Just One Quick Fix
April 30th, 2022
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
They did alright.
The Bucs were in no position to shake up the 2022 NFL draft – and they didn’t. No big deal.
Expectations were muted for a 13-4 club well positioned for another championship run. The truth is this roster is loaded and Tampa Bay simply lacked the premium picks necessary for a significant upgrade.
On Thursday night, Jason Licht and his scouts looked at the available prospects at No. 27 and determined there was no one remaining with an obvious first-round grade. So the Bucs moved back a bit and grabbed Logan Hall, a hulking defensive lineman with versatility and a knack for production at the 3-technique.
Hall’s chances of seeing extensive playing time as a rookie will be enhanced significantly if Ndamukong Suh doesn’t return. After the first round concluded, Licht didn’t look or sound particularly optimistic about his chances of re-signing Suh.
As usual, it will come down to money. If the two sides aren’t far apart, it would be a mistake for the Bucs to say goodbye to a durable leader, still effective at the age of 35. If Todd Bowles has the deciding vote, it’s hard to believe he’s eager to move on from No. 93.
Rookie Bucs guard Luke Goedeke, a late second-round pick.
Luke Goedeke will surely compete at the left guard spot vacated by Ali Marpet’s stunning retirement, but he’ll probably have to wait his turn. He’s nasty and a mauler in the run game. That’s nice, yet Job 1 in this town is protecting Tom Brady and Goedeke is a rookie, raw and unpolished.
And while Tampa Bay’s offensive line coaches have a strong track record for developing talent, Aaron Stinnie boasts some pro experience against strong competition. Unless Goedeke clearly outplays Stinnie and second-year pro Robert Hainsey in training camp, it should be the veteran’s job to lose.
Rachaad White put up some interesting numbers at Arizona State both as a runner and a receiver. He’s a slasher who can catch, but he’s stuck behind Leonard Fournette and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. As a third-down back, he’d have to take snaps away from veteran Gio Bernard. Barring injury, he’s destined for limited playing time this fall.
Suh and Rob Gronkowski were both technically on the free-agent market when draft weekend began. The Bucs did select tight ends Cade Otton and Ko Kieft on Saturday. By waiting until the third day to address the position, Licht tacitly acknowledged there’s a likelihood Gronk is coming back for one more grab at the championship rope.
Fourth Down
There’s a decent chance that fourth-round pick Jake Camarda emerges as the most impactful rookie this fall. Yes, he’s a punter. Incumbent Bradley Pinion saw his production fall off last season, so the Bucs probably view Camarda as a cheaper replacement for a diminishing veteran.
“Joel, who are these guys?”
If this sounds like a ho-hum draft class, that should come as no surprise. Last year’s haul was no game-changer.
Joe Tryon started six games. Kyle Trask never saw the field. Robert Hainsey was limited to 31 snaps. Jaelon Darden hardly distinguished himself as a returner. K.J. Britt saw 28 snaps on defense. Chris Wilcox was waived before the season opener and Grant Stuard had 26 snaps, although he and Britt contributed on special teams.
Tryon was the only drafted player who earned a start.
This was never going to be a make-or-break draft class for this franchise. The roster is too solid — even if Suh and Gronkowski don’t return. Looking for an immediate contributor?
Try the punter.
Yes, that warranty includes USED vehicles!
Ira drives a 2020 Ford Escape (cherry red).
April 30th, 2022 at 9:04 pm
“If this sounds like a ho-hum draft class, that should come as no surprise. Last year’s haul was no game-changer.” Yep.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:05 pm
Of course, you are right Ira. The NFL Draft is set up for bad teams to get better, and we were anything but a Bad team last year.
