“No One To Tell Him It Can’t Be Done”

January 4th, 2015
Will Chip Kelly make these guys drool?

Will Chip Kelly make these guys drool?

In the wake of Chip Kelly being granted total control of Eagles personnel this weekend, the buzz out of Philadelphia is that now nobody can stand in the way of Kelly making an unprecedented blockbuster trade offer to the Buccaneers for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Joe’s calling it the Mortgage for Marcus.

Would the Bucs dare to engage in such a franchise-altering deal?

What would it take for the Eagles to move up from No. 20 in the first round to No. 1? P

erhaps three first-round picks and Nick Foles? Or maybe giving up Foles and their first-, second- and third-round picks in 2015 and 2016?

Joe doesn’t know.

But Eagles beat writer Eliot Shorr-Parks thinks the odds of Kelly reaching out to the Bucs for his prized recruit, Oregon Ducks stud quarterback Marcus Mariota, just got a lot bigger.

There are not many general managers who would sign up for what it will take to move up form No. 20 to No. 1. In fact, there might not even be a price tag, considering teams simply don’t jump that high in the draft.

But with Kelly now calling the shots, there is no one to tell him it can’t be done.

Three first-round picks? Those picks and a player? Who knows how Kelly will react, or how much he values picks. For a coach who won’t even talk about a game two weeks ahead, or dare to commit to a player suiting up in just a matter of days because of potential injury during practice, the idea of trading a pick in 2016 might be insignificant. Kelly has been clear that all rookies are created equal once they step in the NovaCare Complex, and last year’s first-round pick Marcus Smith will tell you just how true that is.

There’s more via the link above.

Joe’s got mixed emotions. On the surface, the Bucs would be nuts to pass on a shot to draft an elite quarterback prospect like Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota. But there could be a potential offer worth taking. It’s not like Winston or Mariota are can’t-miss, slam-dunk, Andrew-Luck-like players.

Every general manager in the NFL likes to talk about the “bust rate” of draft picks. So there would be some comfort to be had if the Bucs got a pile of Day 1 and Day 2 draft picks, and Foles, in exchange for the No. 1 pick.

100 Responses to ““No One To Tell Him It Can’t Be Done””

  1. Die ReadMore Die Says:

    Mariota is going first. If we really want Winston over him then trade down with Philly, then try to trade back up for him. If it works out, great. If not then we have Files and a stash of extra picks.

  2. MadMax Says:

    Yep, Id do it. (mentioned this last week) Theres some stud O line and UCLA LB’s at 20th and on down. Plus I like Foles.

  3. JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:

    1-2-3 in 2015 & 2016………in a heart beat !

  4. thunderchunkyPA Says:

    I do not want Foles, he wants a new deal as well. If the Pigeons come calling, listen. Hell if anyone comes calling, MUST listen. If someone gives up a ton of picks, you have to listen. This team is so far away, they need a ton of help. I agree Joe #5 or #8 are not a slam dunk. Licht must do his homework, and take the time to listen. Would fans be PO’d if they trade the pick, sure, if the Bucs get a BOUNTY of picks, the Bucs would HAVE to hit a home run. For example, the RGIII deal, that has not worked out for DC, and only a couple of those pics for the Rams are studs.

  5. Eric Says:

    Well if you remember Bridgewater was the consensus number one pick in the draft at this same point last year.

    Didn’t happen that way.

    But I for one hope we’re not gonna go forward believing we can win much with the Josh and Mike Show, no matter how many picks we were to acquire via trade.

  6. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    The guy from East Carolina was impressive against Florida yesterday. Somewhere there is a QB in this draft besides one of the two Heismans.

    The problem is that taking one of the Heisman’s cuts the risk of the investment dramatically. But cutting the risk of an investment doesn’t alter the price or the return.

    I’m willing to gamble a top pick on Winston or Mariota. But after watching the combo of the FSU-Oregon game, both QB’s need work, and that surprising kid from ECU I’m not willing to gamble much more than ONE first round pick.

    If somebody offered us a number of excellent picks then THAT is the actual price we pay for our investment.

    Perhaps three first-round picks and Nick Foles? Or maybe giving up Foles and their first-, second- and third-round picks in 2015 and 2016?

    I’m NOT willing to spend three first round picks or two years of 1st 2nd and 3rd. Neither Winston nor Mariota is worth that big of a gamble.

    Look at where St. Louis sits? They are about to become a very good team as all their young high draft picks begin to develop.

    Grab a QB with than #1 pick. Do not spend multiple first round picks on a QB.

