Bucs Bring Back Gholston!

As we said back in January, the Bucs first priority going into the off-season was signing back DE/DT Will Gholston. Only 25 years old, Gholston is one of the top run defenders in the league and is improving as a pass rusher every year. Today, the Bucs got their guy back as they have signed him to a new 5 year deal per Adam Caplan.

Gholston terms with #Buccaneers: 5 years, max $37m, $13.5m fully gtd. He's 1 of the better run DEs in NFL. He was a big priority to re-sign.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 6, 2017

Both sides win here as it is a great deal for everyone involved and the Bucs get a key piece of their defense back for this season and beyond. The Bucs retain cap flexibility with this deal as they only give Gholston 13.5 million guaranteed which is important because if the Bucs decide to move on from Gholston they can without having a cap penalty. Gholston got good value as he will make about a little over 5 million per year which is a good number for his production per Mike Garafolo.

DE William Gholston's deal with the Buccaneers is worth $27.5m base value over five years, source says. Can earn another $9m in incentives.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 6, 2017

This is great news for the Bucs front four as they can maintain their flexibility and depth as Gholston can play anywhere along the line and makes them very stout against the run. The Bucs now have four solid ends in Ayers, Spence, Gholston, and Smith which provides a solid rotation for the team. Hopefully Jay Hayes can continue to work his magic with Gholston and help him get better overall with his game. I think Gholston has the potential to be a 5 to 7 sack guy with 50 plus tackles per year which would be great if he can reach that.

Now what is next for the Bucs, I expect the team to re-sign more of their own. Look for Jacquizz Rodgers and Akeem Spence to be the next signings over the next few days along with Russell Shepard at some point as well. Now in regards to pending free agent Calais Campbell, who has been linked to the Bucs in various reports. I think the Bucs will still show interest but with Gholston back I don't see it as likely now but if they do get Calais then the Bucs would have maybe the best D-line in the NFL. Free agency starts Thursday, buckle up it's going to be a wild ride.

Defense is Coming Around

The last two games the Bucs have won have been mainly due to the offense taking better care of the football, but more importantly the improved play of the defense. The defense had it's growing pains early on during the first few games but it looks like the switch has been turn on as players look more comfortable in the new scheme. It started with the Broncos game in which the defense had probably their best first half of the season as they were making plays and getting pressure up front.

One key move the coaching staff made was put rookie CB Vernon Hargreaves on the outside and let him go against the opposing top receiver. Hargreaves has been outstanding since being move to the starting role as he has been excellent in coverage and stout against the run. Him and Grimes have been a steady combo along with Jude Adjei-Barimah holding the nickel position down as well. The Safties are playing much better as well especially Bradley Mcdougald who has been a force in run support.

The defensive line is starting to get healthy with McCoy back along with Ayers and Mcdonald on the way back. In addition, the Bucs are getting great play out of their 2013 picks in Will Gholston and Akeem Spence whom both have been very consistent throughout the season so far. Most could make a case that Gholston has been the Bucs best d-lineman this year as he had a big sack yesterday against the 49ers. Plus rookie Noah Spence is coming around as he probably had his best game yesterday in which he applied consistent pressure and showed his edge rush potential.

Nice inside move here by Noah Spence to get his 2nd career sack. He tried different techniques later in thi... https://t.co/agFgZ67XRA

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) October 25, 2016

Overall, the defense is coming around and are heading in the right direction. The unit is holding opposing Quarterbacks under 60% completion percentage with an 58.3% which is major improvement from last year's percentage of 70%. Third down defense has been really good as opposing offenses are converting only 32.9% of the time which is very good and only the Dolphins are better at 31%. This defense is getting healthy at the right time and continues to get better each week. They are going to have to be at their best against an good offense in the Oakland Raiders this Sunday.

Akeem Spence Coming Into His Own

Since joining the bucs in the 2013 draft Spence hasn't done much to make much noise or to have people notice him but so far this year he has my attention. Spence stepped up to the occasion last week against Carolina with starters Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald out with injuries. The Dline was severely depleted and didn't show much push at all but there was one guy that seemed to always have a push and that guy was Spence.

It was easy to see the difference between he and the undrafted free agents Channing Ward and Davonte Lambert. He was the main reason behind the big 3rd and 2 stop that got the ball back for the bucs late in the 4th quarter, which you can see here.

3&2 late in the 4th and A.Spence comes up huge blowing up the play against pro bowler Trai Turner and leave... https://t.co/51PAGlb8gM

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) October 16, 2016

Spence will never be known as a sack artist but he does his job well, which is stopping the run and clogging holes so others can capitalize. Seems like Spence is really taking well to new Dline coach Jay Hayes and assistant coach Paul Spicer as he hasn't had this much push in the past. Hopefully he continues to grow off of this and shows us more moving forward. Lets see if he can top his career high of 3 sacks this year.

