Tag: Jason Licht

A look at some of the second-round picks of the Jason Licht era

The Bucs hold the 45th pick in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft. Take a look at the players they’ve chosen during GM Jason Licht’s tenure.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got one of the prized tackles in this year’s class when they traded up a spot to No. 13 to select Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.

The pool-jumping Wirfs will be joining an offense that features the NFL’s best quarterback-tight-end combo and two of its best receivers. (No pressure of course, rookie.)

Heading into round two tonight, the Bucs and general manager Jason Licht may look to use the 45th pick to select one of the top-ranked running backs still on the board. The only back taken in round one was LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who went 32nd overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.

It wouldn’t be the first time since become general manager in 2014 that Licht has used a second-round pick on a running back, having done so back in 2018 on Ronald Jones (No. 38 overall). The jury remains out on Jones, although his sophomore campaign in 2019 inspires confidence. But a game-changing back like J.K. Dobbins or D’Andre Swift could open up the passing game even more for Brady and company.

Licht will need to make this selection carefully, because history has shown that when it comes to second-round picks, the Bucs GM has made a few duds.

Take a look at this gallery showing all 10 players drafted in the second round by Licht.

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Bucs GM Jason Licht responds to O.J. Howard trade speculation

Despite acquiring Rob Gronkowski in a trade, Bucs GM Jason Licht seems willing to keep O.J. Howard around.

Ever since the Buccaneers traded for tight end Rob Gronkowski this week, speculation has increased that former first-round pick O.J. Howard could be on the way out in Tampa Bay.

Howard, who finished last season with just 34 receptions for 459 yards and one touchdown, hasn’t been moved yet, but rumors have persisted that he might be ready to move on from the Bucs. Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht came out today and addressed the trade rumors surrounding Howard.

That’s about as corporate an answer as you can get. It sounds more like Licht is trying to get teams to offer up more for the tight end. We’ll see how things play out over the next few days.

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Adam Schein has ‘that feeling’ the Bucs may look to move up in round one

Adam Schein of NFL.com believes Bucs GM Jason Licht may look to move up from the 14th spot in round one of the 2020 NFL draft.

The Bucs’ signing of 42-year-old quarterback Tom Brady made it clear that they are going all-in these next two seasons while they have the future Hall of Famer under center.

But, if the Bucs seriously want to contend next season in the NFC South, they’ll need to make sure they provide Brady with all the protection and help he can get. The receiver position seems solid as ever with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin leading the charge, but it’s no secret the backfield could use a boost. However, the first major issue the Bucs need to address offensively is their O-line. Having Brady back in the pocket will do them no good if they can’t keep him upright.

While this week’s NFL draft provides them the perfect opportunity to snag an offensive lineman, they currently hold the 14th pick, behind other teams in need of O-line help. So, is it possible Bucs GM Jason Licht tries to move up to ensure he gets the tackle he wants? NFL.com writer Adam Schein seems to think so.

Per Schein:

“Earlier this month, I talked to Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on SiriusXM Radio, and I just got that feeling. They both seemed like they could be interested in moving up from their respective first-round draft slots… When it comes to the Bucs, they’re pretty loaded on defense. I would argue that they need two things on offense to help out new quarterback Tom Brady: another tackle and another back. I won’t be surprised if Licht moves up to snag one of the Big Four tackles and then goes running back early in Day 2.”

The big four tackles Schein is referring to are Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Jedrick Wills (Alabama), Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) and Andrew Thomas (Georgia). Several mock drafts have had the Bucs taking Thomas at the 14th spot. But, if there’s a run on tackles early, Tampa Bay may have no choice but to move up. Protecting Brady is the priority, so if it costs a late-round pick to get a top tackle, so be it.

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A look at the Buccaneers’ forgettable 2016 draft class

With the 2020 NFL draft upon us, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht will be hoping it won’t be a repeat of 2016.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht will be conducting his seventh NFL draft this week for Tampa Bay, and with the 14th pick in round one, he may be looking to take an offensive tackle to help protect quarterback Tom Brady, the team’s big free agent signing this offseason.

Licht has made some solid draft picks during his tenure, like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Devin White to name a few, but there have been some forgettable picks, too. In fact, the 2016 draft class may be one Licht would like to forget altogether.

After the team cut cornerback Vernon Hargreaves following his Week 10 benching for lack of hustle, that left just one player on the Bucs’ roster from that 2016 draft.

With that, let’s take a look back now at that draft class.

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Gregg Rosenthal’s GM Power Rankings isn’t too kind to Jason Licht

See why Gregg Rosenthal over at NFL.com had Bucs GM Jason Licht ranked near the bottom in his GM Power Rankings.

