Free Agency Set Up Draft
March 22nd, 2014
Bucs coach Lovie Smith recaps the busy free agent period for the Bucs.
In case you haven’t realized it yet, the NFL is a year-round business. Shoot, Joe gets as much traffic for the first days of free agency as he gets in the waning weeks of the regular season.
The NFL nearly has something going on each month, including June when the last OTA is held about six weeks before the start of training camp. Soon the Bucs will release their exact OTA/mini-camp schedules.
Now that free agency is winding down, and with the owners meeting in a few days, the next item on the docket will be an OTA/mini-camp. After that, it will be full-blown draft chatter..
In this Buccaneers.com video, Bucs coach Lovie Smith talked about how the Bucs planned and executed their free agency plans. An interesting thing Lovie mentioned was that the free agents acquired set up their draft plans perfectly.
“Our staffed looked to see what we had and what spots to fill and we did that. The staff did a good job. We have a good product to sell. [Free agent signees] liked what they saw.
“Any time you go through free agency, you will lose some players, and we did. … Everything starts with the quarterback and [the one that] is a great fit for us is Josh McCown. That got us started a little bit.
“When you bring in veteran players you shouldn’t be looking for backups.”
You may watch the full video of Lovie’s interview by clicking the link above.
An interesting thing that Lovie said about the free agents the Bucs signed was how it set up the near future. The Bucs plugged so many holes that it allows the team, Lovie said, to be “flexible” when the draft rolls around in early May.
March 22nd, 2014 at 6:03 pm
All eleven guys may end up starting at some point in the season!! Great job, draft will be BPA!!
March 22nd, 2014 at 6:04 pm
I hope deacon smith isn’t like father Dungy when it comes to
The draft , or we can count on a defensive linemen every year as a top pick.
March 22nd, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Like the moves of the new regime so far for the most part. It’s refreshing to see players wanting to come here and play for this coach. What a difference. I’ll hold my judgement on signing McCown until after the draft…
Joe, you got a few typos there bro..
March 22nd, 2014 at 6:42 pm
father dungy was competitive every year and not just competitive but Super Bowl competitive so if deacon smith can get the bucs back to that status, he can draft any d linemen he wants every year. The last three years have been unwatchable.
March 22nd, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Draft QB David Fales in the 2nd round (He’s perfect Quarterback for Tedford)
(Current Line Up)
• Josh McCown
• Mike Glennon
• Mike Kafka
(Possibility)
• Josh McCown
• Mike Glennon
• David Fales
March 22nd, 2014 at 6:57 pm
luvmybucs
I’d prefer Murray or Connor Shaw but I would be OK with Fales.
Both Lovie and GM have stated their preference to carry only 2 QB’s who is out on your list???
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:09 pm
More winning would prevent the waning. Buc fans at least can be hopeful early on. The losses have mounted quickly in recent years.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:18 pm
@tmaxcon
Luv the way this kid played against some of the Top 3-4 defenses in 2012 (Stanford, BYU)-Luv the snap in which he throws the ball. Has that tear drop pass similar to Drew Brees (which is rare).
High football IQ-Quick to read through his progressions-Sales the pump fake well-Looks off defenders. Delivers the ball in tights spots (consistently). Extremely accurate when flushed outside of the pocket.
He trains & watches film with Alex Smith over the past 2 seasons-Who speaks extremely high about him
Checkout his Pro Day
(QBW-David Fales–35 Scouts From 25 NFL Teams At San Jose State Pro Day
http://www.sjsuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031914aaa.html
Could He Be the Future Franchise Quarterback that GM Licht was referring to?
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:21 pm
He starts his warm up routine @1:14hr into the video (very meticulous).
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Good stuff LuvMB. I didn’t even know who this dude was but now you got my attention. I like this kid’s work ethic. Im still ready for Johnny Football. I wont come down off of that stance unless he comes off the board in the top 6. Im not a fan of Teddy B. and Bortles will be long gone.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:28 pm
Have to give the Glazers credit for hiring the best Coach & GM for the job. Lovie and Licht had the guts, mental fortitude, competence and desire to implement a complete roster overhaul plan that’s rarely seen in this league. And their just getting started
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:35 pm
Draft needs…..(not in order) WR, TE, LB/DE, Oline & QB (depends if Glennon is traded)
We could use more depth at CB, S
Bucs are set up to take BPA or trade down for more picks.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:40 pm
luvmybucs
thanks for link very nice. i like his release. hopefully we can trade glennon to recoup the 6th round wasted pick on Carmini can’t expect anything higher than that for glennon. with the desire of both coach and gm to only carry two qb’s I’d be ok with McCown / Fales or Shaw.
tmapabaybucfan
i agree with WR need hopefully bucs can trade back and recoup some picks but it’s easier said than done to trade. For WR I doubt bucs have a shot at Watkins so I am gong with Lee as my favorite.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:44 pm
@Cmurda
Gotta give you props, you’ve been beastin’ on your post lately.
