With NFL teams jockeying for position to draft a quarterback in this year’s ultra-talented class, the Buccaneers could stand to gain the most from the quarterback sweepstakes, opines Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
The Buccaneers hold the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming draft and are highly unlikely to draft a quarterback in the first round with Jameis Winston at the helm. With four quarterbacks likely to go in the top seven (Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield), that could leave the Buccaneers with a chance at blue-chip prospects like Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson or North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb.
The Browns, with one of their top four picks, and the Colts at No. 6 stand as the only team’s likely to take a non-quarterback with their first-round pick. Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht also told Stroud that the team is entertaining the idea of moving up or back in the first round.
“It’s all going to depend on what players are available and how many are available at that pick, how many you think might still be available two picks back, four picks back,” Licht said. “I don’t think you can ever have enough premier defensive ends. I don’t think you can ever have enough premier offensive linemen.”
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- LSU linebacker Arden Key told Joel A. Erickson of The Advocate that the Saints are planning to host him for a private visit before the draft. Key said many teams have reached out to his agency and that he doesn’t plan to take any visits or workouts before LSU’s pro day on April 4. Key is projected to be a late-first-round or early-second-round pick. The Saints hold the No. 27 overall pick in the draft.
- In a series of tweets (Link, Link, Link, Link, Link), Johnny Manziel expressed his disappointment in people linking his free-agency experience with that of Colin Kaepernick‘s. Manziel also opened up about his hopeful return to the NFL earlier in the week in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman.
- Jason Witten helped the Cowboys open up some cap space by restructuring his contract Saturday. While the cap space certainly helps the Cowboys, the move also signals Witten’s commitment to returning next season, as Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News points out. Rumors had circulated earlier this month that FOX Sports was targeting Witten, 35, as a possible analyst for its Thursday Night Football broadcast.
Barkley will not be there at #7 for the Bucs. He won’t make past #4
How do you have the inside track? So dumb lol
He could reasonably slide past 4. In fact I believe he goes 5-7. Dorsey could take him at 4 but with Hyde, Duke, and Dorsey’s history, I see them taking Chubb if he’s there at 4, entertaining Nelson, Ward, or Fitzpatrick at 4 as well, and likely moving back while Miami or Buffalo jump up to 4.
I see Denver as an excellent fit for Barkley. That anemic offense last year would be much more dynamic with Keenum and Barkley added. Their defense is still stout. Barkley could help them reclaim the AFC West.
exactly
I’m hoping the 49 era can get Saquan Barkley or Bradley chub
Mikcinnion and Barkley could be a dynamic duo
If Bills move up into the 2 spot I believe the Browns will take a Qb first and Barkley 4th. I’d personally take Barkley 1st and what ever quater back is left, 4th
If you’d ever take a RB over a franchise QB, thank God you’ll never run a franchise. That would be idiotic. Settling for the 3rd best QB or risking the guy you like best being taken 2nd or 3rd overall in front of you is how GMs get fired.
None of these guys look like a franchise QB. All I see is Sanchez, Kyle Boller, Jake Locker, Vince Young, Johnny Manziel.
Darnold is going 1. Lock it up.
I think the browns will take Chubb if available at 4… Garrett and Chubb May be too good to pass up. After all the CB signings and Hyde signing, it’s just a hunch. Chubb, Barkley and Fitzpatrick would all be good there.
QB at 1 obviously. Still, imo.
Agree
The brown Should take Barkley at 4. Giants should take him at 2 though, but could make sense for them to trade down take Davenport or Via at 12 and take McGlinchey at 22 if he’s there or over draft Brown. I’d say 50-50 Barkley/Chubb. Idk why they picked up Hyde, he avg. at best.
Because Hyde can allow Barkley to get his feet wet without piling up the carries on his legs his first couple years the browns aren’t expected to compete for division titles. You might get 7-8 productive years out of a good Rb, when your thinking about taking one 1st or 4th overall in the draft, it’s a must that you maximize his years.
Think about the Vikings having Chester Taylor in the beginning of Adrian’s career. Yes, everyone expected Adrian to take the starting job eventually, but Taylor allowed him to get his feet wet. It’s also nice to have an established veteran to help influence the young guy while providing the in house competition so he doesn’t come in expecting the world to be handed to him.
I’d argue signing Hyde in free agency was as much an investment in Barkley as it was about bringing in more talented players to Cleveland (if they’re planning on taking him.. no one knows that yet).