Decisions
February 17th, 2018
High on Georgia RB.
When the draft kicks off the night of April 26, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht has a major decision on his hands.
No, it’s not so much who to draft between Saquon Barkley or Bradley Chubb, if those two happen to fall for some odd reason. It’s whether to trade up, stand pat, or trade down.
If Licht decides to trade down, Joe has to wonder if Georgia running back Sony Michel might be in play? Depending who one listens to or reads, Michel could be drafted in the middle of the first round or slide to the second round.
Mike Mayock, legendary draft analyst for NFL Network, is of the mind Michel is the fourth-best running back in the draft. His colleague at NFL Network, Peter Schrager, isn’t on board with that.
Recently, Schrager went all Bulldogs cheerleader on Michel, all but saying he is the next Alvin Kamara.
Enjoy Schrager’s analysis in the NFL Network video below.
“I️ want the guy who performed on the biggest of stages. That’s Sony Michel.”@PSchrags tells us why we should pay attention to @FootballUGA RB Sony Michel @Flyguy2stackz pic.twitter.com/ilEc5VZ9xk
— GMFB (@gmfb) February 16, 2018
February 17th, 2018 at 12:16 am
Sony was projected as a 3rd round back … then the BCS playoffs happened and now he’s firmly in the late 1st – mid 2nd … he’d be fine in the 2nd round but I’d rather just get a cheap back in free agency and use a draft pick on a more valuable position …
February 17th, 2018 at 1:08 am
Agree NFLNut…totally agree..
February 17th, 2018 at 1:49 am
would love to have Michel as a Buc and trade down this draft!
February 17th, 2018 at 2:41 am
Probably goes early twenties
February 17th, 2018 at 4:04 am
I can see SIX QBs going in the first round and just one RB, though it wouldn’t shock me if Guice and Michel slipped in as well …
February 17th, 2018 at 5:50 am
Would be a perfect fit…top character guy too apparently…
February 17th, 2018 at 5:55 am
Stay true to Defensive Line and Offensive Line in rounds 1 and 2 — unless we get the OL fixed through FA. Then double up on DL or maybe a CB. There will be good FA RBs and 3rd Rd RBs. CBs can be found in the middle rounds.
If Chubb isn’t available at 7, take Vea or trade back. In a perfect world, trade back with Buffalo or AZ to get Vea and more picks for an edge rusher.
February 17th, 2018 at 6:00 am
Joe,
Respect your passion for addressing a position of need. But there’s no way in hell I’m trading up for runnning back – when there’s quality backs in the 2nd & 3rd.
Kerryon Johnson manhandled the Savage SEC West.
And the last time I checked Ronald Jones & Nick Chubb can still handle that rock.
Waaay to many holes on this squad Joe. But If Michel still on the board in the 2nd – I wouldn’t have no problem with US turning in the card.
February 17th, 2018 at 6:05 am
I really hope that major decision doesnt become too complicated. It should be as simple as if Bradley Chubb is gone by #7, trade down.
As far as Michel goes, I think he slides to round 2. Unless a team falls in love with him and has him ahead of Guice.
I think 2 RBs go in round 1. Which means one of either Michel, Guice, or Ronald Jones (who for whatever reason isnt talked about as much as the other top RBs) will probably be available for the Bucs in round 2 if they choose to go that route.
February 17th, 2018 at 6:19 am
And if we were to trade down, who makes sense as a trade partner? 4 QBs are likely to be picked before the Bucs are on the clock. Is a team like the Cardinals or Bills gonna trade up for the 5th best QB? Even if it was the guy they wanted, why would they?
Lets use the Cardinals in this example. The QB they want is still on the board and the Bucs are on the clock. Would they trade up? Look at the teams between 7 and 15. Bears, 49ers, Raiders, Dolphins, Bengals, Redskins, and Packers. They all have QBs already. Why would Arizona need to jump them?
Teams that make sense to trade up to our spot are teams that need to jump the Bears. WR needy teams. DB needy teams. Like the Redskins or the Ravens. Maybe a team wants to jump up for Nelson.
Even then tho, is a team gonna trade up for an OG? Is there really a WR in this class worth a top 10 pick?
The Bucs arent in a very good spot in terms of trading.
February 17th, 2018 at 6:42 am
For everyone who advocates ‘Trade Down’ if Chubb is gone, remember that it takes two to tango. Much more likely whoever we trade down with would want to package 2017 picks with 2018 picks, which wouldn’t help us at all THIS year. IOW, trading down might happen, but not something to count on.
Assuming we stay at #7, Bucs have to stay laser-focused on rebuilding our DEFENSE. Would love to get Chubb at #7, with Minkah as our Option 2. If BOTH are gone by #7, then either Vea or Payne would be my pick. Then in Rnd 2, IF we get Minkah, thus no DE or DT, I’d go DE or DT there, then RB in Rnd 3. If we do get a DE or DT in Rnd 1, then go RB in Rnd 2. And yes, hopefully Licht has fixed the OLine in FA PRIOR to the draft
February 17th, 2018 at 6:44 am
Again, If Quenton Nelson is off the board – which can happen if Denver Signs Kirk Cousins. We’re open for business
February 17th, 2018 at 6:49 am
Michel is a solid all around running back. If we don’t land Barkley I’d hope he’s the next running back on our board.
