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Buccaneers Pulse
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2019 Tampa Bay Bucs Team News |
2019 SFL's Tampa Bay Bucs Team News
Well, here we are at the start of another off season. As is the norm after the 2018 season GM Mellon reviewed the past season, asked himself if he was ready and willing for another one and if so would it be with another team or would he stay with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Honestly, retirement was not as much of an option for him this off season as it had been in the past. There were rumors of GM Mellon being potentially lured to the Oakland Raiders. GM Mellon did admit there being mutual interest but in the end he reiterated that Tampa Bay would probably his last SFL stop and admitted to not having the motivation to help rebuild an SFL franchise at this time. GM Mellon enters the 2019 season with the most regular season and post season wins by any GM in league history with 165 regular season wins and another 18 in the post season. This is something he sometimes mentions not in a braggadocios manner but is something he is proud of due to the high quality of SFL GM's. This season there will be a change within the division as Brad Barber comes in to take over for younger Mellon, as the Oakland Raiders ironically did end up with a GM Mellon, it was just Phillip and not Bryan. Brad has been busy with trades and team management as he starts to remold the Panther organization into his own. This will not affect GM Mellon's goal this year though as earning another NFC Southern Division title is the goal for 2019. GM Mellon is sure stiff competition will come from GM's Pearce and Jones from the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. GM Jones is in a must win scenario this season in New Orleans if he is to continue his future with the Saints. GM Pearce is coming off a playoff season and will look to continue that this season. Some within Tampa Bay front office expect the Bucs to begin their search for their next franchise QB. An early season move of trading up from the 4th overall spot to the 2nd spot suggest the Bucs are looking at Washington State QB Gardner Minshew or Oklahoma's Kyler Murray. Others suggest the Bucs moved up to pursue speedster DE Nick Bosa from Ohio State or Ole Miss WR AJ Brown. There are a few rumors that claim even GM Mellon himself does not know what he's doing with the #2 pick. We will know in a few short weeks. As far as player news goes star QB Kirk Cousins announced he was holding out for a new contract. That holdout lasted only minutes as the team flew Cousins and his family to Tampa Bay that evening and had a new 7 year deal for him assuring that as long as GM Mellon is in Tampa Bay so will Cousins. Details of the contact are below. ROLB Aldon Smith restructured his contact not long after Cousins signed assuring that he too will basically be a Buc for life. Smith signed a 7 year restructure which saved the Bucs $4.9M this year alone. Couins’s contract too saw savings for the Bucs as it saved them $6.4M over the next two seasons. The means that the Bucs are anticipated to open free agency with aprox $32M of cap space. It's doubtful they spend it but they are rumored to be looking for a starting SS, potential replacement FS for Duron Harmon, a backup RB, backup TE, a backup NT, potential starting RE and a MLB3. They really have more free cap space than they have roster holes, at least according to most close to the team.
Below is a look at some of the team moves and/or notes for the 2019 season thus far:
Retired
WR Brandon Marshall- 34 years old, 12 year pro, drafted 1st overall by the Detroit Lions in 2006
Marshall was signed late in the 2018 season by GM Mellon but went on to perform very well catching 17 passes for 270 yards. Marshall had a very good game vs the Vikings in the playoff catching 7 passes for 108 yards and a TD. Marshall retires being 4th in career catches with 718, 4th in career receiving yards with 12,933 and tied for 11th in TD catches with 85. Marshall had 5 seasons of 70+catches, 8 seasons of 1000+ receiving yards and 4 seasons of 10+ receiving TD's. Marshall looks to be a sure fire future SFL hall of famer.
DE Adam Carriker- 34 years old, 11 year pro, drafted 21st overall in 2007 by the Arizona Cardinals
Carriker had a couple of the best seasons ever recorded by an SFL DL. In 2011 he had 44 tackles, 8 for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 16 sacks. In 2013 he had 39 tackles, 9 for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 15 sacks.
Holdout Resigned
QB Kirk Cousins signed for 7 years $65.45 M with a $26.18 M signing bonus. The contract will pay $7.01 M this season followed by seasons of $7.68 M, $8.55 M, $9.69 M, $11.16 M, $13.07 M and $15.62 M in the 7th and final season, unless he retires first. As mentioned above this contract saves the Bucs $6+ M over the next 2 seasons.
Restructure
ROLB Aldon Smith restructures his contract for 7 years for $60.27 M with a signing bonus of $24.08 M. The contract will pay Smith $5.78 M this season followed by seasons of $6.4 M, $7.2 M, $8.21 M, $9.6 M, $11.36 M and $13.67 M in the final season.
Resign
LG Terry Poole resigned for the next 5 years @ $28.16 M with a signing bonus of $5.95 M. The contact will pay Poole $3.76 M this season followed by seasons of $4.53 M, $5.53 M, $6.83 M and $8.51 M in the final season.
Match Eligible
CB PJ Williams- 86 OVR, 26 years old, 6'0", 196 # from Florida State. Attributes include 95 SPD, 93 AGI, 99 ACC, 74 TAK & 69 AWR. It is expected GM Mellon will match any offer
Trades
GM Mellon send picks 1.04, 2.21 & the Bucs 2020 2nd rounder to GM Breck of the Indianapolis Colts for picks 1.02 & the Colts 2020 4th round pick.
On the Trade Block
QB- Ryan Nassib- 28 years old | 67 AWR, 90 THP, 92 THA can be had for a mid to late round pick, future mid round pick or can be swapped for a higher priced backup veteran at another position.
NT- Dontari Poe- 29 years old, 6'3", 346 # | 95 STR, 83 TAK | can be had for a mid round pick or a future pick.
Released
KR Jacoby Ford- 3rd (tied) in all time PR's with 154 and 4th in all time PR yards with 698 has been released. Ford was one of the all time best PR's in league history and could almost always be counted on to hold onto the ball during PR's. It was his pumble in the playoffs vs the Vikings though that led to his release. The play seemed to be the momentum the Vikings needed as they went on to defeat the Bucs, Cards and Chargers to claim their 2018 SFL championship. The release of Ford will save the Bucs $1.61 M this season even though the move was not done just to save cap space.
Current Draft Picks
2019
1.02 (Green Bay)
3.09 (Jacksonville)
5.27 (Tampa Bay)
6.11 (Miami)
2020
1st (Tampa Bay)
3rd (Tampa Bay)
4th (Tampa Bay)
4th (Indianapolis)
5th (Tampa Bay)
6th (Tampa Bay)
7th (Tampa Bay)
Rookie Progression & Expected Roles in 2019
P- Johnny Townsend- 85 OVR, 24 years old, drafted pick 7.28 in last year’s draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +2 AWR to 67, +1 KPW to 84 & +9 KAC to 96
Misc: Townsend started 14 games last year and had a very good season as it came to kicks inside the 20 yards line. Starting 14 games allowed him to progress nicely. While still not a power kicker, he should remain the Bucs starting punter going forward.
WR- Marquez Valdes- 74 OVR, 24 years old, drafted 3.26 in last year’s draft.
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 91, +1 STR to 75, +2 AWR to 36, +1 AGI to 93, +1 ACC to 90, +5 CTH to 81, +1 JMP to 87.
Misc: Valdes ended up being one of GM Mellon’s favorite players last year. He made an incredible one handed diving TD catch that allowed the Bucs to beat the Falcons in their second matchup which sealed the division and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. He gave way to veteran Brandon Marshall late in the season due to their being such a wide gap in AWR. Everyone in Buc nation, including GM Mellon hopes we see more of vales this year. His official role will most likely be listed as WR3/4, KR1/2 & PR1/2 going into the preseason.
