Not Sweating The Edge
April 13th, 2021
Hmmm, the Bucs could have invested millions into signing a backup edge rusher behind Jason Pierre-Paul and Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett. But instead they signed a running back for a healthy stable of talented backs.
Don’t get confused; Joe loves the Giovani Bernard signing. It is interesting, however, that the Bucs are looking to pile on what was a dominant offense over the last eight games of the season, rather than fortify a pass rush that doesn’t have as much depth.
Is that a blessing for Anthony Nelson, the now third-year man seen in the photo above? Is there more love at One Buc Palace for Cam Gill than is commonly known? Is it a hint the Bucs will draft an edge rusher in Rounds 1 or 2, and plan to get that guy meaningful reps if he’s up for it?
Joe just finds it intriguing that the Bucs’ first major offseason move on the open market was at running back rather than along their defensive front.
And as Joe wrote earlier, is there still a valid offer on the table for Antonio Brown?
April 13th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
I think people need to watch the film when Nelson comes in the game. He gets constant pressure, holds the edge, and good in run support. Vs LV he got pressure on back to back plays the 2nd leading to him hitting the QB, leading to David’s INT. His name isn’t the “sexiest” but He’s a solid backup – and I think has the tools to take over as a full time starter when its time.
April 13th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Hard to call a weakness on this team
Returner?
Receiving running back?
Returner has been devalued with touchback rule
Gio took out other weakness
If AB signs , then bucs can add best players available while focusing on the trenches. Got to add some depth there.
Good to be a buc fan right now.
Going for 2
April 13th, 2021 at 1:39 pm
The signing just tells me the bucs will sign an edge rusher in the first two rounds. It makes the most sense. JPP is in his last year of his contract, and even though he said he wants to play three more seasons will the bucs be able to afford him in 2022 and beyond?
Also edge rusher is the wise investment since it is a weak DL class.
April 13th, 2021 at 1:40 pm
I think the writing is on the wall that the Bucs will draft a few Defensive linemen in the up coming draft.
April 13th, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Cam Gil has juice. He can rush the passer.
April 13th, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Can see edge and DL early in this draft; we are long in the tooth with JPP and Suh
April 13th, 2021 at 1:59 pm
It seems like every year, more QBs are being taking in the top 15 followed by OL. It used to be only a few OL got draft in the first round, now it seems like there is 6-8 each year. With a strong QB, OL and WR class this year, I think there will be a decent chance in getting a terrific DL in the late first round.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:00 pm
I think they select defensive pieces in the first few rounds. Offense is stacked. Not going to complain if they pick up another LB, some edge rushers, and maybe another secondary player. These types will have a chance to contribute on defense if needed AND play special teams. I agree that a kick returner would be nice, but its an overvalued position.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:09 pm
look for a hybrid LB/DE in the 1st followed by a WR or QB. I think AB is as good as gone. I wish him well. They could easily sign him now with restrictions if e messes up anytime after the signing, but they clearly have other thoughts.
Best wishes to AB and THAK YOU for waking our WR’s the f up and being there every time your number was called. Head case or not he got us to and was a big part in winning the SB. Mad props. Hope he gets paid and gets his life back.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:19 pm
I think this gives us a clue of what the Bucs will do in the draft. Remember when Coach Arians said the Bucs are looking for speed in the draft, especially on defense?
April 13th, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Christian Barmore or Levi Onwuzrichi (yeah I know I misspelled it). Bucs take a DL to replace Suh next year.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Hopefully, that Penn State Pass Rusher falls to us at 32 !
April 13th, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Sign FA’s that fit your offensive scheme and draft defense. I don’t know who was a free agent along the D line, other than Watt, that was worth signing. Teams don’t usually let quality D linemen walk.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:28 pm
We’re drafting an edge rusher somewhere in the first 3 rounds. I’d be shocked if we didn’t.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:30 pm
We should be able to score quality DL, LB depth early and pick up DB, and OL depth along the way…fortifying the roster with an eye to the future.
April 13th, 2021 at 2:44 pm
With this pick up I really think if Tampa keep the 32nd pick they’ll be drafting either edge rusher or interior lineman. As long as they don’t trade way back I still think it’ll be one of those picks. And don’t be surprised if they spend a lot of their picks on D this year.