Yes, the Punter will make a difference this year, but I am also looking for Rachaad White to take some snaps away from Gio Bernard. Rachaad has equally good hands, but is way faster, and way more dangerous, once he has the ball.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Until he earns it, White is back #4. But I feel, he will end up being back #2 or #1b by season end. Vaughn is great back-up but lacks the upside I saw of the tape of White. Besides, Brady once had a pass-catching back named White…once upon a time. I got a feeling about this guy.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:12 pm
And Ira, in 50+ years watching pro football, I never heard of a punter with 4.5 speed. I hope Licht had a smirk on his face drafting this guy, all the while thinking, “We gonna run a few fake punts this year.”
April 30th, 2022 at 9:20 pm
TLDR: Last 2 drafts were mediocre at best…not as easy when you’re not drafting in the top 10 picks.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:27 pm
I’m really happy with this draft. I think the CB is the sleeper pick. I think Goedke will win the starting guard job and this draft class will be very impactful. Kieft was another great pick, sorely needed for the run game. I don’t see Gio making the roster.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:28 pm
If Suh is a no-go, Will Gholston steps up, but do they still need veteran help? Logan Hall will make the rotation, by necessity, but he’s raw. They could look at Eddie Goldman, who could use a change of scenery. Was an anchor for the Bears, had one off season for a number of reasons,but he’s only 28.
They should also bring in one of the elite edge pass rushers still in free agency.
And consider Honey Badger or another safety.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:29 pm
Great draft today. The Bucs now have a guy to cover turnover at every position. I expect Suh & JPP to return to the team as well much later and much cheaper. Man we ready to get another one i tell you guys that. Hall, Goedke & along with JTS & Hainsey from last year as well are ready to come here and prove something as a young core. D. Smith is another one who will be looking to restructure soon too for the return of JPP & Suh. Mike Evans should be approaching lifer territory soon as well. Im stoke Go Buccaneers lets win every game next year.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:32 pm
I take issue with at least one point. I think White ascends to #2 RB almost immediately because he’s more capable as a receiver than Vaughn, and could be a special teamer. Does Vaughn do anything on special teams?
I agree Carmarda will probably be the most impactful initially… But if Suh doesn’t sign, Hall will be heavily involved in the DL rotation. If Gronk doesn’t come back, your top 2 TEs will be Brate and Otton… so Otton could have a significant impact early… McCollum could excel as a gunner early on, and with our brittle CBs he could be getting plenty of defensive snaps this year.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:50 pm
Sasquatch, if they don’t bring in additional starters by training camp, sure, some of these rookies will get some time. They’ll “contribute”, by necessity, play. But that is not the same as impact, towards a SB. Winning their matchups, making big plays vs. the top bad guys like the Rams.
Cyril Grayson made some plays. He also disappeared. Same with JTS. This is what you get with rookies. I don’t see any of this crop being exceptional right away, except maybe McCollum.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:55 pm
You know a lot more about what Licht & co are thinking, Ira, but I don’t agree. I think the biggest difference with this class and last year’s is that, while last year’s was more of a developmental class, this one is a depth class. Trask, for example, wasn’t going to start even if Brady went down. This class, however, is full of guys that will be next man up if there’s an injury. Otton, Hall (probably a starter anyway, or at least a rotational player), Goedeke and McCollum will all be playing if there are injuries. The same can’t be said of Grant Stuard, Trask or even Hainsey, for instance. So, to sum up. Last year was developmental. This year it’s depth.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:56 pm
Also, are we sure Goedeke won’t be penciled in as a starter almost? Hard to think they needed more depth or developmental prospects at IOL.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:57 pm
What I like about this class is that it works in the present and for the future. Hall, Goedeke, White, Otton and McCollum will all be contributors now and will be starting in two years.
April 30th, 2022 at 9:58 pm
I like this draft a lot. We got Will Gholston Jr and a nasty guard/tackle and 2 tight ends. That is called building the trenches. The big uglies impose their will. And all of them are nasty, versatile and productive. Another great haul Mr. Licht!