  7. knucknbuc Says:

    Wouldn’t do it foles ain’t an upgrade over Mike g and Josh mccown and chips system makes any qb look good.unless their own giving us their whole next 3 drafts no.

  8. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Lots can happen when you have a boatload of picks……I wonder if there is a team that would covet Winston like that…..
    We didn’t tank that last game for Winston…..and yes….we tanked.

    Can you imagine the value of Mariota if Winston doesn’t declare?

    We still have Glennon to trade and with this weak QB draft we could get a 2nd or 3rd round pick from Arizona, St. Louis or another team. This will be very interesting as it un”Foles”…..

  9. BUCutalkinbout Says:

    Love your articles and fan feedback
    But no to the trade. Screw that! It’s our time to shine. There’s nothing worthy out there for us to simply pass on a potential, never had a street named in his honor quarterback. I like the name the “den of despair”
    Just have to make other teams feel that!!!
    Yo Joe!

    Joe’s not lobbying for a trade, but everything has a price. –Joe

  10. Tmaxcon Says:

    The more picks that Lovie has the more long term damage he will do. Trading Glennon will be for a 6th or 7th round pick not a second or third that’s just ridiculous to think otherwise. Foles is just another mediocre qb that would be 4th best in Division. So they fix a few more holes yet neglect the qb position yet again. At the rate Lovie gets the team playoff ready LVD and. McCoy will be on social security if it’s still available.

  11. JoeJoes Fungi Nails Says:

    “The more picks that Lovie has the more long term damage he will do.”…LOL…
    12 picks in the 1st two rounds over 2015 & 2016….would go a very long way in getting this franchise back on its feet talent wise.

  12. joey joe joe junior shabadoo Says:

    Take chipper to the cleaners. Too many holes to fill and are either of these two qb’s worth taking with the top pick? Hell, none of us know but it sho’l is fun!

  13. MTM Says:

    If Kelly is willing to trade the farm for Mariota that would confirm just how much upside he has. I don’t want to see the Bucs in the same position as St. Louis or Arizona struggling to fill the QB position with fill dirt. Get the franchise quarterback and build around them. The fan base can’t watch anymore retreads at the quarterback position.

  14. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Tmaxcon

    We will see on Glennon…..I think there are teams that need QB help and won’t get it from the draft…..the FA class is weak…..Glennon has some experience…..is under a cheap contract for a couple of years and will play very well for a team that can protect him…..I would predict Arizona and St. Louis would be very interested in him….He would be a great backup and press for the starting position on both teams…..He would have Palmer & Bradford as mentors.
    I’m sticking to at least a 3rd (where we picked him)….he is the best QB from the 2013 class.
    The only reason we don’t want him is that we need an experienced backup to help our rookie.

  15. NewTampaChris Says:

    I rather just have the Bucs offer Mark Helfrich mega-bucks to come here and be OC with Mariota.

  16. Bogiedr Says:

    Take the picks. That is how you build a team.

  17. Stanglassman Says:

    If I were the Bucs I’d be more interested in J. Mathis LT and Peters LG and a boat load of draft picks. If Jameis doesn’t fall to the Bucs still @20 Hundley Prescott or Petty might end up being better NFL QB than Marcus M.

  18. tmaxcon Says:

    Tampabaybucfan

    I completely disagree. Glennon played so poorly I’d be very surprised if they receive anything more than a conditional 6. Just look back on previous bad qbs that have been traded. Glennon has proven time and time again tgat he does not make players around him better. For him to be successful he needs 10 all pro players surrounding him at that is unrealistic. Unless a former mob member bought a team I don’t think your guy is going to bring much in return. We will see soon enough. I hope I am wrong and they can fleece some team good. But I’m not getting my hopes up.

  19. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Tmaxcon

    He’s not my guy, by the way,……I just think he has some value to someone else….I think the only reason we didn’t play him down the stretch is that a deal for him has already been struck….we will see….

  20. Chef Paul Says:

    Taking a QB from Chip Kelly is like taking anyone from the Patriots. He’s a freaking QB guru. Every QB does well under him. If there is a QB Kelly is willing to part with, stay away from that QB as far as we can possibly get. Havent we learned our lesson on getting QB’s that a freaking guru made look good?

  21. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    As far as St. Louis and Arizona struggling at QB that is because of injuries not wasted draft opportunities!

    In fact that actually supports trading for multiple picks. St. Louis DID SPEND THE NUMBER 1 draft pick overall on a Q.B.? How did that work out versus the trade where they got all the players. Well Bradford showed promise when he was healthy but he clearly is now damaged goods. Not saying the Rams made a mistake using that top pick on Bradford, just illustrating what a crap shoot it is.

