55th Overall Pick Or LeSean McCoy?
August 25th, 2017
Ira Kaufman is the most beloved, revered and esteemed Buccaneers columnist in town. He has hung his hat at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters since July 2016. Tampa Bay’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, Ira busts out columns here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and his award winning podcasts fire Tuesdays and Thursdays.
BY IRA KAUFMAN
It’s not crazy.
The notion of the Tampa Bay Bucs trading for LeSean McCoy, either now or at some point this fall, shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.
Will it happen? Probably not.
Could it happen? Yes it can.
Some Buc fans appear convinced that McCoy is breaking down at the age of 29. I don’t see it.
He just averaged a whopping 5.4 yards per carry for the Bills, ranking No. 1 among all NFL players with more than 722 rushing yards. He scored 14 touchdowns, tied for fourth in the league, and finished fifth in most yards from scrimmage.
That hardly sounds like a guy on his last legs.
McCoy has forged a reputation as a big-play back — and that has to be enticing for a Buc franchise that generated precious few big plays from the backfield in 2016.
While playing for the Eagles and Bills, McCoy has registered 16 runs of 40 yards or more and 27 receptions of 20 yards or more.
And he’s durable, missing only 11 games during eight NFL seasons.
There’s a lot to like with Shady, so why would the Bills let him go? In case you haven’t noticed, Buffalo is rebuilding.
Yes, again.
Sensible Move
The Bills have gone 17 years without a playoff berth and they are about to make it 18. McCoy is their best player, but even he won’t carry them to the postseason. Dealing him for a draft pick makes sense in the long term, and I don’t care how many times new head coach Sean McDermott tries to shoot down swirling trade rumors.
Now we come to the Buccaneers, desperate to upgrade a ground game that was unacceptable for most of last season.
Maybe Jacquizz Rodgers soars with this opportunity to be the primary back in September. Maybe Charles Sims rebounds to his 2015 form. Perhaps Peyton Barber steps up his game. There’s a chance Doug Martin can resurrect his career after letting his teammates, coaches and owners down last year.
That’s a lot of maybes.
All I know is McCoy hasn’t averaged less than 4.2 yards per carry since becoming a starter in 2010.
If he can be had for a second-round pick, and that’s a big if, the Bucs should at least think about it.
Think Playoffs
This is not 2014, when the Bucs were hoarding draft choices and building a competitive roster. That ship has sailed, and this team is ready to do some damage.
Yes, you build through the draft. That’s never going to change. But you also add a strategic piece when the time is right.
You think Dirk Koetter can’t find a role for LeSean McCoy? You think the Glazers would dwell on the sanctity of a second-round draft choice if Jason Licht is inclined to pull the trigger?
If the Bucs live up to expectations, more than 50 prospects will be off the draft board when that second-round pick comes around. And if McCoy gives Tampa Bay three quality seasons, nobody is going to complain about the deal.
McCoy is not asking to be moved, but things can change in a hurry once the games start to count.
“There’s no trade talks,” McCoy says. “I talked to my coaches. I talked to Sean and (GM) Brandon Beane. I have a lot of respect for the guys. We had a great conversation. I’ll leave it at that. Nowadays. with social media, everything is blown out of proportion. At the end of the day, the only thing I can do is control what I can control — and that’s being one of the best players in the NFL like I’ve been doing since I’ve been in the NFL.”
Even if McCoy starts the year in Buffalo, he will likely be the subject of trade rumors for much of the season. And if the Bucs can’t find a decent running game to give Koetter’s offense adequate balance, McCoy’s value will only go up.
Yes, he’s got tread on those tires. But do yourself a favor and watch a LeSean McCoy highlight tape from 2016.
Then ask yourself if he might be worth the 55th overall pick.
Buffalo management is already thinking about the 2018 draft. The Bucs are thinking about the playoffs.
The real McCoy could help make that happen.
