Tossing Crap On The Wall

April 25th, 2017

Throwing darts blindfolded

Thank God there are only two more days left until the draft.

Two!

In the latest lets-throw-crap-on-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks stunt, no less an authority than California train-romancing, anti-football proliferation, outhouse-admiring, airline-napping, steerage-flying, Yogi Berra-worshipingurinal picture-takingvideo game-playingTaylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwartingBucs-uniform-frowningAllie-LaForce-smittenBig-Ten-Network-hatingpedestrian-bumpingolive oil-lappingpopcorn-munchingcoffee-slurpingfried-chicken-eatingoatmeal-lovingcircle-jerking, craft beer-chugging, cricket-watchingscone-loathingcollege football-naïvebaseball-box-score-readingNPR-honkfilthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigatingbarista-training Peter King, of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports fame, figures he knows who the Bucs will select at No. 19 overall.

And that would be Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson, types King.

Only day one LT in the draft, most scouts think, and here he is. Bucs thrilled.

Thrilled? “Guffawing” might be a better word, Joe suspects, after the powers that be at One Buc Palace read this, if they have the time in their current 20-hour workday.

King may be working two elements here or a combination of two.

King has been a long-time swallower of the PFF tribe and its offensive line junk science. From the day the Bucs drafted Donovan Smith, PFF has been on a crusade to run him off the roster.

The PFF tribe — the ultimate experts of the game, so they would have you believe — has long suggested Smith is a right tackle, even though Smith is on record saying he would struggle there.

Given the crowd King rolls with, surely he knows NFL suits consider PFF’s offensive line grades as slightly less valuable than used toilet paper. Then again, one of King’s employers is in bed with the tribe (NBC’s Cris Collinsworth owns the PFF outfit) so perhaps King doesn’t want to step on toes and in any way critique the PFF tribe or shed bad light upon them?

Or, King could be a misguided disciple of the “best available player” theory, which is outdated in today’s NFL and dubious at best. Yeah, it worked for the Steelers nearly a half-century ago before there were free agency and salary caps. Don’t forget how this same philosophy bit the then-quarterback-needy Steelers squarely in the arse a decade later when they passed on Dan Marino for Gabe Rivera.

Smith is no Tony Boselli, but he sure as hell isn’t Anthony Collins. Besides, Smith, who at times displays the ability to be a true roadgrader, has never missed a snap in his NFL career. As Bill Parcells famously said, “Your best ability is your availability.”

Sure, one can question the ability of aging Demar Dotson at right tackle. Most teams aren’t going to draft a right tackle at No. 19 and surely are not going to draft any tackle at No. 19 to sit the bench. Additionally, the Bucs believe they have options available if Dotson slips, including moving Kevin Pamphile to right tackle.

King’s thought is laughable — that the Bucs or any team would draft a tackle who likely would sit the bench as opposed to a position like running back or edge rusher that could make an immediate impact.

Over the past few months, Joe has spoken both on the record and off the record with many Bucs movers and shakers. Joe has not detected one bread crumb that would lead to Bucs replacing Smith with a first round draft pick now.

The same folks who think the Bucs are going to draft a left tackle at No. 19 because of “best player available” are also of the same mind the Bucs will draft DeShaun Watson at No. 19.

Thursday night can’t come quick enough for Joe.

70 Responses to “Tossing Crap On The Wall”

  1. LakeLandBuc Says:

    An excellent pick

  2. tmaxcon Says:

    If Dotson slips

    joe how does one slip when they are already down…

    dotson was not just the worst lineman on the field most Sundays he was the worst player period. when he was not getting beat to a pulp he was committing penalties. good looking out for your boy i respect that but the dude can’t play

  3. Etzel Says:

    Pretty sure the only people clamoring for an offensive linemen in the first are people who are stuck on the Dallas game. (Which is why so many “experts” think we will go OL). They didn’t watch any film of us all year, just stuck on the one primetime game that they saw. Gos is gone. He was the one being put on his ass all game, no Donovan Smith or anyone else. Sure we could use a tackle, but as you said, an RT in the first? PASS.

  4. Cobraboy Says:

    I’d be most happy with Robinson at #19. I’d be happy with 3-4 others, but a stud OT would be great!

    You win with the big uglies.

  5. Joe Says:

    joe how does one slip when they are already down…

    dotson was not just the worst lineman on the field most Sundays he was the worst player period. when he was not getting beat to a pulp he was committing penalties. good looking out for your boy i respect that but the dude can’t play

    Rewatch the Dallas game in the fourth quarter and monitor Gosder Cherilus’ impersonation of a pair of swinging saloon doors and you may have greater respect for Dotson.

