All posts by Jonathan Hinkle

I've been a Buccaneers fan all my life. It's what I know. It's who I am. It's how I live my life. It's a Bucs Life. And that's how I write and what I write about.
Opinion Editorial

20 Questions About the 2020 Season With Deez Bucz

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Bucs fans come into every season with high hopes and dreams of another Super Bowl. Usually, those hopes and dreams are destroyed within the first few weeks of the season, and we’re left hoping for another top ten draft pick. However, this season feels different with Tom Brady on board and steering the ship. I mean, he has been to nine Super Bowls, winning six of them along with four SB MVP trophies.

With that being said, what should realistic expectations be for Bucs fans this year? Well, I’m here with my predictions for anything and everything having to do with the 2020 Buccaneers team. Wins, yards, touchdowns, sacks, interceptions; I’m giving my thoughts on all of it. So sit back and take a look at what this Bucs team could possibly have in store for this season.

  1. Will Tom Brady have more or less than 5,000 yards passing this season?

Despite only surpassing that mark one time during his 20-year career (2011- 5,235 yards), I do think that he will throw for more than 5,000 yards this season. Brady has NEVER had this many offensive weapons at his disposal. He’ll likely have close to 3,000 yards just from Evans and Godwin alone. Scotty Miller, who could possibly flirt with a 1,000-yard season, and Justin Watson and Tyler Johnson could add at least another 500 yards combined. That already puts him at almost 4,500 yards WITHOUT counting tight ends and running backs. You would think that Gronkowski, Howard, and Brate should be good for at least 1,000 yards between them. And the running backs Jones, McCoy, Fournette, and Vaughn should be good for at least another 500 yards combined. That’s 6,000 yards right there. Do I think he’ll hit THAT mark? Maybe not. But he won’t be far from it. The only thing that would stop this from happening is if the Bucs end up with large second-half leads and try to run out the clock every week, which would cut down on his pass attempts.

  1. Will Tom Brady have more than 40 passing touchdowns this season?

Once again, in 20 seasons, he’s only thrown for more than 40 touchdowns once in 2007 (50). That was with a Patriots team that had Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Troy Brown, Donte’ Stallworth, Jabar Gaffney, Kyle Brady, and Ben Watson on it. This Bucs team has even more talent and more playmakers. Brady has NEVER been surrounded by this much talent on the offensive side of the ball. I don’t care how old he is he’s STILL Tom Brady. He’s still the GOAT. There’s not too many better in the red zone, and he has plenty of legitimate red-zone targets on this team. When Peyton Manning had his record-setting 2013 season, he wasn’t far from 40 years old and was just two years from retirement. It can be done.

  1. Will Ronald Jones II have more than 1,000 yards rushing?

Two weeks ago, I would’ve said absolutely. After the addition of Leonard Fournette to the mix, I don’t think he will. He’ll be close. I think he’ll have more than the 725 yards he had last season. But eventually, Fournette will take over that primary RB role and steal carries away from RoJo on first and second downs.

  1. Will Leonard Fournette eventually take the “starting RB” job away from Ronald Jones II?

As I said above, Fournette will eventually take over the primary RB role in place of RoJo. He’s just too good of a player not to. I like Ronald Jones and think that he’s definitely improving, but Fournette was the fourth pick of the draft three years ago. In the two seasons where he played at least 13 games, Fournette finished averaging 1,100 yards, 4.1 yards per carry, and 80 yards per game, with a bad o-line and no quarterback in Jacksonville. It’s not a knock against Jones. It’s just a testament to how good Fournette could be.

  1. Will Mike Evans have more than 1,500 receiving yards?

I don’t think he will. There are so many weapons on this offense that there may not be enough balls to go around. Evans could end up being more of a decoy rather than a weapon. With Godwin coming on, Miller, Watson, Johnson, Gronk, Howard, Brate, McCoy, and now Fournette too, it will cut into Mike’s opportunities. He’ll still get his 1,200 yards, but I don’t see him reaching that 1,500-yard mark.

  1. Will Chris Godwin have more receiving yards than Mike Evans again?

He might. As I said, Evans may serve as more of a decoy than anything else, so that could lead to more opportunities for Godwin. Some experts already have CG14 as a top ten receiver in the league, so it wouldn’t surprise me at all. Last season, he finished with 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns. I expect him to be close to those same numbers again.

  1. Will Scotty Miller have a 1,000-yard season?

I think he might. Last year, he had 13 catches for 200 yards averaging over 15 yards per catch. With Brady at quarterback, his production can only go up, especially, if he ends up being one of his favorite targets like a Wes Welker or Julian Edelman type. The rumor is that Miller and Brady have already formed quite the chemistry during training camp. If he doesn’t reach that 1,000-yard mark, he should at least come pretty close. But don’t be surprised if the Bucs end up with three 1,000 yard receivers this season.

  1. Which tight end will catch more touchdowns?

Tom Brady has never had three legit tight ends in his arsenal. This season, he’ll have Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, and Cam Brate. All three should be productive in this offense, and I think they’ll have around 1,200 yards between them. I see Gronk finishing with more yards than the other two, simply because of the chemistry that he and Tom share. However, I think Cam will end up with more touchdowns.

  1. Will Shaq Barrett have more than 20 sacks?

Yes, he will. Shaq finished with 19 1/2 sacks last season. This year, he says he’s even faster, AND he’s added a few more moves to his arsenal, including one that he learned from JPP. He is determined not to be a one year wonder. Plus, he should get more opportunities with the Bucs playing with a lead more often than last year.

  1. Will Jason Pierre-Paul have more than 12.5 sacks?

He had that many during his first season with the Bucs two years ago and again with the Giants in the 2014 season. However, he hasn’t had more than that since 2011 when he finished with 16.5 sacks. He had 8.5 last season after missing the first 6 games with an injury. I do think he’ll have more than the 12.5 but maybe falls just shy of his career-high 16.5 mark.

  1. Will the Bucs set a new franchise record for sacks?

The Buccaneers franchise record for most team sacks is 55, set back in the 2000 season. Last year, the Bucs defense finished with 47 sacks, and that was without JPP for six games. Like I said with Shaq, the Bucs will be playing with a lead more often this year, which means more dropbacks for opposing quarterbacks and more opportunities for the defense to pin their ears back and get after the QB. If they can stay healthy, I think this defense could flirt with that 55 number or maybe even surpass it.

  1. Who will have more tackles, Lavonte David or Devin White?

Last year, Devin White had 91 tackles and missed 3 games. He’s not a rookie anymore, and he’s entering his second season in Todd Bowles system. I expect a big, big year from White, so yes, I do think he’ll end up with more tackles than David but not by much.

  1. Which corner will have more interceptions, Carlton Davis or Sean Bunting?

Davis may be the best cover corner on the team, but he hasn’t been much of a ballhawk. In two seasons, he’s only come up with one interception despite having 19 passes defended last year. Bunting had three interceptions as a rookie last season and showed that he has a nose for the football. I think the trend continues with Bunting having the most picks this year.

  1. Will the Bucs set a new franchise record for interceptions?

I doubt it. During the 2002 Super Bowl run, that historic defense finished with an insane 31 interceptions. I don’t think these guys will even come close to that. Not yet. However, this is a young, talented secondary. If they can stay healthy and the Bucs can keep them together for a couple more years, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them make a push for that record eventually.

  1. Will any Bucs players be in the mix for NFL MVP?

It’s not going to surprise me one bit if Tom Brady is in the running for MVP this season. Especially if he puts up the kind of numbers that I think he could put up with all these offensive weapons. If he finishes with more than 5,500 yards and 45 touchdowns AND the Bucs make the playoffs, how could he not be under consideration for it?

  1. Will any Bucs player be in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year?

As I said before, I think Devin White is in for a big year. Peter Schrager from NFL Networks Good Morning Football thinks that White could end up being in the race for Defensive Player of the Year, and I agree. With all the prime time games this year, more people are going to get to know all about that young man and realize that he’s already one of the top linebackers in football. Shaq Barrett could be in the mix as well, but my money is on White.

  1. Will the Bucs win more or less than 10 games?

Yep. They weren’t far from it last season, DESPITE all the turnovers. The Bucs won seven games last season. Two losses came due to missed field goals that should’ve been made (hence the new kicker), and at least three games were lost due to turnovers (hence the new quarterback). That’s five more games that they could’ve won, bringing them to 12 wins. I’m adding one more in there just because and will say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will go 13-3 this season. Yeah, I said it.

  1. Could this Bucs offense set a new NFL record for most points in a season?

Possibly. This Buccaneers offense is one of the most talented that I’ve ever seen on paper. They still have to go out there and execute. However, they have the weapons to be one of the best offenses ever assembled. Back in 2013, the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos set the current NFL record with 606 points. That’s 38 points per game. That’s a bunch. That broke the record set by the New England Patriots in 2007 with 589 points averaging 37 points per game. That team was led by one Tom Brady. So if there’s any team that could challenge that record, it’s this one.

  1. Will the Bucs be the first team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl in their home stadium?

Yes, they will. It’s going to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa for Super Bowl LV.

  1. Will the Bucs win that Super Bowl?

Yes, they will. The Buccaneers will win their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

This is going to be a fun season to watch. The offense is going to be explosive. The defense is going to be relentless, and the wins are going to be plentiful. The Bucs haven’t had more than 10 wins since the 2005 season. They haven’t been in the playoffs since the 2007 season, and they haven’t won a playoff game since the 2002 Super Bowl run. Well, that’s all going to change this year. And it all starts on Sunday against the Saints.

Until then, as always…GO BUCS!!!

Buccaneers

Deez Bucz 2020 Bucs Roster Breakdown: Who’s In; Who’s Out?

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Well, it’s official.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made their final cuts of the 2020 training camp reducing their 80 players down to a 53-man active roster and a 16-man practice squad. If you’ve been able to keep up with all the moves, then kudos to you. It’s not easy. Things happen quickly during cutdown day, and if you don’t pay attention, you’ll miss something here and there.

That’s where I come in to save the day.

If you’re not sure about what’s transpired over the weekend, then no worries. Sit back, relax, and just read. I’ve done all the legwork for you. From cuts to signings and waiver drops to waiver claims, here is everything you could want to know about how the Bucs ended up with the players they have now. So let’s get started with the quarterbacks.

QUARTERBACKS (3) – Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin

Yes, Ryan Griffin has survived another year of cuts. No real surprises here, although I did think they would move Griff to the practice squad with the new rules this season. Rookie Reid Sinnett was waived but was brought back to the practice squad after clearing waivers, only to be released after the Bucs latest roster move of signing the Miami Dolphins, recently waived quarterback Josh Rosen. That’s right, folks, the former 10th pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals is now on the Buccaneers practice squad. He had other opportunities, even on to active rosters, but he chose the Bucs. He decided that sitting behind and observing the greatest QB of all time would be the best career move for him. I agree. 

