Can’t Miss Rays Reading At JoeRaysFan.com
March 8th, 2011You’ll have a lot more fun through baseball season if JoeRaysFan.com is in your daily routine.
What About The Fans?
March 8th, 2011Though this isn’t about the Bucs, this FoxSports.com video is about the NFL. Popular radio personality Adam Schein rants about how the fans are being squeezed out of the game as the NFL owners and the NFLPA quarrel over $9 billion.
Team Glazer And The NFL Labor Talks
March 8th, 2011
Simply put, Joe is CBA’ed out.
Joe has a hunch all the hand-wringing about whether there will be an agreement between the NFL owners and the NFLPA at week’s end will be fruitless because — voila — there will be another extension.
How CBA’ed out is Joe? He hasn’t listened to more than three minutes of Sirius NFL Radio this week because Joe knows — just knows! — that’s all that will be talked about all week. Thank God for the King of All Media!
This CBA chatter is so bad, so overwhelming it’s nearly as bad as the incessant browbeating the honchos at the NFL Network are employing with that damned Dixie Chicks school bus commercial at virtually each and every commercial break. The NFL Network is doing its best to ensure Joe never gives a red cent to the United Way.
But since the CBA chatter won’t go away, good guy Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times has an interesting take this morning about what side of the fence does Team Glazer sit? Are they doves or are they hawks?
Here’s another thing worth mentioning: While the Glazers don’t have a new stadium to pay for, the one they do have hasn’t been full in quite a while. That is surely eating into their profits, though their low payroll perhaps mitigates this.
Now, here’s what we don’t know. We don’t know how the Glazers are doing financially in their other industries, though it’s safe to assume their commercial real estate holdings – of which they have many – have taken a big hit in this economy. But the Glazers are nothing if not diversified, and that’s the key to weathering a downturn in a particular business sector.
The guess here is that we’ll probably never get much of indication of the role the Glazers played or positions they took through this labor unrest. For all we know, they’re blowing up Roger Goodell’s cell phone and urging him to hold his ground. Or they could be doing nothing of the sort.
Since guessing is the order of the day, here’s Joe’s take, again, purely speculation:
Team Glazer wouldn’t lose too much sleep if there is Armageddon and the 2011 season goes up in smoke. The team hasn’t drawn that well of late so there’s not that much cash — relatively, of course –to lose from the gate with missed games. And since Team Glazer has no stadium payments as Holder noted, there is less risk of loss if the season goes poof, than many other owners would suffer.
That’s not to say Team Glazer wants to cancel the season. Joe’s not suggesting that. Rather, Team Glazer is just more inclined if not prepared to wade through a protracted work stoppage than other owners. In short, Team Glazer has less to lose from an extended work stoppage than Jerry Jones or Bob Kraft or Bob McNair.
Merlot Joe Maddon Wants To Play Bucs QB
March 8th, 2011
Seems as though Merlot Joe Maddon, the Rays numbers-crunching, walk-loving manager, has been befriending Bucs coach Raheem Morris for ulterior motives. That’s the sense Joe got from Twitter-allergic Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune.
Merlot Joe has invited Morris and members of his coaching staff to hang out with the Rays today at spring training at Port Charlotte. Because of a scheduling conflict, Morris won’t get a chance to take the field with the Rays but wide receivers coach Eric Yarber will suit up and attempt to play shortstop.
Merlot Joe, a former high school quarterback, told Mooney that he hopes Morris will reciprocate his offer and allow Merlot Joe to play quarterback in Bucs practice sometime.
Maddon liked the idea of participating in a Bucs practice should Morris extend an invitation. The former quarterback at Hazelton High (Penn.) wouldn’t mind getting under center again.
“That will be nice,” Maddon said. “At least if I could run the scout team, just pass defense only. Red shirt on, I might be able to throw the ball 10 yards, that would be good, little flairs out of the backfield.”
Joe would love to see Maddon try to fire a pass past Ronde Barber. Joe has a hunch Yarber can turn on a fastball better than Maddon can hit a receiver on a post-route.
Commish’s Draft Board II
March 7th, 2011
Donald Penn's future bookend?
So what does Mark Dominik’s big board look like now? Remember, he said he’ll stay true to it during the NFL Draft.
Today, draft Guru Justin Pawlowski, The Commish of WDAE-AM 620, fires out his second ordered look at the top players in the draft. This is no mock draft — The Commish’s next one is coming this week — it’s a look at the top talents available.
Remember all of the exclusive JoeBucsFan.com draft coverage can be found here.
1. Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU
6’1’’ – 219 lbs – 4.32
Commish’s Take: Great player with great measureables. Peterson might be the safest pick in the draft.
2. AJ Green – WR – Georgia
6’4’’ – 211 lbs – 4.50
Commish’s Take: Green is considered by many scouts to be the best receiver to come out since Calvin Johnson.
3. Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama
6’3’’ – 319 lbs – 4.92
Commish’s Take: Dareus is quickly becoming the safest defensive lineman in the draft. He has excellent size and quickness.
4. Robert Quinn – DE – North Carolina
6’4’’ – 265 lbs – 4.70
Commish’s Take: Despite not playing in 2010, Quinn is very explosive off the edge and had one of the fastest 10-yard splits at the combine.
5. Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson
6’3’’ – 280 lbs – DNP
Commish’s Take: Bowers led the nation in sacks, but health is becoming a major concern. If Bowers proves to be healthy and has an excellent pro day, he might end up as the top player on the board and top player selected.
6. Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn
6’4’’ – 291 lbs – 4.87
Commish’s Take: Fairley probably had more questions come up on him than Cam Newton at the combine. Fairly is still a playmaker, but quickly becoming a boom or bust prospect.
7. Julio Jones – WR – Alabama
6’3’’ – 220 lbs – 4.39
Commish’s Take: Jones turned in one of the best performances at the combine this year…all on a broken foot!! He is a unique talent, but his health and concentration are concerns.
8. Von Miller – OLB – Texas A&M
6’3’’ – 246 lbs – 4.53
Commish’s Take: Miller is a terror off the edge and probably the most natural fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker in this draft.
9. Prince Amukamara – CB – Nebraska
6’0’’ – 206 lbs – 4.43
Commish’s Take: Amukamara showed off good speed at the combine and instantly saw his stock rise.
10. JJ Watt – DE – Wisconsin
6’5’’ – 290 lbs – 4.83
Commish’s Take: I think everyone knew JJ Watt was big and tough, but he showed off how great of an athlete he was at the combine. Watt has a pretty special blend of size and athleticism. He’s a great fit as a 5-technique in a 3-4 defense.
11. Cam Newton – QB – Auburn
6’5’’ – 248 lbs – 4.59
Commish’s Take: Despite poor throwing at the combine, Newton’s potential is still keeping him pretty high. He might be a risk, but the reward might be worth it if he pays off.
12. Cameron Jordan – DE – Cal.
6’4’’ – 287 lbs – 4.78
Commish’s Take: Jordan continued his hot off-season that started at the Senior Bowl and continued it at the combine. Jordan could play in any defense.
13. Aldon Smith – DE – Missouri
6’4’’ – 263 lbs – 4.78
Commish’s Take: Smith is becoming the hot name on the defensive side of the ball in this draft. He’s an athletic defensive end that can rush the passer with a hand in the ground or standing up from the linebacker position.
14. Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri
6’4’’ – 234 lbs – 4.62
Commish’s Take: Gabbert did not throw at the combine, and despite reports of good meetings with teams at the combine, his downfield throwing has concerned me.
15. Tyron Smith – OT – USC
6’5’’ – 307 lbs – DNP
Commish’s Take: Smith’s biggest obstacle at the combine was showing that he could bulk up. He did just that, but did not do anything else. His long arms and technique are quite impressive.
16. Ryan Kerrigan – DE – Purdue
6’4’’ – 267 lbs – 4.71
Commish’s Take: There really is a lot to like about Kerrigan. He might not be the flashiest player, but he was productive at Purdue, he’s a leader, he had great measureables, and he has an outstanding work ethic.
17. Muhammed Wilkerson – DT – Temple
6’4’’ – 315 lbs – 4.96
Commish’s Take: Wilkerson is rising quick. He can play in any defense. His size and athleticism will become more and more intriguing to NFL front offices as we near the draft.
18. Anthony Castonzo – OT – Boston College
6’7’’ – 311 lbs – 5.23
Commish’s Take: Castonzo might have the best potential at left tackle of any offensive lineman in this draft. Castonzo showed off great athleticism in the position drills at the combine, but his lower body strength is still a concern.
19. Gabe Carimi – OT – Wisconsin
6’7’’ – 314 lbs – 5.27
Commish’s Take: I really like Carimi as an offensive tackle. He’s big, mean, and physical. Unfortunately, I’m not sure he’ll be quick enough to play left tackle in the pros.
20. Jimmy Smith – CB – Colorado
6’2’’ – 211 lbs – 4.46
Commish’s Take: Smith seems more and more like Aqib Talib to me. He has all the talent in the world, but character concerns will drop him on draft day.
21. Martez Wilson – LB – Illinois
6’4’’ – 250 lbs – 4.49
Commish’s Take: It’s tough to find a better blend of size and speed in any draft. Wilson needs to bulk up his lower body, but he is loaded with talent. I really like the way Wilson gets to the quarterback when he blitzes and refuses to be blocked.
22. Mike Pouncey – OG – Florida
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – 5.28
Commish’s Take: Pouncey’s starting to rise up and should be the top interior lineman drafted. I just wouldn’t let him do shotgun snaps.
23. Corey Liuget – DT – Illinois
6’2’’ – 298 lbs – 4.99
Commish’s Take: Liuget has good balance vs. the run and pass. He isn’t elite, but could be very solid inside for a long time.
24. Justin Houston – DE/OLB – Georgia
6’3’’ – 270 lbs – 4.68
Commish’s Take: Everything I’ve seen from Houston has him using his speed around the edge. I’ve never seen an inside move from him. Everyone I’ve talked to about him has said the same thing. It’s tough to only rely on speed off the edge in the NFL unless you have elite speed. Right now, Houston doesn’t have elite speed.
25. Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama
5’9’’ – 215 lbs – 4.62
Commish’s Take: I had to move Ingram down because I just can’t draft a running back real high unless I know he’s an elite player. I know Ingram’s game isn’t speed, but a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash is hard to swallow from a top 10 pick. With so many running backs having success as late picks or undrafted free agents, I’m considering removing all running backs from my 1st round board this year.
26. Christian Ponder – QB – FSU
6’2’’ – 229 lbs – 4.65
Commish’s Take: As expected, Ponder was very good in the interview process at the combine. Ponder was also one of the best throwers at the combine displaying excellent accuracy. I am concerned about his elbow and arm strength, but his leadership, work ethic, and accuracy seem to be winning out.
27. Adrian Clayborn – DE – Iowa
6’3’’ – 281 lbs – 4.83
Commish’s Take: More red flags came out at the combine on Clayborn. First, we found out that Clayborn suffers from Erb’s Paulsy which effects one side of his body. We then found out that Clayborn’s right arm is shorter than his left arm which forced him to only play right end at Iowa. I still think Clayborn had good enough tape to get 1st round consideration.
28. Phil Taylor – DT – Baylor
6’3’’ – 334 lbs – 5.20
Commish’s Take: Taylor’s the top nose tackle in this draft. His mean streak might be a turnoff to some, but I love it coming from a nose tackle.
29. Nate Solder – OT – Colorado
6’8’’ – 319 lbs – 5.05
Commish’s Take: Solder is a converted tight end still learning to be an offensive lineman. He has potential to be a starting left tackle in the NFL.
30. Jake Locker – QB – Washington
6’2’’ – 231 lbs – 4.59
Commish’s Take: Locker is back in the top 32, but for how long. Accuracy is still a major concern for me, but his mental makeup, athleticism, and arm strength are very good. There will be plenty of teams in the 2nd round looking to trade back into the first round for one of these QBs.
31. Akeem Ayers – OLB – UCLA
6’2’’ – 254 lbs – 4.80
Commish’s Take: With so many linebackers running well this year at the combine, it was surprising to see Ayers as one of the slowest. He is still a very instinctual linebacker and a big hitter.
32. Jonathon Baldwin – WR – Pitt
6’4’’ – 228 lbs – 4.50
Commish’s Take: It’s tough to not be impressed with a receiver as big as Baldwin. He also has good speed to get deep. He slips because of a lack of consistency.
Veterans Need To Play To Potential
March 7th, 2011
Sterling Sharpe raves about Josh Freeman but called out a certain Bucs veteran for not playing up to his ability.
Joe is happy about the seemingly upgraded content that Buccaneers.com is pumping out of late. Multimedia czar Scott Smith has certainly ramped up the coverage.
While at the Great American Track Practice NFL Combine, Smith buttonholed NFL Network analyst Sterling Sharpe to get his thoughts on the Bucs.
Joe’s not going to spill the beans on what Sharpe said. You’ll have to click on Smith’s link and view it yourself, but Sharpe believes the key to the Bucs getting to the playoffs next year isn’t so much that the young players need to continue to develop, but that veterans need to play to their potential.
Again, Joe’s not going to write who he called out. But the first name out of Sharpe’s mouth sort of stunned Joe; not that Joe disagrees with Sharpe.
Please monitor the video and give your feedback.
“Batting Leadoff For The Rays… Raheem Morris”
March 7th, 2011
Joe has documented several times how Bucs coach Raheeem Morris and Rays manager Merlot Joe Maddon have formed a special, tight bond. The two have been known to meet for adult beverages — of course, Merlot Joe prefers wine — at trendy south Tampa hotspots and are both known to attend Lightning games together.
Now, it appears Raheem could be donning Rays gear for Tampa Bay’s defending American League East champions.
Just a few moments ago, Merlot Joe Twittered about special visitors at Rays spring training tomorrow.
@RaysJoeMaddon Bucs head coach Raheem Morris and some of his coaches will be coming to Port Charlotte tomorrow. One of them is going to suit up.
Joe could easily see Raheem being a center fielder. He still has wheels and Joe’s going to lay cash Raheem can fire a ball from the warning track a whole lot better than Johnny Damon.
The critical question is, can Raheem “work the count” as we all know how much Merlot Joe covets walks the way most others covet doubles and home runs?
If Raheem isn’t going to suit up, Joe believes Keith Millard could crush a few pitches like MannyBay.
UPDATE: Intrepid WTSP producer and hardcore, diehard Rays fan Mike Weber suggested on Twitter that Raheem will impart his sage advice upon Merlot Joe that “stats are for losers.”
Might Raheem Be Attracted To Burress — Again?
March 7th, 2011
A man who caught the adoring eyes of Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik — before they were rock star and coach of the year — is getting out of jail in early June, per ProFootballTalk.com.
That would be “The Lone Gunman,” Plaxico Burress. He’s the guy with sick talent who made a habit of getting fined, sued and pulled over, topped off by shooting himself, spending a couple years in the hole and being known as a questionable teammate (although Hines Ward said he wants the Steelers to re-sign him).
