Defensive Ends Sliding?
February 20th, 2013
Yes, the NFL Scouting Combine starts tomorrow, an event Joe likes to call “The World’s Largest Indoor Track Practice.” Others like to call it the “Underwear Olympics.” Whatever, it’s not football.
But it is the site of the best offseason football chatter outside of the draft — thanks to the NFL marketing geniuses. The NFL trots out hundreds of potential draft picks in one spot over four days for NFL writers to fill their notebooks and radio stations (such as SiriusXM NFL Radio) for four days. General managers and head coaches, and many other coaches, are there and available for rare offseason interviews.
To sort of kick off these events, NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock held a conference call to talk draft. He said he believes two defensive ends many people have going in the top 10 may still be sitting there at No. 11, via a press release from NFL Media.
Q. Mike, I’d like to ask you if there is any pass-rushing depth at the defensive end position around 30 where the Falcons will be picking. A lot of folks think tight end, but wanted to check on the D-end talent, the late first round, early second round?
Mike Mayock: Yeah, I have a little different opinion than what I’m hearing a lot of people have on these quote 4-3 defensive ends. I’m not as high on these guys as some people are.
For instance, I don’t think Bjoern Werner or Damontre Moore are top 10 players. They might go in the top 10, but I don’t see it that way. As you start dropping down later, what happens is Ezekial “Zeke” Ansah from BYU, he’s got as much upside as anybody in this draft. I don’t think he gets to [pick number] 30.
A couple other names to keep an eye on, whether it’s the first round or a little later after that. Tank Carradine, the quote “other” defensive end at Florida State who had a medical issue, he probably had first-round talent. He’s probably going to go in the second or third round, and somebody’s going to get a steal with this kid because of his natural upside. Alex Okafor from Texas is a second or third-round guy.
Now this gets Joe totally pumped. Joe has stated on the record more than a few times that he has a strong hunch that if there is a defensive end sitting at No. 13 that Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik believes can provide an immediate pass rush, then Dominik will grab him.
Given Dominik’s habit of picking defensive linemen early, this isn’t much of a stretch. Now if somehow, someway, the Baron of Berlin, Bjoern Werner, is still there at No. 11, Joe would not be shocked in the least if Dominik makes a trade up to nab him. If the Bucs were able to land Werner, Joe would be giddy drunk for days on end!
Moore, of Texas A&M, is a guy some have speculated would slip to the Bucs at No. 13.
Mayock also made a great point about Carradine. He was widely regarded as Florida State’s best defensive end, not Werner, prior to the 2012 season. Carradine suffered a knee injury against Florida and was lost for the season.
If his knee checks out, wow! What a steal he could be in the third round, if he even lasts that long.
February 20th, 2013 at 9:15 am
Sharrif Floyd (who also can play DE or Anywhere on the D-Line) or Xavier Rhodes who is by far the best Press CB in the Draft (he must run decent times at the Underwear Olympics)
February 20th, 2013 at 9:16 am
Just as a bit of info, Brandon Jenkins suffered the foot injury in the first game. Carradine suffered a torn ACL in the Florida game. Appreciate it. –Joe
February 20th, 2013 at 9:17 am
“If the Bucs were able to land Werner, Joe would be giddy drunk for days on end!”
Is it because you really like the player or are you an FSU fan?
February 20th, 2013 at 9:21 am
@ Stu. ……I’ll take Brandon Jenkins in the 3rd Rd. all day. Strong Side LB and Pass Rusher!
February 20th, 2013 at 9:25 am
This is why I wish FA was wrapped up before the combine. We would have an clear cut path, a direction, on how to approach the draft. If we had Bennett and Miller already signed we would not be thinking about Bjoern Werner or Damontre Moore at #13.
February 20th, 2013 at 9:28 am
Already fixed, Chris. Thanks. Sometimes browsers take time to update. –Joe
February 20th, 2013 at 9:43 am
@4everBucsFan
Yes we would, remember what we are building in Tampa Bay, the NY Giants…
February 20th, 2013 at 9:50 am
why would they draft a DE? This is the least of our worries..and would get minimal playing time behind clayborn, bennett (hoping he resigns), and bowers. None of the top DE’s in this draft are better than what we already have
February 20th, 2013 at 10:07 am
Drafting another defensive end with a knee injury, just what we need. Maybe this one will also never live up to his potential and then take a gun to a New York Airport. Go Bucs!
