Above And Beyond

August 24th, 2016
Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes

Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes

One great thing about having eye-RAH! Kaufman working for JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters is the great sources and access of Tampa Bay’s only Hall of Fame voter.

The Custodian of Canton is passing on all sorts of knowledge.

Today, Kaufman had a long chat with Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith and shared with Joe how pleased Smith is that Brent Grimes has gone above and beyond to teach and guide rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, the No. 11 overall pick.

Ira Kaufman chats with Mike Smith today

Ira Kaufman chats privately with Mike Smith today

The emphasis from Smith was clear, Kaufman told Joe over a plate of brown rice. The veteran Grimes, a four-time Pro Bower, is not content to just play his standout game, like many 33-year-old veterans free agents on a new team would be.

When Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht signed Grimes, he talked about how he would be a “bridge” free agent — connecting to the next era of Bucs cornerbacks, hopefully great ones. It seems Licht’s plan at corner is paying dividends.

Hargreaves has exploded over the past week — two picks in Jacksonville and two more on the practice field against the Browns yesterday.

Joe believes this Grimes-Hargreaves relationship is key, especially since they have similar frames and games, featuring elite athleticism and explosiveness.

Inevitably, hard times and challenging situations will come for Hargreaves, and Grimes can be that voice to keep his head on straight.

During his 2013 rookie year, cornerback Johnthan Banks had future Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis to lean on, and the second-round pick emerged through 16 starts with three interceptions. And he had a bright future following four picks in his second season.

Banks gave Revis a lot of credit for helping launch him successfully into the NFL. What happened to Banks after that remains a mystery.

14 Responses to “Above And Beyond”

  1. Buccfan37 Says:

    Over a plate of brown rice, what no gravy?

  2. Nole&aBuc Says:

    * What happened to Banks after that remains a mystery.

    No mystery there Joe. His game was castrated by Lovie. Simple as that!

  3. Jason Says:

    It’s no mystery what happened to Banks, it’s one word: Lovie.

    Simple as that.

  4. BKNYFOOTBALLHEAD Says:

    @37

    Nope, Ira will be making the gravy tomorrow morning eating brown rice.
    Sorry all for the vivid imagery.

  5. DB55 Says:

    Nole&aBuc Says:
    August 24th, 2016 at 7:24 pm
    * What happened to Banks after that remains a mystery.

    No mystery there Joe. His game was castrated by Lovie. Simple as that!
    ————-
    Not only that but now the media has taken the position that hey Jude is somehow better than Banks. Absolute ludicrousosity!

  6. Brian Says:

    The media is saying Jude is better or is Jude just better? Im going with the latter.

  7. ndog Says:

    But Bighog Hayes says Licht is the worst GM in the world so how can a plan of his be working? I just don’t understand how this could be.

  8. LocalJoker Says:

    Mike Williams, former Buc WR is available. Just released by the Chiefs.

  9. Phil Says:

    No mystery. Lovie got ahold of him. Could be years before he is able to straighten himself out.

  10. DemBoyzFromDaBay727 Says:

    The falling of Jonathan Banks. A sad story. I’m rooting for him but it doesn’t look good.

  11. DemBoyzFromDaBay727 Says:

    I really think it will be VH3 opposite of Grimes come opening day. I also think Verner isn’t worth keeping around for 7-8 mill to be a backup when u have other guys like Jude and Robinson playing just as well if not better. Alot of ppl think I’m crazy for that but Verner has been give every chance and still hasn’t really shined so far. I hope he does start balling but I just don’t see it happening.

  12. GilArciaBucs Says:

    VH3 will be just fine, a baller with an attitude that he provides on gamedays. Something the team has needed and mix that in with Grimes, this is promising. And for the record, white rice > brown rice. Especially with black or red beans. Even some garbonzos with chorizo.

  13. Ramblingman Says:

    “Over a plate of brown rice” – channeling Tom McEwen, I see.

  14. joeblockedlme Says:

    Lovie’s fault?