Despite Burress’ flaws, the Bucs were one of two teams interested him a couple of years ago shortly after the shooting, back when the plan was a two-gap defense, Jeff Jagodzinski simplifying the offense, and Byron Leftwich winning games while Derrick Ward ran downhill and Josh Freeman watched and learned.
Back then there was no denial from the Bucs’ regime about their interest in Burress, so noted Tampa Tribune beat writer Woody Cummings in a 2009 story. It was a story that lingered for several days.
Though he didn’t get into specifics, Bucs coach Raheem Morris sounded Thursday like a coach who would jump at the chance to add Burress to his roster if Burress can clear himself from his legal issues.
“He’s a great player,’’ Morris said of the former Giants and Steelers standout. “Anytime you have an opportunity to get a great player you’d love to see a great player come to Tampa.’’
Would Dominik and Raheem be interested again? Especially with the uncertainty of Arrelious Benn’s health?
Joe doubts it (and can’t recommend it), but the Bucs were enticed once and Burress probably would come cheap. If the Bucs have to meet a new salary cap floor, signing Burress could be a miniscule risk. They could always cut him.
Regardless, Joe was intrigued looking back at the Plaxico-Bucs stories because of the Bucs’ mindset at the time. Raheem and Dominik used to talk about improving the Bucs at all costs and looking at every player, as evidenced by the quote above (and others in that Tribune story).
Now they don’t talk like that. Publicly, everything’s not on the table anymore. Now it’s about draft picks and doing it the “right way” without free agents.
Some call it the evolution of a quality front office. Others aren’t so sure.
Barrett Ruud Out; Davin Joseph In?
March 7th, 2011
Joe has heard and read all sorts of analogies as to what Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik plans to do this offseason outside of the draft, but this is a new one to Joe.
It seems the numbers-crunching, calculator-playing, spreadsheet-loving crowd at FootballOutsiders.com believes Dominik will let linebacker Barrett Ruud walk in order to have enough cash to keep offensive guard Davin Joseph.
That seems to be the information floated by Robert Weintraub.
Guard Davin Joseph is the priority for the Bucs. He’s the best run blocker on the line, and the team wants some continuity in front of Josh Freeman. He isn’t expected to be franchised, and the Bucs are expected to let middle linebacker Barrett Ruud walk in order to keep Joseph.
Again, this is the first Joe has heard of this and Joe regularly communicates with Bucs beat reporters so this is very much a revelation.
Now past history suggests there is some merit to Weintraub’s information. Dominik gave Donald Penn a handsome raise last year after making Penn sweat by not signing him for a few months. Dominik has countless times said the team’s priority is protecting Freeman so signing Joseph is consistent with Dominik’s past moves and recent proclamations.
Whether this means Ruud is history, well, we should all find out when the 2011 begins.
If it begins.
Joe Smells A Smokescreen
March 6th, 2011
Joe has to apologize first. Joe’s been sitting on an interview Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik had last weekend on Sirius NFL Radio, but Joe’s been swamped with work and other personal duties so Joe hasn’t had the time to transcribe it yet, which will likely take a long time.
But Don Parr of ProFootballWeekly.com seemed to hear the same interview and cobbled together a few of Dominik’s quotes.
Just about any thinking person in the free world is aware the Bucs need dire help up front on defense, specifically from the defensive end position. Dominik has not exactly kept this fact a state secret himself. But lately Dominik has been hinting that quarterback Josh Freeman still needs more weapons to work with.
“(Freeman is) just touching what he can become, in our opinion,” Dominik said at the Scouting Combine. “So any chance you have to keep him healthy, in terms of protecting him, or give him more toys or weapons to work with, we’re going to do that. So I think a lot of people have pigeonholed us about what we’re going to do in the draft. And I would say that I don’t think a lot of people would have said we would take two defensive tackles back-to-back (in the first and second rounds) last year. So we’re going to use the draft and stay true to our board and make sure we take the best player that can help us. And it may not be the position that everybody thinks we should take first, but it’s going to be the best that we think is going to help our football team going forward.”
The smoke is starting to get so thick in Joe’s home office his eyes are burning. Look, no one expected Dominik to take two defensive tackles right away in the draft last year but virtually everyone expected him to take a defensive tackle.
Now Dominik is not a dumb guy. If there is a run on defensive ends maybe Dominik won’t reach for one selecting 20th overall so he may go with the best player available and yeah, that could be an offensive tackle.
But Joe does not believe for a minute that Dominik won’t be drafting defensive ends.
Blount Impacting 2011 Draft
March 6th, 2011
As a healthy American male, Joe can sit on his couch and turn on the NFL Network. What a simple pleasure some men choose to enjoy. Joe did just that before heading off to Derby Lane last night.
During some NFL Network chatter Saturday, former personnel executive and popular analyst Mike Lombardi talked about how the top running back in this year’s draft class, Mark Ingram out of Alabama, can move mountains during his upcoming pro day but it won’t help him overcome the LeGarrette Blount factor.
Lombardi made the point that Blount’s 1,007 yards as an undrafted player, on the heels of success by other late-round and undrafted running backs, will have a lot of teams hesitant to take Ingram early in the first round.
It’s a bit ironic that the great popcorn shoveler, Peter King of Sports Illustrated, thinks this could lead the Bucs to draft Ingram at No. 20.
