Surprise!

January 22nd, 2019

Shocker.

Yeah, Joe has to admit, this could be the surprise of the year.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report happens to be looking at NFL team needs and he decided to select not just a sleeper draft pick for each team but a surprise pick.

And he sure came up with one for the Bucs when he claimed Alabama running back Josh Jacobs would be the No. 5 overall pick in the draft and in play for Tampa Bay. Former scout Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network made the same call in his opening mock draft of the season this month.

There are two reasons why adding Alabama running back Josh Jacobs with the fifth overall pick would be surprising for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The first is that No. 5 appears to be far too high in this draft to take a running back. The second is that Tampa just used a second-round pick on USC product Ronald Jones last year.

However, Jones was a major disappointment as a rookie (just 44 yards and one touchdown), so he shouldn’t even factor into the equation. Also, if the Buccaneers are convinced Jacobs can have a Todd Gurley-like impact on their offense, there’s no reason not to scoop him up at No. 5.

Adding Jacobs could give recently hired head coach Bruce Arians his new version of David Johnson with which to work.

This surprises Joe in many ways, aside from the fact it seems to be a major reach.

First, Jacobs was in a rotation with two other backs at Alabama. Second, he had only 120 carries last year (flip side is, less wear and tear on those tires). Third, Jacobs’ yards-per-carry stats also dwindled each year since he was a freshman. That’s not a good sign.

And Joe and most others believe that with one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the Bucs would surely draft a defender at No. 5.

Then again, new Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians has stated he is not interested in building anything. He’s got a short window to turn things around. That is what sort of makes a running back at No. 5 seem logical. The Bucs’ run game stinks, man.

But isn’t Jacobs a reach at No. 5? Couldn’t he be had by trading down?

Joe is not advocating drafting Jacobs at No. 5 at all. But it sort of makes a little sense if one is to buy in that Arians needs wins immediately.

As for the rest of the draft, you can listen to the current king of the NFL draft, Mel Kiper. With Joel Buchsbaum dead and Mike Mayock off to work for Chucky, Kiper now wears the crown of the best draft analyst with Jeremiah gaining steam.

Joe may have given the crown to Jeremiah but Joe is annoyed that Jeremiah did not return any of Joe’s texts last week.

87 Responses to “Surprise!”

  1. SteelStudBuc Says:

    Need o-line

  2. Destinjohnny Says:

    Big tide fan and I love Josh but not in the first round

  3. OneBuc55 Says:

    Pass on the running back…the online is the bigger issue…just watch the line of scrimmage on any given rushing play…we rarely dominant…this has to change this season if we want to establish any type of rushing attack moving forward…

    That said, if we don’t go Offensive or Defensive line with 5 pick I’d love to see us take Devin White… Considering that Beckwith and Kwon are both ? marks going into next season I think LB is a position we should consider upgrading..Whites size speed and physicality may be the perfect fit in Todd Bowles defense…

  4. go for the face30 Says:

    Big fan of Josh Jacobs, but the need at RT/RG/LT/CB is way too glaring.

  5. Zach Says:

    A couple years ago Jeremiah was the first to have Alvin Kamara in the first round of his mock draft and kept him there throughout the process. He doesn’t follow the ‘consensus’ and puts players where he thinks they should go. Ultimately Kamara went in round 3 but has proved to be a first round talent. I don’t think the bucs go this direction but I’m no draft expert.

  6. Lordcornelius Says:

    Wtf lol

  7. Bruce Blahak Says:

    Great back…#5 is definite NO!

  8. Bird Says:

    Yah right.

    Oline , Dline and corner

    3 massive holes. No way running back. These people have no clue about bucs. That running back will go 15-25 range anyway

  9. AlteredEgo Says:

    Flag thrown on JBF…Taunting

  10. tnew Says:

    If the Bucs stay at 5, the impact players in this draft are d line players. If that isn’t the direction then, trading down should be the option.

  11. Dom is gone ... Licht Says:

    RB in first round this year would be a typical Licht draft pick ignoring OL again.

