We always seem to be one of the paper champions after the draft the past few years. It amazes me with all this supposed “talent” that our regular season is disappointing to say the least. Heck, even in preseason, the “cream” does not seem to rise to the top as I can’t recall any of our “star” rookies have yet to impress.
I give them a “c” for now. Let’s see what these guys do on the “playing” field, not “practice” field.
I liked this draft a lot. Very pleased with how it turned out.
Vita Vea was a great pick. Will compete for the starting NT job and add to a deep DT rotation which is an added bonus.
RoJo was a top 5 RB prospect and if Guice was really out of the equation, he was the best RB available and should be the starter week 1.
Then they heavily invested in the secondary by drafting MJ Stewart, Carlton Davis, and Jordan Whitehead. Davis will battle Ryan Smith for the 2nd outside CB job while MJ Stewart will push VH3 for the starting nickel spot. CB was very thin depth wise. That is fixed now.
Whitehead might be the pick I like the least. He is more of the center fielding type of safety which I thought we already had in Justin Evans. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Alex Cappa could legit push for a starting OG spot, especially if Sweezy cant get healthy.
I know nothing about Justin Watson other than the workout numbers that have been thrown around. And they are impressive especially at his size. I can see a situation where they keep him as a WR4 and opt not to pay Hump next year.
Then Jack Cichy they got at what seems to be a very good discount because of the injuries. From what I read, a lot of evaluators thought he was worth a day 2 pick based off of talent. He could be a good special teams contributor and good depth at the least.
Overall this is a very good haul imo. I voted A. Really its more of a B+ to A- so I rounded up.
The one knock I have on this draft class is they really should have took a chance on one of the DEs that were sliding for medical reasons. Duke Ejiofor would have been a very good pick in the 5th round.
I agree our record with him as our GM is not good. I like this year’s free agent class over our draft. Finally more alpha males in the trenches. Really wish we got sweat from FSU. I don’t care we passed on James. We needed young muscle along our D-line.
Plus let’s see the undrafted rookie list. There are a couple of project corners out there that’s 6ft plus i would love to see in our camp. But light a candle for their souls lol
I voted c due to having three 2 nd round picks and not being able to make a move for one of the top corner backs . I would’ve went for 2 quality picks in seconds insecond round instead of 1 decent rb and 2 meh cbs
“Pablo is crushed that Hason didn’t move up for Hernandez….but Pablo likes some of the picks like Ronald Hones, Hordan Whitehead, Hustin Watson & Hack Cichy…..Pablo thinks it will be a thing of beauty to see Haboo hand off to Hones… Hordan Whitehead can handle Hulio Hones and Hustin Watson will eventually replace Dhax and sorry Hoe Dirt, Hack will replace you. Pablo is also happy that Hason drafted 3 DBs instead of a punter like the Hoes suggested”
I thought it deserves a B+. I like the attitude the Bucs want in the locker room. And they weren’t scared off by a red flag or two. I’ll have to file this under “Licht knows better than me”, but I searched every website that has player ratings or rankings and couldn’t find one that had CB M.J. Stewart ranked ahead of CB Isaiah Oliver, not within a couple of players and not even ahead of CB Carlton Davis who was picked next.
He admits when he sits and talks to a guy and he likes the guy, he is not guided by ratings but the vibe he gets from the player. Not against the pick, but just caught my attention.
This poll should come around game 8 this season, after we have a chance to see the performance of Jason’s draft selections…. I very much liked his trade of picks with the Bills to gain this team more draft picks and I am fine with Vita Vea…
Because he addressed areas of need, acquired extra early picks, and got the DT I wanted. As to whether the players will be booms or busts? No one will know that until later, and I prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove me wrong. If they do.
Better than acting like a child who didn’t get the exact players I wanted with every pick (but I did get 3 of them).