    Never been a big fan of Dotson as a stud right tackle (love the guy as a person). Even raised an eyebrow when he was resigned. He’s not yet turnstile like Jeremy Trueblood or Cherilus.

    Again, Bucs are confident they have options already on the roster if Dotson slips (or in your view, continues to slip).

  6. Guzzie Says:

    Is it that hard to believe that the OL needs to be upgraded, pretty much every position other than QB needs attention, the least being SAM LB, getting the best OT in the draft, not saying Robinson is, to be a day 1 starter, which you want your 1st to be, is that so unrealistic??? Getting the best OT sounds more valuable than the 4th best DE, WR, S or RB, especially since there is plenty of high end RB S and WR available in this draft

  7. Joe Says:

    You win with the big uglies.

    Always remember and never forget the Bucs won a Super Bowl with Kenyatta Walker at right tackle.

    Walker was so horrible, he makes Dotson look like Dan Dierdorf.

  8. tmaxcon Says:

    Joe

    no need to re-watch Dallas game I am completely aware that gos was utter garbage . the combination of those two was down right scary. i wish dotson the best in a backup role or on another roster.

  9. JonBuc Says:

    MMQB used to be my must read…prior to the advent of JBF.com 🙂 King has become a bit of a goof these days…having said that…an offensive tackle wouldn’t really surprise me at 19. I think anything goes this draft…looking forward to Thursday & Friday!

  10. Guzzie Says:

    Also Donovan is an average LT, he could be a great guard or RT, Dotson is below average and any of the top 3-4 OTs in this draft is an upgrade not only for now, but the next 5 years…even if Donovan stays at LT, this line would be greatly improved with a young 1st round caliber RT….#WALLFORWINSTON

  11. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Peter King is an idiot. No way the Bucs take a left tackle when right tackle is the glaring need on that offensive line. Unless this guy is a good right tackle too…which I doubt.

  12. pabucsfan Says:

    @Joe

    I dont think we need to go tackle but saying Dotson is fine because he is better than Cherilus is not much of an endorsement

  13. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Since this post is draft-related, here’s my wishlist for the draft:

    Bonzai’s 2017 Draft & UDFA Wishlist
    DISCLAIMER: Not a mock draft, obviously. Each year, I consider the positions of need and try to determine which players would 1) be most helpful and 2) might be chosen by the Bucs if available.

    Players marked with ‘*’ are the ones I think have a higher chance of being picked by the Bucs.

    Grades are according to NFL.Com only. The list is in order of position to make things easier to track.

    • QB Alek Torgersen (4.9) * (UDFA)
    • QB Cooper Rush (5.0) (UDFA)

    • RB D’Onta Foreman (6.8) * (judged out of reach)
    • RB Dalvin Cook (6.5) *
    • RB Christian McCaffrey (5.9)
    • RB Samaje Perine (5.6) *
    • RB James Conner (5.4)
    • RB Brian Hill (5.4) *

    • WR Cooper Kupp (5.7)
    • WR Chris Godwin (5.7) *
    • WR Zay Jones (5.7) *
    • WR Travis Rudolph (5.5)

    • TE David Njoku (6.3) *
    • TE O.J. Howard (6.5) *
    • TE Adam Shaheen (5.8)
    • TE Michael Roberts (5.45) *

    • OT Garett Bolles (6.0) *
    • OT Zach Banner (5.6)
    • OT Julie’n Davenport (5.35) *

    • G Dorian Johnson 5.78 *

    • C Pat Elflein (5.8)
    • C/OG Dan Feeney (5.7)
    • C/OG Isaac Asiata (5.51)
    • C Kyle Fuller (5.3)

    • DE Solomon Thomas (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Jonathan Allen (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Taco Charlton (6.3) *
    • DE Derek Barnett (6.1) *
    • DE/OLB T.J. Watt (5.8) *
    • DE Takkarist McKinley (6.2)
    • DE/OLB Jordan Willis (5.7) *
    • DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (5.6)
    • DE DeMarcus Walker (5.6)
    • DE Bryan Cox (5.39) *

    • CB Adoreé Jackson (5.8)
    • CB Ahkello Witherspoon (5.7)

    • S Malik Hooker (6.7) (judged out of reach)
    • S Jamal Adams (6.6) (judged out of reach)
    • S Obi Melifonwu (5.7) *
    • S Marcus Williams (5.8)
    • SS Xavier Woods (5.19) * (UDFA)

