Nolan Smith And The Bucs
March 23rd, 2023
Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith.
Joe has a hunch at some point during the first two days of the draft the Bucs will draft an edge rusher.
Joe doesn’t believe that Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett will be his normal self coming off a blown Achilles at 30, certainly for the 2023 season. That’s a very bad situation.
And then there is Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who had the same paltry production in his second season as he had in his rookie season (four sacks). JTS is now on his third position coach in as many seasons. If he’s going to stick with the Bucs, this season is the time to demonstrate it.
So with the aforementioned context fully in mind, Joe asked Bucs coach Todd Bowles in his season-ending press conference if an outside linebacker would be a focus in the offseason.
Bowles confessed the defense needs more sacks from that position. Here, here!
So Joe found it interesting that a guy who (in his final mock each season) is one of the more accurate draft mockers going, Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis, believes Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht will select Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith.
This seems like a cool pick. Maybe the best defender on the back-to-back national champs, Smith is supposed to be a tremendous team guy and unselfish. Cool.
What’s not cool is that he is undersized. And while he might have success against children in college, what happens when he faces 350-pound men in the NFL?
Besides, per McCrystal’s recent mock, Smith is the fourth edge rusher to come off the board if the Bucs select him at No. 19. For Joe, that’s usually poor value getting the fourth-best player at his position at No. 19 (McCrystal has three offensive tackles off his board by the 16th pick.)
Better to go get a player at another position of need of greater value, like a safety.
Joe wouldn’t cry if the Bucs drafted Smith, but his size (6-2, 238) spooks Joe.
After putting up a 4.44 with a 41.5” vert, Nolan Smith highlights to the Jaws theme feels appropriate pic.twitter.com/1rsdR32mHk
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) March 2, 2023
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Trenches trenches trenches.
Trenches.
Trench, many.
Trench. Plural.
JTS running around the coup without a head must stop.
But Bloweszo hasn’t a clue how to teach him, so enjoy watching the chaotic mess that is JTS in his 3rd season.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:15 pm
PLEASE!!! If Nolan Smith isnt gone their will be several there to choose from. We need someone who can generate pressure
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:21 pm
That’s a might smallish for a first round edge rusher.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Tristan Wirfs was the “fourth best” tackle in the 2020 draft. I’d take that again.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:24 pm
If Nolan Smith is there we need to take him as he has heart and will work to be the best he can!! If he is not there take a tackle and finish building the o-line.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:25 pm
I like Van Ness. Hopefully he’s still around at 19
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:25 pm
No we can do way better at 19
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:27 pm
Nolan Smith might be the poster boy for great college player, not so much NFL player. When he regularly faces against much bigger and stronger offensive linemen, it’s going to be very challenging for him. That’s not to say he won’t figure it out, because maybe he will. But I think it’s going to be a very tough adjustment, and he might end up a situational guy or backup in his NFL career. I would rather take Felix Anudike-Uzomah in the 2nd round, although there is a good chance he is gone by 50. Brian Branch if he is at 19, take him! If not, trade down…
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:30 pm
He also wasn’t undersized. 🙂
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:35 pm
He’s just meh.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:48 pm
Oline first round. Edge second round. Smiths size, scares me as well, Joe.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:50 pm
Just a reminder to Joe(s) that Derrick Brooks was “under-sized” coming out of FSU
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:52 pm
Almost every mock I’ve seen has us taking a RT in order to move Wirfs to LT.
March 23rd, 2023 at 2:59 pm
After Tyron and Hall the last two years I take edge/defensive end third or fourth round apparently Licht doesn’t know squat about those positions lets stick to offensive tackle in the first round and safety in the second. ie Wirfs/Winfield.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:04 pm
I also want a true return MAN. Someone who eats glass as a snack, probably should be in an institute, crazy haircut, future 30 for 30, savage, that isn’t afraid of getting hit. Not a 160 pound 19 year old speedster.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:06 pm
Finally something about the TRENCHES!!
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Yes, he is undersized, but to your seoerate point of not taking the 4th best player at their position at pick #19….I’d sure take take Wirfs again. So disagree on that logic automatically dismissing him. That’s silly. Completely agree on the undersized concerns though. That’s my concern with him. Otherwise, I really like the pick hypothetically.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:10 pm
I am just glad the Bucs are not picking 1 or 2 I am not sold on Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. Young would not weigh in at pro day today did not work out at the combine buyer beware
CJ Stroud was inconsistent this past season. Hooker will probably be the best quarterback in the draft. This year one and two picks could end up being a Winston/Mariota draft all over again.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Richard Dickson … ‘Almost every mock I’ve seen has us taking a RT in order to move Wirfs to LT.’
