K.J. Britt = Takeo Spikes
May 6th, 2021
Yeah, Joe realizes Bucs fifth-round-pick inside linebacker K.J. Britt out of Auburn isn’t going to crack the defensive lineup quickly and he’s not so great in coverage.
But damn, Joe’s been studying Britt and has become a big fan.
Britt’s deep passion for football comes across so sincerely without the bravado Bucs fans have heard from former Buccaneers who loved football so much (allegedly).
Joe listened to Britt on the Everything Auburn podcast. And there the hard-hitter talked about how he could have entered the 2020 NFL Draft but returned because of his passion for Auburn football and to nail down his business administration degree with a focus on supply chain management.
Talking about his standout Senior Bowl showing after missing most of 2020 with a thumb injury, Britt explained that he’s been playing football since he was 4 years old and he puts no pressure on himself.
”I don’t overthink the game,” Britt said, explaining he plays out of love with complete focus. ”Your outcomes come through your actions.”
Britt said his pre-draft prep in Pensacola had a heavy focus on his football IQ as well as his Pro Day.
Podcast co-host Jason Campbell, the former NFL quarterback, praised Britt for his commanding leadership, compared him to former Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes and said his neck is ”like 30 inches wide.” Campbell was adamant that Britt is not ”just a football player” and his presence was missed immediately throughout Auburn football when he was injured last season.
Britt clarified that his muscular neck is actually 18 1/2 inches wide.
May 6th, 2021 at 5:40 pm
20 to 30 years ago he probably would have been a 2nd or 3rd round pick. But in a passing league this guy will be a liability if he ever has to see the field on defense and would instantly be targeted in and taken advantage of by offensive coordinators.
Lucky for us it won’t have to come to that because our Middle Linebackers will never come off the field.
Go Bucs! 20-0
May 6th, 2021 at 5:54 pm
Yeah but Devin White was also not great in coverage either until the postseason really. So, probably a good dude to help him out here.
May 6th, 2021 at 6:14 pm
Devin White also has top tier speed and was super young/ new to his position when we drafted him. He was originally recruited to LSU as a running back in 2016 so he only had 2 & a 1/2 years of experience playing linebacker fulltime.
So the reason why Devin White struggled in coverage was more so due to lack of experience not lack of ability. KJ Britt struggles in coverage because he isn’t fast and he has stiff hips so he also lacks great change of direction and short area quickness. But he’ll be a dog on special teams which is what we drafted him for.
May 6th, 2021 at 6:36 pm
All I want to know Is can he play football at a high level none of this is he super fast BS. Knowing our D.Cordinator he won’t be asked to cover much if any. To add to the fact that this is a 5th round pick that’s being compared to a former great is ridiculous.
May 6th, 2021 at 6:52 pm
I agree Buc em up but I like his swagger. He has great confidence. I do worry about his comment that he doesn’t like to over think football. Anyone on our defense will tell him the NFL is a thinking man’s game.his skills just need a bit of polish to come into line with being a good player in the league.
May 6th, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Lots of leadership and good decisions but is he gonna make us better? We already up to brim with good team guys that like the game like Devin White.
May 6th, 2021 at 7:38 pm
My understanding is he was best inside linebacker at senior bowl.
Also his 40 to e was marred by a hamstring injury and he was projected more to run 4.6.
Think he will be a good 2 down linebacker and if good instincts potential to be more.nvery good pick 5th round.
May 6th, 2021 at 8:04 pm
Willing to give this guy a chance.
I appreciate the deep dive Joe.
May 6th, 2021 at 8:19 pm
Think he will be a solid backup and better than his draft position.
May 6th, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Can he be an EDGE guy I wonder? He is one of my favorite picks from over the years just based on how he carries himself. I can see why he was/is THE MAN…
I want to see him play
May 6th, 2021 at 11:54 pm
I don’t know, when I saw the tape, and how incredibly bad he is in pass coverage, it makes it a real longshot. But he’s an end of the round 5th round pick – so that is basically a player who is a real longshot to even make the team. I’m more than open to being proven wrong, but if he makes the team, it’s going to be on special teams.
May 6th, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Canabuc – He doesn’t look 4.6 on the tape I’ve seen, he’s getting burned left and right on just about any pass. He ran a 4.74 I believe, and he looks slower than that to me, or at least plays the pass that way. However he does run downhill fast, meaning if he’s just a dedicated middle rusher he might be OK. Also 4.74 is fast enough to edge rush, but I personally see him more as a pure middle LB type, but again, I’m open to being proven wrong and would love for the Bucs to show me how stupid I am for questioning them.
May 7th, 2021 at 3:18 am
Kwon Alexander was phony from day 1. Got his pay day and decided to coast.
May 7th, 2021 at 8:40 am
18 1/2 in wide! Holy sh!* Where is that measured from the top of the shoulders or the base of the skull?
May 7th, 2021 at 11:53 am
Spikes neck always reminded me of a king Cobra 🐍
May 7th, 2021 at 11:54 am
Spikes neck always reminded me of a king Cobra 🐍
May 7th, 2021 at 12:13 pm
His neck is only 18.5 inches? Ugh, that is really embarrassing to me. The guy is 6′ 240 and you’re claiming he has a big neck. I’m 5’8 190 and have an 18.5″ neck… I’m literally neckless and I’m four inches shorter and 50 lbs lighter than the guy. This is why i always wear v-neck shirts. For the record, I do ZERO neck exercises.
PSL Bob,
Neck measurement is across the Adam’s Apple.
May 7th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
The guy was a force in college. Thankfully, we won’t need him to start anytime soon and he can contribute on ST while learning from some of the best.