    • FS Budda Baker (5.9) *
    • FS Tedric Thompson (5.5) *

    43 Players on list

    ____________________________________

    1ST ROUND: 5.9 – 6.8
    • S Malik Hooker (6.7) (judged out of reach)
    • S Jamal Adams (6.6) (judged out of reach)
    • RB D’Onta Foreman (6.8) * (judged out of reach)
    • RB Dalvin Cook (6.5) *
    • DE Solomon Thomas (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Jonathan Allen (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Taco Charlton (6.3) *
    • DE Derek Barnett (6.1) *
    • DE Takkarist McKinley (6.2)
    • TE David Njoku (6.3) *
    • TE O.J. Howard (6.5) *
    • OT Garett Bolles (6.0) *

    2ND ROUND: 5.7 – 5.9
    • FS Budda Baker (5.9) *
    • S Obi Melifonwu (5.7) *
    • S Marcus Williams (5.8)
    • CB Adoreé Jackson (5.8)
    • RB Christian McCaffrey (5.9)
    • TE Adam Shaheen (5.8)
    • C Pat Elflein (5.8)
    • G Dorian Johnson 5.78 *
    • OG/C Dan Feeney (5.7)
    • WR Cooper Kupp (5.7)

    3RD ROUND: 5.5 – 5.7
    • RB Samaje Perine (5.6)
    • DE/OLB Jordan Willis (5.7) *
    • DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (5.6) *
    • DE DeMarcus Walker (5.6)
    • FS Tedric Thompson (5.5) *
    • WR Chris Godwin (5.7) *
    • WR Zay Jones (5.7) *
    • CB Ahkello Witherspoon (5.7)

    4TH ROUND: 5.4 – 5.5
    • RT Zach Banner (5.6)
    • WR Travis Rudolph (5.5)
    • C/OG Isaac Asiata (5.51)
    • TE Michael Roberts (5.45) *

    5TH ROUND: 5.3 – 5.4
    • DE Bryan Cox (5.39) *
    • RB James Conner (5.4)
    • RB Brian Hill (5.4) *

    6TH ROUND: 5.2 – 5.3
    • OT Julie’n Davenport (5.35) *
    • C Kyle Fuller (5.3)

    7TH ROUND: 5.1 – 5.2
    • QB Alek Torgersen (4.9) *
    • SS Xavier Woods (5.19) *
    • QB Cooper Rush (5.0)

    2017 GRADES PICKED IN ROUNDS

    1st Round: 5.9 – 6.8 (plus the one 7.6)
    2nd Round: 5.7 – 5.9
    3rd Round: 5.5 – 5.7
    4th Round: 5.4 – 5.7
    5th Round: 5.3 – 5.4
    6th Round: 5.2 – 5.3
    7th Round: 5.1 – 5.2
    Leftovers: 4.8 – 5.2

    * In 2017, there is only one player with a 7+ grade (DE Myles Garrett), while in 2016, there were four.

    Bucs 2017 Picks:
    Round 1, Pick 19 (19) 6.2
    Round 2, Pick 18 (50) 5.8
    Round 3, Pick 20 (84) 5.7
    Round 4, Pick 19 (125) 5.5
    Round 5, Pick 18 (162) 5.4
    Round 6, Pick 20 (204) 5.3
    Round 7, Pick 19 (237) 5.2

  14. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Sorry, ignore that last comment. Here it is:

    Bonzai’s 2017 Draft & UDFA Wishlist
    DISCLAIMER: Not a mock draft, obviously. Each year, I consider the positions of need and try to determine which players would 1) be most helpful and 2) might be chosen by the Bucs if available.

    Players marked with ‘*’ are the ones I think have a higher chance of being picked by the Bucs.

    Grades are according to NFL.Com only. The list is in order of position to make things easier to track.

    • QB Alek Torgersen (4.9) * (UDFA)
    • QB Cooper Rush (5.0) (UDFA)

    • RB D’Onta Foreman (6.8) * (judged out of reach)
    • RB Dalvin Cook (6.5) *
    • RB Christian McCaffrey (5.9)
    • RB Samaje Perine (5.6) *
    • RB James Conner (5.4)
    • RB Brian Hill (5.4) *

    • WR Cooper Kupp (5.7)
    • WR Chris Godwin (5.7) *
    • WR Zay Jones (5.7) *
    • WR Travis Rudolph (5.5)

    • TE David Njoku (6.3) *
    • TE O.J. Howard (6.5) *
    • TE Adam Shaheen (5.8)
    • TE Michael Roberts (5.45) *

