Mayock: Run For Chubb
February 27th, 2018
Advice for Jason Licht.
In the eyes of NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock, there is a clear target for the Bucs.
Now Joe doesn’t know if Mayock, when he came to St. Petersburg to work the practices and the broadcast of the East-West Shrine Game, sat down for beers with AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht. But from the words of Mayock himself, there is one goal for Licht and the Bucs when the draft kicks off in two months.
That would be run for North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb.
Yesterday, Mayock had a teleconference to begin combine week, which starts Wednesday. And yes, Joe is flying this morning to not-so-cold Indianapolis to cover the Bucs and the combine.
(Note: The portion of the combine Joe refers to is the media portion. Many of the NFL’s movers and shakers will have press conferences throughout this week, as will dozens of potential draft picks. That portion of the combine ends Sunday. The TV show portion of the combine, Joe is thoroughly disinterested and not involved in any way.)
Mayock, when asked about the Bucs, said if somehow Chubb was still on the board at No. 7, then Licht cannot have one of his henchmen race to the podium with the pick quick enough.
“I look at that and go, first and foremost, I think you’re getting Noah Spence back,” Mayock said. “But you’ve got to get some pressure. You’ve had 20, 22 sacks last year. So you’re sitting at No. 6 from an edge perspective. If Bradley Chubb was there, I think you’d run to the podium, first of all.”
Mayock also noted the Bucs should be serious bidders for this Minkah Fitzpatrick, a safety, as well as guard Quenton Nelson.
Joe agrees with the Chubb pick for obvious reasons. The only way that guy falls is if there is a major run on quarterbacks, which is not out of the question.
Joe is lukewarm on Nelson. The guy better be the next John Hannah if he is picked that high. But if Licht goes best available player for the second year in a row and does not address the two craters on the roster, running back and defensive end, and the Bucs suck once again running the ball and getting to the passer, Joe is sure Licht is going to have to face very serious and pointed questions from Team Glazer why he didn’t fill these craters (they are bigger than holes) for the second- if not third-straight year.
Now if the Steelers get dumb and let Le’Veon Bell loose and somehow the Bucs coerce him into signing next month, then yeah, OK, go get Nelson. Joe is still of the wildly unpopular belief that the offensive line was not the problem last season.
As for Fitzpatrick, he’s a luxury pick, not a need. If Fitzpatrick is moved to corner, well, until the current defensive staff of the Bucs can prove Joe wrong, Joe trusts them to develop a rookie cornerback as much as Joe trusts Doug Martin to lead the NFL in rushing next season.
In the words of the one and only Chris Russo, “That’s all there is to it.”
February 27th, 2018 at 2:50 am
I would be on the phone with Cleveland right now for the 1st pick to get Bradley Chubb. Assuming Licht was aggressive in FA to get rb, dts, cbs, g, k, and etc.
February 27th, 2018 at 3:53 am
Can you imagine Justin Evans next to Minkah Fitzpatrick?
They could become the best safety duo in the NFL in 2 years.
Keep Conte and Tandy as backups.
But we still would have huge holes at DE and CB.
February 27th, 2018 at 4:19 am
Nope because there’re both FS.
February 27th, 2018 at 4:22 am
If? Chubb so great, trade up big time. Use FA, if talent is there.
February 27th, 2018 at 4:50 am
Per (Multiple) Super Bowl Winning GM Charley Casserly:
February 27th, 2018 at 4:51 am
Am I the only person scared of Le’Veon Bell in Tampa. The guy runs with so much patience Im afraid it could work against him if the OL he is running behind isnt great.
As far as Chubb goes, he is the only no brainer pick at #7.
Minkah should be an option if the team thinks he is a CB. Derwin James fits what we need more as a safety but 7 is too high for Derwin.
Quenton Nelson might be the safest player in this draft. He would be an instant upgrade and a plug and play starter day 1. What more do you want out of a 1st round pick?
February 27th, 2018 at 5:10 am
Won one as GM.
February 27th, 2018 at 5:12 am
An instant impact guy, a game-changer. A guy who is a threat each time he touches the ball.
February 27th, 2018 at 5:15 am
Quenton is a monster and Minkah does NOT need “development” … I’d be happy with either.
February 27th, 2018 at 5:25 am
Nelson would make any running we have or get better and would make Winston better also because he would have a better running game and more time to pass duh
February 27th, 2018 at 5:30 am
My bad
February 27th, 2018 at 5:38 am
He won (2) as an Assistant GM – and (1) as the GM.
He was instrumental in building the “HOGS”. So I think the guy knows what he’s talking about.
February 27th, 2018 at 6:05 am
Build The Wall In Tampa!!!