LT- Chukwuma Okorafor- 81 OVR, 24 years old, drafted 3.20 in last year’s draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +4 STR to 90, +10 AWR to 60, +1 AGI to 69, +1 ACC to 78+1 PBK to 90 & +2 RBK to 89.
Misc: Okorafor started every game for the Bucs from preseason to the playoffs. He obtained good progression for a rookie OL however looking back now GM Mellon perhaps should have banked some of that progression in hopes of Okorafor being eligible for training camp. Okoorafor will be the Bucs starting LT throughout the foreseeable future.
RE- Maurice Hurst- 81 OVR, 23 years old, drafted 7.27 in last year’s draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 56, +2 STR to 95, +0 AWR (due to a position change), +1 AGI to 72, +1 ACC to 74 & +1 TAK to 75.
Misc: Hurst won the 2018 SFL Draft Gem award last season. GM Mellon would have liked to play Hurst more last season but he went with a veteran during the Bucs playoff push. Hurst enters the preseason as the Bucs RE but the team could very well sign a free agent this season. Even if it’s not as a starter Hurst will have a spot on the team.
LOLB- Uchenna Nwosu 74 OVR, 23 years old, drafted 5.28 in last year’s draft by the New York Jets
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 85, +1 STR to 77, +2 AWR to 58, +1 AGI to 83, +1 ACC to 82 & +2 TAK to 69.
Misc: While not a superstar, Nwosu is excatlly the kind of player GM Mellon likes to have on his team. He has good SPD and ACC plus can be counted on to make plays if called upon, not just be a warm body and roster filler. Nwosu will be the teams LOLB2 for the next four seasons.
D|T- RJ McIntosh- 74 OVR, 23 years old, drafted 7.26 in last year’s draft.
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 54, +2 STR to 90, +2 AWR to 51, +1 AGI to 68, +1 ACC to 73 & +1 TAK to 79
Misc: McIntosh’s future is not clear. He is below average in area’s GM prefers for his DT’s however it is not often a DT3/4 sees time in GM Mellons 33 defense. He will begin the off season as the teams DT3/4.
C- Will Clapp- 69 OVR, 22 years old, drafted 7.11 in last year’s draft
Progression points from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 62, +2 STR to 90, +2 AWR to 50, +1 AGI to 56, +1 ACC to 62, +1 PBK to 71 and +1 RBK to 85.
Misc: Clapp is simply a backup C. While far from the best backup C, he will most likely stay as the teams C2 as the C position is one that usually does not see many injuries. If an injury were to occur, GM Mellon would look at one of the teas current OG or OT backups to come play C or sign a free agent while starting All Pro Wesley Johnson is out.
Sophomore Progression & Expected Roles in 2019
TE- George Kittle- 94 OVR, 25 years old, drafted pick 1.10 in 2017’s draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +2 SPD to 95, +1 STR to 73, AWR +6 to 75, +1 AGI to 80, +2 ACC to 86, CTH +18 to 98, +3 RBK to 51.
Misc: Kittler has been a huge star since coming into the league. He won rookie of the year honors in 2017 and was in the running for offensive player of the year last year. He will continue to be the starting TE as well as lining up as the Bucs WR4/5 going forward. GM Mellon expects Kittle to be as big of a part of the Bucs offense as QB Kirk Cousins and RB Zeke Elliott going forward.
HB Donnel Pumphrey- 79 OVR, 25 years old, drafted pick 7.25 in 2017’s draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 83, +1 STR to 77, +3 AWR to 73, +2 AGI to 93, +2 ACC to 90, +2 CAR to 92, BTK +3 to 70
Misc: Pumphrey was never drafted for his SPD (obviously) but goes have good good hands w/ 92 CAR and AGI, also 90+. GM Mellon thought perhaps Punphrey might be a decent PR but has not had the opportunity to do this yet. For now, we expect him to be the teams RB3/FB3 and special teamer.
MLB- Trey Hendrickson- 90 OVR, 25 years old, drafted 1.20 in the 2017 draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +2 SPD to 88, +1 STR to 84, +17 AWR to 79, +3 AGI to 99, +2 ACC to 96 & +2 TAK to 84.
Misc: Hendrickson has played at both MLB1 and MLB2 over his first two seasons. In 2019 he will be the team’s MLB1 as Johnathan Bostic is now 30 years old and regressing. Hendrickson now becomes the signal caller of the Bucs defense however he will still have Bostic nearby as the teams MLB2.
LOLB- Vince Biegel- 84 OVR, 25 years old, drafted 2.18 in the 2017 draft by the Denver Broncos
Progression from rookie game 1: +2 SPD to 89, +2 STR to 72, +9 AWR to 70, +2 AGI to 88, +2 ACC to 87 & +7 TAK to 77.
Misc: Biegel is another one of the Bucs young players that GM Mellon is excited about. Biegel banked a few progression points in order to gain sophomore progression. Birgel will be the teams starting LOLB for several seasons to come as GM Mellon has no interest in even looking at other LOLB’s.
LG- Isaac Asiats- 82 OVR, 25 years old, drafted 7.13 in the 2017 draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 64, +0 STR to 99, +5 AWR to 69, +2 AGI to 69, +2 aCC to 76, +2 PBK to 78 & +2 PBK to 80.
Misc: Asiata was one of valuable finds late in the 2017 draft. While he may not end up starting games for the Bucs he is a very good option at LG2, RG2 and OT3. He will enter the 2019 season at LG2.
RG- Dyshon Sims- 84 OVR, 24 years old, drafted 4.3 in the 2017 draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 73, +1 STR to 99, +8 AWR to 65, +2 AGI to 82, +2 ACC to 74, +2 PBK to 82 & +1 RBK to 80.
MISC: Sims has been the Bucs RG starter for the last two seasons. While his blocking stats are less than average he is very athletic. He banked a few points last season making sure he would be eligible for sophomore progression. GM Mellon loves the production he has received out of the 4th rounder as it allows the team to spend money in other key spots. The team expects the 2019 season to be Sims best thus far. Sims should hold down the teams starting RG spot for at least the length of his contract.
RG- Steven Baggett- 77 OVR, 25 years old, drafted 7.18 in the 2017 draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD to 68, +0 STR to 99, +3 AWR to 65, +2 AGI to 70, +2 ACC to 69+2 PBK to 75 & +2 RBK to 75.
Misc: Baggett might not be as good as Isaac Asiate who is mentioned above but GM is very happy for a depth player such as Baggett who was drafted late in the 7th round. Baggett will continue to be the teams RG2 and LG3.
RT- Jylan Ware- 78 OVR, 23 years old, drafted 7.10 in the 2017 draft
Progression from rookie game 1: +1 SPD t0 61, +3 STR to 87, +3 AWR to 68, +2 AGI to 68, +2 ACC to 74+2 PBK to 82 & +2 RBK to 90.