As for couch..couch Teddy (Not Pendergrass); I feel. I don’t know if the kid drunk too much suga wata-or eat too many mayonnaise sandwiches (But something aint right).
(You get the point)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gY8bfNEGHk
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:48 pm
@tmaxcon
As for Glennon, why trade ’em now. Tedford will get ’em on track. At worst wait; injuries do happen. Who know’s- he could beat out Josh McCown
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:57 pm
why trade now because based on the couch and gm’s statements about 2 qb’s on the roster in my opinion why waste the reps for someone the team has no future plans for they can grab two camp arms for that role. it’s not like you can put a draft pick or even a decent backup on the practice squad. not trying to piss off MGM just want to get value for someone who may or may not workout. I am not sold on him personally but what the hell do I know. it’s clear even if they draft Fales, Shaw or whoever that person will be in the teams long term plans. It’s better to get something for him now than for teams just to wait for his release. I am nervous about the bucs not having more draft picks in a deep draft. I’d hate to miss out on a player because we held on to one who is not in the teams long term plans. I do believe Tedford will be good for him but even if he beats out McCown (doubtful) it’s clear that McCown is here for the mentor / assist in development role thus even if beaten will have a roster spot. more and more teams use only 2 qb’s and i agree with that approach.
March 22nd, 2014 at 7:58 pm
Yep I still think they might go with McCown and Glennon in 2014.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:00 pm
plus if glennon is worth such gamble and is viewed has highly by other gms and coaches his value will never be higher. yes, one could argue let him light up the preseason and see what happens which goes back to my original point why waste reps which the drafted qb can have. i think things have changed with the limited practice schedules which has caused reps to be more valuable. that’s all i am saying.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:01 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
Really Hope we get a 4th Round Compensatory Pick next week. But if not he’s such a good prospect. Josh Huff would be a great addition(slot & special teams)-even if we have to draft him in the 3rd round.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:07 pm
@tmaxcon
I hear you, but IMO-the new QB rule- won’t deter organizations from retaining an asset. Half the league will still carry a 3rd QB-At least until they are settled at the position.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:09 pm
@LUVMYBUCS oo wow he throws a nice ball… haven’t seen him in-game, but i like what I see on pro-day
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:11 pm
@luvmybucs
honestly I did forget about the new rule thanks for pointing that out. I am just nervous about the wasted draft picks on Carmini and Revis. With the free agent signings I feel that we still need good young depth and like I said before I am not sold on glennon and feel they reached for him last year in the 3rd which in theory is another wasted pick unless he is starting soon. Maybe I am off base but any picks 1st through 3rd should be starting no later than year 2 or in a heavy rotation at least.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:19 pm
@ZAM
Kid is real nice. Even though I know there’s tons of conference apps now- where you can go back in watch previous televised games (For a Fee). But if your reluctant to signing up for a membership. You can always check out a few of his clips- on youtube-Check out the Stanford & BYU games.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:21 pm
BPA need a new WR tho
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:23 pm
Trading back will be made easier if a top QB is on the board and we don’t want him.
Minn might trade up 1 spot to keep us from trading with Tenn @ 10 or Cleveland’s 26th (Browns would have to give up multiple picks)
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:24 pm
The more I think about it the more I think they’ll take their QB in the second round or trade back into the end of the first for it (Garoppolo)
Perhaps in Rd 1 they take a O-lineman, or world beater WR? I DO think they take 2 WR’s in this draft ewven though they only have 5 picks.
Another scenario is that they trade back in rd 1 and or rd 2 to accumulate more picks…honestly I think that may be the best thing to do…especially if they only have to go back somewhere between 1-4 spots. This is a deep draft and to NOT have lots of picks is kind of a shame…
Its another reason I think Glennon will be traded to bring in something for us in terms of another draft pick or two. He’s not the best but is definitely a good backup, and many teams could do much worse for themselves than to take the tall man as their backup QB.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:26 pm
@tmaxcon Picks 1-3rd rd from this draft should all be starters, unless they take a QB, in which case he can learn from Josh, who is an excellent teacher. Like I mentioned above though, if the bucs can find a dancing partner or two dont be surprised if they do move back for more picks…
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:27 pm
I’m we can sign additional Free Agent Talent:
• (WR)-Jacoby Ford
• (DE)- Robert Ayers
• (LB)-Erin Henderson
• (S)- Chris Clemons
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:27 pm
I hope that-we can sign additional Free Agent Talent:
• (WR)-Jacoby Ford
• (DE)- Robert Ayers
• (LB)-Erin Henderson
• (S)- Chris Clemons
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:31 pm
@Luvmybucs There are about 5 guys outside of the big 3 that are talented enough QB’s to come in and make something of themselves in the NFl this year (or in a year or two of mentoring). Fales is one of them.