Jason Licht And Staff Come Up Big In Monday Night Win

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     Draft week is the Super Bowl for NFL General Managers and their staff. The spot light is shining bright on Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and his 31 other counterparts  during this 3 day prime time event. While some fans grade their GM's performance on the draft alone the true measure of a scouting teams salt is their undrafted free agent (UFDA) work. When a starter gets injured or a Pro Bowler goes down, usually it's up to these type of players to keep the train a mov'en and salvage a game or even the season.

     With the Bucs decimated with injuries at the defensive line and running back positions a number of these players were called upon to play, some significantly. Here is a breakdown of some of said players and their contributions that helped pull out a victory against Carolina Panthers.

Jacquizz Rodgers No surprise he makes the list. Signed back on September 13th to be the 3rd string running back. Offered a contract mostly because of his familiarity with Dirk Koetter's offense back in their Atlanta days. Thrust into the staring role after a Doug Martin hamstring injury and a surprise IR move with backup Charles "Chuck" Sims. Easily the biggest contributor with over 100 yards on the ground and 5 receptions.

Alan Cross A UDFA pick up right after the draft. Alan has been filling in for Luke Stocker as the Bucs blocking TE. He caught his 1st  NFL pass on Monday and made a highlight reel block, picking up the blitzer, giving Winston time to throw his only touchdown pass of the game.

Peyton Barber Also found by Jason Licht's staff immediately after the draft. The running back from Auburn received his 1st NFL playing time in the win. Spelling Rodgers for a few plays and picking up some tough yards.

DaVonte Lambert Yet another early UDFA signing that was forced into a big role. With 3 of the 4 starting DLmen out for Mondays game. Lambert played 96% of the defensive snaps and caused a fumble that the Bucs recovered.

John Hughes III Unemployed literally 1 week before seeing NFL action. Hughes didn't play much, just 17 plays but he gave DT Akeem Spence much needed breathers. Spence made the tackle for loss on the Panthers last offensive play forcing them to punt. I like to think that Hughes made an assist on that play.

     Feel free to comment on this article below. We ALWAYS respond and love talking Buccaneers football. Who is your favorite non drafted Buc? Did I miss someone? Also check out other articles that interest you in our archives on the right. Finally give us a follow, makes us easier to find when we post new content.

     Thanks for reading and as always Go Bucs!



   

Akeem Spence Likes The Defense

It seems the Bucs are finally having fun on defense and it shows when interviewing players and seeing how they feel about it. Bucs 4th year defensive tackle Akeem Spence was asked how he felt about the defense and he gave his usual big ear to ear smile before his answer.

I feel great and I think a lot of the guys feel the same way, just with different disguises we got, as much pressure were getting on the quarterbacks now, turnovers and everything were causing and just giving offenses headaches.

Spence went on to describe that having different packages and movements will help give offenses headaches as pretty much they will have to guess what the bucs will be bringing at them. He seemed very confident as well as every other buccaneer defender and its about time to see those smiles again. Later Spence was asked who he though would surprise in this defense and his answer wasn't that surprising.

5.. 7.. Noah Spence! He's going to surprise a lot of people with his never quit attitude to get to the ball.

No big surprise there for avid bucs fans as Spence has been showing the killer first step all through training camp and every preseason game, its just about time the rest of the NFL learns about his name. Someone then asked Spence what about 97? (Akeem Spence's Number). As usual he had a huge smile on his face before his answer.

9.. 7.. Man you know I'm gonna do my thing man, in the run game. You know stop the run and just get ready for another big year.

Confidence is high on the defensive side of the ball and players have fully taken to Coach Mike Smiths scheme and all seem to be liking it. Lets see what this game plan has in store for Atlanta come 9/11.

Big Year Ahead for the 2013 Draft Class

Training camp is almost here, and it's a big one for the 2013 draft class whom are all pending free agents next off-season. The 2013 draft class for the Bucs has been decent so far producing some starters and quality depth for the team. The majority of the class is on the defensive side of the ball which includes CB Johnthan Banks, DT Akeem Spence, and DE William Gholston. Not going to discuss Qb Mike Glennon or Rb Mike James because frankly, if they are playing the Bucs will not be in good shape. So who will the Bucs bring back out of this group, lets take a look at each one on the defensive side of the ball.

Johnthan Banks- CB 6'2 185 4th year

Banks has been somewhat forgotten by fans, and needs to have a bounce back year in 2016 to show he is more of the player we saw in 2013 and 2014. Banks has the physical tools to be really good, and unfortunately in 2015, he and the previous coaching staff had a falling out leading him to be bench for most of the year. Now heading into 2016, Banks is looking for redemption, but it wont be easy as he has stiff competition for playing time with Alterraun Verner and Brent Grimes looking to start as well. Banks is a playmaker with 7 ints in 3 years, and is going to need to make more plays over the next couple of months.

