James Morgan & The Bucs
March 28th, 2020
Mid-round target and fit, says a former Bucs QB.
Until 2020 opening day kicks off, only one man has taken a snap at quarterback for both the Patriots and Bucs.
And that guy was talking about the other QB, Tom Brady, earlier this week.
Joe’s referring to Jeff Carlson, who once upon a time was a JoeBucsFan.com columnist and a fourth-round pick of the Rams in 1989.
Still a private quarterback coach, Carlson knows what he’s looking at and Joe always pays attention when Carlson talks QBs. He did that with JP Peterson on 820 AM and FanStreamSports.com.
Asked about the Bucs drafting a QB next month, Carlson likes the idea of a mid-round pick, one that he’s been watching closely.
“If they want to go all-in, which they are; they’re all-in, with this Brady thing. They don’t take a first-round pick on the next quarterback. Right? They’ve gotta to take somebody who’s going to help them this year and next year,” Carlson said of the Bucs. “So, you know, my son is going down to Florida International University [to play quarterback], and he’s going to follow a kid named James Morgan, and he may not be a second-round pick, but he’s a solid Brady-style.
“And if they’re going to go that direction, he’s a big, strong-armed guy that can really run the offense and he’s a very heady guy. So they could get him later. Early in the draft, I think first, second, third round, they gotta get guys who can contribute [immediately]. I think [pick the mid-round QB] this year and they could still pick up a free agent [QB], I guess. But [draft] a guy like James Morgan from FIU or wait a whole year to do something else.”
“… They run a pro-style offense [at FIU], one of the few left in college football. … You gotta look at the style of offense [quarterbacks] run in college and see how their experience fits in to what they might go into. And that’s one of the reasons I brought that guy’s name up, because the pro-style system that he has run the last couple of years at FIU could fit very well into what the Buccaneers are going to try to do with Tom Brady. And he would be a guy that, you know, might be able to step in and help if something happens with Tom for a few games. And you don’t want to that no matter what with a rookie quarterback, but it’s just a name and possibility without going in those first few [quarterbacks] where we all know their names.”
Morgan is 6-4, 229 pounds and is well known for protecting the football and a big arm. Over the past two seasons, he totaled 40 touchdowns and 12 interceptions at FIU after transferring from Bowling Green State.
Joe will be sad if the Bucs don’t drop a quality prospect into the incredible quarterback incubator they’ve created with Bucco Bruce Arians, Tom Moore, Byron Leftwich, Clyde Christensen and Tom Brady.
Yeah, Joe gets not using a top pick in 2020, but add somebody you think has real potential.
Here is some fun dot-connecting for you: Morgan played at FIU for former Bucs consultant and national championship-winning coach Butch Davis. The veteran coach also had a stint coaching the Cleveland Browns. His offensive coordinator? Bruce Arians.
Morgan highlights are below.
March 28th, 2020 at 1:20 pm
I think they should sign Winston to backup Brady
March 28th, 2020 at 1:27 pm
I like what I see!
March 28th, 2020 at 1:37 pm
He has a lively arm for sure. He might be that hidden gem that can be had with that 4th round comp pick
March 28th, 2020 at 1:40 pm
I like his size and his quick release. Plus protects the football.
Totally different than the Human Turnovers Machine that just left here.
If you can find your future starter in the mid to late rounds it a huge bonus
March 28th, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Would love this kid late in the draft if possible
March 28th, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Carlson was a very good commentator …I liked reading and hearing him…and his one good game as a Buc QB…
March 28th, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Nate Stanley, Morgan, Bryce Perkins could all be a decent developmental pickup rounds 4 and beyond.
March 28th, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Cool idea. I like the connection to Arians. A little insider info certainly can’t hurt.
March 28th, 2020 at 2:13 pm
I’ve been suggest Morgan on day 3 for some time now even if they pick a QB in the lower rds. Enough with this stupid Winston talk unless people believe he’ll siggn for 2mil, because that is all the Bucs could afford.