Sign
LG – Andrew Norwell (Age:26)
Draft
RG – Quenton Nelson (Age:21)
C/G – Frank Ragnow (Age:21)
And have one badda$$ interior offensive line.
Upgrade the running back position – in free agency & day 2 or 3 of draft.
February 27th, 2018 at 6:08 am
There is one thing for certain. We will get a great player with the 7th pick….I would be very reluctant to give up valuable draft picks by moving up for Chubb.
With the investment we have in our offense, I think the Nelson pick would be solid.
And, Joe…..this continuing narrative of not being able to “develop” a CB…..I believe that’s debatable. VH3 was a very high draft pick that should not need much developing….and I actually think they are doing a good job with Ryan Smith…..Hey Jude was injured but he has played well for an UDFA and so has Javeon Elliott. We don’t have a great deal invested with them.
I believe the problem with our CBs is twofold. One, our Dline gets no pressure putting an immense burden on the CBs…..Two, our scheme is flawed by allowing far too much space on the line.
As far as Minkah is concerned, I agree that he needs no developing.
February 27th, 2018 at 6:11 am
There is always an adjustment in the rankings after the combine and pro days so I think it’s a bit early to say Vita or Derwin James are reaches at # 7. I wouldn’t be surprised to see James go before Barkley when it’s all said and done.
February 27th, 2018 at 6:19 am
@LUVMYBUCS
That all sounds great, but what about Marpet??
February 27th, 2018 at 6:54 am
Bucs DESPERATELY need a difference-maker on DEFENSE. Not only from a plays-perspective, but also to improve our on-the-field LEADERSHIP (right now that sucks). DE Chubb could do that. CB Fitzpatrick could do that. DT Vea (or Payne) could do that. And all 3 have shown the capability (in college) to take over a game when the game’s on the line in the final moments.
If Licht is serious about fixing the defense, waiting until Round 2 won’t get ANY of those players. Bucs can get a beastly LG in FA. We can get a quality Center in FA. We can get a quality RB in either FA or in the draft Rounds 2 or 3. If we’re serious about improving our DEFENSE, especially the DLine & Secondary, our #7 pick HAS TO go to DEFENSE.
February 27th, 2018 at 7:07 am
@Joe
Idk about you but if Nelson could fix that gaping hole we have at LG which would automatically improve our run game I would conside that an instant impact.
With that said, I dont like the idea of drafting Nelson at #7, but I recognize how good he looks.
February 27th, 2018 at 7:27 am
trade a 3rd for david irving of the cowboys
February 27th, 2018 at 7:45 am
Would love for Chubb to fall to #7, not happening though, you got the Colts and Browns to contend with for his services, because if the Browns get a QB in FA, why wouldn’t they go after Chubb or one of the top LBs.
But we didn’t think O.J. Howard would fall to #18.
But if we traded up for Chubb, I would not be upset. If we drafted Nelson, still not upset. Trading down for more picks, is risky, but still not upset. Picking a kicker or long snapper, then I’m mad
February 27th, 2018 at 7:50 am
Joe believes in the O-Line…and I believe I can fly!
February 27th, 2018 at 7:57 am
Tampabaybucfan Says:
And, Joe…..this continuing narrative of not being able to “develop” a CB…..I believe that’s debatable. VH3 was a very high draft pick that should not need much developing….and I actually think they are doing a good job with Ryan Smith…..Hey Jude was injured but he has played well for an UDFA and so has Javeon Elliott. We don’t have a great deal invested with them.
I believe the problem with our CBs is twofold. One, our Dline gets no pressure putting an immense burden on the CBs…..Two, our scheme is flawed by allowing far too much space on the line.
As far as Minkah is concerned, I agree that he needs no developing.
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Agreed.
February 27th, 2018 at 7:58 am
It’s akin to the narrative that Koetter doesn’t like rookie running backs.^
February 27th, 2018 at 8:08 am
I like the idea of taking Quentin Nelson or Chubb but don’t trust those Alabama DB’s. Sabin has a way of making his DB’s look better than they really are. Barron was supposed to have been a can’t miss prospect and so was Dee Milner.
February 27th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Joe we all agree that we need defense first but if Micah and Chubb are gone Nelson would be an outstanding pick. You say O-line wasn’t a weakness but if you look at our coaching staff’s actions they tell a different story than their words. If they thought we were so good then why did they rotate LG all season? And lookie lookie Nelson just happens to play LG. Man why would be fill a clear hole in the coaches mind with a talented, aggressive, young player like Nelson when we could just plug Evan Smith in there instead and use a top 10 pick on a project DE just cause its a need? Good call Joe that sounds like a much better idea.
