Tuesday, 4 a.m.
You can say this for Jason Licht. The guy can sit on a secret.
Pretty much, that matters pretty much once a year as the first round of the NFL draft sneaks up on us. Every year, the world tries to guess the card that Licht is holding, and pretty much, the world gets it wrong. Licht loves good players; he also likes stumping the band.
Go back to Licht’s first draft. The mock draft world in 2014— Mel Kiper and the hundreds who try to copy his paper — was convinced that the Bucs were going to take quarterback Johnny Manziel, who had just embarked on drinking his way out of the NFL. Instead, the Bucs spent the No. 7 pick on Mike Evans, who will soon join the Hall of Fame. Right huddle, wrong player.
In 2022, remember, the world was all over defensive tackle Devonte White as the Bucs pick. The Bucs didn’t care for the value, however. They traded back and took Logan Hall. The jury is still out on that one.
And so it goes.
So you look at the Bucs and try to guess what Licht is thinking.
Jihaad Campbell? He seems to be the Bucs’ pick more than anyone else in the draft, and he’s a perfect fit for the position. On the other hand, he’s hurt, and the Bucs are in a win-now mode.
Donovan Ezeiruaku? A productive edge rusher, and the Bucs need a much better pass rush than last year. But — and you can say the same for Mike Green and Shemar Stewart — where does his playing time come from? Haason Riddick will take over the snaps for Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. If the Bucs are serious about thinking Chris Braswell will be an impact player, other holes may be bigger needs.
Jahdae Barron? Yes, the Bucs need playmakers in the secondary. But Licht doesn’t fall in love with defensive backs in the first round. The same is true for Nick Emmanwori.
Matthew Golden? Both of the Bucs’ star receivers are aging. But that’s a need for the future more than for this year.
So why do you care? You care because the conversation — and the possibilities — are endless. Some fans delude themselves into thinking their opinion is as valid as those who evaluate players for a living. Right now, an argument is going on over the fourth-best tight end in the draft.
Who do the Bucs need the most?
Help.
Licht’s 10 Best Draft Picks
- Mike Evans
2. Tristan Wirfs
3. Chris Godwin
4. Bucky Irving
5. Antonio Winfield
6. Ali Marpet
7. Vita Vea
8. Luke Goedeke
9. Graham Barton
10. Cade Otton
Jason Licht’s 10 Worst Draft Picks
- Robert Aguayo
2. Joe Tryon-Shoyimka
3. Vernon Hargreaves
4. O.J. Howard
5. Ke’Shawn Vaughn
6. Justin Evans
7. Kyle Trask
8. Ronald Jones
9. Noah Spence
10. Devin White