Bucs Sniffing A Wide Receiver?
March 18th, 2024
FSU receiver Keon Coleman visits Tampa Bay.
So the first week of free agency is over. There is no way around it: Gotta start looking to the draft.
Oh, Joe loves the draft. What this Joe detests is the bane of Western civilization: Mock drafts!
Joe used to love mock drafts when they meant something. Now, these damn things are beyond a nuisance. They have become a pox upon our republic. Everybody has a mock draft. Actually, everyone seems to have a new mock draft daily.
Mock drafts went from reliable research and hustle from people well-connected with the NFL to the internet equivalent of internet used toilet paper. As a result, these damn things have really dragged down Joe’s excitement for the draft. More years of this and draft season will approach worthless preseason games on this Joe’s hate meter.
Thank goodness NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell is still working. He doesn’t do mock drafts or, at least, he doesn’t change a mock more than he changes underwear.
Wanna do a mock? Then do just one — stick to your guns. Dudes who have multiple mock drafts either don’t have solid intel or they are trolls. Maybe both.
Official visits have begun, meaning teams bring in players for interviews at the team facility. Per Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Bucs recently hosted Florida State receiver Keon Coleman.
Joe doesn’t know how much stock to put in visits. Are they elaborate bluffs? Are they legitimate? Or are teams pulling an Al Davis and trying to get inside a player’s head for when they have to gameplan against them down the road? Or are teams grilling a player about a teammate or an opponent?
The idea of drafting Coleman is intriguing. Chris Godwin is entering the final year of his three-year pact. Are the Bucs looking to add Godwin’s potential successor? Many mockers consider Coleman a late first-round pick.
After transferring in from Michigan State, Coleman was a damn good receiver for Florida State last year (50 catches, 11 touchdowns, 658 yards) but Joe thought he should have been dominating week in and week out. There seemed to be times when Coleman would vanish. Maybe Joe’s standard is too high?
Cosell recently broke down Coleman and let’s just say Cosell isn’t overwhelmed. He likes a lot but doesn’t believe Coleman uses his physical skills effectively and wonders about his top-line speed. Among other things, Cosell didn’t think Coleman was an elite receiver in traffic.
Here, per The 33rd Team, are Cosell’s main drawbacks on Coleman:
* Must be more consistent making tough contested catches, Must be a strength of his game give size and length
* Hands need to be more consistent making touch catches, Didn’t hold on to enough balls versus good coverage
* Body control not what it needed to be given size and the fact that contested catches must be part of his game
* More measured and methodical in his overall movement, Not sudden or explosive; Lacks true vertical speed
If catching the ball in traffic is an issue, Coleman would be a big step down from Godwin, who is excellent at it.
March 18th, 2024 at 6:25 am
if we stay put and troy franklin (oregon) is there at #26……..you might just want to grab him up
March 18th, 2024 at 6:43 am
Bucs are drafting Powers-Johnson or an EDGE in round one period.
March 18th, 2024 at 6:48 am
Colemans’ girl refused to go social media and complain for him , that is why a few less catches than what he should have had.
March 18th, 2024 at 6:54 am
Thats dumb to say A Bucs Fan.
What if Turner, Verse, Latu and Robinson as well as Barton and JPJ are GONE.
NOBODY, knows WHO will be AVAILABLE. Troy Franklin is FAST, but looks like a wet noodle. So does Xavier Worthy. Both might be available in round 2 actually. If the edge and O Line prospects are GONE, don’t reach and take a CB instead. Our HOPE is that there is a rush on CB and WR so an edge falls, but not likely.
March 18th, 2024 at 6:57 am
@BillyBucco- don’t shoot the messenger. It was leaked yesterday that the Bucs want to draft powers-Johnson and they are even willing to trade up for him.
Either a heavy smoke screen or someone screwed up at OBP.
March 18th, 2024 at 7:02 am
yeah but don’t forget, licht is also planning his wild card o-lineman move now, for the second 3rd round pick or the 4th rounder…
#InLichtWeTrust
#MidDraftSteals
March 18th, 2024 at 7:02 am
Coen’s offense uses more three reveiver sets. We’re going to draft receiver, O line first two picks. Maybe even a QB if the right one falls. This draft doesn’t have a can’t miss edge rusher, especially picking at 26. People are calling for Chop Robinson from Penn St. The kid had 6 sacks in three years! There just isn’t a difference maker at edge, but there’s some real good receivers, and two can’t miss O lineman. Bucs need to go strength of the draft.
March 18th, 2024 at 7:05 am
i say one o-lineman in the first or second…a center
then licht will do his sleeper lineman, middle of the draft, at our second 3rd rounder or 4th rounder…a guard
March 18th, 2024 at 7:13 am
So Joe – how do you feel about mock drafts?