Gave B – solid – love Vea and Jones, hit all the needs- the Choice of M.J. ahead of Oliver and some other seems like a stretch but we got Davis too, GM gets credit for hedging his bets well – should net 3 starters and 2 solid contributors – can become an A in time- the Ivy leaguer is a serious sleeper – almost a Goodwin clone IMO
Licht turned two day 1 and 2 picks into FIVE early round picks. That alone deserves no less than an “A”.
So many are whining about – we didn’t get this player or that player or X player was still on the board when he took Y player…
C’mon man…
You spent what a couple hours really looking at prospects and deciding who you “liked”? Maybe even creating a “list” of players you would draft??
Jason and his staff spent THOUSANDS of hours evaluating these prospects every which way there is and then some.
How many of you whiners had D.Smith, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander all on your “must draft” list in 2015?? They turned out to be pretty damn good non 1st rd picks yes?
The 2nd rd Justin Evans pick just last year was pretty universally unpopular – but the young man showed some real promise starting as a rookie and looks to have a high ceiling once you actually saw him play.
In 3 years – we will know for sure how well this draft class turned out. For now- lets just trust that the Buccaneer evaluators know what they are doing and see what these guys look like on the field before complaining about Y player because you wanted X player.
50-55% of all 2nd rd picks turn into busts if your GM is doing an “average” job. And the percentages of “hits” goes down significantly from 45% after the 2nd rd.
If two out of the three 2nd rounders and even 1 of the 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th rd picks “makes it” and turns into a decent starter – then Jason Licht will once again be way ahead of the curve – and will have hit another “grand slam” pulling 4 good players out of his years worth of work on this draft.
Pickgrin explained it well. If you’re upset the bucs took MJ over Oliver or one of the “top corners” what is your basis? Did you spend all last season scouting the all 22s? No you are going by what you read online. The bucs filled every need. As for the no DE guys, we took the best one in the 3rd round.
Had to give an A for now. Pickgrin and Bonzi nailed it. Draft picks are like a new fishing lure, you don’t know if its worth a crap till you throw it into action.
First of all I really don’t see any sense in What Jason licht did with the cornerback situation .he had three 2nd round picks and you come away only one guy that makes since but you pass up Isaiah Oliver and Josh Jackson for a short slow corner named my stewart that also has off the field issues that we really don’t need . oh yeah Isaiah Oliver got picked up by the falcons we’ll see just what we missed next year twice and why do we keep getting these undersized running backs? Even the safety we chose was under 6’0. I think the browns might beat us this year
“Draft picks are like a new fishing lure, you don’t know if its worth a crap till you throw it into action.”
Love that analogy Dreambig
Sometimes you splurge and spend $10 on a lure (1st/2nd rd pick) because it looks so damn attractive in the box. “This thing HAS to catch fish” right? And you throw it out there and you keep throwing it and keep throwing it – but you can’t catch a damn fish with it. You keep trying it on other trips too – because dammit – you paid $10 for this thing and it LOOKS like it should catch fish… LOL Sound Familiar?
But there’s always multiple factors involved. Maybe its not the lure. Maybe you haven’t figured out the best way to retrieve this particular lure yet. Hell there’s a decent chance you aren’t even currently fishing where there are any fish to be caught…
Dude I feel 100%. Drafting Stewart over Oliver was a real punch in the gut. I also completely disagree as to the reasoning behind draft. According to Licht, they liked him for his versatility and they “wanted another guy who could play Nickel.”
Which I really don’t understand, Vernon showed he can play the slot pretty well last season and it’s still a part time position.
I really like most of the draft. But to me the biggest Question marks are taking RoJo over Guice, which I feel slightly better about after watching all of his 2017 tape. USC’s O-line is pretty awful and he took advantage of any daylight they gave him. Taking MJ Stewart over Isiah Oliver I don’t understand, and taking Jordan Whitehead over Shaquem Griffin I think was also a bad move.
Over-all I would give Licht a solid B grade for the entirity of the draft. And I hope every single one of these picks work out for us.
The Bucs has the most “clueless’ fans in the NFL. Jason Licht passed on one of the best players in the entire draft (Derwin James) he also plays a position of need. Instead he draft a big fat, one dimensional DT, after signing 2 similar players in free agency. And these clueless fans are happy and celebrating.
