Even with the signing of Desean Jackson, the Bucs are still expected to draft a WR in the upcoming draft. The Bucs know they still need depth at the position and don't want to find themselves in the situation they were in last year again. This years draft has plenty of intriguing prospects at the receiver position and has pretty good overall depth. The Bucs have spoken with most of them including John Ross, Juju Smith Schuster, Carlos Henderson, Taywan Taylor, Curtis Samuel, and Chris Godwin. Speaking of Godwin, he has gotten a lot of buzz recently so I decided to take a deeper look into what he could bring to this Buccaneers team.
Chris Godwin-WR 6'1 209lbs 59 recs 982 yds 16.6 ypc 72 long 11 tds
Strengths: Godwin plays hard and is all out on every play. He brings a physical attitude to the run game as he is a very capable blocker. He knows how to use his body to create separation and has very good body control. Smooth route runner and can run the full route tree as well as attack all areas of the field. Versatile player as he can play inside or outside and does a good job of beating press or zone coverage. Good release off the line. Best strength is making contested catches as he had the highest contested catch percentage out of all the WR's that tested. He just has a way of winning the 50/50 catches.
Weaknesses: Biggest area of concern is consistency as he would at times have focus drops. Needs to be more aggressive as a blocker. Speed doesn't always show up especially against man coverage which hurts him to create separation consistently. Not a explosive player in the open field as his yac stats have been very subpar so far, only 4.5 yac and 9 broken tackles in 2016.
Overall: I feel Godwin is an intriguing prospect and would be a solid fit for this Buccaneers offense. He has a chance to be a very solid number two receiver in this league with his ability to run routes and make contested catches. So far the Bucs have shown interest in Godwin as they have met with him several times and have him scheduled for a private visit sometime in April. With the Bucs picking at 50th overall in round 2, it's possible Godwin could be their guy with that selection. Personally I'm not a big supporter of Godwin as I would go with someone who can make things happen after the catch like Carlos Henderson or Taywan Taylor. However, Godwin is a good player and the Bucs could definitely use more of those.
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.
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.
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?
All off-season one of the hot topics has been will the Bucs draft a running back early or will they wait till later due to the great depth of this running back class. I will say that the Bucs can go either way as they could take Christian McCaffery in round 1 or wait til day 2 to take Marlon Mack or Kareem Hunt. Any of those three would help the Bucs running game, but what about day 3 options? Well there is one guy that is catching my attention and that is former Pittsburgh RB James Conner, who is a legit power back and can catch it out of the backfield as well.
Strengths: Conner is a bruiser, runs hard and is very physical at the point of contact. Would rather run his opponent over then around them. Arm tackles won't bring him down and usually it takes more than one guy to get him on the ground. Team captain, has outstanding intangibles and mental toughness as he overcame a torn mcl and cancer which just shows what kind of kid he is. He plays with a never give up attitude and he has it off the field as well. He carries a big chip on his shoulder and plays angry. Conner isn't the fastest or flashiest but he has heart, good quickness, excellent feet, and is always gaining positive yards. Red zone weapon, Conner scored 52 touchdowns at Pittsburgh, so expect the same in the NFL as he will get his number called inside the 10 more often than not.
Weaknesses: He is not a homerun hitter, doesn't process break away speed. Struggles to make defenders miss when there is quick penetration. Health is a concern due to past, and will always be in the mind of teams. Main issue is all power and no finesse so needs to find that balance in his game. Needs to be coached up on pass protection. Might just be a two down back as he needs more work in the passing game.
Overall: Conner is guy that you want to cheer for as he has already been through so much during his football career. He has all the intangibles and the physical tools to be a good player in this league for a long time. I feel Conner can be a featured back in this league with proper coaching and hard work and would be a great pick on day 3 of the NFL Draft. If the Bucs don't take a back early, Conner would be a great fit as he would be a nice 1-2 combo with Jacquizz Rodgers. Plus the Bucs would have someone who can get the tough yards and make plays in the redzone which this team needs.
#Pittsburgh RB @JamesConner_: I'm an old school traditional running back running inside the tackles and downhill football.
by Douglas O'Connor
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No one created more buzz at the NFL Combine than Henry William Obiajulu Melifonwu. A feat that is even more impressive once you factor in that the fastest 40 yard dash time ever was set during the same event. Melifonwu's size to speed to power to weight ratio is something that makes NFL GM's and scouts sit up and take serious notice.
Even with his other worldly combine numbers not all NFL Draft analyzers are sold that he is a first round talent. We are having a similar debate inside the walls of Real Bucs Talk HQ. Myself who has been on Obi since the Senior Bowl, am admittedly in love with what he could bring to the secondary of our Tampa Bay Buccaneers. My shortsighted colleagues, Michael Pless and Mark Ramirez, are labeling him a project player that doesn't deserve any consideration when the Bucs pick at 19 in this years draft.
If you are in my camp and like Melifonwu as a possibility at 19, this article will give you some background about Obi and how I think his skills will transfer to the NFL. If you side with Scrooge's, Ebenezer and McDuck, hopefully by the end of your read you will have left the dark side and reconsidered giving an immigrant from England a chance. Yes, Obi Melifonwu was born in England.