March 28th, 2020 at 2:21 pm
What if Tua somehow slips past all the QB needy teams and is there when we pick at #14? Kinlaw is gone and so are the best 4 tackles. It would be hard to pass on Tua even after the hip injury.
March 28th, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Hey……Brady was a 6th rounder. Why can’t he develop a 4th rounder who already plays in a Pro Style offense?
March 28th, 2020 at 2:24 pm
As Bill Polian said last week, you pull the trigger and maybe you may lose one night’s sleep worrying about the gamble.
March 28th, 2020 at 2:25 pm
He looks “ok”
3 out of 5 deep throws, the receiver had to wait..FIU receivers…
March 28th, 2020 at 2:35 pm
SB, Brady going I the sixth and becoming great is one in a million. You guys seem to forget the dismal history of Buc QBs. Our fan base does not seem to live in reality. Any QB that falls to 4th round or beyond has enormous holes in his game and will not even work out as a game manager. Just watched Brady, a football life. It was the perfect storm while he was at Michigan. Because a much more highly touted prospect came to MI during Toms senior season scouts questioned how good he was if MI wasn’t sold on him.
March 28th, 2020 at 2:53 pm
Jmarkbuc, agree with you. On several throws the ball was thrown short and the receivers bailed him out. However, I do like his poise in the pocket. I think he would make a good developmental QB. Pick him up in Round 4 and see how he performs under the tutelage of Brady and the QB coaches. Of course the down side here is there probably won’t be a 2020 season. Will Brady still stay for 2 years if he can’t play in 2020?
March 28th, 2020 at 3:01 pm
@ Joe
I agree. Plus he can sit for a season or two behind TB12.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:06 pm
It seems #16 is his favorite target ,the level competition he’s up against is garbage. Can’t fault him for that but, he looks accurate and comfy with his reads and throws.That 4th round comp pick is very intriguing to me now. I wouldn’t mind picking him up in that range Licht head has done worse I guess?
March 28th, 2020 at 3:11 pm
Marine Buc:
Exactly.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:14 pm
I like Morgan. Also like Nate Stanley from Iowa. I understand wanting to draft the top guys, but don’t forget, Brady was a 6th round guy.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Agree. Morgan or Stanley would be fine 5th. round picks.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:33 pm
He will probably not make it to us but if Tua falls to the Bucs this is the perfect place for him to heal learn. Gottaget him.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Haven’t watched film but watched him closely at the combine and he was sailing some balls. I wanted him to be good but he just didn’t impress me. Fromm looked better than him and I don’t even like Fromm.
Please no QB in the first two rounds and no RB in round 1!!!!
March 28th, 2020 at 3:48 pm
No earlier than the 5th if he’s still available. How many QBs drafted after the 3rd rd in the last 20 years, not named Brady, have been successful for any length of time?
I couldn’t think of any either.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Testaverde played qb for both.
March 28th, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Testaverde played qb for both teams.
March 28th, 2020 at 4:23 pm
A few QB’s taken later than the 3rd Round that had some success:
Dak Prescott, 4th Round
Kirk Cousins, 4th
Tyrod Taylor, 6th
Ryan Fitzpatrick, 7th
Tony Romo, Undrafted
If our coaches are as good as they’re given credit for, a young QB should be in good hands.
March 28th, 2020 at 4:36 pm
I’ve had my eye on this kid for awhile. Stands tall in the pocket. Maybe a little too brave back there sometimes. If he can be taught behind Brady he’s got all thew measurables. 4th round guy most likely, a little under the radar since FIU isn’t big on the national scene.
March 28th, 2020 at 4:47 pm
Good draft for QB’s, we’ll get one I’m sure. The only way you draft a QB at 14 is if Herbert, or by some miracle Tua falls in your lap. Third round, and after otherwise for a QB. After all, TB12 was a 6th rounder.
March 28th, 2020 at 5:29 pm
I have been very impressed with James Morgan since he looked great at the East West Shrine Game, and have been saying so ever since. Tua is a great passer but behind our line he would be toast. He just is not durable and not worth gambling on. The only top QB I would like better than Morgan is the Duck’s QB who won’t make it past the first 10 picks in the first round.
March 28th, 2020 at 5:49 pm
@ Joe in Michigan
Don’t forget about #12 Tom Brady – pick #199 – 6th round.
March 28th, 2020 at 6:02 pm
I also like another QB … WSU’s Anthony Gordon is a Brady clone. Not sure where in the draft he goes but 4-5th round would great.
March 28th, 2020 at 6:10 pm
I want the QB and Tony Gator!
March 28th, 2020 at 6:39 pm
Then he could be called Captain Morgan when he takes over after Brady.
March 28th, 2020 at 7:11 pm
I think they need a good, driven veteran backup and they also need to draft a guy.
James Morgan might be that guy. I don’t know enough about him, except that he’s a ginger and he’d have a great nickname.
I lean toward Jacob Eason if he makes it to us in 2 or 3. So far as first round? If Tau falls to us, jump on him. Would be stupid not to. Other than him, no one else worth taking in round one.
March 28th, 2020 at 8:59 pm
Tua in R1 seems unlikely. Herbert seems possible. He’d learn a ton from Brady too.
March 28th, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Great article, I’m been beating this drum for a while as well. He threw good at the combine, I thought his arm looked very strong against others that threw at the combine. Would be a great late round pick IMO
March 28th, 2020 at 10:20 pm
khail tate in the 5th or 6th. look the mid rounds of the draft is basically a scratch off lottery. might as well draft a qb with a huge ceiling who cares about the floor. this kid tate can legit ball out. huge arm , the fastest qb in the draft, let him set for a couple years behind the goat and work with leftwich and clyde
March 28th, 2020 at 10:23 pm
I’m talking mid round QB for competition with Griffen as the second string. Hopefully he can become a good one. If he can turn into a all star after Brady’s days I’ll be fine with that.
March 28th, 2020 at 11:06 pm
This seems about the right investment level of draft capital.
Realize just as last year our season was predicated on JW’s health…this season it will be TB12’s health.
Anytime a starting NFL QB goes down it’s a crap shoot with the backup with some notable rare exceptions. This kid represents as good a shot as any I guess. Blaine Gabbert? At least he’s done it before and with this defense he MIGHT be able to hang on for a short stretch.
A backup QB who we could honestly say yeah that’s the guy is not realistic.
Not saying we shouldn’t get one…simply saying it’s not on top of our priorities.
“THE FUTURE IS NOW”
March 29th, 2020 at 1:18 am
Here’s my best scout impersonation…
Decisive, quick release, strong arm. Doesn’t avoid contact but falls off his stance too easily. His footwork is often a mess even when there’s no pressure; his lower body contributed almost nothing to two-thirds of those throws. Imagine this guy with a stronger foundation – he’d throw even better.
I like this QB. I think he’s pretty solid for a mid-to-late QB pick! Very nice prospect for our situation!! But I’d only get him if ALL other needs are already met/picked.
Also, I found myself wondering who is that RB with the long hair? Or is he just a WR who lines up in the backfield a lot? Kid sure looks like a RB who can run real routes in the passing game… somebody to keep an eye on down the road?
March 29th, 2020 at 12:24 pm
That throw at 1:17 was a laser.
March 29th, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Really like this kid!! He could become a good QB.. Far from that now but you’re right with the coaches they have now they need someone quickly! I’m disappointed we never saw what made coaches keep Griffen around taking up a roster spot?!?
March 29th, 2020 at 9:41 pm
It’s just very strange that this James Morgan guy is a QB I thought the Bucs would take a look at in the 3r or 4th round. He had played in a top level college football program before transferring to FIU and have all the skills for the NFL
March 30th, 2020 at 9:56 am
Ha- people clamoring for this guy because someone told them to. He should fix the Bucs and take us to the Super Bowl, LOL. F the guy that took a beating for 5 years here and threw for 19,000+ yards with over 100 TD’s, I want this guy to back up 43 year old Tom Brady. It is borderline criminal the way JW was treated by this fan base.