Johnny Football And The Bucs

April 13th, 2014

Johnny Football is on the Bucs’ radar, so reports Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

The following is music to Joe’s ears. The problem is, April is Smokescreen Month.

It seems Johnny Football is not just Joe’s second-favorite dream, second only to Rachel Watson cooing Joe to join her for a long, heavy-breathing shower escapade. It seems the possibility of Bucs general manager Jason Licht calling Johnny Football’s name during the NFL draft next month is a real possibility, not just Joe’s fantasy.

The most intriguing possibility is Manziel. Smith attended his workout at Texas A&M, met with him at the NFL combine and has been quick to praise the Heisman Trophy winner.

“I had time to watch quite a few games, and I had a chance to watch him — a lot. So you add all that up,” Smith said.

“As far as how he’ll take his game to the NFL level? I think most outstanding players in college, a lot of them, end up being a very good football player in the NFL. Football really is football. I know he’s not your typical, prototype quarterback who drops back into the pocket, but there are a lot of quarterbacks doing well in the league that aren’t your prototypical quarterback.”

Yes, Joe realizes Stroud’s quote in his new report lined above is an old quote from the NFL owners meetings. But Joe knows Stroud and other media were mingling with Lovie last week and Ronde Barber’s retirement party, so perhaps there’s more to this.

The key element in Stroud’s story, Stroud (accurately) believes, is what Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford thinks of Johnny Football. If Tedford believes Johnny Football can play in his offense, then the chances of having No. 2 lead the Bucs is much greater.

And Stroud, after studying Tedford’s offense and doing research on what Tedford likes, believes Johnny Football just may be his man.

Speaking of cold showers, right now is a good time for Joe to take advantage of just such a move.

67 Responses to “Johnny Football And The Bucs”

  1. Brandon Says:

    Personally, I’m happy Bridgewater is taking his personal workouts. I’m confident that Bridgewater is the best QB in this class, Bortles 2nd, Manziel 3rd. My 5th guy is Brett Smith of Wyoming who can do everything Manziel can do except he is bigger and faster. He should be there in round 3.

  2. kevin Says:

    Theyll take a qb in the second round.

  3. kevin Says:

    No

  4. finishers Says:

    he’s always wrong!

  5. terraj35 Says:

    Anything but bridgewater

  6. The_Buc_Realist Says:

    Smokescreen, or do I need to go ahead and make my ” Johnny Failure ” sign for the preseason???

  7. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    If they take a QB in the first round I’m OK with Johnny Football. I’m just not ready to make such a huge gamble.

    The Bucs do not have a cupboard loaded with great players. L&L have made significant improvements but still have a ways to go.

    And so there are two ways to look at this. One…Joe and the Johnny Football Mob. I take their point. Hopefully the Bucs never draft this high again.

    The second however is the gamble on the pick. Which athlete is more of a “sure thing”. I don’t think any QB’s this year qualify. There are at least a dozen other positions where players are as close to “sure things” as one can hope for.

    The Bucs simply cannot afford to blow a #7. They need to go for the “sure thing”. IMHO there is no “sure thing” at QB. If it was Andrew Luck I’d say take the gamble,. Jameis Winston..take the gamble. Does anybody…even Joe believe that Johnny Football is as much a sure thing as these two?

  8. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I believe that Joe is a rational person, therefore his constant articles about Johnny Football are merely a ruse inteded to provoke and entertain (his job). If Joe truly believes Johnny Football should be the Bucs target, then his constant promotion could be actually counter-productive.

    Here are some words that would describe a less rational type:

    infatuated, facinated, obsessed, compulsive, preoccupated, fixated, hung-up,delusional, neurotic, crazed, perverted.

  9. Eric Says:

    Now if we can just get the Texans, jags, browns and Raiders to all make one of the biggest blunders in draft history and pass on Johnny Football when they all need a QB.

    I’d still prefer to trade up to make sure we can get him.

    Shouldn’t take too much to swap positions with the rams. If the texans take Clowney.

