Admittedly, there aren’t a lot of great options among our prop possibilities this week. But here are three we found using SISBets.com. We had a rough week last week, missing on all four of our selections but hopefully these will get us headed in the right direction.
1) Ryan Tannehill, under 20.5 completions, -130.
Tannehill has been without his two favorite receivers, A.J. Brown and Julio Jones for most of the second half of the season and it has shown in his passing totals. Brown hasn’t played since Week 11 and Jones has barely played since Week 9. Tannehill has cracked the 21-completion mark just twice in his last six games and one time was against a bad Houston Texans’ defense. The 49ers defense rushes the quarterback well and has been improving as they have gotten healthier.
SIS data projects Tannehill to throw 28.2 times and complete just 18.7 for 206.9 yards.
2) George Kittle, over 5.5 receptions, -130.
Kittle is a top-three tight end and since returning to the lineup from an injury has been dominant. In the last three games he’s seen 33 targets and caught 28 for 425 yards and three scores.
SIS analysis expects him to see 9.4 targets and catch 6.8 for 83.7 yards against a Titans pass defense which ranks 20th in yards allowed.
3) Jimmy Garoppolo, over 1.5 rushing yards, -115.
Garoppolo doesn’t run much, but he has run for more than 1.5 yards in six of the past eight games. Our data projects he’ll run 2.4 times for 8.8 yards against Tennessee well above the two yards needed for the over.
*Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Sports Info Solutions has been an innovator in the collection and analysis of sports data for almost two decades. SIS specializes in baseball, football, and basketball data, using professional scouting practices to collect the most detailed and accurate information in both sports. Their data can be found in the majority of team front offices, and on websites such as FanGraphs and Football Outsiders.
Instead of one Thursday night game, the NFL has provided a juicy three-game Saturday schedule for your enjoyment. Unfortunately, there are a lot of question marks for the Houston-Tampa Bay contest which limits our options in the opener, but we have found a number of favorable odds for you to take advantage in the final two games.
The following props are evaluated using SISBets.com (registered users get 10 free queries).
Our overall record is 25-21, including 4-0, 3-1, 3-1, 4-0 in four of the last eight weeks (we went 0-3 last week). Let’s see if we can fix the recent slide! Odds from ParxCasino.com.
1) Cooper Kupp, under 4.5 receptions, +105
Kupp has been targeted less often as the season has progressed, seeing an average of 10.9 targets through Week 8, but just 5.5 targets since. And in the first meeting between the two teams on October 13, he managed just four catches for 17 yards as the 49ers defense dominated the Rams offense. SIS analysis predicts just 3.5 receptions for the Rams slot receiver making a fair price -264, but we are getting +105.
2) George Kittle, over 5.5 receptions, -137
Kittle is coming off his best game of the season catching 13-of-17 targets. He’s caught at least six balls in five of the last six games and nine of 12 this season. In the first meeting with the Rams, he caught all eight targets that came in his direction. SIS data is expecting another big effort from Kittle, with 10.2 targets, 7.1 receptions and 91.9 yards. A fair price should be -247, but it’s currently just -137.
3) Tom Brady, over 20.5 completions, -127
The Patriots running games has been mostly nonexistent this season, which is why Tom Brady will likely finish the season with more than 600 passing attempts. As long as Julian Edelman is active, Brady will continue to fire early and often. He’s completed 20 or more passes in 10-of-15 games this season and our analysis predicts 37.4 passing attempts and 23.3 completions, covering the number easily. The fair price is -246, so it’s a bargain at -127.
4) Cameron Brate, score a touchdown, +425
The Buccaneers are running out of pass catchers. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller will all be watching from the sidelines. That leaves wideout Breshad Perriman and a pair of tight ends, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate, as the primary options. Brate has a history of getting into the end zone, having scored 20 times from 2016-2018. Brate scored on 16% of his receptions over that span and will be a solid option for Jameis Winston in Week 16. SIS data predicts 5.6 targets and 3.7 catches with a 39% chance of scoring. That means a fair price is +203, but we are getting +425.
5) Cole Beasley, score a touchdown, +450.
