These Guys Are Going To Try To Fill The Jackson Void

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The Buccaneers announced that 12 year veteran, Vincent Jackson, has been moved to injured reserve with an ACL injury. Tampa has very little experienced depth at wide receiver but someone has to step up and try to fill Jackson's shoes. Below is a little background on the top 3 candidates that are going to give it a try.

The Vet
     Cecil Shorts III played in Jacksonville during his first 4 years in the league. After spending a year in Houston, Tampa signed Shorts to the 53 man roster on September 6th. Cecil was active for 2 games and had 1 catch before he pulled his hamstring and was inactive for the next 3 weeks. Shorts returned to practice couldn't come at a better time. He returned to practice the same day Jackson was placed on IR. Cecil has 219 rec for 2,839 yds and 14 tds for his career and has the most experience by far of any of the other receivers. See what he said about his progress HERE.

The Specialist
     Russell Shepard has been with the Bucs since 2013. A jack of all trades while at LSU, Shepard lined up at QB, RB, and WR. Unable to find a role thus far in the Buccaneers offense, 10 catches in 4 years. Shepard has made his mark as being a standout special teams player. Wide Receivers Coach Todd Monken told the media that filling Jackson role will be done by committee. Suggesting that Russell will get to see the field more. Watch Monken's press conference HERE.

The Speedster 
     Donteea Dye has bounced between the Buccaneers practice squad and the 53 man roster since the start of last season. Dye did manage to be active for 10 games last year and see enough of the field to record 11 catches. Dye's big contribution may come on kickoff returns. Where he can use his 4.3 speed most effectively.

    Give the staffers a follow @realbucstalk and as always thanks for reading. Go Bucs!

First Semester Is Over For Buccaneers Draft Picks. How Did They Grade?

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     There was plenty of opinions on how the Buccaneers 2016 draft went. Claims that the Bucs had found 4 new starters, if you count a kicker as a starter. To cries calling for Jason Licht's head for drafting a Kicker in the 2nd round. I'm going to recap each pick and assign it a letter grade based on where the player was taken and how they have impacted the the team.

Vernon Hargreaves: Touted as the best cover corner in the draft, fell to the Bucs when they moved down 2 spots from 9 the the 11th pick. Hargreaves was inserted as the starting nickle back during training camp while playing the outside on the 2nd team. During the preseason Vernon was grading out as the best corner in the league, due mostly to a 2 interception game against the Jaguars. Only a few games into the season and VH3 has moved to a starting outside corner spot. Essentially benching Alterraun Verner and his $6.7 million contract. He's 4th on the team with 23 TOT and caused an interception on Monday night, deflecting a ball into the air that LB Daryl Smith circled under to complete the turnover.
My Grade: I'm giving Hargreaves an A. Besides all the reasons mentioned above there is no other position in the NFL that is a harder transition from college to the pro's, besides quarterback, than corner. Recently Head Coach gave Vernon high praise, when he mentioned that Hargreaves was low maintenance. Translation, you can treat  him like a veteran. He knows his assignment, he's where he's supposed to be in the defense, you don't have to hold his hand.

Noah Spence: Considered the best pure pass rushing defensive end in the draft and was linked to the Bucs with their 1st pick, early in mock drafts. Taken in the 2nd round as an answer to the Buccaneers decade drought of not having a 10+ sack man. Noah was praised for having great hands and an array of rush moves during training camp. His edge speed is undeniable, but fans quickly learned that he is to small to stand up against the run. Even with all the injuries along the defensive line Spence is still being used as a situational pass rusher.
My Grade: Noah earns a B. You may think this is a little generous but he does have one sack, one off the team lead. If that's still isn't enough to convince you checkout this clip. Spence is at the top of the screen.
  

Noah Spence here with a nice swim move getting pressure. If he holds it 1/2 a second longer he's on the gro... https://t.co/gZinztOiWO

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) October 16, 2016

He's going to be special.