April 30th, 2022 at 10:29 pm
Assuming Suh and Gronk return: Besides the punter the rest are unlikely to see that much action early on. With the 17 game season there is an awful lot of football to play after all of the preseason work. Whoever is ready to contribute at the end of November and on into December can make the difference. Injuries will happen along the way of course. By January we will need everyone remaining to get to the mountain top and claim the peak in February.
This can only be a super exciting season overall. No one can predict what could happen that turns out wrenching or heartbreaking at various times. Only one team at a time can become champion for one year.
I love football.
Go Bucs!
April 30th, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Good teams have the luxury of drafting for the future, even when the future is now.
April 30th, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Speaking of punters….Glad to see we got a punter and we need to cut Pinion. He’s the worse punter in the Nfl
May 1st, 2022 at 12:44 am
NFL .COM grades the Bucs 2022 Draft: A
So much for all the “Scouting Experts” on this site whining & crying about our draft choices.
May 1st, 2022 at 12:48 am
I was not impressed with the Logan Hall pick, but the more I read on him, the more I see what the Bucs were thinking. The only ‘highlight’ tape I’ve seen isn’t very good at all, he doesn’t look very explosive or quick, he’s just overpowering much smaller guys in a way that would never happen in the NFL. However his RAS score is very good, and shows him having elite quickness and agility, at least when listed a DT – not sure how that holds up at DE, but it does mean he has the tools to work with for sure.
The guard seemed like a reach at the time, but then I start reading various sites, and he was considered a late-2nd or early 3rd rounder, so giving up a 6th to move up a few spots to secure it, seems like it was reasonable. Licht has a great record on offensive lineman, so I’ll just blindly trust in him on that.
Then Rachaad White has a crazy good RAS score, and watching his tape, he looks like he’s going to be a really good 3rd down back, and, if he can pass block, might end up being the natural pass catching back Brady has lacked since he’s been here. Could easily have a James White type of receiving line. Plus he has plenty of talent to grow into a full time runner.
Overall, the more I read on who the Bucs got, and think of how they use them, the more I like the class.
May 1st, 2022 at 12:52 am
BradyBucs – Yeah, this class didn’t really have any wow players in terms of names, and you have to dig into reading multiple scouting reports to really get a feel on them, but the more I read, the more solid it looks. Some of the picks that seemed like the Bucs overdrafted guys, doesn’t seem that way anymore.
Not that it matters since I’m just posting on a message board, but I am a 1854-time SB Champion in Madden in Franchise mode over the last 25 years or so.
May 1st, 2022 at 1:36 am
Hehe, Rod.
The reality is… NO ONE can predict whether college players will be successful in the pros. That’s why guys that live & breathe the Draft all year round, like Mel Kiper, McShay, etc. MISS A LOT of their prospect predictions.
I never buy this “He was projected as a 4th to 5th round guy and we reached by taking him in the 3rd stuff.” No one really knows what round a guy should go in. Some players go earlier, others go later.
Ultimately, it comes down to the team and how the team values that player’s draft value and WHERE they think they can get him. If they really like a guy and have to take him 20 picks higher than where ‘maybe’ that would have fallen to, that ultimately doesn’t matter if the player pans out.
May 1st, 2022 at 2:04 am
RodMunch, Logan Hall fit a need. He was one of the few DT pass rushers, has versatility to be moved around, and they got him at a reasonable spot. He didn’t just dominate smaller guys. He showed good hand fighting, small area quickness, good explosiveness. He’s very JTS-like in that he is raw, and out of control at times with no plan, and not enough technicals. That will unfortunately take time.
He’ll be, again like JTS as a rookie, thrown out there and he’ll be hit or miss.
Goedeke was a reach and not the best talent at that spot, but he also fits a need. Decent Marpet-like profile, but also needs work. Didn’t always dominate. Serious injury issues, out the previous season, and also hurt recently.
