Intelligent Research
March 19th, 2019
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
The thought just gives Joe the shivers.
The Bucs are in prime position at No. 5 to make a landmark move on the first night of the draft to select a game-changing edge rusher who could wreck NFL quarterbacks’ Sunday afternoons for a decade.
And yet Joe reads chatter on social media from otherwise sober (?) folks that the Bucs should draft an inside linebacker at No. 5.
Lord, give Joe strength!
This nonsense is just unfathomable and Joe is happy to see a voice of reason in the wilderness. That would be jet-flyin’, kiss–stealin‘, data-analyzin’, Bucs-film-studyin’, limousine-ridin’ Thomas Bassinger of the Tampa Bay Times who took to Twitter yesterday to enlighten.
As enticing as Devin White might be at No. 5, you wonder how the #Bucs could pass on the opportunity to lock in a franchise-type edge rusher for the next four or five seasons. https://t.co/nUi7PM4Vkc
— Thomas Bassinger (@tometrics) March 18, 2019
Simply put, the people who believe the Bucs need an inside linebacker more than an edge rusher either have not been watching the Bucs in the past decade or still think Ray Nitschke is a prototype NFL linebacker.
Ray Nitschke is dead. And so too is this archaic notion an inside linebacker is a difference-maker. He’s not, but an edge rusher is.
This just in: The NFL is a passing league that neuters middle linebackers. The most important position on a modern defense is a guy who hunts the quarterback. He may not sack him but he does push the quarterback off his spot, may force a fumble, may force a pick or otherwise an errant throw.
A strong edge rusher can also help cover for a subpar secondary. Without a pass rush, there isn’t a defensive coordinator alive who can hide a bad corner or safety in the NFL.
A good pass rusher can affect the game in so many ways. An inside linebacker? Not so much.
In a division with Drew Brees, Matty Ice and pouty Cam Newton, a need for a defense-changing edge rusher is all the more important.
Don’t be fooled by watching ancient NFL Films highlights of growling Dick Butkus, barking Ray Lewis or teeth-missing Jack Lambert. A generational edge rusher just may fall to No. 5. This shouldn’t take much thought at all what the Bucs should do here.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:03 am
Two things that definitely do NOT ago together… the word intelligent and a picture of the dumbest GM on the face of the planet Jason Gump.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:05 am
And before I get get comments that im not intelligent (which I admit I’m not at times) it should read go not ago… damn typo.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:06 am
I totally agree with you Joe.
But for the next decade? A game wrecker? He’d be on “the wrong side of 30 for the last 2-3 years. You don’t foresee any decline in ability?
Also…..
How do we afford all these contracts?
JW, OL, DL, WR …all these positions you want us to “lock down” for long term.
Doesn’t make a lot of sense.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:21 am
The question is who this Superman Player is that you think is going to be there at 5. Sweat was NOT a top 5 player let alone top 10 player before the Combine therefore he is not after Combine.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:24 am
Headline should be “Dunce Cap Research”
March 19th, 2019 at 6:31 am
I think the consensus is that the Bucs should take Allen, Bosa or Williams if one of them is available at 5. I also believe the consensus is that none will be absent somebody else moving up for a QB. I also believe the consensus is that White is more of a sure thing than Gary (poor college performance), Sweat (heart condition) and Oliver (smaller school). This is the reason people are calling for White. Not that they want a MLB over an edge rusher.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:32 am
While I agree that I prefer an edge rusher at 5, we better not forget about having the ability to stop the run. The Saints and Panthers have no problem with pounding the rock. When the weather changes late in the season we also see teams often favor handing the ball off. Even when Tampa’s D was very good many years ago, we struggled defending the run. We need to build a very balanced Defense, and on offense we need to be able to pound the rock effectively too.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:32 am
Buc Believer, don’t worry its a football fan site not grammar or typo school. I cant stand douche bags who correct others typing in comment sections. Its pathetic
March 19th, 2019 at 6:36 am
Joe – I don’t disagree on 1 point That’s why bosa and Allen will be gone before Bucs pick. So The Bucs take sweat at 5 cause he had good combine ? Seems a little high. I don’t think so. Especially not after heart issue concerns. but I could be wrong…just my opinion
On the other hand , let’s say devin white is the next Luke Keukly ..he has already been compared to ray Lewis and Patrick Willis.
