Licht Touts Close Games; Expected Roster Changes For “Status Woe”
January 23rd, 2018
“Nah DeSean, I don’t see an edge rush either.”
The collective mood of Bucs fans now is the sight of a grown man curled up in the corner of his living room couch in a fetal position with a death grip on a half-finished bottle of Jack Daniels.
Not only did the Bucs have a miserable season, including a garish defense, it seems the powers that be at One Buc Palace are all good with it, specifically the folks responsible for that garish defense — because every coaching assistant of Dirk Koetter’s has been retained.
When Bucs fans see winning playoff teams, and lousy teams alike making coaching moves to their staffs, and see the Bucs believe in status woe, these same Bucs fans wonder what they have done to deserve such punishment.
Some have even vowed to respond to this non-action with non-action of their own — not signing a check to Team Glazer for season tickets.
Licht spoke to Jenna Laine of ESPN and reiterated his defense of the status woe, noting the Bucs losing so many close games was a factor in the decision to stick with status woe. Then, he all but promised changes to the roster as another reason not to make changes to Koetter’s staff.
“I truly believe that this organization is on the verge of great things. I truly believe that,” Licht said. “We are working very hard right now to make some changes — there will be additions obviously, there will be subtractions on this team — but we will deliver the type of team that this town will be proud to support. We’re remaining positive. We’re very positive and looking forward to next year. It can’t start soon enough for me.”
Joe sure hopes Licht is right. For if the defense has yet another horrid season, then the blowback from fans and perhaps Team Glazer won’t be directly aimed at defensive coordinator Mike Smith.
Joe just wonders who Licht is referring to in regards to the “subtractions?” Just a hunch, but Joe is going to guess the resident dendrophiliac won’t return in 2018.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:08 pm
“in a fetal position with a death grip on a half-finished bottle of Jack Daniels”
you been watching me a little too closely joe.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:09 pm
…every coaching assistant of Dirk Koetter’s has been retained.
Maybe one day, Joe, you’ll get it. Or maybe not.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:11 pm
For the record, I am not remaining positive.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:11 pm
They have lost their freaking minds over at one but place, weren’t we talking about this last off-season in respect to the close losses like raiders that year and here we are again saying they must be on the right course because we almost win hahahaha, stop talking licht I lose more respect for you with each interview
He thinks they are on the verge meanwhile everyone else in the division had actually accomplished something and it’s not just Boone hope. Just can’t see what they will do in the draft and free agency that’s going to prove his wire to be true unless he’s going to make some insane bold trade move
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:14 pm
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH, BLAH BLAH. That’s all I hear whenever any of the ass clowns in the Bucs front office/coaches speak. Talk is very cheap and I DON’T BELIEVE anything coming out of their mouths. I’m done buying your brand you pudgy bastard!I don’t believe in you, the coaching staff, most of the roster, and MOST OF ALL the Glazers. There’s nothing they can say to convince me otherwise.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Bucs offense 2016 22.1 pts per game
Bucs offense 2017 20.9 pts per game
2016 defense 23.1 pts per game
2017 defense 23.9 pts per game
With all the picks that went to the offense, some in the know, are more disappointed in the offense this past year!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:20 pm
I know Baker was bad but he was really good and really effective in Washington. It was a good signing at the time. He was an undrafted player who worked his butt off (not literally… we all have eyes) to become a successful NFL player. The results weren’t there but the process was right.
Baker was awful, but that wasn’t the player Licht signed. If he’s cut I wouldn’t be surprised that he has a really good year for another team.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:24 pm
GoBucYourself:
No idea what you are hinting at.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:26 pm
Lazy slob + locker room cancer + tree sex does not add up to job security.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Joe Says:
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:26 pm
Baker was awful, but that wasn’t the player Licht signed. If he’s cut I wouldn’t be surprised that he has a really good year for another team.
Lazy slob + locker room cancer + tree sex does not add up to job security
LMAO!! Now that’s what I call “crimes against nature”! lol
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:31 pm
TRADE DOWN YOU SORRY BUCS!! Chubby’s gonna be long gone. The Colts said last week..Chubby was their man!! Get 2 for 1 in the 1st round if you can.
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:37 pm
It’s kneejerk season for fans. Don’t get me wrong I am not happy about what this coaching staff put on the field this year. And yes, I did call for Dirks head but that didn’t happen……..If you didn’t get your wish of who you wanted fired it’s just time to move on IMO.
Bitching about it don’t do a damn thing but leave you disgruntled or gripping the bottle of whiskey like Joe said.
Do I believe this staf can possibly figure it out? Yes, I sure do. Do I think they will? Ehhh, I have my doubts.