    Mere numbers, called diversity in investment 101, as in six picks versus 1 pick mitigate the risk dramatically.

    Arizona selected their own Heisman in Leinert and we see how that worked out! Arizona found their QB, a veteran off the shelf that the Bucs had a shot at signing, and were tearing up the league with Carson Palmer, and then again injury strikes…not once but twice.

    Arizona and St. Louis may presently have problems at QB but it’s not because they’ve never addressed the position in the draft. One picked a QB with the number one overall, unfortunately injury derailed that project and the other selected a Heisman with the 10th overall and Leinert simply turned out to be a bust.

  22. Billy Bob Picklenuts Says:

    As I said yesterday, the only debatable question is whether or not to trade the MARIOTA pick.
    It’s both troubling and amusing to me that there are some on JBF that don’t recognize the franchise changing prospect of drafting Mariota.
    Is there work to get him up to speed? Of course.
    That can be said about any QB coming out of college.
    But in MY eyes, there really is no doubt.
    I’ve watched every college game that Mariota has played. And regardless of the college system he plays in, his intangibles are off the charts.
    If I’m an NFL GM, I willingly would do everything in my power to have Mariota lead my team….he’s that good, that dynamic, that smart, that high in character, that good of a quiet leader that my team/my offensive line would crawl over glass for him.
    Mortgage the franchise to get him? I don’t think so.
    But I know in my gut that Licht is going to have 10 offers for him from 10 different teams. And every one of those offers is going to involve multiple #1 draft choices.
    That’s how highly thought of Mariota is to most NFL draft boards.
    So, it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out in a few months.

    Something else—
    A lot of people see Kaepernick or RG3 or Wilson or even A.Rogers in Mariota. And for me, I can see the last 2.
    But as long as we’re projecting here. I have to tell you who Mariota really reminds me of::::
    Staubach. Coming out of Navy. Clean as a whistle. Natural, yet relatively quiet leader. Outstanding character. Intelligent. Hard worker. Team first guy. Someone who could lead his team for years with the idea of winning Super Bowls.
    Yeah, that’s projecting. But if I’m a GM, I see it. I think Mariota is THAT good.

  23. Eric Says:

    I’ve been Winston all along but dang that Mariota is athletic. The man outruns secondary guys.

    With our Oline that is a good trait. And Lovie said he wants athletes. He’s a bit like Steve Young.

    Also didn’t like the flare up Jameis had with Jimbo on the sideline. After all the support Jimbo gave him through thick and thin.

    I sure don’t want to watch Glennon or Mccown try and scramble. That’s a sad sight indeed. Followed by the crappy throw or sack or INT.

  24. VeeJay Says:

    I can’t believe anyone is even thinking it is a good deal to move from #1 to #20. That would be insane and stupid. If it was me I wouldn’t even listen to the Eagles unless they were first able to procure a top 10 pick which is the only way I see this happening. If they could somehow workout a trade with a team like the Redskins where they give up Foles and their #20 to get to the Redskins position and then talk to the Bucs about the #1. I think that has validity but to jump up from #20; I don’t see it unless they were willing to offer Shady and a whole lot more.

  25. Eric Says:

    Pickle nuts may be right…..

  26. Stanglassman Says:

    Eric- I saw it differently. I think Jameis was showing the Bucs that he knows their history and was doing his best Garo Yepremian impression on that play.

  27. Nybucsfan Says:

    I posted yesterday 8 of 12 QB in the playoffs were drafted in the 1 round and 3 were top picks overall. They would be dumb to not draft Mariota it’s stupid to even think trade. I’m mean look how much good it’s help the Ram still have yet to make the playoffs. The Only reason they traded they thought they had there QB. We clearly don’t have one. The owners want to draft a QB

  28. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Why isn’t someone prepared to offer us a boatload of picks for Joe’s favorite, Winston?
    That fact should be proof positive that Mariota should be our pick. The key is taking the right OC.
    Here is the problem with a trade…..we very well may have to make promises on the pick to attract the best OC candidate. Who we pick will speak volumes.

  29. BucTrooper Says:

    You know what, Chip Kelly jilted us once. I say throw up the middle finger and say get your own QB.

  30. Self-proclaimed GM Says:

    If he was offering Foles …..maybe. But it would have to be a sweat deal. I personally feel better with the bucs taking Mariota.