February 20th, 2013 at 10:17 am
I could see one of these 4 DE’s available at 13. I would not trade up for Werner at 11, if I can stand pat and land one of these 4. However, if Eric Fisher is there at 11, trade up NOW.
1. Dion Jordan
2.Ezekiel Ansah
3. Bjoren Werner
4. DaMontre Moore
February 20th, 2013 at 10:20 am
Don’t be surprised with a Sheldon Richardson pick at 13, especially considering the DE’s we already have. He’s more than worthy.
February 20th, 2013 at 10:27 am
We have so many needs that anybody we pick in the 1st round is going to help, so I’m content to let Dominik do his thing there. However, we need specialized help at DE. We need a “speed rusher” RDE that can come off the edge and put pressure on the QB. Clayborn is a power or “bull rusher” and that’s good, but can’t always get off of a block fast enough to pressure or sack the QB.
If they think that guy is in the 1st round so be it, but I think that talent can be found as late as the 4th round or later. I know that the Bucs interviewed this guy – Michael Buchanan, at the Senior Bowl. Take a closer look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVrIjGI4TXg
I would take a trip over to USF and talk to Willie Taggart about Quanterus Smith, who also had a knee injury, but could be money in the bank once he is ready to play. Take a closer look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_mdthU6CIE
Frankly, If Barber retires and Kenny Vacarro is there in the 1st round, I’m taking him. If not and Lane Johnson is there, I would take him.Otherwise , I would seek to trade down to 20 or so and take a CB – Xavier Rhodes or Jonathan Banks. After the Combine, both will be there at 20.
February 20th, 2013 at 10:28 am
Agree with you bucfanjeff,
Richardson would be a great pick too.
I am also intrigued with Vaccaro. Schiano’s Defensive scheme seems to emphasize safety play. Pairing Mark Barron up with another blue chipper would be an excellent complement, and really help Barron shine.
February 20th, 2013 at 10:31 am
@flmike
I think the way NY has put together a system that competes every year is what a lot of teams would like to immolate, including the Bucs. 🙂
February 20th, 2013 at 10:37 am
@SteveK
That’s why if Buffalo doesn’t sign or franchise SS Jairus Byrd, we should go after him lock stock and barrel. He’s a veteran that could make a huge impact on the secondary and help with Barron’s development.
February 20th, 2013 at 10:39 am
Drafting a talented Pass rusher, DT, or LT is never a mistake. They come along to seldom.
Plus this draft has starting level CB’s into the third round. It gives us a little wiggle room at 1st round.
But if the playoffs showed us one thing- it’s the value of a great TE! We gotta get one of those
In addition to adding at least two talented CBs.
The good thing is, unlike the last couple years, we should be able to address our worst issues. Our starting lineup is actually looking pretty good
February 20th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@4everbucsfan
Completely agree. I love Ronde and all…but Byrd would be a major upgrade at safety
February 20th, 2013 at 10:40 am
Joe,
If the links in my previous comment is a no-no, please feel free to delete them.
February 20th, 2013 at 10:44 am
The BYU end, was a stud at the Senior Bowl, I don’t watch much college, football any more but “Zeke” was damn impressive to me.
February 20th, 2013 at 10:53 am
Ansah is the Answer! ^^^
February 20th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@DC
According to Rotoworld, if the Bills can’t get him signed they will tag him. So he’s off the table now if this is true.
February 20th, 2013 at 11:01 am
Ansah has a high motor but according to pro scouts, he will be a project because of his inexperience. They don’t think he can be an every down player right away. If that’s the case, I don’t think we need a project, we need a player who can contribute right away. That’s IMO
February 20th, 2013 at 11:04 am
@Justin P’s
Yeah Brandon Jenkins would be the Ideal Hybrid SLB/DE. I’m just don’t think he will be there in the 3rd round;especially after the combine.
February 20th, 2013 at 11:33 am
@LUVMYBUCS
So would FA Paul Kruger for that matter be an Ideal Hybrid SLB/DE.