RUNNING BACKS (4) – Ronald Jones II, Leonard Fournette, LeSean McCoy, Ke’ Shawn Vaughn

This room has seen a drastic overhaul since last season when they had Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones II, Dare Ogunbowale, and TJ Logan. Barber went to Washington in free agency. Logan was lost to a possible season-ending knee injury. And Ogunbowale was waived by the Bucs last week. They’ve been replaced by Fournette, McCoy, and the rookie Vaughn this season. The other rookie Raymond Calais was waived and re-signed to the practice squad, but he was quickly snatched up and signed to the 53-man roster of the LA Rams, leaving the Bucs with no running backs on their scout team for the moment.

WIDE RECEIVER (6) – Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Justin Watson, Tyler Johnson, Jaydon Mickens

This group started out with seven players. Undrafted rookie John Hurst also made the initial 53-man roster, despite battling an ankle injury. Nicknamed “Crazy Legs” by Tom Brady, Hurst apparently impressed the Bucs staff enough with his speed and return ability to earn a spot. However, he has been put on short-term IR, which cleared the roster spot to sign Leonard Fournette. There’s no surprises in the top five receivers, but Mickens was able to earn a roster spot as both the primary kick AND punt returner.

Four more receivers were waived, including Cyril Grayson, Josh Pearson, Bryant Mitchell, and Spencer Schnell, but only Grayson and Pearson were brought back to the practice squad.

TIGHT ENDS (4) – Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, Cam Brate, Antony Auclair

No surprises here. The Bucs had six tight ends in camp, and these were the clear cut best four. The other two, Tanner Hudson and Cody McElroy were waived with Hudson being brought back to the practice squad.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9) – Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Alex Cappa, Tristan Wirfs, Josh Wells, Aaron Stinnie, AQ Shipley, Joe Haeg

The Bucs were crafty with this group. There were five cuts initially made among the offensive linemen, including Nick Leverett, Zack Bailey, Anthony Fabiano, Zach Shackelford, and recently signed AQ Shipley (released, no waiver). Originally John Molchon was included in the 53-man roster, but he was put on the short-term IR so that the team could bring back Shipley as their backup center. Leverett, Bailey, and Shackelford were also brought back and signed to the practice squad.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6) – Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, Will Gholston, Pat O’Connor, Khalil Davis, Raheem Nunez-Roches

There were only two cuts made in this group, and both guys, Jeremiah Ledbetter and Benning Potoa’e were brought back to the practice squad. The biggest surprise here might be that rookie Khalil Davis beat out Ledbetter for a spot, but apparently, the coaching staff was very impressed with his athleticism in camp.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5) – Shaquille Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Anthony Nelson, Cam Gill, Quinton Bell

I was a bit surprised with this group. There was only one cut made in second-year player Khazin Daniels. The Bucs are extremely inexperienced behind starters Barrett and Pierre-Paul with Nelson and Bell going into their second seasons and Gill being an undrafted rookie. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them try to sign a free agent veteran OLB eventually, but it looks like they’ll roll with the young guys for now.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4) – Lavonte David, Devin White, Kevin Minter, Jack Cichy

This must have been a tough choice because it was one of the final cuts made late Saturday. Noah Dawkins and rookie Chapelle Russell were both waived. Dawkins played in 10 games for Tampa last season, but it was the rookie Russell, who impressed enough to earn a spot on the practice squad.

CORNERBACK (5) – Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean, Ryan Smith, Parnell Motley

More surprises here with the cornerback group when Mazzi Wilkins and Herb Miller were both waived while undrafted rookie Parnell Motley made the 53-man roster. Both Wilkins and Miller cleared waivers and were re-signed to the practice squad, but the big story here is how impressive the rookie was in camp.

SAFETY (4) – Jordan Whitehead, Antoine Winfield Jr, Mike Edwards, Andrew Adams

No real shockers here. Two cuts were made in this group with both D’Cota Dixon and Javon Hagan being brought back to the practice squad. Some people are a little surprised that the rookie Winfield Jr is listed ahead of Edwards for the starting free safety spot although I’m not sure why. He’s apparently been impressive all camp.

For those curious about the never-ending saga called Justin Evans, he has, once again, been put on the Physically Unable to Play List. This gives him another six weeks to recover from his foot injury, despite not practicing for 21 months now. The staff must see some real potential in him to continue keeping him around like this, but we should know more about his future in a couple of months.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3) – Zach Triner, Bradley Pinion, Ryan Succop

That’s right, no Matt Gay at kicker. It seems as though a big leg isn’t as important as an accurate leg. Veteran Ryan Succop was brought into camp late and quickly won the kicking job as Gay was one of the first cuts made. From 2014 to 2017, Succop made 56 consecutive field goals inside 50 yards, which set a new NFL record.

The Bucs have also brought in another kicker named Greg Joseph, who played for the Browns and Titans over the last two seasons, to join their practice squad, filling the spot vacated by Raymond Calais leaving.

INITIAL DEPTH CHART

Offense

RT – Tristan Wirfs, Joe Haeg

RG – Alex Cappa

C – Ryan Jensen, AQ Shipley

LG – Ali Marpet, Aaron Stinnie

LT – Donovan Smith, Josh Wells

QB – Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin

RB – Ronald Jones II, LeSean McCoy, Leonard Fournette, Ke’ Shawn Vaughn

TE – Rob Gronkowski, Cam Brate

WR – Mike Evans, Justin Watson, Tyler Johnson

TE – OJ Howard, Antony Auclair

WR – Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Jaydon Mickens

 

Defense

OLB – Jason Pierre-Paul, Anthony Nelson

DT – Ndamukong Suh, Khalil Davis

NT – Vita Vea, Raheem Nunez-Roches

DT – Will Gholston, Pat O’Connor

OLB – Shaq Barrett, Cam Gill, Quinton Bell

ILB – Lavonte David, Jack Cichy

ILB – Devin White, Kevin Minter

CB – Carlton Davis, Ryan Smith, Parnell Motley

CB – Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean

SS – Jordan Whitehead, Andrew Adams

FS – Antoine Winfield Jr, Mike Edwards

 

Special Teams

K – Ryan Succop

P – Bradley Pinion

LS – Zach Triner

KR – Jaydon Mickens, Antoine Winfield Jr

PR – Jaydon Mickens, Scotty Miller

 

16-man Practice Squad

QB Josh Rosen

WR Josh Pearson

WR Cyril Grayson

TE Tanner Hudson

OL Zack Bailey

OL Nick Leverett

OL Zach Shackelford

DL Jeremiah Ledbetter

DL Benning Potoa’e

ILB Chapelle Russell

CB Mazzi Wilkins

CB Herb Miller

S D’Cota Dixon

S Javon Hagan

K Greg Joseph

 

Reserved/Injured List

OL John Molchon

RB TJ Logan

WR John Franklin

WR John Hurst

 

PUP List

S Justin Evans

Reserve/Opt-Out

OT Brad Seaton

 

Fun Facts About the Bucs Roster

* The Bucs will have 23 players on their Week 1 roster that were not on their Week 1 roster last season, as well as 16 new players that weren’t in Tampa at all last year. There are nine rookies and seven veterans.

* Four undrafted rookies made the initial 53-man roster (Molchon, Hurst, Gill, Motley), which is impressive considering the limited opportunities they had in camp.

* This roster has at least one player from each of the Bucs last nine drafts. They still have 21 of 29 picks from their last four drafts and just six from the previous drafts (2012- David, 2013- Gholston, 2014- Evans, 2015- D. Smith/Marpet, 2016- R. Smith).

* The Bucs go into this season with more players on offense (26) than on defense (24).

* Tallest player- Anthony Nelson 6’7″

* Shortest player- Antoine Winfield Jr 5’9″

* Biggest player- Vita Vea 347lbs

* Smallest player- Jaydon Mickens 170lbs

* Oldest player- Tom Brady 43

* Youngest player- Tristan Wirfs 21

* There are nine rookies and ten veterans over 30 on this roster.

 Bucs fans go into every season with high hopes and dreams of another Super Bowl. Usually, those hopes and dreams are squashed within the first few weeks of the season. But this year has a different feel to it with Tom Brady on board, steering the ship. Maybe I’m simply buying into the hype. But from what I hear coming out of One Buc, everyone on the team is buying in too. We’ll see if that’s true this Sunday when they open the season on the road in New Orleans to face their division rival Saints.

Until then, as always…GO BUCS!!!

 

 

Buccaneers

Deez Bucz 53-man Roster Prediction

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Alrighty Buc Nation, it’s almost that time!

This 2020 off-season has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for Bucs fans.

Jameis Winston is out.

Tom Brady is in.

Rob Gronkowski is coming too.

Then the Chinese Virus hit and halted everything.

Then we had the “virtual draft” where the Buccaneers did a great job filling the few holes in their roster.

Then the “second wave” of the flu hit and put the season in jeopardy.

And now, it looks as though the Bucs will be playing football this year (so far) even if it may only be in front of 25% capacity at Raymond James.

Thursday, August 6 was the deadline for players to let their teams know if they were opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. When that time came and went, 67 players throughout the league had turned in their notices. The Chargers, Rams, Falcons, and Steelers were the only teams to NOT have any players opt-out. As far as the Bucs are concerned, reserve offensive tackle Brad Seaton was their only player, even though there was some speculation that starting left tackle Donovan Smith was considering it.

Now that all that drama is over, we can take a look at the 80 players remaining on the Bucs current roster and try to figure out who they might be keeping for the 53-man roster to start the season. I’ll also try to predict the practice squad players, which was already going from 10 to 12 players according to the new CBA agreement but will now consist of 16 players, including 6 veterans, no matter the years of experience. So with that being said, let’s get it on!

QUARTERBACKS (2 active, 1 practice)

Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin, Reid Sinnett (R)

With Jameis Winston now in New Orleans, the Bucs turned to a Super Bowl-winning veteran to replace him in Tom Brady. If you’re like me, you’re probably still pinching yourself every time you see TB12 throwing to Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. I still can’t believe that he’s in Tampa. But he is, and his addition immediately turns the Bucs into contenders.

Blaine Gabbert returns as the experienced backup QB of the group, while Ryan Griffin is back for yet another year in Tampa. There’s a chance the Bucs keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, but with the new practice squad rule, I don’t think it’s necessary. This year, teams are allowed to keep 16 players on their scout team, with six of them having no limit on years of experience. That’s good news for Griffin and the Bucs.

PREDICTION: Brady and Gabbert to the active roster with Griffin joining the practice squad

RUNNING BACKS (4 active, 1 practice)

Ronald Jones II, LeSean McCoy, Ke’ Shawn Vaughn (R), Dare Ogunbowale, Raymond Calais (R), TJ Logan

With the departure of Peyton Barber in free agency, the Bucs running back group was in need of some bulking up. What did Jason Licht do about that? Well, he drafted not one but two backs in Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Raymond Calais, AND he added veteran LeSean McCoy in free agency. A position that had some question marks after last season is now looking pretty solid and very promising for the future.

