Jack Conklin And The Bucs
March 21st, 2016
Senses the arrival of a B1G tackle.
If ever the Bucs tipped off fans to what they think of their right tackles, it came two weeks go when Tampa Bay danced the dance with free agent tackle Andre Smith.
The Bucs surely weren’t going to bring Smith in to play left tackle. Even though the crowd that likes to fidget with calculators hates Donovan Smith, the Bucs are really, really happy with him.
When you add in starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus and backup right tackle Demar Dotson are both over 30, one doesn’t need a calculator to realize the Bucs are, at worst, preparing to upgrade the position.
So maybe helmethair Mel Kiper, Jr. is onto something. In a recent BSPN podcast, Kiper throws out the name of Michigan State roadgrader Jack Conklin as a Bucs draft pick — at right tackle.
Looking at what the Bucs did in free agency, Kiper said he smells the Bucs drafting a right tackle next month, which will help America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
“When you look at J.R. Sweezy, he is a hole-filler at guard,” Kiper said. “[Brent] Grimes and [Josh] Robinson come in and help you at corner but getting a [Vernon] Hargreaves would solidify that starting spot. Robert Ayers comes in at defensive end – you could look at Jack Conklin as a right tackle on that football team. That would obviously help out Jameis Winston dramatically knowing you addressed the defense and you have your guard so the offensive line with the addition of Conklin is a possibility there.”
It’s an interesting thought, but would the Bucs, or any team, spend a No. 9 pick on a right tackle? Isn’t that a bit of a reach? In Kiper’s last mock draft, he projected Conklin would be selected by the Eagles at No. 13, before they traded up with Miami to No. 8.
Kiper’s math adds up. Looking at who the Bucs signed — and more importantly, swung and missed on — it’s easy to predict what areas they will address in the draft.
Right now, the Bucs have depth at right tackle, even though Cherilus and Dotson are getting long in the tooth. What the Bucs may do, instead of spending a No. 9 pick on a right tackle, is to draft a tackle early on the third day of the draft, to develop for when Cherilus and Dotson’s days are done.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:04 am
As they say, “it all starts up front.” I would gladly take another stud OL to protect THE MESSIAH. In addition, something has to be done on defense as well.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:14 am
While I agree that we need to do some more upgrading on our line, we cannot go another draft without giving our defense some attention. It worked out well the last two years and I’m fine with what we’re seeing out of the players we’ve taken, but we need some new young quality players on our defensive side. This is the draft to get them, so let’s do it. Pamphile is developing. Maybe grab a third day prospect, like Joe said. No need to get nuts.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:19 am
I agree we need defensive help but I’m curious if the new coaches can get more out of what we have on the roster. I want them to draft the best players regardless of position sans QB. This roster needs talent and mental toughness.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:19 am
I can see us trading that pick.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:29 am
Not happening helmet-hair.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:41 am
Bucs had better get Defensive help..and lots of it too!
March 21st, 2016 at 11:41 am
No one knows really but I’d be damn surprised if it isn’t a DE.
Tney can get an OLineman in the later rounds. They pan out more than most positions when drafted late.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:43 am
Reading all these threads…our draft has basically become a BPA with some exceptions…certainly no QB..no RB…no guards or centers or linebackers..outside of that…BPA.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:43 am
Rd1. DE/OLB – Leonard Floyd (Georgia)
Rd2. CB – Xavien Howard (Baylor)
Rd3. DT – Austin Johnson (Penn State)
Rd4. OT – Willie Beavers (W. Michigan)
Rd5. S – DeAndre Houston-Carson (William & Mary)
Rd6. FB – Dan Vitale (Northwestern)
Rd6. WR – Michael Thomas (Southern Miss)
March 21st, 2016 at 11:43 am
if the drafts top players go as rated, we are left with Ronnie Stanley as the best available…Move Do.Smith to RT?, plug in Stanley at LT?
March 21st, 2016 at 11:44 am
How about Willie Beavers in 4th or 5th rd. Mayock likes him.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:48 am
No DE @9 is a slap in GMC’s face.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:50 am
I really wouldn’t be against using that first roundpick on the offensive side of the ball if they think there’s a guy there that makes us better. Although I have to say that I feel it’s extremely impotant for us to add a young defensive lineman (either tackle or end). It would be silly to count on a rookie next year on the defensive line to give us any kind of pass rush but we need to start developing that side of the line for the future.