  10. Eric Says:

    I don’t know about Joe but I totally am infatuated with the Bucs having an elite QB.

    May even border on perversion.

    Crappy QB play since 76 will do that to a man.

  11. Macabee Says:

    Lovie Smith is not a gambler, just not in his DNA. If they pick Manziel, then they’re sure he’s the guy. I have my favorites, but I’m down with the pick whoever it is.

    Football is entertainment for me and Manziel brings that in spades. If I had a wish, I’d wish that we fix something, either offense or defense, completely. Not plug holes here and there.

    I’m ready to play winning football. If it’s Johnny, come on down. If it’s someone else, get’im ready and let’s play ball. Whomever it is, just make it worth the price of admission!

  12. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Eric

    We would also have to be concerned with Minn & Tenn trading up for JF…..

  13. MadMax Says:

    Holy Git! Dang Joe….wth man?

    may as well call it a day, or week, or month…..until you rename your site jf-fan.com (i cant even say his name at this point) SMMFDMFH!!!!!

  14. Macabee Says:

    Eric,

    Can’t believe everything you read during smokescreen season, but I’ve read the the Texans are in the process of working out a trade with the Pats for Ryan Mallet. They are poised to take Clowney with the 1st pick. That is presumbably why the Pats are conducting QB visits. Remember though, it’s smokescreen season!

  15. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Carr. He’ll be the QB the Bucs go after, unless Bortles is there at 7.

    Which I doubt.

    And, Joe, this is starting to get disgusting. Did you just admit Johnny has pulled you???? Ewwwwww!

  16. MadMax Says:

    I feel for the team that takes Clowney….and this from a die hard lifer Gamecock!! Hopefully its a divisional rival like Atlanta…then we draft Lewan to easily contain him 1 on 1

  17. Macabee Says:

    I wouldn’t bet, but if I had to guess, I would think that the Browns take Manziel at #4 and come back and offer the Bucs their 26th pick and a small fortune to pair Mike Evans with Manziel. May be far-fetched, but if it were me, that’s what I’d do.

  18. Edgar Says:

    A QB in round 1, any of them, does not fit with the team’s win now strategy. Two guys on the team can throw the ball, but only one guy on the team has the history of catching it. Anything other than the the pass catcher in round 1 would be a dent in the plan.

  19. Joe Dunn Says:

    I still say Bucs will take a QB IF and ONLY IF it is the one they want. Which one?? No idea

  20. nate Says:

    No we must draft clowney or mack then wr in the 2nd and oline in the third trade the rest of our picks for next year picks then move up for jamies winston fsu qb a real winner……

    Why this hasnt been talked about joe? Even marcus mariota would be better also….

  21. Couch Fan Says:

    I still think Manziel goes #1.

  22. tmaxcon Says:

    Nate

    The reason in my opinion is Mack or Clowney are not being discussed as much is simple, they won’t be there at 7 and neither are worth trading up for given the dire need for QB, WR and Oline help. Especially considering the limited number of picks the bucs have.

  23. JBFstalkingjohnnyfootBALLS Says:

    Macabee Says:
    April 13th, 2014 at 9:08

    I wouldn’t bet, but if I had to guess, I would think that the Browns take Manziel at #4 and come back and offer the Bucs their 26th pick and a small fortune to pair Mike Evans with Manziel. May be far-fetched, but if it were me, that’s what I’d do.

    The Browns not touching this guy. The Browns franchise already have issues with there franchise to add to them. And I’m hoping after the circus the Bucs franchise went through the past few years, we would add another clown. After letting Freeman, Mike Williams, and the rest of the damage goods from this team. The Glaziers will not sign off to this. This seems like a smokescreen to push players down the board.

  24. tmaxcon Says:

    Macabee

    They would be awesome if the Browns pulled a stunt like that.

  25. Eric Says:

    The Glazers would love to get Manziel.

    Cha Ching cha Ching with ticket and merchandise sales.

    Plus they love offense.

  26. Bucfan#37 Says:

    This Manziel madness has become a spreading infection here. Like a sneaky bad viral sickness, I hope I don’t catch it.