Misc: Ware is another one of the Bucs young backup OL who GM Mellon likes very well. He is not going to break into the Bucs starting OL group however he provides great depth. He enters his 3rd SFL season and is only 23 years old. He will start the offseason out as the teams RT2 and LT2. |
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2018 Tampa Bay Bucs- Team News & Updates |
2018 SFL Bucs- Offseason Update Part 1
Welcome to the 2018 SFL season. We are coming off an excellent 2017 season that was dominated by the Dallas Cowboys and GM Anthony Fernandez. The Cowboys not only set the SFL record for most wins in a regular season by going 15 and 1 but also total wins in a season at 18 and 1 as they were a perfect 3 and 0 in the playoffs on their way to the 2017 SFL championship. That is now in the rearview as 2018 is a whole new season. Here in Buc Nation GM Mellon enters the season with a 5 year contract as the team is coming off a playoff season where they won 1 playoff game and lost a heart breaker to the Detroit Lions and GM Justin Herr in overtime. Let’s take a look at the early happenings with the Bucs and GM Mellon so far this offseason:
Retired
CB Brandon Brower- Age: 34 | Years Pro: 12
https://sfl-football.com/player.php?id=2946&skin=lp
Browner, originally drafted with the 1st overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2005 SFL draft by Tyler Apollo, Browner enjoyed a great SFL career. He spent the last two seasons in Tampa Bay mainly as the teams NCB, DCB and QCB while mentoring young DeAndrea Houston Carson. Browner retires as the 8th (tied) all time interception leader with 46 and the all time deflection leader with 310. He also retires with the 4th most catches allowed with 428. Browner’s other career stats include; 667 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumbles recoveries, 510 interception return yards and 5 defensive TD’s. Time will tell if the SFL Hall of Fame calls Browner’s name in the future. I would think he has a very good chance due the the deflection and interceptions totals.
Resigned
RT Trai Turner- 24 years old | 4 year pro | 6’3” | 310 # | Drafted with the 21st pick in the 2nd round of the 2014 SFL draft byt GM Kevin Mullendore and the New York Jets | Collect: LSU
https://sfl-football.com/player.php?id=5929&skin=lp
Turner came over from the Jets via trade in the offseason of 2016. He has played well for the Bucs having 73 pancakes in 2016 with allowing 5 sacks and having another 73 pancakes last year with just 2 sacks allowed. Turner will continue to work on his AWR and pass blocking skills as he progresses. Turner signed a 5 year contract worth $22.17 M with a signing bonus of $5.65 M. The contract will pay Turner $2.96 M this season, $3.5 M next season then seasons of $4.22 N, $5.14 M and $6.35 M in the final year of the deal.
Match Eligible Free Agent
FB Stepfan Taylor- 29 years old | 5 year pro | 5’9” | 214 # | Undrafted free agent originally signed by the Bucs in week 5 of the 2103 season. | College: Stanford
Taylor was named to four straight Pro Bowls between his rookie season of 2013 and 2016. He missed out on the honors last season but he will look back to possibly getting back there this season. Taylor is the fastest FB in the league which will more than likely even continue next season as he begins regression. With blocking attributes that include 70 PB, GM Mellon will be comfortable in matching just about contact offered by another SFL team.
Released Into Free Agency
WR Maurice Stovall | 33 years old | 12 year pro
We start with Stovall as he has had a great SFL career even proving to be a key contribueor during the last couple weeks of the regular season last year as well as the playoffs where he started at WR1. His current attributes of 82 SPD, 78 AGI, 82 ACC and 72 JMP probably overrule his 97 AWR and it will be very questionable is Stovall makes a SFL roster in 2018 unless it is due to being a mentor. Stovall’s career stats include 658 catches, 10,776 receiving yards, 77 receiving TD’s and only 48 dropped passes. He also added 96 pancakes, 48 tackles, a forced fumble, a perfect 100% comp rate from 1 pass attempt, QB rating of 118 and a TD from an onside kick. He currently ranks 14th (tied) in career catches, 18th in career receiving yards and 20th (tied) in career receiving TD’s.
CB Justin Miller | 34 years old | 13 year pro
Miller had also had a great SFL career which includes 629 ackles, 36 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 45 interceptions, 711 interception return yards, 204 deflections, 1 safety, 8 defensive TD’s and 385 catches allowed. Miller is currently 11th (tied) in all time interceptions, 5th in all time interception yards, 10th (tied) in defensive TD’s and 8th in all time catches allowed. Miller is someone who should get signed before the SFL preseason ends if nothing else to be a CB mentor.
SS Eric Weddle | 32 years old | 11 year pro
Weddle was signed as a free agent in week 7 this past season and he played extremely well for the Bucs. Weddle totaled 38 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions and had 11 deflections to just 1 catch allowed. It is doubtful Weddle catches onto a roster in 2018 unless it is for a mentor status only due to his 78 SPD, 79 AGI and 80 ACC. There could very well be an GM out there who could make use of Weddle’s 95 AWR and 87 TAK though.
RG Roy Schuening | 33 years old | 10 year pro
Schuening was originally drafted with the 17th overall pick in the 2008 SFL draft by the Baltimore Ravns. He was signed by GM Mellon and the Bucs this past season on a veteran minimum contract. He protected QB Kirk Cousins fairly well allowing only 1 sack. With his STR dropping to 80 and SPD to 52, it is unlikely Schuening finds himself on a roster in 2018.
C Wesley Johnson | 26 years old | 4 year pro
Johnson has been a starter nearly from the day he was selected with the 23rd pick in Ihe 4th round of the 2014 SFL draft. Over that time frame, Johnson totaled 145 pancakes and allowed 11 sacks. GM Mellon is interested in bringing Johnson back to the Bucs during free agency.
CB Chris Harris Jr | 30 years old | 7 year pro
Harris came over from the Green Bay Packers in 2017 and that was actually th 2nd stint he’s had with the Bucs. GM Mellon was pleased with his performance last yeat where he played mostly NCB and DCB. Harris totaled 27 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 7 deflections and allowed 12 catches. Even at age 30 Harris still has 94 SPD, 93 AGI, 95 ACC and 77 AWR so there’s a very good chance he makes a roster in 2018.
LH Branden Albert | 32 years old | 10 years pro
Albert was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 3rd pick in the 2nd round of the 2008 SFL draft. He was traded to the Bucs in 2010 where he played for GM Mellon until midway through the 2016 season when he was traded to the would be SFL champion Tennessee Titans and GM Apollo. GM Mellon signed Albert as a free agent during week 14 last season. Albert became the starter at LG for the remaining games. Albert’s current career totals include 726pancakes and 28 sacks allowed.
C Russell Bodein | 26 years old | 4 year pro
No meaningful statistics
RE Will Clarke | 27 years old | 4 year pro
No meaningful statistics
LOLB Brandon Watts | 25 years old | 4 year pro
Watts has performed well as a backup LB for the Bucs since being drafted with the 11th pick of the 7th round in the 2014 SFL draft by GM Mellon. He has totaled 16 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, 3 deflections and 3 catches allowed.
DT Khyri Thornton | 26 years old | 4 year pro
Drafted with the 29th pick in the 7th round of the 2014 SFL draft by GM Mellon, the only stat Thornton has officiall recorded is 1 dropped pass when he lined up as a TE in week 7 of the 2014 season.
Restructures
GM Mellon has spent 75K of Activity Points to purchase an extra restructure. The reason he did this was to help keep two of the young core of the team together for nearly the rest of their careers if not for the rest of GM Mellon’s SFL career in RB Zeke Elliott and CB DeAndre Houston Carson.
RB Zeke Elliott- 23 years old | Drafted with the 4th pick in the 2016 SFL draft by GM Mellon
Zeke has totaled 667 carriers for 3291yards rushing and scored 16 TD’s thus far in his SFL career. He has some guanreteed bonus money that adds to his new contract. The new contract pays $4.5 M this year, $5.03 M next year followed by seasons of $5.71 M, $6.61 M, $7.7 M, 9.27 M and $11.27 M in the final year of the deal.