February 20th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@LUVMYBUCS……. just wishful thinking
@ 4everBucsFan…….I’d take Paul Kruger all day long too.
Bucs have enuff cash & draft picks to fill all needs. Its all about #5. He decides how far this team goes.
February 20th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
@4everBucsFan
Of course he would, but at what price???
I would rather draft a guy, and work him into our rotation. I mean who you rather have, Dakota Watson or Brandon Jenkins on passing downs; as an extra pass rusher?
Of coure Brandon Jenkins, folks keep talking about Dion Jordan. If Brandon Jenkins doesn’t get injured, no doubt he’s a first round prospect. And a better one than Dion Jordan IMHO.
February 20th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Floyd won’t be even close to being available at 13 as he’s flying up the draft boards. He’s considered close to a top five pick at this point. And he’s playing DT in the NFL, not DE. He’s best there.
As for Rhodes, he’s already fallen out of first round projections and there’s a reason for that. He is good at holding receivers though.
February 20th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Franchise (Michael Bennett)
*Trade him off for a— 1st– or–high 2nd round pick
February 20th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Macabee , I agree. I keep looking for a 43 sam backer that can put his hand down on 3rd but have yet to find him.This draft is full of 34 OLB–types.
I am not really in favor of using a 1st in 2013 on a DE. I am tending toward the viewpoint that if the coverage tightens up, QB hits will come.
February 20th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Who would trade a 1st or 2nd rounder for Bennett?
February 20th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
The need at DT is far greater than DE. Even with the Bowers news, he most likely will see no jail time. There is far more first round talent at the DT position in this draft. If you want a DE, you can get one in the later rounds.
If Clayborn and Bowers are healthy and available, let Bennett walk if he’s commanding too much money and sign a much cheaper option in Wallace Gilberry to rotate in. Get a 3rd or 4th rounder DE at the position and they’ll have at least a five-man rotation at the position.
February 20th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
@4everBucsFan
Ezekiel Ansah is a monster. And the kid hits like a mack truck. Eric Stokes, and almost every west coast scout out there; have been salivating over this kid all year.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Ansah reminds me of Jason Pierre-Paul his only year there. As a USF grad I got to see a lot of JPP and Ansah has the motor, Speed (went to BYU as a 200 meter runner), size 6-6 270, athletic ability, and upper body strength. He just needs to work on his lower body strength and he will be dominate.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
At BYU he played DT and DE and dominated at both.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMtBmOdYsqo
February 20th, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Ansah is this year’s Jason Pierre Paul, rememeber we took GMC at #3, and JPP fell to the Giants at 18.
If Ansah is there at 13, unless Eric Fisher the OT from Central Michigan is there, then it should be Ansah.
He would be so valuable rushing the QB, and he is crazy athletic. IMO, he is only going to get better.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Imagince GMC, and Ansah running after sCam Newton, Matty Nice, and Breesus twice a year, all 4 downs.
We would have a much better secondary with a freak of nature coming off the edge.
This pick is a no brainer, and I would take him over Werner.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
dt with 13 pick.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@Feesh
#18 Dallas- Is switching to a 4-3, and due to his age(29) and the 120% rule Dallas will most likely let Anthony Spencer walk
#25 Seattle-43 days ago Seahawks lost 31yr old DE Chris Clemons to a torn ACL & Meniscus
#34 Jacksonville
#38 Cleveland
February 20th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Any GM who would trade a first for Bennett and take on what his salary will be would be fired immediately. That’s just not going to happen.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Bennett will get the contract he wants.
Whether from us or another team is TBD
It better be us.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@Feesh
NE has picked up several picks over the years. After trading away players they have tagged. So it’s possible.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
I’d rather pay Anthony Spencer premium money over Michael Bennett.
I hope we can bring Mike Bennett back, but if his price is too high, then we might as well spend that amount of money on a better player.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@LUVMYBUCS Please tell me the Patriots’ franchise-tagged players they’ve traded away for draft picks since 2010.
February 20th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
IMHO
I would since cheaper but affective options at DE & DT
*Examples:
DE Matt Shaughnessy(26) 6-6 285
DE/DT Desmond Bryant(27) 6-6 311
*Then Draft the following prospects:
DE Ezekiel Ansah 6’6″ 270 (1st Round)
DE/SB Brandon Jenkins 6’3″ 260 (2nd Round)
DE Devin Taylor 6’8″ 267 (5th Round)
Tree Trunks with pass Rush…..
