Needs
January 1st, 2020
Need.
The Bucs, thanks in large part to a bad start to 2019 and gagging in the final two games, finished with yet another losing season.
That’s 9 of 11 seasons in the post-Chucky era the Bucs have been losers, and the playoff drought in the same time frame drags on.
To help the Bucs over the hump, Josh Edwards of CBS Sports listed players the Bucs should target. Edwards lobbies for the Bucs to replace right tackle Demar Dotson and get rid of left tackle Donovan Smith.
Folks, Smith isn’t going anywhere until at least next year (as in 2021). Smith’s contract is guaranteed through 2020 and the Bucs are not going to pay Smith some $14 million to watch football at home.
Additionally, Edwards believes the Bucs need to quit f@rting around at running back and get a stud. Who should that be? Well, it seems Edwards knows how to touch Joe’s heart. Edwards believes Clemson running back Travis Etienne (that’s pronounced ee-tee-en) would be a smart pickup.
Etienne is a big, physical back. Fans saw his explosive capabilities in the College Football Playoff semifinals. He does not go down on initial contact because of his lower body strength. The Louisiana native shows good balance and physicality. He has improved his impact as a pass catcher but could still grow as a pass protector.
Joe is going to scream if the Bucs pass up a good running back because he’s not Anthony Muñoz. Did you ever hear anyone say, “Nah man, I can’t draft Eric Dickerson. He can’t block.” … Or Tony Dorsett? Or Marcus Allen? Or Adrian Peterson?
Joe could go on and on here and if you absolutely need a running back to block, then quick half-arsing it and put an offensive lineman back there.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:05 am
Gotta trade down to make that work…and that would not be a bad thing if we can manage a OL & RB early
January 1st, 2020 at 9:13 am
Agree. I tired of watching Peyton and RJ studder step. We need an a dude who can run through people and pick up 3-5 yards on 1st down
January 1st, 2020 at 9:13 am
RB and O line draft is deep this year so we should be definitely addressing those two positions with this years class. Come on Licht we gotta get it right! Go Bucs!
January 1st, 2020 at 9:15 am
Good pick 2nd please
January 1st, 2020 at 9:17 am
Incoming off topic QB/Jameis talk 3-2-1……..
January 1st, 2020 at 9:18 am
Travis Etiene would be awesome
ROJO did enough this season to show he could be a solid #2 back
Peyton Barber could walk and nothing would change.
Bucs still need an explosive running back.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:20 am
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
January 1st, 2020 at 9:23 am
I take issue with Edward’s analysis of Etienne. Sorry but 5’10 210 with a slight frame is not a big and physical back.
Etienne has skills with the ball in his hands no doubt about that. But there a several shortcomings to his game that might make him a problematic pick.
Definitely agree the RB room is in need of an upgrade. I dont want to see Peyton Barber or Dare Ogunbawale on this roster next season. I’m hoping we’ll get lucky and see Taylor fall into the 2nd like Derrick Henry did for the titans a few years ago. They have similar builds and playstyles.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:23 am
I assume he is targeting him for the second round? I have seen some early mocks that have him going late in the first. I think him or the kid out of Wisconsin would be nice second round picks. I think we have to go with an offensive tackle in the first. Austin Jackson out of USC would be a very nice fit. He didn’t list center on his list but I think they need to address that. The run blocking is atrocious and needs to be addressed as well. Not sure exactly where the breakdowns are but I am sure the scouts and coaches will know by draft day.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:28 am
Joe, we as fans have been beating the table for a great running back since Doug Martin went Jolly Molly on us. What has Licht done? Snoop Mcplaybook, Payton Barber, pass on Dalvin Cook for Oj Howard. By the way how has the great plan worked out? Ronald Jones belongs on the field as a change up back. He has worked on his hands. Still doesn’t have great vision and lacks blitz pick up. This team deserves a great running back. The last running backs I was excited about was WD40 tandem of Dunn and A Train. I don’t know why Licht thinks he can find his running back in the late rounds. We go up against CMAC for the Panther, Alvin Kamara for the Saints, and when healthy Freeman is no joke. We continue to go with Payton Barber who runs a 4.7 40 and ROJO who at times just doesn’t see the hole. LICHT if you’re reading this, get us a DAMN special running back that can help poor line play. PLEASE!!! Joe we will probably watch all the great backs come off the board and pick one that no one gives two spits about! That would be the Buc way of doing things.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:30 am
The heck with this running back. I want to know about this left guard. #74 holly cow the left guard is a hell of a blocker
January 1st, 2020 at 9:33 am
OLine, DLine, RB – draft priority
Sign a QB who doesn’t lose games- he doesn’t have to win them by himself, just don’t lose them.