CB Deandre Houston Carson- 24 years old | Drafted with the 21st pick in the 2016 SFL draft by GM Mellon
Houston Carson has totaled 118 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 3 interceptions, 30 deflections, 61 catches allowed and 1 defensive TD thus far in his carreer. He has $2.24 M in guaranteed money that is added into his new contract. His new contract pays out $3.36 M this year, $3.7 M next year, followed by seasons of $4.14 M, $4.72 M, $5.47 M, $6.45 M and $7.72 M in the final year of the deal.
Trades
WR Taylor Price and the Bucs 2019 7th round pick have been traded to GM Wade Pearce and the Buffalo Bills for the Bills 2019 2nd round pick and pick 7.3 this year. Price has spent the last 5 seasons in Tampa Bay where he has been an elite WR. Price has 533 catches, 9122 receiving yards and 81 TD’s in his career. He has reached double digit receiving TD’s in 5 of this first 8 seasons. He rare STR of 75 has matched up ver well with this SPD and ACC. We have no doubt even at age 31 Price will be a great fit in Buffalo. The move saves the Bucs$7.92 M in salary this year but will cost $2.3 M against the team’s 2019 salary cap.
Bucs send their 2019 1st and 3rd round draft picks plus pick 6.26 this year, pick 6.32 this year and pick 7.20 this year to GM Tim Miller and the Denver Broncos for WR AJ Green, RB Alfred Morris and the Broncos 2019 7th round pick. Green, 30 years old and a 7 year pro was originally drafted with the 3rd pick in the 2011 SFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Green has totaled 537 catches, 9176 receiving yards and 70 TD’s thus far in his SFL career. Even though he is now regressing GM Mellon believes his 97 SPD, 96 AGI, 96 ACC, 90 AWR and 93 CTH will help the young Bucs receiving corp for at least two more seasons. Green’s contract will pay him $6.05 M this season and $7.61 M next season. Morris, 28 years old and 6 year pro was originally drafted with the 21st pick of the 3rd round in the 2012 SFL draft by the Buffalo Bills. Morris had had four season of 1000+yards. GM Mellon is looking for him to the the Bucs RB2 this season. Morris is set to make $2.36 M this year.
GM Mellon sends P Chris Fuchs and pick 7.03 to the New York Jets and GM Kevin Mullendore for P Chris Jones. This trade created a shockwave across the SFL when it was announced. GM Mellon was quoted as saying "This blockbuster will be talked about for decades to come. It proves that we, as an origination do not give two Fuchs when pen hit paper. We do what we need to do to take our team to the next level." Fuchs, a 10 year pro was drafted with pick 4.29 by the New Orleans Saints in the 2008 SFL draft. His attributes include 93 AWR, 96 KAC and 88 KPW. He is set to earn $900 K this season where as Jones is a 7 year pro who was drafted with pick 4.15 by the New York Jets in the 2011 SFL draft. His attributes include 86 AWR, 99 KAC and 92 KPW. Jones was set to count for $5.16 M of the Jets salary this year and $6.43 M next season. The move was one made to save salary for the Jets as they look to target a specific high priced free agent QB.
GM Mellon and the Bucs sent picks 7.23 (originally belonged to the Ravens) and pick 7.31 (originally belonged to the Tennessee Titans) to GM Lopez and the St Louis Rams for QB Ryan Nassib. Nassib is 27 years old, 6’2” and 227#. He was originally drafted with the 10th pick in the 6th round of the 2013 SFL draft. Nassib is set o earn $2.85 M this year and $3.43 M next season which is a lot for a QB3 but GM Mellon felt like the team needed a 3rd QB due to Kirk Cousins minor injury history over the last couple of seasons. Nassib’s attributes include 67 AWR, 90 THP and 92 THA.
Top 3 Free Agency- Period 1
The Bucs and GM Mellon originally reviewed 9 free agents for potential contract offers. These players include; RG Spencer Long (match eligible for the Atlanta Falcons), RT Joel Bitonio (match eligible for the Miami Dolphins), C Bryan Stork, RT Joe Thomas, RG Ulrick John, MLB Desmond Bishop and former Buc players WR Maurice Stoval, C Wesley Johnson and FB Stepfan Taylor, who is the Bucs match eligible player for 2018. GM Mellon decided ultimately to not extend an offer to RG Spencer Long, RT Joe Thomas, C Bryan Stork, WR Maurice Stoval or RT Joe Thomas.
MLB Desmond Bishop - 32 years old, 6’2”, 243 #, 11 year pro | Drafted: 7.24 in the 2007 SFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.
Bishop has to be considered one of the best late 7th round draft picks in the history of the SFL. His best season was in 2011 where he made 72 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and made 4 interceptions. He has not recorded a game statistic since 2013 but has attributes to be considered a 2018 SFL mentor due to his 91 AWR.
Initial offer: 3 years @ $5.07 M with a signing bonus of $2.01 M
Second offer: Not needed as the Bucs were the only team to extend a contract offer
Final disposition: Signed to a 1 year contract worth $1.69 M with a signing bonus of $670 K.
Expected role: Will be the Bucs MLB3 and potential mentor to sophomore MLB Trey Hendrickson
FB Stepfan Taylor - 29 years old, 5’9”, 214 #, 5 year pro | Drafted: Not drafted
Taylor similarly to Bishop above, has been perhaps the most successful non drafted SFL player in league history. He made the pro bowl 4 times in the first 5 years of his career. Attributes include 90 SPD, 81 AWR, 93 AGI, 94 ACC, 80 CAR, 99 INJ, 50 PBK and 70 RBK. GM Mellon drafted a rookie FB (Patrick Ricard) in the 5th round of the 2017 SFL draft in case the Bucs were not able to resign Taylor. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans were in the top 3 bidding along with the Bucs but the Cowboys withdrew their offer so Taylor will either return to the Bucs or will continue his SFL career with the Texans.
Initial offer: league minimum default of 3 years @ $100 K with a signing bonus of $100 K
Second offer: no change due to Taylor being match eligible
Final disposition: Taylor was offered a contact by the Houston Texans of $10.53 M for 3 years with a signing bonus of $2.76 M. The Bucs had the opportunity to match but the offer and keep fan favorite Taylor but GM Mellon decided to accept to allow Taylor to sign with the Texans and accept compensation in the form of the Texans 3rd round pick in 2019 which originally belonged to the Buffalo Bills. This means Patrick Ricard will be the Bucs starting FB. Ricard is basically the exact opposite of the four times pro bowl Taylor in that he is huge at 6’3” and a whopping 305#. He is much, much slower at just 74 SPD and nowhere athletic with 70 AGI and 72 ACC plus lack the blocking skills Taylor had with 58 RBK and 44 PBK. Riacrd does not have the natural running ability as Taylor with 65 CAR but is much more difficult to tackle with 93 BTK.
RG Ulrick John - 27 years old, 6’5”, 312 #, 4 years pro | Drafted: 3.3 in the 2014 SFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings
John has impressive attributes which include 66 SPD, 93 STR, 73 AGI, 77 ACC, 96 PBK and 96 RBK. He has had an up and down SFL career which includes 207 pancakes and 20 sacks allowed for an unimpressive 10.35 pancake to sack allowed ratio. Even with these under whelming stats GM Mellon and the Bucs were one of six teams who offered John a contact. The other teams were; the San Francisco 49’ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and New England Patriots. Absent from an offered contract was John’s original SFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. This has caused GM Mellon to ponder whether or not the Bucs want to invest more than originally offered.