  27. Macabee Says:

    tmaxcon,

    That may never happen, but I can see the rationale in it. If it did, Bucrightoff suggests that the Bucs start negotiations at the Atlanta/Julio Jones offer. I’d take it!

  28. Tony Says:

    I’m on the ‘anyone but Tedddy’ train…so, Manziel works for me…as does anyone else not named Teddy!

  29. Brain Says:

    Hey Brandon, I appreciate that you do your own evals but Brett Smith is garbage. He has all the same issues that Manziel but with a much weaker arm. Nobody wants a guy who’s erratic in the pocket and can’t push the ball down the field. Smith will likely go undrafted.

  30. Brain Says:

    I’m still amazed that Joe has access to intelligent Bucs fans/media types like Shaun King and Stephen White yet he hasn’t bothered to ask them their thoughts on the Manziel/Bridgewater debate. Joe would be in for a rude awakening.

  31. BC Says:

    Dude, seriously, enough with the Manziel obsession. I’m about to abandon your site permanently if it doesn’t stop.

  32. MTM(Madderthanmax) Says:

    Everyone says that there are not any sure fire QB picks in the this years draft. There’s no RG3 or Luck. I think there are probably more Russell Wilson types in this QB class. Good QB’s with solid potential. Manziel is still one of safest picks out there. Film dont lie.

  33. Sapp, STFU Says:

    With such a “deep draft”, any change of their being the ‘second draft’Rah and Dominick claimed several years ago when other teams cut or waive players they can’t keep?

  34. Manzielski Says:

    I like Manziel at #7.

  35. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    Lovie is known for being able to mislead the media about his true intentions. Since he’s such a down-to-earth guy and open & direct it makes it that much easier.

    Greg Gabriel brags about how in Chicago they got the media and other teams to frequently believe their intentions in the draft were something other than what they really were. Lovie knows how leaks work, how information travels, and how to very subtly plant little tidbits here and there and let them take on a life of their own.

    If you honestly believe that Lovie Smith has revealed his draft intentions to anyone other than the Glazers, Jason Licht and maybe his OC and DC you are about as gullible as they come. He’s working you guys for the team’s benefit and you’re falling for it. Suckers.

  36. BucsQcCity Says:

    The only position that won’t immediately improve our team is QB. I wouldn’t draft a QB at #7. We just need to trade back up before CLE at #26. Of of the 3 will be there

  37. bucrightoff Says:

    I’m trying to think who the Bucs are trying to get to fall to them. I would guess either Robinson, Matthews or Mack. Evans or Ebron figures to be there and Watkins figures to go no worse than 4th. But it’s obvious now the Bucs are playing the misinformation game with QBs. They absolutely do not intend on drafting one at 7. But in order to get the guy they really want to fall to them, they have to create the illusion. Maybe trick someone into jumping in front of them to draft a QB, ensuring the guy they want falls. Hopefully its Robinson or Matthews, I like mack but a 10 to 15-year OLine starter would not suck at all.

  38. teacherman Says:

    Smokescreen.

    Minnesota wants Manziel.

    But someone would trade up to get Johnny before Minnesota.

    So, we are trying to show interest, just so we can make a trade back.

    I want picks!

    TRADE BACK!!!

  39. Jeagan1999 Says:

    Bucs Round 1….Watkins, Evans, or Mack at 7…or trade down for more picks and take Ebron! Round 2 LB Van Noy (if we get another pick for moving down…then look at a QB like Garopolo, Murray, McCarren)…Round 3… Gabe Jackson or best guard/tackle available. Johhny Football ends up in either Cleveland, Jax or Minny!

