Sunday, 4 a.m.
Now, it is the time for answers.
The legitimate questions have all been addressed. The nit-picking is complete, too. But, really, all we have is words. Soon, the pads go on, and the proving begins.
The Bucs are no different than any other team. You can plan, and you can expect. The prospects have been analyzed endlessly.
But every player tells his own story. And the truth is the success stories and the busts will be roughy the same percentages they always are.
Soon, we will know if Rueben Bain's short arms are indeed a legitimate issue. First, ask yourself this: Do you know the arm length of anyone else in the NFL? For all the stats in the NFL, who is in charge of sleeve length?
Soon, we will know if Josiah Trotter has yet to discover that football teams can throw passes, too. At least, that's the impression you get from the wildfire criticism. But consider this: Linebackers are always the underdog in coverage against a running back. They're bigger, and as a rule, they're slower. Even the best coverage linebackers can keep up with a back only for so long. Does Trotter, the Missouri grad, have work to do? Of course. But it's not like every other linebacker is a safety in disguise.
With Trotter, the 46th pick, fans would have prefered to trade up three picks and take Jacob Rodriguez, or to take Jake Golday (who went 51st), C.J. Allen (53rd) or Anthony Hill (60th).
Soon, we will know if Ted Hurst's competition while playing fof Georgia State will be a roadblock. Hurst's measurables are good enough, and his production is fine. But if you're going to give great players credit for beating good teams, don't you have to consider that Hurst didn't play many?
Soon, we will know if Kelonte Scott is sharp enough in coverage. Granted, some analysts love Scott. And he was good enough to help Miami get to the national title game.
Soon, we will figure out if Clemson was at fault for Demonte Capehart's underproduction in college at Clemson, or if it was Capeheart himself. Capehart's measureables were sufficient, but when a guy that big starts just 12 games in six seasons, there are answers to be found.
Soon, we will find out if Billy Schrauth can provide a litlte more oomph to the offensive line. After all, Schrauth went to Notre Dame, not the itty-bitty college that Jason Licht often finds his linemen. Schrauth's leg is supposedly okay, so that seems to be okay. And goodness knows, last season proved the Bucs need depth.
Soon, we may know just what the Bucs saw in Sharp at LSU that convinced them he was worth two draft picks. Is he good enough to crack the tight end room? Is he a special teams savant? What does he bring that wasn't there?
It is the same all over. To this point, it's all words and guesswork. From how on, everything is an exam.
And yes, papers will be graded.