There’s a lot that needs to be proven on the field and I’m not going to put them in a grave before the Super Bowl has even started. Senseless crying and moaning gets you nowhere……If you wanna make it constructive then your getting somewhere….You wanna whine about how this team isn’t prepared on game days or hasn’t been able to adjust or how our game planning has been pitiful then it’s worth some discussion for me. Otherwise it’s just needless boo-hooing
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:37 pm
BOGO…………trade down
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:38 pm
Bleah, Bleah, Bleah, Bleah, Bleah-Bleah-Bleah……
Licht’s like a man with a bad case of diarrhea and no Immodium to be found….
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:38 pm
ENOUGH TALK…….PROVE IT LICHT!!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:39 pm
@realist
those stats are just like being the #4passing team in the league….THEY ARE MEANINGLESS!!!!!!…..HOLD SMITTY ACCOUNTABLE…..GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Licht is positive that he is stealing another year of salary so when the axe falls next year, he will have some $ put away for a long long unemployment.
What an ass…we are close….close to what…close the Browns?
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:48 pm
@813bucboi
Points meaning less????? LoL!!!!!!!!!
I told you who I hold accountable at the beginning of last year when I handed the coaching staff a pass when the owners made it clear that this year was about “advertising” and “expanding the brand”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good job on the punctuation though!!!!!!! Now if I could teach you football and not worry about color, we would have a realist jr. in the making!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:50 pm
**********************
WHAT IS THIS INSANITY I’M READING?
TRADE UP TO #4 FOR BRADLEY CHUBB? UM, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Chubb hasn’t been drafted in the first 3 picks, he will almost assuredly be there for us at #7, so why in the world would we trade up to #4?
Listen, if the Browns take Saquon at #1 like I expect, there either going to take a QB or Minkah at #4 as pretty much everyone expects.
That leaves only the Broncos and Jets ahead of us and neither of those teams needs to take Chubb and there is basically zero buzz that either of those teams would consider taking a DE with their first pick. They both need QBs and CBs and the Broncos could also really use an OT and the Jets another safety.
So, again, if Chubb isn’t taken by the Colts at #3 it’s a good bet he’ll be there for us at #7, so NO TRADE-UPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And, if you’re saying we should trade up to #4 for Saquon … not going to happen. I’d say there is a 75% chance the Browns take him #1 overall … if they pass I’d say there is a 50% chance the Giants take him at #2 overall … and if they pass I’d say there is a 75 % chance the Colts take him at #3 overall … and if they pass I’d say there is a 100% chance the Browns take him at #4 overall and would NOT trade down with us.
IN CONCLUSION:
1. If the Bucs want to be guaranteed Saquon, they’d need to trade up to #1 … and that would be INSANE for a team with as many holes as the Bucs,
2. If the Bucs want to be guaranteed Chubb they’d have to trade all the way up to #3 and that would also be INSANE for a team with as many holes as the Bucs.
Just stick at #7 and hope Chubb falls … if he doesn’t you can still draft MINKAH FITZPATRICK who is being compared to a mix of Jalen Ramsay and Jamal Adams, and QUENTON NELSON who many think is better than the Cowboys Zack Martin and can be an ALL-PRO (not just “Pro Bowler”) as a rookie and is considered the “safest pick in the draft” … and if you really don’t want either of those guys, then TRADE DOWN with the Bills and take maybe a poor man’s Bradley Chubb and a poor man’s Quenton Nelson in Sam Hubbard and Billy Price, or a stud DT and SS like Viti Vea and Ronnie Harrison, etc.
Personally, I think the draft will unfold as follows:
Browns: Saquon Barkley
Giants: Josh Rosen
Browns (trade up with Colts): Sam Darnold
Colts: Bradley Chubb
Broncos: Josh Allen
Jets: Baker Mayfield
Bucs: Minkah Fitzpatrick or Quenton Nelson or a TRADE DOWN
HOWEVER … all it would take for Chubb to fall to the Bucs is for the Browns and Giants to pass on Saquon at #1-2 as I think the Colts then take him at #3 which would lead Chubb falling to us at #7 … I think it’s highly unlikely though.
ALSO … the possibly STROKE-INDUCING situation would be that my top 4 holds true but that the Broncos get Cousins in free agency (highly possible) and therefore take Quenton Nelson at #5 … and the Jets decide to take Minkah at #6 to pair him with Jamal Adams and give them the most talented safety duo in NFL history … and it has been reported the Jets have strong interest in Minkah.
If imho ALL of those things happen, Saquon, Chubb, Quenton and Minkah will ALL BE GONE by the time the Bucs draft at #7 … and if THAT happens, Licht MUST trade down as there just isn’t anyone else worth that #7 pick to the Bucs … not Ardey Key, certainly not Marcus Davenport, not Joshua Jackson, not Derwin James, nobody!