  12. Doctor_berto Says:

    Like him but in the 2nd or 3rd round

  13. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    Another stupid prognostication. Until we have an O-line that can actually run block, we don’t even know how good our current running backs can be. Then, there are many, many good running backs. You never need to go to the first round for one.

    In fact, copy successful teams… Does anyone remember the last time New England drafted a running back in the first round?

  14. Defense Rules Says:

    Thankfully Coach Arians is in charge now & he understands how to build a TEAM … starting in the trenches. No way he uses our #5 pick on a RB when he can have his pick of proven RBs in free agency who’ll match what he’s trying to do with this offense.

    First round pick has to go to OLine or DLine BPA when we pick. Bucs have numerous NEEDS but we’ve got to prioritize those needs better than we have for the last 5 years (and longer actually). LT or DE/DT first round then reverse that in the second round. MLB & RB in Rounds 3 & 4 (BPA at those positions) UNLESS a real stud OLineman or DLineman is sitting there for the picking. Rounds 5-7 are a crapshoot anyways so BPA remaining regardless of position. Hopefully we knock it out of the park in FA this year, because if we don’t, we’re screwed.

  15. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    What “Dom is gone” said.

  16. Not there yet Says:

    You can find a back in the later rounds if your any gm other than licht. No need to go for one at 5, you miss on a back at 5 and your done

  17. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Barack, actually, NE drafted Sony Michel in the first round last year.

  18. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    “In fact, copy successful teams… Does anyone remember the last time New England drafted a running back in the first round?”

    Oh, yeah, I forgot. Before everyone beats me up, Sony Michel was practically 2nd round. Like 31st pick. LOL

  19. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    I’ve been pounding the rock for us to draft Joshua Jacobs; for a while now.
    But HELL NAW at #5. Maybe if we trade back to the end of the 1st round.

    But outside of that HELL NAW!

  20. TBUC North Carolina Says:

    Barack!! I’m not for RB in this years draft but Patriots drafted RB in 1St round last year!!!

  21. Anonymous Says:

    BuccaneEric75

    I’m like, “JOE WHERES THE FREAKIN EDIT BUTTON?? You mean I have to look like an a$$ all day??”

  22. tmaxcon Says:

    without 5 new offensive lineman bucs could bring back the Juice equipped with a Slasher knife and he would not be able to be successful behind these clowns bucs call o-lineman.

  23. Jonathan Lipnicki Says:

    Ronald Jones is a “sunk cost” at this point…nothing for the Bucs to do but pray he’s even mediocre. Either Georgia Bulldog back ( Michel or Chubb ) sure would have come in handy last draft. They came off the board before the Jones pick, unfortunately. As a consolation prize, the Bucs snagged CB Martha J. Stewart. Arians will come up with a solution at RB…you can count on it.

  24. Bird Says:

    They are in perfect spot to trade back if guy not there. # 5 is where team will jump giants to get QB , or is it jags ?

    Starting to like devin white And we can trade back and still get. I know linebacker is not huge need but this kid could be next great thing.

  25. Jeff Says:

    “Oh, yeah, I forgot. Before everyone beats me up, Sony Michel was practically 2nd round. Like 31st pick. LOL”

    Well then you can’t use NE as an example since all of their first round picks are practically 2nd round picks…

  26. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    BuccaneEric75, TBUC

    I’m like, “JOE WHERES THE FREAKIN EDIT BUTTON?? You mean I have to look like an a$$ all day??”

  27. Phil Says:

    We should sign Kareem Hunt before the Bears do.

  28. Buc50 Says:

    I always laugh when people say don’t draft a RB in the first because you can get good backs in the later rounds. We can’t find good backs in the 2nd round, what makes people think we can get one later.

    The running game sucks balls so if you have an opportunity to get one in the first, you better do it. I’m not saying he should be 5th pick but don’t just rule it out.

  29. Buc50 Says:

    @Phil would love to sign Kareem Hunt because it makes sense, which is exactly why we won’t do it.

  30. Bucsdelight Says:

    No thanks.

  31. Gruden4President Says:

    Daniel Jeremiah is the worst mocker in the history of mock drafts. There is absolutely nothing special about this rb. Only someone looking to get fired would make this pick. Smh..