February 17th, 2018 at 6:52 am
Why do we need a RB when we have Doug Martin?
February 17th, 2018 at 7:11 am
^^^^
Because we have Doug Martin
February 17th, 2018 at 7:16 am
If a QB falls like Rosen, Mayfield or Allen a natural trade down partner would be the Cardinals.
February 17th, 2018 at 7:17 am
Hey, 2012 and 2015 Doug Martin might show back up.
February 17th, 2018 at 7:34 am
I really like this kid, not only is he a good runner and receiver, but he is also an above average blitz picker-upper and blocker. Trading down or trading a current player for extra picks (I think Lavonte David is expendable for the right pick), would allow us to get a good DE (Chubb or Hubbard) and Sony Michelle in Round 1….which I would consider a big win for the Bucs.
February 17th, 2018 at 7:35 am
^^^^^^^^
I pray tampabaybucsfan is joking lol. I had not laughed that hard all season. Doug Martin Should not be a buccaneer this year and forefit the 7 million he got this freeing up room for us to pick up some help in free agency. I was honestly surprised that the glaziers dished out sooo much cash for an inconsistent running back. When you get benched for a 2nd, 3rd and 4th string running back to take your place he should already know his career is finished here. Everyone knows we need a solid runningback to keep our offense from being one dimensional like it was last year. However, we also need A solid DE, a solid DT, a CB in case grimes cuts bait and runs. Our defense last year was horrendous but then again so was our O-Line. OH and FOR GODSAKE PLEASE HAVE JAMEIS WORK ON HISNLONG BALL. I CANNOT EVEN COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I SAW DJAX OPEN DOWN FIELD. so unless by some miracle this team can fill the majority of those holes through free agency and the draft it will be another disappointing year for the DEN OF DEPRESSION.
February 17th, 2018 at 7:44 am
Actually , Michel played played better then Chubb all year. Continued to take carries away from Chubb all year cause Chubb not same after injury. And then Michel turned it up a notch in playoffs. The kid can ball and has some filthy quicks. Would love to have him. It depends on what he shows at combine / private workouts but end of 1st is likely….agree with 20’s range.
And People Chubb will not be available when we pick. Sorry. Ain’t happening. He is only true edge rusher and every team knows this. Some qbs will go before bucs pick but not as many as people are thinking.
Vita vea as 1st pick and I would be ok with trading up into end of 1st and getting Michel. Licht could offer low 2nd round pick next year to go with a 4th or 5th this year or something crazy like that cause licht might not be here next year anyway. So what does he have to lose. That’s what I would do if I was GM. Then get defensive end and cornerback with every other pick. Back and forth.
In free agency , get dion Lewis or similar type rb player and center from ravens -Jensen. Resign grimes and boom ….the team is better then last year.
February 17th, 2018 at 7:45 am
@Jeagan..uhh NO to trading LVD.
@Joe..hell NO to trading KB
NO LB TRADES PERIOD
February 17th, 2018 at 7:47 am
Jeagan1999
Did you put some whiskey in your coffee this morning. Trade lavonte David for picks? Cmon man. Not to be mean but … seriously?
You don’t trade away your most consistent / true probowl player who is still in his prime.
February 17th, 2018 at 7:48 am
Wutdabucthis
We said same thing at same time. Totally agree
February 17th, 2018 at 8:14 am
@ Armybucfan
Of course I’m joking…I will admit I though he should have a second chance…but not a third
February 17th, 2018 at 8:24 am
@Bird…lol yea yo. Blasphemous talk!!!
February 17th, 2018 at 8:35 am
Trading down in the first round requires too much thinking on Jason licht’s part. Stay put and bring #VeatotheBay
February 17th, 2018 at 8:36 am
Agree with Bucs Guy…..the lines make all the other units better. I personally believe you go offensive line simply because developing Winston is the team’s biggest investment….Chubb would be my only exception.
February 17th, 2018 at 8:53 am
I like Sony Michel however, Kerryon Johnson is my favorite back in the draft. If we trade down I’d be ok with taking either one.
February 17th, 2018 at 9:38 am
Does anybody know where the Bucs would have picked if they would have lost that last game. Considering strength of schedule would they have the 4th or 5th pick?
February 17th, 2018 at 9:49 am
After the combine Sony will climb the draft boards maybe be the second bag taken!
February 17th, 2018 at 9:50 am
Back
February 17th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Signs of a perinnial loser? You finish almost last in all Defensive categories yet..you are still talking about building your offense. Yep..You’s a loser allright!!
