Target: Dalvin Cook
February 28th, 2017
May fit Bucs, says ESPN.
If you are reading this shortly after it publishes Tuesday morning, Joe is either waiting to board a plane or is already in the air headed toward unseasonably warm Indianapolis.
Yes, it’s combine time.
Tomorrow, both Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter will hold press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center, this year’s beehive of the NFL Scouting Combine that doesn’t include the NFL Network reality show.
Joe also is geeked to get to talk to potential Bucs targets such as running back Dalvin Cook.
ESPN Bucs correspondent Jenna Laine emphasizes how much Tampa Bay needs explosive players on offense and of a short list of possible Bucs targets in the first round, she includes Cook.
Cook passed former Bucs running back Warrick Dunn as FSU’s all-time leading rusher this past season, finishing his career with 4,464 rushing yards, 46 rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. He averaged about 6.5 yards per carry in his three-year career.
As Mike Mayock pointed out yesterday, Leonard Fournette and Cook are two different cats. Cook can do just about everything: run up the middle, run off tackle, run around the edge and, of course, catch the ball. Mayock projects Cook to get roughly 20 carries a game and up to eight targets in the passing game. Fournette is primarily a beastly running back who should average no less than 25 carries a game.
In other words, Mayock believes Fournette is more of a one-dimensional running back.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:15 am
Cook is going in the top eight or ten, latest. We pick 19. Need any more be said
February 28th, 2017 at 9:17 am
Been saying it for weeks,the system he was in at FSU is quite similar to what Koetter does in the pros. This is a no brainer. The talkin heads are starting to realize what wonderful match this will make for. Turn the envelop in Mr. Licht,he our baby now.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:17 am
Add Cook and at least 2 reliable receivers then our offense will explode.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:18 am
Bet some money Rob.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:19 am
Jthv we might as well count him as a receiver his hands are good as gold.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:22 am
For some reason I’ve never been a huge Fournette fan but he’ll be gone anyway.
Love to have Dalvin! Like most here however I’m not prepared to see us spend multiple draft picks to get him. If he’s on the board at 19…or perhaps somewhere after 15 so as to not require a bunch of picks to move up…I’d love to have him.
I’m starting to warm to McCaffery a lot. Want to see his 40 at the combine…on the actual football field the guy does have burst and can definitely take it to the house.
Kamara is still a question mark…had to split time with Jalen Hurd…not as explosive as DC or McCaffery but can catch the ball and has pretty good size.
If we can’t get Dalvin or McCaffery I’d be just as happy waiting and taking the WR or DE and getting Foreman in the second. He is a workhorse and incredibly consistent and known for tremendous blocking skill as well.
I’m not gripping at all. I believe we’ll come out with an RB in the 1st or 2nd…like NOSBOS I hope it’s Dalvin…but I’m not sure I share NOSBOS conviction that it’s a done deal.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:22 am
I hope this kid is a Buc on draft night. However, I do think we will need to trade up a few picks. I would be so upset if he is picked 1 or 2 picks in front of us. Everyone knows he is on the Bucs radar.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:23 am
I wonder if my Homie Nole approves of this article.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:26 am
Joes,
Don’t know if you can get this G2, but I would be interested in what players were interviewed by the Bucs and/or what agents they were seen talking to. Just one indicator, but a useful one!
February 28th, 2017 at 9:32 am
I agree completely with Mayock’s assessment of both Cook and Fournette. Although Fournette might be a better receiver than he is credited being, I would still say most likely one-dimensional.
If McCaffrey tests well at the combine, which I think he will, I might put him over Fournette as well just because of his potential impact not only in the run and passing game, but on special teams as a returner as well. Not that I would want my starting RB returning punts and kicks every game, but he can be used there situationally similar to the way the Giants use OBJ and Steelers use Antonio Brown.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:32 am
There’s nothing wrong with a “hammer” like Fournette. However, I do believe that a back like Cook would be more suited to our offense. It’s wishful thinking, but yeah, get Dalvin!
Bottom line: Get JW weapons!