Any decent QB can win with Bucs receivers and D if he doesn’t turn it over.
And bring in competition for Gay- don’t trust him.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:36 am
Edwards-Helaire
January 1st, 2020 at 9:38 am
I think Cam Akers in the third round is WAYYYY better value. Under appreciated cause FSU stunk to high heaven. More interested in trading Brate and trying to get Chase Young…
January 1st, 2020 at 9:43 am
Dobbins, The Ohio State University.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:43 am
Took a look at top 10 or so RBs…….all were around 215…..5’11” until this guy popped up.
We need a bruiser that can move the pile…..he would complement Rojo and could probably be drafted in round 3.
Najee Harris*, RB, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2020): 2-4.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:48 am
Unfortunately…..our GM has shown no ability to nail much of anything in the draft when we “need” a position filled. His best success comes from trading for proven talent or drafting a stable of backs and praying ONE works. If anything, Licht shows some ability at drafting linemen.
I do think a back like a Leveon Bell would cut the turnovers by at least 10. Simply dumping the ball off and handing it off would reduce the potential of turnovers but the cost to get Bell, tag Winston and somehow keep everyone on the defense seems unrealistic.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:51 am
This is my favorite back in the draft. Grab Delpit in the first and Etienne in the second.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:55 am
I’d love to see him wear the pewter and red… assuming we get new uniforms, of course.
January 1st, 2020 at 9:56 am
@Bobby
Exactly…..the expense of bringing in Joes dream Vet CB or a proven FA RB would be prohibitive… this is why we need to rely on the draft.
IMO we need to draft to possibly replace Dotson & perhaps Suh….that would be about $13 mil….and also draft a RB…then some depth on dline & oline.
Depending on the health of Justin Evans and perhaps as Arians said D’Cota Dixon we may not need a S.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:02 am
A few years back we signed a RB who went undrafted, played him some, benched him, released him, watched him win SBs with other teams. We’ve done the same thing with at least one DE, one DB, and three QBs. Two of the QBs were no big loss to us imo. The fact remains, though not a dime a dozen, Quality RBs don’t have to be drafted in the first round.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:03 am
He’s smaller than our guys.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:05 am
Tampabaybucfan Says:
January 1st, 2020 at 9:43 am
Took a look at top 10 or so RBs…….all were around 215…..5’11” until this guy popped up.
We need a bruiser that can move the pile…..he would complement Rojo and could probably be drafted in round 3.
Najee Harris*, RB, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2020): 2-4.
_______________________________
now we’re cooking
January 1st, 2020 at 10:06 am
AJ Dillon, Boston College.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:08 am
It is hard to believe that if we do the right thing/can resign the right guys from our free agents this draft can mainly be about depth after the first two rounds. We could use a safety, RT and RB then it is all about depth baby. That is so good to say and shows that we are making progress despite our record. It sure would be nice to see this entire offense healthy playing with the defense that ended the season.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:20 am
Great highlight reel, reminded me of Darrell Henderson, the greatest college RB of all time.
I’m liking Jedrick Wills, OT out of Alabama in the 1st. The best RB in the 2nd. There are 4 real good ones that have 1st round potential. Etienne may not be there in the 2nd. It will depend on his performance in the National Championship game and the combine.
Someone tell the Gumpster to actually watch the NC game, where top athletes perform at the highest level of competition. He might actually see players like CB Treyvon Mullen, who he passed on, win the NC MVP.