While Joe’s not seeing the Bucs going anywhere near a running back in the first two rounds, Joe wonders what kind of chemistry issues could arise if the Bucs did grab a wide receiver or a running back in the first two rounds.
The reality is that Mike Williams and Blount will earn peanuts for at least the next couple of seasons. The high draft pick would earn a heck of a lot more, if there’s no rookie salary cap with the new labor agreement.
Assuming Blount and Williams remain the Bucs’ top dogs at their positions, it would have to be hard for them to have rookies alongside them earning monster paychecks. Yeah, they’re professionals, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy.
Don’t Put It Off Any Longer …
March 6th, 2011
Offensive Line Help Could Be Good Addition
March 5th, 2011
Pete Schrager of FoxSports.com believes the Bucs will draft Pitt offensive lineman Jason Pinkston in the second round.
The Great American Track Practice NFL Combine is over. The players have gone home. Cam Newton will have to find better excuses to miss receivers. The weights have been put away. Gil Brandt has resumed grumbling about how Vince Lombardi stole Chuck Mercein from him.
So many of the draft gurus — including Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski — have monitored their notes and adjusted their mock drafts accordingly.
(Memo to drafthounds: If you did not follow Justin’s mock draft on Twitter, Joe doesn’t know what’s the matter with you. For those who did, Joe is sure they will agree with Joe when he refers to Justin’s brainstorm of an idea of Twittering a mock draft in one word: “Winning!”)
Pete Schrager of FoxSports.com is no different. He adjusted his mock draft to reflect how players performed in the Great American Track Practice NFL Combine and while he still has the Bucs drafting Adrian Clayborn in the first round, Schrager has the Bucs taking offensive lineman Jason Pinkston from Pitt in the second round.
Pinkston is not a tall man at 6-3 but he is a large man weighing 313 pounds. From the sounds of Pinkston’s profile on NFL.com, he’s smart and athletic and while he has a number of weaknesses, it appears those can be worked out while being coached up.
Joe wouldn’t mind seeing the Bucs add to the offensive line. It’s a smart move.
Cody Grimm, The Anti-Sabby
March 5th, 2011
"I hated Grimm."
Joe’s heard various people chatter about how Cody Grimm might not be starter material at safety.
Joe really wonders what sort of football those people are watching. Wasn’t it obvious that Grimm was an extremely savvy rookie and a guy who tackles well and brings his hat successfully? The Bucs could sure use a couple of Grimm types at linebacker.
Mark Dominik talked about Grimm’s high football IQ to Woody Cummings of The Tampa Tribune recently. Here’s a snippet:
“Even back in the (voluntary workouts) and again during training camp, you would have thought that he’d played safety in college and not linebacker,” Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said.
“He was just so comfortable back there and his awareness of field levels and angles – it’s just a special trait of his. He’s just got a real good feel for it and an ability to get into the right spots. And that’s what accelerated his transition.”
Joe wonders if Grimm’s talent at safety was so obvious back in OTAs, what was Sabby The Goat thinking all that time? With Sean Jones around and Grimm’s savvy exposing Sabby The Goat’s horrendous angles, no wonder Sabby The Goat unleashed his fury at Raheem Morris.
Joe’s feeling grateful — again — that the Bucs sent Sabby The Goat packing.
In Cummings’ story, he references Grimm’s height at 6-1. If Grimm is anything more than 5-11, then Joe is a picture of fitness and every cheerleader’s dream.
Joe never understands why guys lie about their height at the NFL level. They’ve already made it. There’s nobody left to fool. You’d think it would be more impressive to use your real height and weight, whatever it may be.
Serious Hope Emerging From Labor Talks
March 4th, 2011
Joe doesn’t write much about the high-stakes, 10-figures battle between the NFL players and owners — too boring and too annoying.
But for those paying attention, today is a critical day. The “lockout” didn’t happen as previously scheduled at the stroke of midnight as the two sides agreed to keep talking.
And now this morning, Peter King of Sports Illustrated Twittered hope from the bowels of the labor talks.
I am told “serious, significant progress” has been made on CBA issues. “This is not a sham,” my source says, “but it is very fragile.”
More positive hints also are swirling around the Interwebs.
Joe’s got his fingers crossed like every other fan. Joe really doesn’t want to see healthy young players eating dry crackers and smelly pizza toppings for sustenance.
Cream Of The Receivers And Tight Ends Crops
March 4th, 2011
Do the Bucs covet a blocking tight end like this guy?
Time for a fat sandwich from Mugs Grill & Bar and a cold, frosty beverage. The Commish, NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski of WDAE-AM 620, has rolled out his first set of position breakdowns of potential draftees: wide receivers and tight ends.
A former Division I college player and current analyst on USF Bulls radio broadcasts, and a lifelong Bucs season ticket holder, The Commish ranks the NFL Draft hopefuls, serves up why he would and wouldn’t take a guy, and explains their potential impact on the Bucs, and who the players compare to in the NFL.
Enjoy!