Initial offer: 3 years @ $18.03 M with a signing bonus of $7.2 M
Second offer: Same- GM Mellon decided to not pour more money into a player who, even though as impressive attributes has not played at a pro bowl level.
Final disposition: John signed with the San Francisco 49’ers and new 49’er GM Gary Hickman for 5 years @ $37.5 M with a signing bonus of $15 M.
C Wesley Johnson - 26 years old, 6’5”, 295 #, 4 years pro | Drafted: 4.23 in the 2014 SFL draft by the Tampa Bay Bucs and GM Mellon.
Johnson has performed fairly well for the Bucs with never allowing more then 4 sacks in any season. He is an athletic center with good SPD of 66 as well as favorable AGI of 73 and ACC of 78. He is not as polished of a blocker as other center with 87 PBK and 82 RBK though. GM Mellon offered what he thought was a fair offer ti begin with but did increase it a bit in the 2nd round of offers in part to not increasing the offer to RG Ulrick John. The New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans have joined the Bucs in the top 3 stage of bidding.
Initial offer: 3 years @ $8.9 M with a signing bonus of $2.1 M
Second offer: Same- GM Mellon decided increase the offer to 3 years # $10.31 M with a signing bonus of $4.11 M
Final disposition: GM Mellon and the Bucs kept their starting center as Johnson has been resigned for 5 years @ $17.2 M with a signing bonus of $6.85 M. Johnson’s contract will pay him $2.51 M this season followed by $2.86 M next year, $3.3 M in 2020, $3.88 M in 2021 and $4.65 M in the final year of 2022.
Expected role: Barring an injury, Johnson will be the Bucs starting center throughout the contract.
Current 2018 & 2019 Draft Picks
2018 1st round Bucs (1.26)
2018 7th round Bucs (7.26)
2018 7th round Chargers (7.27)
2019 Bucs 2nd
2019 Bills 2nd
2019 Bills 3rd
2019 Bucs 4th
2019 Bucs 5th
2019 Bucs 6th
2019 Broncos 7th
Projected Starters & Needs Pre Draft
The following is how the Bucs depth chart looks like heading into the draft. We know there is a really chance GM Mellon trades pick 1.26 for a future pick or picks in the coming days.
Announced depth:
QB1- Kirk Cousins
QB2: Jacoby Brissett
QB3: Ryan Nassib (PLA of trade)
RB1- Zeke Elliott
RB2- Alfred Morris
FB1- Patrick Ricard
TE1- George Kittle
TE2- Kennard Backman
WR1- Cody Core
WR2- AJ Green
WR3- Sammie Coates
RT1- Trai Turner
LT1- Terry Poole
OT3- Jylan Ware
LG1- Dyshon Sims
OG3- Isaac Asista
C1- Wesley Johnson
K1- Ka’ imi Fairbairn
P1- Chris Jones
DT1- Daniel McCullers
DT2- Dontari Poe
RE1- David Veikune
LE1- Daeshon Hall
MLB1- Trey Hendrickson
MLB2- Jonathan Bostic
ROLB1- Aldon Smith
LOLB1- Vince Biegel
OLB3- Emmanuel Acho
CB1- DeAndre Houston Carson
CB2- Darius Slay
CB3- PJ Williams
FS1- Duran Harmon
S3- Ibraheim Campbell
KR- Cameron Artis Payne
PR- Jacoby Ford
Area’s of need:
SS1-
RG1-
DCB-
QCB-
DE3-
WR4-
C2-
Current Trade Block
Pick 1.26
GM Mellon is looking to trade pick 1.26 for a deal involving a future pick(s). |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Mellon on 01/24/2024)
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Replies - 5 :: Views - 154 |
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2017 Tampa Bay Bucs Team News & Updates |
2017 SFL Team News & Updates- Offseason V1
The Bucs and GM Mellon are coming off a disappointing 2016 season where they finished with a record of 8 wins and 8 loses after being voted as an SFL Championship team by many GM’s in the preseason. This season the young players will enter play, more experienced and more ready to go and hopefully their star QB Kirk Cousins will avoid injury. GM Mellon does not plan much of an overhaul and the majority of the starters are coming back. This I’m itself brings up a huge question: Has GM Mellon’s old school approach to football gotten outdated? It is no secret, in the past GM Mellon was someone who forwent the draft and signed veteran players and traded picks for proven SFL talent even if it meant missing out on future stars. He also relied on a good running game, a capable but not flashy star studded QB okay plus bend but do not break defense. Now days GM Mellon says there is just too much talent in the draft. There are WR’s who have 95+ SPD and ACC that end up only being good enough to be WE 3/4/5. The same can be said for CB’s. An elite b in the past may have had 95 SPD and 95 ACC but now those players are common and are easily found on almost every team, even sometimes at the CB 3/4/5 spots. The SFL took action and created aggressive regression rules to combat teams being successful by utility veterans more than drafted/younger players yet the draft classes continue to be full of players who would have been athletic all stars in the past. The new norm for young stars who possess crazy good athletic skills right out of the box does not stop at WR and CB. Examples of where there seems to have bee. An overhaul include FS, SS, MLB & TE. Historically, until recently FS’s and SS’s did not normally have SPD or ACC into the 90’s but now it is as if 90 SPD and 90 ACC is the minimum for these positions. Many MLB’s look like super heroes with SPD and ACC being so high along with above average STR, and TAK. TE is also a position that seems to also underwent a rebirth. There are TE’s with SPD flirting at 90 in each class. What does all this mean? Could things have really just progressed to the point where if GM is to continue his run in the SFL he is going to have to alter his style even more? We have already seen him put more emphasis into the draft that he used to. Could these things lead to GM Mellon start looking at relocation plans as early as the 2018 season? Only time will tell. GM Mellon is famous for saying “One more year” when it comes to his plans for the future. So while we know GM Mellon is dedicated to 2017 as is team ownership, it is hard to say what the 2019 season and beyond have in store for GM Mellon. For, now buckle up for 2017 as GM Mellon has promised to have a playoff birth in his crosshairs!
The 2017 Bucs trade block is below but first let’s discuss some roster updates:
Retirees
The Bucs lost four veterans to retirement who combined for 52 years of SFL experience.
RB Steven Jackson- 13 years SFL | Drafted 14th overall in 2004 by the Philadelphia Eagles
Jackson’s career stats incude 3025 rushes, 13,902 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per rush average, 82 TD’s, 128 catches, 1519 receiving yards, 7 receiving TD’s, 15,421 yards from scrimmage & 16,202 all purpose yards. Jackson retired as the 5th all time SFL rusher, 6th in rushes, 5th in rushing TD’s, 7th in all purpose yards & 4th in yards from scrimmage with 15,421. With stats like these Jackson seems like a lock for a future spot in the SFL Hall of Fame.
Antrel Rolle- 12 years SFL experience | Drafted 9th overall in 2005 by the Jacksonville Jaguars
Rolle’s career stats include 36 interceptions, 197 deflections, 8 defensive TD’s, 592 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 6 forced fumbles & 3 fumble recoveries. Rolle ends his career as 27th all time in SFL interceptions, 9th in interception yards, 30th in deflections & tied for 10th in defensive TD’s with 8.