Gruden said Mullen was his brightest hope for 2020.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:25 am
He would be welcomed here with open arms. Nice to see a highlight reel without that AWFUL friggin rap music playing. I really hate that crap. Anyways #GoBucs
January 1st, 2020 at 10:28 am
Find a running back like Mike and draft two offensive lineman. Rojo averaged 4.2 yards per carry and a few long runs were called back by suspect holding calls. Probably would have averaged 4.4 yards per carry and I will take that any day. Fix the offensive line first and Winston and the running game will improve.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:30 am
Dude is a stud, but if you watch that video, he has holes to hit that a bus could drive through. He’s rarely going to see those kinds of seams in the NFL. Certainly has speed though, but so does Rojo.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:41 am
Etienne is obviously a very good back. But the offense he played in is very different than the Bucs O. Not one of these highlights shows him working with the QB starting under center in a more pro style O. Honestly have not seen all Clemson games, but when I look at RBs coming outta college I like to see them in a more pro style O some of the time to evaluate.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:43 am
This draft depends on the free agents. The biggest need is dline , of course bring back shaq. Jpp. Nassib ,suh would change that.
Defense is a priority for Bruce.
Delpit or kinlaw with 1st
Biadazs with 2nd – why ? This guy can play center or guard. And Jensen after 2020 season will be let go.
3rd OT or move back into the 2nd round and pick up best ot available.
The rest of picks are for depth.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:50 am
This TE says we need the TE who is a total baller or Clemson, blinding speed and a game changer…..wouldn’t have beaten Ohio State without him…..
TRAVIS ETIENNE…..two thumbs up but the organization isn’t smart enough to take him….
January 1st, 2020 at 10:55 am
I’m on board with going RB in the 1st. It is the clearest upgrade needed on the team. Of course that don’t mean there’s something the team don’t learn during combine/interview process that sends red flags about this kid. That’s why you can’t get hung up on one name.
January 1st, 2020 at 11:03 am
The brightest minds say Jonathan Taylor….but then…. Manzeil.over Evans….right?
January 1st, 2020 at 11:07 am
5’10 200 lbs is big? lol, ok.
I have a better(bigger) later round pick, might be there in the 4th, Patrick Taylor 6’3 227 lbs, memphis….a poor mans Derrick Henry. Thats what we need!
January 1st, 2020 at 11:08 am
Get a OT to replace Dotson in the first and Etienne in the 2nd
January 1st, 2020 at 11:10 am
We are good on Defense they just need to sign JJP, Barnett, Suh
January 1st, 2020 at 11:20 am
Dojo’s USC highlights are more explosive.
January 1st, 2020 at 11:26 am
Trade Howard for a second round 2 pick so we don’t trade down. Pick a LT in round 1, and move D. Smith to RG, then Cappa can ball out at RT, second 2d pick best fast 225 lb back, third round get a OG, 4th Rd a strong armed QB that BA can develop, and trade off 30 year old Griffin, and use his $10 million salary to keep Suh, rest of the picks get BPA as long as one is over 300 lb. DT and the other two Fast Special Team Players.
January 1st, 2020 at 11:31 am
Watch C.J. Verdell of Oregon today and think about the third round pick. Lots of upside for him.
I still think the first round should be used for Delpit. He would truly define the defense.
Second round should be OT, one with the footwork to do run blocking. That all depends on the Jameis situation, though, a QB might be more pressing.
C.J. Verdell would be a third round steal.
Fourth through seventh round should be used for O-line depth. Find another Marpet or Cappa at some small school.
January 1st, 2020 at 11:32 am
I WISH BA would spend some money at RB this year. Imagine Derick Henry lining up in the backfield! He would be the perfect change of pace running back for the bucs. Ground and pound running back with rojo learning from him. One can only dream
January 1st, 2020 at 11:32 am
“trade off 30 year old Griffin, and use his $10 million salary to keep Suh”
Whhhaaaatttt????? Ryan Griffin is making $10 Million a year???
January 1st, 2020 at 11:33 am
Dobbins or Etienne, either way the Bucs need a COMPLETE back.
While I like Najee’s size, can he be that complete back the Bucs need?
January 1st, 2020 at 11:37 am
Trade d. Smith for Trent Williams and throw something else to sweeten the deal.
January 1st, 2020 at 11:42 am
No RB in the 1st. You swear Bruce or Licht will move on from rojo? I don’t think so. Maybe in 3 rd a RB or if Licht moves up again in the 2nd.
I said Safety but I’ll pull back because Bruce was very high on d cota Dixon and to go along with Evans , whitehead. It’s a lock.