Bucs MIGHT have a decent chance to draft a bonafide LEFT Tackle with our #19 pick (you never know what might fall into your lap). Heck, Donovan Smith was a 2nd Rnd pick, #34 overall. Folks can badmouth him if they want, but he only missed 2 games in his first 7 years, and gave us very close to 100% snaps. And in his 8 years with us, Donovan allowed 35 sacks against the toughest competitors you can typically face on the OLine, for an average of less than 4.5 per season. Not all that shabby IMO for a 2nd Rnd pick.
Before we go moving Tristan all over the place, let’s make sure we explore all other alternatives.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:12 pm
Looks to be same size as Shaq ????
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:21 pm
Amen!
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:22 pm
No way light takes online in 1st he was one himself knows the position well and will hit in 2nd or 3rd like he has multiple times already.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:22 pm
Due to the Trask Suppression Conspiracy, Licht will draft a quarterback with every pick. Just to make sure he stays locked up like Rapunzel in the One Buc Tower.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:26 pm
WE NEED “AUSTIN ECKLER” IN OUR BACKFIELD (ZEKE WOULD BE A DISGRACE) “DeANDRE HOPKINS” AS ANOTHER VETERAN WR…USE FUTURE PICKS,CAP MANIPULATION, WHATEVER IT TAKES TO AQUIRE THESE 2 VETS…USE THIS YEARS DRAFT PICKS FOR STARTING SAFETY, LT,RT,GUARD, WHATEVER THE CASES MAY BE..DEFINITELY NEED TALL, LONG-ARMED PLAYERS AT ALL POSITIONS POSSIBLE..WITH SPEED & POWER AT ALL POSITIONS..BALLHAWKS : VIA STRIPS OR INT’S…
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:32 pm
Tough call here. If Wright is there at OT I would certainly take him. But Smith is a baller at DE also. I’m satisfied with either. I just think we need to fortify our O line for years to come.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:33 pm
Would be a risky pick and I am not in favor of it!
The sack production is not there and the injury history is not good.
They should get a guy with two seasons of sack production.
Foskey is great pass rusher and can hold the edge and would be a great pick!
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Lee Roy Selmon barely weighed 195 and put weights in his clothing at the 1st yearly weigh in , but he was pretty good because he was lightning fast and had the heart of a lion. Measurables are only a part of the overall equation.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:44 pm
If you look at Bowles draft history you’ll see he’s fond of first round safties. You look at the Bucs, they need a safety, and a slot corner. Enter Brian Branch you’re first round pick of the 2023 draft. Smart, can play the slot, doesn’t miss tackles, a big problem last year, and was schooled by Saban.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:44 pm
This kid is an expl0sive rusher. One of the things the Bucs need badly. He’s my first choice, if he lasts to pick 19. If not, then maybe an OT.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:51 pm
His size might make him better as an inside backer, possibly a replacement for Devin White (trade him).
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:51 pm
Smith is classic look line Tarzan Play Like Jane. Not Productive in College small chance he’s productive in the NFL we would get exposed on the edges if we had both Smith and JTS.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Smith’s official 40 time at the Combine was 4.39, crazy fast.
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:53 pm
I am all about the trenches!
On offense, a good line can make a decent qb look good with more time OR a bad line can make a great qb look pedestrian running for his life…
On defense, a great rush can frazzle the best of qbs OR lack of pressure can make the least qb torch the defense…
March 23rd, 2023 at 3:58 pm
BUCS NEED A NEW OL
Everything else is secondary in order to have success over the next few years. Licht needs to nail the OL picks in this draft. I’d like to see 3xOL selections.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:04 pm
R.O.: Have you seen seen his tape? Smith most definitely doesn’t play like Jane.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:06 pm
We need to draft the best available player and not draft for need. Unless the two intersect, we make that same mistake every draft and miss out on future HOFers.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:08 pm
wirfs was the 4th tackle taken in the draft. would have been a mistake not to take the “4th best” at the position
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:14 pm
Would love Nolan Smith or OT. I hope 5-6 picks are OL/DL/Edge guys. Bucs are not going anywhere without a solid OL and a pass rush… dont care who the QB is. JL needs to fix both sides of the LOS. And its gonna take more than one draft.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:16 pm
Oh man he’s lighter than Noah Spence
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:17 pm
Trenches.
Trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches trenches.
Trenches.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:18 pm
And linebackers.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:33 pm
#1 priority for the Bucs must be the pass rush. This defense will get rolled without one.
March 23rd, 2023 at 4:38 pm
It’s so hard to project edge rushers since so many of them look great in college, have amazing measurables, then never do anything in the NFL.
Who knows.
But I do know it’s a lot easier to find an edge rusher in the first round as opposed to the 2nd round. Meanwhile you can still find a lot of really good offensive lineman and corners in the 2nd round.
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:07 pm
Trenches, pass rush. The question is whether Licht and Bowles will get it right. They haven’t in a couple of seasons.
They need to stockpile. Shaq will be diminished. JTS is a bust.