Coach Arians has stated that Ronald Jones II will be the workhorse of their offense this season, so rookie Ke’ Shawn Vaughn, veteran LeSean McCoy, and Dare Ogunbowale will be battling it out for that third-down back role. Raymond Calais could be in the mix there as well, but he’ll likely end up on the practice squad. The odd man out could be TJ Logan. There may not be room on this roster for a running back who only returns kicks, and his limited amount of offensive snaps last season could be his downfall. (***UPDATE*** TJ Logan suffered a season-ending injury during camp last week)

PREDICTION: Jones II, McCoy, Vaughn, and Ogunbowale to the active roster with Calais going to practice squad

WIDE RECEIVERS (6 active, 2 practice)

Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson (R), John Franklin, Justin Watson, Bryant Mitchell, Cyril Grayson, Jaydon Mickens, John Hurst (R), Josh Pearson (R)

This is one of the best (if not the best) WR corps in the entire league. Evans and Godwin might be the best duo in the NFL. Watson, Mitchell, and Franklin have all shown potential. And Miller could end up being the newest version of Brady’s Welker/Edelman type go-to-guy. Add rookie Tyler Johnson to that mix, and we may have the makings of something special here, especially with the GOAT passing them the football. In fact, Mike Evans recently stated that he feels this Buccaneers offense could end up being one of the “all-time greats”.

According to PewterReport.com, the front-runner for that third WR spot in training camp might be Justin Watson, who has been impressive so far. But with a couple of weeks until their first game, anything can happen. It wouldn’t surprise me if they only keep five receivers and use that roster spot somewhere else, but here I have them keeping six guys.

PREDICTION: Evans, Godwin, Johnson, Miller, Watson, and Mitchell to the active roster, with Franklin and Pearson going to practice squad

TIGHT ENDS (4 active, 2 practice)

Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, Cam Brate, Antony Auclair, Tanner Hudson, Cody McElroy

Gronk!!! As if the Buccaneers didn’t already have enough talent at the tight end position, they lured Rob Gronkowski out of his “retirement” and teamed him up with Howard and Brate. It was a strong group before, but now it’s elite.

Those top three guys are impressive, but the other three aren’t bad either. Antony Auclair will likely be the fourth TE on the roster, but Tanner Hudson and Cody McElroy have had their moments as well. I can see the Bucs keeping all six of these guys. That’s how talented this group is.

PREDICTION: Gronkowski, Howard, Brate, and Auclair to the active roster, with Hudson and McElroy going to practice squad

OFFENSIVE TACKLE (4 active)

Donovan Smith, Tristan Wirfs (R), Joe Haeg, Josh Wells

This group was weakened just a bit losing Demar Dotson in free agency and with Brad Seaton opting out this season due to COVID-19, but Donovan Smith is still here. The Bucs also added Joe Haeg in free agency AND drafted Tristan Wirfs in the first round in April.

Even though they used that first-round pick on Wirfs, it’s not a given that he takes over the starting position at right tackle. Joe Haeg could be in the running there as well. It’s definitely a battle to keep your eye on during camp. Even though they only have four tackles listed on the roster, they do have guards like Zack Bailey, Aaron Stinnie, and Alex Cappa, who have experience playing on the outside.

PREDICTION: All four make the active roster

GUARDS (3 active, 1 practice)

Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa, Zack Bailey, Nick Leverett (R), Aaron Stinnie, John Molchon (R)

The interior offensive line was an area of strength for the Bucs last season. Ali Marpet had a Pro Bowl-caliber year, and Alex Cappa improved with each week. These two will be even better this season.

The reserve guards behind Marpet and Cappa is where there may be question marks. They are all young with minimal experience, so it will be interesting to see what the Bucs do here for depth.

PREDICTION: Marpet, Cappa, and Stinnie to the active roster with Bailey joining the practice squad

CENTERS (2 active, 1 practice)

Ryan Jensen, Anthony Fabiano, Zach Shackelford (R)

Ryan Jensen is one of my favorite players on the team. I love the attitude and tenacity with which he plays the game. He also had a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2019, and I expect the same for him this year. The question here will be, do the Bucs carry a backup center on their 53-man roster or not?

The Bucs seem to be high on Anthony Fabiano, so he will likely be their #2 center. But don’t count out rookie Zach Shackelford, who was a highly sought after undrafted free agent.

PREDICTION: Jensen and Fabiano to the active roster with Shackelford going to the practice squad

DEFENSIVE LINE (6 active, 1 practice)

Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Will Gholston, Pat O’Connor, Raheem Nunez-Roches, Kyle Love, Khalil Davis (R), Benning Potoa’e (R)

The interior of the Bucs defensive line was stout last season, finishing as one of the top run defenses in the NFL. Thanks to Jason Licht’s work re-signing their free agents this off-season, that trend should continue. The core of last year’s group is still there, plus they added rookie Khalil Davis in the draft. Davis could impress enough in camp to make the 53, but he might have to beat out one of the guys still here from last year’s unit. That might prove too difficult for him to do with so little time in this training camp. They also recently added free agent and former Carolina Panther Kyle Love. He could be in a battle for that final spot in this group with Pat O’Connor, and I think his experience wins out in the end.

PREDICTION: Suh, Vea, Gholston, Nunez-Roches, Ledbetter, and Love to active with O’Connor and Davis going to the practice squad

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5 active, 2 practice)

Jason Pierre-Paul, Shaq Barrett, Anthony Nelson, Quinton Bell, Khazin Daniels, Michael Divinity (R), Cam Gill (R), Chapelle Russell (R)

Again, Licht’s off-season work held this group of pass rushers together by re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul and slapping Shaq Barrett with the franchise tag. He also added three promising prospects from the 2020 draft class in Michael Divinity, Cam Gill, and Chapelle Russell. This bunch, that includes the sack leader from last season, should be primed to put even more quarterbacks on their backs this year. I’m keeping five OLB’s on my active roster here, but this could be one position that the Bucs could use that extra wide receiver spot on. I’ve got Khazin Daniels and Chapelle Russell going to the practice squad here, but don’t be surprised to see one or both of them make the active roster.

PREDICTION: Pierre-Paul, Barrett, Nelson, Divinity, and Bell to the active roster with Daniels and Russell going to the practice squad

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4 active, 1 practice)

Lavonte David, Devin White, Kevin Minter, Jack Cichy, Noah Dawkins

The most dangerous linebacker duo in the NFL returns in 2020 and should wreak havoc on opposing offenses once again. The hope for this group is that Jack Cichy can stay healthy and finally reach his potential. Kevin Minter is a solid reserve and a good special teamer. And Noah Dawkins could be in the mix as well. This is another position that they could use that extra-wide receiver spot on to keep five instead of four. And it wouldn’t surprise me if they added another player from free agency to this unit before the season starts.

PREDICTION: David, White, Minter, and Cichy to the active roster with Dawkins going to practice squad

CORNERBACKS (5 active, 2 practice)

Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Ryan Smith, Mazzi Wilkins, Parnell Motley (R), Herb Miller

This promising young group should have Bucs fans excited for the future. Coach Bruce Arians said that he thinks Carlton Davis is already a top ten corner in this league. Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting aren’t far behind either. The Bucs also added another potential secondary star after the draft with Parnell Motley, and he could compete for a spot on the 53 with Mazzi Wilkins and Herb Miller. Ryan Smith is a special team’s stud so, he will likely keep his spot on the team, so those other three guys will be competing for the final one or two spots.

PREDICTION: Davis, Dean, Murphy-Bunting, Smith, and Wilkins to the active roster with Motley and Miller going to the practice squad

SAFETIES (5 active, 1 practice)

Jordan Whitehead, Mike Edwards, Andrew Adams, Antoine Winfield Jr (R), D’Cota Dixon, Javon Hagan (R)

The back end of the secondary is just as exciting as the front. Jason Licht has put together a talented group of young safeties over the last few years, including a rookie from this year’s draft in Antoine Winfield Jr. I think he’s going to beat out Mike Edwards for the starting free safety spot, which would pair him up with strong safety Jordan Whitehead. Andrew Adams is the lone veteran of this young group. D’Cota Dixon was impressing the coaching staff as a rookie last year before his injury, so he will likely end up as the fifth safety. But don’t count out rookie Javon Hagan, who could make a challenge.

PREDICTION: Whitehead, Edwards, Adams, Winfield Jr, and Dixon to the active roster with Hagan going to the practice squad

SPECIAL TEAMS (3 active)

Matt Gay, Bradley Pinion, Zach Triner, Elliott Fry

This is a no-brainer. The Bucs brought in another kicker for training camp, but Matt Gay will be the kicker heading into the 2020 season. Hopefully, he can improve his accuracy in the south endzone of Raymond James, and keep the job. The biggest question mark for special teams might be, who’s going to be returning kicks, since TJ Logan is out for the season?

PREDICTION: Gay, Pinion, and Triner to the active roster

 

2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53-man Roster

QB – Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert

RB – Ronald Jones II, LeSean McCoy, Ke’ Shawn Vaughn (R), Dare Ogunbowale

WR – Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson (R), Justin Watson, Bryant Mitchell

TE – Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, Cam Brate, Antony Auclair

OL- Ryan Jensen, Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith, Alex Cappa, Tristan Wirfs (R), Anthony Fabiano, Joe Haeg, Josh Wells, Aaron Stinnie

DL- Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, Will Gholston, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Kyle Love

OLB – Jason Pierre-Paul, Shaq Barrett, Anthony Nelson, Quinton Bell, Michael Divinity (R)

ILB – Lavonte David, Devin White, Jack Cichy, Kevin Minter

CB – Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Ryan Smith, Mazzi Wilkins

S – Jordan Whitehead, Antoine Winfield Jr, Mike Edwards, Andrew Adams, D’Cota Dixon

ST – Matt Gay, Bradley Pinion, Zach Triner

2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-man Practice Squad

QB – Ryan Griffin

RB – Raymond Calais (R)

WR – John Franklin, Josh Pearson (R)

TE – Tanner Hudson, Cody McElroy

OL- Zack Bailey, Zach Shackelford (R)

DL- Pat O’Connor, Khalil Davis (R)

OLB – Khazin Daniels, Chapelle Russell (R)

ILB – Noah Dawkins

CB- Parnell Motley (R), Herb Miller

S – Javon Hagan (R)

Isn’t this just the Tampa Bay Bucs luck. They land Tom Brady AND Rob Gronkowski. The team is finally primed for a legitimate Super Bowl run after nearly 20 years. And that Super Bowl is being IN TAMPA, and our Bucs could be the first team to host a Super Bowl. And most fans won’t be able to witness any of it first hand.

Sad, but true.

Either way, Bucs fans should just kick back in their bed, on their couch, or in the pool, and enjoy ourselves. This team is on the verge of something. I feel it. Most of us say that same thing each and every season, but THIS season is different.

THIS season, we have Brady and Gronk.

Coach Arians even said that in all the years that he’s been in professional football, he’s never seen this much talent on the field at one time. It’s not just about Brady and Gronk. It’s about Evans and Godwin. It’s about RoJo and Shady McCoy. It’s about OJ and Cam. It’s about Suh and Vita. It’s about JPP and Shaq. It’s about LD and D-White. It’s about Davis Island and SMB. And it’s about Whitehead and Winfield. This Buccaneers team has dynamic duos at every position. It’s quite impressive when you think about it.