Wide Receivers
1. AJ Green – Georgia
6’4’’ – 211 lbs – 4.50
Top 5 pick
Why The Commish would draft him: Green is one of those rare receivers that comes out every couple of years. The first thing that stands out to me about Green is that he has unbelievable hands and ability to make the “wow” play. He runs nice routes and has a nice tall frame with long arms. His concentration, ability to beat press coverage, and body control are all great. I view Green as one of the safest players in this draft and a future star.
Why The Commish would stay away: There just aren’t a lot of things to dislike about Green. He was suspended for selling a game-worn bowl jersey for $1000, but who wouldn’t do that? He’s not a bad guy for that. I guess the one knock on Green would be his lack of elite downfield speed.
Impact on the Bucs: In your dreams.
Comparison: Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals
2. Julio Jones – Alabama
6’3’’ – 220 lbs – 4.39
Top 10
Why The Commish would draft him: Jones has been a highly touted athlete going all the way back to high school, and he has handled all the publicity very well. His unique blend of size, speed, and power is enough to make any scout drool. When the draft process first started, I thought Jones would be ideal for the Rams 3-step passing game with Sam Bradford. Now, I don’t see any way that Jones lasts to the 14th pick. He should be dominant in the short passing game and in yards after the catch. Jones can also bust out the big play with his big time speed.
Why The Commish would stay away: The first thing that worries me is Jones’ health. It seems like every year Jones gets banged up and is limited. The other big concern is Jones’ lapses in concentration and drops. There aren’t many more things a wide receiver can do that are more frustrating than a dropped pass. Go ahead and ask the blocking icon about that.
Impact on the Bucs: He’s not a legitimate option for the Bucs, but should be dynamic for whomever drafts him in the top 10.
Comparison: Andre Johnson – Houston Texans
3. Jonathon Baldwin – Pitt
6’5’’ – 228 lbs – 4.50
1st Round
Why The Commish would draft him: There are two things you just can’t teach in the NFL…speed and size. Baldwin’s size makes him a mismatch every time he steps on the field. Baldwin has shown a good work ethic on the field and in the weight room. He also showed a dedication in the classroom as he was on the Big East All-Academic team in 2009. With his huge frame, Baldwin is great at tracking the ball in the air and going up to get it.
Why The Commish would stay away: As much as I like Baldwin’s size and downfield speed, he isn’t very quick in and out of his breaks and struggles to get open. It’s hard to have overwhelming faith in a receiver that doesn’t get open. Route running and agility can be so underrated sometimes. Although the charges were dropped, Baldwin was arrested in the spring of 2009 for misdemeanor assault.
Impact on the Bucs: With bigger receivers like Mike Williams, Dezmon Briscoe, and Arrelious Benn already on the roster, I’m not quite sure Baldwin would be a good fit with the Bucs.
Comparison: Marques Colston – New Orleans Saints
4. Titus Young – Boise St.
5’11’’ – 174 lbs – 4.53
1st/2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Young is a big play waiting to happen. He did not display elite straight line speed, but he is as shifty as any receiver in this class. Young also displays traits of a great return man that he can and does use as a receiver. He’s got very soft hands, great vision, and has a great burst out of cuts.
Why The Commish would stay away: Arrogance and maturity issues are the main concerns I continue to hear with Young. His size is also a concern when comparing him to the other bigger receivers in this class. Also, although Young is very shifty as a receiver, I wonder if he has enough strength to beat press coverage.
Impact on the Bucs: The Bucs missed on Desean Jackson a few years back by just a few picks and settled on Dexter Jackson instead. The Bucs do have a need for speed at the receiver position, but I would only think about Young if he fell to the Bucs pick in the 2nd round.
Comparison: Desean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles
5. Torrey Smith – Maryland
6’1’’ – 204 lbs – 4.43
1st/2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I know speed isn’t the only thing, but it kills. Smith is loaded with speed all over the field. He reaches his top speed quickly off the line of scrimmage and does an excellent job at locating the ball in the air and making big plays down the field. I love Smith’s character as he was the oldest of 7 children to a single mom growing up, and at a young age had to become a father figure to his brothers and sisters.
Why The Commish would stay away: Much like Darrius Heyward-Bey, who was out of Maryland a few years back, Smith is a very raw receiver who still has a lot to learn. He must become a better route runner and learn how to beat press coverage. He is a vertical threat, but struggles with quickness and agility in and out of breaks in underneath routes.
Impact on the Bucs: Smith might be someone the Bucs take a look at if he lasts to their pick in the 2nd round. Smith’s speed is something the Bucs would like to incorporate into their offense, but Smith’s limitations might force the Bucs to stay away and address other needs.
Comparison: Darrius Heyward-Bey – Oakland Raiders
6. Leonard Hankerson – Miami
6’2’’ – 209 lbs – 4.43
2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: There’s something about Miami receivers and the ability they bring. Hankerson has the size and showed off some nice speed at the combine. I like his long arms and strong hands that allow him to make some impressive catches. Hankerson has been around for a while, so he’s a mature player with good leadership skills. He also displays a good physical nature to his game and is not afraid to go over the middle.
Why The Commish would stay away: The main issue with Hankerson heading into the NFL is his lack of ability to get separation and get open. He lacks burst, quickness, and agility in and out of his breaks. These weaknesses also hurt him in runs after the catch and in the return game. Hankerson is a possession receiver with some speed, but probably won’t be a big play receiver in the NFL.
