Todd McShay: Bucs Rock A Hurricane
April 2nd, 2026
Miami edge Akheem Mesidor.
If this happens, Joe has one kind request.
Funny story about NFL draft analyst Todd McShay. When he worked for the four-letter, he was downright awful at schlock drafts, one of the worst.
Since he got away from BSPN, he suddenly became proficient. In the last five years, he’s been one of the best schlockers out there.
For example: Joe remembers McShay’s schlock drafts used to be behind a paywall. One spring, he got two right in the first round. TWO! The next day, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo completely crucified McShay as a hack.
“Pay for [McShay’s schlocks]?” Russo bellowed on his SiriusXM Radio show. “I wouldn’t urinate on them!”
McShay’s turnaroud makes Joe think someone at BSPN was ordering him how to put one together so the right players would go to the right teams and give BSPN something to discuss on its two dozen platforms, including Last Take and Stay in Bed.
Now typing and yapping for The Ringer, McShay believes Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht will get his edge rusher. And he will go down to Miami to do it by drafting Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor is coming to town.
Mesidor’s age, past durability issues, and lack of ideal length are factors to consider. But while Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey are more skilled (and Bain is more well-rounded), Mesidor might be the most polished, ready-to-rush-the-QB edge in this class.
There’s so much violence and tenaciousness on tape, and he loves being on the field (played a whopping 878 snaps in 2025). Plus, I like that he played his most impactful ball in the CFP, recording 5.5 sacks in four games.
The “violence” McShay cited with Mesidor struck a chord with Joe. Notice who Licht has added to the defense this offseason?
Alex Anzalone may not be a “violent” guy, but damn, he brings juice and heart to the field.
Then there is A’Shawn Robinson. He is a violent dude, there’s no two ways around it. He even bragged he still carries his violent ways from his childhood to the football field.
So if this Mesidor really is violent like McShay suggests, that seems to fit a fresh Licht pattern.
The only request Joe has for the Bucs if they draft Mesidor: Please sign Mesidor’s position coach at Miami, Hall of Fame edge rusher Jason Taylor, and let him be Mesidor’s personal position coach? Pretty please?
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:17 am
Would love it!
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:18 am
Bowles will figure out how to destroy him.
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:29 am
Taylor would be a very interesting addition!!
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:29 am
Add him to Yaya and AQM, maybe you got something. Watch tape of Messidor and then watch tape of Braswell…. One looks pretty unmotivated. Just saying
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:43 am
Ahkeem Mesidor has the exact same history as Michael Penix Jr
He’s always had good production, but couldn’t stay healthy
He had to spend 6 seasons in college because he was a medical risk
His 6th season stats are off the charts, just like Penix Jr
I’m not saying he will be injury prone in the NFL
But the risks are there, the medicals don’t favor him
Licht has to get this draft right
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:46 am
First pick edge? Someone is effing with our Joe’s head and it’s not cool. And Jason Taylor as part of the package? Take a deep breath Joe. It’s gonna be all right.
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:58 am
Draft for need- Mesidor?
Or
Best player available- Sadiq?
Yes, we need an edge player, but the draft is supposed to be deep at that position we lost a suburb, passing game offensive weapon – Mike Evans
Why not replace him with a superb tight end which would give Baker Mayfield something he’s never had?
Just asking.
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:02 am
Try to find a trade partner in rounds 1 and 3. This draft is defense Strong thru 4 complete rounds. Selecting 6 players in those rounds would add significant talent for 2026
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:17 am
If the guy has major durability issues and he’s already 25 years old I don’t want him. We have enough china dolls already and proneness to injury gets worse as age increases.
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:20 am
Fred McNeil Says:
“If the guy has major durability issues and he’s already 25 years old I don’t want him. We have enough china dolls already and proneness to injury gets worse as age increases.”
This Right Here agreed. We just got rid of Davis a few years ago and Dean because they couldn’t stay on the field.
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:35 am
News came out Puka is in rehab. Rams may be taking closer look at Sadiq. KC too as heir to Travis Kelce. Many think we will take Mesidor. Trying to warm up to the idea.. is a difference maker? Or better getting big boys in trenches OG or DL? Or even corner Jermod McCoy checked out on proday earlier this week. Situation quasi-similar to Derrick Stingley missing most of last college season. Turned out pretty well for Houston. 🤔
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:39 am
Sadiq………Sadiq is unique.