Really have my heart set on Sterling Shepard in round 2. Hoping we can add a weapon for Jameis at pick 39
March 21st, 2016 at 11:50 am
Joe,
Jack Conklin is a Blue Chipper. Your not gonna finding that kind of talent (this year) in the 3 or 4th round. An even though, a few folks have projected Conklin at RT. Most will tell you he could easily slide over to LT.
This guy is what football is all about. He came out no where as a walk on. Demolished so called 4 & 5 star prospects in practice – to gain his position. Then he proceeded to destroy almost every single rusher he faced- Including Buckner.
If we trade back a few spots – pick up an extra 2 & 4th round pick – Draft Conklin
Then use one of picks a DE. You could use the other 2nd rounder on anything.
Example:
A Combination of Shilique Calhoun
& either
Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC
Andrew Billings, DT, (Can’t believe this guy might slide to the 2nd round)
Chris Jones, DE/DT
Or
A Combination of Silique Calhoun & either
Germain Ifedi
Vadal Alexander
Tyler Boyd
Joshua Perry
March 21st, 2016 at 11:56 am
Don’t get me wrong I’m all in on drafting Noah Spence. But I wouldn’t be the least bit upset if we trade back and draft Jack Conklin.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:57 am
Not happening folks. Just not happening. Bucs are happy with Smith at LT.
Turn the page.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:01 pm
just get tyler boyd somehow dude is smooth
March 21st, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Tyler Boyd is a faster version of Ike hillard
March 21st, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Let’s not forget the big accusation – was suppose to be RT Mitchell Schwartz. Before Schwartz signed a 5-year, $33 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs
March 21st, 2016 at 12:03 pm
@OneBuc55
I love how you think. Great picks, fills most of the holes on the roster. Only thing is, I don’t think Vitale makes it to the 6th round. With his versatility and athleticism, I can see him going as early as the 4th.
@LUVMYBUCS
as always, good work sir. I respect the insight and research you put into your posts.
Conklin is a bona fide bad ass. Adding him and Sweezy would make this O line a bully….nobody would wanna deal with them. I think he’s a slight reach at 9, especially with other needs trumping RT, and the probability of players being available at those positions of need. Trading back a bit and gaining more picks, allowing flexibility and addressing those others needs is a great idea.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:04 pm
All this speculation is ridiculous really.
They NEED a DE. End of story.
They’ll take a DB or 2 and a LB and possibly a WR and OL, but DE goes first.
Please stop with this BPA bs. No team does that in the first few rounds. It is a combination of need and bpa. To do just one and not the other is idiotic.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:05 pm
Joe
No one is suggesting Move Donovan Smith to RT. But as you know injuries do happen. An as you’ve stated many of times – is hard to replace a LT. So if you can grab a blue chip Tackle. Move him over to RT – with confidence that if something happens to your LT – You have a guy that can step right in. WIN WIN
March 21st, 2016 at 12:08 pm
Also, LUV….in your scenario of trading back for Conklin….that would eliminate the need for someone like Ifedi or Alexander. Maybe the center from Alabama in 3 or 4? (can’t remember his name right now). Hawley was good and reliable, but if they can upgrade there too, that O line could potentially be ridiculous.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Why do all you [EASY, Dice!] out ther want a dt. We got two good starters. Why spend a 1st rd pick on rt stupid.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Joe
This makes no sense. Bucs already have capable right tackles. If Conklin is indeed the right tackle of the future, either Cherilus or Dotson will stay (maybe both).
So if there is an injury at RT, you are going to take your most important player on the offensive line, a left tackle, and move him to a foreign position (to the best of Joe’s knowledge, Smith has never played right tackle)… for who? A backup? Then you are weakening two positions on the line.
The Bucs have their left tackle. His name is Donovan Smith. If the Bucs do draft a tackle, it will be for the right side, not to replace Smith.
Not sure where this “Donovan Smith is a right tackle” talk started. It surely isn’t coming from someone working at One Buc Palace or for that matter, anyone Joe has spoken to that works in the NFL.