February 20th, 2013 at 2:09 pm
@Feesh
I said over the years…
Examples:
Matt cassel
Tebucky Jones
February 20th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
* Correction–I would sign
February 20th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
So comparing a middle-tier DE who is going to ask for big time money versus who was considered to be a franchise QB? I rest my case. No chance they get a first for Bennett.
February 20th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@Feesh
Can the Bucs get a 1st or 2nd round pick for
Bennett? Of Course!! I’ve seen stranger things happen in the NFL.
February 20th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Ezekiel Ansah Story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUa5XMyMzxE
February 20th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
@ Feesh,
I agree, Bennett is good not great. It would be a waste to franchise him. We can better allocate his salary towards Anthony Spencer, as he is simply a more explosive pass rusher.
Ansah is a nasty prospect, I would be stoked if we could take him at 13.
February 20th, 2013 at 2:39 pm
Tampa Bay needs a pass rusher capable of putting up sacks in bunches.
GMC would probably do better with the pressence of Ansah running next to him.
I like Adrian Clayborn, but he is not explosive, nor is Bennett.
The closest thing to a legite DE is Bowers, but click click boom for that one.
February 20th, 2013 at 2:43 pm
@ LUVMYBUCS great, great post 100% agree with you. I hate to say it but Bennett has most likely peaked, and a very good DE against the run and pass rush. However his play will result in overpay, and it will be quite a bit due to weak FA DE class. The silver lining is the bucs should be able to “replace” Bennett via the draft and Ansah or Moore or even Weaver may be available at 13, I agree with LUVMYBUCS about possibly signing a cheaper DE, DOM should of locked Bennett up last yr when he was an RFA could of signed him for half or more than what he will get this year. Either way as I have posted multiple times pass rush needs to be addressed, however would also be happy with OT if say Fischer or Lane Johnson were selected with 13, CB needs to taken care via FA to sign a quality starter and Logan Ryan in 2nd. If Ansah and the OTs are all gone take BPA, hopefully Vacaro or Warmack. What does BUCSNATION think???
Naturally Saskbuco……
February 20th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
@Saskbuco check out the kid out of:
LT Prospect out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff – Terron Armstead 6’5″ 304
Impressed a lot of folks at the East vs West shrine game. Afterward was invited to Mobile and did the same.
CB Alford, Robert 6’0″ 185 (3rd Round)
CB Terry Hawthorne 6’0″ 190 (4th Round)
Good Press Man Prospects in later rounds
February 20th, 2013 at 5:40 pm
WOULD LOVE TO GET high-motored Paul Kruger in FA and draft Ensah or vacarro who also plays corner in the draft.
February 20th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
@Joe
Big ups on the site bro. Thanks for providing us with place for to talk Buc Ball….Respect! Keep up the great work.
February 20th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
macabee great post, thanks for info, Capt tim it pains me to say this but completely agree with you as well.
February 20th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Joe I think DE or DT would be the route to go at 13. Unlike most Bucs fans I’m not high on Clayborn, he’s solid but not elite and he’s not a speed rusher. Bucs need speed rusher that get sacks in volumes, Clayborn is a rotational DE if we’re being real and making real assessments
February 20th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Joe, you should tell your friend Schien about The Baron of Berlin, Bjoern Werner there is a very large German population across Tampa St. Pete Orlando region. A built in fan base…
February 20th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Bennett has peaked?
Lol He has gotten better every year, he’s in his prime, and he’s peaked?
February 21st, 2013 at 10:49 am
“Mayock also made a great point about Carradine. He was widely regarded as Florida State’s best defensive end, not Werner, prior to the 2012 season.”
So the guy who was a backup until week 2 of his Senior season until the Brandon Jenkins injury was “widely regarded” as the best defensive end over the two people starting over him including a guy with over 20 sacks in 2 years as starter (Jenkins) and a true Sophomore in Werner who had just started the entire year prior(over Tank) with 7 sacks coming into this season.
It’s such a great, great, completely incorrect point.