  32. Wausa Says:

    I would bet big money that is not the Bucs pick at #5

  33. WalkdaPlank Says:

    I’ll take 2 of whatever you’re smoking Joe!

  34. Jean Lafitte Says:

    oline …end of discussion.

    need proof, look at the top fourr playoff teams. KC couldn’t get to Brady even with their big pass rush. and vise versa

    Rams protected Goff well as did NO protect Brees from Donald and company, although Suh had some success.
    But all four teams have really good olines and the biggest reason for successful run games.

  35. Lord Cornelius Says:

    This reminds me of fantasy football where I’ll like a RB a lot as a sleeper and then find out yahoo is projecting him in the top 2-4 rounds even though it’s a guy with no history of success to that point.

    This is the most ridiculous mock draft pick I’ve ever seen probably and Daniel Jeremiah had the same thing

  36. BucEmUp Says:

    That guy aint no saquon barkely

  37. Jean Lafitte Says:

    K.Hunt is a wussy who likes to slap around little women. IDK how good he might be, we don’t need women beaters on our team.

  38. BucEmUp Says:

    Whats funny is jason Licht gets bashed for “his picks” with two other coaches HE DIDNT PICK, and now that HIS GUY, BA is coach, the guy that never would have came.here had it not been for Jason Licht he will continue to get ZERO credit for his good picks. Reading the hatred toward licht is entertaining sometimes

  39. Owlykat Says:

    We have to take a LT in round one. Either trade D. Smith to Jax for their last year’s first pick RB, or move him to LG with a one year show me contract. Second round is a DE the size of PFF, and third round is Best Guard Available. Fourth round is a backup DT. Get a Free Agent CB who can play press man coverage as well as zone. Convert Stewart to a Safety, and develop Cappa as your RT or play Liedtke there. Evans and Whitehead as starting Safeties with Adams and Stewart as their backups. Then BA will be set to turn around this team in one year!

  40. Pickgrin Says:

    A RB at the top of the first round?? HELL NO!!!!

    Pick #5 better be OLine, DLine or trade down!

    Bucs should sign Kareem Hunt before someone else does and spend all picks this year on OLine and Defense.

  41. Arian Nation Says:

    Swap our #5 pick to the Jags for their #7 and #38.

    Draft Williams (Greedy, Jonah or Quinnen) at #7 and RB at #38.

    The Jags need to leapfrog the Giants at #6.

  42. Wausa Says:

    Arian Nation Says:
    January 22nd, 2019 at 11:05 am
    Swap our #5 pick to the Jags for their #7 and #38.
    Draft Williams (Greedy, Jonah or Quinnen) at #7 and RB at #38.
    The Jags need to leapfrog the Giants at #6.

    —–

    Pretty solid chance this happens.

  43. martinii Says:

    If you’re gonna pick a RB at five which is a bad idea in 2019 (my opinion) Why wouldn’t you take Damien Harrris if you have to have a guy from Alabama. Both Kiper and McShay have him #1 RB in the way to early offseason. Personally I like Williams DE, or J Williams OT, both Alabama freaks that are high on our need position. As far as Hunt is concerned, Sign him.

  44. WalkdaPlank Says:

    “we don’t need women beaters on our team.”

    I agree, but I find it hilarious that almost every Bucs fan I’ve met loves Michael Pittman, and he was a wife beater.

    So a guy who had racial slurs and punches thrown at him decided to kick back, I wouldn’t put those in the same category.

  45. Jean Lafitte Says:

    ^^^^you just said Hunt was justified to beat the hell out of a woman

  46. WalkdaPlank Says:

    Two things sir

    1- I did NOT justify “beating the hell out of a woman” I said Kareem Hunt and Michael Pittman are in two different categories

    2- He did NOT “beat the hell out of a woman” he kicked her, once.

  47. The Coroner Says:

    LeVeon Bell or Mark Ingram. Use D-Jack’s money.

  48. Jean Lafitte Says:

    For one thing I never mentioned Pittman and #2 Hunt beat and kicked that woman. Hunt said he kicked her once for racial slur, eye witnesses say different.

    You don’t hit women ….period

  49. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Dline…..Oline, trade down and get both.

    RB & CB in FA…….