Mike Glennon has a better chance of starting at quarterback than Donovan Smith does at right tackle.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:15 pm
Big Marlon B S
Thank you for the complement sir
March 21st, 2016 at 12:17 pm
These are also known as the Gerald McCoy haters, who are closet fans of Da’Quan Bowers.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:21 pm
This makes no sense. Bucs already have capable right tackles.
What the Hell are U talking about bruh- No one is saying move DS to RT.
Brb
March 21st, 2016 at 12:23 pm
We don’t need to waste a 1st round pick on a right tackle.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:31 pm
ok, with buckner,bosa and hargreaves gone before #9, bucs gotta trade down. Nobody fits with the top ends and corner gone.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:34 pm
I agree with JOE…Rounds 1 & 2 DE-FENSE, Round 3 Offense, Round 4 Offense, Round 5,6&7, DE-FENSE
March 21st, 2016 at 12:37 pm
@ Joe
you got LUV’s whole premise backwards. what he was saying is since Conklin projects as a RT, put him at RT. if Donovan Smith at LT gets injured, Conklin can be moved there, as he has experience playing that side anyway. Then whoever the swing tackle is (likely Pamphile) could step in at RT, which is the less crucial of the 2 bookend positions.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Brent bull/buc…the main reason DT is a possibility at 9 is Clinton McDonald is coming off injury and is older with limited pass rush ability and Akeem spence and william gholston are not only limited players but are coming up on contract years….getting the top rated DT Rankins over the 3rd best DE, not even sure who that is (Lawson Dodd spence ogbah) makes sense from a need and BPA standpoint, on top of that, imagine a larger Aaro Donald type player lining up to mccoy, that would be devastating on defense, that would open up our DEs to get constant 1 on 1 situations, plus inside pressure causes happy feet from QBS, causing turnovers from our back 7 sounds like a draft scenario we all can get behind
March 21st, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Can someone help me understand why we want Hargraves? Why would we want 2 CBs that are 5’8″ when all the receivers in the division are 6’5″? Am I missing something or am I being short sighted here?
March 21st, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Rd 1 DT Sheldon Rankins 6’1 299 5.03 (40 time)
Rd 2 CB Artie Burns 6’0 193 4.46
Rd 3 DE Carl Nassib 6’7 277 4.84
Rd 4 FB Dan Vitale 6’1 239 4.60
Rd 5 DE Matt Judon 6’3 275 4.73
Rd 6 WR Kolby Listenbee 6’0 197 4.39
Rd 6 K Roberto Aguayo
March 21st, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Yeah, seems a bit high for a right tackle, especially at No. 9.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Big Marlon B:
Ah, that adds up, thanks.
March 21st, 2016 at 12:58 pm
To quote Hargreaves, “If you can play ball, you can play ball.” Some of the better corners are short guys (Revis). Shoot, even Brett Grimes is short. Didn’t hurt him.
Best corners in the draft are short (after Ramsey). Alexander is 5-10 as well. He’s done well against big receivers (Notre Dame, FSU).
March 21st, 2016 at 1:06 pm
Not necessarily true. Remember, the Cardinals and the Titans have taken guards in the top 10 the past few years.
The “too early to draft position X” mindset made sense prior to the rookie salary cap, but nowadays you can take the best player. I mean, there’s talk of a Safety going #1 overall…you never would’ve seen that before the rookie salary cap
March 21st, 2016 at 1:10 pm
@DB55
you’re exaggerating quite a bit. Hargreaves is not 5’8″, and neither is Grimes. both are 5’10”, as is Verner who might even be 5’11”.
ALL of the receivers in the division aren’t 6’5″, in fact Kelvin Benjamin is the only one. New Orleans cut Marques Colston, Devin Funchess is 6’4″, and Julio Jones is 6’2″ or 6’3″. New Orleans has Brandon Coleman who is 6’6″, but it’s anyone’s guess as to how much he will even be seeing the field.
Besides, it’s not like there are any 6’5″ corners walking around. Hargreaves is really good. I don’t know if he would be my top choice for the #9 pick, I feel like there is some decent CB depth. But talent is talent, and WRs are typically going to be taller than CBs….that’s just how it is.