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January 23rd, 2018 at 2:55 pm
@Realist … “With all the picks that went to the offense, some in the know, are more disappointed in the offense this past year!!!!!!!!” Realist, you can say that on JBF website. That’s heresy. (But it really does deserve more than just 8 exclamation marks Realist).
@813bucboi … “HOLD SMITTY ACCOUNTABLE.” Obviously bucboi you’ve found your scapegoat. Don’t let objectivity dissuade you. Hang tough.
@Joe … “Lazy slob + locker room cancer + tree sex does not add up to job security.” Pretty much says it all Joe. I’m convinced that Baker was the biggest problem with our DLine this year. IMO he’s the single most important reason why our LBs weren’t effective in blitzing … someone has to move OLinemen out of the way and when I focused on Baker I didn’t see him doing much of that. Replace him with a beastly DT as soon as possible. April or May 2017 would be a good time to do that Jason.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:01 pm
And for as much nonsense that “Realist” says at times he is absolutely right with his comment here.
This team was built to win with offense. They were built to be able to compete in a shootout game too. They were built to give the defense leads to play with.
They sputtered in the 1st half of, what?, 14 games this year. You ever hear of complimentary football? That’s what we should have been doing this year with our defense feeding off of the momentum that our offense gave them.
Our offense was a f***ing joke this year. They killed the momentum of basically every start to each game this season. And yes, while the defense did choke up late leads maybe if the offense was as good as they were supposted to be the D wouldn’t be sucking wind by the start of every danged fourth quater.
Dirks offense laid an absolute egg this year. They gave us no leads to work with. They were incapable of moving the ball for halves at a time. They got destroyed in the playclock. And they did nothing for us in terms of field position.
And yeah the defense did suck…….But the offense was expected to carry most of the weight and their side of the ball was just as bad.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:02 pm
The Buc Realist Says:
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:48 pm
@813bucboi
Points meaning less????? LoL!!!!!!!!!
THEY DONT!!!!!….WINS DO!!!!!….
no HK this year….what will be your year long excuse this year?
you they glazers used HK to expand their brand….don’t you think it would’ve worked better if we actually win some games this year?…lol….
now if I can teach you accountability and defense instead of d!ck riding you might actually become a bucs fan…..GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:03 pm
You give me any loss that you want to blame on the defense and I will go tit for tat with you all day with how crappy the offense played in that same game.
The only difference is that the offense was expect to be playoff caliber and the defense was not.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:05 pm
DR
the bucs had the worse defense in the league…..ranked 32nd….smitty aint a scapegoat….he’s a thief!!!…lol….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Just more suffering for Buc fans. 40 plus years of suffering just gets to wear on you. I hope they can turn it around this season.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:07 pm
@NFLNut … Good analysis. Would love to see Chubb fall to us (and who knows, it might happen). I think we’ll fix our LG issue in FA, so Nelson probably isn’t a factor for the Bucs. Wouldn’t be disappointed if we drafted Minkah, but Safety isn’t our GREATEST need IMO (although it’s high up there). I would be disappointed if we used our #7 pick on a RB, even if it’s Saquon Barkley (our DLine has to be Priority #1 IMO, either a solid DE or a beastly DT). The option of trading down a few spots intrigues me … IF we can still get our guy (whoever that is at the time, but hopefully not another kicker). If we can drop down just a few spots in the 1st round and pick up another high 2nd rounder for doing it, I’d be ecstatic.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:09 pm
If points matter, then the Bucs were 0.8 of a point from the average score of all 32 teams.
If they had had a good kicker from the start of the season, they would have been over it.
Add in the injuries and subpar free agents, and there is your reason for such a horrible season. And that is probably the reason the Glazers gave them another year. Makes sense to me.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:09 pm
********************
GREAT NEWS GUYS … Josh Allen came out and said he wants to be a Brown and a scout told MMQB that there is “no way the Browns pass on him” … so, it looks like a good bet that Saquon is going #1 and Allen #4, which will push Darnold down and I don’t see anyway he makes it past BOTH the Broncos AND Jets, so … while Chubb will still probably be taken by the Colts at #3, BOTH Minkah Fitzpatrick AND Quenton Nelson should be on the board when we draft at #7 … happy times!
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January 23rd, 2018 at 3:12 pm
Nut I basically agree with all of your draft scenarios. But you didn’t include the scenario if the Browns take a QB at number 1. If that happens then the Colts may take Barkley then the Browns will most likely be choosing between Fitzpatrick and Chubb……That would be the scenario, possibly the only one where the Bucs trade up to #4.