I am, as you guys in here know, completely against Rachaad, a stiff upright strider with limited lateral quickness, a bad habit of wasteful juking and getting taken down instead of efficiently going north-south. It’s all over his game film. No way was he the best back on the board. There were lower round guys who would have been way better. Pass catching? Sure, but Gio also does that, and there were dozens of backs in the draft who pass catch well. Rachaad was as much a political favor to Herm Edwards as anything else.
And Herm thinks he’s the next coming of Marcus Allen. What a joke.
He is definitely NOT James White, who was/is much quicker, shiftier, lower profile and more elusive, and just knows how to play. I really was hoping the real James White would have come to Tampa but no.
All I can say is, I hope Rachaad dramatically improves overnight, and develops suddenly shiftier hips and a lower pad level.
May 1st, 2022 at 2:20 am
Rod you are a legit hall of famer. Or at least a Guinness book of world record holder for most madden played.
If the regular season is anything like the off-season has been it’s going to be insane. Cho is spot on here with the depth comment, these guys seem more pro ready and better fits for our team thank last years crop. Bowles and his staff will polish these fellas up and they will be contributing soon with inevitable injuries in this longer season.
May 1st, 2022 at 3:26 am
The most consistently competitive teams build through the draft for the long term. If Brady is only back for one year, I’d like for us to be set up for success after that. Licht had a great draft imo
May 1st, 2022 at 4:06 am
I give it a solid A. We got Logan Hall who I had been calling for,,,,then addressed Oline, RB TE and P. Im pulling for the later round guys too….but we all know they go late for a reason. But Brate was undrafted so you just never really know.
May 1st, 2022 at 5:26 am
@Sage … ‘Expectations were muted for a 13-4 club well positioned for another championship run’.
GRRREAT analysis Ira … with the exception above. Bucs had several significant NEEDS going into the draft if we expect to contend for another SB title … (1) starting DT (to replace Suh), (2) rotational DT (to replace McLendon), (3) rotational starter quality DE/OLB (to replace JPP), (4) backup starter-quality ILB (to replace Minter), (5) backup CB (to replace Sherman/Desir/ Delaney), (6) rotational TE (to replace OJ), (7) rotational RB (to replace RoJo), (8) backup starter-quality OLineman (to replace Marpet), (9) Punter (to replace Pinion).
Since JTS is (hopefully) poised to move up to replace JPP as a starter, we only needed starters for 2 of those positions: DT & Punter (Pinion was a goner because of his salary AND performance). We got the punter, but we don’t have Suh’s replacement at DT (sorry, but Logan Hall is a DE who can sometimes play DT, not a DT who can sometimes play DE). We didn’t get Minter’s replacement (and hopefully LVD’s successor), but we actually got most of the other pieces. Still, I’m leery of just about all of them being able to step in this season if our starters go down. Depth COULD be our weakness again this year IF the injury bug strikes like it did in 2021.
JL may not have sounded ‘particularly optimistic about his chances of re-signing Suh’ but he’d better suck it up & figure out how to make it happen before the season starts. He really is that important to this defense IMO.
May 1st, 2022 at 6:43 am
The two moves I like the best were getting the extra picks…..using one to select a punter……fans scream…..”you could have gotten him in the 7th round” BS
Camarda is an elite punter with awesome hang-time & placement….he’s competed in huge SEC games and National Championships…..
And…..he immediately saved us almost $3mil.
The other was using next year’ 4th to come back in and get Zyon…..what an unbelievable athlete…..probably should have been a 3rd round pick (at least)…..watch this kid contribute this year.
May 1st, 2022 at 6:46 am
Some of you guys worry too much. The Bucs will be fine.
May 1st, 2022 at 9:19 am
I don’t necessarily dislike any of our picks, but I’m flabbergasted that we didn’t feel enough urgency to draft a corner within the first two rounds. Dean and SMB are not good. They can be and have the talent to be, but they are crazy inconsistent and most definitely injury prone. I’d feel a lot better going into the season if we added a vet like Bryce Callahan.
May 1st, 2022 at 9:23 am
Would you say last years draft was a D ?