February 17th, 2018 at 10:31 am
If Chubb is gone , then Vea is the pick. He will be All-Pro in 2 years.
February 17th, 2018 at 11:03 am
If Jameis is suspended next year we need to prepare by building our defense. Regardless, we need defense. D line first! Stop the run and pass rush. Our offense can score enough points if we can stop anybody. Aggressively attack F/A’s and use the draft to build this defense back up.
February 17th, 2018 at 11:57 am
I realize there are individual situations. E.G. If I knew for sure that Barkley was the next Jim Brown or Marshall Faulk…FOR SURE…I would do whatever it takes to get him. But of course we all doubt that..could happen but not likely and he could be the next great PSU back like KiJana Carter who blows a knee in pre season.
And so all we can do is follow the odds. My own man the bookie is laughing at me in his grave right now. He pounded that into my head. Forget emotions…feelings and make an objective look at what’s going on.
Well then there is NO competition between Barkley and Chubb IMHO. If they are both equal talents or close to equal Chubb is far more valuable. I’ll repost this chart again to show how the NFL values player positions…the money gets spent because of what the ENTIRE league believes are most valuable…generally aside from QB who touches the ball so much as a result of supply and demand…which also effects QB somewhat as well.
http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-highest-paid-positions-2014-9
You’ll see that DE’s trail only QB’s…and in average WR’s but exceptional DE’s are paid more than even WR’s
RB’s run right in the middle of the pack…behind LT’s…LB’s and even CB’s and DT’s.
Hence if you follow the league’s pocketbooks Chubb is far more valuable than Barkley all other things being equal. Again if you believe he’s Jimmy Brown or Faulk…ok…I just can’t buy that risk and so I agree totally…as usual with NFLnut
February 17th, 2018 at 12:49 pm
G720,
Be a isn’t even the best tackle in the draft I don’t believe anyone has him slotted in the top 20. So why use a 7 pick for a late first round guy at best. He’s not that ready as to expect him to be a pro bowler. I’m not saying He won’t be eventually but He’s not a great #7 pick. If we need a DT then there’s a lot smarter pick than vea.
February 17th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Viti Vea at #7? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quenton Nelson, Minkah Fitzpatrick … or … TRADE DOWN!
February 17th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Thank you Nut I was beginning to think that JBF was sending out crazy pills to posters.
February 17th, 2018 at 1:03 pm
Guice, Key, Fowler a LSU trifecta. Add my boy Davenport and Hernandez and I don’t think it gets better than that.
February 17th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Duke
Have you been hanging with Kwon and Beckwith? LOL
No doubt we’ve certainly had success drafting LSU players.
February 17th, 2018 at 1:22 pm
Michel in the top 10? Is that a joke. I mean you never know what’s going to happen (OJ at #20), but the only RB going in the top ten if not the first round is Barkley. We do need a RB, but what’s the point when you don’t have trenches for him to get through. And we desperately need to improve on defensive line and secondary.
SOE the GM:
1. Pay Andrew Norwell. Defensive BPA at #7
2. Pay Andrew Norwell. Trade back in the first for two first or second rounders. Two first rounders= two defensive BPA+ Michel/defensive BPA in second. First round and two second rounders= defensive BPA+Michel/defensive BPA+defensive BPA.
-I don’t exactly mean defensive BPA. I mean defensive BPA in the order of the position we would want to pick because we need defensive BPA at every position.
February 17th, 2018 at 2:10 pm
StPete,
Lol, I look at the success of Kwon and Beckwith coming into the ready to play.
That and the school’s history of recruiting athletic freaks. All three on list are physical 1%’s . Which means that they enter the league ready to play.
True story, I have on my LSU throwback hat on as I type this. So yeah…
I’m not UN-biased.
February 17th, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Duke
But you get high marks for honesty!
February 17th, 2018 at 9:48 pm
Bird,
No offense taken, but if you really consider it, it’s not that far fetched an idea. LB might be the deepest position on the team (could also be TE). Kwon has really come on strong! Beckwith had a promising rookie season. David is still a very good player…now entering his 7th season….but if another team offered a mid-late 1st round pick for him, I would definitely consider it. We need 2 starting DE’s and a RB, OL help and DB help. LVD’s tackle numbers the last 2 years have been the 2lowest of his career, but he still has value. The question is…..Losing a player of his caliber: how much would our LB corp. suffer? VS. With another high draft pick, would the extra player we would gain potentially be more valuable (an extra DE, or good young RB, or another quality OLman?
I would consider it.
February 18th, 2018 at 4:31 am
@NFL Nut
Danny Shelton- Picked 12th by the Browns.
1.5 sacks last year.
We do NOT need Vita Vea! He will only clog up lanes. He will not bust up the O-line like Fletcher Cox, Gerald McCOY, or Aaron Donald.
Vita Vea is not worth a top 10 pick!
Maybe around 15 or 16.
But not top 10!
He’s sloooooowwwwww.
February 18th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
He and Crowell would be definite upgrades over Martin/Sims