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:42 am
Yes get Jason Taylor to coach him. Don’t let our coaches here change what he is doing. Every time that happens, they mess up the newly drafted player
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:45 am
Love the Mesidor pick when was the last time we had a violent edge rusher?? Shaq? Simeon? Leroy? Make the pick!! oh
April 2nd, 2026 at 10:52 am
Yeah, it became much more of a ESPN manufactured Kiper & McShay Rivalry, so that they could have ‘shouting matches’ at one another on all of their BS virtue-signaling platforms full of women, who didn’t even know the difference between Sheduer Sanders and Barry Sanders.
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:08 am
trade down
select Kadyn Proctor with the first pick
GO BUCS!!!!
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:15 am
McShay is a complete hack and is never right. I still recall when he had Javon Snead as his top rated QB. Apparently I’m not the only that thinks he is either a) a shill for agents; or 2) completely unqualified. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/todd-mcshay-backlash-builds
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:39 am
Well, the most recent signing removed the need for an Inside Linebacker in the draft…unless its a late round pick for depth.
I have a feeling that multiple Edge rushers will be available to the Bucs in the first round…and a decent one might fall to us in the second round.
I think it is important the first round pick be an edge rusher. The next pick? I think we’re able to be more flexible and go BPA or Guard.
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:39 am
I do like the ‘Violent’ guys though.
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:41 am
JackBall Says:
“Bowles will figure out how to destroy him.”
Don’t bet on it. I have a feeling the defense is going to be top 12-15 just with free agency guys. Adding the right guys in the draft will make the Bucs top 10.
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:41 am
Now, more than ever…we need a Warren Sapp.
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:47 am
look for voch lombardi’s take on cashius howell….if we’re going edge first, then trade down a few spots and get him.
April 2nd, 2026 at 11:51 am
Bucs NEED a beastly replacement for Greg Gaines. Been pushing for JL to draft NT/DT Kayden McDonald in Rnd 1 because he won’t be there in Rnd 2 when we pick next. Neither will the other top DTs.
Found a fascinating article on another site this morning titled ‘Panthers could find Derrick Brown’s perfect sidekick in compelling draft scenario’ written by Garrett Klaus. The sub-title is most appropriate … ‘This would be an unstoppable duo’.
The article indicates there’s a very good chance that Carolina will select Kayden McDonald with their #19 pick in Rnd 1, largely because they lost DT Robinson and must replace him with another beastly DT.
And just think, Bucs will get to face that duo TWICE every year for the foreseeable future.
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:04 pm
It’s official. Messidor is this year’s Jihaad Campbell. Licht, your move!
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:05 pm
Mesidor and Kancey can commiserate in the tub and sideline t-shirt club. Medically challenged 4th or 5th best edge instead of best IOL or TE for first round pick? Please no!
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Click my name to see the Falcons new uniforms they just unveiled. Why?
Because they look like ours! Bring back the true Blood Red and true Pewter uniforms!
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Falcons are copying our unis
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:30 pm
DR, if we don’t take interior DLine and then best available inside linebacker it makes me think this organization needs a shake up. Brown and McDonald? Well that’s a nightmare, isn’t it? It’s starting to look like McDonald is going to go before JRod. 2 DTs, 1 ILB, 2 corners, OG, and QB. I don’t believe Anzalone and Rozeboom are an upgrade from last season. If that’s our inside linebacker moves then we’re in trouble. That spot is 100% the cornerstone of the defense. I’d go JRod first, best DT available the next 2.
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:48 pm
Better load up on cheap rookies. Glazers are in the cheap season. They are probably hoping to sell. Get your 5 billion after a 200 million investment.
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:48 pm
I feel a trade back coming. Would not complain about drafting Edge #1, but we better get someone that can be a cornerstone for the defense. Can you imagine if the Bucs could ACTUALLY rush the passer in the NFL? That would be something to see!
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:03 pm
I looked at a few Draft websites, they had this guy running between a 4.8 and 4.9 40 yard dash. The one had him as the 7th best Edge Rusher in this year’s Draft. Maybe Bowles thinks he can cover the scat backs, who knows.
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:10 pm
Jasmine and Todd are desperate so…
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:10 pm
DR, Right there with you with McDonald. I hope he’s our pick. Him and VV will make everything else work much better.
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Kenton, I think the anzalone of today is at least equivalent to last year’s. David, if not a bit better. Rozeboom is perfect depth, but as a starter I think he’s no better than SVD; weak against the past but quite good against the run. Hopefully we draft the guy next to Alex.
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Kirk Cousins signed a 5-year, $172M contract with the Raiders…
Does Bowles get a cut of that? With Todd, the guy is unemployed.
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:30 pm
MadMax Says: “look for voch lombardi’s take on cashius howell….if we’re going edge first, then trade down a few spots and get him.