Joeypoppems I thought at first as well BUT we have Curry, JPP, Urein, Spence, and Gholston already loxked in so considering we had so many holes elsewhere I think we made the right choice as everyone we drafted has a legit chance to contribute if they make it. A DE would probably have never gotten on the field.
Which NFL team is it again that pays you for your football opinions Lakeland??
I wanted James at 12 also – but don’t you think Jason Licht put just a “little” bit more thought and research into who the Bucs should target at the top of the 1st rd than you or I did?
Lakeland why do you think James is great? Measureables? Cause it isn’t the tape cause as a FSU fan who saw every play of his career I can tell you it wasn’t very impressive. Don’t just read what others think watch for yourself before sounding foolish. James made zero impact to help a defense that needed a playmaker meanwhile Vea was PAC12 defensive player of the year but yeah James is better. WTF
I loved it! We accomplished what I was hoping for….trade back and get some extra picks and still land Big Vita! Then we got Jones II. Then some back end help and an under radar WR who I think will be pretty serviceable.
I dont think its wise to rely on Spence to be there all year. Plus Gholston couldnt contribute in the pass rush at all last season. Thats why I say the depth is lacking.
Well Lakeland, you’re entitled to your opinion but calling people clueless pretty much clues us in to you with that little temper tantrum tirade. Were you stomping your feet too when you posted that?
I’m glad to be a diehard Bucs fan who know zero about college players. My college didn’t play football when I was there (they do now). So, I wait for the pre-season to start, and read educated fan comments. Definitely looking forward to this season. Licht concentrated on the defense. Bucs needed that help. Now, I hope Smith does his part!! Still have some doubt about him.
Dude literally ever General manager and scouting department spends 1000’s of hours researching and evaluating players.
Licht has proven more than capable of making mistakes. Hello? Aguayo over Ngakoue? Kenny Bell? Robert Heron? Kadeem Edwards? Charles Sims over Devonta Freeman?
I think Licht is all and all a really good GM when it comes to the draft, but it’s well within my rights as an informed fan to question him when he picks a player over someone who I view as clearly being superior.
My main points of contention being MJ Stewart over both Isiah Oliver and Donte Jackson. As well as Jordan Whitehead over Shaquem Griffin when were going to draft a Linebacker anyway.
Other than that I feel Licht did pretty good, but could have been a lot better. better.
@Blake, i think the GM’s from other teams were doing Griffin and Seattle a favor and passing over him so he could be with his twin….some insider stuff going on there. But yeah, I was hoping we’d get him too.
I hear ya Blake. I had favorites that didn’t get drafted and could have as well.
But I’m also smart enough to know that there were legit reasons for each draft decision that was made. And I know that Jason Licht put a ton more work into this evaluation process than either you or I did.
Licht gets paid to do this stuff and we don’t. There are reasons for that – LOL
Our GM has proven himself as one of the better young talent evaluators in the league to this point in his 4 year GM career.
You and I had little to no idea who Kwon or Marpet or Justin Evans even were until we maybe took a quick glance at them a month or two before the draft – yet Licht had been all over these guys as players he wanted to target in their respective drafts – literally months before we even became aware they existed much less paid any attention to them much less actually “wanted” the Bucs to draft them…
See what I’m saying? Ya gotta trust there’s a reason Licht didn’t pick Y player that you liked instead of X player that he felt was the best choice atm.
Of course I see what you’re saying, that was never my point of contention. And it goes without saying that he had his reasons, I’m just saying that on a couple picks I disagree with his reasoning.
Here’s hoping that Licht had his best draft yet and that every single one of his picks this year contribute to a winning roster.
That being said I still have 0 hype going into this season and will have none until this coaching staff proves that it can get the most out of it’s players and make it to the post season.