Who were the most important players on those teams ? The middle linebacker …especially in a 3-4.
Luke Keukly is In the running for defensive player of the year …every year…so we disagree on that. Devin white can run/hit/tackle /sack and especially cover which Kwon struggled to do
March 19th, 2019 at 6:45 am
When Joe stumped for Manziel to be drafted, doesn’t think the o line is that bad and that Dominik was a good GM it makes his other takes on football laughable
Who here believes Licht can accurately identify a good DE as he’s yet to do it in the draft!!!
March 19th, 2019 at 6:46 am
It’s a sad day when to back up your opinion you’re using Tom bassinger to back you up. That dudes an asshat.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:49 am
Actually, most people don’t value an ILB over a pass rusher (yes, some actually do…surprisingly, to be kind). Most are stating that they think the top 3 guys in this draft from a pash rushing perspective/overall(?) (Williams, Bosa, Allen) will be gone by 5. Which leaves people w/ the option of either D. White or E. Oliver being the BPA at 5. Hard to intelligently disagree there if you stand pat at the 5-spot.
Now if you trade up to grab one, I think almost everyone believes the top 3 prospects, at least defensively, are Allen, Williams and Bosa. And I think the vast majority of Bucs fans believe we need the best defensive player available in this draft, as the one thing Arians hasn’t “blown smoke” about since the start of his Bucco Bruce tenure is being loaded w/ toys and skill players on the offensive side of the ball.
Nowhere in this article does Thomas Bassinger state to trade up to get one of the top 3 guys. So really all he is implying is then, if you have a choice to grab one of the premier pass rushers in this draft if available when we pick and you then choose D. White over such pass rushing studs, then you’ve caught way too much “second hand smoke” your collective direction of all other topics Arians has seemed to have been blowing smoke about this offseason.
You Joes are great at slanting articles and info your way to mesh w/ your position. It’s quite remarkable how good and subtle you all at it to be quite frank.
Now I personally wouldn’t be upset w/ Oliver or White if those top 3 defensive guys aren’t there. And it’s almost comical to hear Mr. Diekemper on one hand complain we had no LB’s at the start of the offseason to go into 2019 w/ and was worried about that position, then on that same hand say ILB (there are plenty of great ILB who changed the game and had an affect) have no barring on changing the game or winning or losing.
At this point, if none of the top 3 guys aren’t there and even though I prefer Oliver to White at this current jecture, it would be funny to see Mr. Diekemper “give up on this team” and “turn in his credentials” if we did draft White at 5 or in a trade back because Allen, Williams and Bosa are gone. Only kidding Mr. Diekemper, for the most part, you Joe’s are the best at providing Bucs related news and content and doing so w/ consistency.
But as GM’s, I’d be very weary as we would have not much draft capitol, be way over in salary cap if we made all the moves you think we should, that Fulton guy clamored for so much last year from KC was awful and J. Manziel would be starting quarterback. I won’t keep going. ‘Nuff said!
Much respect Joe’s! But your guys take on the Barrett signing for $5 and somehow relating that to Derrick Thomas and this Mr.Diekemper/D. White stuff this week/offseason has been way below your guys’ standards.
Cheers
March 19th, 2019 at 6:52 am
Joe how many bucs first round pic have been predicted correct by you , podcast wanna be GM’s and media. Hartgraves maybe the only one besides Winston that was no brainer.
They have actually traded down a few times , don’t see mock draft getting that right.
