [read more]

Will Gholston explains how he stays in shape well into his 30s.

Bucs defensive lineman Will Gholston will turn 33 during training camp this summer. A true graybeard in the NFL. [read more]

Welcome to your Morning Cup of Joe, an eye-opener to help Joe’s readers ease into their busy workday with a few football links, wacky news and a pleasant distraction. [read more]

“Violent” West Virginia C Zach Frazier.

Fun stuff here. [read more]

Draft fans might be surprised by some comments from Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian.

It’s that time of year when nobody wants to hear that 14 or so players snagged in the Round 1 of the NFL Draft next week will be busts. [read more]

The Saints were famous for their Bountygate scandal that saw players earn under-the-table cash for knocking out opponents with ferocious hits.

The Bucs had a less scandalous cash incentive system during the Tom Brady years, orchestrated by Brady himself. [read more]

Flash poll posted at 11:34 a.m. Poll closed at 2:10 p.m.

Focused on improved YAC.

Joe gives Rachaad White props. The man knows what he needs to work on. [read more]

Baker Mayfield is an emotional cat, a very human dude in a game with a ruthless business side.

Just look at Tampa Bay cutting Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett, who had multiple suitors for solid money as soon as he hit the street. [read more]

No risk it; no biscuit.

Unless he really blows chunks in training camp and/or the Bucs draft a corner at No. 26, Zyon McCollum will start at cornerback. He already has been ordained by Bucs coach Todd Bowles to replace traded Carlton Davis. [read more]

“Ignore that, Ed. He thinks he knows what he doesn’t know, so there’s know way he knows what you and I think we know.”

So why is Peter Schrager’s mock draft different from all other mock drafts? And why should Bucs fans care?

Joe has answers. [read more]

Defense could be “destructive.”

On Monday, the Bucs announced that veteran defensive lineman Will Gholston will return. He is the second-longest tenured Bucs player. Only Lavonte David has been around longer. [read more]

Due to explode?

Boy, the Bucs on Monday saved Joe. It was getting to the point that all the draft content was about to trigger Joe to jump out a window. Lawd, the NFL could easily move up the draft a couple of weeks. [read more]