Now that the NFL combine is all but over, here is an interesting dilemma that might face the Bucs brass. Assume that the following players are off the board: Manziel, Bortles, Bridgewater, Greg Robinson, and Jake Matthews. Assume further that the Bucs stay at number 7. The two top players on the Bucs board are Sammy Watkins and Khalil Mack. Take into consideration Mike Williams' issues and Lovie's public comments about him. Also consider that Mack would play SAM on first and second down, and line up as a DE with his hand in the dirt on obvious passing downs. Who do you take and why?
No clue haha. I might take Watkins because we'll likely sign a DE in FA.One question I have about Watkins, for those that have watched him, is how is he in fighting for the ball int he air? His vertical jump was pretty pedestrian at 34" (yes, I know the combine is wayyyyy overrated) and I'm a tiny bit concerned about his ability to high point passes - which he will absolutely have to do in the NFL (and may not have in college). Might be a total non-issue, but I don't know.
between those 2, mack all day.
I'm going Watkins as well. Obviously neither is a sure thing, but personally more comfortable with Watkins. If Mike Williams continues his ways, or slips up again in the future, Watkins gives the team some protection. Believe the Bucs will move Foster to SLB and draft a faster MLB for the future (hopefully Shazier imo). Also think they'll grab a few DE's in FA, most notably Corey Wooten (who I hope they sign just because he ended Favre's career, who I loved to hate.. lol), maybe Allen or Peppers, Willie Young out of Det, or maybe Everson Griffen from Minn, depending on what Frazier thinks of him. Also think they'll add a DT or two, specifically Ziggy Hood (miscast in a 3-4), Pat Sims from Oak , Soliai from Mia or Melton from Chicago (depending on his rehab, could be signed to a 2-yr prove it deal).
I am going with Mack.
I'm not assuming Mack is a SAM on 1 and 2, down rusher on 3. I'm assuming that the Bucs are comfortable full-time with his hand in the dirt. I'd take Mack.I think the vertical stuff is overblown - "high-pointing" the ball isn't just about how high you jump. It's about timing, body-control, concentration and hands. Mike Williams' vertical wasn't as good as Watkins, and he has an exceptional ability to "high-point" the ball. Anquan Boldin also had a shorter vertical than Watkins.
Mack, Mayock calls him the best player in the draft and would take him no. 1 overall. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000328861/article/mayock-pitts-donald-just-as-impressive-as-clowney-at-combine
I think the vertical stuff is overblown - "high-pointing" the ball isn't just about how high you jump. It's about timing, body-control, concentration and hands. Mike Williams' vertical wasn't as good as Watkins, and he has an exceptional ability to "high-point" the ball. Anquan Boldin also had a shorter vertical than Watkins.
Might be. Certainly the relation between being able to high point a ball and vertex numbers aren't strongly correlated positively (ie. having a high vertex number doesn't mean you are good at high pointing the ball). I'm curious if the negative is true (and that's aside from if it'd even be an issue for Watkins). 3 guys you think of being strong at high pointing balls are Larry Fitzgerald, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall who range from 37" to 42". Far from a signifcant sample size obviously.But really, it comes down to film. For those that have watched him, how is Watkisn at attacking the ball in the air?
I am a defense person, but I would take Watkins because he is a better fit and need. We can sign Watson and that need goes away.
I think that there is better depth in this draft at WR, and an impact rusher on a rookie contract would be huge. The dropoff between the WRs in round two and one is much less than that of the rushers between rounds, so you have to pick the rusher.
I would rather say neither and take Donald
Watkins. But I don't think either will be there. IMO it's close to a lock we sign a veteran DE. We have such a clear need for playmakers on offense that it's blindingly obvious. I can easily see us drafting a Tackle. We're almost guaranteed to get a shot at Matthews or Robinson the way the QB talk is going. At least three will go quick. And Licht's teams have drafted OL early whereas it was almost a lock Dominik wouldn't draft one early.
If Watkins is there, I think you have to take him. I think the bucs would now strongly consider this with the Mike Williams situation. If Mike Williams could come back and get his head straight , I would say trade down and get our third pick and maybe more because this draft is so deep and we could really use the extra help. I have heard with all the juniors coming out that you can get first round quality late in the second round and maybe beginning of third round. If we ever had a year that we need all our picks this is it!!
I would rather say neither and take Donald
An idea that is certainly growing legs.
I'd take Mack in this scenario. Now if it were between Mack and Mike Evans then I'd go Mike Evans. Watkins has the elite speed but Evans is the better Wideout IMO.