We have JPP and Nassib if we need edge rusher (need being key word ) we have only one linebacker (54). You keep saying we will be in 3-4 ( yet no cia h has said that’s our scheme just that could see at times ) we don’t need so many edge rushers (need key word) you need 3 LB positions to fill not players we hope can play it but some that actually have successfully
March 19th, 2019 at 6:57 am
Need a MLB in the playoffs for sure. So Yes we need an edge rusher. If Bruce gets em to the dance draft one next year. I hope 2 teams take a qb top 4. I have a crush on Josh Allen. Otherwise steal someones lunch money then order the 4 course.
March 19th, 2019 at 6:59 am
Kudos Joe, no doubt where you stand on this one … “archaic notion an inside linebacker is a difference-maker. He’s not.” You’re wrong, but it’s a passionate wrong.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:05 am
Luke Keukly would be worth the #1 pick he is that good and crucial to team’s success
March 19th, 2019 at 7:11 am
Bird. Kuechly is great because he studies film, and is able to predict what teams are going to do. White doesn’t do that. He isnt a great tackler either.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:12 am
Just like poker, Pre-draft talk is often used to misguided or to misinform their true intentions. We’ve seen this every year with Licht. No need to panic. Either Licht will draft a defensive lineman or trade down for multiple picks.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:31 am
Quinnen Williams. Research complete. No LB even White before pick #15 if trading back. Move up from #5 to #4 if need be for Q.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:35 am
Guess I am too old for this high-tech analysis, but in my mind adding adding a top linebacker like Josh Allen or White provides another pass rush dimension. If you’re in a 3-4 any LB can blitz in support of 3 down lineman. If you are in a 4-3 Allen could move to the edge. I would focus on picking up a mid round edge rusher to add to my pass rush rotation. I personally wish we would take the emphasis off sacks and resolve that hurries are just as disruptive.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:44 am
Justafan
Keukly has instincts. Something you can’t teach. But some would say slow.
Speed makes up for instincts. Devin white has filthy 4.4 speed at his size.
Tackling is not a weakness of his
Over reacting is. However he is great in coverage.
Over reacting /bad angles is coachabke.
How many great leaders have been middle linebackers.
Watch his combine speech
Trust me. This kid will watch tape day and night.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:45 am
What if White, Allen, Bosa and Williams are all gone at five? Who do we pick then?
Regardless, the pick will be whoever BRUCE ARIANS wants it to be.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:51 am
So far as moving up, it makes no sense to give up something to move up on spot. If the team before us wants the same guy, they won’t just hand him to us.
So the move up would have to be two spots or more…and that would be too high a cost.
If anything, with all these prove it deals the Bucs are making, I get the impression they are putting all their eggs in the draft…so they need more picks, not fewer picks.
I expect a trade or two in order to get more picks before the draft.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:52 am
Calm down Ginger. We know you already have high blood pressure and cholesterol! Bowles might resign if they dont draft one of the pass rushers that will be on the board.
March 19th, 2019 at 7:54 am
I am devin white if the big 3 are off the board which they should
White averaged around 130 tackles and around 4 sacks last two years
And That’s for 13 games
A pro who plays 16 games would be happy with those numbers.
March 19th, 2019 at 8:12 am
Been down this road with Derwin James. You wanna pass on a 1st team all pro again his rookie year? What about Leonard on the colts? There’s 2 blue smchio edge rushers. That’s it. Then there’s a blue chip LB. if there’s a blue chip DE always go DE but don’t pass on a blue chip LB for a DE who has a high bust %. After Bosa Allen and quennin Williams(DT) Devin white shoukd be next over anyone.
March 19th, 2019 at 8:31 am
If you knew you’d be drafting a Luke Keuchly type player, wouldn’t you take him? I don’t see the issue and Bowles will need LBs to make his defense work
March 19th, 2019 at 8:41 am
DooshLaRue — Actually we have a lot of cap next year. 50 million without any bump or cut. Winstons contract along with Hargraves are the only 2 contracts expired. The bucs have a tough year this year but after that it will be business as usual for our cap health. McCoy and JPP will not be here for every there is anywhere between 20-30 million tied up in those two annually so long term contracts moving forward will not be an issue.