  31. Stu Laake Says:

    When Washington traded up to St. Louis’s spot several drafts back, it took 3 firsts and a second round pick to move up 4 spots…

    Gotta imagine it will take way more than that package to get to the table…

  32. Jeagan1999 Says:

    For 1st and 2nd picks for 2014, 2015 and 2016 + Foles I’d do it! That’s 6 picks + a decent NFL QB for 1 pick! Think about it….this year we would have Foles to compete with Glennon at QB plus a 1st round pick and an extra pick in the second round…..that’s 3 picks in the top 2 rounds! Then in 2016 & 2017 we’d have 4 picks in the top 2 rounds! Think of all the great players we could get! We could completely rebuild the offense and defensive lines with those picks, and maybe still find our QB of the future! If that’s what Philly offers….take it!

  33. finishers Says:

    2015 1st 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th picks 2016 1st 2nd 3rd plus nick why not Mike Ditka Gave up his whole draft

  34. BucNears Says:

    If the Eagles are dumb enough to give us everything should be proof enough we need to draft Mariota. It would be far worse to not draft Mariota and watch him become a superstar (see Aaron Rodgers) vs draft him and he turn into a bust. Dropping all the way down to 20 is just too far no matter what else we would get.

  35. Eric Says:

    Remember the rams already had Sam Bradford.

    Not that he worked out but they had him already.

    We’ve got garbage at QB.

  36. Sapp, STFU Says:

    I have no personal judgement on whether trading for more picks is good. But you must remember who you are trading picks with. If the team gets great in the next year, their picks are lower value. Not saying the Eagles are one Mariota away from greatness, but they aren’t exactly bottom dwellers.

    Would rather we get alot of high picks from the Raiders or Browns before Eagles. Then again, we sure could use a stack of additional picks, with the right QB, and do much better.

    Maybe we can re-trade the extra picks to get someone else’s veteran QB plus more lineman.

    Or maybe I just need more mimosa’s and stop worrying about this drivel so far before the draft.

  37. tha truth is... Says:

    It won’t happen

  38. BigMacAttack Says:

    I can’t say I didn’t see this coming, as posted.

  39. port richey george Says:

    the Mortgage for Marcus sounds great to me.
    the bucs should be able to get all 7 rounds of picks from the eagles this year plus some picks next year.
    that is about the value of the number 1 overall pick. sounds like chip Kelley has a man crush on this guy. LOL 🙂

  40. port richey george Says:

    the Mortgage for Marcus picks could turn the o-line into the hogs like the redskins had years ago. yeah!

  41. Harry Says:

    I don’t mind a hoard of picks to trade down. But let’s be real. Foles = McCown once McTurnover left Trestman. Foles is not that great to begin with, but then put Foles with a OC “hand chosen” by Lovie (5 OCs in 11 years) and that is a recipe for failure.

  42. Nybucsfan Says:

    Anyone who would trade Mariota for Foles is an idiot and should stop talking. If he was so good they wouldn’t give you him and there hole draft so yes take someone else’s trash. We have 2 nick foles already I’ll pass

  43. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Oh, what the hell…..lets get all of Philadelphia’s picks in 2015, 2016, 2017……

    Total speculation here……but Licht’s phone will definately be ringing!!!

  44. BucsQcCity Says:

    I hope Licht looked at the card/panthers game. No QB=embarassing loss. No matter how good is the restof the team.

    That’s why OC+QB+OL coaches search need to be made before even thinking of picking MM or Winston.

    Those who think that Winston will fall past the Jets are delusional

  45. MichiganBucsFan Says:

    I think if we had to move all the way back to 20 Foles wouldn’t be enough. We’d better get Maclin in the deal to move back that far! And then its at least 3 firsts and 3 seconds. Otherwise I would prefer Mariota I think he’s the real deal.

  46. SAMCRO Says:

    I like the trade scenario but not from #1 to #20 for future #1 picks. L&L need the help “this” year and they cannot afford to gamble their careers past this next season. So future 2016 and on picks become irrelevant unless L&L get assurance from the Glazers that they will be retained in 2016 regardless of the outcome of the 2015 season.

    The most likely trade partner would be with the Cleveland Browns who have 2 first round picks #12 and #19.

    We get both their 1st round picks coupled with Manziel, and also get their 2, 3, 4, and 5th round picks this year. This way Joe gets his man and everything is right in JBF land. Also, when Manziel falls flat on his face we can take our frustrations out on Joe for his unrelentless endorsement for another failed QB.