February 27th, 2018 at 8:16 am
draft profiles of Alabama DB’s:
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/dee-milliner?id=2540146
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/mark-barron?id=2532789
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/minkah-fitzpatrick?id=2559944
February 27th, 2018 at 8:20 am
Joe, if he drafts Chubb and he busts. That’s also just as bad. Nelson is as safe as it gets. Take the sure thing. Less risk. As you’ve said 100 Times yourself. Chubb isn’t helping this team this year. And with jobs in the line, he’s an investment in the future.
Answer: Nelson. Bigly
February 27th, 2018 at 8:21 am
THr line might not have been the problem. But if we can build the best line I the league…
February 27th, 2018 at 8:24 am
@ndog … “use a top 10 pick on a project DE.” Don’t understand ndog. What ‘project DE’ has anyone been talking about taking with our #7 pick? Chubb isn’t what I’d consider to be a ‘project DE’. Vea & Payne are both DTs, and I wouldn’t consider either of them to be ‘projects’ either. Far as Nelson goes, there are several excellent LGs available in FA. Centers too. Licht needs to fix the OLine in free agency and focus on defense in the draft.
February 27th, 2018 at 8:44 am
Someone said it above, the Bucs will get an elite talent at 7 regardless and that makes for good business. I have a personal preference, but that is an opinion and everyone has one. I think the trade back option is becoming a far worse option based on the guys that could be available at 7.
February 27th, 2018 at 8:46 am
Imo…we should trade with Az. and grab Vea. Move back up from 2nd if need be and grab Key. Keep transitioning to a 3-4. Go all out on LG n CB(2) S, C in FA. Whatever is left in picks go BPA.
What say u?
#TRENCHWARFARE
February 27th, 2018 at 8:49 am
Should say “Run for Barkley”. Sure Chubb is a good player, but ask yourself how many direct plays he will affect the game in 2018? All rookie DE’s need some time to acclimate to quality LT’s in NFL, to then dominate, see Clowney or others. After the Norwell sigining in FA, Barkley would immediately affect the game FAR more, 25-30 touches a game easy, and also returns punts/kicks. Barkley.
Entertain this though Buc loyalists….if Licht handed Pittsburgh our #7 overall pick this year, and (maybe) a 2019 3rd round pick for Le’Veon Bell…do you think the Steelers would balk at that, in the cap almost-hell that they’re in??? Makes total sense…then apply the same Barkley logic above to Bell, other than returning kicks/punts.
Go Bucs!! (Hope Licht’s reading)
February 27th, 2018 at 8:59 am
Go after a possible replacement for McCoy in Free Agency, and then:
If we don’t get a good DE in free agency (and so far, a good one is not available), trade Gerald McCoy for the 4th pick and a third rounder from the Browns.
Draft Chubb, then draft a DT in the second round.
Use our two thirds to move back into the second round and get another DE.
Defensive Line fixed.
February 27th, 2018 at 9:07 am
BetterBuccinBelieveIt Says
“Should say “Run for Barkley”. Sure Chubb is a good player, but ask yourself how many direct plays he will affect the game in 2018? All rookie DE’s need some time to acclimate…”
So tired of hearing this claim. Even Joe has said it. There are times when it has been true, and times when it hasn’t. I understand Joe wanting Barkley…he’s wanted a running back with our first pick ever since we drafted Winston. It’s an addiction.
But DEs do have an impact in their rookie year from time to time.
Julius Peppers, for example, who had 12 sacks his rookie year, just to name one. Reggie White had 13 sacks. Aldon Smith had 14 sacks. Leslie O’Neal had 12.5 sacks. Jevon Kearse had 14.5 sacks.
Al “Bubba” Baker had 23 SACKS!!!
So let’s put that claim to bed. Defensive End rookies do have an impact.
February 27th, 2018 at 9:17 am
You don’t have to go that far back. Joey Bosa 23 sacks in his 1st 2 seasons 10.5 1st year.
You guys are sleeping on Derwin James but I think after the combine you’ll all be singing from the same sheet.
February 27th, 2018 at 9:34 am
Man some of you guys have some crazy takes lol
February 27th, 2018 at 9:38 am
Drafting Bradley Chubb and signing Le’Veon Bell won’t guarantee wins.
Not with this coaching staff
February 27th, 2018 at 9:38 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
February 27th, 2018 at 8:59 am
trade Gerald McCoy for the 4th pick and a third rounder from the Browns.
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You really think the Browns would give up the 4th overall pic for McCoy? Then add a 3rd rounder for good measure? Seriously?
