Bucs Offense Will Have Room to Operate

Big day for the Bucs especially the offense as they have added much needed speed with the signing of former Redskins WR Desean Jackson. Jackson has been a dynamic playmaker his whole career and was really good last season producing another 1000 yard season in which he led the NFL in yards per catch with 18. Even at 30 years old, Jackson still has top notch speed and hasn't slowed up yet as he continues to produce big plays. Jackson had 4 catches of 50 yards or more last season so definitely provides big play ability and can be that explosive playmaker for them.

More importantly, now having Desean the Bucs offense is going to have more space to operate as an unit. The run and passing game are going to get better looks when he is on the field because of his speed. Opposing defenses will be forced to play more zone looks which means more cover 2 and cover 4 looks which means safeties are playing back. In other words, the Bucs will get more 7 man in the box looks which will allow the Bucs to be a more effective running team. If the Bucs can run the ball which Koetter wants to do, then that will open up the play action passing game for Jameis Winston. That's where Winston is at his best when he can use the play action giving him and his receivers more space in the middle of the field.

Jackson should also see favorable matchups as well because they can't double him and Mike all the time. So I would expect to see Jackson be moved around and working in the slot at times to exploit certain matchups. This offense just got way better with the addition of Desean Jackson and guys like Cameron Brate, Mike Evans, and Adam Humphries are all going to reap the benefits. His veteran presence, swagger, and playmaking ability will help the Bucs take a big step towards that next level.

Bucs Get Their Guy in Desean Jackson

Update: Here is the official deal for Desean Jackson per Adam Schefter.

Buccaneers reached agreement with DeSean Jackson on a three-year, $35-million contract that includes $20 million guaranteed, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017

The Bucs knew once the off-season started they needed to add speed to the offense as there was not enough explosive plays last season. Both HC Dirk Koetter and GM Jason Licht said they wanted to add more playmakers and it looks like they have done that today. Bucs are expected to sign WR Desean Jackson who was their top free agent target per NFL Network's Ian Rapport.

The #Bucs are expected to sign #Redskins WR DeSean Jackson, source said. A deal they’ve expected, but a big one.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017

Expect this deal to become official right at 4pm once free agency begins which is great news for the Bucs offense and Jameis Winston. The Bucs needed another receiver to pair up with Mike Evans, but most importantly someone who is dynamic and can make big plays. Well the Bucs are getting just that in Desean Jackson who still has plenty of speed and led the NFL in yards per catch at 18. Jackson, 30 is a big time playmaker as he had 4 catches of 50 yards or more last season while the Bucs as a team had none in 2016. With Jackson now, the Bucs have the capability to produce more explosive plays down the field which creates quick strike ability for the Bucs offense. More details expected later today stay tuned. Right now it's a great day in Tampa Bay!

Here it is...Touchdown to Jackson. Two plays! And Redskins have 7. #explosive. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/yz1XWzJhdA

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) March 5, 2017

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.

Real Bucs Talk Mailbag: Combine, Combine, Combine...

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter HERE 

     Here at Real Bucs Talk we pride ourselves on communication with Buccaneer fans. You can mostly find us on Twitter but sometimes 140 characters isn't enough, so we started a Mailbag. This gives us ample space to answer your questions. Look for the Mailbag every Sunday during the off season and maybe see your questioned answered.

     We are smack dab in the middle of the NFL Combine so it wasn't a surprise that all this weeks Mailbag questions are combine related. Real Bucs Talk have been following the combine closely and are ready to answer want you want to know.

Does John Ross 4.22 40 Make Him A Must Draft If He Is There At 19?

     It's no secret that head coach Dirk Koetter is looking for speed on the offensive side of the ball. What better way to fill that need than draft the player that has the fastest 40 combine time ever. However, I do have some concerns.

     Ross has already had two knee surgeries and is scheduled to go under the knife again to repair his soldier. So labeling him as injury prone is more than fair. Because of his knee injuries Ross only has one year of production and when the light were brightest, a game against Alabama he didn't show up.

     This isn't to say that I don't like Ross, I do, but this draft is so deep at wide receiver Jason Licht might feel a 1st round pick is to risky. I also think that because of his size Ross might be better suited as a slot receiver. Since the Bucs like Adam Humphries maybe Ross isn't in the Bucs plans.

     If the Bucs do select Ross at 19 I will be more than okay with the pick. Even though I have my reservations about he medicals I have all the confidence in Jason Licht and his vetting process. After winning the lottery with Jameis Winston, Jason hit a home run the next year with Noah Spence. Both players had major red flags coming out of college. #InLichtITrust.