  47. 1976Buc Says:

    I’m a huge Nole fan and believe there is a lot of up side to Winston. The kid is just a winner and is a better pocket passer that Mariota. Mariota will not last 2 seasons in the NFL if he runs. Put him in the pocket every play and he’s not your Heisman winner. Great talent but if you take away the run he’s average. His running opens up a whole new dimension to his game. I hope we do trade with Philly and invest in a combination of drafts and FA linemen that can protect our QB then go after our QB in the 2016 Draft class.

  48. BirdDoggers Says:

    If the Bucs decide that neither Mariota, Winston or any other player isn’t a slam dunk with the first pick, a trade would be too enticing to pass up. Collecting a bundle of premium picks would go a long way in adding talent to the roster in key areas of need like OL and DL.

    The rookie wage scale makes it much easier to handle the salaries of multiple high draft picks. Drafting, developing and ultimately keeping homegrown talent on the roster long term is something the Bucs have failed to do for several years. Having a bunch of premium picks would definitely help to build a better foundation.

    Another factor is Lovie prefers to run a vanilla offense. Run the ball and limit turnovers. An average, experienced QB could probably get the job done as long as they have a stifling defense. He tried with McCown and it didn’t work. But, having a rookie QB learning the game at the pro level might not look too appealing to a coach coming off of a 2-14 season. Lovie’s leash got considerably shorter after this season. Having more high draft picks could help shore up the problem areas and possibly turn the team around faster.

    It would seem unlikely that Kelly would pay the price to move up from the 20th pick. Kelly has been succesful with Foles, when he’s healthy. Mortgaging the future for one player might not be Kelly’s style. It would be tough to pass up an offer from Philly or any other team though. Although, the Glazers could veto a trade if they have their eyes on a QB.

  49. Macabee Says:

    I want the Bucs to pick a QB with the first pick, but things can get crazy in a hurry. Chip Kelly has pulled off a coup and taken over the player personnel dept. at the Eagles. There are those who think that he is gathering strength to mortgage the farm on a bid for Mariota – a mortgage the previous GM Roseman would not have approved.

    I just admitted that I do not know what Lovie will do and frankly, I’m going to stop telling this man what to do. But I gotta say this. If Lovie decides to trade down, I will be sorely disappointed if we don’t get paid – and I mean Fort Knox paid! Mariota is every bit as impressive as RGIII was and would be just as valuable to Chip Kelly and the Eagles as Julio Jones was valuable to the Falcons.

    The Redskins, picking 6, sent three first-round picks and a second round pick to St. Louis for the second overall pick in the 2012 draft. On April 28, 2011, the Falcons picking 26, gave up five draft picks to move up to the 6th spot and grab a star receiver from Alabama, Julio Jones. The Falcons gave up two firsts, a second, and two fourths.

    The Eagles would have to come from the 20th spot to get to the 1st pick and that’s going to be very expensive even if Kelly threw in Nick Foles and a used Ford F-150!

  50. ToesOnTheLine! Says:

    Or if they offer Foles in the ransom then immediately contact the Cards and sell high on a 3rd round pick for that guy. He’s in a better system but is no upgrade to Glennon with the Bucs current O line. I’m on the Mariota bandwagon if the Bucs get an OC that will run a system that plays to his strengths and let’s him be a productive QB year one. If that isn’t the hire though then why not load up on picks and move around in the draft this year and next to get the guys who are high on the Bucs draft board? Who knows get enough #1 picks the Bucs may even be able to move up in 2017 and pick my version of Joe’s Manziel/Winston franchise QB wish list Christian Hackenberg…the true next Andrew Luck 🙂

  51. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ MichiganBucsFan

    Maclin is a FA….we can get him for $$$……as a matter of fact, he would be a bad FA pickup for Mariota…..let Jackson go….(that is the only way I would let Jackson go)

  52. bucrightoff Says:

    Pick up a boatload of picks and hope Brett “the Hitman” Hundley is there at 20. Hundley has a massive advantage over Jameis and Mariota: Zero Heisman trophy’s.

    Did you know Heisman winners have only 2 playoff wins in the last 27 years, and that one of those was yesterday, in the worst playoff game of all-time? And look at the top 10 QBs in the NFL, not a Heisman winner to be found. Hundley has a big edge on them.

  53. RachelWatson'sthong Says:

    I like the way you think Buctrooper. Still have to listen though.

  54. OB Says:

    This could be a great deal for the Bucs, we get all those picks and Foles, Lovie does his thing with the offense and we only win one game (50% less wins with Lovie), he gets fired, we have the number one 2016 pick and take the kid from Ohio State with a new Head Coach. One more year of misery, but with the future picks the new HC would have, we would have some team.