February 28th, 2017 at 9:32 am
No way Cook makes it past Jacksonville, New York, Carolina, and Indianapolis. And it would be just plain dumb of us to trade up for a running back in such a deep class of them.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:34 am
Licht package the leader of the losing culture cancer93 and a pick next year and go get cook. Trading a career loser for a champion is a no brainer. Fix the RB position and eradicates the leader of the losing culture in one swift move. Simple as that
February 28th, 2017 at 9:35 am
Pete and Marine around 13 y’all eyebrows gone raise along wit a little grinn on your face. Around pick 15 and 16 your gonna be like no waayyy. After 17 your gonna say “holy s@$!”. 18 will come and go both hands will be on the sides of your head. Then we’ll be up,I can’t speak for you then but mine will pounding in chest for sure☺.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:36 am
Joe have a a hunch that Doug Martin has not been released and will not be released because Licht is going to trade up into the top 10 and use DM 22 as trade bait and throw him in along with this years and next years 3rd round pick and next years 5th as well.teams will want him because Martin has proved to be effective behind a good oline and a team in need of a rb to help them get over the hump will do it and just wait to get one in their 2nd round to develop behind martin.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:37 am
McCaffrey….offers more value out of backfield and as a return specialists. No history of injuries or character concerns and wont require giving up picks. Licht’s strength has been the draft and undrafted free agents….I would rather give him more picks to work with then less. Particularly when we have holes to fill and depth issues.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:37 am
@Nosbos
I don’t think they would pass on Cook if he fell all the way to #19, but what would you’re reaction be if they did pass on him? Just curious lol.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:37 am
I would take McCaffery over Fournette all week long and twice on Sundays.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:38 am
We shall see in 2 months. It will be refreshing so the same exact replies aren’t copied and pasted every article.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:38 am
Ima say this Pete and Marine I’m a theorist. I’ve noticed things about the draft over the years that have lead me to believe it isn’t as random as people are lead to believe it is. We have a history with FSU,trust me Dalvin ain’t leaving the state Florida.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:40 am
Pop I’d blow a gasket. You don’t wanna see the s@$# talkin I would do about this management.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:40 am
I mean… Jacksonville is still in Florida lol.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:42 am
Yea if they did pass on him if he fell to #19 I would be shocked. Too talented to pass him up at #19.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:44 am
I guess I’d be ok with Cook as long as they get C Paterson or D Jackson in FA at WR and draft another in the first 3 rounds.
They also really need another DLineman in the first couple of rounds.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Hey NOSBOS,
I am going to be losing my mind!!! I really hope we can stay put at 19 and select him. Mr. Licht will need to have some great intel on what the other teams want to do. I just don’t want to take the risk of losing him at say pick 17 because a wise a** team knows he will not make it past the Bucs.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:47 am
Its nice to dream about our perfect match but Cook is NOT lasting until 19. I will be surprised if he makes it out of the top 10.
Trading our 2nd round pick to move up only gets us up to about the 12th pick. (maybe 11) I would NOT want to pay a 1st and 2nd for Dalvin Cook in a draft class teeming with RB talent through 3 or 4 rounds.
Our 1st + our 3rd round pick gets us up to 15. MIGHT be OK with that trade up if Cook is still available then, but that’s still a high price to pay considering we have multiple needs that require addressing with the 1st 3 picks this year.
What will it take to get ahead of Carolina at #8 and guarantee we get Cook? Oh just our 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th round picks – that’s all – LOL
February 28th, 2017 at 9:48 am
The only way this happens is if we trade up in the first round. I would love to have Cook in the backfield for us, but not sure if Licht would be willing to give up the picks to get Cook.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:51 am
Way too many quality RBs available to waste a 1st round on Cook or Mccafferty, and I really like both, build the trenches
February 28th, 2017 at 9:51 am
Dalvin Cook is coming to Tampa!
February 28th, 2017 at 9:52 am
Guzzie Says:
“Way too many quality RBs available to waste a 1st round on Cook”
Perhaps that’s what other teams might say as well.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:53 am
941
Drug Martin has less than zero trade value. I’m assuming you were being sarcastic or joking. A suspended 50/50, below average, slow back who does not who does not score and is unreliable has ZERO value… He screwed his teammates and fans so screw Doug Martin… Just another member of the losing culture
February 28th, 2017 at 9:56 am
It seems to me the biggest issue most of you have with trading up is this years draft being so deep with RB’s and Dline talent. To please the argument on both sides of the table, I say trade future picks. Depending on how high we have to go to get it done, maybe as much as this years 3rd/4th along with next years 2nd should get it done.
February 28th, 2017 at 9:59 am
McCaffery quit on his team by not playing in bowl game. Bucs already have a star quitter in mccoy… Bucs need driven winners not proven losers and quitters like mccoy and McCaffery
February 28th, 2017 at 10:01 am
^ lol
February 28th, 2017 at 10:03 am
This is what I’ve noticed Marine. In certain cases it appears players tend to end up being drafted by teams that are geographically located either where they were born and or where they played they’re college ball. Warrick Dunn and Derrick Brooks were arguably the best offensive and defensive players on those FSU teams back then. To me it was not coincedence this organization drafted both of them. I could sit here an give example after example of this. If you notice DC is all over the mocks from one week to the next. Why is it player this talented is not sticking to a particular team as of now. By this time last year mocks had us taking VH3 and it didn’t change.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:06 am
Count me in with the “McCaffrey Mob”…….
