Wanna try to figure out what Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht likes in draft picks? A stathead trying to see if Licht has draft patterns has documented traits in players Licht has selected. [read more]
You’d better believe he has Jason Licht’s full attention.
In overseeing the past 10 drafts for the Bucs, Licht has shown a knack for hitting on offensive linemen. He overcame a sluggish start at the position, selecting Kadeem Edwards and Kevin Pamphile in the fifth round of his inaugural 2014 draft.
Edwards never played a game for Tampa Bay and Pamphile was a pedestrian 2-year starter at left guard before Ali Marpet wisely found a home there in 2018. Those were two misses, yet hardly mistakes worth noting because few fifth-round picks make any noise at the next level.
Licht hit it big the following year, grabbing Donovan Smith and Marpet in the second round. Caleb Benenoch, taken in the fifth round in 2016, was released by Calgary of the CFL last summer after a nondescript NFL career.
The Bucs don’t need a quarterback. They’ve got Pro Bowl QB Baker Mayfield and the guy that allegedly was within inches of winning the starting job from Mayfield last season: Kyle Trask. [read more]
The Bucs need a running back. Anyone paying attention knows it, especially if they’re listening to Todd Bowles and understanding how much the man wants a solid running game.
Unless he really blows chunks in training camp and/or the Bucs draft a corner at No. 26, Zyon McCollum will start at cornerback. He already has been ordained by Bucs coach Todd Bowles to replace traded Carlton Davis. [read more]