Of course that’s only a possibility if the Bucs feel that greatly about Chubb which is very questionable IMO. But if they are that high on him I wouldn’t rule out trading up to 3
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:15 pm
@JIMMY
if this team was built to win shoot outs or out score opponents, don’t you think dirk would know we would have to more than 20 points a game(BUCS 2017-20.9 below the league average)….
better question…..when was the last time you heard, “offense wins championships”…..
GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:15 pm
@JimmyJack … “Dirks offense laid an absolute egg this year. They gave us no leads to work with. They were incapable of moving the ball for halves at a time. They got destroyed in the playclock. And they did nothing for us in terms of field position.”
Welcome to the Dark Side JimmyJack. You could’ve added that they actually scored FEWER points than they did the previous year, even after adding 3 highly prized receivers. Good to see that there are others who realize there are TWO sides on a football team. (I’ll have to spell that out for bucboi though … we’re talking about football T-E-A-M-S being made up of an OFFENSE & a DEFENSE bucboi just to clarify.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:16 pm
That is good news Nut…..Our worst case scenario is if only 2 QBs are taken and we can’t move off of 7.
But I read the Joes saying to pass on Nelson for Key which makes my stomach churn. I wonder if the Joes would pass on Fitzpatrick for Key?
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:20 pm
BONZAI
that’s a mouth full of excuses and sh!t load on “IF’s”…..LOL….
dirk got another year because gruden wanted too much….simple as that….but here’s an if that is fact:
IF dirk doesn’t get us to the playoffs this year, he’ll be canned…..simple as that….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:23 pm
813…..Your post don’t make no sense to me. I know they are only scoring 20 points per game. Are you trying to tell me that’s what they were built to do?
I couldn’t disagree more if you think we were built to score 20 per.
All I’m saying is that the offense was fallen well below expectations. And to be fair so has the defense……But the difference is the offense had very high expectations. The defense not so much
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:23 pm
Talk is cheap and anyone can say anything before the draft. Nothing is a guarantee until it happens.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:24 pm
The Buc Realist Says:
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Good job on the punctuation though!!!!!!!
——————————————————————————————-
Says the guy who has a requirement of 50 exclamation points (minimum) per post.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Ya know ya can’t say we haven’t tried everything. I hate this perpetual loosing streak just like every other Buc fan, but the one thing we haven’t tried is just what their doing now. Keep all the coaches in place get rid of a few poor players and do our best to add some productive replacements.I know it sounds weird but I can’t recall a bad season or for that matter a couple of mediocre seasons where we didn’t can or lose some coaches somewhere along the line. Maybe the football Gods are looking down and thinking those dumbasses got balls, let’s send them deep into the playoffs in 2018. Instead of racking our brains trying to change everything let it ride.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:26 pm
DR
ive beat the “dirk offense is trash” horse to death during the season…..lol….you were too busy making excuses with @realist…..that why you didn’t notice…..
ive been far harder on dirk than smitty and it aint even close…..I understand smitty had injuries but that’s no excuse….every team in the nfl has injuries….
dirk’s performance has been unacceptable…..he’s a “offensive guru”…..why did we score below the league average….
but hey, at least we’re #4 in the league at passing…..GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Were those losses really close, or did we make the score look respectable after the game had been long decided? Me thinks it’s the latter, Licht is drinking his own cool aid.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:27 pm
And just because “defense wins championships” is a slogan don’t pretend like there only one way to win one.
Aaron Rodgers Tom Brady Peyton Manning Troy Aikmen John Elway and many others have won with great offenses and defenses that played complimentary football
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:28 pm
Joe has never stated the Bucs should draft Key. Lots of question marks with Key.
Joe would very much pass on any guard at No. 7 and likely any safety at No. 7. Bucs have ignored DE and RB too long and if these positions are not addressed immediately, Joe will just about lay cash there will be sweeping changes at One Buc Palace this time next year.
Joe would also be OK with drafting a corner at No. 7 provided there is one talented enough to warrant a No. 7 pick. Problem is, Joe has zero faith current defensive staff can develop a young corner (hello Vernon Hargreaves and Ryan Smith).
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:30 pm
jimmy
I know they are only scoring 20 points per game. Are you trying to tell me that’s what they were built to do?
I couldn’t disagree more if you think we were built to score 20 per.
we both agree….im saying with all the weapons we have on offense we should be ranked in the top 5 in scoring….
dirk is the offensive guru….so what happened?….
GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:31 pm
And I’m also tired of Dirk never getting any blame for the defensive side of the ball……It’s his effing team. The whole danged thing not just half of it.
This dam league don’t operate with a freaking head coach only being responsible for half of the team. Dirk is the first guy I look at when it comes to this defense being unprepared. It’s his team and it’s under his control.
