Jason Licht’s “Nice Stroke Of Genius”
July 4th, 2023
GM Jason Licht.
Since the beginning of last year, so much has been made of the Bucs being tapped out on the salary cap, Joe is confident Bucs fans have all become numb to it.
Joe has heard that about 800 times.
Looking at the very tight budget the Bucs are under this year until they clear up some dead cap space in 2024, analyst (humorist?) Adam Rank of NFL.com thinks Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht deserves a standing-O for re-signing players to give the Bucs a fighting chance in a lousy division.
Jason Licht has been one of the most well-respected GMs in the NFL. As I mentioned previously, I loved the savvy signing of [Ryan] Neal. It is worth pointing out the team did re-sign Jamel Dean, Anthony Nelson and Lavonte David. Keeping those players around for a potential rebuild was a pretty nice stroke of genius.
Joe thinks the signings of Greg Gaines and Ryan Neal were very much under the radar. Getting Jamel Dean back was a borderline steal given Licht’s tight budget. Re-signing war horse Lavonte David was icing on the cake.
Joe reads so much doom and gloom about the roster from the statheads directly pointing a finger at Baker Mayfield. If offensive coordinator Dave Canales can spread the same pixie dust on Mayfield that Seattle used on Geno Smith, Joe thinks the Bucs will surprise people this fall.
A big reason would be moves Licht swung to keep key players. And to add a few more.
July 4th, 2023 at 11:57 am
The only genius was signing Tom Brady, after Brady decided to come to Tampa. Now that Brady has left, GM, roster, and coaches will be exposed. Brady cover up many holes and made everyone look better than what they actually are.
July 4th, 2023 at 11:59 am
IF ONLY that PIXIE dust could be used on QB JL drafter to sit behind Brady and Gabby for a couple of years. While bringing in yet another failed #1 overall QB to back said QB JL had drafted… Now that would have been a real stroke of genius FOR SURE.
Wait, what…… DOPE!!!
July 4th, 2023 at 12:13 pm
I don’t understand why anyone thinks they needed a total rebuild after losing Brady. They’ve unloaded the aging deadweight and appear to have had a strong draft and strong UDFA class. You can win with this team if you get the running game going and get competent QB play.
July 4th, 2023 at 12:15 pm
Since our drafting is so spotty we have to play that game
July 4th, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Don’t forget the signing of Matt Feller….he will likely be a starting LG……..
July 4th, 2023 at 12:32 pm
The Bucs had $75M of dead cap space money this off season. That has to be an NFL record.
Licht has done a solid job at keeping our core players while adding a few needed components like Neal, Felier, Edmonds, Gains and Mayfield.
@ Destinjohnny
Licht has had a few misses in the draft but he has been above the NFL average draft success rate… If Goedeke, Hall and JTS can step up and become solid NFL players Licht will be in the upper tier.
July 4th, 2023 at 12:33 pm
He is doing the best he can under the situation.
July 4th, 2023 at 12:43 pm
He’s done a heck of a job building this roster on a shoestring budget; but the final grade will have to wait since it all depends on wins & losses.
July 4th, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Marine bucs
JTS is our best outside pass rusher…. To me that says a lot
July 4th, 2023 at 1:21 pm
I’m excited for this season.
Screw what the “experts” think.
July 4th, 2023 at 1:23 pm
“Dave Canales can spread the same pixie dust on Mayfield that Seattle used on Geno Smith, Joe thinks the Bucs will surprise people this fall.”
I’m sorry, Joe, but according to reports outside of the local media and fans, Canales had little to do with the Geno Smith thing.
So he’s got a lot to prove in my eyes. He’s a rookie OC. I’m not saying he can’t be great…in fact I really hope he is.
July 4th, 2023 at 1:50 pm
Funny how blind or stupid people are when it comes to Brady. Bruce Arians once said about Jameis Winston, “I can win with him, but I can win with other guys.” Brady was one of probably 10 other QBs we could/would have won the Super Bowl with if we had them in 2020. Brady was good. At times, great. He was excellent all the way up to the second half of the Green Bay game. He had just thrown the Miller TD before half but then came out like Winston in the 2nd half and chucked three interceptions. Everybody wants to talk about the throw to Miller and how it won the game. Nobody wants to talk about how we wouldn’t have needed it if Brady didn’t keep giving the call back to Green Bay’s offense.