March 19th, 2019 at 8:46 am
Who was more important to the Bucs Rice, or Brooks? It’s a passing league still the best teams in the playoffs had strong running games. I remember Ingram dragging Buc defenders into the end zone last year. I remember Kamara, and McCaffery making our second level look like dogs chasing their tails. Some of the best defenders of all time were linebackers, L. Taylor comes to mind. It’s nice an edge rusher can put heat on a Q.B. but a L.B. can also do that with the blitz. Matter of fact some of the best pass rushers in the league are L.B.’s. They also can cover, intercept the ball, force fumbles, and stop teams from running the ball down your throat. A couple of years ago S.F., and Cleveland used thier first picks on edge rushers only to finish last in their divisions. So Joe it takes more then one edge rusher to make a solid defense. Having White in the middle of ours might be better then having a guy on the edge of it.
March 19th, 2019 at 9:02 am
I would tend to agree with Joe….but only for the big three…..
Of course, Joe fails to list who we should take at 5 if the big three are gone….
Gary? Sweat?….someone else…
It’s easy to make a claim that a DE is more important than a MLB…..but, White isn’t just any MLB & every DE is not necessarily going to perform up to expectations (Noah Spence)
March 19th, 2019 at 9:06 am
Nobody talks about Jeffery Simmons DT Miss St but should be considered.
March 19th, 2019 at 9:09 am
Way too many rational comments on this article
March 19th, 2019 at 9:15 am
@ Tampabaybucfan
Solid points!
March 19th, 2019 at 9:22 am
First, let me thank several fellow posters who corrected me on the mechanics of salary cap management about a week back…very helpful/insightful.
As long as the discussion is about positional value vs. White’s demonstrated ability, talent and production (his film speaks for itself). If Bosa, Allen and Williams are gone, Sweat too is the 5th best available DL the right pick to make over White? I seem to recall the Joes saying that it takes DL/DEs 2-3 years to develop. Will a Chubb-like rookie, a 10-15 sack guy be sitting there for us at #5…? I’m not so sure. Look, I’m just saying let’s not discount White’s talent. Lee’s notion that players like White are a ‘dime/dozen’ and/or aren’t significantly impactful simply isn’t true. Yes, I understand that MLB at #5 is a stretch for some. But if that player is of White’s caliber, a blitzer, sideline-to-sideline player, who’s also fast enough to cover- more importantly an alpha dog leader of men he SHOULD be in the conversation and disparaged.
March 19th, 2019 at 9:27 am
If middle linebacker is not a difference maker, how do you explain panthers middle linebacker and his 3 year run of putting Carolinas defense on his shoulders?
March 19th, 2019 at 9:39 am
bosa, allen and williams are out of the question…..i hope 1 of them drops but i doubt it….
imo, we have to trade down and in that situation its Ed Oliver vs Devin White…..and the choice should be Ed Oliver…..he’ll be GMC’s replacement and his versatility would allow him to play DT or DE…..
draft vosean joseph in the 4th round and let kevin minter play MLB…..
we have to draft and develop GMC’s replacement this year….
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!!
March 19th, 2019 at 9:53 am
@Joe
If that makes you feel better, Scott Smith, a Bucs employee, also thinks DE is a greater need for our defense.
Take a look at his latest mock draft analysis:
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State (SS)
The Bucs lost Kwon Alexander in free agency (unfortunate, but not surprising) and also added Deone Bucannon (very good, but not terribly surprising, either). Where does that leave them in terms of filling out a linebacking corps that has some other question marks, like Jack Cichy’s knee and Kendell Beckwith’s ankle? I’d say in a pretty uncertain position. So this pick should be LSU’s Devin White, right? I wouldn’t hate it. But I still feel it’s imperative for the Buccaneers to make use of their good position in a draft that is top-heavy in potentially awesome edge rushers. In the long run, I think they can find linebackers more easily than a guy like Sweat, who I’ve secretly been itching to pick for the Bucs for a while now.