March 18th, 2024 at 7:19 am
Was he watching a different guy?? Each point and Coleman was one of the better WRs in football doing that
March 18th, 2024 at 7:25 am
LOL
Spend all our coin on WR and QB before the season….spend the draft on WR
And then call 1st and up the gut all day.
F ing clown show
March 18th, 2024 at 7:44 am
C or DL in 1st round.
We don’t need a WR in rounds 1 or 2.
Wasn’t Godwin a 3rd rounder?
March 18th, 2024 at 7:47 am
No thanks… we need a explosive WR , we are chock full of chain movers
I am not sold on Palmer and hope the new OC will realize the best YACer in the WR room is Devin Thompkins and create ways to get him the ball on the move.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:00 am
The 3 most important positions in football are QB, left tackle, and edge rush. We have our QB and left tackle, so I would go best available edge rusher with the first pick, or trade down.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:04 am
Ricky Pearsall, same size and speed as Godwin, and believe it or not, he is quicker with better hands !
March 18th, 2024 at 8:09 am
Edge, G and C on days 1-2. Also power RB or WR in 3rd rd. I prefer RB. I would also love the Bucs to look for a true #1 TE, but I doubt that will occur because I believe the Bucs want to see what they have in Durham. Same with ILB as the Bucs want to see more of Britt and Russell — though they could draft one in the 3rd or 4th or maybe a CB.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:22 am
@BillyBucco if all of the players you mentioned are gone, the Bucs could still go Edge with Robinson from Missouri or Trice from Wash. Otherwise, May need to look at trading back. I think Barton or Chop Robinson will be there at 26.
I like JPJ, but I think he goes 19-24. Rams, Steelers, Fins and Cowboys all need a Center. They all have other needs but I would be surprised if one of them doesn’t take him before the Bucs are on the clock. Licht has only traded up for Wirst (one slot). Given the Bucs needs, I don’t see it. Zach Frazier and Van Pran are still there and very good Centers and could be drafted later.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:29 am
We have what I consider 4 premium picks. If we trade back, we might have 5 in the first 3 rounds. If a quality player we NEED falls, they probably use the pick, but when Licht mentioned there is good value throughout, I think trading back makes the most sense. When looking at the top 275 players, there is really good value late. People get hung up on first round picks IMO. I doubt any LEAK is viable with a month to go before FA. If you signal what you WANT before FA, you run the risk of a team jumping you to grab a player. This team SEEMS desperate for an Edge Rusher, so I think they add someone before the draft. We have so many upgrade needs taking BPA is what you want. Any order it doesn’t matter. LG/C, Edge, CB, WR, TE, RB. That is 6 positions and we currently have 4 premium picks. I think a TE in the 4th and a bruiser RB can be had in later rounds. That leaves CB, LG/C, Edge and WR in the first 4. Just my thoughts, but FOCUSING on any 1 player is a trade UP and loss of draft picks. Not what this team NEEDS TO DO.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:32 am
How about this theory…since the Bucs are assumed by some to perhaps be interested in taking a flyer on a late round QB to develop into a 2 or maybe even eventually the 1, what if this is a fact finding mission on Coleman’s very own QB, Jordan Travis? He seems to be a day 3 prospect or perhaps an UDFA. He does have that MOXIE that the team seems to have recently fallen in love with.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:35 am
our 1st round should be the best available center, trade down if need be… statistically the big guys pan out more so than any other group…
March 18th, 2024 at 8:37 am
Baker will play at a high level until he is 50. No QB needed in this year’s draft!
March 18th, 2024 at 8:43 am
Hadn’t thought of that, but love the thought of taking Jordan Travis in 6th or 7th rd.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:45 am
I doubt JPJ will be there at 26. Rams, Steelers, Fins and Cowboys all need a Center and pick 19-24. I’m pretty sure he goes in that range.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:48 am
JPJ or Latu at 26
March 18th, 2024 at 8:59 am
I like the mock drafts only to learn the names of the prospects. I can’t get into college football 100% because of all the idiotic rules they have and we complain about NFL officials being bad, college refs are ten times worse.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:19 am
RE-SIGN Bucs receiver David moore!! He’s better than any potential college player available. Human Highlight Reel in the few touches he got last year. He’s already the Bucs third receiver like Russell Gage was supposed to be. In limited minutes he was clutch great hands, reliable, great moves, helped us shock and defeat Green Bay, great motor! I have no idea why he’s not talked about at all as a free agent priority!! And played special teams, great contributor, could even return kickoffs and punts. Sign him!!!!
March 18th, 2024 at 9:28 am
The worst thing in mock drafts is when they predict a “trade!”. Most trades are unpredictable, and so it is just fluff and fake excitement and actually destroys the integrity of every potential pick after, if one even cares at that point.
