Is Matt Miller someone you tend to trust or agree with?
I would say he's no better or worse than any of the pundits. Like anybody else, he gets stuff wrong.
If you use the standard Biggs applies ( Miller) to rate the GMs/teams, then Licht did better (3 our of top 44) than Howie Roseman (2 out of top 44) and the best drafting teams were the Jets and the Dolphins, I think.
FWIW . .PFF has the Bucs with a B+ and ranked 15 of 32
Eagles B+
Jets A-
Dolphins B+
But, in hindsight, one can at least see the thought on Trotter as the more Bowles-specific pick.
Why?
Because of the family ties?
Hill can do everything Trotter can, just as well, and more (coverage, splash plays, etc.).
I was thinking more of the potential parallel with White, in Bowles' mind…
Okay.
That makes sense.
Again, with that being said, it just confirms the poor player evaluation.
And, if (as it was reported) they actually had him and Rodriguez similarly graded, I’d be willing to bet that Todd would’ve pushed for Trotter even if Jacob was still on the board.
Alas, I’m simply ready for a new regime.
if (as it was reported) they actually had him and Rodriguez similarly graded
right on cue! In todays Fab 5
"The Bucs had Trotter similarly rated to Texas Tech inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez despite them being completely different players. Rodriguez was a turnover machine for the Red Raiders, but actually played more weakside linebacker like the role Alex Anzalone will play in Tampa Bay this year. Trotter was a Bucs Best Bet at inside linebacker.
Trotter is better suited to play middle linebacker in Todd Bowles’ scheme because he’s 10 pounds bigger at 240 pounds and can stack and shed offensive linemen better. While Trotter has a ways to go in coverage, he just turned 21 and has only played two years of college football, recording 176 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss. Trotter is the son of Eagles legendary linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and has great instincts. I’ve really come around on this selection and see the thinking behind the Trotter pick."
You don't trade up for a player that could go 40+ picks later that isn't BPA, isn't the best TE, and isn't going to unseat the TE3 on the depth chart.
to your point:
"Round 6: LSU TE Bauer Sharp
The Bucs needed to trade up for Sharp in the sixth round because he was the last tight end they had a draftable grade on. And the team really likes Sharp’s attitude and tenacity as a blocker. He’s a more complete tight end than Devin Culp is, and I think he beats Culp out for a roster spot this year because he’ll also be better on special teams."