Cb lock
S lock
LB lock
Dline ?
TE lock
WR lock
Oline?
RB half lock
QB ?
PR/KR lock
January 1st, 2020 at 12:05 pm
They need to draft Kinlaw in the first, best OL in second and the best available RB.
January 1st, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Joe and Bucs fans, do you think it will be logical for the Bucs to take OL or RB at 14 which ever one who has the highest valve when they pick, trade a player like Howard to a team like the Patriots for a second rounder. In the second round draft which ever one they didn’t get in the 1st round of the OL and RB and with the other 2nd rounder to draft a QB to sit and develop in 2020
January 1st, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Ummmn.
Sold.
No argument here, Joe.
January 1st, 2020 at 12:55 pm
RB is a luxury with the current state of our OL. Atlanta showed what can happen early when you look to the draft for 2 day 1 starters. I love the comments about the Alabama OT in round 1 and stepping up to pry Trent Williams out of Washington. Replace Dot and Donovan with these 2 and we might be set on the edges for 3-5 years… a perfect window with our WR studs. If Donovan’s cap hit goes to Washington we’d still have enough cap to retain the Front 7 on D and sign a QB capable of winning with this team (Rivers or Stafford would thrive but seem unlikely; Teddy is possible; Dalton, Mariota or Kenum appear to be the sweet spot in production versus cost). Either way, RB is not a Day 1 (or 2) decision for Bucs.
January 1st, 2020 at 1:03 pm
They would be mad to draft a running back with the first pick or to get a right tackle with the first pick unless he’ll move over to left when smith is gone. Only thing that will make Winston stop with the turnovers is a quarterback with the first pick otherwise upgrade the trenches on either side of the ball
January 1st, 2020 at 1:07 pm
Looking forward to seeing what Etienne will do against LSU. If he is breaking tackles against that defense the Bucs should draft him.
January 1st, 2020 at 1:14 pm
Why so much love for Etienne? Sure, he runs hard and he’s fast. His hands are okay. But that’s about it. He runs very upright and explodes through those giant holes that won’t exist in the NFL. He reminds me of a little less top heavy version of Michael Pittman. And why Etienne when Chuba Hubbard and JK Dobbins are so much better? Etienne is way overrated playing in an offense that made life easy on him. Much like that bum Darrell Henderson, except way more talent.
January 1st, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Bucemup Says:
. I don’t know why Licht thinks he can find his running back in the late rounds. We go up against CMAC for the Panther, Alvin Kamara for the Saints, and when healthy Freeman is no joke.
__________
You’re so freaking dumb and you don’t even know it. Hey, dunce. Kamara was a 3rd round pick. Freeman was a 4th. That’s why Licht and almost every GM thinks you can find a good RB later in the draft. And STFU about always injured Cook. Every team passed on him. Every team passed for a reason or multiple reasons. In three seasons he has averaged less than 10 games played per season and just over 700 yards rushing. Add that together along with the greatly shortened career expectancy of a RB and you just keeping proving your stupidity.
January 1st, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Tom Edrington Says:
January 1st, 2020 at 10:50 am
This TE says we need the TE who is a total baller or Clemson, blinding speed and a game changer…..wouldn’t have beaten Ohio State without him…..
___________
I’m willing to bet that your end is anything but tight, Thomas. If Etienne had blinding speed, why was he pulled down from behind multiple times in his highlight reel (not counting the Wofford tape)?
January 1st, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Travis Etienne is the next Alvin Kamara IMHO. And his blitz protection is not bad. That said, he will not be available in the second round. His stock will rise considerably by the combine etc.
Chuba Howard won’t translate to the NFL. Swift might although the evaluations rating him higher than Chubb and Michel…. I don’t know. I haven’t watched enough film to say…but I don’t think so.
January 1st, 2020 at 2:47 pm
“Much like that bum Darrell Henderson, ”
Darrell Henderson (8.2 YPC), the greatest RB in college football history? I think he surpassed Red Grange, Billy Sims, OJ Simpson, Barry Sanders, Archie Griffin, Emmett Smith, Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker, Gale Sayers, etc……
I think he did but maybe someone should check the all time leaders just to be sure.