Maybe a 3rd, but nobody is giving a 1st for McCoy this late in his career.
February 27th, 2018 at 9:44 am
@ Buccaneer Bonzai
Joey Bosa
JJ Watts
Ryan Kerrigan
TJ Watts
More recent impact DE/OLB
February 27th, 2018 at 9:51 am
i have no problem with nelson @ #7…..protects Winston and opens up run lanes for the RB….win win…..Fitzpatrick idk…..I think he’s more safety than CB and would rather have derwin james at S or one of his team mates S Ronnie Harrison or CB tony brown….
first round I say draft chubb or nelson or trade down….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 27th, 2018 at 10:19 am
Chubb and Barkley will be off the board. No to Minkah in the top 10. He is NOT the next Jalen Ramsey – won’t be able to transition nearly as successfully to CB and we sure as hell don’t need another Alabama Safety at #7.
Draft Nelson or trade down!!
February 27th, 2018 at 10:40 am
Chubb, Nelson or Derwin….no to Minkah!
February 27th, 2018 at 10:43 am
Of the Mock Drafts I have seen, we are either taking Minkah Fitzpatrick or Quenton Nelson. Chubb has been going in top 3 spots. Then it has us taking a DE in the 2nd.
February 27th, 2018 at 11:56 am
If Chubb is available, you run to the podium before a tsunami or earthquake can hit. If Chubb is gone, but Nelson is there, you take him and he anchors the line for the next 12 years and puts Jameis in the HOF. If both are gone you trade down with Cincinnati, Washington, Arizona, LAC or Buffalo. You’ll still get a Vea, James, McGlinchy, Hurst, Landry or Davenport.
February 27th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Chubb or Barkley should be the pick, but they won’t be there. I’m hopeful we scoop up Quentin Nelson or Minkah Fitzpatrick with taking the lineman over the DB if they both are there.
February 27th, 2018 at 1:48 pm
Chubb equals another in a long line of over drafted busts for Tampa at DE.
Just stop the stupid madness of repeating history over and over again.
Trade back – accumulate picks and bring in a HOARDE of new offensive and defensive lineman via the draft and free agency. Strength in numbers. Infuse talent in numbers and let them COMPETE and battle and earn their roles.
Do not go all in on one player so that when he tweaks his hamstring in week 3 of the preseason we have to go, “Uh, we really thought we had addressed the problem by trading all of our assets for one guy.”
Because it always works out for the Bucs when they put all of their hopes in one guy, right?
Stop the madness and do it right.
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
February 27th, 2018 at 8:36 pm
We need a SS not a FS and James would be a better fit. Plus I really think Derwin James is going to beat out Fitzpatrick at the combine and prove he is more of a Jalen Ramsey which is now the model DB for the nfl. With that said I think Fitzpatrick is an awesome player and it wouldn’t upset me if we did select him (although I believe we have more pressing needs). Please fix the trenches first, trade with Buffalo (if possible) and load up on D linemen (RB Rashad Penny in the third ) .
February 28th, 2018 at 12:25 am
Somebody just said we were doing a good job developing Ryan Smith?😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 yea just ask Julio Jones
February 28th, 2018 at 10:23 am
Zero percent Chubb falls. Howard plays a position that many offenses don’t value and don’t need. Every team every where can use or needs a pass rusher. It’s not happening unless a trade up. Giants are committed to Eli if Chubb doesn’t go first he’s going second. Lock it in. Start planning to move up or other players
February 28th, 2018 at 10:24 am
Tony from la knows more than Mayock kiper and mcshay apparently. God the arrogance of these moronic posters)some of them) is truly hilarious.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:29 pm
No, you never draft a freaking OG in the top 10… NEVER… it will never be worth it. Great guards were usually good tackles in college but got moved for one reason or the other and can be found between rounds 3 and 5…. NOT top 10! Anybody else remember the year the Cardinals picked Jonathan Cooper and the Titans picked their craptastic guard, Chance Warmack? They both washed out of the league.
The thing is about drafting a left tackle top 10… if he can’t cut it at left tackle, he can play right… or maybe he goes to guard. Robert Gallery had a good career as a guard despite being expected to play left tackle… he couldn’t but he was still able to play guard. If a guy is drafted as a guard and he can’t do that… all he can do is be a bouncer at Hooters. Guards should ALMOST never be picked in round 1… the chance they work out and you get your investment back is almost zero. Did Davin Joseph actually make a difference for the Bucs? How many Steve Hutchinson stories are there? John Hannah was 40 years ago…. Mike Iupati was pretty good… but he’s been a Cardinal the past few seasons and what difference has he made? NONE
Please no offensive guards in round 1… EVER!