Look For Immediate Impact in The Draft

Bucs Gm Jason Licht is about to do his 4th NFL draft with the team and so far with his previous drafts he has done a great job of adding starters. The Bucs have added 8 starters via the draft the last three years, including key core players like Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Ali Marpet, and Kwon Alexander. The Bucs have gotten back to building their team through the draft as Licht and his staff have done a great job so far. This upcoming draft is no different as the Bucs will look to add more rookies that can come in and have an immediate impact in year 1.

The Bucs have acquired players that are ready to play right away and make impact on day 1. For example, last years draft the Bucs got Vernon Hargreaves and Noah Spence whom both were ready to step onto the field on day 1 of training camp. Same goes for Mike Evans and Jameis Winston, as they were guys who just were pro ready. This is why in my opinion players like Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Budda Baker, and Jabrill Peppers make tons of sense at 19. Players like John Ross, David Njoku, and Obi Melifonwu could be in play as well as they could provide day 1 impact.

I feel this team is ready to win now especially with the free agent signings of Desean Jackson and Chris Baker. Assuming Cook, Howard, and Davis are gone, a player like Christian McCaffrey or Budda Baker just makes so much sense to me. Both have the mental makeup to be great in this league plus the physical traits that are needed, and they can make an impact on day 1 for this team. One thing is for certain, Licht will stay true to his board and so far that has produce a pretty good track record. Again the draft is still 28 days away which means things can change, but as of now look for the Bucs to add someone who can make an impact on day 1.

Bucs Drafting a Safety Early?

When looking at the safety position, it is obvious to me that the Bucs will add one through the draft. This draft is loaded with talent at the safety position, and the Bucs could use a future cornerstone at that position. Looking at the current group on the Bucs roster, none are considered the future for this team, plus none of them are signed past 2017. Keith Tandy, Chris Conte, and JJ Wilcox all do different things well, but none would be considered impact type safeties.

Again, the Bucs could probably be ok with those three due to Mike Smith being able to put them in the right spots to succeed. However, I think Licht and Koetter are looking to add a difference maker back there to help their corner group and ultimately force more turnovers. So far during the draft process, it looks like the Bucs could be picking a safety early in rounds 1 or 2.

The Bucs have spoke or workout with the following safeties: Budda Baker, Jabrill Peppers, Obi Melifonwu, Delano Hill, and Tedric Thompson. The first three names mention all have a shot of going round 1 but could also be there in round 2 at pick 50 for the Bucs. Baker is probably the only one I would consider at 19th overall, while the other two just have too many holes in their game for a first round consideration. The Bucs are doing their homework on the safety group and it looks likely that they will take one this year with one of their premium selections in this years draft.

Options Will be There For The Bucs

Everyone is trying to find out what the Bucs are going to do in the NFL Draft as each have their own opinions. One thing is for certain, the Bucs will have plenty of options to choose from as far as a direction goes. They will likely get a very good player at 19 which makes staying pat favorable. They could also look at trading up perhaps for a OJ Howard or Corey Davis if they are within reasonable reach. Another option would be to trade down and acquire more picks like the Bucs did last year with the selection of Vernon Hargreaves.

The Bucs are in a great position to add a impact player at 19th overall. They can go offense by adding a RB, WR, or TE or if they decide to go defense a S or DE makes sense. In my opinion, the Bucs will be looking to add the best offensive option available as they need to add more weapons to help Jameis and company. Offensive players that could be available include RB Dalvin Cook, RB Christian McCaffrey, WR John Ross, and TE David Njoku. As for defensive options that make sense include DE Charles Harris, DE Carl Lawson, S Budda Baker, S Obi Melifonwu, and S Jabrill Peppers.

Any of those players would be solid picks for the Bucs in round 1, and could make a impact right away. Now let's say a OJ Howard or Corey Davis makes it to pick 15, and the Bucs feel they can move up to get one of those guys. I would say make it happen as either one of those players would be instant impact playmakers for this offense. I would say a 3rd or 4th round pick would be fair compensation to move up four spots. With that being said, I don't see either one sliding past pick 13 and I don't see the Bucs moving up that far. Now let's look at another option that the Bucs could explore and that is trading down.

Trading down and getting more picks is usually a very popular move by fans and it is something the Bucs have done a few times. The Bucs did this in last year's draft in which they traded down from 9th overall to 11th overall in exchange for extra 4th round pick. For this year's draft, it is a possible option as the depth in this class is very good. If the Bucs do decide to trade down, they could still get one of the options mentioned above, or they could look at some risers that are flirting with late first/early second projection. Guys that fit that bill could be RB Alvin Kamara, WR Zay Jones, TE Evan Engram, DE Jordan Willis, CB Teez Tabor, or S Marcus Williams.

Plenty of options to choose from, and I think we can all agree that the Bucs are in good hands with Gm Jason Licht who will likely make the right choice. As I have been saying all off-season, I still think they will end up with Christian McCaffrey if he is available. McCaffrey just makes too much sense as he is every down back and can line up as receiver as well. The guy is the ultimate playmaker and would be an instant impact player that could take the offense to the next level. Bucs fans, what option should the Bucs choose?