I’m watching the Alabama game, on delay (had to mow the yard), 1st play went 85 yards for a TD to Jerry Jeudy. He and the other WR (Ruggs) had 5 yards of separation. Alabama had 5 legitimate 1st rounders on offense, 2 WR’s, 2 OT’s and a QB.
Holy cow!
January 1st, 2020 at 2:56 pm
I think Najee Harris is a much better RB than Et. Alabama plays NFL style offense and he is day 1 ready. JK Dobbins would be my second choice but I think he is off the board.
January 1st, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Pewter power, what QB do you suggest the Bucs take at 14 with the top 3 or 4 already gone
January 1st, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Time for a dominant running back to take the pressure off Winston on his likely franchise tag. Draft one early…get them on a rookie contract and cut bait after the 4-5 year deal as most running backs age poorly. DBs and LBs are sitting on the shorter routes knowing a run likely isn’t coming nor will it inflict damage if so.
January 1st, 2020 at 3:39 pm
Whomever we draft at RB need to be able to run tough and get 4 to 5 at a clip. Cause if Jameis has to throw every down..we are ultimately Doomed with his Russian Roulette.
January 1st, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Top 3 or 4 quarterback is all perception talk. Everyone laughed at giants for Daniel jones. Lamar jackson was a late first round pick also. Mariota, winston 1 and 2 and look how that turned out. Dont talk like if you dont get the perceived top 2 or 3 quarterbacks you cant get one. Bow many of you were baker Mayfield’s guys? You dont need a top 3 pick to get a good quarterback.
January 1st, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Id like to see Vita Vea train for an entire offseason to run the ball and draft a replacement DT. He ran the ball.in high school!
January 1st, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Do it, don’t care which back we draft, just a need a dual threat, 3 down back who can make some damn plays. Need a return specialist too.
January 1st, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Stevebobucsfan,
Who says the Bucs have to pick at 14?
The other consideration is who are the top rated QB’S that would fit into our scheme. The consensus top 4 is not the same when you factor scheme into the equation. Somehow this is year after year a massive omission when fans talk about the draft. How many drafts and seasons have to pass by before fans get that the draft doesn’t rank QB’S by scheme fit. How many seasons of watching the highest rated QB’S fail to perform as projected?
Point is simple, there’s no rule stating the bucs must select at the 14 spot nor is there any facts that support the idea that the consensus top 4 QB’S can be successful, and worthy of a 1st round selection, no matter what system they ultimately play in. Joe Montana considered by most the greatest of all time couldn’t have been successful in an offense like Arians. He didn’t have the right skill set . Did that prevent him from becoming the goat? He was also a 3rd rounder so that’s a shot at the idea of the necessity of picking the highest rated player. Oddly, the only real challenger to the title of greatest ever is Brady. A 6th round selection.
January 1st, 2020 at 5:06 pm
I’d love to get this guy, but will be be there with our second round pick?
January 1st, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Sure wouldn’t complain if they drafted either Etienne or Najee Harris from Alabama. However, I’m not sure about the Bucs taking a RB in the first round.
January 1st, 2020 at 5:45 pm
If Zack Moss is there in round 3 and they haven’t picked a Rb in the first two rounds they should get him. He seems to be shooting up draft boards so it may take a 2nd round pick to get him. He seems like the best combo back with Rojo. He’s great at pass pro a between the tackles guy who will consistently get you 4-6 yards per carry and breaks a ton of tackles. Under rated route running and hands too. Compared to Mark Ingram by many.
I need to dig deeper on the ‘20 class running backs, especially that LSU back everyone seems to love around here.
January 1st, 2020 at 10:19 pm
Yeah i hate wasting a running back as a blocker… sometimes it’s necessary but often feels like you just have a junk offensive line or a slow quarterback if you need that.
January 2nd, 2020 at 11:15 am
Big negative. From the highlights Joe it looks like the guy has no shake and bake. Stand up runner on Clemson in the ACC. Chubba Hubbard in the second round if we are going early, and that shouldn’t happen. Safety Grant Delpit or DT Javeon Kinlaw in the first round. Stack oline with a top RT and depth on both lines and complete with a RB in the first next year.
January 2nd, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Akers in the 3rd would be nice. We should focus on the trenches in the first 2 rounds