Corey Webster- 12 years SFL experience |Drafted 13th overall in 2005 by the Chicago Bears
Webster’s career stats include 32 interceptions, 168 deflections, 5 defensive TD’s, 505 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 6 forced fumbles & 2 fumble recoveries. Webster ends his career 35th in interceptions, 38th in defensive TD’s & 44th in interception yards.
P Dirk Johnson- 15 years SFL experience plus 3 years prior NFL experience | Member of original, now defunct NFL roster.
The 41 year old Johnson finally retired after the 2016 SFL season. His career stats include 1073 punts, 47,405 punt yards, 44.18 yards per punt average, 246 punts inside the 20 yards line, 22.93% inside 20 yards line rate and 237 touchbacks. Johnson ends his career 3rd in punts, 3rd in punt yards, 3rd with punts inside the 20 yard line & 4th in touchbacks.
Released Into Free Agency
LG Vinston Painter- 26 years old, 89 OVR
LG Thomas Welch- 28 years old, 91 OVR
MLB Odell Thurman- 34 years old, 88 OVR
SS Aaron Rouse- 32 years old, 86 OVR
RE Tommie Harris- 33 years old, 75 OVR
RE Mario Williams- 32 years old, 83 OVR
LG Dallas Thomas- 27 years old, 78 OVR
QB EJ Manuel- 26 years old, 84 OVR
2017 Team Resign
MLB Nico Johhnson- 27 years old, 6’2”, 248# | Drafted 15th overall in 2013 by the Houston Texans and GM Wade Pearce.
Johnson’s career status thus far include 364 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 8 interceptions, 30 deflections and 1 defensive TD. GM Mellon has announced Johnson will be the team’s 2017 resign however he has not announced the contract details yet as Johnson is in trade talks between multiple teams at the moment. It is far from decided that Johnson will be on the move but if a trade does happen expect it to be done within the next 3-4 days.
*Update: Johnson has agreed to a 5 year contract worth $25.96M with a signing bonus of $5.65M. While it has not yet reached the SFL front office, it is our understanding GM Mellon has agreed to trade Johnson after the signing is made official to a team from the AFC. Much more on this will be coming within the next week.
2017 Match Eligible
FS Duron Harmon- 28 years old, 6’0”, 205# | Drafted 37th overall in 2013 by the Bucs and GM Mellon.
Harmon’s SFL career has seen him suffer two major injuries in his first four seasons. This is a concern for GM Mellon however Harmon boasts 93 SPD, 96AGI, 96 ACC & 91 JMP, all amazing attributes for a FS. It is almost a lock that GM Mellon will match any offer extended to Harmon.
2017 Restructure
GM Mellon has not yet announced this designated. It is expected
Current Buc Trade Block
GM Mellon is currently only looking to trade the following players and picks for ways to get into the 1st and 2nd rounds of this draft or depending on the details, next year’s draft.
MLB Nico Johnson- 27 years old, 6’2” & 248# | 90 SPD, 90 ACC, 90 TAK, 85 AGI, 80 AWR, 76 STR. He is 1 of only 2 LB’s with 90 SPD, 90 ACC & 90 TAK. I could franchise tag him and trade him for a future 1st+, a current 1st or could add pick 2.20 with him for a top end 1st this year. He has 2 SPD boosts and 1 ACC boost purchased and applied to him. If I resign him to a 3 year contract and then trade him, the cost would be more. If I sign him to a 5 year deal, he will stay a Buc.
TE Bradie Ewing- 28 years old, 6’0” & 245# | 89 SPD, 93 ACC, 81 STR, 86 AGI, 78 AWR.
He is signed to a very cheap 4 year contract. I can add pick 2.20 or another player to get into a decent 1st round pick this year or depending on whom the other player or pick(s) is/are could look at trading him for a future 1st. He has had 2 SPD boosts and 2 ACC boosts purchased and applied.
LE Kendrick Ellis- 29 years old, 6’5” & 340# | 90 ACC, 92 TAK, 78 SPD, 78 STR
He is in the last year of his contact but his salary would be less than $5M after I take a cap penalty. I still value him highly, especially for a team who is going to be running a 3-4 defense. A good 2nd round pick or some sort of addition with him for a future 1st could perhaps get a deal done though. He has had 1 SPD boost and 1 ACC boost purchased and applied.
RB Cameron Artis Payne- 25 years old, 5’10” & 220# | 96 SPD, 99 AGI, 99 ACC, 89 CAR, 83 BTK
He did not play much last year with Zeke being on the team plus I wanted him to get his sophomore boosts. He did very well for me in 2015, especially in the playoffs. I could possibly add later picks and send him for a future 2nd. He does have 1 SPD boost already purchased and applied.
FB Stepfan Taylor- 28 years old, 5’9” & 214# | 70 RBK, 50 PBK, 90 SPD, 93 AGI, 94 ACC, 76 AWR
Some will laugh at posting a FB, others feel as if a good FB is a major key to the running game. I am a big fan of a FB who is athletic, fast & agile with good blocking. Taylor is a four time SFL pro bowler. He is on the last year of his contact. I could add something to him and move him for a future 2nd.
Picks 2.20 (Carolina), 6.05 (Cardinals), 6.29 (Cowboys), 6.32 (Titans), 7.04 (Patriots), 7.16 (Bucs) & 7.32 (Titans). The Bucs do not currently have their 2017 1st round pick on the trade block.
Releases
WR Matt Jones- 34 years old & 78 OVR
Jones is the former overall 2nd pick from the 2005 SFL draft, taken by the Denver Broncos. Jones has let the old man in as it relates to age as his SPD has dropped to 80 and his ACC has dropped to 82. The move of dropping Jones will cost the Bucs $250K towards next year's salary cap but save the team $3.76M this season.
RG Matt McCants- 27 years old & 67 OVR.
McCants was simply a depth player and GM Mellon felt as if the team could do better in the upcoming draft while saving some money. The release of McCants will cost the team $270K towards next year's salary cap but save the team $1M this season. |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Mellon on 10/06/2023)
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Replies - 5 :: Views - 131 |
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2016 Tampa Bay Bucs Team Updates |
Home of the SFL’s Tampa Bay Bucs 2016 Team News & Updates
Retirees
RB Musa Smith/
33 years old, 84 OVR, 12 year pro, multiple time pro bowler | Originally drafted 1.25 by the New England Patriots in the 2003 SFL draft
The GOAT? Most would say Smith was the best SFL RB of all time. He is the only player to surpass (really, the only one to even come close) 20,000 career rushing yards. Smith will no doubt be a 1st ballot inductee into the upcoming SFL Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. He ends his career with the following regular season rushing records, 1st all time yards with 20,022, 1st all time in rushing attempts with 4033, 1st in all time rushing TD’s with 118, 2nd in all purpose yards, behind only KR/RB Brian Westbrok & 1st in all all time yards from scrimmage with 22,011.
