Bucs Got Their “Favorite”

May 1st, 2013

Who needs beastly defensive tackle Star Lotoulelei, who was added to the Panthers’ strong front-7 with the 14th overall pick in the draft?

Who needs Sharrif Floyd or Sheldon Richardson?

The Bucs got their favorite defensive tackle in the fourth round, so says Akeem Spence, who just happens to be that guy. Spence told the Chicago Tribune the Bucs advised him he was their top-dog, defensive-tackle target.

“It’s a sigh of relief,” he said. “They told me I was their favorite d tackle. I believed it. They actually came through.”

Spence left Illinois with a year of eligibility remaining but was a three-year starter. What excited him most about being selected by the Buccaneers is the short drive for his family from Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

Man, that story from Spence really reinforces Greg Schiano calling Spence “tailor-made” for the nose tackle position.

Joe’s eager to see what Spence can do. It’s clear the Bucs think he can come in and be an anchor on the NFL’s top-ranked run defense. Those are high expectations.

26 Responses to “Bucs Got Their “Favorite””

  1. Wisconsin Bucs fan Says:

    Ok, show me.

  2. MR.T Says:

    besides Star the panthers added Kawann Short who looked good in the Senior bowl. They indeed are building an impressive front 7. Hopefully Spence can fulfill the expectations they have of him, we’ll see.

  3. Adam Says:

    Remember this: this is Obama-style GM Dominik calling his shot. My guess he’s going leave a slow roller short of the outfield grass (just going by the track record, folks).

  4. tampabaybucfan Says:

    As long as ten other DTs don’t claim they were told the same thing, then this is great news. Obviously, they knew they could probably get Banks….wanted Glennon…so that means moving up in round 4.

  5. Biff Barker Says:

    Sounds like Bucs knew they weren’t going to pick a NT until the 4th.
    Hey, whatever, as long as this guy can play. Seems like he’ll get a shot to start right away.

  6. jvato24 Says:

    This guy is quick and powerful and is active down the line. His stats are misleading IMO

  7. Captain Stagger Says:

    Interesting that Schiano’s scheme doesn’t require much upfield preasure or backfield disruption from the NT. I get the idea of eating blocks to free up blitzes, LB’s and the rest of the D-Line, but I would like to think that a NT who can also rush the passer as well might be more “tailor made”…….we shall see.

  8. TrueBlue Says:

    I think Biff has it right. Bucs knew the other top defensive tackles were likely to be gone by the fourth round. So this was their top guy they targeted as being the best left on the board.

  9. PRBucFan Says:

    Don’t be fooled,

    This guy may not get many sacks, but he often pressures the QB.

  10. @MikeInTampa2 Says:

    Barron #23 Revis #24

  11. Andrew 1 Says:

    @ PR

    thats good to hear. I would say the same thing with Gholston.

  12. Andrew 1 Says:

    if this guy truly was the bucs favorite DT in the draft then I cant argue with the pick. hopefully he delivers.

  13. Rrsrq Says:

    Who cares who the panthers have, we got Nicks and Joseph

  14. Andrew 2 Says:

    @mikeintampa2…we got a source?

  15. CC Says:

    Mayock says he’s as stong as they come and he’ll be a good player forr Tampa Bay. Thats good enough for me.

  16. Pete 422 Says:

    Yep, clog up the middle to force the QB and ball carriers into he waiting arms of his teammates.

  17. @MikeInTampa2 Says:

    @Andrew 2 Bucs Website Store has the Jerseys….tipped off by a Buc Fan on twitter. They yanked Myron Lewis’ # from him i guess

  18. Andrew 2 Says:

    @MikeInTampa2 Thats a good find, and I assume it would will be true…I just looked and they do have this disclaimer.
    “NOTICE: Player number has yet to be determined. Jersey will ship once player number is officially assigned.”
    Imagine if they buy a Revis 24 and he doesn’t get 24….lol

  19. ElioT Says:

    He could have very well been their #1 rated DT.

    Spence is a beast, he could need some work; but he’s a beast. He’s not that “huge” at 6’1″ but he’s strong as an ox! Much more explosive than Roy Miller. Seems like a healthy version of one Brian Price; hopefully a much more successful version.

    On paper, the Bucs have a stout defensive line. Depth I think is still an issue but maybe that’s just how it is in the NFL.

    Go Bucs!!!

  20. Mike J Says:

    OK, I remain skeptical as to whether a guy pegged as a three-techunique can sit on the nose & shut down the run against NFL-sized centers & guards. I hope my skepticism is unfounded.

  21. Stanglassman Says:

    New Revis 24 jersey

    http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/22144596/photos-fans-at-radio-city-music-hall-ready-for-day-2-of-nfl-draft

  22. Buc'N'iT Says:

    So Myron come step into my office, listen were gonna give Barron your number, no hes not paying you for it, dont worry you wouldnt of needed it this season anyways

  23. Bobby Says:

    @Mike J….are you serious?? This guy benched 225 something like 37 times. He’s strong enough to take on anyone in the NFL.

  24. 4everBucsFan Says:

    He seems sort of small for NFL standards. At only 6 feet tall, it makes him seem like a dwarf compared to most starting offensive lineman and could be to his disadvantage.

    Unless he has the same motor Warren Sapp had, who was 2 inches taller than him, his stint in the NFL may be short lived if he is swallowed up by bigger and faster NFL lineman on a regular basis.

  25. Bobby Says:

    4everBucsFan……He’s actually 6’1″ but that’s not a big deal. Leverage and strength is everything when it comes to moving something and I’d have to believe that if he was stout against the run consistently at the college level he’ll do just fine in the NFL. Gibson will probably be in on passing situations.

  26. Bucnjim Says:

    Sapp was only 6’1″! Did you see Sapp standing next to Jonathan Ogden? Man what a size difference.