  55. Zam Says:

    Glazers would go ballistic if the Bucs passed on a franchise QB. You can’t win championships without a franchise QB, and you can’t sellout stadiums with #20 picks no matter how many of them you get.

  56. BucBob1 Says:

    @ Chef Paul
    Agree %100 percent. IMOA that Nick Foles did well in Chip Kelly’s system, but it’s possible that he may just be a system quarterback, and may not fare well elsewhere.

  57. meh Says:

    W

  58. meh Says:

    No trades. Draft Mariota.

  59. SSG Mike Says:

    I would take the “Mother lode” of picks with Foles and then still pick up one of the more project top QB prospects (Hundley, Grayson, Prescott, Mannion) that will be available deeper into the first round and second round. If somebody is giving away the farm you really have to at least entertain it. While I like both Mariota and Winston they are still not a sure thing but if you pick up like 6 more picks in rounds 1-3 you are bound to hit on at least a couple even if it’s only as depth. We should definitely entertain the thought if it happens seeing that we have such broad needs in holes all over our team. Foles could be a decent QB for a couple of years and we still have trade bait Mike Glennon who should at least net you a 3rd rounder. I don’t even want McClown as our backup, so done with him

  60. Billy Bob Picklenuts Says:

    Look, I’m no Kreskin (famous psychic & spoon bender from the 70’s), but I imagine it’s gonna look like this:::
    You’re the Titans, Redskins, Jets, Bears, Giants, Rams, Browns (all teams in the top 12 of the draft who are desperate to change their quarterbacks and the fortunes of their teams) and you can wait for Winston to possibly fall to you or you can reach for the top of the draft (Mariota).
    If I’m the owner, I tell my GM, “Don’t screw around with that Winston kid. Too many headaches. Too much baggage. And I don’t want him to be the face of my franchise….Get Mariota. He’s gonna be my Roger Staubach….what Staubach was to the Cowboys in the 70’s::: (natural quiet leader, agile, intelligent, hard worker, team-first, high character guy out of Navy), Mariota is gonna be for us starting in 2015. A guy we can build around into a Super Bowl champion team. And my god, he’d make a great face for our community.”
    I bet those owner/GM conversations start up right after the championship game.
    The Bucs are going to be getting lots of offers for Mariota.
    Question is — what are they gonna do?

  61. Tmaxcon Says:

    All this speculation is very entertaining until reality punches one in the face, that it is Lovie making those would be extra picks. No one should trust Lovie with a single pick much less a boatload of picks. This pick is huge biggest decision in franchise history. It can’t be screwed up.

  62. Rob Says:

    I’m so sick of this team not having a legitimate QB. Draft Mariota and be done with it.

    If Chip Kelly wants him that badly, you know he’s going to be worth selecting.

  63. crazy Says:

    Tempting for the right package of picks, but who’s there at 20 or how much of your big haul do you have to give up to move back up to wherever the real guy is? I still think the brothers didn’t take a serious run at Chip Kelly to run a traditional 3 yards and a cloud of dust attack.

  64. BucsFanInChina Says:

    The Rams got the “mortgage” treatment and look where they are – still hopeless without a quarterback and bottom-dwellers of the NFC West.

    The Bucs have lots of holes, but nothing where we must have a litany of picks to compete. A franchise QB will cover up many deficiencies that there may be on both sides of the ball, but more importantly, give us wins in the short and long term. Wins are what Lovie needs to keep his job and eventually build up the roster.

  65. BringBucsBack Says:

    If the offered picks are commensurate with the jump to #1, from any team, you jump on it, especially if they include a pro QB.

    Don’t you always take 6, 7 or 8 players in exchange for 1? However, L&L failed miserably with the 5-6 players they got with Revis’ money. Did I (or L&L) just change my own mind?

    I guess that game last weekend wasn’t so meaningless, after-all. It should be clear to all fans now that a win last week would have been DETRIMENTAL. Thank goodness (or the Glazers) we lost!!

  66. Buc Fan South Tampa Says:

    Definitley trade the picks. Yes, we need a QB, but if we can pick up 1-2-3 picks from 2015 and 2016, and a QB thats just too rich to pass up. What the Panthers-Cards game showed that if you dont have an accurate passer you have a crap shoot, but like NC AND Oregon showed-if you have a lights out defense, you can dominate the other team and it gives you a chance to win. Who knows, maybe we can trade then Winston falls to 20 and we grab him anyway.
    _you know it is just amazing the double standard Winston is under. Lunch room jabber is deemed an “off the field issue”. How is that a qualifying factor for the draft?