Prospect Watch: S Budda Baker

I think we can all agree that over the last few years the Bucs safety play has been questionable to say the least. It is one position that the team will finally upgrade this off-season as there are good options via free agency and the draft. Now the Bucs safety play was better last year especially in the second half of the season. Keith Tandy stepped up his game and has a good chance to return as a starter in 2017. Teammate Bradley Mcdougald also had a solid season and has a good chance of returning to the team with a new contract. That gives the Bucs two safeties as I think they will let Chris Conte go elsewhere and will look to add new depth at the position.

Like last year with the corner position, I think the Bucs double up on the safety position this year adding one through free agency and the draft. One player that our team here at realbucstalk really likes is Washington Huskies's safety Budda Baker. Baker is a heat sneaking missile on the field as he is constantly all over the field making plays. Baker has good football instincts and seems to always be around the football. Here is a play of Baker showing his physical style and range as a safety.

Budda just didn't want him catching this ball pic.twitter.com/UysWPM7cwT

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) February 27, 2017

Baker is a playmaker in the secondary which is something the Bucs could use more of in their secondary. Now lets take a closer look at Baker's strengths and weaknesses as a prospect.

Budda Baker 5'10 192lbs 70 tackles, 9 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 Int, 5 PD

Strengths: Baker has very high football IQ and above average field awareness. He has good instincts and feel for the game as he is rarely out of position and is always near the football. Plays with passion and explodes towards the ball every play. Has the ability to run through receivers to knock the ball loose or force a turnover. He displays good fundamentals and takes smart angles in his tackle pursuit. Shows ability as a blitzer and can make plays coming off the edge. He plays with speed and shows range in coverage and has the ability to close on the ball like a corner. Has flexibility to play in the slot or in center field as a free safety. Baker is a leader as well and has been described as a winner.

Weaknesses: Baker's main weakness is his size as he is only 190lbs and is under 6 feet tall which is not ideal size for safeties in the NFL. Can Baker hold up physically and maintain health throughout his career will be the main question for him. At times can be too aggressive as a tackler and get out of control. Liability going against tight ends in coverage due to lack of size.

Here is a quote from an NFC scout on Baker and what role would suit him best per NFL.com

"I would leave him as a centerfielder and then roll him down over the slot if you needed too. He's too small to cover tight ends, but he's got great instincts in coverage which is why he should shine as a single-high." - NFC area scout

Overall, I think Baker is very similar to Bob Sanders or current NFL safety Earl Thomas and has the football IQ and instincts to overcome his size issues. I believe the Bucs could target Baker as early as 19th overall in the draft and would be an upgrade at the position immediately. With Baker, the Bucs could move either Tandy or Mcdougald to strong safety allowing Baker to play free safety where he can play sideline to sideline. According to reports, Baker is a outstanding guy off the field and truly loves the game of football and should make an high impact to whatever team he goes to. If the top targets on the offensive side of the ball are gone, Baker could be a top choice for the Bucs at 19.

What?!?! The Bucs Only Have 2 Safeties Under Contract

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt by clicking HERE 

     The Buccaneers safety position has been in the cross hairs of nearly every Buc fan at one time or another these past couple of years. The underwhelming combination of two year starters Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald were a part of a defensive backfield that gave up a NFL league worst 70% completion rate in 2015.

     The addition of corner backs  Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves and new defensive coordinator Mike Smith shaved almost seven points off of that total, but the Bucs are still only middle of the pack in the category.

     Most NFL personnel experts agree, for the Buccaneers to take the next step. An upgrade at the safety position is needed. Luckily, the free agents and 2017 draft class has the players to do just that, and Jason Licht has the cap room to make it happen.

     I'll breakdown who the Bucs have under contract. What possible free agents they could be looking at and what draftees could be catching Jason Licht's eye.

Who The Bucs Have

     It may come as a surprise to Buccaneers fans that their team only has two safeties under contract. A five year roll player and a futures contract guy who has never played a down in the NFL. 

     Kieth Tandy was drafted by the Bucs in 2012 out of the University of West Virginia. Only 7 starts in his first 4 years Tandy's seemed to be destined as a career NFL backup. That all changed when starter Chris Conte went down with an injury in week 12. Taking over the last 5 games Tandy put up Pro Bowl type numbers, with 44 TOT, 7 PDEF and an eye popping 5 INT, including 2 that sealed Buccaneer victories.

     Tandy's late season play defiantly earned him a starting safety spot when training camp opens. Buc fans will just have to wait and see if Tandy was a flash in the pan or can become a long term solution.

     Isaiah Johnson bounced around during his college career. JUCO to the University of Kansas and finally landing with the Gamecocks in South Carolina. Known as a big hitting safety with above average cover skills Johnson could make the 53 man roster because of the lack of safeties under contract.

Free Agents

     The 2016 free agent season saw Buccaneers GM Jason Licht sign key second tier contributors to fill out the roster. I expect much of the same from Licht this year. ACCEPT when it comes to the safety position. Given the depth on the roster, age of the top free agent safeties and amount of cap room the Bucs have. Licht could go all in this year, hoping to shore up one of the two safeties spots for years to come.