I’d give it an A-, liked Vea but we could’ve had Derwin or Davenport and DT wasn’t a need, loved Jones (but we could’ve had Josh Jackson), Davis, Cappa, Watson, and Cichy. I’m not high on Stewart because Oliver was still on the board (plus in the case where we don’t draft RoJo we could’ve gotten Guice) and I don’t like Whitehead because he’s too short to play SS (which is still a position of need). All in all a good draft that could’ve been better, thankfully the Bucs chose substance over flash this year and they might just have enough pieces to go to the playoffs.
April 29th, 2018 at 7:41 am
Ask me three years from now. The Bucs are 22-42 under Licht so what grade is that equal to?
April 29th, 2018 at 7:47 am
We always seem to be one of the paper champions after the draft the past few years. It amazes me with all this supposed “talent” that our regular season is disappointing to say the least. Heck, even in preseason, the “cream” does not seem to rise to the top as I can’t recall any of our “star” rookies have yet to impress.
I give them a “c” for now. Let’s see what these guys do on the “playing” field, not “practice” field.
April 29th, 2018 at 7:48 am
I liked this draft a lot. Very pleased with how it turned out.
Vita Vea was a great pick. Will compete for the starting NT job and add to a deep DT rotation which is an added bonus.
RoJo was a top 5 RB prospect and if Guice was really out of the equation, he was the best RB available and should be the starter week 1.
Then they heavily invested in the secondary by drafting MJ Stewart, Carlton Davis, and Jordan Whitehead. Davis will battle Ryan Smith for the 2nd outside CB job while MJ Stewart will push VH3 for the starting nickel spot. CB was very thin depth wise. That is fixed now.
Whitehead might be the pick I like the least. He is more of the center fielding type of safety which I thought we already had in Justin Evans. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Alex Cappa could legit push for a starting OG spot, especially if Sweezy cant get healthy.
I know nothing about Justin Watson other than the workout numbers that have been thrown around. And they are impressive especially at his size. I can see a situation where they keep him as a WR4 and opt not to pay Hump next year.
Then Jack Cichy they got at what seems to be a very good discount because of the injuries. From what I read, a lot of evaluators thought he was worth a day 2 pick based off of talent. He could be a good special teams contributor and good depth at the least.
Overall this is a very good haul imo. I voted A. Really its more of a B+ to A- so I rounded up.
April 29th, 2018 at 7:52 am
Lots of out of the box choices….but good ones…..ones that could really pay
off…..
April 29th, 2018 at 7:54 am
The one knock I have on this draft class is they really should have took a chance on one of the DEs that were sliding for medical reasons. Duke Ejiofor would have been a very good pick in the 5th round.
The lack of DE depth on this team scares me.
April 29th, 2018 at 7:58 am
I agree our record with him as our GM is not good. I like this year’s free agent class over our draft. Finally more alpha males in the trenches. Really wish we got sweat from FSU. I don’t care we passed on James. We needed young muscle along our D-line.
Plus let’s see the undrafted rookie list. There are a couple of project corners out there that’s 6ft plus i would love to see in our camp. But light a candle for their souls lol
April 29th, 2018 at 8:00 am
I voted c due to having three 2 nd round picks and not being able to make a move for one of the top corner backs . I would’ve went for 2 quality picks in seconds insecond round instead of 1 decent rb and 2 meh cbs
April 29th, 2018 at 8:00 am
Looks solid on paper but let’s see how they develop. I like the Carlton Davis pick the most. The guy is gonna be good
April 29th, 2018 at 8:03 am
Speaking for Pablo who breaks down the Draft
“Pablo is crushed that Hason didn’t move up for Hernandez….but Pablo likes some of the picks like Ronald Hones, Hordan Whitehead, Hustin Watson & Hack Cichy…..Pablo thinks it will be a thing of beauty to see Haboo hand off to Hones… Hordan Whitehead can handle Hulio Hones and Hustin Watson will eventually replace Dhax and sorry Hoe Dirt, Hack will replace you. Pablo is also happy that Hason drafted 3 DBs instead of a punter like the Hoes suggested”
April 29th, 2018 at 8:12 am
I thought it deserves a B+. I like the attitude the Bucs want in the locker room. And they weren’t scared off by a red flag or two. I’ll have to file this under “Licht knows better than me”, but I searched every website that has player ratings or rankings and couldn’t find one that had CB M.J. Stewart ranked ahead of CB Isaiah Oliver, not within a couple of players and not even ahead of CB Carlton Davis who was picked next.