Who Was Your Biggest Combine Surprise?

     The combine isn't over with yet as of time of post, so safeties and corner backs are going to be excluded but that's okay because a player really caught my eye during the tight end drills.

     If you follow Real Bucs Talk them you know that we have taken a long look at free agent tight end Jack Doyle. He spent his first three years in the NFL as the Colts blocking tight end, think Luke Stocker. Then when Coby Fleener moved on to the Saints he got his shot to catch some passes and he responded, think Cameron Brate.

     When I first started writing about Doyle it seemed like no one was talking about him. Now I hear his name more and more, so he may not end up being the bargain I hoped he would be.

     Enter George Kittle.

     Kittle played his college ball at the University of Iowa, so you know he block, but when he ran a 4.52 40 I started to take notice. Not only did Kittle place 3rd overall in the fastest tight end class of all time, but he placed 3rd in the broad jump and 6th in the vert.

     Huh... let's go find some tape.

     There isn't much tape of Kittle catching passes. If you want to see some superb blocking no problem but receptions are rare. So I checked with some draft evaluators that I trust and pick their brains. Both draft guys weren't surprised by Kittle's combine performance. Although his 40 time wasn't expected they felt that Kittle is undervalued. A guy that can get to all three levels and has more make you miss than you'd think and of course block. Just what Jason Licht is looking for.

     This tight end draft class was billed as the deepest ever and they came out during the combine and proved it. As a Bucs fan I'm hoping Kittle is around in the 4th or 5th round and Licht gets his tight end for a bargain.

Who Were You High On That Didn't Have A Good Combine?

     To be honest no one. Sure some guys under preformed in some drills, but I don't think anyone had a combine that killed their draft chances. I will list one player from each position that had a bad drill or two and might need a closer look to cement their draft grade.

RB Wayne Gallman, Clemson: Some experts have Gallman as a top 5 back. He was middle of the road all day. Need to see more.

OL Zach Banner, USC: He has been struggling with his weight and it's a work in progress, needs a better pro day.

QB Seth Russell, Baylor: Injuries derailed his college career. Needed a huge combine to create some buzz. Didn't happen.

TE Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas: This guy just got lost in the historically deep tight end draft. Personally I don't think he loves the game. 

LB Reuben Foster, Alabama: Sent home for getting into a shouting match with a hospital worker during the medicals at the combine. If it hurts his draft stock at all it will only be a position or two but that's a lot of money. If you can't keep your cool at the combine when are you going to, Red Flag!

DL Tim Williams, Alabama: His expected explosiveness wasn't anywhere to be seen. I mean nowhere. Every team will be going back over tape on this guy. Could be nothing could be everything.

you can also follow Real Bucs Talk on Twitter HERE  

Thanks for reading and as always GO BUCS! 

Prospect Watch: RB Kareem Hunt

So far we have talked in depth about the Bucs adding to receiver position but what about the running back spot which was a strength before last season and is now a question mark. The Bucs had a lot of inconsistencies in their running game during the 2016 season as they suffered multiple injuries and could never find the right rhythm. With Jacquizz Rodgers a free agent, Doug Martin's off-field issues, and Charles Sims a UFA in 2018, the Bucs will likely add a running back through the draft at some point. This year's class of running backs is outstanding as there will be starters available as late as round 5 which is not common usually. There is one running back that could be a day 2 target for the Bucs and that is Toledo RB Kareem Hunt. Here some quotes from his coach Matt Campbell per bleacherreport.com.

"We knew we were getting a special player from day one, and I think he's been nothing short of that," Campbell said. "And the day he stepped on campus he arrived with something to prove."

"He runs the ball maybe as hard as I've ever seen anyone run the football," Campbell said. "When you really sit and study him and watch his game, it's what the really special players in college football are doing right now. He's worth the price of admission."

Kareem Hunt- 5-10 216lbs  1,475 yds 10 tds 41 receptions 403 yds 1 td

Strengths: Hunt runs really hard and is always keeping his legs moving which makes him hard to bring down on first contact. Very good balance of speed and power, more quick than fast but has ability to make big plays in the open field. Hunt can play all three downs as he can pass protect well and can make plays in the passing game. Outstanding vision and patience as he sets up his blockers very well. Great balance allows him to make 4 yard runs into 15 yard runs and is always getting positive yards. Doesn't fumble as he had none during his Toledo career which is impressive.

Weaknesses: Hunt doesn't have that homerun speed as his speed is not elite which is why he is not considered a 1st round pick. Not perfect in pass protection as he tends to lean in his chip blocks which causes inconsistency. Tends to dance at times at the hole instead of using his power to get through it. Needs to believe in his play speed more.