Impact on the Bucs: Hankerson is an intriguing player who has seen his stock raise in this process so far. Remember, the Bucs don’t just need any type of receiver. If they get one, it will be a receiver of the quicker and shiftier variety.
Comparison: Donald Driver – Green Bay Packers
7. Jerrel Jernigan – Troy
5’9’’ – 186 lbs – 4.46
2nd/3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Jernigan can be special at times with the ball in his hands. He is a wide receiver in the body of a running back. He is very strong for his size and has great vision and balance. He should be a very good contributor as a returner. Coming from a small school in Troy, Jernigan possesses the work ethic it takes to be great. He also is very tough and durable for a man his size. As for his receiving ability, he possesses nice soft hands and is a quick receiver who accelerates well in and out of his breaks.
Why The Commish would stay away: Jernigan’s going to be pretty raw as a receiver and need to learn a lot when it comes to running routes in the NFL. His size and overall strength are a concern as they might limit his role in the NFL. Jernigan will have a tough time beating press coverage and might be forced to be a slot receiver in the NFL.
Impact on the Bucs: This sounds about right for the Bucs. Jernigan is the shifty, quick, and speedy receiver the Bucs are looking for. With Jernigan’s ability after the catch, you have to wonder if he’ll have a future in the “Wildcat” in the NFL as well. Jernigan should be available to the Bucs in the 2nd round, but I doubt he makes it to them in the 3rd round.
Comparison: Steve Smith – Carolina Panthers
8. Greg Little – North Carolina
6’3’’ – 231 lbs – 4.53
2nd/3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Little is a special receiver with a great blend of size and speed. He was one of those players from North Carolina who missed all of 2010. Little is anything but little. He is a very powerful player and runs with purpose with the ball in his hands. He is a former running back with the natural ability to grab the ball out of the air. Watching Little on film, he just looks the part of a number one receiver. Hopefully, you know what I mean by that!
Why The Commish would stay away: Sitting out an entire season is always worrisome even if Little showed up in great shape to the combine. He is raw as a route runner and still has a lot to learn about getting open in the NFL. He doesn’t really have the burst to make big plays with his feet. Also, at the combine, Tony Pauline of SI.com reported that Little was caught in a lie by multiple teams and that he might not even be drafted. Tony Pauline was the only person to report this.
Impact on the Bucs: I really like Little as a player on the field, but I don’t think he’s a great fit for the Bucs. His lack of speed is a shortfall in the area the Bucs need most.
Comparison: Hakeem Nicks – New York Giants
9. Randall Cobb – Kentucky
5’10’’ – 191 lbs – 4.46
2nd/3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I like Cobb for his quickness and good understanding of underneath routes. He seems to know where and when to sit done in the soft part of a zone. His quickness is also an asset after he catches the ball as the first defender rarely brings him down. Cobb was a former duel-threat QB in high school, so the Wildcat becomes a major option with him. No pun intended with “option”.
Why The Commish would stay away: Cobb does have the quickness, but he is much better underneath than he is at getting deep. His lack of size might force him down to the slot a majority of the time. Cobb is a solid player, but not an elite player, yet.
Impact on the Bucs: I like the quickness, but the I feel the Bucs need the quickness mixed with some deep speed to loosen up a defense. With that being said, Cobb would be a bad option in the 2nd/3rd round. I’d prefer 3rd round though!
Comparison: Antwan Randle-El – Pittsburgh Steelers
10. DeAndre Brown – Southern Miss
6’6’’ – 233 lbs – 4.59
3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: With a frame like what Brown has, it’s hard to not like that on a receiver. The scary part is that his frame will allow him to continue to mature physically. Brown can stretch the field vertically too as he tends to gain speed as he works his way down the field. To go with his big frame, Brown has long arms and knows how to use his size and go up to get the ball. There might be a lot of potential with Brown.
Why The Commish would stay away: There are major red flags and question marks with Brown. We’ll start with his inability to stay healthy. As a freshman, Brown broke his leg so bad in the final game of the season that he had to miss the beginning of his sophomore year. He then missed more time in 2009 due to a shoulder injury. Finally, he missed 7 games this last season with a leg strain. Character is also a major concern as he has had his work ethic questioned and has had run-ins with coaches from Southern Miss.
Impact on the Bucs: A lot of potential here, but I would pass and I think the Bucs will do the same.
Comparison: Terrell Owens – Free Agent
Tight Ends
1. Kyle Rudolph – Notre Dame
6’6’’ – 259 lbs – DNP
2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Rudolph seems to be the complete package at tight end. I really like how athletic he is with his big frame. He has excellent hands and runs nice smooth routes. Rudolph also has nice long arms and is very good as a blocker. He has the ability, if healthy, to come in and contribute right away in the NFL.
Why The Commish would stay away: Health is a huge concern. Rudolph’s 2009 season ended early because of a shoulder injury and his season came to an end early last season because of a hamstring injury.
Impact on the Bucs: The Bucs have a need for depth at tight end, but pairing an oft-injured Rudolph with another TE with injury woes, Kellen Winslow, is probably not the best idea.