April 13th, 2021 at 3:04 pm
I think we could get lucky. Folks are mocking more Qb’s than expected which would push a lot of other talented players down to us. Depending on how the draft plays out we could end up with a great edge prospect on day 1 or 2.
April 13th, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Have any of you watched Louie Tee’s draft prospect analysis? I watched some of his edge rusher videos today.
April 13th, 2021 at 3:10 pm
We are STACKED!!! I wouldn’t be mad at CB, Edge, DL, at #32. However, I’d be ecstatic if we can trade back and finesse a 2022 2nd rd pick out of some bad team. All assuming we sign A.B.
April 13th, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Only so many spots on the 53-man roster can go to offensive skill positions.
Joe, I don’t see us inactivating Rojo, Fournette, or Bernard, so which skill player are you cutting to make room for AB?… Tyler Johnson? Tanner Hudson?
April 13th, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Easily Tanner Hudson.
April 13th, 2021 at 3:43 pm
For the pro Barmore crowd…After hearing what Warren Sapp had to say, after hearing Sean Sullivan say this guy takes GAMES off in COLLEGE, after hearing he jumps offsides on 4th and short…He sounds like the next Swaggy Baker.
April 13th, 2021 at 4:34 pm
@Joe (Apr 12th) … “The future is now so “development” shouldn’t even cross anyone’s mind with the Bucs this spring. Draft guys you think can make an impact now, not in 2024.”
@Joe (Apr 13th) … “It is interesting, however, that the Bucs are looking to pile on what was a dominant offense over the last eight games of the season, rather than fortify a pass rush that doesn’t have as much depth.”
Obviously there’s a big difference between signing a FA & drafting rooks, but the common denominator above seems to be the issue of DEPTH. Not real sure how the two relate right now Joe. Are you inferring that we should’ve signed a DE/OLB FA for depth instead of Bernard the RB for depth?
I like the Bernard signing (assuming that it didn’t cost us much that is). I think it give Brady a reliable ‘safety valve’ and frees us up in the draft to focus almost exclusively depth on DEFENSE (which we sorely need IMO). I wouldn’t be at all surprised now to see our first 4 picks be DT, DE/OLB, plus LB & DB. Any picks after the first 4 rnds who even see the field in year 1 are gravy in my book anyways.
April 13th, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Do we trade lower draft pics in rounds 5,6, 7,7 to move up in earlier rounds to get better players? We only have so many slots open even for rookies
April 13th, 2021 at 6:28 pm
Good pass rushers cost a LOT more than above average running backs. Likely hope they can get line depth thru the draft
April 13th, 2021 at 6:49 pm
With such a successful offseason, this is the biggest storyline for me at this draft. We lacked depth a year ago here, and maybe we dodged that by staying healthy for the most part, but expiring contracts along the D-line next year should be addressed this draft.
April 13th, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Tanner Hudson makes Patrick Hape look like Travis Kelce. Somehow he has stuck around…
April 13th, 2021 at 7:02 pm
If there is a pass rusher available I am sure they will draft one. If you listen to Licht and Arians their comments were offensive and defensive line and adding more speed on defense. They have to find some guys to play special teams to replace Auclair and Smith. The signing of Bernard makes perfect sense. Arians does not like taking running backs in first round and I don’t think you see one now until late in the draft if at all. They needed a reliable 3’rd down receiving back. They aren’t perfect but you really can’t argue with the last few draft classes. It seems like they are dialed in to what they need to do.
April 13th, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Nelson is getting better. Antonio Brown may get worse. We can draft talent or wait until after the draft to do so on the DL and OL. I like the way this offseason is progressing.
April 13th, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Price may also be a factor. EDGE is not the cheapest position to fill. Even for quality proven backups.
You do get the sense that EDGE is our biggest need going into the draft. But I dont think that will force us into only that position. If a great CB prospect falls, for example, i think the Bucs pounce. Figure out passrusher later.
Keep in the back of your mind that we could find a vetern passrusher sitting at home and sitting out OTAs waiting for the right team(a legit contender) to come calling…….happens all the time that older vets will wait til midseason yo join a team in need.
April 13th, 2021 at 9:34 pm
Adding a 3rd down back who RELIABLY catches passes and pass protects better than ROJO and Lenny was an inevitability. A NECESSITY in order for the Bucs offense to improve in 2021.
Vaughn is unproven and our 2 feature running backs are not good enough pass catchers.
‘Simple as that” – as the simpleton would say…..