    • OT Garett Bolles (6.0) *
    • OT Zach Banner (5.6)
    • OT Julie’n Davenport (5.35) *

    • G Dorian Johnson 5.78 *

    • C Pat Elflein (5.8)
    • C/OG Dan Feeney (5.7)
    • C/OG Isaac Asiata (5.51)
    • C Kyle Fuller (5.3)

    • DE Solomon Thomas (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Jonathan Allen (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Taco Charlton (6.3) *
    • DE Derek Barnett (6.1) *
    • DE/OLB T.J. Watt (5.8) *
    • DE Takkarist McKinley (6.2)
    • DE/OLB Jordan Willis (5.7) *
    • DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (5.6)
    • DE DeMarcus Walker (5.6)
    • DE Bryan Cox (5.39) *

    • CB Adoreé Jackson (5.8)
    • CB Ahkello Witherspoon (5.7)

    • S Malik Hooker (6.7) (judged out of reach)
    • S Jamal Adams (6.6) (judged out of reach)
    • S Obi Melifonwu (5.7) *
    • S Marcus Williams (5.8)
    • SS Xavier Woods (5.19) * (UDFA)

    • FS Budda Baker (5.9) *
    • FS Tedric Thompson (5.5) *

  15. Joe Says:

    Also Donovan is an average LT, he could be a great guard or RT

    Please click on the link provided above where Donovan Smith specifically talks about potentially playing right tackle.

  16. Tony from Los Angeles Says:

    Literally everyone in the national media/analysts/websites think the Bucs have a subpar offensive line. Everyone cannot be wrong and very seldom is. I totally agree with the national opinion. Smith is a subpar / non elite LT. If he were moved to RT or inside he would have a much better chance to succeed. The Bucs are aiming for mediocrity by keeping Smith at LT and Dotson at RT. Jameis and the Bucs deserve better than that.

  17. Gencoimports Says:

    Not crazy about Robinson as a first round pick and I am not a Donavan Smith hater.

    However, I would prefer Robinson to any first round RB.

  18. Joe Says:

    MMQB used to be my must read…prior to the advent of JBF.com 🙂 King has become a bit of a goof these days

    Seems King is more interested in writing about politics and/or baseball than the NFL. He’s been griping lately that there is too much attention paid to football which is mind-blowing for a guy who runs an NFL site.

    Thanks for the kind words!

  19. pabucsfan Says:

    @ Buccaneer Bonzai

    Foreman has a 5.7 on nfl.com not 6.8

  20. Joe Says:

    I dont think we need to go tackle but saying Dotson is fine because he is better than Cherilus is not much of an endorsement

    Dotson is fine when:

    1. The team is confident they have options already on the roster at right tackle if Dotson stinks; and,

    2. The team has a glaring hole at running back, still needs an edge rusher and could use a burner of a receiver/return guy to groom to someday replace DJax over any issue at right tackle.

    Right tackle may be the sixth-biggest need. Maybe.

  21. Brandon Says:

    Why would anybody want Cooper Kupp over a speedy player that can make an impact now like Curtis Samuel?

  22. Joe Says:

    Why would anybody want Cooper Kupp over a speedy player that can make an impact now like Curtis Samuel?

    Amen!

    In case anyone forgot, the Bucs had the worst kick return in the NFL last year. Worst.

    Chris Godwin/Adoree’ Jackson/Curtis Samuel would be wonderful additions.

  23. Bill Says:

    I’d be surprised if we took a T at 19, but not shocked. Joe brought up the Dallas game, where Cherilus couldn’t block anything and basically lost the game for us. Consider the fact that Cherilus was the best we had, an aging, injured guy who could barely move was our best backup T.

    Cherilus has since retired, but Dotson is only 1 year younger. We’re 1 injury away from a totally dysfunctional OL. If you understand that, than it’s not so crazy to think drafting a T is possible (maybe not in the 1st round).

  24. Stanglassman Says:

    I think he means Fournette not Foreman. Had me stretching my head for a minute too.

  25. NJBucsFan Says:

    Not sure about a LT in this draft. However, I am concerned with pairing a QB that is prone to a turnover or two with a running back that has fumbling issues (Cook)

  26. Joeypoppems Says:

    Still don’t understand the DeShaun Watson line.

  27. LakeLandBuc Says:

    Let’s see we were tied at 29th in rushing YPC (3.6 YPC), we had one game with 120 yards rushing. We had 9 games with 90 yards or under rushing. We had 5 different RBs to lose time to injury. Our QB was sacked 35 times and hit 109 times. I would say that we had a crappy O-Line last season.

