As the great coach, Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast my friend!” Though the Buccaneers currently hold the 9th pick in the NFL Draft, there are in fact 9 days remaining until draft day. That leaves plenty of time for some Jason Licht magic. My prediction? Tampa Bay’s general manager is going to do anything he can to get in position to draft Florida State shutdown corner, Jalen Ramsey.
King Jameis has spoken, going as far as to say he would take a pay cut if it meant the Buccaneers could get Jalen Ramsey. While that is not going to happen, one has to believe that Jason Licht got the message his franchise QB was sending, and Jameis Winston has likely been campaigning for Ramsey ever since. And why shouldn’t he?
After an outstanding NFL combine, Ramsey’s name has been in the conversation for the best overall player available. With the Rams trading up to number 1, it is likely that they are going to get their quarterback. This is a game changer for the Cleveland Browns (2nd overall pick) who, until last week, had their choice of top QB picks with Tennessee sitting at number 1 and already set with their franchise QB Marcus Mariota. This leaves the Browns coming up with a backup plan and an opportunity for the Bucs’ to pounce. Here is how I imagine the conversation going between Jason Licht and Browns GM Sashi Brown:
“Hi, Sashi. Jason Licht – Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s make a deal.”
“Hello, Jason. I’m all ears.”
“Well, with Los Angeles jumping up to number 1 they are likely going QB. Chances are it could be the guy you’ve had your eyes on. You had no threat with Tennessee but the Rams are no doubt going to mess things up for you. Take Mike Glennon who can be developed and coached into a solid start in this league and he can compete right away for your starting job with RGIII. We will also include our 9th pick this year. Send us the 2nd overall pick and you can regroup and come up with a game plan to select another highly scouted QB at 9.”
“Thanks, Jason. But that’s not quite enough. I need to gain picks. The Browns need picks..”
“Ok. Final offer. Glennon, our 9th overall, and a 6th rounder this year.”
“DEAL!”
Now obviously, it won’t go exactly like that. I was doing my best to imagine that Jason Licht wheels and deals in the manner of Kevin Costner from draft day. But you get the gist of it. The Bucs are in a position to jump up and grab the most talented player in this year’s draft who just so happens to play a position we are in desperate need of improving. My official prediction for the first round:
BUCS TRADE 9th OVERALL PICK, A 2016 6th ROUND PICK and QB MIKE GLENNON TO BROWNS FOR 2nd OVERALL PICK. WITH THE 2nd PICK IN THE 2016 NFL DRAFT, THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS SELECT – JALEN RAMSEY, DEFENSIVE BACK, FLORIDA STATE.