  50. Bucsdelight Says:

    Hunt pushed her down and kicked her. He didn’t beat the hell out of her. Video footage shows as much. He also wasn’t charged.

  51. Bucsdelight Says:

    Hunt and Bell are both available to be picked up at RB.

  52. WalkdaPlank Says:

    I’m the one that mentioned Pittman, as he was part of the only Championship Bucs team and is loved by Bucs fans, and quite possibly even you. Yet he was a multiple offender of terrorizing his wife and even got indicted for it.

    Kareem Hunt did not get charged, and if you maybe did a little research you would clearly see with your own eyes that the woman in question was harassing him and he pushed her then proceeded to give her a “kick” that would have made even Roberto Aguayo look like a good kicker.

    I don’t condone the actions however classifying him as a “woman beater” like Michael Pittman or Ray Rice as saying he shouldn’t be signed is ridiculous.

  53. AlabamaBucsFan Says:

    Trade down a few spots, then draft CB 6’3″ Greedy Williams.

  54. Elita Vita Says:

    First let’s see who the Bucs can land in free agency. That being said, time to get Jameis a very good LT and an above average RB. LT in the draft and RB in FA. Also, the Honey Badger would look great in pewter and red.

  55. BucHead5588 Says:

    OneBuc55 I agree 100% with you I just said the same thing OL or DL or Devin White that kid is a monster I’ve been looking at Josh Allen as well reminds me of Mack coming out

  56. cmurda Says:

    Kiper has it right. We need a stud O Lineman. Aside from the great Marpet pick and the so so D Smith pick, we have neglected O Line for too long. I have watched the last 5 years drafts and you see how many O Linemen go in the top 20 picks every year. There’s a reason for that. It all starts in the trenches and we are too soft on the O Line. I would also say we need to find a DE. I’d prefer to find that DE in Free Agency even though I know Licht’s track record in Free Agency is boo boo. I like the idea of tagging D Smith and drafting Jonah as right tackle. He’s a road grader and could instantly give us running lanes. I know D Smith doesn’t exactly inspire confidence but with Jonah on the right side and for the love of God put Marpet back to right guard. Our running game could become so formidable.

  57. Defense Rules Says:

    @Bird … “Starting to like devin white; And we can trade back and still get. I know linebacker is not huge need but this kid could be next great thing.”

    I like him also Bird, but IMO LB is a big NEED. Right now we have LVD, Lynch (S/T ace), Cichy (IR & PS material), Bond (IR material), Bullough (PS material at best) and Beckwith (over a year already getting healed up) under contract. Kwon, Taylor & Minter are all UFAs, and Lynch & Bond are both RFAs. IOW, wouldn’t personally count on ANY LB except for LVD this year at this point as a viable starter.

    Devin White (6’1″ & 240 lbs) has had a great career at LSU but he’ll probably end up going in Rnd #1 of the draft (several have him listed in the Top 10). Would love to have him, but not at #5 (Oline or DLine there). Bit if he lasts until our pick in Rnd 2, draft him.

  58. stpetebucsfan Says:

    I’ve repeatedly explained that as the son of a wife beater it’s just impossible for me to sign off on Hunt.

    But because of my horrid youth I did some research a long time ago. Boys who are raised by wife beaters tend to go in one of two pronounced directions. Either they continue the family tradition and hit women…or they go to the extreme opposite and detest any physical violence against women.

    Luckily..(perhaps) I went in the direction of HATING men who hit women! Period. Stop. End of sentence. I’ve been very surprised I’ve lived this long. I always realized there is a strong chance that I’ll see some guy in a parking lot smacking his woman around and I simply would be compelled to intervene.
    Which of course in the State of Florida means the wife beater could simply draw down on me and kill me “standing his ground”.

    I do not know Hunt’s family history. Before we drafted him I would sure hope a private eye was sent to do some serious research. Did his old man beat his mother? Has he had any other incidents of violence? If he passes all the tests then maybe. BTW this is not about talent…he’s clearly talented.

    And before somebody brings up JW he has NEVER been accused of getting rough with his women…never accused of violence. I do not defend his actions but they are different than the woman beaters.