Beasley has become a touchdown scorer in Buffalo, having reached the end zone in six of the last nine Bills games. He has a great chance to add to the total in Week 16 as he should see plenty of work with deep threat John Brown likely to be covered by the Patriots top CB Stephon Gilmore. When the two teams played in September, Beasley saw 13 targets and caught seven balls. While he probably won’t see that many targets this time around, SIS data still shows a 37% chance to score. Take the +450.
Sports Info Solutions has been an innovator in the collection and analysis of sports data for almost two decades. SIS specializes in baseball and football data, using professional scouting practices to collect the most detailed and accurate information in both sports. Their data can be found in the majority of team front offices, and on websites such as Fangraphs and Football Outsiders.
Quarterback Touchdown Passes
——————————————
Deshaun Watson, 1.5, odds not listed
Jameis Winston, 1.5, odds not listed
Josh Allen, 0.5, over -200/under +160
Tom Brady, 1.5, over +117/under -148
Jared Goff, 1.5, over +110/under -137
Jimmy Garoppolo, 1.5, over -121/under -103
Quarterback Interceptions
———————————–
Deshaun Watson, 0.5, odds not listed
Jameis Winston, 0.5, odds not listed
Josh Allen, 0.5, over -137/under +110
Tom Brady, 0.5, over -109/under -115
Jared Goff, 0.5, over -167/under +135
Jimmy Garoppolo, 0.5, over -124/under +100
Quarterback Completions
———————————-
Deshaun Watson, not listed
Jameis Winston, not listed
Josh Allen, 17.5 completions, over -103/under -141
Tom Brady, 20.5 completions, over -127/under -113
Jared Goff, not listed
Jimmy Garoppolo, 21.5 completions, over -103/under -140
Touchdown Scorers
Houston Texans
———————
DeAndre Hopkins -106
Carlos Hyde +120
Will Fuller +130
Kenny Stills +180
Deshaun Watson +225
Duke Johnson +260
Darren Fells +325
Tampa Bay
—————
Ronald Jones +150
Breshad Perriman +145
Peyton Barber +200
Justin Watson +210
O.J. Howard +240
Cameron Brate +425
Dare Ogunbowale +375
Jameis Winston +800
Buffalo
———
John Brown +350
Devin Singletary +220
Josh Allen +250
Cole Beasley +450
Frank Gore +450
New England Patriots
—————————-
Julian Edelman +200
Sony Michel +110
James White +225
Rex Burkhead +325
Mohamed Sanu +350
N’Keal Harry +450
Tom Brady +650
Los Angeles Rams
————————
Brandin Cooks +325
Todd Gurley -106
Cooper Kupp +225
Robert Woods +275
Malcolm Brown +325
Tyler Higbee +325
Gerald Everett +375
Jared Goff +850
San Francisco
——————
Raheem Mostert +110
George Kittle +130
Emmanuel Sanders +180
Deebo Samuel +180
Matt Breida +285
Tevin Coleman +300
Kendrick Bourne +325
Jimmy Garoppolo +800
Total Receptions
———————-
Buffalo at New England –
James White, 4.5 receptions, over +100/under -125
Cole Beasley, 4.5 receptions, over +121/under -152
John Brown, 3.5 receptions, over -122/under -103
Los Angeles at San Francisco –
Deebo Samuel, 3.5 receptions, over +105/under -130
Emmanuel Sanders, 3.5 receptions, over -155/under +125
Cooper Kupp, 4.5 receptions, over -130/under +105
Robert Woods, 4.5 receptions, over -148/under +117
George Kittle, 5.5 receptions, over -137/under +110
Former NFL scout Matt Manocherian (@mattmano) of Sports Info Solutions and football analytics pioneer Aaron Schatz (@FO_ASchatz) of Football Outsiders (@fboutsiders) welcome FO Assistant Editor Vincent Verhei (@FO_VVerhei) to the show to preview Week 10 of the NFL season. The trio discusses the latest Antonio Brown drama (0:41) and previews the most important games of the week: Seahawks-49ers (4:04), Panthers-Packers (15:52) and Vikings-Cowboys (19:29).