March 19th, 2019 at 9:54 am
Who’s still with the world champs? Trey Flowers (or Chandler Jones) or Dont’a Hightower. Maybe Bowles and Arians and Licht know their own defense better than Joe?
March 19th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Amen on the first post by Buc Believer !
March 19th, 2019 at 10:09 am
Depends on who is on the board and what deal Licht can make.
Trade back and get a solid player AND D. Bush would be fine with me.
How many great teams did not have an exceptional MLB?
Take Kwon Alexander for instance. IMO, he was a middlin’ MLB, BUT he could have great impact on a game. If Alexander had the size, skill and speed of a White, the Bucs D would have been significantly better, especially against the run which was their main weakness.
When Kuechly is out of the lineup, the Kitties D is not nearly as fearsome.
March 19th, 2019 at 10:12 am
We can always use another edge rusher but we have a now desperate NEED at LB…especially if we’re going to a 3-4.
There is a strong possibility that QB’s will shake up the top 4 picks. Murray is almost a certain #1 and there are others besides Haskins. One mock had Chucky taking Drew Lock. Many mocks have Allen falling to us at #5.
I think we use a combo of BPA and Need in our pick. As many have already pointed out if one of the “big three” are available we take them…if not we take White who would clearly be the BPA at that point as well as filling what now looks like a desperate need. We have an aging LVD and who else?
March 19th, 2019 at 10:12 am
Here is why you draft White, and it’s so simple and obvious it hurts my head that people don’t see it.
Go back the last 5 years and look at the alarming BUST rate of 1st round pass rushers. Yes, 1 or 2 hit every year. But the Bucs are in position to get only the 3rd or 4th best pass rusher based on how the top 4 might draft. That increases the bust rate even more.
Guys like White almost never bust. For a guy at his position to get mentioned as a top 5 guy means he is truly special. There are no sure things, but he is close.
Look at the Bucs track record when drafting pass rushers. Ouch. Why make that mistake again? Grab White and then take advantage of the depth of the draft and get a guy that falls in the early 2nd. Never take the 3rd or 4th best guy at his position with a top 5 pick.
March 19th, 2019 at 10:22 am
Chris:
Arians and Bowles might know the defense…but Licht has had 5 years to know defense and he has shown nothing to prove me he knows what the hell he is doing
March 19th, 2019 at 10:35 am
@ Alexander Mascimento
You could definitely argue that DE is the greatest need on our team, but it most likely won’t be the BPA if we pick at 5. If the big 3 are gone, it’s going to be either a LB or a DT. If you follow the BPA model and don’t adhere to picking for needs, it’s a pretty easy decision. It’s Oliver or White. I think at that point if you stay put at the 5 spot, picking Sweat, Gary or Greedy Williams would be considered a reach.
March 19th, 2019 at 11:04 am
Hey Bonzai….
Like someone else wise once said on here….the food court is a callin’. Make sure to make your section the nicest in the whole court.
March 19th, 2019 at 11:23 am
The Bucs just need great players. Period.
Its hard to argue the value of ILBs after watching teams open the bank vaults for them last week. Clearly the league values them.
March 19th, 2019 at 11:39 am
BucEmUp 7 Says:
March 19th, 2019 at 6:32 am
Buc Believer, don’t worry its a football fan site not grammar or typo school. I cant stand douche bags who correct others typing in comment sections. Its pathetic
^^^It’s as in IT IS pathetic and you forgot the period.
Kindest regards,
Douche bag jb reader not to be confused with DB55 or Lord Cornhole
March 19th, 2019 at 11:46 am
People keep sleeping on Brian Burns as well. From what I watched he is clearly the 2nd best EDGE behind Bosa. His technique and pass rush moves are arguably the most refined in the entire class.
The one knock on him was his weight because he played around 230. He showed up to the combine at almost 250 and tested like an elite athlete still.