  40. FuNkyYxMuNkEy Says:

    I’m not sure if Philly would be interested, but what about trading the #7 pick to them for Brandon Graham, their 1st round pick, #22, and their 2nd rounder. Carr could still be there or a WR like Cooks from Oregon State. That would give us another solid DE for our 4-3 front whose success relies on the front 4 getting pressure on the QB. And we would also have 2 2nd round picks to get the OG we need and another WR or QB depending on who they take with #22. Just a thought…

  41. rayjay1122 Says:

    The safest pick would be an offensive line man. Important but not very exciting. QB is another need and I am not sure Manziel will be such a failure in the NFL. The only sure fire bust I see is Clowney. He will be to DE what Josh Freeman was to QB. No drive or gritty and very over rated. Stay away from Clowney please.

  42. Maze Says:

    Sweet dreams are made of these…

  43. Chris Says:

    Hey joe, the article lovie and licht pretty much planted. Shouldn’t say article but the fact they said “love love love Manziel” means they like garoppolo and Teddy better. No word from them on those two right? Why do you think they leaked that info ?

    Evans at 7.
    Garoppolo at 2nd or move in late 1.

  44. Buc1987 Says:

    Couch Fan Says:

    “I still think Manziel goes #1.”

    and Joe’s tears will start to flow…

  45. Tackleblockwin Says:

    IMO JF will fill the statium again if drafted. A full, crazy loud stadium will help the D. Not saying that JF = guaranteed winning football. But a full stadium energizing the D is a hidden difference maker. Many of you must remember the noise the fans created when Sapp, Brooks, Lynch, and Barber defended. It was a wonderful experience. Then on O the fans and team silently waited for Alstott to rumble for 5 yards while breaking a few tackles and running LBs over. I truly believe that JF would create that excitement again if drafted. He will create an imposing environment for opposing teams because he, unlike every other draft-eligible player this year, can fill a stadium. I do not think JF is the best player in this draft. But I do think he is the player most likely to energize a fanbase.

  46. Buc1987 Says:

    Tackleblockwin …today’s game is nothing but a text fest at RJS. There is no time to watch the game for these fans. Too busy texting.

  47. Grudenite Says:

    If we did draft Manziel, then Mccown and / or Glennon would have to put up 300 yards a game with 2 – 3 TD passes or JOE would be calling for a QB change. Anything less and we would get article upon article, let Manziel start. Raiders please take him…please.

  48. FuNkyYxMuNkEy Says:

    I would completely stay away from Clowney and Lewan. Especially Lewan. That is the softest dude I have seen come out in along time. He has an attitude issue but there is a huge difference between playing pissed off and playing with the fire and desire to be the best you can be. And when you add in his legal issues, which will not even begin to be resolved until after the draft, no thanks.

    I’m still in favor of trading back into the 1st round to stockpile picks. L&L both said they want to build through the draft and you must have the picks to be able to accomplish that.

    With all that said, if Manziel is there at 7 they will not pass on him. Too much money involved with him on the team. Full stadium and jersey sells. The Glazers love making money more than anything else and Manziel is the best possible player in this draft to do that. Carr is still the better long term fit for us IMO. That’s my “man crush”.

  49. gatrbuc17 Says:

    I really hope we dont get Manziel. Then I would have to stop visiting this site. It is already getting hard to come in here

  50. John McKillop Says:

    Manziel won’t be drafted by the Bucs. If he is there @ 7 Bucs will pass on him. Johnny is not Lovie’s type of guy. I think Garoppolo or Carr end up here, Garoppolo is a perfect fit for the type of offense Tedford wants to run. Mike Evans with pick #7 and Garoppolo in the 2nd round.

  51. William Says:

    Shaw is coming to Tampa…

  52. Chris Says:

    I agree with the garoppolo statements. Honestly I think Manziel falls in the draft. He’s not disciplined in the pocket as a Drew Brees or Russell Wilson. Everyone wants to compare him to that and Favre. To me you don’t touch Manziel that early.

    Take Evans at 7 and you have a dominate wr duo. Do I like McCown? No. He’s security and serviceable but not a long term starter. Then you look at the qbs available in late 1. Is Manziel still there? Carr? Maybe Bridgwater? Garoppolo. You look who took a qb round 1. I see bortles at 1 and Teddy at 4.

    That’s how I see it playing out.