  28. Lord Cornelius Says:

    lol

    Cam Robinson isn’t even considered a LT by most. Most opinions I’ve seen have him projected at guard or RT at best. There isn’t any obvious ready-to-start LT in this draft whatsoever in any sort of consensus opinion across the scouts so him saying this shows he really hasn’t been paying attention to the draft as much as me – a simple fan with google- and I don’t get paid to write about it. I’d have no issue drafting a bad4ss RT at 19 if the value was right – maybe if they saw Lamp as that guy but not sure there is a Jack Conklin or close equivalent in this draft.

    Our O-line was not good last year. They weren’t as terrible as its been some years but they were bad in the run game and barely adequate in the pass game. But they are very young and deep and PFF / analysts do not take this into account. It’s not outrageous whatsoever to expect that Smith/Marpet/Pamphile all improve a bunch or that Benecoch/Goddschalk/Wester cannot also improve/possibly inject new talent into the line; or that Sweezy steps up. And even if 1/2 of that doesn’t happen we have a capable vet in Smith who can play all guard spots; and a capable center in Hawley. Neither are great but it’s a lot better than many others depth.

    LT-Smith – 3rd year – expecting big improvement. I don’t have an issue with him like most do at all anyway
    LG-Pamphile – 4th year – 2nd year starting – expecting at least marginal improvement
    C-Ali Marpet – i think he may be better here than RG. If he’s the equivalent then we just upgraded the C big time
    RG-Sweezy – RG is his natural position. If healthy this should be a spot he can hold down well. If not then we have Evan Smith/Benecoch compete for it
    RT-Dotson – weakest link and only old spot on the line. Still have Benecoch/Wester but not sure how they see Benecoch yet.

    I’d love to see us draft a big developmental RT on day 3.

  29. unbelievable Says:

    Don’t think we are taking a tackle at 19, although I do believe we desperately need an upgrade at RT. But:

    Or, King could be a misguided disciple of the “best available player” theory, which is outdated in today’s NFL and dubious at best.

    Jason Licht and Bill Polian seem to disagree with you. Maybe stop being so glib as to what ‘best player available’ actually means…

  30. Buc1987 Says:

    A few prominent NFL.com mockers have the Bucs taking Cook. I say they WILL take him if he’s there. I think he WILL be there. So therefore 2 days out before the draft I’m sitting right next to NOS. I actually side more with Charlie Casserly of all people with his brief evaluation. Bucs take Cook at 19, because he’s a top 10 talent. I’d say top 15 and he fills a void. Yes a RB in the FIRST before he’s gone in the second with the 50th pick. Licht won’t hesitate.

    NOS I think you’re going to BE right.

    Go Bucs!!

  31. Tampa Tony Says:

    If Smith could cut his penalties down he’d be a good LT

  32. unbelievable Says:

    The same folks who think the Bucs are going to draft a left tackle at No. 19 because of “best player available” are also of the same mind the Bucs will draft DeShaun Watson at No. 19.

    Dabbling in some fake news today guys? NO ONE thinks, or wants the Bucs to draft Watson. What a ridiculous notion. You guys really need to understand what ‘best player available’ actually means.

    At least our GM does:

    “But like I said, we do like the players that we have. We’re in position where we can take the best available player defensively, or offensively for that matter. We’ve built a strong nucleus of good, young core talent. We just need to continue to add layers.”

    – Bucs GM Jason Licht

  33. Pickgrin Says:

    This year’s crop of OL players coming out of College is the worst in many years. Bucs are likely to pass on picking OLine this year unless its for a developmental lineman in the later rounds.

    They also want and need to get a better idea of where they actually stand at Oline with the expectation that young starters Smith, Pamphile and Marpet will continue to improve and that between young reserves Benenoch, Gottschalk and Wester – they will find at least 1 more starter who is already on the roster.

    If Sweezy is healthy, stays that way and can play as advertised when he was signed – we may just be OK for this year up front. Maybe. I hope……

  34. Lord Cornelius Says:

    87 I’d probably agree right now. I feel completely unsure of what we will do but if someone forced me to gamble on it then I’d guess Cook.

    Cook
    Derek Barnett
    Adoree Jackson
    David Njoku

    Those 4 seem – although I’d trade back if targeting Jackson. The latest uncesnroed podcast had a mock with Haason Reddick at 19 which I’d be cool with. OLB on run downs and DE on pass downs = a pretty big impact player

  35. Capt.Tim Says:

    Wr Josh Reynolds is on NFL network
    Man, Id like to see us draft this kid!