May 1st, 2022 at 10:08 am
Rod Munch…. and then you started reading. Familiar theme. These guys were excellent choices BEFORE you started reading about them and would be good choices even if you never read about them. Bucs don’t need your low football IQ approval to make a selection.
May 1st, 2022 at 10:11 am
Buczilla…”Dean isn’t good”… your analysis is abysmal. Dean allowed 50 QB rating last season and 53.7% completions and ZERO TDs. Could you possibly know any less? He was our best CB and the team then went and broke the bank for Davis… what does that tell you?… other than you knowing ZERO.
May 1st, 2022 at 11:44 am
Brandon, it’s too easy and I feel like I’m takng advantage of someone who’m the gods unfortunatley decided to skimp on grey matter. I’d gladly refute your silly takes in every gosh darn Joebucs post, but since you’ve decided to be rude and can’t play nice without attempting to insult folks, I’ll just say that Dean has started a total of 23 out of a possible 42 games due to injury or coaches choice (I wrote a book just for you sweetie in another thread). You take that to the bank if it makes ya happy baby and I’ll keep b!tching about our mostly sorry corners. Peace. 😛
May 1st, 2022 at 12:43 pm
I agree with Ira. Bucs did alright. That about sums it up.
Got a rotational DT, someone to compete at G, and a third down RB. A 3rd TE and a punter. Not one obvious upgrade.
Meanwhile the Bills, drafting in a similar position got a starting CB in Elam and a gamechanger in James Cook.
May 1st, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Pathetic draft. I’d trade the hole lot for one impact player ie some who will score a touchdown or one that will stop one.
May 1st, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Brandon – No, I said I read MORE. I did read some scouting reports, and watched some highlights – again, I’m not a pro-scout, I’m not dedicating my life to it, I’m just a fan reacting to the picks in a comment section. If everyone just goes, ‘teams knows best I love it’, it would be a very boring comment section.
On Hall, his tape, what I’ve seen, is not impressive at all. BUT for all I know the tape I’ve seen was posted by a vast anti-Hall conspiracy meant to make people not think he’s impressive. Also some of the more mainstream sites had Hall much lower in the rankings, more like a 3rd rounder. However, when I read MORE about him, I can see what the Bucs like about him, and see others think the same thing. However, again, I haven’t seen that on the limited footage I’ve seen, he doesn’t look quick or explosive, but if he is, if the video I’ve seen was posted by morons that just choose random plays, then that could be why the video isn’t great.
Not that any of it matters since my opinion doesn’t mean squat. But talking sports, doing draft stuff, its fun for those of us that have grown up on this, and want a record, written down, of what we thought at the time – and what others thought. To me, that’s fun stuff.
May 1st, 2022 at 8:31 pm
Sage, look around at what some of the other NFC teams have done this offseason. Teams aren’t gonna roll over this year for us. The Saints D is still very formidable. They added a blazer to complement Thomas. They also have owned us. Oh, Matthieu is still a possible add for the Saints. The Packers D is very scary, and Rodgers is good enough to still make the Packers O formidable. Unlike us, the Packers Offense isn’t heavily dependent on WR talent. Their coach can scheme people open and they have a great running game. The Rams are still the team to beat. Plus we have no idea when Godwin will return. I don’t feel comfortable with the current group of WR depth. I feel like Lee has been the only one sounding this alarm. The RB we selected sucks at pass protection. He won’t see Brady’s huddle if he can’t pass block. Just ask Rojo. Our D is still average at best. If our offense struggles, can we lean own our D? I know the Packers, Saints, and Rams can. Please take the rose colored glasses off. Love you, Sage. Can’t wait for the podcast.
May 1st, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Some great points. I wasn’t thrilled about the draft but Ira gave it some perspective. Let’s goo Bucs
May 2nd, 2022 at 11:30 am
Cutting Bradley Pinion saves the Bucs 2.03 million…makes sense! Money to re-sign Suh or Gronk…LETS GO….