He admits when he sits and talks to a guy and he likes the guy, he is not guided by ratings but the vibe he gets from the player. Not against the pick, but just caught my attention.
April 29th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Some tough graders here it seems….I gave it an A….
April 29th, 2018 at 8:15 am
This poll should come around game 8 this season, after we have a chance to see the performance of Jason’s draft selections…. I very much liked his trade of picks with the Bills to gain this team more draft picks and I am fine with Vita Vea…
April 29th, 2018 at 8:34 am
I gave an A.
Why?
Because he addressed areas of need, acquired extra early picks, and got the DT I wanted. As to whether the players will be booms or busts? No one will know that until later, and I prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove me wrong. If they do.
Better than acting like a child who didn’t get the exact players I wanted with every pick (but I did get 3 of them).
April 29th, 2018 at 8:48 am
Gave B – solid – love Vea and Jones, hit all the needs- the Choice of M.J. ahead of Oliver and some other seems like a stretch but we got Davis too, GM gets credit for hedging his bets well – should net 3 starters and 2 solid contributors – can become an A in time- the Ivy leaguer is a serious sleeper – almost a Goodwin clone IMO
April 29th, 2018 at 8:49 am
Licht turned two day 1 and 2 picks into FIVE early round picks. That alone deserves no less than an “A”.
So many are whining about – we didn’t get this player or that player or X player was still on the board when he took Y player…
C’mon man…
You spent what a couple hours really looking at prospects and deciding who you “liked”? Maybe even creating a “list” of players you would draft??
Jason and his staff spent THOUSANDS of hours evaluating these prospects every which way there is and then some.
How many of you whiners had D.Smith, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander all on your “must draft” list in 2015?? They turned out to be pretty damn good non 1st rd picks yes?
The 2nd rd Justin Evans pick just last year was pretty universally unpopular – but the young man showed some real promise starting as a rookie and looks to have a high ceiling once you actually saw him play.
In 3 years – we will know for sure how well this draft class turned out. For now- lets just trust that the Buccaneer evaluators know what they are doing and see what these guys look like on the field before complaining about Y player because you wanted X player.
50-55% of all 2nd rd picks turn into busts if your GM is doing an “average” job. And the percentages of “hits” goes down significantly from 45% after the 2nd rd.
If two out of the three 2nd rounders and even 1 of the 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th rd picks “makes it” and turns into a decent starter – then Jason Licht will once again be way ahead of the curve – and will have hit another “grand slam” pulling 4 good players out of his years worth of work on this draft.
Perspective people….
April 29th, 2018 at 8:50 am
Anyone who gave this draft a D or F, knows nothing about football. In my opinion, this might be Light’s best draft so far.
April 29th, 2018 at 9:03 am
Pickgrin explained it well. If you’re upset the bucs took MJ over Oliver or one of the “top corners” what is your basis? Did you spend all last season scouting the all 22s? No you are going by what you read online. The bucs filled every need. As for the no DE guys, we took the best one in the 3rd round.
April 29th, 2018 at 9:24 am
Had to give an A for now. Pickgrin and Bonzi nailed it. Draft picks are like a new fishing lure, you don’t know if its worth a crap till you throw it into action.
April 29th, 2018 at 9:36 am
I don’t know why everybody’s acting like Jason licht did such a great job in the draft .he had three number two
April 29th, 2018 at 9:51 am
B+. How long ago was it that it only took one good pick in an area of need and one meh pick to get an A-/A? My how times have changed for the better
April 29th, 2018 at 9:59 am
First of all I really don’t see any sense in What Jason licht did with the cornerback situation .he had three 2nd round picks and you come away only one guy that makes since but you pass up Isaiah Oliver and Josh Jackson for a short slow corner named my stewart that also has off the field issues that we really don’t need . oh yeah Isaiah Oliver got picked up by the falcons we’ll see just what we missed next year twice and why do we keep getting these undersized running backs? Even the safety we chose was under 6’0. I think the browns might beat us this year
April 29th, 2018 at 10:05 am
“Draft picks are like a new fishing lure, you don’t know if its worth a crap till you throw it into action.”