If the Bucs decide to go EDGE in round 1 and Bosa is off the board, Burns should be the pick imo
March 19th, 2019 at 11:52 am
Who knows with Jason, that man wouldn’t surprise me if he went for another kicker .
March 19th, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Edge rusher all the way. Never pass on an opportunity to draft an elite edge rusher… NEVER!
March 19th, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Is this the same Joe that advocated breaking the bank for CJ Mosley?
I wouldn’t mind another Luke Kuechly or Bobby Wagner if that’s who White is…
March 19th, 2019 at 12:26 pm
TDTB Says:
March 19th, 2019 at 6:31 am
Bird Says:
March 19th, 2019 at 6:36 am
Tony LA Says:
March 19th, 2019 at 10:12 am
If White is truly thought to be comparable to Kuechly, he is an outstanding pick at 5.
Best available and needs meet. Are Bosa, Williams or Allen rated higher and available? Then take the best available. In other words if you have a choice between two of the four mentioned you have to have something that tips the decision. Otherwise, if ONLY one of these four is available then the decision is made for you. This is what I am antiicpating happening.
Gary, Sweat, Oliver and Ferrel are not rated the same or higher than White to my understanding.
It
March 19th, 2019 at 12:33 pm
In a 3-4, White, if as talented as most think, would be rushing the QB on a regular basis. He might not always be coming from the edge, but he’d be coming!
For what it’s worth, I’d be fine with the pick.
And, like all of you, what we think has no bearing on anybody within the Bucs organization.
March 19th, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Joeypoppems Says:
March 19th, 2019 at 11:46 am
The one knock on him was his weight because he played around 230. He showed up to the combine at almost 250 and tested like an elite athlete still.
^^^No way on Burns bro, he’s not tough enough for the NFL. If you’re too litting you over the top aggression, he needs to play hangry… think Danielle Hunter. Burns doesn’t have that kind of bad ass in him. He’ll get ragdolled think Spence.
March 19th, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Well Brees is almost gone, Ryan is overrated and Cam is a runner who White was built to expose and destroy
March 19th, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Anonymous…Arians and Bowles have longer contracts than Jason currently. If you think he’s really in charge you’re nuts.
March 19th, 2019 at 12:51 pm
TDTB says: I also believe the consensus is that White is more of a sure thing than Gary (poor college performance), Sweat (heart condition) and Oliver (smaller school). This is the reason people are calling for White. Not that they want a MLB over an edge rusher.
—————————————————————————————-
I agree White is a pick I am confident in based on those same red flags.
March 19th, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Bet it’s White or a trade down for picks
March 19th, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Bucs are thinner at MLB than we are at DE/OLB…
At least we already a couple stud edge rushers at DE (JPP & Nassib) & a couple (potentially) good OLB’s in Shaq Barrett & Noah Spence…
We need a STUD to pair with LVD in the middle of a 3-4.
Maybe we can get a MLB in Rd 2 or 3, but they won’t be as Dominant as White will be… Are you trying to convince people that an absolute Stud at MLB isn’t a game-changer? That is ABSURD.
That’s like saying a QB doesn’t have much impact on the success of an offense.
March 19th, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
March 19th, 2019 at 7:45 am
Your question is the most intriguing to me.
I have Oliver, Gary and Ferrel next. Then. maybe Sweat, J Taylor, or G Williams only if we had traded down somehow.
March 19th, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Joe, whatever happened to the concept of BPA meeting need to determine who you draft. Most agree that Bosa, Allen, and Quentin will be gone by the time the Bucs are on the clock. If White is the best player on the board when they pick why should the reach for a combine warrior like Sweat who now has health issues, or Oliver who is looking more like a mid first rounder. I am of the belief that you take White if the other 3 are gone.
March 19th, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Get the best player.