Roberto Aguayo: Regarded as the best kicker, well ever. The Bucs gave up their 3rd round pick and the 4th rounder that the acquired in the Giants trade to move up and take this once in a generation kicker. The Bucs let loose of all his competition before training camp. Aguayo couldn't lose his job unless his leg fell off. That didn't keep him from trying though.
My Grade: D. The game winner against Carolina on Monday night saved Roberto from a failing grade. Actually I like the pick of Aguayo, but he has to kick for the Bucs for the next 10 years to ever grade out as an A draft pick.

Ryan Smith: Picked in the 4th round from North Carolina Central University. Brought into play safety even though he played corner back in college. A broken hand in the preseason has slowed Smith's progress. Mike Smith is bringing him along slowly in hopes that he's ready to go if the injury bug bites.
My Grade: C. Hard to give him a grade due to the lack of playing time. It is a bit concerning that he isn't getting any snaps at the position that is easily to worst on the team. On the plus side Ryan does return kickoffs for the Bucs and not a skill everyone possesses.

Caleb Benenoch: 5th round pick Benenoch came out his junior year when most draft experts thought he would improve his stock with another year at UCLA. There is some obscure NCAA rule about being in school and practicing with an NFL team. It's only a problem if your university grade on a trimester system. Guess which system UCLA uses? Due to this Caleb missed OTA's and fell behind.
My Grade: B. Caleb got a slow start but did make the team at the deepest position on the team. He also can play all 3 line positions and has been active for every game.

Devante Bond: Was all primed to have a breakout senior year at the University of Oklahoma. An ankle injury derailed most of his senior season but the Bucs found him and drafted Devante in the 6th round. Bond was drafted to take over for bridge free agent signee Daryl Smith once he learns the SAM LB position. Bond was put on IR with a hamstring injury and might return later this year.
My Grade: Incomplete. Bond could be the starting strong side linebacker next year or he could be on the street. Time will tell.
    I found this highlight reel of Devante back in his JuCo days, he was a man amongst boys.



Dan Vitale: Best fullback in the draft was the buzz. Jason Licht has used late round picks to try to find his team a lead blocker. Buc fans thought they had their man in the 6th round draft pick from Northwestern. Even though Vitale was an instant fan favorite his lack of blocking ability doomed him in the end.
My Grade: I'm giving Danny a C. Now hear me out. Late round draft picks aren't supposed to make good teams. Also, others must like his skill set because he's been picked from the Bucs practice squad twice. If Vitale was drafted in any earlier rounder his grade would be lower.

     You can follow us at our official Twitter feed @realbucstalk. As always thanks for reading and Go Bucs!

Big Hitting Safety Added To Bucs Practice Squad

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added big hitting safety Trae Elston to their practice squad on Monday. A 4 year starter from the University of Mississippi whose college resume includes a Sports Illustrated cover and consecutive wins against SEC bully Alabama.

     His measurables won't jump off the page at you 5'11" 195lbs. with a pro day time of 4.46 in the 40, but is adept at attacking the ball at it's high point and has soft hands, according to NFL.com. Find his full predraft bio HERE. 

     Starting Buccaneers safeties Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald have had some communication problems thus far and have let some receivers run free in the back end of the defense for big gains this year. 3rd safety Keith Tandy hasn't fared much better. While rookie Ryan Smith only sees the field as the Bucs kickoff return man.

    Given that the Bucs starting safeties aren't under contract after this year is telling that they are looking to upgrade. Trae could finish the year out on the practice going to meeting and learning Mike Smith's defense. That would put him in a good position to compete for a roster spot next training camp. No matter what happens with Elston, chances are that the Bucs shake up their safety position sooner than later and Jason Licht thinks this kid has a chance to contribute.

     I did find this highlight reel of Elston on the New England Patriots website. If you'd like to check it out you can find it HERE. 

     You can follow other Real Bucs Talk staffers on Twitter @realbucstalk. As always thanks for reading and Go Bucs!