Everyone is talking about the potential of this offense. But, people are forgetting that this defense was one of the top-ranked defenses in the league over the second half of the season. Now, that defense is going into its second season in Todd Bowles scheme. That means they’ll know it that much better, which allows them to play that much faster. That d-line is starting this season healthy and together, which means they’ll be more in sync. Those young cornerbacks are another year older, which means they’ll be more comfortable. That defense could be scary good. Pairing it with a possible record-setting offense could and should be terrifying to opposing teams. And it could and should be very entertaining for Tampa Bay fans.

Until then, as always…GO BUCS!!!

 

 

Buccaneers

Deez Bucz: Preview, Breakdown, and Predictions of the Bucs 2020 Schedule

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The 2020 NFL schedule was released Thursday night, and Buccaneers fans everywhere are breathing a huge sigh of relief. After having one of the tougher schedules in football and spending six straight weeks away from home last year, the Bucs 2020 schedule is much more favorable. And that’s music to Buc Nation’s ears.

2019 vs 2020

In case you forgot, the Bucs had a brutal schedule last year. They were tied for the 12th toughest schedule in the NFL, which included a six-week stretch away from home. Bucs fans went from watching that missed, chip shot, a game-winning field goal by Matt Gay against the Giants on September 22 all the way until November 10 against the Cardinals before seeing football inside Raymond James Stadium. Not that it’s mattered much lately anyway. The Bucs haven’t had a winning record at home since 2008 when they finished 9-7, 6-2 at home. Since then, they’ve had four 4-4 seasons and four 3-5 seasons. In 2009, they finished 3-13 with a 1-7 record in home games, including a loss “at home” against the Patriots in London. In 2014, the Bucs finished 2-14 with an 0-8 record at home. Last season, they were 2-6 at home, including a “home loss” to the Panthers in London. As you can see, Raymond James hasn’t necessarily been friendly confines for Tampa Bay.

This year, the Bucs are tied for the 16th most difficult schedule in the league with their opponents 2019 winning percentage being .502 while facing four playoff teams from last year in five games (Saints twice, Packers, Chiefs, Vikings). In comparison, the Patriots have the toughest schedule of 2020, with their opponents having a .537 winning percentage from last year.

Last year, the Bucs traveled a whopping 27,670 miles with two west coast trips to Seattle and Los Angeles AND a trip across the pond to London. This year isn’t nearly as bad. The Bucs will only be traveling 15,676 miles with no games out of the country, and the furthest that they will be going west is to Las Vegas and Denver.

In 2019, the Bucs only had one primetime game, which was a Thursday night game at the Panthers, and had nine games at the 1 pm time slot. This year, thanks to Tom Brady, the Bucs have the league maximum five primetime games and only six games at the 1 pm time slot.

BUCS GOING PRIMETIME! 

In 2018, the Bucs played 15 of their 16 games at 1 pm with the other game being on Monday Night Football. With the signing of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, the Bucs have been thrust into the spotlight for the 2020 season. They are tied with the Chiefs, Ravens, Patriots, 49ers, Rams, Cowboys, and Packers for the most primetime games this season. They have one Thursday night game at the Bears, two Sunday night games at the Raiders and against the Saints, and two Monday night games at the Giants and against the Rams. Those five primetime games are the most the Bucs have played in a season in franchise history. It’s also more SNF and MNF games than they’ve played in the last five years combined.

BYE, BYE, BYES!

The Bucs bye in Week 13 is in the second half of the season for the first time since 2008, and it’s their latest bye since the 1990 season. The Bucs and Panthers are the ONLY teams with byes after Week 11 this season, and they are both in Week 13. Last year, their bye was in Week 7, right in the middle of that long road trip. This year it’s much later, which I feel is a good thing. Week 13 is about the time some rookies are “hitting the wall” physically and mentally. It’s the time of year where players’ bodies are getting tired or breaking down, and some injuries start happening. It’s also the time of the season where some teams are starting that playoff push, trying to build up momentum for the postseason. Having a bye this late can only help those things IF the team can push through those first 12 weeks of the season.

NO REST FOR THE WEARY!

The biggest negative for the Bucs with this 2020 schedule is that they have the most weeks (6) where they are getting less rest than their opponents in the entire league. The Packers and Raiders are both coming off of bye weeks, when they face the Bucs and the Giants are coming off of a Thursday night game. The others are just a matter of a few hours here or there, but it adds up over the course of the season.

BUCS 2020 OPPONENTS

In 2020, the Bucs are facing five former Super Bowl MVPs in six games with Drew Brees twice, Aaron Rodgers, Von Miller, Nick Foles, And Patrick Mahomes. They also face three former league MVP’s in four games with Matt Ryan twice, Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. And they are playing four playoff teams from last season in five games with the Saints twice, Packers, Chiefs, and Vikings. The good news is that their new quarterback Tom Brady has a pretty darn good record versus most of their opponents. He’s a combined 15-1 against the Vikings, Lions, and Falcons in the regular season. Those three teams account for the Bucs final four games of the regular season. He’s also 5-0 against the Bears and 2-0 against the Giants in New York. Yes, I know that all of those games were when he was with the Patriots; but you can’t tell me that it doesn’t have a positive effect on his current team, knowing that he’s had success against these teams in the past. Also, Bruce Arians has 9 wins in 13 games against rookie head coaches. He plays three games against two new head coaches in Matt Rhule with the Panthers twice and Joe Judge with the Giants.

THE TOUGH STRETCH

The toughest stretch of the Buccaneers 2020 schedule might be in Weeks 9-12, or the third quarter of the season as most coaches call it. They’ll be facing the Saints at home on Sunday Night Football, the Panthers on the road, and then come back home to play the Rams on Monday Night Football and then the Chiefs. Pretty rough. However, that third quarter of the season is when the Bucs typically play their best football. Over the last five seasons, they are 8-12 in Weeks 1-4, 5-15 in Weeks 5-8, and 5-15 in Weeks 13-17. They are 14-6 in Weeks 9-12. That bodes well for them during this stretch of games. Now, if they could only learn how to win in the other three-quarters of the season, they’d be just fine.

BUCS HAVE NO CHILL!

Cold weather won’t be an issue this season for Tampa Bay. Even though they play in Denver, Chicago, and New York, all those games are before mid-November. Denver is in Week 3. Chicago is in Week 5. And the Giants game is November 2. They do have a game in Detroit in Week 16, but that’s in a dome so weather won’t matter there. So for the Bucs this season, it’s a no go on any snow!

 

FIRST QUARTER

WEEK 1: @ SAINTS

Is there a better way to kick off the season? 

Brady vs Brees. Bucs vs Winston’s new team. An NFC South division game, on the road, in the Superdome. The Big Easy. Bourbon Street. Bucs vs Saints. It’s not a “primetime” game, but it is a 4:25 pm kickoff meaning it’ll be nationally televised. These are the two frontrunners to win the division, so even though it’s only the first game of the season, it could have major implications later on. The Bucs o-line will get tested right out of the gate with a stout Saints d-line that includes Cam Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Trey Hendrickson, Sheldon Rankins, and Malcolm Brown. The Bucs defense will also get an early wake-up call. Not only do they have to deal with Drew Brees, but they have Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray in the backfield, and they added tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to go along with stud wideout Michael Thomas. Unfortunately, I think the lack of off-season training time with his new teammates will be an issue early on for Brady and his receivers. Sean Payton and the Saints will take advantage of that and pull out a win in their home opener.

PREDICTION: BUCS LOSE 26-20 (0-1)

WEEK 2: PANTHERS

The Bucs come home after a loss in New Orleans pissed off and ready to rumble, which is not good for a rebuilding Carolina team. A rookie head coach. A new quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, no Luke Kuechly, no Gerald McCoy, no Greg Olsen, and no Cam Newton; they’re not the same Panthers that the Bucs have faced in the past. This could get ugly quick. Sure they still need to be concerned with running back Christian McCaffrey, but they held him in check last season, and they should do the same this year.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 34-13 (1-1)

WEEK 3: @ BRONCOS

The Bucs head back out on the road and travel to Denver, where the Broncos could be 0-2 after the first two weeks. They face the Titans at home to start the season and then go to Pittsburgh in Week 2, so they could be winless when Tampa gets to town. They have a babyfaced QB in Drew Lock and a bunch of young, inexperienced wide receivers. But the Bucs run defense will have to step it up facing both Phillip Lindsey AND Melvin Gordon III in this game. Another tough match up will be Donovan Smith and rookie right tackle Tristan Wirfs against Von Miller AND Bradley Chubb. As long as they can keep those two from getting in Brady’s face all day, the offense should produce enough points to steal a win here on the road.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 24-16 (2-1)

WEEK 4: CHARGERS

The Bucs return home to face a Chargers team that could be in the middle of a QB controversy between free-agent signee Tyrod Taylor and rookie draft pick Justin Herbert by this time. They start the season at the Bengals before coming home to play the Chiefs and Panthers. They could easily be 1-2 coming into Tampa Bay. The Bucs young offensive tackles will be tested again here with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram III on the ends. And the defense will have their hands full with running backs Austin Ekeler and rookie Joshua Kelley in the backfield and their big receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams on the outside. I think the Bucs are still too much to overcome for this Charger team, especially after traveling across the country for the second time in a month.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 27-17 (3-1)

 

SECOND QUARTER

WEEK 5: @ BEARS (TNF)

The Bucs first of five primetime games for the year comes with a trip to the Windy City to face a Chicago team searching for an identity. Will it be Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky at quarterback for this game? That remains to be seen. This Bears team doesn’t have anyone on the offensive side that scares or impresses me, so this seems like one of the easier games of this season. Chicago’s defense might be okay, but they won’t be near enough to stop the Bucs offense at this point. This should be a blowout on the road for Tampa on Thursday Night Football.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 38-16 (4-1)

WEEK 6: PACKERS

Brady vs Rodgers: Another marquis QB matchup.

Green Bay could be 2-2 and coming off of their bye week when they get to Tampa. They start the season at the Vikings, then play the Lions in Lambeau, then go to the Saints before coming home to host the Falcons. Unfortunately for Aaron Rodgers, the Packers organization did absolutely nothing to help him out on offense this off-season. Even though they get the extra week to prepare, I don’t think it will matter much. The Green Bay defense isn’t good enough to slow down Brady and the boys here.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 34-20 (5-1)

WEEK 7: @ RAIDERS (SNF)

The second primetime game of the year is a big one.

The Bucs face their former Super Bowl-winning coach in Jon Gruden on Sunday Night Football in Las Vegas. For the second straight week, the Bucs opponent is coming off of their bye, but the Raiders could be in some trouble at this point. Their first five weeks of the season are brutal. They start at the Panthers in Week 1. Then host the Saints. Then travel to the Patriots before coming home to host the Bills. Then go back on the road to play the Chiefs. If they can make it through this stretch with two wins, I’d be impressed. As long as the Bucs can contain running back Josh Jacobs and not let the Raiders speedy receivers get behind their secondary, the Bucs should be fine in this game.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 27-17 (6-1)

WEEK 8: @ GIANTS (MNF)

Speaking of tough schedules: The Giants’ first seven games are a bitch. 