February 28th, 2017 at 10:07 am
Its almost like certain pro teams use certain college programs as farm systems and get first dibs on players entering the draft from said schools. Now again I’m a theorist so this belief might not jibe well with some of you but for me its clear and present. That kid changed his name to “Apple” his senior year and was drafted by the giants now he plays in the Big Apple. If you believe the story of him taking his step fathers last name then that’s you me on the other hand I know better.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:10 am
Been watching drafts for a long time and I’ve seen some strange things happen, but remember the combine is just beginning and Free agency is next week. Cook has some baggage and a lot of early pickers have bigger problems than RB.Can’t aways go “Best Available,” have to focus on need. You still have to block for a back and you still have to prevent your opponent from scoring. Mayock says this is a strong defensive draft so many teams will prioritize that side of the ball first. For those who think Cook is out of reach remember what a little pot did for Warren Sapp.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:11 am
C’mon man y’all really think it was just by chance Carr who played at Fresno ended up in Oakland,Bortles UCF ended up in Jville,Fameis FSU ends up in Tampa I could go on and on if need be. 23 passed Chris Johnson from east carolina He gose to neighboring Tenn.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:16 am
Interesting theory NOSBOS, hope it holds true this year with Cook
February 28th, 2017 at 10:16 am
Ok I havent been able to stay decided on who I want with the first pick. Obviously if cook is there we take him but hes not going to be there. I lime McCafferey or a wr but no telling how fa goes and who is sitting there
February 28th, 2017 at 10:18 am
That is one of the crazier conspiracy theories I’ve heard about the NFL lol.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:22 am
And the Panthers drafted Stewart, who played High School ball in Washington and college in Oregon, over Chris Johnson. If what you’re saying is true wouldn’t they have picked Johnson over Stewart? Lol.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:22 am
“IF” we don’t draft Dalvin Cook it because the Bucs made it clear they didn’t want him. It would not have been because they couldn’t have cause we sat at 19. Alllll the owner took a vote in 19 I believe it was 65??? That Broad way Joe was going to New York. He was then drafted by the J.E.T.S jets jets jets.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:28 am
Didn’t he get the nickname “Broadway” from being successful in New York? I don’t think he went to New York with that nickname already lol.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:32 am
Roberto the kicker went to FSU, so naturally he would end up in Tampa. ugh
February 28th, 2017 at 10:46 am
Leonard F is a one deminsional RB just like Adrian Peterson is one demensional.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:47 am
tmaxcon… Are you really a panthers or falcons fan in disguise?! Oh never mind you jus kno nothing about football! Got ya! SMDH!!!
February 28th, 2017 at 10:47 am
From what i have read McCaffrey is a intense, dedicated, hard working football player. His only semi negative is that he rubs some of his team mates the wrong way when he pushes them to be better. As far as skipping the last bowl game, i think he let his agent talk him into not playing. As far as RB skill he has it all. He can catch, run, return punts and kickoffs. If you have doubts about his skill watch his 2015 2016 collage tape and you will be converted.
February 28th, 2017 at 10:49 am
Fournette < Cook is silly as f!ck.
They call Fournette AP 2.0 for a reason. He isn't only a size/speed hybrid who will pick up his yards between the tackles – unlike AP he can 1) pass block and 2) catch the ball. Whereas AP is truly one-dimensional and is commonly taken off the field in third down situations, Fournette is a piece who will be used in a variety of situations.
That being said, I love me some Dalvin Cook and think he's a much better fit in Koetter's system. Elite pass catcher, has some shake to him in space. If he's there at 19 take him!!!
February 28th, 2017 at 10:52 am
You know, Nole, I almost wish we’d get him just so you can have a great draft day.
Maybe some story will come out and cause him to fall to us. I’m against trading up though.
February 28th, 2017 at 11:00 am
Please Bucs need to trade up and get Cook throw a 4th rd and Martin in it. Go and get DeSean Jackson and Tony Jefferson
February 28th, 2017 at 11:01 am
I would love Cook to rock the red and pewter. Nosbos trust me my fingers will be crossed and if he makes it to 19, done deal, no brainer. You solve the running back dilema, get a legit game changer the likes of which we never had on offense and you instantly take pressure off Evans, Cam and Jameis.
And tmax, dude your obsession with Mccoy is really unhealthy. Its hurting you more than anyone else.
February 28th, 2017 at 11:08 am
tmaxcon, Did McCoy bully you in school or something? I have never seen anyone with such a hate on. Ah, I know…you are a Trump voter.
February 28th, 2017 at 11:10 am
Joe Namath went to alabama. That is all.
Also for every guy that gets drafted by his local team, there are probably 20 that aren’t.