Week 9 begins in Arizona where the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers look to keep their record clean against an improving Arizona Cardinals squad. Be sure to check the status of star running back David Johnson (ankle) before doing anything. He’s missed all but three snaps in the past two games and I don’t expect him to be in this one either, but a late change could have an effect on some prop bets.
Props are evaluated using SISBets.com – our overall record is 15-9, including 4-0 and 3-1 the last two weeks (the only wrong pick was a longshot on whether Case Keenum would score a touchdown). Odds from ParxCasino.com
1) Jimmy Garoppolo, 18.5 completions, over -139.
Garoppolo hasn’t cracked the 18-completion mark in either of the last two games, but I’m blaming extenuating circumstances more than the quarterback. A monsoon in Washington led to little passing and an easy shutout win and last Sunday an early 21-point burst made passing an afterthought. In his first five games, he averaged 20.4 completions. The SISbets data makes a fair value at -330 on this prop bet and we are only paying -139.
2) Kenyan Drake, score a touchdown +260.
The newest Cardinals back will get some immediate work because he’s the most talented of what remains after injuries to Johnson (ankle) and Chase Edmonds (hamstring). It’s Drake or last week’s signings Zach Zenner and Alfred Morris. Our numbers say Drake should be +150, but here we are getting much more than that at +260.
3) Kyler Murray, 0.5 interceptions, under +134.
Murray has gone four consecutive games without throwing an interception after throwing four in the first four games. He learns quickly. He’ll likely be under a heavy rush for the 49ers front line in this one, but that just means he won’t be throwing late over the middle which frequently is a very bad thing for under bettors. Instead he’ll use his legs after the first read and run. Run Kyler run! We make fair market value at -122 and we are getting +134.
4) Jimmy Garoppolo, 1.5 touchdown passes, under +133.
“Jimmy G” has just nine touchdown passes in seven games and even throwing out the monsoon game in Week 7, he’s still averaging just 1.5 touchdown passes per game. Meanwhile, the undefeated 49ers have rushed for 13 scores on the ground this season. We make a fair number at -110, but we are getting +133 here. Take it.
Sports Info Solutions has been an innovator in the collection and analysis of sports data for almost two decades. SIS specializes in baseball and football data, using professional scouting practices to collect the most detailed and accurate information in both sports. Their data can be found in the majority of team front offices, and on websites such as Fangraphs and Football Outsiders.
Quarterback Touchdown Passes
——————————————
Jimmy Garoppolo, 1.5, over -167/under +133
Kyler Murray, 1.5, over +168/under -215
Quarterback Interceptions
———————————–
Jimmy Garoppolo, 0.5, over -112/under -112
Kyler Murray, 0.5, over -167/under +134
Quarterback Completions
———————————-
Jimmy Garoppolo, 18.5 completions, over -139/under +112
Kyler Murray, 20.5 completions, over -106/under -118
The Patriots are again one of the NFL’s top teams. Not something that’s surprising to anyone, but the way in which they’re doing it has madeheadlines.
The Patriots’ defense has been other-worldly this season, ranking first by an assortment of metrics: points allowed, yards per play, total yards allowed (among teams that have played six games), turnovers forced, Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt (ANY/A), and pretty much any other stat you can find on Pro-Football Reference. In fact, the Patriots are so good that they’re actually forcing turnovers on a higher percentage of drives (20%) than they’re allowing the opposing team to score (6%).
Even when looking at more advanced metrics, the Patriots still come out on top. A good way to measure performance is through Expected Points, specifically looking at Expected Points Added (EPA) per 60 plays. By this metric, the Patriots have still been the top defense, but their gap at the top is narrower than some might’ve thought.
2019 EPA Allowed Per 60 Plays Leaders
Team
EPA Allowed Per 60 Plays
Patriots
-22.2
49ers
-19.8
Bills
-9.6
Titans
-6.0
Vikings
-5.4
A negative number here is good for the defense, indicating the offense was losing an average of 22.2 Expected Points every time they ran a game’s worth of plays against the Patriots defense. However, the 49ers are right there with them, with both enjoying a large lead over the rest of the league.