Week 1 against the Steelers. Week 2 at the Bears. Week 3 against the 49ers. Week 4 at the Rams. Week 5 at the Cowboys. Week 6 against the Redskins. And Week 7 at the Eagles. Like the Raiders, if the Giants have more than two wins at this point, I’d be surprised. They might even be coming off of four or five straight losses when the Bucs get to New York. Nobody on this Giants offense scares me, except running back Saquon Barkley, and the Bucs run defense handled him just fine last year. They have a rookie head coach. It’s Monday Night Football. It’s Tom Brady vs. Daniel Jones. And this Bucs team will be looking for some payback after that gut-wrenching loss in Raymond James last year. This one won’t even be close.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 42-17 (7-1) 

 

THIRD QUARTER

WEEK 9: SAINTS (SNF)

Brady vs Brees; Part 2: But this time it’s in Tampa and that Bucs offense is rolling. 

The Saints might make a game of it, but they won’t beat the Bucs twice this year. It’s another primetime game on Sunday Night Football, and Bruce Arians isn’t going to allow Jameis Winston’s new team to come into Tampa and steal a win. At this point, the Bucs are coming off of seven straight wins and are seeking revenge for their only loss of the season in Week 1. It might stay close for a while, but the Buccaneers put their cleat on the Saints’ throat and pull away in the end.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 30-17 (8-1)

WEEK 10: @ PANTHERS

Tampa Bay went into Carolina and pulled off a win last year, and they’ll easily do it again this year. Once again, the key here is to contain Christian McCaffrey. Last year, a stout Bucs run defense held him to 43 carries for just 68 yards, 6 catches for 32 yards and 2 total touchdowns in the two games they played against him. If they can do it again, they’ll pull out a division win on the road here and continue their win streak.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 34-16 (9-1)

WEEK 11: RAMS (MNF)

The Bucs fifth and final primetime game of the year could end up being the best one. A dangerous Rams team comes to Tampa and will make this a nail biter. LA’s offense has some serious speed, and their defense is loaded with guys like Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and Michael Brockers. This could be a back and forth game where kicker Matt Gay gets a chance to redeem himself with a game-winning field goal in the end.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 28-25 (10-1)

WEEK 12: CHIEFS

In what could be a potential Super Bowl preview, the Chiefs come to Tampa for a game that I’m shocked didn’t make the primetime lineup. I have Kansas City at 9-1 by the time they play the Bucs, so this will truly be a clash of the titans type of game. It’ll be a good game. It’ll be a close game. It’ll be a hard-fought game. But in the end, the defending Super Bowl champs are just a little better on this day.

PREDICTION: BUCS LOSE 24-20 (10-2)

 

FOURTH QUARTER

WEEK 14: VIKINGS

The Bucs are coming off their late-season bye week and are ready to go. 

They are able to contain running back Dalvin Cook and make quarterback Kirk Cousins try to beat them with his arm. The problem is that his arm isn’t good enough to do that this season. The Vikings defense puts up a decent fight, but in the end, the Bucs just have too many offensive weapons.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 27-17 (11-2) 

WEEK 15: @ FALCONS

Atlanta did their best to try and bolster their roster in an attempt to keep up with the Saints and Bucs this off-season. They brought in free-agent running back Todd Gurley, they traded for tight end, Hayden Hurst, they brought in defensive ends Dante’ Fowler Jr. and Charles Harris; combine that with Matt Ryan and one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL in Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Laquon Treadwell, and it’s a pretty strong roster on paper. Unfortunately, they’re just good enough today to pull out a win at home and send the Bucs back to Tampa with their third loss of the season.

PREDICTION: BUCS LOSE 27-24 (11-3)

WEEK 16: @ LIONS

The Bucs are in a division race with the Saints with the Falcons close behind, so they go into this game with some added incentive. The strength of this Detroit team is their running game, but the Bucs defense stops that in its tracks. Matthew Stafford isn’t quite what he used to be, plus he has no real receiving weapons. After losing in Atlanta, an angry Bucs team goes to the Motor City and steam plows a not-so-good Lions team.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 34-16 (12-3)

WEEK 17: FALCONS

With revenge on their mind and the NFC South division within grasp, the Bucs leave no doubt who the better team is today. There’s no way this Atlanta team is beating them twice, and Bruce Arians lets it fly. Tampa closes out the regular season with a convincing blowout win against their division rivals and claims an NFC South Division title.

PREDICTION: BUCS WIN 41-17 (13-3)

The year they won the Super Bowl, the Buccaneers finished with a 12-4 regular-season record. I have them finishing 13-3 here. Is it a bit optimistic? Maybe. Is it unrealistic? I don’t think so. Jason Licht has had one of the most successful offseasons in franchise history. He was able to re-sign most of their key defensive players, he was able to lure Tom Brady to Tampa; Brady was able to lure Gronk to Tampa. The Bucs had a very good draft, resulting in a new starting right tackle, a new starting free safety, a new third-down back, AND a new #3 receiver.

This team is stacked.

Brady isn’t just “the GOAT“. He brings a different attitude to this team. A winning attitude. That’s something that’s been sorely missing in Tampa Bay for almost 20 years. The Bucs haven’t won more than 10 games in a season since 2005. They haven’t played postseason football since 2007 and they haven’t made it past the wildcard round since their 2002 Super Bowl run. Brady has never finished a season with less than nine wins in a season and only missed the playoffs twice since his 2001 rookie season.

He’s a winner.

Hopefully, it’s contagious and spreads through this team like the Coronavirus. If it does and if this team will rise to the level of perfection that Brady will certainly demand, then a 13-3 record, an NFC South title and a deep postseason run aren’t out of the question. The talent is there. We’ll have to wait and see if the heart and desire will be there too.

Until then, as always, GO BUCS!!!

 

 

Buccaneers

Deez Bucz: The Bucs Post-Draft 2020 Roster Break Down & Predictions

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Free agency frenzy. Check.

NFL Draft. Check.

Undrafted free agents. Check.

Post-draft waiver wire acquisitions. Still in process.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently have 85 players on their roster, including the 13 undrafted free agents they signed right after the draft ended. That means they still have five roster spots to fill to make up their 90-man training camp roster, which would have to be trimmed to 53 by the first week of September.

I decided to break the roster down by position, listing each player on there and showing a possible depth chart going into the season. I’ll also mention whether the team needs to add another player to the group and give an example or two of free agents that could fit their needs. So let’s get into it. (Rookies are highlighted red)

QUARTERBACKS (4)

Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin, Reid Sinnett (R)

Obviously, Brady is the clear starter with Gabbert as his backup. The question here will be if Griff sticks around as the third QB, or will they use that roster spot for another position? Griff is due $1.645M this season, which is more than the $1.19M Gabbert was re-signed for this off-season. The Bucs could use that $1.645M to sign some help at another position, or two so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go eventually. As for the undrafted rookie Sinnett, he’s a camp body and a possible candidate for the 12-man practice squad.

PREDICTION: Brady and Gabbert to the 53

RUNNING BACKS (6)

Ronald Jones II, Ke’Shawn Vaughn (R), Dare Ogunbowale, TJ Logan, Aca’Cedric Ware, Ray Calais (R)

The running back position was addressed twice in the draft giving the Bucs a room full of young bucks (pun intended). All six backs on the Bucs roster are 26-years old, or younger with two being rookies. As of right now, Jones II appears as the clear cut starter with Vaughn being his relief and possible third-down back. So where does that leave Ogunbowale, the third-down back from last season? They used a seventh-round draft pick on Calais, who’s a speedy do-it-all type of back that can return kicks as well and was referred to by Bruce Arians as a “smaller version of David Johnson”. So where does that leave last year’s kick returner, Logan? There should be some good competition within this group to see who stays and who goes.

Despite having six backs on the team already, the Bucs could still benefit from adding an inexpensive, veteran free agent to this group. As I said before, these guys are all pretty young, so what would happen if Jones II gets injured and he’s out for an extended period? Do they roll with the rookie Vaughn? I don’t think that’s a smart choice. They need some experienced depth here, and there’s a bunch of decent backs still available in free agency. There are a few that stick out to me that should be within the Bucs price range and could be nice additions, but I like Carlos Hyde the most for what he could bring to this backfield. He’s a bigger back at 6’/230lbs with a bruising running style that the other Bucs backs don’t really offer. He played in all 16 games last season, finishing with 1,070 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry.

PREDICTION: Jones II, Hyde, Vaughn, and Ogunbowale to the 53 with Calais going to practice squad

OFFENSIVE TACKLE (4)

Donovan Smith, Tristan Wirfs (R), Joe Haeg, Brad Seaton

Even though the Bucs used their 14th pick of the first round on their new right tackle Wirfs, they are still very thin at the offensive tackle position. They just signed Haeg in free agency prior to the draft and seem to be fond of what Seaton brings to the table. However, they can’t go into training camp with just four tackles. One interesting option would be to bring back longtime Buc Demar Dotson, who is still available as a free agent. If Dot is unwilling or unable to return, another option would be Josh Wells, who was also with the team last year and actually played a game at left tackle when Smith was out with an injury.

PREDICTION: Smith, Wirfs, Haeg, Seaton, and Dotson to the 53

GUARD (6)

Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa, Zack Bailey, Aaron Stinnie, John Molchon (R), Nick Leverett (R)

Both starting guard positions seem to be set with Marpet and Cappa. The question is, who will be the reserve guards on this roster? The Bucs are apparently pretty high on Bailey, who could potentially give Cappa a challenge in camp. But the other guys are relatively inexperienced and unproven. Molchon is an undrafted rookie who could come in and compete for a spot, but it might not be a bad idea to add a veteran to this group as well. They could bring back either Earl Watford or Mike Liedtke, who were both on the team last year and are still available as unrestricted free agents.

PREDICTION: Marpet, Cappa, Bailey, and Watford to the 53 with Molchon going to practice squad

CENTER (3)

Ryan Jensen, Anthony Fabiano, Zach Schackelford (R)

Jensen is a rock in the middle of that Bucs o-line and the Bucs like Fabiano’s versatility to play all across the line. But don’t count out the undrafted rookie Shackleford to push for a spot. He should at least end up as a candidate for the practice squad.

PREDICTION: Jensen and Fabiano to the 53 with Shackleford going to practice squad

TIGHT ENDS (7)

Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, Cam Brate, Antony Auclair, Tanner Hudson, Jordan Leggett, Cody McElroy

Welcome to what might be the best tight end group in the NFL. Gronk and Howard are both dual threats as blockers and receivers. Brate is always a dangerous receiving threat, especially in the red zone. And Auclair might be the best inline blocker of the group. I don’t see the Bucs keeping more than four tight ends on their active roster, so the other three guys will be battling for the practice squad.

PREDICTION: Gronkowski, Howard, Brate, and Auclair to the 53 with Hudson going to practice squad

WIDE RECEIVER (13)

Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tyler Johnson (R), Scotty Miller, Justin Watson, Bryant Mitchell, Spencer Schnell, John Franklin, Cyril Grayson, Jaydon Mickens, Josh Pearson (R), John Hurst (R), Travis Jonsen (R)

The most populated position group on the team with 13 players, but only five will likely make the active roster. Evans, Godwin, Johnson, and Miller are shoe-ins. The other nine guys will be fighting for that fifth spot and another spot or two on the practice squad.