They say the team takes on the personality of their head coach. Maybe Dirk not having the balls to demand a few changes from the defense is why they play so soft. This guy want a badass team……Yeah well so do I Dirk, so do I.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:33 pm
JIMMY
teams have won with both….sure….great offense + great defense = championship…..
but teams have won with defense only…..bucs…ravens…seattle….steelers….the list goes on and on….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Cool 813….We see eye to eye then. I was just confused by the way you typed that. Brain cell deficency
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:37 pm
JimmyJack Says:
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:31 pm
And I’m also tired of Dirk never getting any blame for the defensive side of the ball……It’s his effing team.
^^BINGO^^
dirk has been on record saying he doesn’t get involved with the defense because he’ll screw things up…..no accountability….he’s throwing smitty under the bus….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Alright 813 I’ll give you that. Teams sure have won with no offense.
But you list sucks IMO. Our Bucs offense was decent in that SB run as was the Seahawks. Too young to remember the Steel Curtain But Your sure right about Ravens….You can also add Peyton’s Broncos to that list
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Defense wins championships, But offense will get you past the division!!!!!!!!
Offense Defense
Saints 28 pts per game 20.4 pts per game
Panthers 22.7 pts per game 20.4 pts per game
Falcons 22.1 pts per game 19.7 pts per game
Bucs 20.9 pts per game 23.9 pts per game
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Alright 813…..I’m leaving now…….All this talk is getting me pissed off about Dirk like I was all season. I will refuse to relive thAt anger again. See ya around
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:55 pm
Ok… I have to point out, there are some serious revisionist here. The expectations for this defense were VERY HIGH. Second year in Mike Smith’s defense, emergence of Noah Spence, second year for VHIII, the Chris Baker signing, Gholston being healthy and then the final straw was landing TJ Ward. Most were saying the defense would carry the team until the offense started jelling. This was the NUMBER 1 third down defense last season that fell all the way to 32. That has to be unprecedented. Its amazing how this group was projected as a strength, but now we want to say it was going to be hot garbage from day 1. The reason why it wasn’t addressed more in the draft was the organisation felt like they were solid with the defense last year with the exception of just a few tweaks. The offense needed a major upgrade in the running game (nothing was done) and the WR corps (plenty was done)
Keep in mind the same group that said, nothing to worry about here, move along regarding our defense is saying the same thing about the O line. Other than Smith and Marpet, nothing is solidified there. Nothing. Pamphile, E.Smith and Dotson could all walk. Then we will truly be “banking on Benenoch”
and Jimmy.. add me to the list that puts the defensive responsibility and the special teams play at the feet of the head coach. Between punt blocks, the imbalance in the return game and the continued struggles at kicker (that even in the last game Koetter wanted to put the game on Murray’s foot) all should at least had the special teams coach dismissed.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:56 pm
The Bucs offense is not that good. For one thing it’s a one dimensional offense. I have never seen a good one dimensional offense. Their passing game is decent, but there more to a good offense than a good passing game. A good offense consist of a good running game, good passing game, limited turnovers, penalties, and above average O-Line. The Bucs don’t have this, they are not even close to it.
January 23rd, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Jimmy,
Thanks for the reply.
I did mention the scenario where the Browns take a QB at #1 though … I just said if the Browns and Giants both pass on Saquon and figured everyone would know I had the Browns taking a QB at #1 in such a scenario … however, I do NOT think the Browns even have an interest in Chubb in comparison to Minkah … so, if Chubb isn’t taken at #3, I think he falls to #7.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:00 pm
1. Make a large trade for players or picks or both.
2. Keep number seven pick and trade down in the second and possibly more rounds.
3. Buy a big time FA and another somewhat big time FA.
4. Buy multiple younger and bridge FA for cheap for depth.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:02 pm
Jason you are dreaming.
You aren’t even close
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:03 pm
*********
JOE,
YOU and MANY READERS seem to be a bit confused on Minkah Fitzpatrick as you said you’d take a RB or DE before you’d take a “safety” and many other posters seem to think Minkah is only a “safety” as well.
Minkah was recruited to Bama as a pure CORNER BACK … he simply switched to safety when their starting safety got injured and they had upper classman that could play CB but not S.
Minkah has STARRED at #1 corner, slot corner, safety and even linebacker for Bama, however he is on the record as saying his “true position” is CORNERBACK.
There were scouts who got confused about Jalen Ramsay too and were calling him a mere safety and saying he wasn’t worth a top 5 pick because he was a safety … but, like Minkah, Jalen merely played safety for the Noles at times because they needed him to play safety … his true position was always CB and now, in just his 2nd year in the league, he may be the BEST CB IN THE ENTIRE NFL.