All I know is we need a guy who can actually make all the throws and is not a fumbler with small hands. Im positive that Tedford has a list of about 5 guys he wants and if any of them are on the board when we pick, I think we will taken one of them.
Lovey has learned his lesson in his year off as far as the offense goes- the potential for drafting a ‘franchise’ QB is going to be too much for he and Licht to ignore when the time comes.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:32 pm
i think 2 of the supposed big qb’s will be available. I think mack, clowney, barr, robinson and watkins end up on teams above bucs. I’d love to end up late teens mid 20’s (i know pie in the sky wishing) and recoup 2 picks. IMO that would be real value that the coach and gm speak about in addition that would still allow for a solid wide receiver and either fales, shaw or murray.
watching that san jose state stanford game. luvmybucs you may be on to something with Fales. very nice.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:33 pm
@Thomas
Can’t wait to see how it all plays out
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:39 pm
@tmaxcon
I seriously hope we can acquire some additional picks as well.
As for Fales-I’ve heard some ex Qb’s & current scouts compare him to Trent Green, Marc Bulger and even Drew Brees. All methodical, accurate quarterbacks when their on.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:40 pm
it’s not as glamorous of a discussion but trading 2nd and 3rd picks to go back about will not reap the same reword but would accomplish the same goal of more picks.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:41 pm
back a bit not about…
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:55 pm
You have to imagine that they will do some serious entertaining of offers to move back for more picks since they only have 5 in this draft…
I just hope that they dont move back too far when they do it. I’d like to see them bring in 7-8 good players if possible from this draft. I had heard that with ll the talented underclassmen coming out that there will be 5th round talent guys taken in the 7th round and alot of talented players will go undrafted this time out…
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:56 pm
If Lovie goes QB with that 7th pick he will forever be linked to that guy. That guy could make or break Lovie’s tenure as the Bucs HC. With there not being a can’t miss QB in this draft I don’t think he drafts a QB at all in the first round even if they trade down.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:59 pm
When Licht said “I see franchise QBs in this draft. But likely not the ones you’re thinking of”, Pewter Report says he is talking about Conner Shaw/SoCarolina. The old ball coach, Spurrier says he’s the next Russell Wilson.
March 22nd, 2014 at 8:59 pm
This draft is so deep, that trading our (2015) 1st round draft pick for- A Mid-2nd round draft pick- shouldn’t be off the table.
When your releasing veterans (nobodies safe-but a handful)-Sign a bunch of capable 4th year players through free agency (Increasing competition at all positions)
There’s nothing like trading a future draft pick-To help drive home the point -WE ARE TRYING TO WIN NOW attitude.
March 22nd, 2014 at 9:00 pm
@Mumbles
Interesting
March 22nd, 2014 at 9:08 pm
mumbles
i love shaw. I had a flight unexpectedly canceled and a buddy and i went to the game versus hanging at airport. shaw was impressive in person. I did not realize at the time who he was but went back and looked him up. he is very accurate and very mature. Similar to the description of Fales that luvmybucs gave above. lovie type of guy.
luvmybucs
love the aggressive thinking hopefully they will not have to trade next years pick but i am in.
Buc1987
is dead on!! I also agree that is why Lovie or Meathead will not draft a first round qb.
March 22nd, 2014 at 9:19 pm
MG8 can be the next Tom Brady. You can have your running QBs, give me pure pocket passer any day. RG3 and Newton may already be on the down swing. Oh the life of a read option QB.
March 22nd, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Fales has a lot to like, but boy does his footwork need serious work. He can put some nice touch on the ball, but when he needs to really gun it, it just looks so labored.
March 22nd, 2014 at 11:29 pm
I found Shaw to be underwhelming, but he did have his moments. Fales kinda reminds me of Nick Foles from the eagles from the few games I watched him play. IMO he has some untapped potential. Prouncing his name doesn’t give u a good feeling though lol, it’s pronounced Fails. Out of the 2, I would probably go with Fales.