Overall, I think Hunt is a solid running back that can carry the load and get those tough yards that are needed in today's game. The Bucs need to get their running game back to 2015 form and a guy like Hunt could do that for them. From sources that I have talked to the Bucs like Hunt and he could be their guy in round 3.

FA Target: S Duron Harmon

Only a week away from the start of NFL free agency as we will finally find out what direction the Bucs are going to go in. One main topic has been the safety position and will the team go after FA Tony Jefferson who right now is the best safety available. However, with the Chiefs resigning Eric Berry to a big contract, I expect that Tony Jefferson is going to command top dollar which might push the Bucs away from targeting him. So with that in mind I have a player that the Bucs could target instead and would come at a much cheaper rate.

That would be Patriots S Duron Harmon who I think would be a great fit for this Bucs defense and could add much needed depth at the safety position. Harmon, 26 was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2013 draft and so far has been a key contributor to their defense and special teams.
This past season, Harmon got on the field more and was a big part of the team's superbowl run including starting all three post season games. Harmon is a good athlete who has 4.5 speed along with good size at 6'1 205lbs and has quickness to make plays on the ball. Harmon is a ballhawk with 7 interceptions and 12 pass breakups which is outstanding for only having 12 starts in his career.

Harmon is versatile as he plays that nickel safety role and can play deep middle or play in the slot if need be. I think with the opportunity to start in Tampa, he could really blossom into a big time playmaking safety. He is ranked 11th on pro football focus free agent rankings and is ahead of Tony Jefferson which is high praise.

Harmon would be a good value pick up for the Bucs and has already won two superbowls so he knows what winning looks like. With the Bucs only having two safeties on the roster right now, look for them to add one in free agency and the draft. Adding a playmaker like Harmon would be a good start and would fit well in Mike Smith's scheme.

Players To Watch: Combine Edition.

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter HERE 

     It's that time of year Buc fans. Combine week!

     Excluding those of us who scour YouTube watching highlight videos of their favorite prospects. This will be the first time to get an up close look at players that will be drafted by your Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

     Below I'm going to write about some players that I like for the Bucs. Focusing on the positions that I think are needs for the team. Wide receiver, running back, safety, tight end and edge.

     I'm will be leaving out some top tier players. Prospects that I feel won't be there at 19 for the Bucs or are have received a ton of coverage already.

     All height and weights are nonofficial precombine numbers.

     Wide Receivers 

Omissions: Corey Davis, Mike Williams & John Ross

KD Cannon, Baylor: 5'11" 180lbs. If the Bucs want speed on the outside, this is a guy to watch. Eats up corner back cushions quickly and is a home run threat. Catches the ball against his body to much for my liking. Watch him in the Gauntlet drill to see if he is working on that part of his game. Late round developmental player. Rounds 5-7.

Amara Darboh, Michigan: 6'2" 215lbs. This guy is built to be a WR2. If he runs a sub 4.5 40, that could push him as high as the 2nd round. If he is around in the 4th take him and pat yourself on the back.

Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech: 6'1" 195lbs. Quick, tall and thin. I think he could cause massive match up in the slot. Might have trouble when DB's get physical with him. Rounds 3-5.

Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois: 6'4" 194lbs. This player just hit my radar. I'll be watching him closely and I think you should too. Jury is still out.

Carlos Henderson, LA Tech: 5'11" 191lbs. Another speed receiver. Henderson is moving up draft boards and also is an excellent returner. Huge one year of production. Round 2-3.

Zay Jones, ECU: 6'2" 202lbs. Another big board climber. Jones had an outstanding Senior Bowl week. If he duplicates that at the combine he will secure himself as a top 5 WR. Rounds 2-3.

Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M: 6'3" 187lbs. I like this guy for the Buccaneers. Good deep speed and high point receiver. Played for same college team as Mike Evans, so you know he will immediately take Josh under his wing. If drafted by the Bucs he will lineup at WR2 week 1. Rounds 2-3.

Draft Crush

ArDarius Stewart, Alabama: 5' 11" 204lbs. A lot like O.J. Howard, Stewart's potential was stunted by the run heavy Alabama offense. A superb athlete that you find ways to get the ball. I think Stewart has the opportunity to improve his draft grade more than any other WR at the combine. Lack of tape might scare some teams off early in the draft. Round 2-5.