There is NO WAY I would take a DE other than Chubb or a RB other than Saquon ahead of Minkah … NO WAY!
*********
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:11 pm
Man, siriusxm NFL radio is gold right now!!!!!!! live from the senior bowl practice and great interview after great interview!!!!!!!!!!
I feel bad for anyone that does not have a subscription right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:14 pm
This offense is now where near the Bucs 2012 offense. The main problem with the 2012 team was the Head Coach.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Cleveland lost alot of close games. Most games are close. Coaching wins games. Or loses games in Tampa.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:16 pm
*************
I’ll ask this question of JOE and everyone else … if JALEN RAMSAY was in this draft … would you take a DE not named Chubb or a RB not named Saquon ahead of JALEN RAMSAY?
Heck, would you take ANYONE including Chubb or Saquon ahead of Jalen Ramsay?
Minkah is basically Jalen Ramsay and some scouts think he’s better on the field and a perfect dude off the field as well …
If someone would have told me after the Bucs went 9-7 in Jameis 2nd season that we’d be able to draft OJ HOWARD followed by MINKAH FITZPATRICK in the next two drafts, I’d say … get them SuperBowl rings ready … seriously.
Now, I’m NOT saying if we draft Minkah we win the title … as I’m fully aware our defense turned into the worst defense in the NFL between that promising 2016 season and now … but I’d still be thrilled if we got Minkah at #7!
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January 23rd, 2018 at 4:21 pm
jimmy
just hit a lil jack….you’ll be alright….trust me, I know how you feel….GO BUCS!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:29 pm
NFLNut,
It don’t matter who the Bucs draft, they still have to develop them. A whole lot of players have left Tampa and went on to stardom with another team. That tells me that the Bucs does a poor job of developing players. Jalen Ramsey is in a good system with Jacksonville. I’m not sure he would be as good in Tampa system.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:32 pm
This team was not designed to play with a lead. They offensive talent there’s a difference. How often do you think they’d hold a lead if they have it but no pass rushers. Licht has no vision none. Meat head scout just picking random players
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:33 pm
@NFLNut
Totally feel you about Minkah. I have a very strong feeling Grimes is not coming back and Minkah could be our number one and NFL top-tier CB.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:54 pm
SOEbuc,
Without a pass rush, he would look like Aqib Talib did against the Giants in 2012.
January 23rd, 2018 at 4:59 pm
From an October 2014 interview – Lovie Smith
“You draw on all of those experiences, but what you come to, you stay the course on what you believe,” Smith said. “What we’re doing has a proven success rate. We’re going to do it better and eventually there will be a good product we’re going to put on the football field.”
January 2018 Jason Licht –
“I truly believe that this organization is on the verge of great things. I truly believe that,” Licht said. “We are working very hard right now to make some changes — there will be additions obviously, there will be subtractions on this team — but we will deliver the type of team that this town will be proud to support. We’re remaining positive. We’re very positive and looking forward to next year. It can’t start soon enough for me.”
WASH, RINSE, REPEAT
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:05 pm
TDGAF! and they have no clue!
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Licht and company was brought back because of the Glazers. I remember when Mark Dominik did an interview with the Big Dog after the hiring of Greg Schiano, Big Dog asked why a defense coach instead of an offense coach. Mark said that the Glazers wanted an offense coach and had told them that the defense wins the championship and after some talking Mark convinced the Glazers to bring in a defense coach. The Glazers had always wanted a coach that can light up the score board because that is what fill the seats. Why do you think that the Glazers wanted a kicker? That puts points on the score board. Licht drafted mostly offense to please the Glazers and that is why they are giving him another year. This year the Bucs main focus would be building the defense.
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:14 pm
The Bucs will never have a “shutdown” CB, as long as the QB has enough time to go through his read 2-3 times. They can draft 7 CBs, and they all will get burned. I’m not listening to Jason Licht fairy tales. I know how far away this team is.
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:18 pm
LakeLand,
Many top tier players don’t need to be “developed” … their studs, period.
QBs may need to be developed and almost all LATER ROUND picks need development but Minkah … I doubt he needs any real development and I’m quite sure he was better two years ago at Bama than 75% of all NFL DB’s
Quenton Nelson also does NOT need to be developed … he’s projected to be an ALL-PRO as a rookie
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:27 pm
I really need to stop typing so fast as I hate grammatical errors … “their studs” … ugh.
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:27 pm
White noise Sounds that come from outer space, origin unknown. The only difference is we know where the sound bytes come from but they are meaningless.
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:28 pm
In fact, I think Minkah would help DEVELOP Hargreaves and Justin Evans … seriously!
January 23rd, 2018 at 5:30 pm
The coaching staff philosophy.
You can fool some of the people all of the time and
All of the people some of the time and
That’s enough con for a great payday.