Love that analogy Dreambig
Sometimes you splurge and spend $10 on a lure (1st/2nd rd pick) because it looks so damn attractive in the box. “This thing HAS to catch fish” right? And you throw it out there and you keep throwing it and keep throwing it – but you can’t catch a damn fish with it. You keep trying it on other trips too – because dammit – you paid $10 for this thing and it LOOKS like it should catch fish… LOL Sound Familiar?
But there’s always multiple factors involved. Maybe its not the lure. Maybe you haven’t figured out the best way to retrieve this particular lure yet. Hell there’s a decent chance you aren’t even currently fishing where there are any fish to be caught…
April 29th, 2018 at 10:16 am
@Macabee
Dude I feel 100%. Drafting Stewart over Oliver was a real punch in the gut. I also completely disagree as to the reasoning behind draft. According to Licht, they liked him for his versatility and they “wanted another guy who could play Nickel.”
Which I really don’t understand, Vernon showed he can play the slot pretty well last season and it’s still a part time position.
I really like most of the draft. But to me the biggest Question marks are taking RoJo over Guice, which I feel slightly better about after watching all of his 2017 tape. USC’s O-line is pretty awful and he took advantage of any daylight they gave him. Taking MJ Stewart over Isiah Oliver I don’t understand, and taking Jordan Whitehead over Shaquem Griffin I think was also a bad move.
Over-all I would give Licht a solid B grade for the entirity of the draft. And I hope every single one of these picks work out for us.
April 29th, 2018 at 10:16 am
While I don’t hate the M.J. Stewart pick, it was a reach. Overall, love the other picks.
April 29th, 2018 at 10:17 am
Jesus, the typos.
*Feel you 100%*
*disagree with the reasoning behind drafting him*
April 29th, 2018 at 10:24 am
It’s official
The Bucs has the most “clueless’ fans in the NFL. Jason Licht passed on one of the best players in the entire draft (Derwin James) he also plays a position of need. Instead he draft a big fat, one dimensional DT, after signing 2 similar players in free agency. And these clueless fans are happy and celebrating.
Enjoy the cellar again in 2018
Sucksville USA
April 29th, 2018 at 10:28 am
Joeypoppems I thought at first as well BUT we have Curry, JPP, Urein, Spence, and Gholston already loxked in so considering we had so many holes elsewhere I think we made the right choice as everyone we drafted has a legit chance to contribute if they make it. A DE would probably have never gotten on the field.
April 29th, 2018 at 10:29 am
Which NFL team is it again that pays you for your football opinions Lakeland??
I wanted James at 12 also – but don’t you think Jason Licht put just a “little” bit more thought and research into who the Bucs should target at the top of the 1st rd than you or I did?
April 29th, 2018 at 10:32 am
Lakeland why do you think James is great? Measureables? Cause it isn’t the tape cause as a FSU fan who saw every play of his career I can tell you it wasn’t very impressive. Don’t just read what others think watch for yourself before sounding foolish. James made zero impact to help a defense that needed a playmaker meanwhile Vea was PAC12 defensive player of the year but yeah James is better. WTF
April 29th, 2018 at 10:42 am
I loved it! We accomplished what I was hoping for….trade back and get some extra picks and still land Big Vita! Then we got Jones II. Then some back end help and an under radar WR who I think will be pretty serviceable.
April 29th, 2018 at 10:42 am
@Ndog
I dont think its wise to rely on Spence to be there all year. Plus Gholston couldnt contribute in the pass rush at all last season. Thats why I say the depth is lacking.
