An edge at 26 might be better than JTS and JTS produced 5 sacks last year while Barrett had 4.5. That is a low bar for a rookie to reach given that Diaby had 7.5 and he wasn't a full 17 game starter. As a raw rookie JTS had 4 sacks back in 2021 so a more polished rookie rusher at 26 probably can squeeze out 6-7 sacks playing opposite of Diaby and with JTS, Nelson and Watts/Ramirez as the reserves.
But I believe that Bowles isn't thinking about sacks only from edge because if the team has a chance to draft a player like Fiske and rotate with Kancey the Bucs might pull the trigger. Fiske is a dark horse candidate to be a Bucs draft target.
One way or another the team needs to improve sacks, pressures and hurries from all positions including edge for 2024.
I have an old article from 2013 by Chase Stuart, building off data by Jason Lisk (PFRblog). After comparing data from 20 years of NFL drafts that indicate the offensive line picks have th least busts…while we need an Edge, this FO team has been improving their drafts steadily. The C/G spots average picks are selected at 22nd spot.
That data is a little old, but it still makes a strong case. Would be smart to do something with #26 pick to move up for a C/G in the first.
@alldaway - I’m a huge Fiske fan. I’d love to grab him, but not sure about spending another first round pick on an inside DL. That would be three first round picks (Vea, Kansey, Fiske). And we’re in a 3-4 around 30-40% of the defensive plays.
Again, we need more than a late 1st rounder as an edge this year. You can’t count on a rookie edge outside of the top 15 to give you much. Yaya was a one-off. I’m not putting money on that happening for us again in the next few years. We’ve failed with our picks of JTS and Hall who we took where we did because the team felt we had to take a player at those positions with those picks. I said they were long shots the day we chose them.
I think the Bucs are looking at post June 1st cuts to add to edge along with a drafted rookie edge. Combined with the current five edge rushers the Bucs let them compete and keep the best 4 or 5 on the roster.
@alldaway - At the end of the season, I’ll be the one in the back of the room saying to the Bucs “I told you so.”
But I think (hope) Licht and Bowles are smart enough to know they can’t go into the season with this crew of edges, plus maybe a rookie. It’s arguably the most important position on a defense. We don’t make our 2020 Super Bowl run without JPP and Shaq.
Max melton should be that guy
He should be there in the third. Would be a good fit for what Bowles likes to run and gives us a good zone CB. Haven't had one it seems since Brent Grimes.Max melton should be that guy
Agree. However, if we’re looking at FA, then the leftovers are Clowney, Van Noy, Dupree, etc. that sounds like a bridge guy, maybe some production, but likely not more than we got last year.@alldaway - At the end of the season, I’ll be the one in the back of the room saying to the Bucs “I told you so.”
But I think (hope) Licht and Bowles are smart enough to know they can’t go into the season with this crew of edges, plus maybe a rookie. It’s arguably the most important position on a defense. We don’t make our 2020 Super Bowl run without JPP and Shaq.
That almost sounds like someone should go after Hassan Reddick, but, the Eagles said there were 3 teams making trade inquiries, and the Bucs weren’t one of them.
Hopefully we’re not just waiting to sign one to of the leftovers Edge FA’s, as a bridge guy to a draft pick. If so, it will mean the Bucs are good with their current rotation guys…and the draft will only add to that. Which means they’re good with this taking a little more time.
@white-tiger - you’re right. Reddick is about our only option left, besides relying on an edge to drop in the draft. And I put that on Licht if we don’t fill this spot.
And being good with our current rotation is a huge risk. We aren’t playing for the future right now. Our contracts are for now. How much longer do we have Lavante, Evans, Godwin… even Baker? They miss on this; hope they have what they need at edge; defensive ends up getting picked apart because of this; and it’s a big year they’ve wasted. And one that Bowles may not make it thru. Play for now. I’m still holding out hope Licht has a plan.
And I put that on Licht if we don’t fill this spot.
So, who do you want?
@donkey_hunter - With what we currently have there were plenty of options to upgrade. Disappointingly, many of those are gone now, because NFL teams understand how important the position is for success.
With what’s left I’d see what we can do to trade for Riddick or one of the Chargers vets. If not, maybe Verse drops a little and we could trade up and draft him. He has the chance to be a difference maker his rookie season.
Although I don’t think it’s the most likely scenarios I could see Nate Wiggins being pretty high up on their board and if Latu and Powers Johnson are gone that would be a nice pick
@alldaway I disagree the Bucs are looking to add too many more depth type players at edge. They need a dawg or just roll with Nelson. But I promise you, if they add a guy Nelson is gone