Like all general managers, Bucs GM Jason Licht will be taking part in this year’s virtual draft from the comfort of his own home office. For Licht, it will be his seventh NFL draft with the Buccaneers, and while he’s had his fair share of solid selections — like Mike Evans and Devin White to name a few — he’s also whiffed on a few picks like Vernon Hargreaves and kicker Robert Aguayo.

But with the hiring of Bruce Arians last offseason and the signing of six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady this year, Licht’s GM star is certainly on the rise. However, those moves alone weren’t enough to put him high on Gregg Rosenthal’s GM Power Rankings over at NFL.com.

In his rankings, Rosenthal excluded general managers who were hired after the 2018 draft because they haven’t been on the job long enough to allow for a fair valuation. That leaves just 25 GMs eligible for his power rankings, and Licht came in at No. 23, ahead of only Dave Caldwell of the Jaguars and Dave Gettleman of the Giants (yikes).

Here’s Rosenthal’s explanation for Licht’s ranking:

“Licht arrived in Tampa weeks after Lovie Smith was hired and one year before Jameis Winston was drafted. It took Bruce Arians’ arrival and Tom Brady’s availability for Licht to finally give up on Winston, which will put the GM’s other team-building struggles in the spotlight… This roster has never looked better, but I’ve been far too high on Licht for virtually every year since 2015 — and we’ve both been wrong repeatedly. The cold reality of Licht’s 34-62 record since taking over speaks louder than any offseason hype.”

It’s hard to disagree with what Rosenthal says. Licht has certainly had his share of issues as general manager, but things are starting to look up for Tampa Bay as they head into next week’s draft. Licht has put them in a great position to make the postseason next year, which should help move him up these rankings at some point. But, as Rosenthal points out, Licht’s overall record is what matters most, not the hype.

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Breaking down 3 potential Round 1 trade-down scenarios for the Cardinals

Arizona could be looking to get back in the second round after trading theirs to Houston for DeAndre Hopkins. Here are three ways they could do that.

The Arizona Cardinals could be open to trading down for the No. 8 pick overall in the NFL draft next week. And, as has been reported, there are some teams reportedly seeking to move up. Three teams in particular could be in play.

Let’s further break down these options and see what would be some potential likely scenarios:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pick No. 14

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

This seems like the most likely for many reasons. The first is that the Cardinals still could get a player they have rated high on their board.

The next is that the GM of the Bucs, Jason Licht, and Steve Keim have a good relationship. Given the unusual communication options that may limit some trade talk, it would make sense that Keim and Licht would trust each other, not to mention that Arizona’s previous coach is there in Bruce Arians.

The catch – would Tampa Bay be willing to part with their second-round pick, No. 45 overall, to come up six spots to No. 8? According to the infamous NFL Draft trade chart, Arizona would come out slightly ahead.

However, if they see a player that helps them in their short window (i.e. however much longer Tom Brady has), they may be willing to part with it. A first and a third would likely not be enough value.

How about for the Cardinals? This would be a best-case scenario to trading back. There’s still a possibility of one of the top four offensive lineman still being on the board, or potentially Josh Jones, who they reportedly like. There could also be players available like CJ Henderson, Javon Kinlaw, or even potentially a luxury pick (and Kyler Murray favorite) like CeeDee Lamb.

And with pick 45, they could potentially select another potential starter, such as Naville Gallimore or Russ Blacklock along the defensive line, or Ezra Cleveland if they choose to not go tackle in Round 1.

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This former Bucs player was named the best value pick made by GM Jason Licht

Charley Casserly over at NFL.com called this former Buccaneers linebacker the best value pick made by Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht.

With the NFL draft less than two weeks away, general managers are likely putting in some extra hours between now and then as this year’s draft will be fully virtual for the first time in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jason Licht of the Bucs has already said he’ll have the team’s director of football technology, Spencer Dille, at his house to make any repairs for him should technical difficulties arise during the draft. Fortunately, for Licht, he has experience when it comes to the draft, having been in charge of it since he was hired as the Bucs GM in 2014. Licht has hit home runs on several draft picks, but has also had a few duds, like cornerback Vernon Hargreaves and kicker Robert Aguayo.

So, which player has been his best pick, and which his best value pick? According to Charley Casserly of NFL.com, Licht’s best selection came in the 2014 NFL draft in the form of wide receiver Mike Evans.

Per Casserly:

“The 6-foot-5 wideout is so hard to stop because of his size, speed and hands. He’s been consistently great with up-and-down quarterback play, logging at least 1,000 receiving yards in every one of his six NFL seasons.”

No surprise there. Evans has been nothing short of spectacular since entering the league. As for who Casserly believes has been the best value pick during the Licht era, that honor goes to former Bucs linebacker Kwon Alexander, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 draft.

“A true run-and-chase linebacker, Alexander is highly instinctive and was a solid player and leader for the Bucs’ D for four seasons.”