February 28th, 2017 at 11:12 am
I have never see McCaffrey receive a wallop of a tackle, and
at his size is he better suited to be a flanker…I love his vision and talent just wonder if he can stand up to the monsters on defence going between the tackles on a run…
February 28th, 2017 at 11:15 am
Bucs designated the following players as exclusive rights free agents.
WR Adam Humphries
WR Freddie Martino
TE Cameron Brate
DB Jude Adjei-Barimah
LB Adarius Glanton
DE Howard Jones
The one deserving of special note is Adam Humphies. Why? Because he’s good enough to get a longer term contract, yet they did not resign him to one. Makes me wonder if they plan on going WR in the first round.
February 28th, 2017 at 11:23 am
Nice find, Bonzai. I think they are choosing that route with Humphries for the sole reason that they CAN. Because he is entering his third year, the Bucs can place the exclusive tender on him, nullifying his ability to sign with any other team while giving him a short-term, uber team-friendly contract. There is literally no downside for placing Humphries under the restricted tender.
February 28th, 2017 at 11:53 am
I’m optimistic that we’ll get Dalvin but what if OJ Howard is still available then
which way do we lean at that time… a lotta y’all are just focusing on one playmaker I’m looking at those sly MF’ers that pick in front of us with the availability to wreck our shi….
February 28th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Would be a great addition if we didn’t need 10 other things.
On the downside he is a fumbler has had two shoulder surgeries and in the nfl if he gets 20 carries a game he will be cooked by the 8th game
February 28th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Well Joe its official,Adrian Peterson will hit Free Agency in a few days.does that mean his chances of coming to the Bayadjust increased?
February 28th, 2017 at 12:44 pm
i say take a page out of the falcons book and draft cook at #19 if he’s available and draft foreman in the second round….that would be a crazy 2 headed monster….GO BUCS!!!!
February 28th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Florida State homers are the worst.
February 28th, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Well bucs_365 I guess those FSU homers were right about Winston after all? How is brittle Marcus Mariota doing at rehab right now?
Dalvin Cook is the best RB in the draft. If he keeps his head on straights, he can be the best RB in the pro’s too.
February 28th, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Bonzai…nearly half the county voted for Trump. Hate. I see LOT’s of “hate” from those other voters.
February 28th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Sadly, I think Carolina will draft Cook
February 28th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
McCaffery had some great years at Stanford. His pops is almost legendary in Denver. He’s a play-maker with return skills. I wouldn’t choose him over Fournette or Cook, but there is intrigue there.
@Tom- Don’t jinx us with that Mariota injury talk! Mariota, when healthy (wink, wink!) is an OK quarterback. Catch my drift?! 🙂
February 28th, 2017 at 2:02 pm
@87 and Bonzai- Group hug?!
February 28th, 2017 at 2:04 pm
McCaffery plays bigger and faster than he actually is. Go on utube and check out his pass protection where he stands up a defensive tackle that splits the Tackle/Guard hole. Very impressive. The draft is FULL of backs this year. Cook is the only one that I would go get but I would love McCaffery to be a Buc. I’ve seen people on this board say, “hes a Bellicheck type player” or “he fits into the NE way” like thats a negative. um.. ok put him on MY TEAM then. If he fits in with the dominant franchise with the past 10 years, then yeh, thats the kind of player I want.
February 28th, 2017 at 3:52 pm
I would personally be so stoked if we some how walk away from the draft with this kid! I would try to sign Adrian Peterson to a (reasonable) 2 year deal. Draft Cooks and move Charles Sims to Slot. and Grab a WR in the 2nd round.
I feel this would put us over the top on offense and make us legitimate conteders for the Super Bowl
February 28th, 2017 at 3:55 pm
BTW the reason i would want AP also is 2 reasons! 1. just incase Cooks doesn’t fall to us He is a good back up plan. 2. They can split carries and your future franchise RB can learn from one of the greatest RB’s of all time for a couple years and have him as a mentor. Kind of like Vincent Jackson did with Mike Evans. Say what you want about Jacksons on field performance but i feel he has done a lot for both Evans and Winston as far as having a true professional practices and approaches the game on and off the field!
February 28th, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Srq, what makes you think Sims is a better slot receiver than Humphries? If he were don’t you think that’s who would be starting in the slot? Edge rusher in the first, Samaje or Gallman in the fourth.
February 28th, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Too many injuries. Dalvin Cook would be nice. If he falls to the ten to twelve range Jason should maybe think of moving up. He could also just move up a couple spots and pick up C. Davis. We could also trade back. Hell, maybe out of the first round. But, it’s not even the combine. Along time till draft day.
March 1st, 2017 at 11:40 am
Hmmmm, 25 carries a game? That’s only been done twice that I can remember. 409 total carries for Jamal Anderson in 98 and James Wilder with 407 in 84 (also 85 catches). I don’t think anybody is going to average 25 carries a game ever again.