January 23rd, 2018 at 6:00 pm
This all goes back to weapons for Winston! Too much emphasis was being made on offense! Fans were excited because we have never really had an explosive offense to speak of. Myself included! Problem is without a D it does not matter. The teams in the playoffs this year had good defenses some of them great. Jags and Vikings lead them to the championship game. In my business food will get you to the playoffs but service is what separates you from the rest of the pack.
January 23rd, 2018 at 6:09 pm
I’m with Nut on this thread, draft wise. And I’m man enough to admit I didn’t know what a drendophilliac was. No clue at all even though I was pretty sure Swaggy Baker was the referent.
January 23rd, 2018 at 6:33 pm
@Joe … “Joe would very much pass on any guard at No. 7 and likely any safety at No. 7. Bucs have ignored DE and RB too long and if these positions are not addressed immediately, Joe will just about lay cash there will be sweeping changes at One Buc Palace this time next year. Joe would also be OK with drafting a corner at No. 7 provided there is one talented enough to warrant a No. 7 pick. Problem is, Joe has zero faith current defensive staff can develop a young corner (hello Vernon Hargreaves and Ryan Smith).”
That is the ABSOLUTE BEST POST I’ve ever seen come from you Joe. Exactly spot on. Admittedly I’m not quite as sure about VHIII & Ryan Smith being true NFL talent as you are, but there are certainly question-marks concerning their development. The real question in my mind is WHY aren’t both doing better.
January 23rd, 2018 at 6:49 pm
Guys, this team can NOT afford to trade Up for Chubb. Indy wants him. Our only hope is that Indy trades Down to take Nelson if we think Chubb is the answer to our pass rush woes. If Chubb is off the board by 7 we need to trade down and try to get Davenport in the 15 to 20 range and pick up some extra draft picks. PASS RUSH Needs to be Priority ONE!!! and ONE A!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 6:51 pm
Also………NFL Nut, you are on your game today! Kudos sir.
January 23rd, 2018 at 7:04 pm
A lot can happen between now and draft day. Some will blow up the comblne and rearrange most draft boards.
January 23rd, 2018 at 7:11 pm
Our situation with the draft that is missing out on Chubb ALL BLAME should be directed at the POS Black Trump. Instead of doing what the coach said he blew our chances of landing one of the blue chip prospects. All because he is a selfish narcissist and wanted the spotlight on him. Great we win a totally meaningless game and now we likely lose out on grafting the only stud DE ion this draft. All because of Black Trump, making Tampa a sh!thole again!! If we miss out on Chubb draft a new quarterback. Oh and one that can throw accurate ball past 20 yards and speaks English, doesn’t violate women, doesn’t steal, doesn’t lick his fingers, doesn’t wear the jersey of our most hated rival, and most importantly knows how to win. Trade him to the Browns for their 1st round picks. Then we get Chubb, Saquon, and get Kirk cousins in FA. Then fill the rest of the picks on defense. Now that’s a BOLD move Joe!
January 23rd, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Nflnut
Youve lost your mind. Its a qb driven league. Id love a friendly wager about barkley going number 1. The top 2 picks will be qbs. The browns might take him at 4 def not 1. And Allen came out n said he would love to be a brown so he is going there? Lol. We are 3 montbs away from the draft. The browns pick 1st and 4th. Of course he wants to go in the top 4, he’d be set for life. 99.9 percent of the eligible players wana go to the browns if they pick them. Anyway we are 3 months out and youll be hearing alot of stories, so if youre goin to buy into all of them your mock will change a lot.
January 23rd, 2018 at 7:55 pm
i’m curious what Glazers will do at the beginning of the season when raymond j seats are empty
January 23rd, 2018 at 9:10 pm
Licht cites the close games, perhaps he should mention how the Bucs got boat raced in places like Arizona, Minneapolis and New Orleans last season as well as putting up a measly 3 points to Carolina last year. Losses like those show a lack of prep by the coaching staff and the Glazer brats and Licht stand pat with the coaching staff down to a man?????? Seems like the Glazers are concerned about coin, kind of like a small market MLB team like the A’s, Pirates or Rays rather than an NFL franchise with the coffers to initiate change at all levels if they were committed to winning!
January 23rd, 2018 at 9:14 pm
There is a difference in being bold and downright stupid.
January 23rd, 2018 at 9:44 pm
Jason Licht fielded hands down two of the worst position groups in the NFL for game number one ( cb and rb).
The problem is many many posters knew this and both Koetter and Licht didn’t
Problem #2 , He also fielded a third position group in the bottom 10 (D Line ) so there isn’t that many position groups and the Bucs had two of the absolute hands down worst and another really bad one and the GM and Coach couldn’t identify it and yet they had the available free agents and Cap to address it without affecting the teams cap future .