    My guess on our starting day offensive line
    LT-D.Smith, LG-C.Benenoch, C-A.Marpet, RG-JR sweezy, RT-K.Pamphile

  36. Dusthty Rhothdes Says:

    Lakeland Buc you are right on, grab Cam, the bucs OL is putrid, and has been mismanged by Licht for too long, grab cam robinson, then go get mixon with the 2nd pick if he is there and then round 3 grab ryan anderson from bama or walker from FSU…i am saying grab robinson in round 1 if cook is gone and barnett or oj howard which i am guessing will all be gone…but the bucs OL, is down and now they are throwing marpet at center and hoping sweezy can come back from a bad back, how did that work for 2 ppl in non conatct sports tiger woods and steve kerr

  37. BurgDweller Says:

    I don’t know, you can never build a good enough O line in my opinion. With a top notch O line it doesn’t matter who your RB is cause they will all succeed plus you want to protect Winston. I would not be terribly upset if the Bucs go with the best O lineman in the draft at 19.

  38. Leighroy Says:

    Peter King likely has the Bucs drafting a strong side linebacker in Round 2 and a backup QB in Round 3.

  39. Rod Munch Says:

    Counting on rookies to start – on a team you think is a playoff team – it’s not a great idea. Barber barely saw the field his rookie year – why? Because the Bucs had depth and wanted him to learn before throwing him into the fire – and that worked out well. If you draft a tackle don’t just throw him on the field and say here’s the starter, draft players BEFORE you need them – so a tackle would sit behind Dotson for a year to get ready.

    Now with that said is this the tackle you want – a RT in the first round? Probably not. But it will depend on how the board falls.

  40. Cobraboy Says:

    Joe Says:

    Always remember and never forget the Bucs won a Super Bowl with Kenyatta Walker at right tackle.

    Walker was so horrible, he makes Dotson look like Dan Dierdorf.

    And more specifically with Sapp, Rice, Brooks, Quarles, Barber, Smith, Kelly and Lynch on defense.

    That team was built around defense. THIS team is built around offense. Big difference.

    If you build around offense, you better have a studly OL.

  41. 813bucboi Says:

    cam robinson or trade back and go defense….GO BUCS!!!!

  42. Defense Rules Says:

    Agree with Pickgrin … Doubt that the Bucs will use their 1st rnd pick on an OLineman because “This year’s crop of OL players coming out of College is the worst in many years.” Too many other higher needs right now: RB, Safety, DE, TE, WR for starters. However, wouldn’t be totally surprised to see Licht grab an OLineman in one of our Top-3 rnds. if it looked like that player might be a plug-n-play. One of our major potential problems … lack of depth … could haunt us if Donovan went down (no good LT backup options that I see).

  43. Bucsfanman Says:

    @Joe- I spit water all over my computer screen at the mere mention of Jeremy Trueblood! What was the name of the other turnstile we had at RT? You know, Julius Pepper’s girl!

  44. Bucsfanman Says:

    Wait, I remember, Kenyatta Walker. I wonder if they had to admit him to a padded cell when he left football waking up in the middle of the night with Julius Peppers screaming by?!

  45. Bradinator Says:

    The problem with Robinson, who I actually like (just not with our pick) is that he has trouble in pass protection. It is likely fixable due to technique, but it doesn’t scream “pick this dude!”. Smith, while not the greatest, is a known quantity for Jameis. Jameis knows what to expect in terms of what Smith is doing. Jameis moves in the pocket based on this info. I just don’t see tossing a rookie in that spot and not expecting disaster. Losing Jameis would be epic and season ending for our dreams. I just can’t picture Licht picking him. Now Forrest Lamp, that a horse of a different color. Can play Guard, Center, maybe swing tackle. If I’m not mistaken we are moving our best player to Center and plugging in a guy with back problems and Pamphile. Not a lot of depth there.

  46. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    Funny thing is 87 they bring up shelf life as a reason not to draft a RB in the first round. Jake Long just retired. I’m sure they are aware of when(in the draft) and after how many years(in the league). Seems like about the length of a fantastic RB if you ask me.

  47. teacherman777 Says:

    Pamphile cannot play RT!!!

    He is too short and his a$$ is too fat!!

    Hes SLOW moving laterally!!

    Hes a decent guard because he is TOUGH!

    I like Pamphile at guard. Logan Mankins changed his life. Bet on it!!