March 21st, 2016 at 1:11 pm
if you listen to Licht talk…..that pick isn’t happening. right tackle a) might not be best player available…and b) Jason puts more stock into guys who can play both tackle spots.
March 21st, 2016 at 1:22 pm
Ty gents, seems like a reasonable explaination. Personally, I’d rather use #9 for a DL or WR.
March 21st, 2016 at 1:51 pm
We have an offensive coach now, I tell Mike Smith that he gets rd 2-7 to work with and offense gets rd1. I then see if Stanley fall to #9. If not I draft Treadwell. and we are sett for the next 10 years with Winston, Evans and Treadwell.
March 21st, 2016 at 1:53 pm
Interesting Mocks -OneBuc55, Guzzie.
Always enjoy your post and insight CreamsicleBananaHammock, LuvMyBucs and BigMarlon B.
BMB- I got a feeling Brandon Colman will see the field a lot more now that Colston is gone. That dude has got game.
March 21st, 2016 at 2:02 pm
I’m not on the Treadwell Wagon at 9. If we found a partner and traded down to around 19 (not getting past Houston) and picked up a few early picks and got Corey Coleman, I’d be alright with that. As long as we used those extra picks on the D-line. I think Colman is the top WR in the draft and do believe most will think this come draft time.
March 21st, 2016 at 2:11 pm
I’m sorry I’ll have to sit back and watch this draft. I get too passionate. I feel like it’s obvious we need a de and wr and lb and safety. I’ll just have to develop mentality in licht I trust until draft is over.
March 21st, 2016 at 2:14 pm
If we don’t need a right tackle why have we already shown interest in free agent tackle’s Andre Smith and Mitchell Schwartz? I thought Kevin Pamphile was going to take over at right tackle next year? The reason we want a DT is that we don’t have one other than McCoy who can rush the passer and help collapse the pocket. Now that Henry Melton and Tony McDaniel are gone we have no depth other than Akeem Spence and Da’Quan Bowers. Bowers needs to go. Watch the film on Sheldon Rankins. I was high on him until I keep coming to the same conclusion. I don’t see anything on film that excites me? What we need in this draft is impact players. Players who stand out and have the most potential. .I also like players with nicknames. If they have a nickname, the must have earned it.
1) DE/OLB Leonard “the freak” Floyd Georgia (6′ 6″ 248)
2) SS Karl “hitman”Joseph West Virginia (5′ 10″ 205)
3) DT Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State (6′ 2″ 310)
4) CB Harlan Miller Southeastern Louisiana (6′ 0″ 180)
5) OLB Deion Jones LSU (6′ 1″ 230)
6) K Roberto Aguayo* Florida State (5′ 11″ 210)
6) FB Tra Carson Texas A&M (6′ 1” 240)
March 21st, 2016 at 2:27 pm
All the people complaining about CB height are just numbers idiots. Its not like all teams do is throw the ball up to 6-5 recievers to go out jump for. Yes some balls are thrown up but good players make plays regardless f height. Look at the NBA for a moment, Steph Curry, Tony Parker, Allan Iverson are all short by the numbers, but players find a way to compete and play. Height and really weight are BS numbers, I would say height is more important for a QB than a CB but Brees and Wilson still get it done.
March 21st, 2016 at 2:51 pm
I think we are going defense with our first three picks, maybe we draft an oline player if we get a additional pick in the first three rounds by trading Glennon. We have a nice mix of youth and experience on the oline currently. Going into the 2017 season we will need to add to the oline at RT and C for sure.
The only other thing I could see is a tackle/draft pick packaged up in trade for Glennon
March 21st, 2016 at 2:52 pm
I am surprised at how many do not think the Bucs will grab a DT in the 1st or 2nd rounds, Were the draft is deep and most likely find great value at the position!!!! if the Bucs did grab one ( move up from second round to bottom of the first) that rookie DT deal will run up to GMC end of contract and career (most likely)!!!!!