Give me a great LB over an average down lineman any day of the week. If White is the disrupter, the fly all over the field tackling machine then why not grab him at 5? Luke Keuchly, Derrick Brooks, Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher….You wouldn’t draft them Joe? Our LBs were the biggest under the radar problem over the past couple of years. We need to address this, and we already have. I am good with any of the 3 D lineman or Devin White at 5. Still would prefer a trade back to accumulate more collateral. Now that Montez Sweat is a question that narrows the field a bit but we should get a sure fire top defender in round 1.
March 19th, 2019 at 1:50 pm
Joe, why would you take a chance on a pass rusher who has bust capabilities (Montez Sweat) over a guy (Devin White) who already has pro bowl expectancy and will be a force up the middle of the defense for years to come? Humor me please
March 19th, 2019 at 2:42 pm
@diggler
The only reason to compare Noah Spence and Brian Burns is their weight. The problem with Spence is he only wins with speed. If he couldnt explode past the OT then yes he got handled easily.
The technique Brian Burns uses gives him multiple ways to win. He can win with speed up the arc and he uses that speed to set up a ton of inside counter moves. He is a pro ready prospect.
The only thing he is missing is power. He bulked up to 250 and still tested at elite levels. Meaning he can play at a heavier weight than he did in college. You can teach power and strength.
March 19th, 2019 at 3:03 pm
We can have are pick of pass rusher if a team trades up with the jets to get qb. That means a qb would go first and 3rd. And that would leave us two choose from either Williams,Bosa, or Allen. One of them would be available at 5. If no one trades in front of us than my bet we be we would trade down with a team like Miami or Washington wanting to jump ahead of the giants. And to move up the 8-10 spots they would have to give a first this year and next. And a 2nd and 3rd or 4th this year. Then we can draft the best remaining defensive end. If sweat is available then great. We need more picks than we need just white. We could have two seconds and two 3rds in a deep defensive line class. And could even use are first round pick next year that we acquire in trade and package that with the 3rd we get and move back up to the 1st to get a stud offensive or defensive lineman that is falling down the draft. And still have two 2nds and a3rd round pick. But I would trade the two seconds to get in the first round so Licht can’t draft anybody in the second round. Just three first round picks.
March 19th, 2019 at 3:22 pm
The draft network has an excellent article on edge rushers evaluation–they pick the top 9 and grade them and pronounce results at the end
March 19th, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Brian Burns should be our pick.
March 19th, 2019 at 3:38 pm
Sadly because of our many holds on defense both positions are positions of need. When faced with that dilemma it seems to me the intelligent thing is to take the player that is most dominant at his position first. So assuming the big 3 picks are gone st number 5, do you take the best linebacker in college and take a consolation prize best pass rusher available in rounds 2 or 3, or do you take the best pass rusher left at pick 5 and settle for best linebacker left later. For me the decision is easy take the best player available at that draft spot unless someone blows you away with a can’t refuse trade offer
March 19th, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Why Devin White – in our division alone
Saints – Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray
Panthers – Christian McCaffrey
Falcons – Devante Freeman and Brian Hill
Joe wants to get after the QB, but if he can drop it off to one of these weapons, guess what, the chains are moving. Next point:
we are deeper on the edge and Bowles will send pressure from anywhere on the field in this aggressive defense.
White is like Q. Nelson was last year, probably the only sure probowler out of that group, there is no Aaron Donald, JJ Watt, JPP or Von Miller in this group in 2019. It took Dee Ford, Trey Flowers, Demarcus Lawrence a few years to become who they are. How many sideline to sideline LBs come out year after year.
This is why we want ROJO to become a playmaker, because if he learns to catch, how many LBs are gonna run with him.
March 19th, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Buc GM/draft team LB smoke screen in the media. I thought we didn’t believe anything this time of year? Must have forgotten.
March 19th, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Bassinger thinks JPP is no good because of the mythical “pressures” stat.