Career stats include: 20,022 Rushing Yards, 1989 Receiving yards, 131 Total TD’s
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch
37 years old, 81 OVR, 14 year pro, multiple time pro bowler | Part of original SFL roster
Vanden Bosch ends his SFL career tied for 1st all time in sacks with 123
Career stats include: 123 Sacks, 570 Tackles, 114 Tackles for Loss, 9 Forced Fumbles, 5 Fumble Recoveries
DE Tyler Brayton
35 years old, 76 OVR, 12 year pro, multiple time pro bowler | Oriignally drafted 2.19 by the Miami Dolphins in the 2003 SFL draft
Career stats include: 85 Sacks, 404 Tackles, 75 Tackles for Loss, 12 Forced Fumbles, 7 Fumble Recoveries
CB Nnamdi Asomugha
34 years old, 81 OVR, 12 year pro, multiple time pro bowler | Originally drafted 1.11 by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2003 SFL draft
Career stats include: 29 Interceptions, 601 Tackles, 31 Tackles for Loss, 7 Fumble Recoveries, 4 TD’s
CB Donald Strickland
34 years old, 79 OVR, 12 year prp | Originally drafted 2.3 by the Houston Texans in the 2003 SFL draft
Career stats include: 27 Interceptions, 562 Tackles, 31 Tackles for Loss
2016 Restructure
MLB Jonathan Bostic- Restructures for 7 years at $36.04 M with a signing bonus of $14.42 M. The contract is schedule to pay Bostic $3.99 M this season followed by seasons of $4.36 M, $4.84 M, $5.46 M, $6.27 M, $7.33 M and $8.75 M in the final year of the deal. Bostic is coming off a year where he was named not just a Pro Bowler but an All Pro. There’s no doubt as long as he stays healthy he will be at the top of the league when it comes to defensive production.
2016 Resign
WR Maurice Stovall- Resigns for 2 years at $9.22 M with a signing bonus of $1.56 M. The contract is schedule to pay the SFL veteran WR $4.18 M this season and $5.04 M next season. The 31 year old is well into regression but still boasts a 6’5” & 220# frame with 98 AWR, 88 SPD, 88 ACC, 84 CTH and 66 STR. Stovall broke the career 10,000 yard receiving threshold last year. He needs 5 receptions to break into the top 20 all time (currently sits at 611)and 134 yards (currently sits at 10,013) to break into the top 20 receiving all time receiving yards. Staying with the top 20 theme, he needs just 1 TD (currently sits at 73) to break the top 20 all time receiving TD’s.
2016 Match Eligible
QB Kevin Kolb- 31 years old, 85 OVR
Kolb is now in his second season of regression but he still sits as one of the best backup QB’s in the SFL. His attributes currently include 86 AWR, 89 THP & 89 THA.
2016 Players Not Resigned and Entering Free Agency
RE Julius Peppers- 91 OVR, 36 years old
MLB Odell Thurman- 92 OVR, 33 years old
CB Alan Zemaiis- 81 OVR, 33 years old
CB David Irons- 84 OVR, 32 years old
RT Sebastian Vollmer- 84 OVR, 32 years old
ROLB Johnny Baldwin- 89 OVR, 31 years old
Trades
LOLB Aaron Brown- 87 OVR, 27 years old, 6’3”, 248# & 4 year pro
This trade took Bucs Nation by surprise and rightfully so. Last season GM Mellon spent 75K AP to reassign Brown to a 7 year restructure in an attempt to make sure the LB core of Jonathan Bostic, Nico Johnson, Aldon Smith and Brown would stay together. GM Mellon though was said to be wanting to experiment with a 43 defense and will move Nico Johnson to LOLB during this trial. In exchange for Brown, GM Breck and the Indianapolis Colts sent GM Mellon and the Bucs the 20th pick in this year’s SFL draft. The trade of Brown will cost the Buce $6.18 M towards the 2017 salary cap.
RT Michael Oher- 92 OVR, 30 years old, 6’4”, 309# & 7 year pro
GM Mellon sent Oher, who has been one of the best RT’s in the SFL since coming to Tampa Bay from Detroit to GM AC and the Philadelphia Eagles. GM Mellon also sent the Bucs 2017 7th rd draft pick where as the Eagles and GM AC sent the Houston Texans 7th round draft pick this year and the Eagles 2nd round draft pick in 2017.
Updated 6/27/23 @ 12:20 AM: WR Jordy Nelson- 93 OVR, 30 years old, 6'2", 217# & 8 year pro
GM Mellon sent Nelson, the Bucs 2017 4th round pick and the Bucs 5th round pick to GM AF and the Dallas Cowboys for CB PJ Williams, pick 3.5 (originally of the Washington Redskins), the Cowboys 2017 6th round pick and the Cowboys 2017 7th round pick. Nelson's loss will be felt but the Bucs needed to get a bit younger at WR since Nelson is 30 years old, Taylor Price is 29 years old and Maurice Stovall is 31 years old. Even though he entered regression this season, Nelson still boasts 97 SPD, 94 AGI, 93 ACC, 98 CTH & 82 AWR. He will wreck havoc for defenses while providing Cowboys QB Mike Glennon a reliable veteran target. This move currently allows Bucs sophomore WR Sammie Coates to rise to WR1 on the Bucs depth chart and allows veteran and longtime starter Maurice Stovall to be the teams WR3. This could always be shaken up during the draft where it has been projected the Bucs will be taking a WR with their first draft pick. CB PJ Williams is a South Florida fav favorite as he played college football at Florida State University. Williams was drafted by the Cowboys with the 4th pick in the 2015 SFL draft. Williams did not play much in 2015 but did manage to make 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, allowed 1 catch and deflected 1 pass. His attributes currently include 95 SPD, 92 AGI, 99 ACC, 55 AWR, 63 STR, 65 CTH, 86 JMP and 72 TAK. Williams is 2016 training camp eligible and is also eligible to be mentored this year as well. If GM Mellon does not draft a CB early in the draft Williams would be an option to be chosen as the teams mentee, as long as the team could sign a CB mentor.
Current 2016 Draft Picks
1.16 (Org Green Bay Packers)
1.20 (Org Cleveland Browns)
3.05 (Org Washington Redskins)
7.04 (Org Jacksonville Jaguars)
7.15 (Org New York Giants)
7.19 (Org Houston Texans)
7.22 (Org Dallas Cowboys)
7.29 (Tampa Bay)
Current 2017 Draft Picks
1st (Bucs)
2nd (Bucs)
2nd (Eagles)
3rd (Bucs)
6th (Bucs)
6th (Cowboys)
7th (Cowboys) |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Mellon on 06/25/2023)
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Replies - 10 :: Views - 246 |
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2015 Tampa Bay Bucs Team Updates |
Welcome to the 2015 SFL Season
GM Mellon recently made if official; he is coming back for another season with the Tampa Bay Bucs. The last couple of seasons have been successful yet interesting ones for GM Mellon and the Bucs. The have totaled 20 regular season victories, 2 playoff victories and 1 division title but have needed to go 15-1 in the second half of those seasons to do it. That is right, we are not quite sure if it was noticed or not but the Bucs have lost only 1 game in the second half of the last two seasons. GM Mellon says that while the record at the end of week 17 is what counts, the team must improve upon their recent first half records to have a chance of making the playoffs in 2015. A playoff appearance is what the goal of 2015 is. This is a lofty goal with the emergence of the 2014 division winning Carolina Panthers and GM Phil Mellon, a hot seat GM Garth Pearce and Atlanta Falcons and the always competitive GM Nate Jones and New Orleans Saints.
2015 Retirees
SS/FS Tank Williams
Williams, an SFL original rostered player retired at 34 years old and 12 years pro. He had a great career SFL as a SS/FS. While not confirmed his career tackles, tackles for loss, forced fumble and interception totals have to be near the top of career totals by a SS/FS. (Williams career tackles looks to be perhaps the 2nd highest ever for a SS/FS, behind only Ed Reed.) Williams was n SFL pro bowler with career stats that included 689 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 15 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 20 interceptions and 146 deflections. His 2002 season with the Tennessee Titans may have been his best as he had 62 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions.