March 21st, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Thank you for the kind words, Stanglassman
March 21st, 2016 at 3:12 pm
BPA!!! Bucs just need to stay true to their board. If an offer to move down comes – that would be great – but its highly unlikely. We just need a good football player with that 1st pick – doesn’t really matter what position as long as its not QB, RB, WLB, MLB or 3-tech.
OT Stanley would be an awesome pick IMO if he’s available at 9. If not – then either Hargreaves or Rankins will be and I believe all 3 of those players are going to be very good in the NFL.
March 21st, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Godzilla13- Great points, per usual. I’m all in on Rankins too. Qbs hate interior pressure it gets there so fast and blows up runs.
I fell in love with Floyd in the combine and I’m alright with him too if Smith is on board. I just hesitate because I loved Mike Mamula after the combine too. I’ll need to do a little more homework on Floyd before the draft.
March 21st, 2016 at 3:18 pm
thanks for the compliment Stanglassman, much appreciated
March 21st, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Godzilla13-
Not so sure Deion Jones last til the 5th round. I think too many teams saw what the Bucs got in Kwon last year and want to emulate it. Projected 3rd round.
March 21st, 2016 at 3:48 pm
For someone who doesn’t like mock drafts, you sure to talk about them a lot, lol.
@godzilla13
Bowers is no longer on the Bucs Roster. UFA
March 21st, 2016 at 3:56 pm
if we did take a tackle at #9 I hope its Stanley…at #9 we would get great value and a plug and play player…I think everything depends on the first round…if a player like bosa, Stanley or jack fall to us at #9 then we need to take one of them…imo, I think the dolphins may take Hargreaves and bosa falls to us….
1st round-de-j.bosa
2nd round- cb-William Jackson or artie burns
3rd round- lb-deion jones
4th round-de/dt-carl nassib
5th round- fs/ss-Keanu neal
6th round- de-alex mcallistar
March 21st, 2016 at 4:20 pm
We also should have an extra pick for Glennon, or at least a trade for him at some point.
March 21st, 2016 at 6:08 pm
BucBoi- Thanks for the mock.
I hope you’re right and WJIII last til the 2nd round. Both DE Bronson Kaufusi & Nassib have shot up all the recent mocks. I think we’d be lucky to get one of those guys in the 3rd. I think Nassib will be gone in the by the end of the 2nd.
March 21st, 2016 at 6:28 pm
At 9 they need to take best Dline player available. DE or DT
March 21st, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Would you stick to the DL BPA if Ramsey or Tunsil dropped to the Bucs at 9?
March 21st, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Stanglassman Says – Thank You. On Sheldon Rankins I am not as high as I was on him. I keep watching film on him and keep asking myself “what am I missing?” I just don’t see anything that makes him stand out to justify him being considered the best DT in this draft? Yes, he dominated at the Senior Bowl, yes, he gets off the ball quickly and holds his gap. He is a gifted athlete for his size and can play both the run and rush the passer. Yes, he is all those things but so is Vernon Butler, Javon Hargrave and Hassan Ridgeway. All could be drafted in later rounds and if you draft him at nine, is he really better or have more potential than Robert Nkemdiche, Andrew Billings or a Deforest Buckner in that role? On Floyd.. I believe he has the most upside of any player this year but with that comes a risk. He could be the second-coming of Dion Jordan. He’s too high coming across the line of scrimmage and at times he can resemble a pig-pong, bouncing off of defenders. When he tackles he doesn’t wrap up, rather he throws or swings the defender to the ground. That and his skinny frame are the concerns. The upside is his speed, explosiveness off the snap, his bend and the best counter move in the draft. He could double as the strongside linebacker and DE on passing plays. He is disruptive and gets a lot of holding penalties.
Bonzi – Thanks. I didn’t realize Bowers is UFA.
March 22nd, 2016 at 5:51 am
I’ve said this before I’d be surprised if the Bucs draft Leonard Floyd
His production in college is very poor for a first round selection and Jason Licht has previously said on multiple occasions that they give a lot of weight to production more than projecting a prospect.
March 22nd, 2016 at 10:20 am
The problem I have with Hargreaves was that he wasn’t even the best CB on the Gators team last year, it was almost like he took the year off. He was much better in 2014, but seemed to disappear this past season. Freakish measurables, but last season’s disappearance concerns me about his desire.