And if a guy is being compared to Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis, that’s enough of a reason to take him
March 19th, 2019 at 4:05 pm
NFL is a passing league…get after the QB with a DE and win games is the formula. RBs dime a dozen…dont win championships. Need to plan for post-JPP….This team is one DE injury from being a 5 win team again.
Brees
Ryan
Newton
March 19th, 2019 at 4:12 pm
@ Joe,
Didn’t legendary John Lynch just say defending against three Mississippi is a lot easier than five Mississippi !
enough said ! I’m with you if the Buc’s use a fifth overall draft pick for an inside linebacker I’m going to fall out of my chair .
March 19th, 2019 at 4:39 pm
donuts … NFL has become a passing league, for the most part. Some teams, like the Bears & Ravens, still emphasize the run A BUNCH. Many other teams (Pats, Saints, etc) emphasize BALANCE in their offensive strategy. Point being, if you can’t stop the run AND protect the middle of the field (slants, etc), they’ll eat you alive.
In the Top-10 in terms of defensive sacks last year were the Cardinals, Redskins, Broncos, Packers … all teams with losing records. Bucs ranked #21, well ahead of SB champ New England (they ranked #30 in sacks). Interestingly though the Pats defense ranked #2 in TDs allowed by rushing, #3 in INTs and #5 in turnovers. Thought being that sacks don’t guarantee victory. But building a solid TEAM defense that’s good against the run & can create turnovers sounds like it works reasonably well (for the SB Champs at least).
Since our starting MLB today would be Kevin Minter (good backup IMO but not comfortable with him as our starter), I’ll stick with picking Devin White at #5.
March 19th, 2019 at 4:54 pm
I would say this post shivers me timbers.
March 19th, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Come on Joes….lmao
March 19th, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Q and Allen are probably gone by 5….therefore its White my friends.
March 19th, 2019 at 9:41 pm
Thing is, i have a feeling raiders will grab White at 4….then what? Trade back some i guess since the others will be gone….maybe Oliver at 8 or so.
March 20th, 2019 at 2:03 am
I love Devin white but not at pick 5. He’s for sure worth the 9th pic. I think ppl are sleeping on Sweat. I think everyone in the media and ppl who get sucked into the media are the only ones listening to that hogwash about his health condition. The man is a Julius peppers 2.0 and I’d be thrilled to have him on our team!!! He would be used all over in Todd Bowles defense! Sign me up as a super fan of Sweat! (How many years did Julius peppers destroy us while playing for the panthers ?)
March 20th, 2019 at 2:07 am
I love Devin white but not at pick 5. He’s for sure worth the 9th pic. I think ppl are sleeping on Sweat. I think everyone in the media and ppl who get sucked into the media are the only ones listening to that hogwash about his health condition. The man is a Julius peppers 2.0 and I’d be thrilled to have him on our team!!! He would be used all over in Todd Bowles defense! Sign me up as a super fan of Sweat! (How many years did Julius peppers destroy us while playing for the panthers ?)
March 21st, 2019 at 8:17 am
I get what you’re saying (harping) and I would definitely choose Khalil Mack over Luke Kuechly in terms of effect on a game. But I would choose Luke Kuechly over Solomon Thomas. You make it seem as if selecting a DE at #5, regardless of the prospect, will yield the same results. Rashan Gary (I know you don’t like him) will not yield the same results as Josh Allen (your man crush) even if they are both selected at #5. So you now have to determine value at #5. Would you rather select Gary at 5 or White, assuming all the top prospects are gone?
In my mind, the only DEs worth #5 would be Bosa (not going to happen), Allen (DE/LB), and then possibly Sweat (not going to be Gaines Adams but the heart issue may sway the Glazers like you said), or Burns. I’m not selecting Gary or Polite in the top 20. And I like Burns, maybe not as high as 5, but the scouts who actually watch his tape for a living may see something I don’t.
So, to me, it seems like it would come down to Burns or White at 5 (assuming Q and Allen are gone) or trade down (assuming we can find a deal that is worth it). It’s not as easy as “Select a premier edge rusher instead of an ILB.”