     Eric Berry, Age 28 Regarded as the best safety in the NFL. Berry is a 5 time Pro Bowler and a 3 time All Pro. Already the highest paid player at his position Berry as come out and said he will not play the 2018 season under the franchise tag and who can blame him. 

     The franchise tag guarantees a player makes an average of the 5 highest paid players at his position. Since Berry is already the highest paid player essentially he would be taking a pay cut. As of time of posting the Kansas City Chiefs, the team Berry currently is under contract with, only has 4.7 million of cap space to sign free agents and draft choices. 

     Best guess. Berry hits the free agency market but his asking price is more than the Bucs are willing to pay him.

     John Cyprien, Age 27 Has been playing football in the state of Florida his entire life. A Miami area product that suited up for the Panthers of FIU before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2nd round of the 2013 draft. A sure tackler with over 100 TOT in each of his first 4 years. Cyprien is a thick bodied and likes to play physical with the wide receivers. If this kid played for a perennial playoff team, he would be a household name.

     Jacksonville has plenty of cap room to sign Cyprien and he should never hit the free agency market, but there have been player grumblings about the scheme DC Todd Walsh runs. Especially from the DB's. 

     Best guess. Cyprien test the free agent market and continues his football career in the state of Florida. Jason Licht makes a hard push for Cyprien and he will have to decide between the Bucs and the Jags.

     Tony Jefferson, Age 25 A 2013 UDFA that signed with the Cardinals and has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best DB's in the game. And it looks like he paid attention. Jefferson is a jack of all trades type of player. Solid tackler, good cover skills, above average blitzer and a knack for causing fumbles. His NFL arrow is pointed straight up and he isn't yet in his prime. Arizona has the money available to pay him but also has to try and resign high priced free agents Chandler Jones and Calais Campbell. 

     Best guess. Jefferson listens to his agent and hears offers from other teams. Someone is going to overpay for this guy thinking that their safety concerns are over for the foreseeable future. This is the guy I see Licht coveting for that very reason. Add in that he is only 25, Jefferson will be seen as a cornerstone type player. Something every team is looking for.

Mike Adams, Safety - Indianapolis Colts

     Mike Adams, Age 36 If Jason Licht misses out on his targeted young free agent safeties, Adams is the type of bridge player he likes. A mentor for the young guys on the team to teach them the right way to go about being a pro. A player like Adams could be instrumental to the development of the safety the Bucs will certainly pick up in the 2017 draft. 

     Adams has been a top NFL safety for many years and the Colts are looking to get younger on defense. I think Adams would jump at the chance to end his playing days with a young competitive team. 

     Best guess. I don't think it comes to this. Licht will make sure he gets a young free agent safety on his roster in 2017. It's not out of the question that Adams ends up with the Bucs as well, given the lack of experience on the team. If the price is right of course.

2017 NFL Draft

     The 2017 NFL draft is stacking up perfectly for the Buccaneers. Every position where the team has a need the draft is deep and the safety position might be the deepest of all. Some sites have as many as 30 safeties with draftable grades. 

     Now knowing this I'm just going to go quickly go through some top players because I firmly believe that one of those players will be drafted by the Buccaneers.

Malik Hooker, Ohio State - 1A best safety in the draft. Will not be available for the Bucs at 19.

Jamal Adams, LSU - 1B best safety in the draft. Will not be available for the Bucs at 19.

Obi Melifonwu, U Conn - His size to speed ratio is the best in the draft. A sub 4.6 40 at the combine cements his day one draftability. 

Jabrill Peppers, Mich - Freakish athlete, to small to play LB not enough reps at safety to be considered a 1st rounder. Total wildcard IMO.

Budda Baker, Wash - Makes plays all over the field, on the smallish side but great instincts. Won't make it out of the 2nd round.

Marcus Maye, UF - Does everything good nothing great. Broken arm cut his season short, could end up being the safety steal of the draft.

Justin Evans, Texas A&M - Better in the box tackler than a cover man. Slated to be a SS by most analyst. 

Marcus Williams, Utah - A turnover machine and will stick his nose in there despite his sub 200 lbs frame. The combine and his Pro Day performance will decide which round he is taken.

Rudy Ford, Auburn - A solid SEC safety. His Senior Bowl week opened some eyes. Watch for his stock to rise after the combine.

Eddie Jackson, Alabama - A liability in the run stop game but outstanding ball hawking skills. Jackson is a gifted punt returner as well.

     Just to be clear Buc fans this is not my Top 10 list. It is a list of 5 players you probably heard of and 5 players you might not.

What I Think Will Happen

     The Buccaneers will add at least two safeties this off season, probably more because there is zero depth as of now. Most will come as UDFA to fill out the training camp roster. 

     If Jason Licht gets his young safety in free agency I see the Bucs not drafting one until the 4th round or later. If he misses on his top targets the Bucs will draft safety early, no later than the 3rd, depending on how the draft breaks.

     Lastly don't rule out the return of Bradley McDougald. His play was very consistent throughout the year and he knows Mike Smith's system.

you can also follow us on Twitter @realbucstalk by clicking HERE  

as always Thanks For Reading and GO BUCS!