PREDICTION: Evans, Godwin, Johnson, Miller, and Watson to the 53 with Mitchell and Pearson going to practice squad

DEFENSIVE LINE (9)

Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, Will Gholston, Khalil Davis (R), Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Pat O’Connor, Benning Potoa’e (R), Nasir Player (R)

With nine players in this group, they should have enough guys to enter camp with and have a decent competition. They will likely keep five or six of them on the active roster and another one or two on the practice squad. With Suh, Vea, Gholston, and Nunez-Roches fairly secure in their jobs, that leaves two spots left for Davis, Ledbetter, and O’Connor to fight over while Potoa’e and/or Player probably end up on the practice squad.

PREDICTION: Suh, Vea, Gholston, Nunez-Roches, O’Connor, and Davis to the 53 with Potoa’e going to practice squad

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (6)

Jason Pierre-Paul, Shaq Barrett, Anthony Nelson, Khazin Daniels, Quinton Bell, Cam Gill (R)

This is the thinnest position on the team right now. They have two second-year players and a rookie behind Pierre-Paul, Barrett, and Nelson. It’s not an ideal situation. They would be wise to look at free agency for some veteran help. One guy that just became available after being waived by the Miami Dolphins is the Cowboys former first-round pick, Taco Charlton. I think he’s a perfect fit for what the Bucs need right now, so maybe they could help him revitalize his career as they did for Carl Nassib.

PREDICTION: Pierre-Paul, Barrett, Nelson, and Charlton to the 53 with Daniels going to practice squad

INSIDE LINEBACKER (7)

Lavonte David, Devin White, Kevin Minter, Jack Cichy, Noah Dawkins, Chapelle Russell (R), Michael Divinity (R)

A position group that was quite thin before the draft, became a full house after. They drafted Russell and signed Divinity as an undrafted free agent giving them seven at a position that they will likely only keep four players. David, White, Minter, and Cichy (if he can stay on the field) will likely be the four. But keep an eye on both Russell and Divinity in camp in case one pulls an upset and replaces Cichy.

PREDICTION: David, White, Minter, and Divinity to the 53 with Russell going to practice squad

SAFETY (8)

Jordan Whitehead, Antoine Winfield Jr (R), Mike Edwards, Justin Evans, Andrew Adams, D’Cota Dixon, Deiondre’ Hall, Javon Hagan (R)

After the draft, the Bucs safety group that had some question marks surrounding it before was suddenly a position of strength for this team. They drafted Winfield Jr and signed undrafted Hagan adding them to a good young bunch of players. If Evans can come back healthy and return to form, he’ll be in the mix to start. Until then, I think Whitehead will be the starting strong with Winfield Jr as the free. Because of how Todd Bowles uses his safeties, they will likely keep five of these guys. This will be a fun position to watch during training camp.

PREDICTION: Whitehead, Winfield Jr, Edwards, Adams and Dixon to the 53 with Hall and Hagan going to the practice squad

CORNERBACK(8)

Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Ryan Smith, MJ Stewart, Mazzi Wilkins, Herb Miller, Parnell Motley (R)

The Bucs will probably keep five players out of this group as well. With eight guys in the mix, you’d think they had enough players to choose from. Davis, Dean, Murphy-Bunting, and Smith should all be safe, but that fifth spot is up for grabs between the other four guys. Don’t be surprised though if the Bucs bring a veteran in to compete with these youngsters. One guy that I think makes sense is Morris Claiborne. He’s experienced in Bowles’ system and had success in it, plus he should be a relatively inexpensive option.

PREDICTION: Davis, Dean, Murphy-Bunting, Smith, and Claiborne to the 53 with Wilkins and Motley going to practice squad

SPECIAL TEAMS (4)

Matt Gay, Elliott Fry, Bradley Pinion, Zach Triner

Jason Licht recently said that they would be bringing in some camp competition for kicker Matt Gay. They did that this week (kind of) by bringing in second-year free agent kicker Elliott Fry who was most recently on the Carolina Panthers practice squad. I’m not sure that he’ll provide much competition for Gay, but it might give him the little push he needs to do his job a little better.

PREDICTION: Gay, Pinion, and Triner to the 53

If this holds true, the 53-man depth chart and 12-man practice squad should look like this for Week 1 of the regular season:

OFFENSE

WR- M. Evans, J. Watson

TE- R. Gronkowski, C. Brate

RT- T. Wirfs, J. Haeg, D. Dotson

RG- A. Cappa, E. Watford            

C- R. Jensen, A. Fabiano            

LG- A. Marpet, Z. Bailey              

LT- D. Smith, B. Seaton

TE- OJ Howard, A. Auclair

WR- C. Godwin, T. Johnson, S. Miller

RB- R.Joness II, C.Hyde

QB- T. Brady, B. Gabbert

3DRB- K. Vaughn, D. Ogunbowale

DEFENSE

CB- Carlton Davis, Ryan Smith

CB- Jamel Dean

OLB- J. Pierre-Paul, A. Nelson              

DL- N. Suh, K. Davis                      

DT- V. Vea, R. Nunez-Roches               

DL- W. Gholston, P. O’Connor              

OLB- S. Barrett, T. Charlton

CB- S. Murphy-Bunting, M. Claiborne

SS- J. Whitehead, M. Edwards, D. Dixon

ILB- L. David, K. Minter

ILB- D. White, M. Divinity

FS- A. Windielf Jr., A. Adams

SPECIAL TEAMS

LS- Z. Triner   P- B. Pinion   K- M. Gay

12-MAN PRACTICE SQUAD

RB- Ray Calais

G- John Molchon

TE- Tanner Hudson

WR- Bryant Mitchell

WR- Josh Pearson

DL- Benning Potoa’e

OLB- Khazin Daniels

ILB- Chapelle Russell

DB- Deiondre’ Hall

S- Javon Hagan

CB- Mazzi Wilkins

CB- Parnell Motley

So that’s my way too early prediction for the Bucs 53-man active roster and their 12-man practice squad roster heading into Week 1 of the regular season. What did you think? Anyone I should’ve kept? Anyone I should’ve cut? Any other free agents that I should’ve brought in for camp? Let me know what you think. It doesn’t look like NFL teams will be having OTA’s or mini-camps this year (thanks China!), so the team might hit the ground running and head straight into training camp. And I can’t wait until that happens!

Until then, as always, GO BUCS!!!

Buccaneers

Deez 2020 Draft Day 3 Review

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THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

The 2020 NFL Draft has come to an end, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can start looking towards the new season (if we even have one). I’m sure that none of you expected this draft to happen the way it did, but it’s over now, so let’s review how Day 3 went for our home team.

The Bucs entered Day 3 after hitting home runs with their first and second-round picks and addressing a BIG need in the third. Unfortunately, they had no fourth-round picks after trading one away for new tight end Rob Gronkowski and the other away to move up one spot in the first round. So, their first pick on Saturday came at #161 in the fifth round with the three more picks following that being the 194th in the sixth, the 241st in the seventh, and the 245th in the seventh. Some people were anticipating some kind of trade, whether it involved OJ Howard or not, up into the fourth round, but it never happened. Instead, the Bucs rolled with their four picks they started the day with.

ROUND 5

Image Credits: John Autey | John Autey photography

Day 3, for the Bucs, started out with a BANG! After losing Breshad Perriman in free agency, the Bucs had a need to fill that third receiver position, and boy did they. They got lucky once when PFF’s highest-rated receiver in the FBS fell to them with that 161st pick. I had the Bucs taking Minnesota’s star receiver Tyler Johnson in the fourth round, so to get him in the fifth was a gift. At 6’2″/205lbs, he’s a Chris Godwin clone with decent speed and great hands. He’s a route technician and very dangerous after the catch. Now, who does that sound like? This guy should step in right away and compete for that #3 WR with Scotty Miller. In his final two years in Minnesota, he finished with 164 catches for 2,487 yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging over 15 yards per. TheDraftNetwork.com had him ranked as their 15th best wide receiver in this draft, and he was the 21st wide receiver off the board. They had him ranked 81st out of all the players in the draft, and he was the 161st player off the board. He was an absolute steal in the fifth round!

ROUND 6

Image Credits: Eric Francis | Eric Francis Photography

The Bucs had one more position that really needed to be addressed in this draft, which was a defensive tackle. Even though they re-signed Ndamukong Suh and Rakeem Nunez-Roches this off-season, they lost Beau Allen to the Patriots in free agency. They solved that issue when Nebraska’s Khalil Davis fell to them with their 194th pick in the sixth round. At 6’2″/305lbs, he ran a blazing 4.75 forty and put up 32 reps of 225lbs at the NFL Combine. In his last two years at Nebraska, he played 23 games finishing with 85 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. What he lacks in length, he makes up for in power, quickness, and hustle. While he may not end up as the eventual replacement for Suh, but I think he’ll be a solid, productive addition to the d-line rotation. According to TheDraftNetwork.com, he was the 15th ranked interior defensive lineman in the draft. He was the 22nd interior defensive lineman off the board and the 194th player picked. I feel like the Bucs got another steal here with Davis.

ROUND 7

Buccaneers

Deez 2020 Draft Day 2 Review

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JUST TRUST THE PROCESS!

That’s what I had to keep telling myself all night. Now that I’m over the shock of these Day 2 picks, I thought that I would sit down and write a rational review of the Buccaneers’ decisions for the second and third rounds.

The Bucs began this second day with the 45th and 76th picks of the draft, and that’s where they stayed. No trade-ups. No OJ Howard trade. Just their original second and third-round picks. Most people, including yours truly, assumed that their second-round pick would be a running back. It was their second-biggest need behind the right tackle, in my opinion. To a lot of fans surprise, two of the top five running backs in this draft were still on the board when the Bucs went on the clock with the 45th pick. They had their choice between Ohio State’s KJ Dobbins or Florida State’s Cam Akers. So who did they go with?

A Safety.

Instead of drafting for need, Jason Licht decided to go with the best player available. That player was Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr. That’s right, folks. Despite having Jordan Whitehead, Mike Edwards, Andrew Adams, Justin Evans, Deiondre’ Hall, and D’Cota Dixon already on the roster, they chose to add another safety with their second-round pick.

Do I sound bitter? I’m not.

I’ll admit, I liked the player but HATED the pick initially. I wanted a running back and was stoked to see those two guys sitting there when the Bucs pick came up. It was a no brainer pick to me. With Peyton Barber gone, the Bucs running back room is suddenly pretty thin. Sure, they have Ronald Jones II, who drastically improved from year one to year two. But behind him is NOTHING. They still have kick returner TJ Logan and third-down back Dare Ogunbowale. They also added an undrafted guy named Aca’Cedric Ware. But that’s it. At this point, if Jones gets hurt this season, they’re screwed.

But I get the pick.

Winfield Jr. should’ve been one of the first safeties off the board in the first round, but maybe he slipped into the middle of the second round because of his size. At 5’10″/195lbs, he’s not a big safety. But the dude can play football. He was referred to as a “dog that hunts” by one of the guys at TheDraftNetwork.com because of his knack for ALWAYS being around the football. He’s got instincts. He’s a ballhawk. He’s a big hitter. He can play the run. He can play in coverage. He can play up, on the line, or he can play deep. He’s literally everything you could want in a versatile safety. He will likely be the Bucs new starting free safety with Jordan Whitehead as their strong safety.