    The he said she said at FSU may have been wrong but clearly then there was a miscommunication. Even if you believe the girl’s story in AZ he stopped immediately when she asked and he was blackout drunk. I’m more upset he lied to the team than anything else.

    Men who need to be violent with women are literally sick…if they are raised that way…like me…I understand but I do not wish to gamble on those kinds of men….and I use the word “MEN” very loosely.

  59. stpetebucsfan Says:

    BTW…as far as Jacobs at five…no..no..no. I’ve only advocated taking one back in the top five and that was Saquon because I thought he was a “generational” player.

    Jacobs generational? Not likely. Joe pointed out how his production fell off but I’d point out something else. He ran behind an OL that is off the charts talent wise compared to the vast majority of defenses they faced. Shooting fish in a barrel.

    That’s not happening with most NFL teams…they do not get to play that many Mercers….and of course we know that’s not happening in Tampa unless BA/Licht shock us all with a great draft…a super haul in FA…and unexpected dramatic improvement in our current players.

  60. PSLBob Says:

    So Joe, your sagging we may take a RB in the first round or we may not. Revealing.

  61. PSLBob Says:

    Saying, not sagging.

  62. firethecannons Says:

    beef up o-line ad get a veteran running back not named leveon bell

  63. firethecannons Says:

    we don’t care whether st pete buc can sign off on Hunt–dude–this is about the Bucs and football and winning at all costs.
    Sign the motherfokker !!!!!!!!!!!!

  64. Bucs fan #7423 Says:

    NO DRAFTING RUNNING BACKS!!!

    Draft O Line first round, every draft round after that will just end up being backups … or practice squad

    Sign Kareem hunt

  65. Bucs fan #7423 Says:

    Stpete-

    Kareem hunt isn’t a wife beater though, you need to learn how to take things in context.

    The women verbally and physically assaulted Kareem before he touched her

    Women need to know their place and not provoke men

  66. Rod Munch Says:

    When you pick in the top 10 of the draft you should always come away with a player who is “elite” at something. Not good, but elite, be it speed, quickness, production, whatever, there’s normally at least 10-12 guys that come out each year that have “elite” talent, and whoever the Bucs pick should be one of them.

    Examples of people that didn’t have elite traits… Mark Barron. While I liked Barron when he was here and thought it was dumb to get rid of him, there wasn’t anything special about him to justify such a high pick. He wasn’t fast, wasn’t quick, didn’t have elite production, he was just very good – and that’s not worthy of a top 10. VH3 is another guy, although technically he was taken at 11 I believe, but VH3 was undersized, wasn’t very fast at all, had good quickness but wasn’t elite at anything.

    With all that said I have done very little reading on this draft, but from what I have read it seems like a pretty weak class in terms of elite talent – but the combine will help us out in that regard.

  67. stpetebucsfan Says:

    firethecannons

    Win at all costs. How about catching the oppositions star player out along and beating the hell out of him so he can’t play against us.

    Is that cost too much?

    How about a murderer? Is that too much?

    What about convicted rapist…is that too much.

    Perhaps you simply do not have a problem with men who beat the hell out of women or kick them while they’re down. Got it.

    I certainly wish to win but NEVER AT ALL COSTS. Think of what the literally means.

  68. Rod Munch Says:

    The Winston haters defending Hunt is hilarious. On one side you have zero evidence of anything ever happening, multiple investigations that all say nothing happened, then on the other side you have video of Hunt assaulting a woman, but that’s no big deal… because… uh… well, she deserved it. LOL! Can’t make this stuff up.

  69. WalkdaPlank Says:

    Rod

    In all fairness the only thing I hold against Jameis is him stealing crab legs. As for Hunt…but…but… HE’S 23 YEARS OLD

    lol

  70. firethecannons Says:

    Definitely looks like a good draft to trade down, but our first pick needs to be o-line. It was irritating to see a runningback mocked to the Bucs. There are good veterans available. Bruce Arians will get Donovan Smith in line–if anybody can motivate that dude BA is the one. The secondary should be fortified with veterans and in late rounds of the draft. New coaches can work with these rooks and youngries on the team now.