April 29th, 2018 at 10:49 am
Well Lakeland, you’re entitled to your opinion but calling people clueless pretty much clues us in to you with that little temper tantrum tirade. Were you stomping your feet too when you posted that?
April 29th, 2018 at 10:55 am
LOL…love it everyone pissing in each others boots again….
April 29th, 2018 at 11:09 am
Pickgrin Says:
April 29th, 2018 at 8:49 am
Excellent post, Pickgrin.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:11 am
I’m glad to be a diehard Bucs fan who know zero about college players. My college didn’t play football when I was there (they do now). So, I wait for the pre-season to start, and read educated fan comments. Definitely looking forward to this season. Licht concentrated on the defense. Bucs needed that help. Now, I hope Smith does his part!! Still have some doubt about him.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:11 am
Joeypoppems Says
“I dont think its wise to rely on Spence to be there all year.”
What makes you think they are? They will bring in more DEs in free agency. Just watch.
Will they be elite? Not every signing has to be. Some of those guys just need a fair opportunity to make a team, and then prove themselves after that.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:12 am
*knows 🙂
April 29th, 2018 at 11:21 am
@Pickgrin
Dude literally ever General manager and scouting department spends 1000’s of hours researching and evaluating players.
Licht has proven more than capable of making mistakes. Hello? Aguayo over Ngakoue? Kenny Bell? Robert Heron? Kadeem Edwards? Charles Sims over Devonta Freeman?
I think Licht is all and all a really good GM when it comes to the draft, but it’s well within my rights as an informed fan to question him when he picks a player over someone who I view as clearly being superior.
My main points of contention being MJ Stewart over both Isiah Oliver and Donte Jackson. As well as Jordan Whitehead over Shaquem Griffin when were going to draft a Linebacker anyway.
Other than that I feel Licht did pretty good, but could have been a lot better. better.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:32 am
@Blake, i think the GM’s from other teams were doing Griffin and Seattle a favor and passing over him so he could be with his twin….some insider stuff going on there. But yeah, I was hoping we’d get him too.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:53 am
I hear ya Blake. I had favorites that didn’t get drafted and could have as well.
But I’m also smart enough to know that there were legit reasons for each draft decision that was made. And I know that Jason Licht put a ton more work into this evaluation process than either you or I did.
Licht gets paid to do this stuff and we don’t. There are reasons for that – LOL
Our GM has proven himself as one of the better young talent evaluators in the league to this point in his 4 year GM career.
You and I had little to no idea who Kwon or Marpet or Justin Evans even were until we maybe took a quick glance at them a month or two before the draft – yet Licht had been all over these guys as players he wanted to target in their respective drafts – literally months before we even became aware they existed much less paid any attention to them much less actually “wanted” the Bucs to draft them…
See what I’m saying? Ya gotta trust there’s a reason Licht didn’t pick Y player that you liked instead of X player that he felt was the best choice atm.
April 29th, 2018 at 11:59 am
Of course I see what you’re saying, that was never my point of contention. And it goes without saying that he had his reasons, I’m just saying that on a couple picks I disagree with his reasoning.
Here’s hoping that Licht had his best draft yet and that every single one of his picks this year contribute to a winning roster.
That being said I still have 0 hype going into this season and will have none until this coaching staff proves that it can get the most out of it’s players and make it to the post season.
April 29th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
A flat out draft grade of a solid B is as good a guess as any, I’m guessing.
April 29th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
I’d give it an A-, liked Vea but we could’ve had Derwin or Davenport and DT wasn’t a need, loved Jones (but we could’ve had Josh Jackson), Davis, Cappa, Watson, and Cichy. I’m not high on Stewart because Oliver was still on the board (plus in the case where we don’t draft RoJo we could’ve gotten Guice) and I don’t like Whitehead because he’s too short to play SS (which is still a position of need). All in all a good draft that could’ve been better, thankfully the Bucs chose substance over flash this year and they might just have enough pieces to go to the playoffs.
April 29th, 2018 at 4:05 pm
Let’s not forget that JPP is part of our draft haul…that’s what pushes my vote from a B to an A!!!