Yeauuuup! That’s the way! Take the Jets #33, then take Howell if he’s there, and get back one of those THREE 2027 ‘1st-Round Picks’ the Jets currently have (preferably THEIR OWN 1st).
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:44 pm
I do think that Kayden McDonald is safest pick that would contribute immediately – either in rotation or right next to Vita Vea. McVea > Carolina. High floor + high ceiling. What was it that Bill Parcells said about nature simply not making that many 300lb men that can run?
April 2nd, 2026 at 1:48 pm
McVea will collapse pocket like a wet paper bag. Yaya swoops in if QB breaks containment running for his life. Sack!
April 2nd, 2026 at 3:16 pm
Once upon a time,
Best player available regardless of position.
The end.
As always Go Bucs
April 2nd, 2026 at 3:24 pm
Bonzai said:
“Well, the most recent signing removed the need for an Inside Linebacker in the draft…unless its a late round pick for depth.”
You’re kidding, right?
If you are referring to Rozeboom, then that doesn’t do much but add competition for SVD and add to ST.
The Bucs still need to draft AT LEAST 1, if not 2 Ilbers.
They should trade down and draft J Rodriquez in the first round, hope he falls to them in round 2. IF not, Kyle Louis in the 3rd, who is more of a hybrid LBer/NB.
But they absolutely have to draft another Ilber.
April 2nd, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Back on topic, Mesidor is a gamble I just don’t see JL taking at 15. He will be in his 30s after his rookie deal, has injury concerns and won’t have Bain taking up double teams.
I think there’s much better value at 15 than the 4th or 5th best edge with question marks at 15. You might be able to take the best CB in the draft, the best guard, the best DT or the best TE.
April 2nd, 2026 at 3:51 pm
I disagree with Mesidor I think he better against run n pass then Howell or Thomas plus young n jacas are ok but will they give u production. You draft a 21 year n worried about him playing till 30 he may not play to 24 because he a bust bucs draft Mesidor skip bucs fan they dont run nothing. If they dont like it change teams go to south beach or Duvall. As for age Mack is 37 still better then a lot of younger guys still gets a big contract
April 2nd, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Never a good sign when a guy this young has durability problems. Very much a gamble.
April 2nd, 2026 at 5:04 pm
McShay probably got an ultimatum, stop pimping for agents or be unemployed.
April 2nd, 2026 at 5:30 pm
I think we take a new GM coach & a couple of new owners in the draft.
April 2nd, 2026 at 6:20 pm
Edges cost such a ridiculous amount against the cap I’m not sure I’d ever want a free agent again. Draft them and save 30 million a year for EACH one. They are way overpriced. No wonder so many teams got rid of theirs this year. Let’s draft a really good pass rushing DT instead of the 5th or 6th best edge at pick 15, ugh! Or even go with Sadiq. We can generate a good pass rushing DT with what we have already.
April 2nd, 2026 at 6:20 pm
A good pass rush with what we have already (not DT)
April 2nd, 2026 at 6:40 pm
There’s been very little mention of corners or wide receivers or DT’s yet for us this draft which makes me think one of those may go first to us.
April 2nd, 2026 at 6:50 pm
Can we get Jason Taylor as our defensive coordinator?
April 2nd, 2026 at 8:14 pm
No salary cap on coaches. Pay Jason Taylor!
April 2nd, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Under any normal circumstances hiring Jason Taylor would be a great idea and a great move. Not here, not now. You know who would turn him into a maximum regressor. He’s have the guys whiffing more tackles than ever, a Todd specialty.
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:37 pm
If Jason drafts Mesidor or any other edge rusher in the first 2 days of the draft I simply hope that Todd Bowles does not ruin the player by making them learn and run schemes like trying to keep up with an RB or TE in the flat rather than do what edge rushers do: disrupt the backfield, sack the QB, create other tackles for loss and help force turnovers. I have my doubts as I am with the Joe that is adamant that Licht cannot draft a good edge and/or Bowles simply cannot develop one. I hope this is not a wasted pick for the team’s sake.
April 2nd, 2026 at 9:41 pm
Hodad, my fear is that if the Bucs ever had a DC calling plays while Bowles is in charge, Todd’s ego would get in the way and he’d take over play calling and we’d be back to the situation we had last year with players unable to function in Todd’s intricate schemes. Bowles expects players to adapt to his system, good defensive coordinators will adapt their schemes to their players’ strengths. Bowles is too arrogant to do that and it hurts the team in so many ways.
April 3rd, 2026 at 1:08 am
He is really good but… I just can’t see picking a medical risk in the first round… unless they thoroughly have him vetted and he passes with flying colors
April 3rd, 2026 at 4:10 pm
I’ll be disappointed if we do not draft McDonald in round one.