Hangover City; Time to set our sights, expectations, on Gerald McCoy

by Niko Houllis on Dec 21, 2009 10:00 AM EST

McCoy's ability to line up in the three technique could have Bucs fans forgetting all about Ndomekong Suh, unless the Lions win again.

Now that the Bucs are probably picking third, its time to get over the idea that Ndomekong Suh will fall to our laps. Its very possible that the St. Louis Rams will pick a Quarterback, as a franchise guy is needed there in an age of Quarterbacks league wide. Not only that, but the Rams have taken 2 defensive linemen out of the last three drafts. But slip one past the Lions too? Detroit is coached by former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who understands the importance of a dominant DT, see Albert Haynesworth. It is unlikely Detroit will pass on Suh, and it is equally unlikely the Bucs will pick ahead of Detroit in the first round in the event of a tie.

But it is not all bad news. Gerald McCoy is considered a cant miss defensive tackle too, one who also, like Suh, excels at running out of the Three Technique, something needed to play the DT position with the Tampa Two like Warren Sapp used to.

Check out this video of McCoy, then the write up your comments on it. Keeping in mind with all the juniors entering this years draft because its probably the last chance for rookies to get huge paydays, the draft is considered RICH in legit defensive talent, and WRs. Several teams will score Big, the Bucs probably among them with three picks in the first two rounds, including a second round pick from the Bears for Gaines Adams, a move now looking sheer genius.

Our own draft guy Craig T will be starting his draft coverage soon! So expect even more info on three guys that will be asked to help rebuild the Bucs into winners again!

- Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the No. 3 overall ranked prospect for 2011 by NFLDraftScout.com, will forgo his senior year of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft. The 6-4, 298-pound McCoy is ranked behind only Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry and teammate quarterback Sam Bradford, who are both expected to declare for the draft as well. "I made the decision around mid-season when I knew that I would have enough credits to graduate," McCoy said through the school's website. "Graduation was my main goal and once I knew I had that accomplished, I wanted to look at playing in the NFL." McCoy was scheduled to go through graduation ceremonies Friday night and plans to graduate with a Human Relations degree after completing online courses this spring. His play is reminiscent of former Oklahoma State defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who is now a Pro Bowl player for the Minnesota Vikings. McCoy lines up at the three-technique position when Oklahoma plays a four-man front and moves out to shade either side of the right tackle in a 3-4 alignment. That sort of versatility endears him to NFL defensive coordinators relying on either front as their base look. McCoy also plays nearly every snap, constantly pushing his man toward the quarterback on pass plays and chasing down ballcarriers against the run. His combination of size, stamina and agility are hard to find at his position. If there's one negative to his game, it may be that McCoy plays too tall on occasion, losing leverage against double teams or when man-up against stronger interior linemen. But that can be improved through work and coaching at the next level, and won't prevent him from being picked early in the first round. With Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay and others looking for defensive line help, it would be hard to see McCoy drop out of the top 10. - Chad Reuter, The SportsXchange, NFLDraftScout.com

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Comments

I prefer Berry

but I wouldn’t complain if McCoy were picked. I’d be excited about either pick.

When life gives you lemons, draft Suh.

by aakks on Dec 21, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions

Eric Berry. Yeah. He’s scary.

by awhite41 on Dec 21, 2009 12:01 PM EST reply actions

I agree

If we can’t get Ndamukong Suh, I want Eric Berry.

Hey man! D'you touch my drumset?

by captainfear88 on Dec 21, 2009 12:44 PM EST reply actions

Its a little early to lock ourselves into the 3 hole isn't it?

by kurby on Dec 21, 2009 12:57 PM EST reply actions

This is true.

Hey man! D'you touch my drumset?

by captainfear88 on Dec 21, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

Detroit could win another game

They have Chicago at home the last week of the season…

by CelticPride on Dec 21, 2009 1:30 PM EST reply actions

and if Det won that game it would a double win for us

if we dont win our last 2 games and they beat Chicago, we get back in the 2 slot and our 2nd round pick would also move up

the question master

by thedudeofdudes on Dec 21, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

Funny you wrote that, When I left this morning I put an article about that to go off at three pm!

Your absolutely correct. Thats a huge game.

Go Rams! en-dom-e-ken in 2010!

by Niko Houllis on Dec 21, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

Defense and Oklahoma is like oil and water, doesn't mix. Scary pick for me.

by bucnut1 on Dec 21, 2009 1:39 PM EST reply actions

Recorded and watched both McCoy and Suh in th OK/Neb game last month.

I was most impressed with Suh, just due to his strength as well as speed, but McCoy isn’t a slouch either. He’s more of a penetrating DT, with really good balance for a big guy. Neb. OL consistently tried to cut him, but he was very adept at maintaining his balance and pursuing the ball carrier/QB. With TJ back at safety, a tandem of he and Berry would be deadly as well. Should be a fun April. Almost as curious what we’ll do personnel wise (Caddy, Clayton, Bryant, etc.) as I am of what we’ll do in the draft.

by FLBoy84 on Dec 21, 2009 2:11 PM EST reply actions

With an early 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks, I wouldn’t count out the Bucs taking one of their 2nd rounders along with a 3rd rounder to trade up to get another 1st round pick around 15-20 in the draft (according to the trade value chart.) This way they could get someone in the top 3, top 15-20 and top 35, but lose their 67th pick. Don’t know if this is a serious possibility, just putting it out there…

by Greghar on Dec 21, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions

I think we want _more_ picks not fewer

I’d rather we trade our Number 3 (or whatever) pick down and pick up a late first and another 2nd. I was unhappy that we didn’t do this last year with Freeman. I have no problem with them deciding that Freeman was their guy. But I didn’t hear anyone else who was going to draft him in the same pick range we were. – Hence we should have traded down, gotten extra picks and still gotten our guy.

by CelticPride on Dec 22, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions