A Double-edged Sword

May 2nd, 2020

Good and bad in pass game.

The Bucs addressed their Grand Canyon-like hole at running back in the draft by selecting Ke’Shawn Vaughn of Vanderbilt.

It is said he’s good at catching the ball so he should be on the field for passing downs. But, per Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, that’s also a bad thing.

In selecting the worst fits for each team among drafted rookies, Edwards named Vaughn. It has nothing to do with him catching the ball (or running the ball) but everything to do with pass protection.

RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In an ideal world, Tampa Bay would have landed a more consistent, better pass-protecting running back to pair with Brady. Vaughn is an explosive player that can contribute as a pass catcher but it is not an ideal fit. It is hard to chastise the Buccaneers too much considering the two best options, D’Andre Swift and Edwards-Helaire, were already off the board.

Now as of this writing Joe has yet to watch much video of Vanderbilt games for a look-see on this Vaughn. (To this day, when Joe hears someone mention Vanderbilt, Joe hears Sgt. O’Rourke of F-Troop fame in his head blurt out, “Vanderbilt!”)

So Joe consulted local draft guru Sean Sullivan, the general manager of Bill Currie Ford, Tampa’s first family of Ford. Sullivan told Joe that Vaughn sure does give 110 percent effort in blocking. He literally throws his body at pass rushers, Sullivan said.

So perhaps good coaching is all that is needed for Vaughn to get the hang of blocking?

If Vaughn happens to tear up the NFL this fall, nobody will be talking about his blocking, good or bad.

57 Responses to “A Double-edged Sword”

  1. SteveK Says:

    He survived Lovie, and went on to produce in the SEC. I’m all for giving the kid a chance, and hoping he is a pleasant surprise. He’s got to be better than a RoJo and Barber right?

  2. Tampabuscsbro Says:

    Why do people think ronald jones is really bad?

    If he was given more opportunities to pound the rock he would have hit 1000 yards rushing. right I mean he isn’t a top 5 back but he is servicable that would have hit 1000 yards if given the chance last year. It’s like a lot of people in here think he is the washed up muscle hamster. also I would like to bring up we had a right tackle last year THAT COULD NOT RUN BLOCK. If it wasn’t for Dotsons holding calls he may have hit 1000 rushing yards. Last year he had 1033 combined yards. with 4.2 yards per carry. That isn’t bad I am glad we got Vaughn but Rojo was a good servicable back.

  3. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Rojo is going to impress this year.

  4. Joe Says:

    Rojo is going to impress this year.

    With his wardrobe?

    Card tricks?

    New rims on his truck?

  5. SOEbuc Says:

    I really like Vaughn. He can block and with the addition of Wirfs it gave them a wider range of run blocking RB. He can bust em out out if you give him the opportunity.

  6. SOEbuc Says:

    *pass blocking RB

  7. BucEmUp Says:

    Nothing wrong with rojo

  8. Tampabuscsbro Says:

    Joe Rojo was servicable last year. If he got fed the rock more then barber we would have racked up more rushing yards at 4.2 YPC for rojo that’s solid. Also our right tackle last year could literally not run block yes good backs can break tackles but when your right tackle is getting beaten off the snap on almost every run play it makes the backs job incredibly hard no matter who it is.

    You pined for us to go get Eckler but stats wise he was close to Rojo. Yes Barber was awful as you said and we said we cannot understand why the coaches had the love affair with him.

    You can bury your head in the sand all you want about this but as your man Winston says “Check yo sheet”.

  9. Ata Says:

    Appreciate what the Joes do. I’ll see uncle Ira’s 1,100 for Rojo and raise you fellas 1,250 if he plays a full 16 this season

    Expectations/hopes are we will be running out the clock with the 4 minute offense instead of passing the ball playing catch up in the 4th quarter this season

  10. Tampabuscsbro Says:

    also don’t get me wrong I appreciate what the Joes do as much as anyone.

    It’s just a confusing read around here at times. One Joe is happy with a draft pick. The other is depressed.

  11. Canabuc Says:

    Vaughn was third in FBS at our blocking last year according to pff.
    Swift and Moss were the only 2 ranked higher.

  12. Bird Says:

    Joe

    I will take that bet on Rojo

    You dont think defenses didnt focus on stacking the box to mAke jameis win the game? Threw for 5000 which was a big deal to you
    I mean forget wins . Forget turnovers
    Almost same team

    Cant do that verses brady. Tou think a defense wants brady to beat them. Who cares if down the field isnt there
    He will check down for the first down . He will throw away of not there
    Weapons for winston are now weapons for brady

    Deal?

  13. The southest Buc Says:

    Jonathan Taylor also was taken before the bucs second round pick.
    I Understand that Safety was a need…i had it the third necessity.
    i would take Akers or Dobbins in the second round, and then try to grab a S in the third. Ashtin Davis was taken in the third round.
    Nobody will argue with the first round pick and the picks of the third day.
    A Hit in any round will be celebrated, but the judgement of the bucs 2020 draft class will depend of the production of Winfield and Vaughn.

    Go Bucs from Argentina!

  14. Buczilla Says:

    I’m hoping that this kid ends up being one of those running backs picked in the third round or later that kills it in his first year. Otherwise, we are stuck with the fabulous Rojo and the flying Ogunbowale who have proven to be average at best. Sign Devonta Freeman Licht!

  15. Tampabuscsbro Says:

    You guys realize Tristan Wirfs alone will make the running game better then any of the backs you are listing off right?

  16. The southest Buc Says:

    That is always in my head @buczilla. Lewis can come cheaply and already knows TB 12. Thompson already off board with the jags. Or it´s gonna be easier trade for fournette now?
    Wirf it´s gonna be fine and any back will look better now than previously. I would still draft Akers or Dobbins in the second.
    Too much pressure for Vaughn to produce now.

  17. BuucccNASTY Says:

    Lewis was already signed too. Thought that woulda been a nice cheap pickup before draft for security at the position…

  18. Jason Mclaurin Says:

    I think RoJo will step up this season. I also think Vaughn should either make 3rd string RB behind Dare early on until Vaughn’s size and vision at the position develops to pro level. I think Calais starts off on the practice squad or as a return man. Vaughn will be a credible 3rd RB early on and should be primed to take advantage in the event of injury. I love the depth we achieved during the draft for our RB group and we also have two valuable kick returner as well in Logan and Calais. Vaughn would ultimately be better on 3rd down because his pass blocking is an asset. Dare will be the change of pace back for RoJo until Vaughn comes around then Dare would be a serviceable backup for RoJo and Vaughn as a third down backup. 5 RB, 5 WR, 4 TE so far as the skill position depth is lining up. I think we go 8 OL in the end as well to go along with 3 QB to give us 25 quality players who will step on the field on offense and special teams. Offensive depth chart looks great so far.

  19. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    Zack Moss

  20. CalBucsFan Says:

    I would rather have seen Bucs trade back in to an earlier round, even if it meant trading a 2021 2nd or 3rd round pick, and get a premium RUNNING RB (such as Swift, Taylor or Dobbins).

    Nothing wrong with Vaughn, he might very well be a fine RB and I’m rooting for him to surprise us all, but aren’t Evans, Godwin, Gronk, Howard, Brate, and perhaps even Johnson in an empty set enough passing targets on any given down when a 3rd pass is needed to get a 1st down?

  21. Sport Says:

    Joe – do you not realize the massive impact JW had on the blocking results in Tampa. Defensive Coordinators figured him out and played to shut down the run. C’mon Man! Stack the box on 1st & 2nd (maybe even run blitz, see Rojo first year carries). Force JW to throw it. Chances are he’ll give it up. Which he did.

    What Oline exists that can run against a full box consistently?

    Brady’s defense reading abilities, quick and accurate throws will have an immediate impact on any RB and Oline. DC’s have gone from licking their chops to shaking n their boots.

    A smart, aggressive, balanced attack will lead to pronowls for our oline and more than respectable run game.

    In BA I Trust!

  22. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Speaking of double edge swords:

    So let’s say the Bucs took Dobbins or Akers at RB with their 2nd round pick instead of Winfield Jr- Then Joe would be writing about the lack of depth at Safety.

    Wirfs and Gronk will fix running game more than any back available would.

  23. Bucsfanman Says:

    If Rojo was as good as some think, there’s no way they would’ve kept him off the field. There’s something not right there.
    Yes, he did have moments. How the heck does he not beat out Barber though?!
    We’ll see about Vaughn. Nobody knows him so there’s all this doubt.
    I think we’re going to see a much improved run game overall.

  24. TDTB Says:

    I like Winfield but believe his height will be an issue. Would have preferred Akers/Dobbins/Dillon followed by Jeremy Chin (who would have required a trade up like Panthers did). I would have also preferred Winfield and Vaughn be followed by Perine for insurance.

  25. Defense Rules Says:

    @Jason Mclaurin … “5 RB, 5 WR, 4 TE so far as the skill position depth is lining up. I think we go 8 OL in the end as well to go along with 3 QB to give us 25 quality players who will step on the field on offense and special teams.”

    Interesting offensive structure Jason, but I can’t see the Bucs carrying 5 RBs. Last season we ran less than 38% (for some obvious reasons). Bucs aren’t a PREDOMINANTLY running team like some are (Ravens for starters?).

    Looked at the Pats & Brady over the past 5 years. They had an AVERAGE of 1069 plays per year. Bucs had 1086 plays last season, and AVERAGED 1052 plays over the past 5 years (similar numbers actually). With Brady at the helm they ran an AVERAGE of 42% of the time. I’d be very happy with us running 42% of the time in 2020, BUT … BA is still BA. He kinda prefers the pass (BA did have 1 year in Arizona when the Cards ran 43% of the time, but mostly he was 40% or less rushing in the other years).

    I think it’s more likely that the Bucs will keep 4 RBs, with one of those being a return man (TJ Logan would be my choice at this point, but you never know). Good chance IMO that BA will roll with RoJo, Dare & Vaughn, but an interesting RB might be cut and tempt BA.

    Also think the offense will keep 26 players this year, with 25 on defense, plus a K & P. I’m guessing the 26 on offense will be 3 QB, 4 RB, 6 WR, 4 TE & 9 OL. Can never have too many big uglies.

  26. Defense Rules Says:

    BTW Jason, IF the Bucs had run for 42% of the time last season (instead of 37.7%), they would’ve had 456 rushes (instead of only 409). We AVERAGED 3.72 yards/run in 2019, so 455 runs would’ve given us 1,693 yards running (instead of 1,521).

    But the EXTRA 172 rushing yards would’ve come at a cost. Those EXTRA 46 rushes would’ve meant 46 FEWER passing attempts, costing us about 354 passing yards … roughly twice as much as we would’ve gained by running instead. IOW, it’s not just about rushing more; it’s about rushing more EFFECTIVELY. The tradeoff can be worth it if it ends up in more TDs, more 1st downs, more TOP, etc. Or it could just be a waste of downs in a futile attempt to try to run more.

    The only really good rushing season we’ve had lately was in 2015. Bucs ran 44.7% of the time (455 rushes) for 2,162 rushing yards. We AVERAGED 4.75 yards/run, a full yard MORE than we averaged last season. THAT’S where you make your money in the running game IMO. That’s the same # of rushes as in that hypothetical scenario for this year (455), but resulted in 469 MORE yards rushing (2162 vs 1693). And that would MORE than compensate for the loss of passing yardage due to running more & passing less.

    Big question in my mind is whether or not our RBs & OLine could produce those kinds of results running more. Only time will tell.

  27. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    OK….I’ll say it again……Rojo at 4.2 at 15 carries per game is 1008 yards….

    They simply didn’t hand him the ball….

    Using our 2 4th round picks cost us a better choice at RB…..

    We got Vaughn……the other option at the time would have been Moss….

    They liked Vaughn better……END OF STORY!!!

  28. Gofortheface30 Says:

    “With his wardrobe, new rims.” That’s…hilarious. And, yeah. I’ll just say I agree. He’s a talented runner, but let’s just say he’s the opposite of a Brady guy. His latest post on IG is super cringe. He’s also only, what, 21,22. Most people his age are annoying morons anyway. They can’t all be down to earth godly men like Chris Godwin. In any case Vaughn’s demeanor seems to be the opposite of Rojo as he has a bit more dog in him. About the same age but temperament is more of a hard dude, I’m betting that’s exactly why the Bucs took him.