This pick told me two things.

First, the Bucs didn’t view running back as the big position of need that almost everyone else thought it was. They are apparently happy hitching their wagon to RoJo and riding him until the wheels fall off. That’s fine by me. I thought they should’ve done that last year instead of playing musical backs between him and Barber every series. It also told me that they could be looking for a veteran free agent running back sometime after the draft. There’s quite a few still out there that would be relatively inexpensive options like Carlos Hyde, Lamar Miller, or Devonta Freeman. There’s still a chance they add another back on Day 3 like Miami’s DeeJay Dallas, Florida’s Lamical Perine, or Baylor’s JaMycal Hasty, but I’m not counting on it.

The second thing that this pick told me is that the Buccaneers could be preparing to move on from the oft-injured Justin Evans. He’s only played in 24 games over three seasons with the Bucs, including missing the entire 2019 season. He’s coming off of surgeries on BOTH feet, and it’s been up in the air on whether he would even return to football. Jason Licht said that they still have hope that Evans will be able to come back and compete for a spot in training camp. But this pick looks like an insurance policy just in case he doesn’t.

The Bucs did address their running back need in the third round when they took Vanderbilt’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn with their 76th pick. Yeah, I know. Who? This pick was a little bit of a surprise to me, because Utah’s Zack Moss was still available and he was ranked much higher than Vaughn on almost everyone’s draft board. Except for the Bucs apparently. Rumor is that Tampa was interested in Memphis RB/WR Antonio Gibson, but the Redskins grabbed him at the start of the third round with their 66th pick. Now the Bucs needed to find another option for their new third-down back, and Vaughn was it. If you compare their numbers, Vaughn has very similar statistics to Zack Moss, except he did it in the SEC Conference.

Moss Career Stats: 712 att, 4,067 ru yds, 5.7 ypc, 38 tds, 66 rec, 685 rec yds, 10.4 ypc, 3 rec tds

Vaughn Career Stats: 572 att, 3,296 ru yds, 5.8 ypc, 30 ru tds, 66 rec, 648 rec yds, 9.8 ypc, 3 rec tds

At 5’10″/205lbs, he’s a good size back with home run speed. He’s a physical runner with an aggressive attitude. He’s an instinctual and decisive runner with good vision. He was productive as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, especially on screens and swing passes. From what I see, he fits as the Bucs new third-down back, but they still need to add another back with some power to their backfield, whether it’s on Day 3 or in free agency.

In conclusion, Day 2 was full of surprises, but the Bucs came out of it with a first-round talent safety in the middle of the second round, AND they got the third-down back they desperately needed. It was another good day for Tampa Bay.

Day 3 will no doubt bring some more surprises to some of us Bucs fans. The Bucs are without a fourth-round pick after trading BOTH of them away in the Rob Gronkowski trade and the Day 1 trade with the Niners. So their first pick on Saturday, won’t be until the 161st pick of the fifth round. That is unless they find a way to trade up. Their other three picks are the 194th pick of the sixth and the 241st and 245th picks of the seventh round.

As far as potential Day 3 targets…I have no idea what the Bucs are thinking. But I have my favorites. They could be looking for a new wide receiver to replace Breshad Perriman so Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson could be a nice option if he’s still there in the fifth round. They could stand to add some more depth to the d-line and there are plenty of decent players available like North Carolina’s Jason Strowbridge, Utah’s Leki Fotu, LSU’s Rashard Lawrence, or Michigan State’s Raequan Williams. Maybe they’ll add some depth to the o-line with a guy like Clemson’s John Simpson, Auburn’s Prince Tega Wanogho, St. John’s Ben Bartch, Washington’s Nick Harris, Charlotte’s Cameron Clarke or Kentucky’s Logan Stenberg. Adding some depth at inside linebacker wouldn’t be a bad idea with someone like Miami’s Shaquille Quarterman or Michigan State’s Joe Bachie. After what happened on Day 2, I really don’t have a clue what the Bucs might do.

Another interesting sidenote from Day 2 has to do with Bucs tight end, O.J. Howard. After Tampa traded for Gronkowski, there were rumors that Howard would be on the trading block. There was some speculation that they would use him to either move up in the first round or gain another pick on Day 2. Obviously, that didn’t happen. So, as of right now anyway, it appears as though Howard will remain a Buc for the 2020 season. The Bucs will go into this year with a tight end room consisting of Gronk, Howard, Cam Brate, Antony Auclair, Tanner Hudson, Jordan Leggett, and Cody McElroy. This group is LOADED.

So just to recap the first three rounds, the Bucs lucked out with one of the best offensive tackles in this draft when they had Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs fall to their 14th pick. They lucked out again with one of the best safeties in this draft when Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield Jr fell to them at their 45th pick. And they got a new third-down back with their 76th pick of the third round in Vanderbilt’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn. All in all, it’s been a highly productive weekend so far for Tampa Bay, and I can’t wait to see what Day 3 has in store.

Until then, as always, GO BUCS!!!

Buccaneers

Deez 2020 Draft Day 1 Review

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Well, Day 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft is in the books and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to fill their biggest position of need with one of the best players at that position with their first-round pick.

I have to admit, I wasn’t happy about the way that first round played out initially. The Giants made Georgia’s Anthony Thomas the first offensive tackle off the board with their 4th pick. Then the Browns took Alabama’s Jedrick Wills with their 10th pick. And the Jets followed them up by taking Louisville’s Mekhi Becton with their 11th pick. My top three offensive tackles were gone in the first eleven picks. Only Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs was left out of that top tier tackle group with the Raiders on the clock and the Niners picking next just before the Bucs.

It wasn’t looking good.

Jason Licht said that they were worried about another team trading up to the Niners 13th pick to grab Wirfs, so they decided to offer up their other fourth-round pick to John Lynch to move up one spot to ensure that they got the tackle they wanted. It was a “No risk it, no biscuit!” type of situation, as Bruce Arians would say.

Now, in case you haven’t heard this from me yet, I DESPISE TRADING UP IN THE DRAFT! I hate losing draft picks. And this trade cost the Bucs a valuable mid-round pick. However, it did land them one of those top four tackles that none of us thought would still be there when the Bucs went on the clock. So it’s kind of hard to be upset about what Tampa did here.

So who is Tristan Wirfs?

Well, he’s a 6’5″/322lb athletic freak of nature who somehow ran a 4.86 forty at the NFL Combine earlier this year and vertical jumps OUT of 4′ deep pools for fun (if you haven’t seen that YouTube video, I suggest you watch it). He wasn’t the most technically sound offensive tackle in this draft, but his physical gifts are undeniable. He rewrote the weight room record books at Iowa and that strength and power are on full display as a run blocker. He has tree trunks for legs, which allows him to anchor extremely well in pass protection. He does have some technique issues to work out as a pass protector, but Bucs coaches Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert should be able to help him there. Wirfs also brings some versatility with experience playing both left AND right tackle at Iowa. Some scouts also projected him to be an All-Pro type guard, if a team decided to play him there as the Redskins did with Brandon Scherff a few years ago.

In conclusion, the Bucs landed one of the premier offensive tackles in this draft to take over for Demar Dotson on that right side and protect their new quarterback Tom Brady.

It was a good day for Tampa Bay!

Now, what do they do on Day 2? I think they’ll get Tom some more help on offense with a new running back and maybe a new receiver as well. The Bucs have the 45th pick and the 76th pick on Day 2 as of right now, but that could all change in the blink of an eye. There is a ton of the first-round talent left on the board at all different positions, so it will be interesting to see if the Bucs draft for “need” or if they simply take the best player available.

Until then, as always, GO BUCS!!!

Buccaneers

Deez Last Minute Mock Draft

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WE GOT GRONK!

Are you freaking kidding me? First, the Bucs sign arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. And now, they get arguably the greatest tight end of all time. Unbelievable!

I know after my last mock draft, I said that was my last one for this off-season. However, that was BEFORE Gronk. With this trade comes a different set of picks for the Bucs. In case you missed the details, the Bucs gave the Patriots their fourth-round pick in exchange for Gronk AND the Pats’ seventh-round pick. It’s a great deal for Tampa Bay. Not only do they get one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, but they still walked away with seven picks in this draft. Plus, now they have the freedom to trade OJ Howard if they so choose.

The team to keep an eye on could be the Baltimore Ravens. They currently hold seven picks in the first four rounds of this draft and have no real threat at tight end. The Ravens could offer up their second pick in the second round, 60th overall, in exchange for Howard. That would still leave them with their 55th pick of the second round, plus it gives Lamar Jackson a legitimate weapon at the tight end position. It’s a win-win for both teams.

If the Bucs can make that trade before Thursday, they could then use that 60th pick to trade up into the top ten to get one of those top tier offensive tackles. I think they need to get up to 8th in order to have a shot at either Jedrick Wills or Mekhi Becton. The Arizona Cardinals currently hold that 8th pick, which is worth 1,400 points, according to the NFL Draft Trade Chart. The Bucs 14th pick is worth 1,100 points. That means the Bucs would have to package up at least another 300 points worth of picks to get the Cardinals’ attention. That 60th pick just happens to be worth 300 points. Arizona should be tempted. They only have six picks in this draft, no second-round pick, no fifth-round pick and a ton of holes to fill in their roster. I’d say the Bucs could package that 60th pick of the second (300 points) AND their 161st pick of the fifth round (25.8 points) for the Cards 8th pick.

Another option for Tampa could be to simply cut out the middle man in that deal and try to trade Howard straight to the Cardinals along with their 14th pick for Arizona’s 8th pick. This enables the Bucs to move up for their offensive tackle without giving up anything extra, plus it would give Kyler Murray a legitimate weapon at tight end. Either way, the Bucs end up with the 8th pick in this mock, but we’ll go with Option #2 here to make it easier. So let’s take a look at what I’ve come up with for the Buccaneers and their new set of draft picks.

 

DEEZ MOCK DRAFT 7.0: AFTER GRONK

Rd.1/Pk.8 (from Cardinals)

OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

They got their man at right tackle! The Bucs had to make a move up six spots to get him, but he’s worth it. Not only are they getting the most technically sound offensive tackle in this draft, but he played right tackle at Alabama protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside.

Rd.2/Pk.45

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

The Bucs need a smaller power back to compliment Ronald Jones II in their backfield, and this guy is a keg of dynamite. At 5’8″/210lbs, he’ll provide a nice combination with Jones and allow the Bucs to keep fresh legs in the game behind Tom Brady.

Rd.3/Pk.76

RB/WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis

I’ve had this guy in every mock for a reason. He’s a weapon. He averaged 11 yards per carry and 19 yards per catch in a shared backfield at Memphis. Not only does he give the Bucs the third-down back they need, but he can step out and play wide receiver and return kicks too.

Rd.4/Pk.139

WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota

I had this guy in my Mock 6.0 and I brought him back again. I like him a lot because he’s a Chris Godwin clone at 6’2″/205lbs with decent speed and great hands. He’s an extremely polished route runner and very dangerous after the catch. Sounds familiar huh. Why not add another guy like that to this already stacked receiving corps?