And sure, not lots of turnovers for Brady last season but constant three and outs. He was awful. Smoke screen audibles and checkdowns before the play developed. He lost his nerve.
July 4th, 2023 at 1:51 pm
Admittedly wasn’t a big fan of JL in his initial GM years with the Bucs, but I do think that he’s done a very good job overall in these last 5 years or so. I tend to look at the Top-100 (first 3 Rounds) as the ‘movers & shakers’ on the team, but love being surprised by quality guys drafted in Rnds 4-7 (and UFAs) who stick beyond year 4 (just don’t seem to be very many of them).
Here’s who JL’s drafted in the past 5 years on defense & their position/round in the draft (9 players drafted in Top 100, totaling 2 DT, 2 OLB, 2 CB, 1 ILB, 2 S) …
o 2023 – DT Kancey (#19 – Rnd 1); OLB Diaby (#82 – Rnd 3)
o 2022 – DT Hall (#33 – Rnd 2)
o 2021 – OLB JTS (#32 – Rnd 1)
o 2020 – S Winfield (#45 – Rnd 2)
o 2019 – ILB White (#5 – Rnd 1); CB SMB (#39 – Rnd 2); CB Dean (#94 – Rnd 3); S Edwards (#99 – Rnd 3)
And here’s who JL’s drafted in the past 5 years on offense & their position/round in the draft (7 players drafted in Top 100, totaling 4 OL, 1 QB, 2 RB) …
o 2023 – OL Mauch (#48 – Rnd 2)
o 2022 – OL Goedeke (#57 – Rnd 2); RB White (#91 – Rnd 3)
o 2021 – QB Trask (#64 – Rnd 2); OL Hainsey (#95 – Rnd 3)
o 2020 – OL Wirfs (#13 – Rnd 1); RB Vaughn (#76 – Rnd 3)
o 2019 – None (all went to defense)
As I look at JL’s overall drafting strategy, it makes perfect sense. Our defense sucked after 2018, so it received the emphasis in 2019. After that, it’s been quite balanced (7 offense; 6 defense). We haven’t been picking very high (only in the Top-12 ONCE starting in the past 5 years), and I think we’ve done quite well based on that.
July 4th, 2023 at 1:53 pm
@ Destinjohnny
It’s not Jason Licht’s fault Shaq Barrett blew his achilles tendon. Finding successful pass rushers is always hit and miss and JTS was the last pick of the first round that draft. Nelson was a 4th round pick who is also developing fairly well.
I’m hopeful both Nelson and JTS will have solid seasons.
Most teams don’t have two All-Pro edge rushers.
Plus – due to the Bucs success in 2020 and 2021 – and winning the NFC South in 2022 their draft picks have all been late round picks. We didn’t even have a 1st round pick in 2022 and in 2021 we were picking dead last in every round…
All things to consider when evaluating our GM.
July 4th, 2023 at 1:53 pm
Bucs report 3 weeks from today. Awesome.
July 4th, 2023 at 2:05 pm
10-7
NFCS Champs x3
2nd Round Playoffs
July 4th, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Heres to pixie dust 🍸… I agree wholeheartedly… It’s a big if but why Not 💪✌️
July 4th, 2023 at 2:54 pm
It’s okay to be a fan mate
But this dudes drafting is crushing us
Missing on Hainsey,Luke, JTS, Logan Hall.
To name a few kept us out of making a run last year.
To point to Nelson as being a win?
In 10 years who are his d line wins?
One in vea who was drafted high but that’s it
10 drafts man.
This guys gets a player every third draft.
The free agent parade is over with TB being gone.
This guy will not be able to draft us back into contention.
July 4th, 2023 at 3:45 pm
It would be very useful if grading drafts would compare the same hits and misses with other GM’s. Evaluating JL in a vacuum is not valid. How do other GMs compare? I suspect he’s done a heck of a job!
