Lovie won’t draft a quarterback: Misconception or fact? by Gil Arcia February 10, 2015
The idea has been floated around about Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith not drafting a quarterback. While it’s valid to point out his history when it comes to the NFL Draft, it’ll also be wise to look back to the beginning of 2014. Let’s start at the beginning of the regime’s time with the organization. General manager Jason Licht was hired after Smith and was given control of the draft along with the personnel. Smith would have final say of the 53-man roster as that was known upon his hiring. Although those from Chicago thought that was a bad move, that’s what is fact.As the year went on, we started hearing the differences in the two sides during Lovie Smith press conferences. Smith’s comments like “Jason and his staff” when answering questions regarding players coming in while also following it up with being concerned about “the players on the field” are also indicators of their jobs. Of course the two work side-by-side with each other as Licht has also stated. But they know their roles.Then you have Licht’s scouting background come to light when he personally saw potential draft picks play in live games before his very own eyes during the 2014 season, like Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and Florida State’s Jameis Winston.And as for Winston, it was his game against Louisville where Licht fell in love with the 21-year-old quarterback after he led his team back and overcome turnovers to win 42-31 after a 21-7 halftime deficit. The appreciation was so strong, it was a moment full of magic like when Squints’ buddies felt for him when he stole a kiss from Wendy Peffercorn in The Sandlot.Okay that’s not how it was described but it was no secret to those close to the Buccaneers it was then that Licht saw something special.Then fast forward to most recently where at the end of the season Jason Licht specifically talked about the draft process and raved about Florida State players. Coincidence? Perhaps.Ownership should also be factored in. It would be naive to assume that the Glazers would not have some kind of input as they too should understand what their team needs. Besides, if you think they are not in the ears of Smith and Licht, just look at this video from last year’s draft when they called wide receiver Mike Evans to let him know he will be a member of the Buccaneers. As they are gathered in (what appears to be) Licht’s office, look at who is hanging out in the reflection over Smith’s shoulder — Co-Chairman Joel Glazer.It’s understandable how some may think Smith would put a block to drafting a quarterback. However, the Bucs need one. There is no reason for them to trade down or draft another player at another position first overall which means there is no reason to buy into any fears or conspiracy theories out there regarding Smith having full say over what happens.Follow @GilArciaTBClink