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:08 pm
Didn’t we bring in the LB coach from Dallas? Micah Parsons is listed at 6’3″ 245lbs and this kid is coming in at 6’2″ 238lbs that’s not a GIGANTIC difference. If we get him could he possibly play the same type role all over the field as Parsons? Just a thought.
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:16 pm
He seems like another Noah Spence…uhmmm, no.
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Prickly Pete’s mocking OT Darnell Wright to us at 19.
I like that imaginary draft pick better
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:43 pm
“his size (6-2, 238) spooks Joe.”
Smith is 1″ shorter and 1 lb heavier than Lawrence Taylor…. just sayin….
March 23rd, 2023 at 6:11 pm
Iamabuc Says:
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:16 pm
He seems like another Noah Spence…uhmmm, no
^^^^^^^
Spence ran a 4.80, not 4.39 like this kid.
March 23rd, 2023 at 6:12 pm
I think goat farmer wants the bucs to invest in the trenches
March 23rd, 2023 at 6:59 pm
This has Noah Spence written all over it. Hard pass for me.
March 23rd, 2023 at 7:09 pm
Draft = crapshoot!
March 23rd, 2023 at 7:18 pm
6’2” 238. Hmm….. unless he was a sack machine size and speed looks more like a replacement for LVD.
March 23rd, 2023 at 7:53 pm
I love the Nolan Smith pick. I understand your point with value and 4th best player at a position, but depending on the position and the year, it’s not necessary an issue. Safety is truly a position you can find a starter in the 4th or 5th round. I don’t see the value in a safety in the first round. If you get an outside pass rusher in the 3rd or 4th round, your getting a role player. Give me the first round pass rusher.
March 23rd, 2023 at 7:56 pm
Add 10 lbs of muscle in camp.
March 23rd, 2023 at 9:29 pm
Pickgrin Says:
March 23rd, 2023 at 5:43 pm
You may have noticed there’s a size difference in players since Taylor retired 30 years ago. Most of your 3-4 OLBs tasked with rushing the passer and stuffing the run are 250+, probably most over 260.
March 23rd, 2023 at 9:35 pm
Have any of you even considered Tyree Wilson 6-6, 271 out of Texas Tech? He is certainly big enough and might just replace either JTS or Shaq next year.
March 23rd, 2023 at 9:47 pm
Possibly a top-five pick.
March 23rd, 2023 at 11:02 pm
Hamilcar Rashed & Charles Snowden are really interesting players to get a look at once camps starts, especially Rashed cause he’s a nasty MFer and I like the swag he plays with. Idk if the organization sees taking an OLB in the first round as a higher priority than OT, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we hold out on adding another OLB until day 2/3. Considering having spent a 1st on JTS, paying Nelly, and expecting Shaq to eventually bounce back and reabsorb his snaps front office might see getting a starting tackle as more of a need than drafting a rotational player on day 1.
March 23rd, 2023 at 11:13 pm
Interesting… I thought the exact same thing yesterday, while (driving down “Gulf-To-Bay” and) thinking about what the Bucs ‘Defense’ will potentially ‘look-like’ for next season. Now, IDK 💯 4sure on Nolan Smith right now, but I did say (to myself), that we really need to consider drafting a (DE/OLB) ‘pass-rusher’ (even trading up if we can get who we want) with our 1st-Round Pick – If not, then it needs to be OL (again, ‘trading-up’ if/when necessary)… Quality over Quantity at this point, especially at those two positions.
March 23rd, 2023 at 11:49 pm
sasquatch Says:
“Most of your 3-4 OLBs tasked with rushing the passer and stuffing the run are 250+, probably most over 260.”
And how many of those 260 lb Edge rushers run a 4.4 – 40? None is the answer. I bet LT was in that range…..
Nolan Smith is a major playmaker in the back field but can also occasionally drop back in coverage and run step for step with any receiver….
And what makes you think he wouldn’t put on at least 10 lbs once he gets into the NFL – getting right up to that 250 # you seem to think is important?
March 24th, 2023 at 3:40 am
I like it
March 24th, 2023 at 5:12 am
Sorry, but we already have enough undersized underperforming projects on defense!
March 24th, 2023 at 8:24 am
No thanks. Way too small. Will get eaten alive with the big boys.
March 24th, 2023 at 9:44 am
Why do we think an edge has to be big? Micah Parson entered the draft at
6/3 235 pounds. Nolan Smith 6/2 and the same weight (235lbs).i wish we had him even though he is too small lol. Go look at how many great edge rushers that are that size who are great. Smith will probably put on another 10 lbs. of solid good weight. I know one thing for sure. SPEED kills and you can’t teach that!
March 24th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
You can’t teach size.
And we’ve already tried the undersized DE/OLB a few times with no success… (though to be fair to Noah Spence, he was actually showing a lot before his injury and re-injury of his shoulder)