    As an aside Cam Akers would’ve been preferred but in terms of value – Winfield is/was a no brainer. First round talent, could be an all-pro safety if healthy. Running back position isn’t what it was and the Bucs are a passing team on top of that. This is why Licht was annoyed by the dumb question. Winfield was the easy choice

  29. Joeypoppems Says:

    Graham Barfield of Fantasypoints sais Keyshawn Vaughn was 3rd in the class in “pass protection execution rate” at 85%. Only behind Swift (90%) and Moss (88%). Now I would be lying if I said I knew exactly what that meant, but it has to be a good thing right? Lol.

    As far as the actual run game goes, there are a few reasons we should naturally have more success than last year…

    – Upgrade, in terms of efficeincy, at QB
    – Upgrade in run blocking at RT with Wirfs
    – Addition of Gronk with his blocking ability

    Whether it is Vaughn as the main guy or Rojo, there should be an improvement based on the surrounding talent.

    Then you can even factor in hypotheticals that can happen. Maybe Cappa takes a step firward in year 2? Maybe Rojo takes another step forward in year 3? Maybe Vaughn is the guy this year that proves the “always wait on a RB” principle to be true?

    There are reasons to be excited about the run game, even if they didnt add the RB you want them to.

  30. Formerly Tampa 2 Says:

    Coulda woulda shoulda! No matter who Licht picked, in any round, and someone isn’t going to like the pick. At minimum, that someone had someone better in mind. How about some reality to judge Winston’s offense last year. Sport was correct;”do you not realize the massive impact JW had on the blocking results in Tampa. Defensive Coordinators figured him out and played to shut down the run. C’mon Man! Stack the box on 1st & 2nd (maybe even run blitz, see Rojo first year carries). Force JW to throw it. Chances are he’ll give it up. Which he did.”

  31. AwShbucs Says:

    From the few cut ups of game tape I watched. Pass protection is one of Vaughns better qualties…

  32. Bucs20 Says:

    Enough with the pass catching running backs. You know why Brady always threw to running backs because he’s had crummy receivers for a long time. No deep threat since moss and a slot/possession receiver in Edelman.

  33. Gettinthebucs Says:

    I know safety was a need but they really should have taken cam Akers. He’s going to kill it with the Rams this year. Winfield better be a baller if not the Licht Show will definitely be over.

  34. Matt Says:

    I’m going to stop commenting in here because our fans are so informed and aware of reality that I’m just repeating everyone’s posts.

    If Rojo stays healthy he’s a fringe Pro Bowler. Remember we rarely even ran to the right side of the line because of Dotson. Do you guys realize how dynamic we’ll be with Gronk AND Wirfs in there? Rojo bulked up to close to 230 and he still has his agility and top gear. I can’t count how many times he was one block away from busting a big one. I already said 1250 on draft day when we drafted Wirfs, the more I think about it, I’m going to say 1350 and an invitation to the Pro Bowl from the Tom Brady effect. That alone means a cheap 25-35 yards a game extra just from Brady putting us in running plays versus favorable fronts. There aren’t many safeties who can bring ROJO down in the open field, I expect him to make some highlight plays. Just how many 15 yarders does he break for 45 or 50 yards? That’s the difference bw 1100 and 1350 or more. Our screen game is going to be lethal with these athletic lineman. I think the 1600 apy is realistic.

    Vaughn holds on to the ball and goes north and south, he moves the chains and doesn’t jeopardize the game. I’ll take that over someone who fumbles 6x a year any day because turnovers are number 1 stat that determines winning and losing.

    I think this is more about fans not realizing how ferocious AWJr is. He’s a heat-sinking missile. Watch how quickly he recognizes plays and route concepts. If our pash rush gets rolling early in the season then by about week 3 you will start seeing AWJr get his hands on more and more balls and don’t be shocked if he gets 4-5ints his rookie year. If Todd Bowles really wants a certain DB then you let him have him, I trust his developmental skills with DBs. We have 3 Pro Bowl ceiling guys in our secondary now with Dean (knee/injury issues lowered his draft grade), SMB (he was very raw) and now AWJr (his height and injury concerns pushed him down). If they all maxout potential we have a top 5 secondary. We may have to matchup Davis with those tall quick TEs like Evan Ingram or Travis Kelci like Belichick did with Aquino Talib.

  35. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Rojo 4.2 at 15 yards per game is 1008 yards.

