How much better would the Bucs defense be if the Bucs did not have the dead last ranked rushing offense? So while I always favor defense I think offense does need some talent infusion.
Given the team's strengths and weaknesses, there seem to be more glaring holes along the defense than offense; aside from a new starter or two along the offensive line, the offense is pretty solid IMHO, we need a better scheme, which I have complete confidence we will see with Liam crafting it, it's the defense that has more numerous concerns. My first concern is Dean and whether or not he can suit up for an entire season. Given the likelihood of injury, who will replace him if and when he goes down? I like McCollum, but there will be growing pains. Who is our 3rd CB??? with D. White riding his horse outta town, does Britt have the necessary athleticism to go sideline to sideline, he does well charging ahead in a straight line-how about going sideways or backwards? Edge rush…we simply need Yaya to play well and JTS to become something Consistently that he has only flashed in the past. Lastly, Bowles…he can't be so conservative when it matters most, he needs to man up when the season is on the line instead of playing “not to lose” no way to lose Faster than that. Killer instinct.
Don’t sleep on SirVocea Dennis. Before that injury he looked like a good fit. After recovering from the injury, the downtime may have allowed him to spend time in the weight room, and get some insight to expectations if the role.
I was thinking that too. Then I remembered the qbs we faced this year...
IOur offense last year was ranked in the bottom 3rd of the league in points scored. Ranked #20th overall in scoring.
The defense was ranked in the Top-10 (7th overall) in points given up.
If I have to pick one, I’m going offense.
Allen, Purdy, Stroud, Love, Goff x2, Cousins shredded our defense. I think its fools-gold level defense that thrived on beating up bad QB led teams. Either way there's no wrong answer.
Yes. And this year? Hurts, Cousins x 2, Purdy, Jackson, Prescott, Mahomes, Herbert, Goff. Lots of shredding opportunities right there. Thus defense for this draft.
How many starters can get the Bucs get in the first 4 rounds (5 picks) if they went all offense versus all defense?
How many starters can get the Bucs get in the first 4 rounds (5 picks) if they went all offense versus all defense?
Edge...nickel/ILB/boundary CB maybe?
On offense interior LG or C more likely, maybe 2nd RB, and third WR maybe. PR staff wants to say Palmer is inconsistent which is true but he was a rookie. And Mauch was far more inconsistent as a rookie and PR staff makes excuses for him.
As has been said before - the draft is pretty well aligned with what we need - and where we pick.
May not be able to fill all the spots of need with studs - but if we have the ability to get some of the critical needs filled (ie an EDGE that can pressure, but is a little weak in the run, but has the frame and capacity - then that’s a win).
Defense is as much a concern as offense…but offensive needs at iOL should be attainable, as should a competent RB to develop, but can at least fill a role to soell White.
Defensive needs at CB seem more available - but getting some that can immediately contribute would be pretty high on my list.
How many starters can get the Bucs get in the first 4 rounds (5 picks) if they went all offense versus all defense?
Defense: LDE, LOLB, MLB, CB, SCB
Offense: C, LG, WR3, TE, RB2
That was an interesting exercise. But if you're expecting day 2 & 3 picks to be instant starters, you are in trouble. It's one if the reasons I'm a BPA guy. You'll never regret drafting Pro Bowlers.
what the theoretically first 3 rounds could look like all offense versus all defense
and again, we all know they wont do that as likely a mix of both but just for visual purposes
all defense
1 - DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
2 - Edge Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
3 - LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr, Clemson
3 - CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State
all offense
1 - C Jackson Powers - Johnson, Oregon
2 - G Christian Haynes, Connecticut
3 - RB Ray Davis, Kentucky
3 - WR Malik Washington, Virgnia
for defense, all four are likely given a chance to win a starting job over Hall, JTR, Britt, and McCollum. In any event, all 4 would see significant action
for offense, the two offensive line picks would start immediately pushing Hainsey/Mauch to battle for last starting guard position. Davis would be #2 to White with Washington battling Palmer for #3 WR.
so would think in either case all see significant playing time with defense being the more impactful for 2024.
judging by our free agency, the Bucs didnt give a shit about edge or interior line so i see something like alternating picks more likely:
1. C Jackson Powers Johnson, Oregon
2. Edge Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
3. OG Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
4. LB Jeremiah Totter Jr, Clemson
In an ideal world they go:
Round 1: Interior OL
Round 2: Edge
Round 3a: Defensive back
Round 3b: WR
Round 4: TE/ILB/RB
Been running that exact scenario through the PFF simulator - a LOT - interesting consistency with some of the same names through various iterations.In an ideal world they go:
Round 1: Interior OL
Round 2: Edge
Round 3a: Defensive back
Round 3b: WR
Round 4: TE/ILB/RB
No way to say whether all the teams ahead of us will behave according to the PFF rankings (or whether my selections would be anywhere near an actual scouting department)…but it has been interesting!
I think we're fine at Wr.
We are, now. If Godwin is injured or leaves after this year it would be nice to pick one from one of the deepest WR drafts in a long time. It would allow a tear of development while watching two of the best to ever play the game.
I would cry if we don't find a way to retain Gwin. He's probably my favorite Wr.