August 25th, 2017 at 9:55 am
No thanks Bucs already have an older back.The Buccaneers can wisely use a high draft pick on their own young guy next year not on a basically one year rental
August 25th, 2017 at 9:59 am
He’s not worth it at all. The gap in talent between him and Doug Martin is infinitesimal. Doug is a SUPREMELY talented runner when healthy, and a second round pick should never be spent on a running back if you want a successful franchise in the long run. ESPECIALLY one you will not have 5-8 years minimum.
August 25th, 2017 at 9:59 am
If they can that deal done they should be all over it like a hobo on a hot dog.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:04 am
I need the explanation. Why, would we trade a second for McCoy this year or as Joe speculates, Martin and a second for McCoy? When they didn’t want to part with it to move up to land either Cook or Mixon in the draft this year? Promise that 2017 second, 2018 second and the 2017 5th would have landed Dalvin Cook.
And by the way, I wouldn’t have been for that deal.
Next year’s draft is strong three positions. Tackle, DT and running back. So that pick could very likely be the RT of the future.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:09 am
no, no, no…have the Bucs not learned a lesson about trading draft picks? we have a near 30 something back that is almost equal to the talent of McCoy…agree on most Ira/Irv suggestions but this is a BIG, NO WAY BRO
August 25th, 2017 at 10:10 am
The truth of the matter is that he is closer to the end of his career!!! And you want to bring him in this close to the start of the season????? How long will it take him to learn the offense???? How long until they are comfortable with his pass-pro/ blitz pickup!!!!!! You could ruin the playoff run if he misses his assignment and gets JW3 injured from a free shot by a blitzing player!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
August 25th, 2017 at 10:17 am
The real McCoy? Ouch.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:17 am
Glad you’re not running the franchise.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:24 am
Any gm that would trade a pick in the first 3 rds and get any back 29 or older should be immediately removed from team facilities. The historical data is too overwhelming to even consider that trade.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:27 am
Not a chance. Good teams don’t deal 2nd round picks for 29 year old rbs. That’s insane. The Bucs are already short some depth due to the Aguayo miss- they are not in a position to further mortgage the future. I’d much rather roll the dice on Doug, Rodgers, Barber, and a now healthy Sims.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:28 am
Trading for any picks is the old 2010 -2014 bucs. Sorry this mismanagement cost us 10 years of playoff drought. This is a new era. No thanks
August 25th, 2017 at 10:28 am
Trade them Martin and a 4th and I’m in.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:32 am
Ira got jokes.
Pass up AP for 3m a yr so you can trade for Shady, give away a 2nd rnd pick and pay him 8m a year so he can get hurt before the bye.
Sure Ira sounds like a great plan. Martin and Shady = 15mil a year?
August 25th, 2017 at 10:37 am
1st of all, I don’t believe that McCoy would be available for the bucs 2nd round draft choice. That being said – McCoy is much better than Doug by the eye ball test. Now if there is a concern about his blitz pickup we should not get him. However, he has been playing for years so I doubt he has that issue.
I would love him as lead back for the next three years.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:39 am
The Bills have a solid run game, the backup Mike Gillislee averaged 5.7ypc on 100 carries. I really like McCoy, but not for a 2nd rd pick. His stats are inflated behind a good running team and 29.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:43 am
The gap in talent between him and Doug Martin is infinitesimal.
What the hell are you guys in the Doug Martin mob seeing? A super nice guy who is very personable? Do you not recall how many times in his two “good” years he was hauled down from behind?
But the gap in talent? How about the gap in results.
Ira has already laid out a season that Doug Martin could NEVER attain.
Just look at their careers…
AGAIN..
Total yards gained…Doug 4,227 LeSean 8,954…twice as much..not infinitessmal.
OK so Doug misses about 60 % of his games so LeSean has an advantage in the totals…how about average yards per carry?
Doug 4.2 LeSean 4.7…that’s a freaking half yard per carry!!!
TD’s Doug 25 LeSean 73! Pass receiving Doug 1007 LeSean 2,930
You guys can continue your lovefest for Doug…I luv him as a person…he is a guy who runs hard…he MUST have blocking…and even then when he reaches the secondary he’s hauled down…that’s not LeSeans game.
BTW they are virtually the same age…McCoy turned 29 last month…Doug is six months younger turning 29 in January.
