Quick Thoughts On Jason Licht Press Conference
April 13th, 2023
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Joe is pumping out some quick thoughts from One Buc Palace on Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht’s pre-draft press conference.
Joe remembered traffic will be a total nightmare with tonight’s Taylor Swift concert at The Licht House so Joe is in a hurry.
* Licht did briefly discuss the Devin White trade demand. Licht did not go into detail but said he looks forward to White balling out for the Bucs this season. Licht confessed he cannot predict if White may sit out the season. Licht reiterated he has “no intention” of trading White.
* There are several talented pass rushers in the draft, per Licht, that he and his staff like but don’t necessarily have a lot of sacks. Licht said when scouting pass rushers, you have to look at the entire play, not just the result.
* Joe asked Licht what he would consider a good rookie season for a pass rusher. Licht replied, a player that “helps us win games.”
* Licht loves how tight end Cade Otton played his rookie season but that wouldn’t (and won’t) prevent Licht from taking a tight end. This year’s draft is loaded with quality tight ends, the most Licht said he has seen in years.
* Licht was asked about the status of center Ryan Jensen and outside linebacker Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett. He said they are “right where they should be” health-wise. He did not elaborate.
* Licht said he likes the Kevin Coster movie “Draft Day” and there are similarities between the movie and his draft war room on draft nights. But very few.
*For offensive linemen who Licht had “fun” watching tape of, he said his hit rate has been good in the draft.
* The past few days, Licht has had meetings with Bucs assistant coaches. He added new offensive coordinator Dave Canales has been very involved in draft prep.
* Licht said it has been in the back of his mind to draft an inside linebacker early in past drafts and he nearly pulled the trigger. Licht said he realizes life after David is right around the corner.
April 13th, 2023 at 1:53 pm
Kickers must be a lot of fun to watch!
April 13th, 2023 at 2:18 pm
Trade Bowels. It’s been done.
April 13th, 2023 at 2:37 pm
* Licht was asked about the status of center Ryan Jensen and outside linebacker Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett. He said they are “right where they should be” health-wise. He did not elaborate.
Thanks for the update, Joe.
I seem to be the only one on your site every bit as much or more worried about Ryan Jensen than Shaq Barrett.
I am seriously concerned that Jensen will not be available the whole season or will even get reinjured before the season starts.
April 13th, 2023 at 2:53 pm
If the right trade offer comes in for White you know the Bucs will pull the trigger. Licht and the Bucs can’t be happy about Devin Whites demands to be traded no matter what they say publicly. Here’s hoping they get the right offer and get his behind out of Tampa.
April 13th, 2023 at 2:58 pm
It’s going to be an interesting draft. Come on, Jason. Do that voodoo that you do so well.
April 13th, 2023 at 3:40 pm
Cooler heads prevail.
People on this thread would have traded devin white for a 7th round pick 100 times already.
Really?
You cant make this stuff up.
April 13th, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Licht said he likes the Kevin Coster movie “Draft Day”
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I finally watched that horses— movie last year and it’s 100% cringe. Literally gave me the d-chills. I will say it is a fun watch, in that if you really hype it as being an amazing movie, and talk about how great it is, and then convince someone else to watch it with you, it’s hilarious to see them get uncomfortable as you pretend it’s the most meaningful thing you’ve ever seen.
April 13th, 2023 at 3:45 pm
Biggest need on offense is a QB.
If Hooker is still on the board at 19 I am hoping they go there. If he is gone then an offensive tackle has got to be the pick.
April 13th, 2023 at 3:47 pm
As far as Costner movies go, I prefer “For The Love Of The Game”
April 13th, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Ocala
How’s any QB gonna do without a LT?
April 13th, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Licht loves how tight end Cade Otton played his rookie season but that wouldn’t (and won’t) prevent Licht from taking a tight end.
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You need three TEs – generally you want a pass catcher, and a dedicated blocker, and that would be Otton and Ko, then, as the third guy, you want someone in the middle that can play either role depending on injuries. Yes, all the simpletons will say Gronk could do everything – Gronk is a 1st ballot HOFer, you’re not going to just find one of those guys every year.
Otton showed plenty as a pass catcher and was OK at pass blocking, and for a rookie TE did really well since TE is perhaps the hardest position to learn in football.
But as for drafting another TE high, it seems like drafting a RB, it’s a pure luxury pick. The offensive and defensive line, QB, pass rusher, LB, safety, third corner, WR depth, all of those are much much bigger needs than another TE. And TE is a much bigger need than RB.
April 13th, 2023 at 5:56 pm
Trade Todd Bowels to any team looking to tank in 2023.
April 13th, 2023 at 7:03 pm
THAT’S RUDE
I can’t believe Licht didn’t tell you who they were targeting in each round. Now we have to keep looking at mocks for the next two weeks. Really inconsiderate.
April 13th, 2023 at 10:33 pm
ocala Says
“Biggest need on offense is a QB.”
While you are right that we need a QB…no QB will succeed without a quality offensive line to protect him…and we need that first.
Yes, QB is our biggest need…not not our most important priority, if that makes sense.
April 13th, 2023 at 10:34 pm
I want a fullback/halfback at some point.
April 14th, 2023 at 12:52 am
Buccaneer Bonzai – You can lineman come in and play in year 1, and be really good. Generally speaking, QBs take a while to develop, that’s why you want to draft them before you need them. That was, afterall, the idea with Trask. But Trask is looking like a bust, so you might as well get your next lottery ticket in rotation.
April 14th, 2023 at 2:58 am
Rod
Ideally you always want to keep a tight end on the field so you dont telegraph run plays. Thus you want that guy to be a good blocker and a good pass catcher like…Gronk. I love Otten but he has not yet developed the blocking to be a dependable three down TE. My hope is he does, but… Every team in the league is always looking for that guy. 🙂
April 14th, 2023 at 3:34 pm
Draft day was a really good movie. But when talking about Kevin Costner, I prefer Dances with wolves.
April 14th, 2023 at 8:07 pm
If white is traded during the draft, look for the Patriots among those interested. Licht and the the Patriots have a history and they have the draft capital. 3 3rds and an equal amount of 4th rounders. How about that ‘draft day’ haul 😂
Patriots have about 12 mil in cap space and could restructure judon to create more space.