However, there is still a notable factor being left out of this analysis. The Patriots have played one of the easiest schedules in the league, feasting on the likes of the Steelers (2-4), Dolphins (0-5), Jets (1-4), Redskins (1-5) and Giants (2-4). Has their defense actually been as good as the number show, or have they just played bad teams that have inflated their numbers?
To determine this, we can look at what the Patriots’ opponents have done in their games against teams other than the Patriots.
For example, the Jets averaged -28.8 EPA per 60 plays against the Patriots, but they’ve averaged -15.0 EPA per 60 plays in the rest of their games against the Bills, Browns, Eagles and Cowboys. With those numbers, we could say that the Patriots were 13.8 points better than an “average” team was against the Jets (the Jets have likely not played an exactly “average” schedule, but in the aggregate among all teams it should be close enough).
All of the Patriots’ opponents this season have combined to average -5.4 EPA per 60 plays in their games against teams that weren’t the Patriots, which ends up being the second-lowest mark by a team (the Cowboys’ opponents have averaged -7.2 EPA per 60 plays). If we take the Patriots’ overall number (-22.2) and compare it against their opponents’ average (-5.4), we see that the Patriots’ defense was 16.8 points better than an average team. Doing this for all teams, we can produce an opponent-adjusted leaderboard that should provide a better answer to the question of which defense has reigned supreme in the NFL so far this season.
2019 EPA Allowed Per 60 Plays Leaders Adjusted for Opponent
Team
EPA Allowed Per 60 Plays
Opponent Avg EPA Per 60 Plays
Diff
49ers
-19.8
-1.8
-18.0
Patriots
-22.2
-5.4
-16.8
Panthers
-5.4
3.6
-9.0
Titans
-6.0
1.8
-7.8
Steelers
-4.2
3.0
-7.2
Three of the top five teams remain the same, but there is a new leader—the San Francisco 49ers. After adjusting for the teams they’ve played, the 49ers have actually stifled their opponents more so than the Patriots, despite trailing behind them in the raw numbers (albeit slightly). The Patriots are a close second, so it’d be improper to say their defense hasn’t been great. However, it’s clear that the two teams comprise a top-two rather than the Patriots sitting alone at the top.
For more advanced NFL stats, visit the SIS DataHub and for more information about Sports Info Solutions, visit our website.
At Sports Info Solutions, our Video Scouts chart FBS and NFL football games 40 hours a week. They chart every play of every game in extraordinary detail, becoming experts in team’s tendencies and concepts. So, who better to ask about what to watch for in this weeks upcoming NFL games? This season we will be providing weekly NFL previews of key matchups with insight straight from our Video Scouts and stats from the SIS DataHub Pro.
New England Patriots @ Washington Redskins – 10/6 1:00 ET
Stephen Marciello, SIS Football Video Scout:
After giving up their first touchdown from scrimmage last week against the Bills, the Patriots defense will face the Redskins, who just named . LB Jamie Collins, who became an afterthought on the Cleveland Browns defense, has returned to the Patriots and become arguably the most versatile player on the roster. Collins played 100% of the defensive snaps last week, as well as over 70% of the special teams snaps. Collins already has a career high 3 interceptions, is nearing a career high with 3.5 sacks, and has scored a defensive touchdown.
Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants – 10/6 1:00 ET
Andrew McKeon, SIS Football Video Scout:
While it was just against the lowly Redskins, the Giants defense has some momentum to carry over into week five against the Vikings. With Kirk Cousins’ struggles along with the coming out party of Dalvin Cook this season, expect the Giants to stack the box this week and play a lot of man coverage on the outside, leaving their DBs on islands, and forcing Cousins to beat them instead.
Dalvin Cook vs. Giants Defense on Runs Into a Stacked Box
Player
Attempts
Yds/Att
Yds After Contact / Att
Dalvin Cook
34
6.4
4.1
Vs. Giants Defense
34
2.3
1.4
Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans – 10/6 1:00 ET
Kendall Mirsky, SIS Football Video Scout:
Watch for Bills TE Dawson Knox this week with Patrick DiMarco possibly sidelined with a concussion. If DiMarco does not play, the Bills will be forced to decide if Knox has shown enough as a run blocker to be put in the backfield as a lead blocker in addition to his tight end duties. The Titans have a particularly strong secondary, so the Bills will want to keep the ball on the ground, especially if Josh Allen is not playing. If not, the Bills may have to avoid offensive play calls that require a lead blocker from the backfield. This could alter the game because of the Bills offensive consistency on the ground and inconsistencies in the passing game.