Rd.5/Pk.161

G Cameron Clark, Charlotte

This guy has been considered a late-round “sleeper pick” by some scouts. The Bucs could use some depth on the o-line and this guy can play guard or tackle. He’s a mauler with a ton of starting experience and a team captain, so he’s just what Jason Licht looks for this late in the draft.

Rd.6/Pk.194

DT Raequan Williams, Michigan State

The Bucs need to add some more depth to their interior d-line as well. There’s slim pickins in this draft as far as defensive tackles go, but he’s worth a look at this point in the draft. At 6’4”/305lbs, he’s a solid run defender with an ability to disrupt the pocket up the middle.

Rd.7/Pk.230 (from Patriots)

LB Krys Barnes, UCLA

The Bucs could also add some depth at inside linebacker behind Devin White and Lavonte David. They re-signed Kevin Minter but probably shouldn’t count on anyone else in that room. At 6’1″/235lbs, he might be considered slightly undersized for some teams, which could cause him to fall this late. But with his speed and athletic ability, he’s perfect for Todd Bowles defense.

With the draft fast approaching, this should be my last mock of the year, but ya never know. I can’t wait to see what Jason Licht decides to do on Thursday night!

Until then, as always, GO BUCS!!!

 

Buccaneers

Ten Things to Look For This Draft

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IT’S DRAFT WEEK!

It was a little touch n’ go there for a while, whether it would even happen. It may not be quite what we were expecting, but at least it’s on.

Kind of.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently hold the 14th pick of the draft. I say currently because they have been one of three teams linked to a possible trade up scenario. That’s one thing I’ll talk about here later. Experts have mocked a number of different positions to the Bucs in the first round from offensive tackle to running back to defensive tackle to safety. I’m here to tell you a few things to look for in this draft. Not just for Day 1, but for this entire week.

I’ll go over a number of scenarios here, some that have been rumors and some that is just speculation on my part. The first one that I’m going to talk about is the one I briefly mentioned earlier: Trading up.

1. TRADING UP?

The Bucs are one of three teams rumored to be making calls about trading up into the top ten in this draft. The other two teams are the Falcons and the Broncos. My guess is that they have their eyes on a certain offensive tackle (Jedrick Wills) that they don’t think will be there at that 14th pick. In order to give themselves a better chance of snagging him, they’ll need to trade up to the 9th pick held by the Jacksonville Jaguars or the 8th pick held by the Arizona Cardinals. In my opinion, trading with the Cards makes more sense. The Jags already have 12 picks in this draft, so they may not be as tempted into a trade with even more 2020 picks. The Cards, on the other hand, only have 6 picks, no second-rounder and a ton of holes to fill in their roster. They could be desperate, which means they might be a little more inclined to give up their pick for an extra pick or two. Plus, Jason Licht and Bruce Arians might be able to use their connections in the Cardinals organization as an advantage to get something done.

2. TRADING DOWN?

If the Bucs stay put at that 14th pick and those top four offensive tackles are off the board, don’t be surprised if Jason Licht makes a deal to move down IF he can find a trade partner. He’s done it in a couple of his drafts, so he’s definitely not opposed to it. If he can trade down a few spots, gain another pick or two and still get one of the players they were targeting in the first round, then he won’t hesitate one bit. The Miami Dolphins could be the team to do it with. They currently have 14 picks in this draft, including five picks in the first two rounds. They hold the 5th, 18th, and 26th picks of the first round. IF they stay at #5 and don’t trade up, then they might be looking to move up a few spots with their 18th pick. The move from 18th to 14th would at least cost them a third-round pick, which would work out great for the Bucs.

3. TRADING OJ HOWARD?

For the second straight off-season, there are trade rumors swirling around regarding Bucs tight end OJ Howard being on the trade block. Whether it’s just pre-draft smoke or it actually has some truth to it, it’s still a possibility. Last year, the Bucs were asking for a second-round pick in exchange for him. Obviously, they had no takers. This year, they may not be quite as stingy. This trade could happen on draft day or any time this week leading up to it, and there are a few teams to keep an eye on. The Colts, Ravens, Patriots, Dolphins, and Raiders all have multiple second and/or third-round picks and could be potential suitors. In my opinion, if this does actually happen this week and the Bucs can get a Day 2 pick for him, it means two things. First, they probably are looking to trade up into the top ten to get an offensive tackle. And second, that rumor about Rob Gronkowski returning to football and joining his former quarterback in Tampa might have some truth to it. I’m not a big fan of the idea of trading OJ myself. I think he’s a tremendous talent that has been underutilized so far and that he could be in for a big year playing with Tom Brady, who loves to use his tight ends.

4. TRADING UP FOR A D-TACKLE?

IF the Bucs do trade up into the top ten, it will likely be for one of those top two offensive tackles. My guess is they’re after either Jedrick Wills from Alabama or Mekhi Becton from Louisville. However, what if they’re NOT after an offensive tackle at all? They did sign free agent Joe Haeg this off-season, and Bruce Arians did say that he would be “comfortable” with him starting at right tackle. What if the Bucs are going after the best defensive tackle in this draft Derrick Brown from Auburn? Even though they did re-sign Ndamukong Suh, it was only on another one-year deal. They would be smart to look for his eventual replacement in this draft. And do you know who Brown has been compared to coming out of college? That’s right: Suh. Trading up to that 8th pick would give them a better shot at him, but he’s likely going to the Carolina Panthers with the 7th pick. Offensive tackle is the biggest need by far on this team, so it’s not likely that they’ll be after a defensive tackle, but anything can happen in the draft.

5. TRADING BACK INTO THE 1ST ROUND?

IF the Bucs do stay at that 14th pick instead of trading up into the top ten, then it would open up the possibility of them trading up later back into the first round. Even if they do luck out and get one of those top tier offensive tackles at 14, they may still have an interest in one of the top tier running backs like Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor or LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire. If the Bucs don’t think either of them will still be on the board when they go on the clock with their 45th pick, then Jason Licht might be tempted to jump back into the end of the first round or trade up in the second round to get one of those guys. The same can be said if they end up going another route with that 14th pick. If they don’t get their offensive tackle there and end up with Javon Kinlaw or D’Andre Swift instead, they might think about jumping back into the first round to grab Houston OT Josh Jones. It all rests on what happens with that 14th pick. Licht has pulled this move before jumping back into the second round on multiple occasions. Don’t count it out here.

6. ISAIAH SIMMONS AT #14?

Another unlikely scenario, but it’s possible. There’s a lot that would have to happen to make this a reality. Those top four offensive tackles would have to be gone. Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw would have to be gone. They would probably be striking out with finding a trade partner to move down. And Simmons would have to be on the board, which is probably not happening since most mocks have him going to the New York Giants with the 4th pick. But what if? If that freak-of-nature athlete that can play multiple positions in multiple defenses is still sitting there, you don’t think Todd Bowles would be banging the table for him in a hard way? I’m sure he’d love to have a fun new toy like that on his defense, so while it may not be realistic, it’s still a scenario that could play out.

7. RB OR WR AT #14?

Here’s another “what if” scenario for you. IF the top four offensive tackles are off the board, as well as Brown, Kinlaw, and Simmons, the Bucs could be tempted to draft a shiny new running back OR a new #3 receiver. Another running back that can play on third downs might be the second biggest need on the Bucs roster right now. If all those other options are gone, and a dynamic player like Georgia’s D’Andre Swift is sitting there for the taking, they might just take him. The same goes for a player like Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III. Bruce Arians likes his speed, and they don’t come much faster than Ruggs. If those other options are off the table and he’s still available, don’t be surprised if he’s the pick. Opposing defenses already have their hands full with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Throwing Ruggs into the mix just wouldn’t even be fair.

8. NO RUNNING BACK IN ROUNDS 1 OR 2?

I’m telling you right now, DO NOT be surprised if the Bucs don’t take a running back until the third or fourth round. I think they have high hopes for Ronald Jones II this season, and they’d be fine hitching their wagon to him as their primary back. Could they stand to add some quality depth? Absolutely. And I’m sure they will at some point in this draft or even after in free agency. But what they really need is a legitimate third-down back. Maybe a player like Antonio Gibson from Memphis in the third or early fourth round or a guy like Anthony McFarland from Maryland in the fifth round. I’d love to see them draft two running backs this weekend, but it wouldn’t shock me if they don’t. There’s a bunch of really good veteran backs still out there in free agency that they could sign after the draft for very little money. So don’t get too excited about them possibly getting JK Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor, or Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the second round. It may not happen.

9. NO DEFENSIVE PICKS UNTIL SATURDAY?

Bruce Arians made it abundantly clear that the Bucs’ biggest priority would be to keep that 2019 defense intact as much as possible. They did that by re-signing Ndamukong Suh, Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Kevin Minter this off-season. That makes me believe that they wanted to save the offensive side of the ball for the draft. An offensive tackle. A running back or two. A wide receiver. An interior offensive lineman. A quarterback for Brady to mentor. Maybe even a tight end if they trade Howard away. The Bucs only have seven picks in this draft, unless they make a trade. I don’t expect them to make a defensive pick until at least the fifth round on Saturday, if at all. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. They want to surround Tom Brady with anything and everything he needs to succeed, so this is shaping up to be an offense heavy draft for the Buccaneers.

10. NO DEFENSIVE BACK PICKS AT ALL?

Some people seem to think that defensive back, whether it’s cornerback or safety, is a “big need” for the Buccaneers. Even some experts. I’ve seen mock drafts with the Bucs taking a safety with their 14th pick. I disagree. I do think it’s a need, but not for the draft. The Bucs secondary is slap full of young talent. All three starting cornerback positions are filled with second or third-year players and five of the six safeties on the current roster are under 25-years old. I do agree that the team could stand to add some depth at both positions going into training camp, but it should really be from the veteran free agent pool. Two guys that come to my mind are cornerback Morris Claiborne and safety Tony Jefferson. Both guys are still available and would be inexpensive options. Both have had experience playing for either Bruce Arians and/or Todd Bowles. And both would add that experienced veteran presence that’s missing from the Bucs defensive back room. So don’t be surprised if the Bucs wait until the late rounds of this draft to pick one OR don’t even pick one at all this year.

 

Well, there you have it. Those are ten things to look out for over the next week. The 2020 NFL Draft will start at 8 pm on Thursday night with the first round. Day 2 will consist of Rounds 2 and 3 beginning at 7 pm Friday night. And Day 3 will begin at 12 pm showing Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday. Keep one thing in mind over the next five days.

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

But that’s one of the many things that make the NFL Draft so much fun to watch. I was supposed to be in Las Vegas this week watching it live and in person. Obviously, that’s not happening. (Thanks a lot, China!) But I have been lucky enough to be invited by the Buccaneers to be involved in their “Virtual Inner Circle” during the draft. Unfortunately, I’m on shift Thursday and will be watching the first round from my fire station. But look for me and my beautiful face on Day 2, going crazy and getting loud in the “Den of Deez” when the Bucs go on the clock in the second and third rounds.

Until then, as always; GO BUCS!!!