As for the Bucs first round pick, right now if they don’t draft an edge rusher, it is a grade F.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:32 am
Never seen so many draft experts assembled in one place and all are saying different things. Bet Licht and Bowles are so confused since you experts are not agreeing.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:46 am
We definitely need another wr in this years draft but not with our first pick, especially on Coleman. A lot of so called Bucs fans complain about Evans dropping passes and wanted to let him go, well this kid has quite a few drops in his college career and don’t think is worth a first round pick. This class is too deep with wr’s we can get a solid one in round 3 if we want. Pass on Coleman
March 18th, 2024 at 10:18 am
Isn’t a center one of the most important he gets the ball to the qb and is the first line of defense for him
March 18th, 2024 at 10:21 am
No to Colemen. I don’t think his production and performance at the combine warrants his selection as the 26th pick. We have other more pressing needs. I also wouldn’t stretch to take a pass rusher at this pick either. Maybe Licht can use one of our extra 3rd round pick to move up in the draft, or maybe he’ll trade down and pick up more draft capital.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:23 am
i say if bo nixxx is there at #26 you take the mofo
March 18th, 2024 at 10:27 am
mel kiper is adamant that bo nixxx is not a first round quarterback…
if people still listen to mel, then bo just might be there at 26
March 18th, 2024 at 10:44 am
If I had to take a guess –
1st rnd – OLB/Edge
2nd rnd – IOL
3rd rnd – WR
3rd rnd – RB
4th rnd – ILB
6th rnd – DB
7th rnd – DB
As always it really depends on who is available when the Bucs pick.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:52 am
“the Bucs are assumed by some to perhaps be interested in taking a flyer on a late round QB to develop”…….really
March 18th, 2024 at 10:54 am
adam from ny Says:
March 18th, 2024 at 10:23 am
i say if bo nixxx is there at #26 you take the mofo
Is everyone from NY as ignorant as you
March 18th, 2024 at 10:59 am
Marine Buc … The bottom line to me is always ‘it really depends on who is available when the Bucs pick’ just like you said.
I always look at the Top-3 round picks as being the most likely to contribute rookie year. Agree with you on the 1st (OLB/Edge) and 2nd (IOLine) picks, but I’d much rather re-sign David Moore than draft a WR in Rnd 3. I can easily see using 1 of our 3rd Rnd picks on a bull RB (AJ Dillon re-signed with Packers for a mere $2.7 mil), but we NEED to replace Devin White also as a priority (Rnd 3). I’d use our Rnd 4 pick for a CB or a Safety, and 1 of the last 2 picks for a good blocking TE.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:09 am
Just noticed a couple of interesting tidbits on Spotrac:
1 – The Bucs are the NFL’s 3rd youngest team (26.16 yrs), just a tad older than the Rams who are 2nd youngest (26.12 yrs).
2 – The Bucs have the 5th most Dead CAP right now ($42.9 mil). The Vikings ($57.4 mil), Chargers ($51.4 mil), Packers ($46.5 mil) and Panthers ($46.0 mil) all have us beat.
Bucs are currently in 28th place with $10.0 mil of CAP space to work with, but it’s still way early in the game.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:09 am
@ DR
I wouldn’t mind re-signing Dave Moore.
This draft is pretty deep with WR talent and Godwin is in the final year of his deal and Evans only signed a 2 year deal… That’s why I believe the Bucs could grab a WR in the 3rd if there is a good one left. Godwin was a 3rd round pick maybe we will get lucky again…
But I agree a RB will probably be one of the 3rd round picks.
Plus – it wouldn’t surprise me to see D. Moore sign with Carolina where his buddy Canalas is the HC..
March 18th, 2024 at 11:12 am
@ DR
“Bucs are currently in 28th place with $10.0 mil of CAP space to work with”
Does this figure include the recent Mike Evas’ restructure?
March 18th, 2024 at 11:26 am
Potential Draft Picks: WR
• Xavier Worthy
• Roman Wilson
• Malachi Corley
• Jamari Thrash
• Malik Washington
Potential Sleeper: WR Bub Means Pitt – Kid’s the truth
March 18th, 2024 at 12:08 pm
@Adam from ny
Bo Nix is garbage tbh with you, it took him 6 years in college to get things right and he also only threw screens and dump offs. He’s overrated and should be considered a fourth round pick
March 18th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
It’s a diversion by Licht. Licht wanted inside feedback on RB Trey Benson and DL Braden Fiske.
March 18th, 2024 at 1:02 pm
@LUVMYBUCS – if you want to replace CG… take a look at Xavier Legette from South Carolina.
Love the idea of re-signing Moore.
March 18th, 2024 at 2:33 pm
We need Penix Jr. PERIOD!!!!