  48. LakeLandBuc Says:

    We already have a GREAT O-Line, lol SMH.

  49. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    Not to mention 87 the cboys traded aallllllll the way up to #2 in the draft to take Tony Dorsett who by the way did win a superbowl. With the cowboys.

  50. LakeLandBuc Says:

    Ryan Ramczyk is the best O-Lineman in this draft. Only gave up one sack, 3 pressures and 7 hits all season. Was graded as the top run-blocking Tackle in college.

  51. Joe Says:

    unbelievable:

    Willing to lay cash Licht is not drafting a guy at No. 19 to sit the bench. Unless the Bucs are sending out the con job of all con jobs — and certain folks in that building have never steered Joe wrong before — the Bucs have zero intentions of replacing Donovan Smith at this point in his career.

    Notice Licht is quick to move on from mistakes? How many tackles has he brought in the past two years other than late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents? One, Cherilus, and that was because Dotson was holding out in a contract dispute.

  52. Capt.Tim Says:

    Teacherman
    Pamphile has already played Right tackle for us.
    JoeBuc article 12/23/16
    ” Pamphile moved to right Tackle?”
    He is( per Buc website) 6’5″, 315#

    On most sites, Pamphile is listed as a Tackle- his postion in college
    Pamphile played guard- due to Sweezy’s unexpected stay on IR.
    As much as I respect Dotson- Pamphile is an upgrade that was supposed to happen last year.

    You heard it here first, Teacherman!

  53. Capt.Tim Says:

    As far as”
    He’s SLOW moving laterally”

    You guys love to right things like that- about any and all Buc Linemen!!

    How the F^*k would you know that?
    You were in the huddle, and heard the Bucs call”stunt”, then had your hand in the dirt, when they called for Pamphile to rotate with Donavan, to cover the the the outside edge( a pretty controversial move, by the way)

    And then you saw Pamphile, Dragging ass, and not getting to the corner!!
    Is that really what you’re saying???

    Because- as usual- Im calling BS.
    From your coach, or your seat in the stands- I dont believe you could identify if an interior lineman was “moving slow Laterally”, or not.

    I know people read those phrases- then love to post them, because it makes them sound knowledgeable.
    But when you are throwing out BS, to hurt someones rep and career- it aint cool.

  54. StPeteBucsfan Says:

    BPA…no RB in the first…I get all these “rules” but really. With all this time on our hands….yes PTL it’s only two more days…sometimes it gets very “creative” here.

    I have only ONE rule about our first round pick. He needs to be a difference maker!

    Where I would probably have a debate with folks I suspect is what constitutes a game changer. EG I never believed Doug Martin was a game changer. He was a competent professional RB for two years who was continually hauled down from behind…that’s hardly making a difference. He put up two decent years when the OL was blocking…he’s a very good but not great back…he wasn’t a #1 draft pick…not because he was a running back but because he didn’t bring any game changing aspect with his game…no AP or Marshawn Lynch or Leveon Bell.

    It’s not the position we take in the first…it’s the player! In the first round you really need to hit the home run. Nobody is picking a player in the first with the idea of sitting them as a developmental player!

  55. R.O. Says:

    You think a Rookie Edge Rusher will make an immediate impact? You’re HIGH!!

  56. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Stanglassman Says
    “I think he means Fournette not Foreman. Had me stretching my head for a minute too.”

    Correct. I don’t know how that got by me. I’ll fix it in my next post.

  57. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Bonzai’s 2017 Draft & UDFA Wishlist
    DISCLAIMER: Not a mock draft, obviously. Each year, I consider the positions of need and try to determine which players would 1) be most helpful and 2) might be chosen by the Bucs if available.

    Players marked with ‘*’ are the ones I think have a higher chance of being picked by the Bucs.

    Grades are according to NFL.Com only. The list is in order of position to make things easier to track.

    • QB Alek Torgersen (4.9) * (UDFA)
    • QB Cooper Rush (5.0) (UDFA)

    • RB Leonard Fournette (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • RB Dalvin Cook (6.5) *
    • RB Christian McCaffrey (5.9)
    • RB Samaje Perine (5.6) *
    • RB James Conner (5.4)
    • RB Brian Hill (5.4) *

    • WR Cooper Kupp (5.7)
    • WR Chris Godwin (5.7) *
    • WR Zay Jones (5.7) *
    • WR Travis Rudolph (5.5)

    • TE David Njoku (6.3) *
    • TE O.J. Howard (6.5) *
    • TE Adam Shaheen (5.8)
    • TE Michael Roberts (5.45) *