    

Who Is RB Antone Smith? Pro Stats And Draft Analysis

by Douglas O'Connor

follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The Buccaneers made a change to their 53 man roster Monday when they signed free agent running back Antone Smith. His name might sound familiar to local fans having spent his college days at Florida State before spending his 1st 5 years in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Where he spent 3 years in Head Coach Dirk Koetter's offense.

     Antone hasn't had much of an opportunity to play during his 7 year NFL career, but when he does gets his chances he finds the end zone. With only 35 touches Smith has found pay dirt 7 times. That's an impressive percentage. Antone is averaging a touchdown every 6.4 times he touches the ball. 

     I've provided some links so you can learn more about the newest Buccaneer. First here is the predraft breakdown of Antone Smith on NFL.com. Next is his NFL stats per Pro Football Reference. 

     Finally I'm supplying a link of Head Coaches Dirk Koetter's press conference, held Monday October 17th. Koetter talks about reasons why Jason Licht signed Smith and the return of Louis Murphy.  

     Going into the meat of our schedule Jason Licht has completely overhauled the running back roster. Replacing UDFA with experienced veterans that are familiar with Koetters offense. If Doug Martin can't go this Sunday look for Antone Smith to get between 3-7 touches.

     You can also follow Real Bucs Talk staffers on Twitter @realbucstalk. As always thank you for reading and Go Bucs!

Fun fact: The picture at the top of the article with Antone Smith, Dirk Koetter, and Mike Smith is against the Buccaneers.

Hot Takes! Ali, Vincent And More...

by Douglas O'Connor

follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     Back before I came aboard here at Real Bucs Talk, I came across a tweet that was asking for Buc fans Hot Takes. If you are not familiar with the term, it's a controversial or even outlandish view on a topic based on no facts what so ever. Hot takes are more of a gut feeling or something that you want to get of your chest and put out into social media for all to see.

     I had 3 such takes right after the Bucs game 1 win against the Falcons. I'm going to take a look back to see if I hit a home run or struck out with the bases loaded.

Ali Marpet will make the Pro Bowl:  Marpet's small town boy to big city success story isn't news for Buc fans, but his high level of play might be. Coming out of Hobart he was mostly seen as a run blocker, but he was a day one starter and his pass blocking has blossomed. It's hard to break into the Pro Bowl as a lineman. Mostly due to the fact that their stats aren't easily tracked. Recently enormously popular Joe Bucs Fan as taken up the torch and started a campaign to get Ali to Orlando (Pro Bowl gamed has moved from Hawaii to O-Town). With Joe's push this Hot Take might come to fruition.

How'd I Do? It's an easy double into the gap, heading to 2nd thinking about trying for 3rd.

Buc fans will want to replace left tackle Donovan Smith at seasons end: Obviously I don't want this to happen but it's getting dicey. Smith is continually being criticized by national "experts". Most think that his best position in the NFL would be guard. A report just came out yesterday, at time of this post, how Donovan is leading the NFL in quarterback pressures. As these opinions are heard more and more, fans will begin to listen and start to pile on.

How'd I Do? It's hit high enough and the right fielder is on the warning track. (Please catch it, please catch it).

Vincent Jackson will lose his starting job? Another one that I hope never materializes. I can't put my finger on it but something is just off between Jameis Winston and Jackson and I think most Buc fans feel it too. The local media has picked up on it also and flat out asked Head Coach Dirk Koetter about it. His response, roughly, was that he agreed and if the results don't change the personnel will. Wow! Mike Glennon isn't going to take over for Winston so Jackson can catch more balls. Soooo ...

How'd I Do? I have 2 strikes but have taken some good cuts and I own this pitcher ...

Update: The Buccaneers announce that Vincent Jackson has been moved to IR with an ACL injury. Essentially ending his season and possibly his career. This is unfortunate news for arguably the best FA signing in Tampa's history. Technically this Hot Take came true but I'm pulling it off the table do to the nature of the outcome.  

   
     You can find all our posts at realbucstalk.blogspot.com Feel free comment below. We respond to everyone. As always thanks for reading and Go Bucs!