March 18th, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Marine Buc Says:
“1st rnd – OLB/Edge
2nd rnd – IOL
3rd rnd – WR
3rd rnd – RB
4th rnd – ILB
6th rnd – DB
7th rnd – DB
”
I think the Bucs this late in the first and second round will pick based on best available player within those positions
1st rnd @26 – best available player that is Edge/Center
2nd rnd @57 – best available player not same position in rnd 1 WR/Edge/Center
3rd rnd @89 – best available player not same position in rnd 1&2 WR/Edge/Center/RB
3rd rnd @92 – best available player WR/Edge/Center/RB
4th rnd @125 – best available player (possibly a TE)
March 18th, 2024 at 3:42 pm
Yeah, why this guy? There are other, better receivers who will be available.
March 18th, 2024 at 4:24 pm
A bit high for a WR but he is good. JPJ will be gone before pick 26. If Otton emerges all the way this year we won’t need a stud TE. Think Edge and C is best route to go Picks 1 and 2. I’d get RB2 and WR5 in Rd 3. SirVocea we have from last Draft so LB depth is not a priority rn
March 18th, 2024 at 4:27 pm
“sniffing” is much better than “whiffing” on a draft pick
March 18th, 2024 at 4:44 pm
Adanai Mitchell (Texas) is a great relacment for not being able to resign Godwin next year. Got range in YAC, and unlike Godwin , he can find the end zone (10 TD last year). I think it’s a great pick at 26.
March 18th, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Micah Parsons had 6.5 sacks in his two years of playing for the Nittany Lions.
If you’re saying that you wouldn’t have wanted Micah Parsons as your 1st Round Pick that year because he didn’t have amazing college sack stats, then you might want to reconsider your talent evaluation.
Chop Robinson is very much in the mold of a Nittany Lion 3-4 OLB like Micah Parsons.
The Bucs would be lucky to draft him.
March 18th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
It’s Corn
I respect your views. But I’ve always felt EDGE is an over-rated position. I’ve heard that Jim Harbaugh, a proven winner now with the Bolts, has only one obsession. O-Line.
March 18th, 2024 at 5:59 pm
bo nixxx is not trash…
he’s also very smart….they say….
i like him as a pic, but do we need that over our actual needs?…not really…so let’s see how it goes…
if dude is laying around on the board in the 2nd or 3rd, you gotta pull the trigger
March 18th, 2024 at 8:20 pm
He most certainly is trash and even if he’s available in third or fourth why pick him? We got a second rounder who we have never started. Makes zero sense
March 18th, 2024 at 9:18 pm
Good prospect but wonder if he’ll hold up physically.
Someone like MALACHI CORLEY in the 2nd round has better hands, YAC & is someone who could learn behind Godwin
^^mtn^^
Since ’76
March 18th, 2024 at 9:27 pm
All for bringing Moore back, but he has his limitations.
Yes, they wanted to develop the younger guys but the way the used Mooore LY was just about right
^^mtn^^
Since ’76
March 18th, 2024 at 9:29 pm
Right tackle is far more important
^^mtn^^
March 18th, 2024 at 9:35 pm
Give me JJ or Pratt, that’s it as far as any QB in Bucs range
^^mtn^^
Since ’76
March 18th, 2024 at 9:39 pm
Yep, first thing in the morning
^^mtn^^ :-0)
March 19th, 2024 at 2:03 am
keon coleman in the 4th round nothing higher than that over rated I watched every snap
March 19th, 2024 at 4:01 am
Bucs Guy is on it. I think that stretch takes out JPJ and possibly Barton. I would be happy with either at 26. Maybe he becomes a stud but hard pass on Coleman. Much more interested in Pearsall or Corley if they can be had later. If its round 1 I would take AD Mitchell, Troy Franklin, and Ladd McConkey before Coleman.
Really don’t see a round 1 WR happening. Maybe a bunch fall if teams are thinking deep draft so lets wait but whoever posted about all those guys being gone before 26 is off base. Stranger things have happened but QBs, WRs and OTs are gonna go heavy. At least that seems to be the consensus I see. Williams, Daniels, Maye, Harrison, Nabers, Odunze, Alt, Turner, McCarthy basically wiping out the top 10. Then all the highly rated OL that are confusing me with their names, Fautanu, Fashanu, Fuaga, Mims, Latham… someone good is getting to 26.
March 19th, 2024 at 6:08 am
Penix will be available. Just a thought .
March 19th, 2024 at 12:12 pm
Sounds like Tyler Johnson.
March 19th, 2024 at 2:39 pm
Bucs Fan I call bs man you come here and say the Bucs are locked in on powers-johnson and it is well known the bucs really like him. But no where have heard the bucs are willing to Trade Up. So where is this info coming from.