WR Drew Carter
Carter, drafted with the 4th overall pick in the 2004 SFL draft retired at 33 years olds and 10 years pro. Carter was a multi time pro bowler (at least two time)who retires being in the elite of many WR career SFL stats including: 9th in receiving yards with 10,806, 10th in catches with 654, 19th in receiving TD’s with 76 and 20th in yards after catch with 1979. He had many great years but his 2011 season with the St Louis Rams may have been his best when he had 95 catches, 1416 yards and 10 TD’s.
CB Joey Thomas
Thomas, drafted with the 9th overall pick in the 2004 SFL draft also retired at the age of 34. Thomas retires with career stats that include: 462 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 30 interceptions and 143 deflections. His best year, arguably was in 2007 for the Philadelphia Eagles when he finished with 73 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions and a pair of defensive TD’s.
2015 Resign
ROLB Aldon Smith- 5 years at $37.46M with a signing bonus of $9.9M.
Smith, already a multi time SFL pro bowler after being just 23 years old will be part of the Bucs LB corp for several years to come. His new contract will pay him $5.03M this season followed by years of $5.94M, $7.13M, $8.68M and $10.68M in the 5th and final year of the deal. In his four SFL seasons he has totaled 290 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions.
2015 Match Eligible
CB Antrel Rolle- contract not known yet
GM Mellon does not expect Rolle to receive a match eligible offer from another SFL GM meaning the Bucs will be able to sign Rolle to any contract he is agreeable to. Basically this equals an additional restructure. Rolle, the 10 year SFL veteran drafted 9th overall in 2005, has career numbers which include 579 tackles, 28 tackle for loses, 7 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 34 interceptions, 194 deflections and 7 career defensive TD’s. Even at 33 and aggressive SFL regression he has attributes which include 86 SPD, 96 AWR, 85 ACC and 78 CTH
Early Trades
GM Mellon sent MLB Frank Zombo, CB Fred Bennett and Pick 2.30 (originally of the Arizona Cardinals) to GM Wade Pearce and the Houston Texans for MLB Nico Johnson, CB Patrick Lee and pick 4.23 (originally of the New York Giants) . GM Mellon loves the idea of bringing in MLB Johnson, who is more athletic (but no were near as football smart) as MLB Zombo to pair with MLB Jonathan Bostic. GM Mellon hated the idea of losing CB Fred Bennett though. The 29 year old Bennett has 6 progression points to use which means along with progression points he will continue to each he may never go below 99 AWR. Details of each player involved in the trade include: MLB Nico Johnson- 25 years old, drafted 15th overall by the Houston Texans in 2013. He will count $0 against the Bucs salary cap this year and next. He is 6’2”, 248 # with attributes that include 88 SPD, 76 STR, 72 AWR, 85 AGI, 89 ACC & 90 TAK. | MLB Frank Zombo- 26 years old, drafted with the 5th pick of the 4th round in the 2010 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He has an amazingly team friendly 5 year contact that will pay him $1.55M this year followed by seasons of $1.81M, $2.12M, $2.47M and $2.89M in the final year. His attributes include 85 SPD, 65 STR, 90 AWR, 83 AGI, 85 ACC and 85 TAK.| CB Patrick Lee- 29 years old, drafted with the 6th pick of the 5th round in the 2008 SFL draft by the Houston Texans. Lee is in the final year of his contract which will cost GM Mellon and the Bucs a somewhat hefty $4.54M. Currently, Lee is expected to make the Bucs regular season roster as a DCB and/or maybe see time as FS2 and /or SS2. Lee’s attributes include 88 SPD, 62 STR, 74 AWR, 96 AGI, 95 ACC and 94 JMP. | CB Fred Bennett- 29 years old, drafted with the 21st pick of the 3rd round in the 2007 SFL Draft by GM Paul Crisswell and the Tampa Bay Bucs. Bennett is a multiple time pro bowl CB who has two years of a pretty teams friendly contract wich pay him$3.18M this season and $4.15M next season. Bennett has 6 progression point to go along with current attributes of 90 SPD, 99 AWR, 90 AGI and 92 ACC.
GM Mellon sent pick 5.18 (Tampa Bay Bucs) to GM Anthony Fernandez and the Dallas Cowboys for picks 6.13 (Dallas Cowboys), pick 7.03 (New York Jets) and pick 7.13 (Dallas Cowboys). While GM Mellon understands the Cowboys will get a better quality player out of this deal, it provided the Bucs the ability to draft and sign some inexpensive roster fillers.
GM Mellon sent multi time pro bowler RG Marcus McNeil to GM Peter Fenger and the San Francisco 49’ers in exchange for pick 3.28 (originally owned by the Buffalo Bills).McNeil was drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2006 SFL draft by the Bucs GM Paul Criswell. McNeil is set to earn a respectful $4.34 M this season, the last of his current contracts. McNeil, 30 years and a 9 year pro still has attributes consisting of 60 SPD, 92 AWR, 68 AGI, 74 ACC, 91 PBK and 98 RBK. McNeil, up until now has played his entire career with the Bucs and totaled 604 pancakes.
Pre Free Agency Trade Block
RB Legarette Blount- Asking price: 6th round pick
27 years old, 6'2" 247#, low salary of $570K
WR Craig Davis- Asking price: Any pick
30 year old, 6'2", 92 SPD, 92 ACC, 75 AWR
Off Season Releases
None yet- updates to come
Current Draft Picks
2.22 | Org from New England Patriots
3.28 | Org from Buffalo Bills
4.23 | Org from New York Giants
6.13 | Org from Dallas Cowboys
7.02 | Org from New York Jets
7.13 | Org from Dallas Cowboys |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Mellon on 03/05/2023)
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Replies - 15 :: Views - 235 |
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At A Glance
| NFC South |
| RNK |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
PCT |
DIV |
| #8 |
 y-Buccaneers |
10-6-0 |
0.625 |
3-3 |
| #21 |
 Falcons |
8-8-0 |
0.500 |
4-2 |
| #19 |
 Panthers |
7-9-0 |
0.438 |
3-3 |
| #31 |
 Saints |
6-10-0 |
0.375 |
2-4 |
| BUCCANEERS SCHEDULE |
| Preseason |
| WK |
DATE |
OPPONENT |
SCOUT/RESULT |
| P1 |
Fri |
vs  Patriots #25 |
Match-up |
| P2 |
Sat |
at  Jaguars #26 |
Match-up |
| P3 |
Sat |
at  Dolphins #10 |
Match-up |
| P4 |
Thu |
vs  Texans #16 |
Match-up |
| Regular Season |
| 1 |
Sun |
at  Seahawks #9 |
|
| 2 |
Sun |
vs Saints #31 |
|
| 3 |
Sun |
vs  Rams #18 |
|
| 4 |
Sun |
at Panthers #19 |
|
| 5 |
Sun |
at  Colts #7 |
|
| 6 |
Sun |
vs  Titans #4 |
|
| 7 |
Sun |
at  Lions #6 |
|
| 8 |
Sun |
vs Jaguars #26 |
|
| 9 |
Sun |
vs  Cardinals #22 |
|
| 11 |
Sun |
at Falcons #21 |
|
| 12 |
Sun |
vs  Redskins #27 |
|
| 13 |
Sun |
at Saints #31 |
|
| 14 |
Sun |
at Texans #16 |
|
| 15 |
Sun |
vs Falcons #21 |
|
| 16 |
Sun |
at  49ers #1 |
|
| 17 |
Sun |
vs Panthers #19 |
|
|