Bills 2019 Rushing Success with and without a Lead Blocker
Lead Blocker
Attempts
EPA / Att
No
77
-0.02
Yes
20
0.07
Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers – 10/6 4:05 ET
Will Osgood, SIS Football Video Scout:
The Broncos have been struggling to get their pass rush going so far this season. Now with Bradley Chubb out for the season, look for Philip Rivers and the Chargers to drop back early and often, even though they have struggled some in pass protection. If the Chargers can keep Von Miller from wreaking havoc on his own, Keenan Allen should continue his electric start to the 2019 campaign.
Cleveland Browns @ San Francisco 49ers – 10/7 8:15 ET
Cyril Zachary Penn, SIS Football Video Scout:
The 49ers rank ninth overall on offense by Positive% (the percentage of plays that result in a positive EPA). Yet, they’ve ran the second-fewest plays in the NFL, ahead of only the Jets. Keeping up that efficiency will be difficult on Monday night, as they square up with their toughest opponent thus far. But with two full weeks of preparation, Kyle Shanahan should have the offense humming. The 49ers have been successful by dominating with a wide-zone attack and hitting on wide-open play-action concepts. If he can dial up a few big plays against Cleveland, San Francisco could start 4-0 for the first time since 1990.
Play-Action Success, 49ers Offense vs. Browns Defense
With the free agency finally slowing down, all eyes are turning towards the draft. With that in mind we looked at how teams at the top of the draft have used free agency to bolster their records, and how it may affect their decision come draft day. Team need charts are based on SIS’s unique Total Points metric compared against the league average at each position.
Biggest acquisitions:
The Cardinals have been relatively busy already this offseason, but have yet to make a splash signing. Terrell Suggs and Jordan Hicks were arguably the two biggest signings for the team, both signed in an attempt to bolster a linebacker unit that struggled in 2018.
Hicks was solid against the run in 2018, but struggled in the pass game. On 28 targets Hicks allowed 22 catches for 271 yards and a touchdown. A QBR against of a little bit over 100. Using Total Points, Hicks ranked as the 98th best linebacker in pass coverage among players with at least 10 targets.
The soon-to-be-37 years old Suggs, while listed as a linebacker, will slot in on the edge, and despite his age he should still be able to add value to a pass rushing unit that actually fared pretty well in 2018.
Additional signings:
In terms of weapons for whoever the QB is in 2019, the Cardinals signed TE Charles Clay, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, and WR Kevin White, a rather uninspiring trio for a team lacking weapons and moving into a Kliff Kingsbury offense in 2019. The Cardinals also added a couple of offensive linemen in Max Garcia and Marcus Gilbert and defensive lineman Darius Philon.
What to expect in the draft:
The speculation of Murray to the Cardinals seemingly won’t go away, and while Rosen’s rookie season was nothing short of a disaster, it seems crazy to think they would move on from him only one year removed from moving into the top 10 to select him.
Compounding the intrigue, Cardinals defensive ends were one of only two position groups that put up numbers above the league average in 2018. Outside of Murray, the only player’s who have been mocked at the top of the draft are pass rushers, namely Nick Bosa and Josh Allen. Either of those players would provide an immediate impact and be an upgrade over current Cardinals pass rushers, but it still makes the pick all the more interesting.
Biggest acquisitions:
It has been a relatively quiet offseason so far for the 49ers outside of sending second round pick to Kansas City for Dee Ford, adding a star player in a position of need.
Ford was a force in 2018, generating 13 sacks and 72 pressures, good for 9th and 2nd best respectively. Additionally, his 6 forced fumbles also tied with J.J. Watt for the lead league. Overall, Ford was far and away the top rated pass rusher by Total Points 2018 with 37.7 Points Earned, outpacing the like of Frank Clark, Aaron Donald, and J.J. Watt.