    • OT Garett Bolles (6.0) *
    • OT Zach Banner (5.6)
    • OT Julie’n Davenport (5.35) *

    • G Dorian Johnson 5.78 *

    • C Pat Elflein (5.8)
    • C/OG Dan Feeney (5.7)
    • C/OG Isaac Asiata (5.51)
    • C Kyle Fuller (5.3)

    • DE Solomon Thomas (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Jonathan Allen (6.8) (judged out of reach)
    • DE Taco Charlton (6.3) *
    • DE Derek Barnett (6.1) *
    • DE/OLB T.J. Watt (5.8) *
    • DE Takkarist McKinley (6.2)
    • DE/OLB Jordan Willis (5.7) *
    • DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (5.6)
    • DE DeMarcus Walker (5.6)
    • DE Bryan Cox (5.39) *

    • CB Adoreé Jackson (5.8)
    • CB Ahkello Witherspoon (5.7)

    • S Malik Hooker (6.7) (judged out of reach)
    • S Jamal Adams (6.6) (judged out of reach)
    • S Obi Melifonwu (5.7) *
    • S Marcus Williams (5.8)
    • SS Xavier Woods (5.19) * (UDFA)

    • FS Budda Baker (5.9) *
    • FS Tedric Thompson (5.5) *

  58. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    So to me Pete there in-lys a question.. Of the fan favs around these parts who would be an “immediate game changers”??? Budda Baker Howard Barnett??? Maybe. My option eliminates all the guess work.

  59. Buc1987 Says:

    What you gon’ do with all that junk?
    All that junk inside that trunk?
    I’ma get, get, get, get, you drunk,
    Get you love drunk off my hump.

  60. unbelievable Says:

    Joe-

    The point of my posts was to shed light for you on what ‘BPA’ is really all about.

    I don’t think they are drafting a tackle at 19 either, just to be clear. This is a very weak draft for OL prospects. But I do think the line needs to be upgraded. We saw Jameis running for his life and being hit way too often last season. We also saw every running back getting blown up in the back field far too often (with exception of maybe 2 games).

    Is the line decent? Yes. Could it be better? Absolutely.

  61. RustyRhinos Says:

    “California train-romancing, anti-football proliferation, outhouse-admiring, airline-napping, steerage-flying, Yogi Berra-worshiping, urinal picture-taking, video game-playing, Taylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, craft beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-honk, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King”

    Why all this crap on every Peter King post? Who cares? I liked it much much better when you did not add all of Peter Kings awesomeness to every Peter king post….. it was much better when we did not have to mistakenly click on any of the 30 links to other Peter King posts… Yeah I know Joe posts what joe likes and i am able to say that I do not like the extra fluff to prop up Peter King’s comments. I do mostly skip these posts.

  62. Clw JB Says:

    Dotson is getting worse instead of better, we need to replace him –
    Not this year – Smith is okay, not quick enough in his drop step and struggles to redirect quick enough to help on counters- but if he gets his hands on you it’s over -‘if he lost 10-20 lbs it might help his quickness -‘

    No way we go OL in rd1 – way too many other pressing needs -S/WR/DL/LB/TE all need more immediate attention

    What a difference a few good drafts in a row has made, our superstars are set, we need depth more than starters {except S}

  63. Joe Says:

    Why all this crap on every Peter King post?

    Why not?

  64. Joe Says:

    You think a Rookie Edge Rusher will make an immediate impact? You’re HIGH!!

    Ever hear of Joey Bosa?

    Hell, Yannick Ngakoue would have led the Bucs in sacks last year.

  65. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    More evidence that Peter King doesnt know jack dooky about football. Cam Robinson is a Slow footed guard, and is probably the 4th best lineman in the draft talent wise.

  66. Skipper Says:

    Just watched Bill Polian trash Robinson on ESPN, says he is a lunger and won’t make it in the NFL.

  67. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    ^He’s late to the party. I’ve been down on Robinson since the beginning.

  68. DavidBigBucFan99 Says:

    Bonsai your whole wish list is null and void sir……you didn’t even have Joe Mixon up there. So throw it out and redo it.

  69. MadMax Says:

    We trade into the top 10 possibly 5th for DE Solomon….hmm, just saying or tossing 😀

  70. Duke Says:

    @Capt Tim,

    Your last paragraph is spot on.

    Cliche’ s that you hear them, you can dismiss them ” He has too improve his mechanics because He’s inaccurate”, “doesn’t have good feet”, “check down artist”, etc etc.