William Gholston- DE/DT 6'6 281 4th year

Gholston had a breakout season in 2015 in which he started in 11 games collecting over 60 tackles and 3 sacks. Gholston was a consistent player for the defense and is just continuing to get better overall as a player each year. If Bucs d-line coach Jay Hayes can unleash Gholston's pass rush ability then the Bucs could have something dangerous along the defensive line. Look for Gholston to be better in 2016.

Akeem Spence- DT 6'1 307 4th year

Spence has had moments of greatness and then at other times has had lackluster play. Spence is strong at the point of attack and is very capable defending the run. He shows some things as a pass rusher but still needs ton of growth there. Last season was cut in half due to a back injury, but showed some improvement in his technique and overall ability to get off the line quick which helped him make some plays in the backfield.  2016 will be big for him as he will compete with Clinton Mcdonald for the starting nose tackle position and will look to finally put it all together as a player.

It's a big year for these three from the 2013 class and they will have to play well if they want Jason Licht and crew to bring them back for 2017. Who is going to step up out of these 3 players, let me know what you think Bucs nation.

William Gholston to Play Inside More?

The 2016 NFL Draft has concluded and the Buccaneers did not draft a defensive tackle which has fans and local media confused as the position was fairly deep. Perhaps it is just the way the draft fell for Bucs Gm Jason Licht or maybe the team has eyes on a DT from another team whom they think might get cut here in the upcoming months. Currently at defensive tackle the Bucs have Gerald McCoy, Clinton Mcdonald, and Akeem Spence which is a solid trio. Bucs just added defensive ends in Robert Ayers in free agency, and Noah Spence through the draft, giving the team more depth at defensive end.

Going back to Ayers, he has the capability to play inside or outside, and so does 4th year defensive end William Gholston. Gholston is a player I think is on the rise as he had his best season last year, and could be even better this year. Due to the flexibility of Ayers and Gholston, this is perhaps why the Bucs passed on drafting a defensive tackle this year, and will ask both Ayers and Gholston to play more at the defensive tackle position. I personally think Gholston will get more defensive tackle time this year, due to his size at 6'6 290lbs pairing him with McCoy who is 6'4 300lbs.

This would give DC Mike Smith a similar duo to the one he had in Jacksonville with Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. Gholston will still play often at DE, but could be a regular in the rotation at defensive tackle given his strengths at stopping the run and being able to push the pocket with his power bull rushes. With the Bucs loading up on athletic defensive ends like Jacquies Smith, Howard Jones, and Noah Spence, it tells me the Bucs are serious about playing the 3-4 scheme. This is great news for Gholston, as he can be a base end in the 3-4 or even play DT in the 3-4 as well. Keep an eye out for Gholston this year, the big kid could have a major impact this year.

Drafting Sheldon Rankins at number 9?

Every Bucs fan realizes that the pass rush needs to be upgraded this offseason and that process has already begun with the signing of Robert Ayers, but what about the draft? The top local source to all Bucs news Pewterreport.com has the Bucs taking defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins with the ninth overall pick. Per Scott Reynolds of Pewterreport.com

ROUND 1 – Louisville DT Sheldon Rankins – 6-1, 299 – Junior Why a defensive tackle with the ninth overall selection when defensive end is the more pressing need? This pick probably comes as a surprise to most Bucs fans, but drafting for need rarely leads to success in the NFL. Defensive tackle is the strongest position in this draft and the Bucs are poised to grab the best prospect. Great three-technique defensive tackles like Rankins, who compares favorably to Pro Bowler Geno Atkins, who was coached by new defensive line coach Jay Hayes in Cincinnati, are hard to find, and typically go in the first round. 

I stand to agree with Pewterreport on this one as he has done nothing but produce at the college level with 18 sacks and 31.5 tackles for loss in 4 years. What makes Rankins special is his quickness and strength. The way Rankins can move for a man 300 lbs is very rare. Although only 6'1, Rankins rarely gets pushed back away from the play. He has a natural nose for the ball and a consistent motor that can be seen as he frequently runs the play down from behind. Louisville didn't utilize Rankins to his fullest abilities as he was often split out wide to take on longer left tackles in space which isn't his game.

The comparison to Geno Atkins fits the bill in my opinion. Both stand 6'1 but Rankins arms are longer (33 5/8 inches) which will only help with leverage. Rankins is best at using his quickness inside where he abuses slower guards and centers. He would be an upgrade to the pass rush but wouldn't solve the lack of edge rush the Bucs need. Drafting Rankins would be a prime example of drafting talent over need as the Bucs have Clint McDonald and Akeem Spence who are both better than average defensive tackles.

The Bucs are sitting in a good position at number 9 as they will have a tough yet welcomed decision to choose between Rankins and most likely the best defensive end that will be on the board in Shaq Lawson.