  67. chipbuc Says:

    If we trade the 1st pick, we may never be in position to draft a great QB again. Im sorry but the league is a QB driven league. So buc up and take the chance and draft the QB, AND DONT LOOK BACK!!!!!

  68. bucrightoff Says:

    The Rams are also only a QB away from being legit contenders and basically got starters or quality depth with almost every pick from the RGIII trade. We are not even close to being a QB away from anything except 6-10.

  69. Architek Says:

    To go from 20 to 1 the Eagles would have to make a historic deal – and they would have to KNOW that Mariota is the missing piece to a championship.

    I’m not sure what all they will offer but I would ask for Foles, OL, DL, and MULTIPLE picks!!!!

  70. Buccfann Says:

    I say grab jay cutler after he’s released and trade the 1st pick to the eagles for 123 this and 123 next. U know what ur getting with jay and I don’t think lovie can take the chance on a who knows college pick. Build this def and rebuild the online. Jay is better than anyone we’ve ever had.

  71. Bucamania Says:

    @MTM nailed it.

    You take a QB and then build around him. Seems obvious to most. Otherwise you’ll be a half talented team without the one key piece like Rams and Texans. Glad to hear MM is so highly regarded. Mariota will energize the franchise.

  72. SSG Mike Says:

    Plus the Rams had there Franchise QB just he can’t stay healthy. Other than health Bradford has shown signs of brilliance then he gets hurt. I think they would be a contender if he was not hurt all the time. Just the way the cookie crumbles on some. We, no matter who we get at QB, could end up the same way. Brian Price was a beast that could not stay healthy, Clayborne another, Cadillac Williams another. We could go back all the way back to Ricky Bell (injury/disease) and see that it is always a crap shoot.

  73. armchairGM Says:

    I would rather just draft a franchise QB (preferably Mariota). Why as Bucs are we always looking at these the grass is greener on the other side scenarios. What this franchise finally needs is a face of the franchise, someone the rest of the country associates our team with? When people think of the Bucs now they no particular player comes to mind, most people think losing franchise. While having tons of picks is always nice if a franchise is good, they should not have to depend on trading picks to do it when they have a full count of draft picks, free agency, undrafted/unsigned players and pickups of other teams roster cuts. As a fan I have always dreamed of going on vacation and having casual conversation with someone and instead of them just saying “oh” when you tell them you are a buc fan I would rather hear something positive about our 2015 draft and the amazing player we lucked out on getting by having a terrible season the previous year. Overall just someone the media outlets and other fans think of when they think of our franchise of course second to winning.

  74. chargedcbh Says:

    This could be our Hershall Walker trade, this could be the trade of the century. We would have enough picks to move back up this years draft and maybe next years too. I think Chip would trade his momma for this pick!!

  75. armchairGM Says:

    I am also not with trading for multiple picks that are going to be 20 or later in every round of this year and next years draft, would make more sense to me if they were in the top 10. Get a quarterback so we can stop complaining about if every year.

  76. flumunda cheese Says:

    Assuming Winston and Mariota are both coming out, if Chip wants Mariota at 1, make him swing a 3 team deal with us and Tennessee. We end up with the #2 pick and a few extra picks, and Tennessee gets most of the bounty but has to pass on their franchise qb this year. Then we draft Winston (who we’re going to take anyway) plus we have a couple extra picks.

  77. armchairGM Says:

    I honestly think as bucs fans we are so skeptical of actually seeing an above average game changer at QB that when we finally get in position to draft one with potential we think of any way we can to avoid it and build other areas of the team. Like others said I do not want someone else’s used goods for our QB and also don’t want to be the Rams or Texans of the world that are looking around every offseason for a QB to give their team a spark.

  78. Brent Says:

    I don’t care what you guys say that’s interesting foles and 3 1s for our pick. Think about it that 2 first round picks for the next 3 years and files. That’s 6 #1 picks in 3 years. Me personally I prob just sit tight and go mariota or Winston (2). Hard to pass it up. But your crazy if you don’t think gms would consider that deal. I don’t see how Kelly could do it. I think he’d get killed by media and fans..

  79. 1976Buc Says:

    @BuccFann Jay Cutler? What the hell is wrong with you man.

  80. Barry Says:

    I say there’s no first round QB talent in this years draft. There is definitely no true 1 overall talent. Player(s) and picks for our #1? Licht n Smith are looking at a windfall as far as improving the team, so yes rob Kelly.