March 22nd, 2014 at 11:57 pm
Aaron Murray is definitely worth drafting if we can get him in the 4th round. If he didn’t get hurt he would be one of the top quarterbacks along with Manziel and Bridgewater.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:04 am
Murray says he should be ready for Georgia’s pro day in April despite his ACL. Considering the Bucs don’t have a 4th rounder, I think it’d be a good idea to trade back into the 4th around the 20th pick or so. Murray will probably be there.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:47 am
Hate to shatter many of you posters dreams but the fact of the matter is, there isn’t a QB in this draft capable of taking the starting job from McCown this season…I wouldn’t be surprised if 1 or even possibly 2 of the top 3 QB’s in this draft fall to the late 1st/early 2nd rd… With that said why force the issue at #7 in a weak QB class…Assuming Watkins, Clowney, Mack, Robinson, and Matthews are off the board…
Rd1. Justin Gilbert (CB) Oklahoma State (Barr is a nice option here as well)
Rd2. Xavier Su’a-Filo (G) UCLA
Rd3. Dont’e Moncrief (WR) Ole Miss
Rd5. Logan Thomas (QB) Virginia Tech
Rd7. …
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:30 am
last year was a weak qb class…and we took the third one. there are better options this year and they can sit behind mccown. picking a franchise guy at 7 is not “forcing it” any more than the other players, including your Justin gilbert, or clowney, mack, barr, etc.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:39 am
Very observant Ryan. The reason Fales looks labored when he has to gun it is his arm strength is mediocre at best. His best fit is a West Coast Offense that nickels and dimes its way down the field and not the Bucs. There is a danger, however, and that is Licht helped pick Brady and may think he can find a top QB outside the first round, because when he went to Philly he didn’t draft a first round QB but took lower level QBs, then he moved to the Cardinals and did the same thing there–which is why the Cardinals had to obtain their present veteran QB from the Raiders. Licht missed on his lower QB picks there and now he is here. Just look at all the Franchise QBs that were 1st round picks such as Peyton Manning, Aaron Rogers, Andrew Luck, etc. Brady and Wilson are the exception. If Lovie let’s Licht talk him into letting him find another late round Brady in this draft, Lovie will regret it because chances will be too high he won’t retire a Buc Coach as he dreams. There is a reason Licht has bounced all over the league! Licht is great on his other picks though.
March 23rd, 2014 at 4:15 am
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March 23rd, 2014 at 6:54 am
Buc1987 Says
If Lovie goes QB with that 7th pick he will forever be linked to that guy. That guy could make or break Lovie’s tenure as the Bucs HC.
It doesn’t matter what position he picks in the first round. He will always be linked to his first pick as the HC oc the Bucs. If Clowney were to amazingly fall to 7 and the Bucs take him, and Clowney ends up a bust (just as an example) don’t you think Lovie would be blamed for a bad pick?
Or any other choice in the first for that matter?
Personally I am 100% against trading up, 60% for trading down and about 70% for staying at 7.
I certainly would not trade our first pick for next year for a second this year. Lovie cannot fix this team in his first season. Heck, not one free agent signing has consistently performed well. Outside of the DE and a CB the rest are backup level talent on a good team.
The worse move was signing Josh McCown. That was an amazingly bad move. A lot of Tampa fans cheer any and all new signings without considering the body of work. McCown IS NOT going to suddenly get better after a long career of sucking. He is going to throw a high number of picks because we’ll have a passing offense.
THAT is a signing Lovie will forever be linked to.
March 23rd, 2014 at 7:09 am
I have always been against the term “reach” when people say it within the same round. For example, let’s say the Bucs want Carr, who is ranked as a mid-to-late first round pick. People say taking him at 7 is a reach.
But it takess aa partner to trade down. If the Bucs do not have a partner and they feel Carr is who they want, then take him at 7. To refuse to just because someone has ranked him lower is stupid.
Especially since hindsight would have ranked all the players dramatically differently. Would Sapp not be ranked higher than where the Bucs took him? Coaches said then they should have taken him sooner.
So, what if, in the example above, 4 years from now, Carr is considered the best QB of ths draft? Then everyone would agree he should have been ranked higher.
So “reaching” is fine, especially when the ranking system is so flawed. Just ak Lovie, who drafted highly ranked lineman in the first round with 4 of 6 picks with the Bears over 9 years. And all 4 were busts.
March 23rd, 2014 at 10:49 am
McCown ill be a nice mentor to the rookie QB we draft this year. With the rebuilt line we have it seems ripe for a new shiny Rookie QB.
March 24th, 2014 at 9:11 am
Well if L&L are only going to keep two QB’s then I guess another ROOKIE will play if McCown goes down or starts losing a few games. At least Glennon has some experience. Maybe they should keep 3. Like maybe Carr?