July 4th, 2023 at 4:09 pm
Hey if you are happy with after 10 drafts jTS bring your best pick at outside
Then he is your guy
July 4th, 2023 at 5:11 pm
If Licht hadn’t built a good roster Brady would never have come here
July 4th, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Destininjohnny,
JTS was the ONLY outside rusher draft pick in the first 40 picks of ANY draft in the last 10 years as far as I know. Hall was an interior lineman. Stud DEs are nearly impossible to draft unless they are high picks of the 1st round. That’s why give Licht a lot of credit for signing Shaq & JPP. Heck, Shaq was an UNDRAFTED free agent that Denver took a chance on. That just goes to show you how unpredictable outside rusher prospects are in the NFL. Very few every make an impact.
Licht has had some decent draft picks, and probably higher than the average GM success in the NFL. Most draft picks don’t pan out. That’s the risk of the draft.
July 4th, 2023 at 6:55 pm
What ?
In 10 drafts you can’t get one ?
How do u defend that?
I bring this up as the free agents aren’t coming on the cheap
We are going to have to draft our players
Google each one of his drafts and you will see what the future holds.
One player every 3rd draft
July 4th, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Edge isn’t always a priority, especially with your 1st round pick (your best chance to get a decent one) when you have other priorities. It’s not that hard to understand.
Every 3rd draft? A lot of our best starters were from our drafts.
July 4th, 2023 at 7:08 pm
One defensive tackle who was a high pick
Again in 10 drafts man, that’s enough time to create a track record of lack of one
July 4th, 2023 at 7:10 pm
To reiterate… drafting DEs, like corners, are some of the hardest positions to draft. This is consistent across the NFL. Edge rushers outside the Top 10 picks often bust. This is just a reality.
Licht has had many misses for sure, but he’s also hit on a lot more amazing picks than most. Like Marpet, Cappa, etc.
July 4th, 2023 at 7:48 pm
Destinjohnny,
Anthony Nelson and Gholston were each 4th round picks that turned out pretty well. So it’s hardly only Vea.
July 4th, 2023 at 8:26 pm
It’s possible that kancey character just might go lights out at DE.
The speed, and the size, and that apparent motor all fit the tab.
Regardless of DT designation imo. I may be splitting hairs.
Serendipity
July 4th, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Johnny,
It’s easy to be a Monday morning GM. The draft is a bit of a CRAP shoot.
If you believe you are Destin to draft better than any GM in the NFL why don’t you do a mock draft for 2024 and enlighten Mr. Licht so he sees the light and follows along with your expert picks.
No offense meant and not to be CHEEKY here BUT I’m thinking the only good picks you have made recently are in your arse.
Happy 4th, enjoy a fifth on the 4th, but drink responsibly as your posts seem to indicate you already started drinking before noon today.
Cheers,
TB12
July 4th, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Signing ‘the Sandman’ Qb John Wolford was smart too. Don’t underestimate the importance of having someone as smart and familiar with the system in the Qb room and on the field to the other Qbs learning curve. Resigning the OL depth of Stinnie and Leverett was also huge. A great offseason with all things considered.
July 4th, 2023 at 8:47 pm
Man U can’t offer up Nelson and Vernon as a drafting job well done man.
So jTS, Logan Hall, Vita for his 50
Snaps and your main man Nelson is our
Line for next year……
July 4th, 2023 at 9:24 pm
If only Licht could work some genius @ head coach…
July 4th, 2023 at 10:25 pm
Destinjohnny. Idk if your sipping to much bourbon or vodka. Light has drafted studs bro. Mike evans future hall of fame. Vita vea Ali marpet wirfs Donny Windfield cappa whitehead dean Davis Godwin Dwhite smb all studs n all helped win a Super Bowl. Hall JTS still arnt busts yet there’s countless other players he’s drafted that have bin starters on other teams. He’s bin our best GM in franchise. Let’s not forget he signed Brady jpp suh Lenny gronk brown and others that helped bring us a Super Bowl. Has every draft pick worked out or FA signing no and it does t for any other GM as well. He also has a ring to show for his work that a lot of GMs don’t. I dont understand we’re all your hate is coming from. YOU deff could have pulled off even his worst draft picks or FA signings
July 4th, 2023 at 10:51 pm
Destinjohnny – I have done the math before but I don’t feel like doing it again but something like 60-70% of all JL draft picks are still in the NFL. Any player who gets multiple contracts I would consider a successful draft pick especially ones who get their second and third contracts with other teams.