    Just simply don’t understand the disparaging comments on Rojo.

    Giving up both of our 4th round picks cost us a better choice at RB

    We chose Vaughn instead of Moss……liked him better obviously….

  36. K2 Says:

    Well said Matt!

    Big key is Vaughn holds on to the ball….1 fumble in 4 years. Last year, he was the only playmaker on his team and still did ok. He will be much better than expected.

  37. Matt Says:

    Nice analytics there Defense Rules, that extra yard per rush gives us a much higher probability of getting a 1st down on 3 consecutive runs! This is huge for a playaction game. Also factor in how poor Jameis was at changing up the snap cadence and how many times we started 1st and 15 from a stupid penalty. I expect at least 2-3 favorable penalties a game. The predictability of a 1st and 15 play versus a 1st and 5 play is a world of difference. These type of scenarios really skew the probability of a big play and overall winning in our favor considerably.

  38. geno711 Says:

    I know some of the proposals of the NFL CBA take effect this year. I thought roster size from 53 to 55 was one.

    From an article below it seems that you cut to 53 but essentially get 55 on your team?

    The game-day active roster will increase from 46 to 48 players (although one of the extra players must be an offensive lineman, which will give teams more flexibility to have three extra linemen). Practice squads will expand from 10 players to 12 in 2020 and 2021 and to 14 starting in 2022. Practice-squad salaries also are going up — the minimum salary is $8,000 per week in the current CBA, and it will rise to $11,500 by 2022 — and those players will be eligible for 401(k) and tuition assistance benefits.

    TWO PRACTICE-SQUAD PLAYERS per week may be elevated to the team’s roster, meaning game-week roster sizes could effectively increase from 53 to 55. And a player elevated from the practice squad to the 55-man roster could be sent back to the practice squad two times without having to clear waivers.
    The changes will give teams more flexibility in managing their rosters and, if utilized fully, will offer more opportunity for practice-squad players to earn active-roster salaries.

  39. Gofortheface30 Says:

    Getinthebucs- I like Cam Akers too. But dude you cannot objectively say he is a better football player than Winfield. Not only was safety more of a need, but they got a better football player. We are grossly over valuing running backs. Why would anyone want to run 40 times a game when we have gronk and oj splitting the seams? Godwin, Evans. Someone is always gnna be open. It’s illogical. We don’t need Barry Sanders, we just need a few dependable players that knows their role. Only one football.

  40. Hodad Says:

    Very few RB’s coming out of college are good pass blockers. No why? College programs don’t rely on their backs to block as much as the NFL does. Few exceptions, like CEH who played in a more pro style offense. None of these players are finished products coming in. The NFL is a different game. I’m sure Vauhn will be fine at blocking as he learns his craft for the next level. All rookies, at every position need time, and coaching to become NFL players.

  41. ©MadMax Says:

    I went back and reviewed some film. He def has the love of blocking in him, which is important. Rojo just doesnt have that. Now if Vaughn can grow into his running and pass catching at the nfl level, we may have just gotten a steal in the draft. He was def off my radar. But he’s a Buc now so I hope he tears it up and turns into our best RB. no dis to Rojo, but he def needs competition.

  42. Jeagan1999 Says:

    I hope Vaughn has a hell of a year!

    But I can’t get it out of my mind that JK Dobbins, the most explosive runner in college football, a guy who shattered the 2,000 yds rushing in a season ceiling…was sitting right there in our laps…and we picked a short Safety/Nickel Corner instead, and then Vaughn (a guy who a lot of experts had a 5th or6th Round grade on) instead.

    If Dobbins goes on to have a ROTY type season, and Vaughn struggles, Licht may have a hard time defending his reasoning on this one.

  43. Defense Rules Says:

    Matt … Nice analytics yourself on RoJo, Vaugn & AWJr. The things I’m looking for in the running game this year are (1) better run blocking at the point of attack; (2) better blocking at the second level; (3) considerably more ‘explosive plays’ than we had last year; and (4) a better run-pass BALANCE (42% – 58% would suit me just fine, although I’d rather see 45% – 55% IF our run game gets on-track).