Running Back

Omissions: Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette & Christian McCaffery

Tarik Cohen, NC A&T: 5'6" 179lbs. Nicknamed "The Human Joystick". Tarik believes that if you can't touch him you sure as hell can't tackle him. I don't think the Bucs have much interest in Cohen but he will be a fun watch during the combine. Round ???.

D'Onta Foreman, Texas: 6'0" 233lbs. Big and powerful with good feet and wiggle for a player his size. Some report a sub 4.5 40 coming in the combine. That will help. Poor blocking and average vision will hurt. Rounds 3-4

Wayne Gallman, Clemson: 6'0" 215lbs. One cut and go. Gallman might start his NFL career as a short yardage specialist. Needs to improve in pass protection to see the field consistently. Round 3-5.

Kareem Hunt, Toledo: 5' 10" 216lbs. Doesn't do anything outstanding but stay on his feet. His balance is outstanding. I also like his vision, just finds creases. Rounds 2-4

Marlon Mack, USF: 5'11" 213lbs. Local kid with break away speed. Great hips and big play ability. Fumbles way too much for a pro caliber RB. Rounds 3-4.

Freddie Stevenson, FSU: 6'0" 234lbs. One of only two fullbacks invited to the combine. Jason Licht has gone after a FB in each of the past two drafts. Stevenson is a devastating blocker that is athletic enough to be a weapon in the passing game. Rounds 6-7.

Draft Crush

Brian Hill, Wyoming: 6'1" 219lbs. If you like Doug Martin you will like Hill. Tough inside runner with good size and speed. I don't know what it is about this kid, I just like him. I'll be watching closely. Rounds 4-6.

Safety

Omissions: Jamal Adams & Malik Hooker

Budda Baker, Washington: 5'10" 180lbs. When a guy can just ball you quit caring about his measurables. His football instincts are off the charts and is damn near unblockable. If you are in need of a safety and you pick in the second half of the 1st round. Just take him and move on. Pro Bowl talent.

Eddie Jackson, Alabama: 6'0" 194lbs. Jackson broke his leg during the 2016 and has a lot to prove during the combine. Some critics think Jackson success was because of Alabama's front 7  more than his covering ability. Rounds, need to see his combine.

Draft Crush

Obi Melifonwu, UConn: 6'4" 219lbs. That's right 6'4" 219lbs. Obi was seen as just a box safety until Senior Bowl practices. WR after WR took their shot against Obi and couldn't shake him. He is going to test very well at the combine and could sneak into the 1st round. Rounds 1-3. 

Tight End

Omissions: O.J. Howard & David Njoku

Evan Engram, Ole Miss: Engram isn't getting much pub from Buc writers but to me he is the 2nd best tight end in this draft. He can play every receiver spot on the field. If he was a better blocker he'd be a sure fire round one pick. Rounds 1-2.

Michael Roberts, Toledo: 6'4" 270lbs. All he does is catch 1st downs and TD's. Raw route runner and blocker that ceiling is as high as anybodies at his position. Watching him move in the more precise drills will be telling. Rounds 3-6. 

Adam Shaheen, Ashland: 6'6" 278lbs. He can catch and he can move but he can't block. Shaheen has the frame and ability but hasn't had the coaching. A late round flyer that could pay big dividends. Rounds 5-7.

Draft Crush

Gerald Everett, South Alabama: 6'3" 239lbs. Blocks like you stole something from him and has good hands to boot. Fast for a player his size and has big YAC potential. Jason Licht is looking for a tight end that can run, catch and block on the pro level. This is my pick to fill that bill.

Edge

     To be honest I don't like the combine for evaluating edge rushers. The only opposition they face is a tackling dummy and tackling dummies don't have the best footwork. A few edge prospects have been linked to the Bucs so I'll give you a list of guys but game tape is the only way to find a guy you like.

The Big Names

Jonathan Allen Alabama, Derek Barnett Tennessee, Taco Charlton Michigan, Myles Garrett Texas A&M, Charles Harris Missouri & Solomon Thomas Stanford 

Tier Two

Carl Lawson Auburn, Haason Reddick Temple, Demarcus Walker FSU, Tim Williams Alabama & Chris Wormley Michigan.

Best Of The Rest

Bryan Cox Jr. Florida, Trey Hendrickson FAU, Tanoh Kpassagnon Villanova, Avery Moss YSU & Jordan Willis KSU

     Well there you have it. My list of players to watch for the next 4 days. Hopefully these names will enrich your NFL Combine experience. 

     If you can't watch this years combine I will be Live Tweeting the action all 4 days, so give me a follow.

you can also follow Real Bucs Talk on Twitter HERE  

thanks for reading and as always GO BUCS!