The defensive line is a question mark right now but as others have pointed out we had Suh, JPP, and Shaq on the line. Defensive line wasn’t a top priority. We have some guys who are young and not top of the first round draft picks that we need to wait and see on.
Most players don’t make huge impacts in their first year even when a top draft pick.
JL has made some mistakes and he isn’t the top GM in the league but he is certainly one of the top GMs.
July 4th, 2023 at 11:30 pm
I really don’t understand why people think Canales is responsible for Geno Smith having a good half season. He’s the QB coach, he wasn’t calling plays, and he was demoted from the previous season when he was the passing game coordinator. Canales was also, what, the 11th offensive coordinator the Bucs targeted after everyone else turned them down? Since he’s been here, all the quotes I hear from him sound like they came out a book about things a coach should say to keep it positive, it’s so generic and uninteresting.
With that said, he isn’t going to have to do much to be an improvement over Leftwich, who was a complete idiot. But he’s also got dramatically less talent to work with, so even if he’s a lot better, the offense is almost certainly going to be worse.
I hope I’m wrong and I have to eat these words. Seriously, I really do, but the cloud of doom and gloom is everywhere. This guy, with his generic quotes for coaches handbook doesn’t inspire confidence, and that’s before you even consider the sideways offense it sounds like he wants to run.
BUT, even if it doesn’t sound like it above, I’m absolutely going to keep an open mind, and have to remind myself that the boring, non-productive offense we see in the preseason is the Bucs hiding the real offense until the regular season… Note to self – remember that…
July 5th, 2023 at 1:25 am
Can anyone here say what the roster this year would look like if Jason Licht and staff had not signed the players Joe mentioned? All with very little money to work with.
Disregarding the draft entirely. He has definately impressed me. Add in the draft and I am even more impressed. Of course we won’t know much about this draft untill way further down the line but I give Jason a ton of credit for giving us a roster that at least has a chance this season. And yes that does include bringing in Maybefield.
Go Bucs!
July 6th, 2023 at 5:49 am
I DEFINITELY AGREE JOE..JASON LIGHT IS A GENIUS WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING THE BEST PLAYERS, SIGNING THE BEST FA’S AT GREAT VALUE,UDFA’S AS WELL..SIGNING BAKER MAYFIELD WILL TURN OUT TO BE A GREAT THING FOR THIS FRANCHISE.,OTHERS WANTED HIM, BUT WE MUTUALLY CHOSE EACH OTHER ( THE PLAYER & THE TEAM ) BAKER’S FIRE WAS RESURRECTED LAST YEAR IN HIS STINT WITH THE RAMS ( IT REALLY SHOWED IN THAT THURSDAY NIGHT COMEBACK AGAINST THE RAIDERS, WHAT A HAPPY MAYFIELD IS CAPABLE OF ! ) HE HAS A GREAT MIX OF SAVVY VETERANS AROUND HIM, MIXED IN WITH YOUNG BUDDING TALENT JUST WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED ( ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL ! ) WE ARE TWO-TIME DEFENDING DIVISION CHAMPIONS & JUST BECAUSE TB12 RETIRED & WE LOST SOME OVERPRICED FA’S IN THE OF SEASON, WILL HAVE NO BEARING ON WHAT THIS YOUNGER,STRONGER,FASTER ROSTER WILL BE CAPABLE OF..DAVE CANALES WAS THE GREATEST HIRE OF THE OFF SEASON & HIS SCHEME OF OFFENSE IS GOING TO LEAD TO VICTORIES, ON THE GROUND, THROUGH THE AIR,SMART QUARTERBACK PLAY..THE DEFENSE UNDER TODD BOWLES & LARRY FOOTE AMONG OTHERS WILL BE TENACIOUS, BALL-HAWKING & CREATE MORE TURNOVERS TO SET THE OFFENSE UP IN GOOD FIELD POSITION THE MAJORITY OF THE SEASON !..I AM SO PROUD TO BE A BUCCANEERS FAN SINCE THE LATE ( CHEAP) HUGH CULVERHOUSE BOIUGHT THE TEAM..IT’S BECOME SUCH AN EXCITING & AMAZING RIDE FOR ME SINCE I WAS 16 YRS OLD ! ( I’M 63 NEXT MONTH ) LET’S GO BUC”S ! ! ! ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPER BOWL ! ! !