I certainly respect those who do not wish to mess with draft picks….it’s a very valid concern. But please stop comparing Doug to LeSean McCoy….it disrepects McCoy who has turned in impressive numbers.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:50 am
Can we compare McCoy to Peterson?
August 25th, 2017 at 10:58 am
DB you actually feel AP is as good as LeSean at this stage if they’re careers??? I don’t. I’d take Lesean in New York city minute man. Y’all lament over draft picks like the draft going out of style or some s@$!. Its about winning a Superbowl as quickly as possible.
August 25th, 2017 at 11:02 am
Somehow add this man and you book our tickets to Minneapolis. His production speaks for it self. Some wanted AP but shun the thought of Shady.. Really.
August 25th, 2017 at 11:03 am
It would be idiotic for the Bucs to give up high draft choices in the draft.
The Bucs have big contracts they are going to have to deal with over the next two years(Brate, Alexander, Evans, Winston, Smith and Marpet).
The worst thing they could do is bring in high priced 30 year old players from other teams that may prevent the Bucs from retaining one of their young players.
August 25th, 2017 at 11:03 am
Why is this still being discussed???? It’s NOT going to happen!
August 25th, 2017 at 11:09 am
Nole
Considering cost – heck yes! Lol
3m/yr vs 8m/yr and a second rnd pick. Sounds like the Revis trade to me. Plus McCoy been hurt for like the last 3 seasons.
When’s the last time McCoy lead the league in rushing? For the value, AP all day.
August 25th, 2017 at 11:13 am
DB55
Are you suggesting the Saints would be willing to trade AP?
August 25th, 2017 at 11:18 am
@Stpetebucsfan
They will once he gets hurt again!!!! Should be around 6 games in!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
August 25th, 2017 at 11:19 am
Saturday is a day to see what we got at running back. If we don’t see a solid standout, Licht might be making some phone calls….
Lets see who wants to be a starter against Miami.
In Licht We Trust!!!
August 25th, 2017 at 11:29 am
Stupid idea.
Dumb Dumb DUMB
Who in their right mind would trade a 2nd rd pick for a 29 y.o. running back??
If the Bucs had real concerns that their stable of RBs (including Doug Martin) could not get the job done this year – then they would have signed AP for cheap and/or drafted a RB higher than the 5th round from a draft loaded with RB talent.
Everyone is sleeping on McNichols btw. Dude is gonna do some damage once he gets comfortable with the knowledge side of things.
August 25th, 2017 at 11:43 am
The offensive line quality has a LOT to do with the half yard per carry differential. I cannot count how many times there was someone right next to Martin in the backfield as he receives the handoff. Ridiculous. Real stats like broken tackles is something Doug EXCELS in.
August 25th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
SPBF
No, hindsight is 20/20. I’m arguing that Licht should have sign AP (and Poe) when he had the chance.
August 25th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Alot of RBs can be had for a 2nd Ira. Not sure why you have a crush on him. Well i read why but it doesnt make sense for me. It is Dougies “other” year. Big runs ahead. Maybe next year when doug will average 2 yds a carry. Not a mccoy fan, and im not even a waiter. Go Bucs
August 25th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Licht is waiting for final cuts. Someone will be available that can run through the tackles for a few weeks
August 25th, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Can’t give up premium draft picks for a RB getting close to 30 who has had injuries (although minor) the last few years.
Every year some new running back breaks out who was an UDFA or practice squad player. I’d rather Licht do his magic there.
August 25th, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Guys… Jameis is 23. I know we haven’t had a great history of drafting in the 2nd round, but this pick is supposed to be for a starting caliber player who should be with the team for years to come. No need to mortgage the future to win right now, especially when we’re already in the glide path.
Bad idea Ira.
August 25th, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Actually we have done terrible with second round draft picks in buc history anyway so why not just let it go! So yah. If the run game sucks starting season then no question pull the trigger if McCoy healthy
No brainer. Who cares about age when you are trying to get title now!
August 25th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Please god no man.