This is just dumbfounding!!!
January 23rd, 2018 at 9:57 pm
Very interesting article Joe (ya, on a competitor’s site) about keeping Baker (compares him to Poe in terms of ‘value’). Lots of interesting stats. Just goes to demonstrate that you can make stats prove anything you want to. Bucs need to replace Baker fast with a beastly DT, but not with Poe.
January 23rd, 2018 at 10:23 pm
If we seem to miss on picks like history shows then draft Nelson. Screw any high priced free agent LG we will need to re sign Market ans Smith and Evans, Winston, Kwon. This is not Madden where u can pick a better team easily. Draft a sure thing Nelson at a cap friendly 5 year deal. Draft a starting caliber center in rounds 3-4 and silidify at least something outta this draft. Hell, maybe we get lucky with a good Rb in round 2 and De help after that. Is anyone on her really happy to conplain about our Oline? We can focus our bitching on the pass rush afterwards lol and hopefully next year be in better position to draft pass rushing specialist. Free agency looks deeper at DB than pass rusher or O line IMO
January 23rd, 2018 at 10:29 pm
We will not fix every problem in one offseason so may as well put our O line issues to rest. LG is not a ” sexy” pick as Fitzpatrick or Chubb but damn it i will be very pleased to have a tuff O line and then Barber and whoever else the get to replace D Martin will find holes to run through, and Winston will be kept upright more ofter. Shoot since we are all dreaming try n get L Bell after cutting Martin, Baker, and possibly Ayers or Ghoulston…that $ can be used wisely for a unhappy rb wanting big $$$ throw him a outrageous 80 million 4 year guaranteed deal to lure him here
January 24th, 2018 at 12:16 am
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QBKILLA,
I disagree that “someone will blow up the combine and rearrange the draft board”. If the Bucs had the #19 pick again, sure, that could happen, but with the #7 pick and no less than FOUR “QB needy” teams ahead of us, I highly doubt there will be a huge surprise in the first 6 picks.
In fact, I’d feel confident saying it’s a near lock that Saquon and at least 3 QBs go in those first 6 picks … that only leaves 2 open spots which could be filled by Chubb, Minkah, Nelson … or maybe at OT like Connor Williams or another QB like Mayfield but that’s about it imho.
ERIC,
Had Jameis, who you stupidly refer to as “Black Trump” not thrown that game-winning TD pass to Godwin in week 17, the Bucs would only have moved up to #5 overall … Chubb is expected to be gone with the #3 overall pick as things stand today, so, relax.
DARIN,
You are 100% right that it’s a QB driven league but I believe you’re 100% wrong that Saquon won’t go #1 overall as the two beliefs are not mutually exclusive. You have to understand that Josh Rosen is considered the #1 QB prospect and he has made it abundantly clear he will REFUSE to play for the Browns. The #2 prospect at this time is Sam Darnold and it was revealed he also does NOT want to play for the Browns. However, Josh Allen who is the #3 prospect came out today and publicly said that not only would he play for the Browns but that he WANTS the Browns to draft him and an NFL scout revealed to MMQB that the Browns will take him.
So, what does all of the above mean? To me, it means that the Browns will take Saquon at #1 and Josh Allen at #4 as if they take Saquon at #1, they are basically guaranteed to be able to get Allen at #4 as Rosen and Darnold would both go ahead of him at #2-3 even if two QB hungry teams traded up with the Giants and Colts to draft QBs.
However, if the Browns take Josh Allen at #1, not only will they be the laughing stock of the league for taking the third-rated QB prospect at #1 overall but there is a good chance they miss out on taking Saquon Barkley altogether as he may go #2 overall to the Giants and if he doesn’t, most think the Colts would snap him up in a heartbeat at #3 overall.
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January 24th, 2018 at 6:05 am
pewterpirate99 Says:
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:14 pm
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH, BLAH BLAH. That’s all I hear whenever any of the ass clowns in the Bucs front office/coaches speak. Talk is very cheap and I DON’T BELIEVE anything coming out of their mouths.
pewterpirate99 … took the words right out of my mouth
January 24th, 2018 at 11:16 am
Bucn Enough Says:
January 23rd, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Licht is positive that he is stealing another year of salary so when the axe falls next year, he will have some $ put away for a long long unemployment.
What an ass…we are close….close to what…close the Browns?
Pfffft LMAO good one. We are the Browns we’re worse than the Browns.
January 24th, 2018 at 2:20 pm
Shut your pie hole, Licht, and just give me results.
Cobraboy’s Law of Rhetorical Economics #1: The reason “talk is cheap” is because the supply exceeds the demand.