Melifonwu first came to my attention when I was going over the rosters for the Senior Bowl. Scanning positions that I felt are needs for the Bucs. WR, RB, TE then I came to S. 6'4" 220lbs! Who is this guy? After I did same digging I wasn't sold yet. The biggest red flag for me was his "lack of instincts" but I'll get to that later. He also wasn't seen as an NFL cover ready safety. After a week of practice under NFL coaches (Bears) Obi put that stigma to rest. In one-on-one drills receiver after receiver couldn't shake him and by the end of the week Melifonwu had raised his draft stock as much as any player.
The Combine
Just about every NFL scout will tell you that most important process during combine week is the medical. Side note. Some prospects are strapped in a isokinetic machine called a Cybrex. This machine is used to test strength of joints and surrounding muscles. If a player has had a shoulder, ankle or knee injury in college you can bet that teams are strapping them into one of these. I found this video to better explain what exactly an isokinetic machine looks like and does. I used this video because it goes over the reasons why the machine is used more than trying to achieve specific results. What does this have to do with Melifonwu? Absolutely nothing. I am just taking the chance to show you something that isn't discussed much, if at all in the media. Warning: The Video Is Boring.
Okay back to Obi.
You've probably read about his combine results by now but I'm going to go over them anyway. 6'4" 224lbs, 4.40 40 yard dash, 44" vertical jump and a 141" broad jump. All good enough for first place in each drill amongst safeties at the combine. Now he didn't run the 3 cone drill or the shuttle drills which measure speed in change of direction. That is a small red flag. Overall it's hard to argue that Melifonwu didn't have the best combine of the over 300+ players invited.
What Does It All Mean?
Pundits of Obi Melifonwu will point to his lack of recognizing plays quickly. More of a reactive player, and his tape does show that. To this I say, coaching.
Are all NFL head coaches the same? No, some are better than others. Are all NFL secondary coaches the same? No, some are better then others. Are all FBS head coaches the same? You can see where I'm going with this. How far down the coaching scale do you have to go before you get to the University of Connecticut secondary coach? It's not a knock on the U Conn coaching staff, cream just rises to the top and the top is the NFL.
The Buccaneers need another safety. They carried 4 safeties on the 53 man roster all of last year and for the most part carried 2 more on the practice squad as well. The 2 best safeties will be off the board when it's the Bucs turn to pick at 19 in the first round and Melifonwu won't be there for the Bucs to select him in the second round at 50. So with needs at WR, RB, TE and possibly Edge why take Obi at 19?
It's my belief that in 5 years there will be somewhere between 5-10 safeties in the NFL with Melifonwu's measurables. It's going to be the natural counter to all the 6'4"+ TE that run sub 4.6 40's coming into the league. This years combine TE group ran the fastest on average than any other in history. Led by Evan Engram's 4.42 at 234lbs, followed by O.J. Howard's 4.51 he's 251lbs folks.
Instead of waiting to play catch up. Be preemptive and take the guy now. It may take 6 games before he breaks into the starting lineup but you're set at safety for the next 5 years and when was the last time Buc fans could say that! #MicDrop
Finally a little something for your viewing pleasure. (He was actually upset at his 44" vert! He wanted the all time record!)
We are getting closer to the NFL Draft as it is only 6 weeks away as teams are starting to finalize their draft boards. Pro days and private workouts will be the focus now as teams will make sure their top 150 board is set. Of course the Bucs draft board is already set according to Bucs Gm Jason Licht who has the board set by January. With that being said it is time for another prospect watch as I take a deeper look into TE/Hybrid Evan Engram out of Ole Miss. Engram has been rising up draft boards ever since his ridiculous workout at the combine in which he got the attention of coaches and scouts.
The best combine performance nobody is talking about... Evan Engram TE Ole Miss. Ran a 4.42, jumped 36', and is 6'3 235lbs. Thats incredible
After putting up those kind of numbers, Engram is being projected as a late first/early 2nd round pick. There was even a mock draft that Engram to the Bucs at 19th overall, I don't see the Bucs doing that but more on that later. Let's now breakdown what Engram can bring to a NFL team.
Strengths: Matchup nightmare, can line up anywhere whether it is outside,slot, or even in line. Shows good explosion coming off the snap, gets into his route quickly. Works all three levels of the defense. Decent route runner and has the speed to exploit the seem and can be a vertical threat. Has shown ability to win jump balls and can make contested catches. Solid hands and has good catch radius. Shows good body control and is quick with his steps.
Weaknesses: Willing blocker, but needs work on his technique. Lacking field awareness at times as not sure when to sit vs zone coverage. Decent route runner but needs work on getting to the top of his route, tendency to show his hand too early. Needs to work back to the ball more instead of letting the ball eat him up. This causes pass breakups and drops.
Overall: Engram is a versatile chess piece that can really excel in a matchup based passing offense. He is very similar to Redskins TE Jordan Reed and can be used very similar to him. Engram has good intangibles as he was a two time captain with Ole Miss and truly loves the game of football. He has improved every year during his time with Ole Miss which is a great sign. Defenses will have to put a corner on him as he will be a mismatch for a linebacker or safety. Engram is the modern tight end as more move type tight ends are becoming bigger in the league. He would be a great fit for the Bucs but I think he is too similar to what Cam Brate already brings to the table. I don't see the Bucs taking him in the first and they would have to trade up in the second to most likely secure him. Now with that being said, the Bucs want playmakers and adding a player like Engram to pair with Brate would be a nice tight end duo.