  53. Mr. T Says:

    I agree, the Bucs would hardly telegraph their true intentions like this. I think they are just pumping up the QB’s to get others to reach for them so the player they really want falls to them or they get a great offer from someone to trade down. Can hardly wait till may to see how this plays out.

  54. Architek Says:

    FLBoy,
    That’s the whole point – I don’t see why people are falling for this only to be severely disappointed.

  55. Jlaser99 Says:

    You guys are all forgeting we live in Tampa one of the biggest places for a young man to party And get in trouble. Look what happen to Freeman to much hanging out and partying at channelside. Manziel would have a field day with all the distractions tampa has to offer!

  56. Maze Says:

    If we draft Johnny Football I’ll be visiting this site twice as much as I do now and I probably already come here about ten times a day. Haha. Keep up the top notch coverage on Manziel and all things Bucs my man.

  57. Patrick Says:

    I don’t understand any of the hype surrounding this Gorropolo guy. Taking him as high as the 2nd round? lol. talk about a reach. GET MANZIEL.

  58. FuNkyYxMuNkEy Says:

    I like Garoppolo and would not be upset with him at all. I just hope and pray that Bridgewater is not our guy. He has tiny hands and a 20 on the wonderlic leaves a lot to still desire. No thank you, pass. I would also have no issues if we were to take Evans at 7 if and only if Sammie is gone. Then trade back into the late 1st and take Carr if he is still there.

    The QBs I would like in Tampa are

    1. Derek Carr
    2. Jimmy Garoppolo
    3. Zach Mettenberger
    4. Garrett Gilbert
    5. Logan Thomas

    Carr, Garoppolo, and Mettenberger can all be really good. Gilbert and Thomas have potential to turn into great QBs in three years or so.

  59. Buc the Haters Says:

    Noone in their right mind can argue that Johnny doesn’t have the best combination of mobility, arm strength, & intelligence. Anyone see those wunderlic scores? Johnny is the smartest QB & Bridgewater is stupid AND has a weak arm. Anyone who doesn’t acknowledge that is in denial or a moron.

  60. WalkdaPlank Says:

    These Johnny jock riding articles are getting disturbing.

    What, do you have a candle-lit shrine of your Mancrush in your closet you pay worship to every night?

    Just damn.

  61. Ernest T. Bass Says:

    Training camp = 90 degrees, 90% smokin hot babes in attendance Draft Johnny Football. Sold out stadiums and primetime matchups. Nuff said.

  62. Daffy Buc Says:

    Bridgewater small hands low wonderlic, Johnny Huge Hands high wonderlic. The ladies say Johnny, Johnny, Johnny!!

  63. BoJim Says:

    If JF is there at 7, then the Glazers will demand that Lovie takes him.

  64. SAMCRO Says:

    BPA except QB

  65. Eric Says:

    If we can’t get JF, go with Carr.

    That kid has some flare too.

    Bridgewater has bought himself a ticket to the second round.

  66. owlykat Says:

    Can’t miss QBs come once a decade and with Lovie we will never be able to get one. The Colts wouldn’t let anyone move up and take Luck. If you think we can move up for FSU’s QB, you are just dreaming. Our best shot is to take a QB in the first round while we have Tedford to make him into a Franchise QB. Look around the NFL and tell me what round were the Manning brothers, Rogers, Luck, Flacco, and Newton picked? Well that is the round we need to pick our future Franchise QB. Lovie needs to know the Glennon mob will try to persuade him otherwise to save Glennon from being traded, and those who think other needs outweigh our need for a QB will act the same. However, the biggest need for the Bucs is a future Franchise QB now when we have the very best chance for 0ne at 7 in the first round. That is required to win a Super Bowl and Lovie learned that the hard way–which explains our interviewing all the top QBs and it is no smokescreen Fans. GET READY TO CHEER FOR A 1ST ROUND BUC QB!!!

  67. phil Says:

    Carr will be a bust just like his brother. We should do everything possible to get Johnny Football. If we can’t get JF we should try for Jimmy Garoppolo.