  81. ed Says:

    They woupd have to offer all their picks in 2015 and 2016 to even consider trading down. Foles being part of the deal? Are you kidding me? He will be let go after next season anyway. Any deal with foles included instead of more picks would be a Patriotish type robbery. Just draft Super Mariota and call it a day. The Glazers are not going to let him get away anyways.

  82. lurker Says:

    “If Kelly is willing to trade the farm for Mariota that would confirm just how much upside he has.”

    no it doesn’t! plenty of coaches, and people for that matter, go with what is familiar. we just had this in schiano. also, new head coached sign players they are familiar with or fill their vacancies with people they know…see lovie.
    this doesn’t mean they are correct.

  83. BigMacAttack Says:

    SSG Mike, I agree.

  84. Another J Says:

    If Nick Foles were any good Chip Kelly would want to keep him…

  85. bucs84 Says:

    Is take mariota and in a few years chip can come to tampa when lovie is gone.

  86. bucs84 Says:

    I say take mariota and in a few years chip can come to tampa when lovie is gone.

  87. Rrsrq Says:

    Do it as long as he takes McCown, Cousins, Collins and Michael Johnson

  88. MTM Says:

    @ lurker

    Do you really think Kelly would risk career suicide by trading multiple picks for Mariota if he wasn’t 100% sure it was the right move. It’s all speculation at this point. I would rather have Mariota than a bunch of b and C grade picks at this point. And the familiar system is a load. You can either play football or you can’t.

  89. lurker Says:

    @mtm

    ditka is a god in chicago…then goes to the saints and gives up his whole draft for ricky williams.

    herschel walker trade is still talked about.

    many head coaches take on other duties and choke. wtf make you think that chip the dip is above reproach? just because you believe mariota is better?

  90. lurker Says:

    so yes…kelly might have a hardon for the altar boy beyond reason. it has happened before.

  91. PRBucFan Says:

    Lovie is not stupid

    He knows drafting a QB first is his ONLY chance of buying more time for himself.

    lol Keep dreaming

  92. PRBucFan Says:

    He could have all the ammo in the world, doesn’t mean anything lol.

    What good would all these future picks be worth in he isn’t even on the team anymore? The man is not stupid.

    Bank on a QB.

    Iggle fans are dreaming.

  93. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    Three first rounders and Nick Foles. I would do it in a heartbeat. Foles is plenty good enough and still young. He could form a great pair with Evans for many years to come. Dropping to 20 would be hard to stomach at first. But getting a good starting QB and having 2 1st round picks in 3 consecutive drafts would be amazing. We could use some of that to move back up into the top 10 if we needed to. The options that would open up would be worth it imo. There is no guarantee either qb or any of the players we would draft with the extra picks will be a success. But a combined 6 1st round picks in a span of 3 years sure would give us good odds of finding atleast 3 stud players minimum. Plus Foles…

  94. Gt40bear Says:

    I’ve already said it a few times in here, it would take 1,2,3 in both 2015 & 2016 AND Foles to even get me to listen. Would try to get more. Needs to be a Herschel Walker type deal or nothing.

  95. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    I wouldn’t be against getting a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd this year and next year as well. As long as Foles is included.

    WHAT IF….

    We made the trade to get Foles. Then signed Maclin as a FA??? We could have Evans, Vjax, and Mac next season. I would think VJax would be gone if we were to sign Mac. But my god…that’s some awesome targets for Foles. Evans, Mac, Murphy, ASJ. Draft Gurley in the 2nd and go OLine and DLine the rest of the draft and watch out. Trestman could have a field day with that lineup. Or whoever our OC ends up being.

  96. Brent Says:

    Mariotta or Winston or bust!! Preferably mariotta.

  97. 87ForJamesOrMariota Says:

    and some of you actually TRUST Lovie Smith with those extra picks?????

  98. lurker Says:

    there he is!

  99. pick6 Says:

    if the eagles know we prefer winston, they will spend most of their time trying to make tennessee an offer they can’t refuse. with tenessee still being able to assign some hope to jake locker (like st louis with bradford in the RG3 trade), they can probably rationalize the trade better to themselves and to fans. the bucs had better love the #3 or 4 graded QB in the draft if they plan to sign on for this trade, because it will take winston and mariotta both out of play unless we want to give up most of what we gained in the trade down to go right back up

  100. pick6 Says:

    after watching sanchez put up video game stats under chip kelly:
    1) i wouldn’t be willing to overpay in my quest for a perfect QB if i’m Kelly
    2) i’d be wary of trading for any QB who played their best football under kelly (foles, sanchez) if i’m another team.

    foles is glennon with a better coach, lesser arm, and about the same level of goofiness in appearance