Mel Kiper's First Mock Draft Has Us Passing On Claiborne For...

[acooke2]

Trent Richardson -

"Don't simply dismiss the idea that Richardson could land here because of the presence of LaGarrette Blount. For one, we know that if you want a potent running game in the NFL, it can't be built simply around one running back. The reality of injuries is too much of a constant to overlook. Secondly, are the Bucs ready to commit to a longer deal with Blount after the 2012 season? Bottom line, the idea can't be dismissed from a team-building standpoint, and that's before you get to what kind of a player Richardson is. A physical freak, he is extraordinarily powerful, explodes from contact, has lower mileage than many third-year studs because he split carries as a freshman and sophomore with Mark Ingram and has developed as a pass-catcher. Richardson is a first-year impact player."

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7467078/mel-kiper-first-mock-draft-year?eleven=twelve

[alldaway]

/facepalm

Epic fail Kiper.

[BucD]

I like it.

An IMMEDIATE impact.

[alldaway]

I like it.

An IMMEDIATE impact.

Yes ask the Jags and Vikes.

[sunrisejeff]

While I wouldn't be overly pissed if we pick TR if Blackmon, Claiborne and Kalil are off the board and we can't trade back for RG3 rights, I would be upset if we passed up Claiborne for him. Just imo.

[ABuccsFan]

I guess that means we shouldn't draft Richardson, Kiper sucks. Remember USC Mike Williams was a guaranteed HoF'r?

[meatwad4343]

lol take a closer look at our pick. mel kiper thinks we finished 5-11. wouldn't trust a mock from a guy who can't even get our record right.

[dalbuc]

An utterly bad pick. Can't make the RB selection that high anymore. That league is gone.

[Detrimental]

I could live with it. Long term it won't be a good pick but he should definitely produce at a top 5 RB level in the NFL if used properly. A lot of great backs though have gone to waste and could never win SB's.. LT, Steven Jackson, AP

[Skull and Bones]

I like it.

An IMMEDIATE impact.

Yes ask the Jags and Vikes.

the Jags kicked our ass and the Vikings would have too if they had kept feeding AP.

[acacius]

the Jags kicked our ass and the Vikings would have too if they had kept feeding AP.

I have higher goals for the team than "being able to kick the asses of the 2011 Bucs".  I wouldn't be as down on this pick as dalbuc, but I'd stil be pretty bleh about it.

[JavaRay]

Great pick!

[dalbuc]

I could live with it. Long term it won't be a good pick but he should definitely produce at a top 5 RB level in the NFL if used properly. A lot of great backs though have gone to waste and could never win SB's.. LT, Steven Jackson, AP

the problem is that, as someone said, RB's are immediate impact. You can get one when you need the boost over the top. Yoou don't need thema as part of your long range plans. We're not at the immediate need standpoint so why get a guy who has a short shelf life now rather than later?

[Skull and Bones]

I'm not in favor of it either.  TR isn't that special.  But I'd have no problem with a 2nd or 3rd being used on the position.

[Cerious]

I could live with it. Long term it won't be a good pick but he should definitely produce at a top 5 RB level in the NFL if used properly. A lot of great backs though have gone to waste and could never win SB's.. LT, Steven Jackson, AP

the problem is that, as someone said, RB's are immediate impact. You can get one when you need the boost over the top. Yoou don't need thema as part of your long range plans. We're not at the immediate need standpoint so why get a guy who has a short shelf life now rather than later?

That's the point really. 3-4 years down the road and Richardson will have too much wear and tear on him and will still be searching for a dominant OT, CB or WR.