Licht also seems to have found a future star in linebacker Devin White, who was taken fifth overall in last year’s draft. Tampa Bay owns the 14th pick in round one this year, and many experts believe they’ll target an offensive tackle to help protect Tom Brady. Knowing Licht is leading the charge for the Bucs in the draft should inspire confidence in Tampa Bay fans.

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Bucs GM Jason Licht prepared to ‘phone it in’ during the 2020 NFL draft

With this year’s draft being fully virtual, Bucs GM Jason Licht said he’s prepared to go the old-fashioned route to ensure the pick gets in.

The 2020 NFL draft kicks off in less than two weeks, and this year’s event will be entirely virtual as we all work to practice social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. That means NFL teams and execs will be conducting the draft from the comfort of their own homes, including Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht.

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Licht will have the team’s director of football technology, Spencer Dille, at his house to make any repairs for him should technical difficulties arise during the draft, such as a disconnection.

But even with technology being as advanced as it is these days, Licht said he’s prepared to go the old-fashioned route and just phone in the selection if he experiences any problems.

Per Licht:

“Sometimes you can get over-technical in these situations. You want to make sure you have a hardline phone. You want to make sure you have several phones available to you, cell phones, what have you. But sometimes it comes down to old-fashioned picking up the phone and calling on the league office and saying, ‘We’re going to pick this player.'”

If Licht does have to pick up the phone, he’d place a call to Ken Fiore, the NFL’s vice president of player personnel, in order to give the league the name of the Bucs’ pick. Just to be on the safe side, though, Licht will take part in a mock draft hosted by the NFL sometime between now and the actual draft so they can work out any kinks.

Licht couldn’t help but make a little joke about the upcoming mock draft when appearing on The Rich Eisen Show Thursday, saying, “I may pick a kicker.” Of course, he was referring to his decision to draft former kicker Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. Aguayo lasted just one season with the Bucs, and his release from the team was one of the most heartbreaking moments in the history of Hard Knocks.

Don’t forget that Licht drafted kicker Matt Gay in the fifth round of last year’s draft, so I think the Bucs are set at the position… for now.

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Bucs GM Jason Licht says Tom Brady pitched himself to the Bucs

While many believe the Bucs put on quite the sales pitch to get Tom Brady to come to Tampa, it turns out the Golden Boy did the pitching.

Despite leading the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances over his 20-year career in New England, including six championships, it seems that quarterback Tom Brady still felt like he had something to prove to teams. The soon-to-be 43-year-old left the only franchise he’s ever known in favor of the Buccaneers, a franchise not exactly known for its culture of winning.

Given that the the Bucs haven’t made the playoffs since 2007 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2002, you’d think Bucs brass would need to pull out all the stops to try and convince a future Hall of Fame quarterback to come to Tampa.

Well, according to Bucs GM Jason Licht, Brady was the one who did all the pitching when he got on the phone with Licht and head coach Bruce Arians the other week when the free agency period began. Licht appeared Monday on ESPN’s Get Up and talked about that first phone call with Brady.

Per ESPN:

“We had a great conversation — Bruce and I — we talked to him for over an hour and a half. And he made it clear in the conversation that he was very, very interested. It was almost like a recruitment on his part, telling us why it would make sense for him to come to Tampa Bay. The next call we made, we signed him, but it was at that phone call that we realized, that we felt like we had him.”

It seems that Brady really was looking for a way out of New England, and was doing his best to convince teams he was the right guy to lead them (not that teams needed much convincing).

As we saw from Brady’s Instagram post when he signed his Bucs contract, he looks rejuvenated and full of life now. I mentioned how he looked like a high school kid signing his letter of intent. And, as Licht pointed out, it sounds like Brady felt like a kid in the recruitment process.

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One request is all Tom Brady had for the Buccaneers

When Tom Brady brought his talents to Tampa Bay, rumors about what requests Brady would have ran rampant. Will he want personnel input? Does he want to take the No. 12 from wide receiver Chris Godwin? Is Tom Brady going to want to take control of …

When Tom Brady brought his talents to Tampa Bay, rumors about what requests Brady would have ran rampant. Will he want personnel input? Does he want to take the No. 12 from wide receiver Chris Godwin? Is Tom Brady going to want to take control of the offense from coordinator Byron Leftwhich?

The answer to those questions, are a resounding ‘no,’ as Rick Stroud reported. Brady had one request of Buccaneers organization- he wanted the phone numbers of all of his new teammates.

We are in a time where social distancing is the way-of-life, making it a more difficult task to become acquainted with new teammates. The level of leadership that Brady is bringing to Buccaneers is unrivaled, and it’s requests like this that speak volumes of Brady’s character.

At Bucs Wire we are open to exchanging numbers with Brady as well. All you have to do is ask Tom.