Comparison: Heath Miller – Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Luke Stocker – Tennessee
6’5’’ – 258 lbs – 4.79
3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Stocker’s the big blocker at tight end in this draft. He is a very good pass protector and excellent in picking up blitzes. Stocker also has real nice power in the run game. In the passing game, Stocker has a nice release off the line and reliable hands.
Why The Commish would stay away: Stocker is no threat in the pass game. He lumbers as he runs and will not break long plays.
Impact on the Bucs: With the possible loss of John Gilmore, the Bucs would have a need for a tight end that can assist in blocking.
Comparison: Jim Kleinsasser – Minnesota Vikings
3. Lance Kendricks – Wisconsin
6’3’’ – 243 lbs – 4.75
3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Kendricks is a nice receiver with much better quickness than speed. He has soft hands and can be very reliable in the pass game. Kendricks lacks great size, but gives great effort in blocking and has nice toughness. I think Kendricks could deceptively attack the seem of an opposing defense.
Why The Commish would stay away: Kendricks lacks elite size for a tight end which has led to many nagging injuries. Kendricks has shown a tendancy to drop some very catchable balls.
Impact on the Bucs: This is the type of tight end I could see the Bucs target in the 3rd or 4th round. Kendricks is a solid tight end who would add nice depth for the Bucs.
Comparison: Fred Davis – Washington Redskins
4. DJ Williams – Arkansas
6’2’’ – 245 lbs – 4.67
3rd/4th Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Williams is a threat in the passing game. Arkansas used him in many ways at tight end and split out as a receiver. Williams can definitely stretch the seem and add a dimension to an offense that might not be there. Williams has a great work ethic and was a leader for the Razorbacks.
Why The Commish would stay away: Williams does not have very good size. He also does not bring much as a blocker.
Impact on the Bucs: I could definitely see the Bucs targeting Williams in the middle rounds. He fits the mold of the type of player the Bucs look for and would give them the depth they need at the position.
Comparison: Aaron Hernandez – New England Patriots
5. Virgil Green – Nevada
6’3’’ – 249 lbs – 4.64
3rd/4th Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I really like Green as a receiver. He has great speed and showed great explosion at the combine. Green had the highest vertical and longest broad jump by far of any tight end at the combine. His film shows him with excellent speed in the pass game and long arms with big hands.
Why The Commish would stay away: Blocking is not Green’s strong suit. He can get in the way of defenders and position himself well, but struggles to hold the block for any period of time. I also would like him to become a better route runner. He tends to rely on his athleticism to get open, which won’t work in the pros.
Impact on the Bucs: I like what I’ve seen on Green. I think he could be a very solid developmental tight end and add needed depth for the Bucs. I think it is realistic to think that the Bucs could target him in the 4th round and be able to get him.
Comparison: Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers
Bucs Don’t Need A Shutdown Corner
March 4th, 2011
Sometimes Joe is torn when he is looking for a laugh. Should Joe watch Sam Kinison videos on YouTube or read the screeds about how Bucs fans want rock star general manager Mark Dominik to back up a Brinks truck to land cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha?
Joe’s been over this before, but in short, that would be like Merlot Joe Maddon coercing the Rays to trade a starting pitcher for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.
The Bucs have a deep secondary with solid players. Yet without a pass rush of any significance last season, the Bucs came a hair away from the playoffs. This fact is not lost on sports TV addict Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times, who believes a defensive end is more important than a cornerback, so he wrote in a recent chat.
Comment From OleOle:
Don’t you agree that the Bucs need a shutdown corner instead of a defensive lineman in the 1st round?Tom Jones
I think the Bucs still need to improve their pass rush. For example, let’s look at the Steelers. The Steelers don’t have a great corner, but have defended the pass pretty well in recent years because they’ve had such a good pash rush. The better your pass rush, the better your corners look. Talib is a big-time corner. Obviously, in a perfect world, you have great corners and a great pass rush. I don’t think the Bucs can go wrong either way here, but if it were me, I’d go with a pass rusher.
Bingo! A solid pass rush makes even an average defensive back look strong and Joe will go so far as to suggest the Bucs have an above-average secondary if not a strong secondary.
Get some heat off the pass rush, something the Bucs woefully missed last season, and all of a sudden your defense looks dominant.
King Of Turds Is At It Again
March 4th, 2011
Well, well, well, it didn’t long take the King of Turds to rear his ugly mug (shot) yet again.
Thrown off the Bucs for trying to sell pot, allegedly, the night before the Bucs played the Lambs, Stevens again was dragged off to a Hillsborough County cage for going wilding at the Hula Bay Club Thursday night, per Josh Politlove of the Tampa Tribune.
After being escorted from the bar he punched two bouncers; bouncers took him to the ground, trying to control him until police arrived, police said.
One of the bouncers suffered a possible broken jaw, police said. Stevens was struck in the face and suffered swelling and soreness, police said.
Joe just remembers how this piece of human debris was lauded by Bruce Almighty as a reformed man, an angel if not an asset amid the Tampa Bay community.
Both the King of Turd’s history and present suggest he’s a profound menace to society.
Still.