  71. JabooBuc Says:

    I am with LUV in that I love this guy, just not at 5. We have too many other needs. I would prefer we do exactly what we did last year if we can find a dance partner and trade back.

    If they can accumulate some picks and grab a DE or Devin White early and then come grab Josh then sign me up. Use the remaining picks to grab T’s and G’s and a CB.

  72. stpetebucsfan Says:

    “Women need to know their place and not provoke men”

    I did not see or hear that much provocation in the video…bottom line is he could have EASILY just walked away.

    Men who hit women are just COWARDS…there is no excuse except perhaps for that drunk who took on the teenager at Micky D’s….he got exactly what he deserved…he pulled her over the counter and began sluggng the hell out of the loser. I was cheering..you go girl!

  73. Maddognavy Says:

    If they we’re to take a RB they should go after Snell, but that isnt happening. Either OT or CB and not Greedy lol

  74. RODNEY J ALLEN Says:

    So the jets r switching over to a 4-3 how much u want to bet we make som kind of trade with them before or during the draft this year🤔🤷‍♂️

  75. R.O. Says:

    I guess most people haven been paying attention to numerous outlets. A number will have Josh Jacobs ranked in their top 10 players. Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks are 2. Could he be pushed down in the Draft because QBs get overvalued.. you bet. But this JJ will be ranked in the top 10.

  76. Jean Lafitte Says:

    I never once accused JW of anything but maybe poor taste. I just think he’s an average QB who needs everything around him to be perfect to succeed. He’s not a winning QB <—-argue that

  77. Jean Lafitte Says:

    and I agree with stpete …men who attack women are cowards

  78. unbelievable Says:

    LOL no.

  79. GhostofSchiano Says:

    O-Line…PLEASE

  80. BringBucsBack Says:

    This would be a H-U-G-E reach! …right in Licht’s wheel-house!

    Draft best DL or OL man @ #5 and five of the remaining rounds, bring in one vet CB (Honey Bagger) & sign K. Hunt.

  81. BringBucsBack Says:

    *Badger

  82. catcard202 Says:

    Benny Snell in the 3rd…Kareem Hunt in FA & wait out the fan backlash/suspension.

  83. Stanglassman Says:

    He would be a good 2nd round pick. At this point that’s where he graded at late 1st early 2nd.

    My Buccaneer draft strategy:
    Best player available in positions of need. When it’s close go DL and/or OL.

  84. Stanglassman Says:

    You think being completely wrong about the Pats not picking a RB in the 1st round is what makes you look stupid?

  85. Joe in Michigan Says:

    We tried this in the 2005 Draft with Cadillac Williams being the 5th pick. Said he split carries with Ronnie Brown so there wasn’t many miles on the Caddy. Let’s not have bad history repeat itself. Bosa, Q. Williams, Josh Allen, Devin White, or Rashan Gary. Any one of them would be 1st year impact defenders. If there was a Left Tackle prospect worthy of the pick, that’d be fine, too. I just don’t see Jonah Williams, etc. being a Pro Bowler-type in their first few years.

  86. WalkdaPlank Says:

    Cadillac was a good pick though. He was a great running back who unfortunately was ravaged by knee injuries. Truly was a shame watching him go down in that game against the Raiders and was literally insult to injury that that game knocked the Bucs out of the playoff picture.

    Just seems like a bad comparison to me. I wouldn’t draft a running back in the first round unless he’s a Todd Gurley or Ezekiel Elliot coming out of college but that’s just me.

  87. Barack's Crack Pipe Says:

    stpetebucsfan Says:
    “I did some research a long time ago. Boys who are raised by wife beaters tend to go in one of two pronounced directions. Either they continue the family tradition and hit women…or they go to the extreme opposite and detest any physical violence against women.”

    Hey St Pete. I learned from experience what professionals say is true. Abuse is cyclical. Abuse of any kind imprints on the psyche of young children, and they often, like you said, carry on the tradition.

    Anyone seeing my words, who thinks you may be perpetuating what was visited upon you as a child, please try to break the pattern. It’s not easy, but we each have the power to leave our space in the world in a little bit better shape than we found it in. Jesus loves us all, regardless, and He helped me.