    I’m with you on AWJr, but I’m still wary of rookies in the Secondary, especially for the first half-season (see SMB & Dean & Edwards?) My hunch is that TB will use Winfield a lot initially in Nickel or Dime situations, but that Edwards or Adams will start at Safety opposite Whitehead (at least for the first 8 games or so). The competition for starting positions back there should be intense this year. Hallelujah !!!

  44. TheBradyBunch Says:

    I love all the contact Joe puts out but man they do have some hangups with certain players. After year one I was ready to give up on Rojo. However, he turned the corner last year and looked like a solid RB. He had a lot of big runs they were brought back due holding calls too. Joe acts like there was no 2019 season and bashes Rojo constantly. Maybe he ticked him off in an interview or something. Rojo part of a 1-2 punch at RB is very serviceable. I am also surprised that Joe can watch Vaughn’s tape and not be at least somewhat impressed. Speaking of focusing on one year, has anyone looked up his 2018 numbers? He averaged 7.2 yards per carry. If he had come out after his 2018 campaign he probably would have been a second round pick. I think this guy will be better than most of you think.

  45. Greg Says:

    @tampabucsbro, one of life’s little enjoyment is coming on Joebucsfan and not knowing which bipolar Joe wrote which article until you read them all!

  46. Marine Buc Says:

    If Rojo stays healthy he will have a solid season. Vaughn is a better version of P. Barber…

  47. Phil Says:

    Well we could have had Cam Akers in the second round to fix our running back problem. I doubt that Winfield will have as much of an impact as Akers would have. And then with that third round pick we could have gotten Jacob Eason and been set up for the future.

  48. Gofortheface30 Says:

    Lol Phil Phil Phil. Literally no draftnik or GM, had Akers as a better player than Winfield, but some random fan named Phil still would have taken Akers. Thanks Phil, extremely glad you’re not the architect of a football team

  49. WestChap Says:

    On paper Brady, Wirfs and Gronk should make a huge difference in the run game… if any of RoJo returning to his USC form, Cappa making another step forward or OJ learning a bit from Gronk happens, watch out!

    Vaughn is a “cherry on top” given the above. If we’re still gnashing our teeth in December over not having Dalvin Cook I’ll eat my shoes. This offense should be unstoppable… can’t wait to see it on the field (from an appropriate social distance).

  50. Pok Says:

    Just to say – Sport nailed the commentary.

  51. Raging Brisket Says:

    Oline was the biggest problem with our run game, not the backs. Wirfs alone should improve things on the ground but let’s not pretend that the running backs are the main problem here. I know it’s sinful around these parts to point fingers at the sacred cow of an oline but it’s true.

  52. Raging Brisket Says:

    And by who’s estimation exactly is car salesman Sullivan a draft guru? Asking for a friend

  53. MarineBucsFan Says:

    I’m okay with the way the draft went, I just wish we would have signed (not too late) a veteran RB to compete with this young group. Dion Lewis would have been a perfect fit.

  54. Craig Says:

    Three good run blocking O-linemen (Marpet, Cappa and Wirfs) will be able to make almost anyone look like a pro-bowl RB.

    Just Cappa made RoJo look good for the last couple of games. RoJo is fine as long as the line gives him enough of a hole.

    The one that most interests me is Calais. A little guy hiding behind the O-line can make some really neat things happen.

    All that I know about Vaughn is that he surprised the SEC by making yards all by himself. That is impressive.

  55. sincethebeginning Says:

    Vaughn is Peyton Barber 2.0, but apparently with a harder edge. Will that matter though?

    He’s noted for his 110% effort, just like Barber, average or needs improvement at everything he does, just like Barber. I hope I’m wrong, I sincerely do, but this pick looks like just a guy. Just like Barber did.

    Would love to be wrong about him, though!!

    It’s a dead horse at this point, but I’ll swing at it anyway — we need to add a proven vet with something to prove who would be a good locker room fit, too. Who’ll sign a cap friendly deal, of course.

    Not Fournette! Is Devonta Freeman still available?

  56. catcard202 Says:

    Like I said on Day2, I’d have taken Lynn Bowden in the 3rd over Vaughn….But he was still a value there & hard to argue the pick too much.

    (Have seen more than 1 NFL talking head give him a Jamaal Charles comp.)

  57. ItzOK Says:

    If this kid can Pass Pro he won’t play itz Simple