I’d rather take a stud RB in the 1st round of the draft next year; and then take a solid RT/DT/DE prospect in the 2nd. Then we’d have a way cheaper stud RB than McCoy; and a guy who would have fresh legs for 5 years.
Hell I would rather use our 2nd rounder next year to trade up for a RB (which would still be dumb); than I would trade our 2nd for Lesean McCoy.
I love Ira but this would be one of the dumbest moves we could make for the long term development of the team. All it takes is having one worthless year without any good draft picks and all of a sudden your roster is deterioriating and you’re losing depth. We’d basically be giving away a 2nd rounder for 1-2 years of great production at most. It’s sad but RBs lives end at 30.
August 25th, 2017 at 1:23 pm
I like Doug as much as the next guy, but for those of you saying that Shady is only marginally better than Doug. You’re clearly wearing Pewter glasses.
Shady has been one of the most versatile RB’s in the league since 2010. And the fact of the matter is, he’s FAR more durable that Doug has ever been.
Would I give up a 2nd round pick for him? I’m not sure. But make no mistake. He is the better back.
August 25th, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Get young Shady in RB Akrum Wadley in 2nd or 3rd round of 2018 draft.
https://youtu.be/dddhGO1-DJg
August 25th, 2017 at 1:51 pm
And FAR more versatile.
August 25th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Pickgrin
I’m not sleeping on McWeapon. I’m with you. I wished he was picking things up a little faster but he did miss a lot of the off season with his shoulder.
Watching him in the hotel room with #3 and DJAX tells me #3 is not sleeping on him. To be honest he looks like Doug Martin 2.0 to me…except better hands.
Like Doug he needs blocks…he’s not a back that can create his own space…but of course the guy we have who can do that…Sims gets ripped for dancin’.
There are some highlight reel plays for me in the past couple of years. #3 has many…that first down run against Atlanta was just unbelievable…but in another game against the Falcons Sims showed a skill set no other back on this team can match…hence the talk about Shady…
Reading everybody here I think I agree we don’t need to burn a draft pick…not only is McWeapon not totally coached up yet…but a healthy Sims does give us a back who is effective in space.
August 25th, 2017 at 2:18 pm
people did back flips when we got a kicker in the 2nd round, even contributors to this site, so yeah I’d take shaddy mccoy for a (hopefully late) 2nd rounder.
August 25th, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Remember that one season when Doug Martin ran for under 500 yards.
Oh wait, that was three seasons he ran for under 500 yards.
Remember that one season when LeSean McCoy ran for under 500 yards?
Oh wait, that never happened.
2.9 Rushing yards per attempt vs. 5.4 for McCoy.
Uh huh….infinitesimal….
August 25th, 2017 at 4:07 pm
This is a terrible idea. Trading for an RB when we have a talented backfield as it is would be idiotic. If the Bucs wanted to trade their pick, do it for a position of actual need. Not a position that you think would be fun.
August 25th, 2017 at 8:34 pm
Sign Ray Rice if it comes to that. Doesn’t cost picks (unless he got signed and I don’t know about it).
We signed a wife beating RB in the past and it paid off.
August 25th, 2017 at 10:02 pm
Two words. No thanks!
August 25th, 2017 at 10:14 pm
It not crazy. It’s insanity!
August 26th, 2017 at 1:22 am
A trade for McCoy only makes sense after week 6 or so. If we are for some reason desperate for a RB. I know Doug has to earn back the respect he lost last season. I get it. But imo, we give Doug a chance to redeem himself. With a second round pick, or more, in the balance I think we first see what we have already. We will get 3 weeks of Quizz, sims, and the gang. And then see what Martin adds to the group when he is available to return.
I don’t think we NEED shady to be a contender this year. I think we have enough weapons and enough in our RBs to be elite on offense. If we are tossing around second round picks, I would shop for another DE. Idk who would possibly be available, but spending a high pick on a RB just doesn’t make sense to me. Give me proven pass rush and you’ve got a deal.
August 26th, 2017 at 10:33 am
I would be all in on that Ira. It makes total sense to me.
August 26th, 2017 at 11:54 am
@Maze. Like you said, a waste of a draft pick.