The 49ers also gave a massive 4 year deal to former Bucs linebacker Kwon Alexander, worth $54 million, including $25.5 million guaranteed. Alexander is a young high upside linebacker, but is coming off of a torn ACL. The 49ers are betting he can return to his 2017 form when he had 96 combined tackles, including 6.5 for a loss.
Additional signings:
The 49ers did also add another playmaker to their offense in Tevin Coleman. The 49ers were able to get solid production from a committee of running backs last season, namely Matt Breida, Alfred Morris and Raheem Mostert. Coleman will join a crowded but talented backfield, including a newly healthy Jerrick McKinnon.
What to expect in the draft:
The 49ers will have their fingers crossed hoping that the Cardinals take Murray with the 1st overall pick, allowing them to take whoever is on the top of their big board. 49ers GM John Lynch has made it clear he plans to take the “best player available”.
That “best player” is very possibly another pass rusher to go alongside Dee Ford. Nick Bosa or Josh Allen lining up opposite of Ford would quickly turn an impotent pass rush from last year into one of the more dangerous tandems in the league.
Defensive tackle was also a position of weakness for the 49ers last year, and the recent acquisition of Ford may allow the 49ers to select Quinnen Williams, a player many view as the best in the draft (including our rookie handbook). The Outland Trophy winner was dominant against the run, leading the nation in tackles for non-positive yards, and his hurry rate when pass rushing was also far and away the best among college defensive tackles.
Biggest acquisitions:
The Jets have been among the biggest spenders in free agency this season, most notably inking Le’Veon Bell to a four-year deal. Bell’s year off certainly adds some question marks, but it seems more likely than not that Bell will again find himself among the best at the position. Our Bryce Rossler took a deeper dive on what Bell does well earlier this offseason.
The Jets also added LB C.J. Mosley. The former Raven was productive over the course of his rookie contract, particularly against the run. In 2018 Mosley had 101 combined tackles, including 4.5 for a loss. Mosley did struggle in pass coverage in 2018 though, allowing a QBR against of 100 on 39 targets. By SIS’s Points Saved metric Mosley ranked as the 40th best linebacker in pass coverage this past season.
Additional signings:
Some other notable transactions for the Jets include WR Jamison Crowder, who they are hoping can turn into a reliable target for Sam Darnold, and also WR Josh Bellamy.
What to expect in the draft:
After selecting their franchise QB in last years draft, the Jets will likely be taking the “best player available” approach with the No. 3 pick. This would likely be one of Nick Bosa, Josh Allen, or Quinnen Williams, all of whom would provide tremendous value at positions of need.
It is also likely that the Jets will be fielding offers from QB-needy teams, especially if Murray slides past the Cardinals. This could allow the Jets to recoup some of the assets they parted ways with last year to get Darnold, and depending on the suitor could still leave them in position to get either Greedy Williams or Deandre Baker. Gaining assets while also grabbing the best player at arguably their biggest position of need may be the best case scenario for the Jets.
Biggest acquisitions:
After trading away Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper during the season, it appeared the Raiders were entering a lengthy rebuilding period. By trading for Antonio Brown they made it abundantly clear that was not the case. Brown immediately slots in as the best playmaker on the team, and the number one option for Derek Carr. I have already done a more detailed analysis on this trade here.
The Raiders also gave a record setting contract to offensive tackle Trent Brown, fresh off a Super Bowl win and the best season of his career. By Total Points, Brown was the 4th highest rated offensive lineman, and was especially strong pass blocking, earning 4.4 of his 5.7 Points in the pass game.
Additional signings:
The Raiders also added more talent to their wide receiving core by adding the speedy Tyrell Williams, who should find himself as their No. 2 option. LaMarcus Joyner was also brought in to help bolster the secondary, and more recently the Raiders added LB Vontaze Burfict.
What to expect in the draft:
Even after a busy start to the offseason, the Raiders have needs just about everywhere. They also conveniently have three picks in the first round this year. While their have been fun rumors about Kyler Murray throwing to Antonio Brown, it would be surprising to see them do anything other than replace the Khalil Mack-sized hole in their pass rushing unit. Depending on what happens in the first three picks this may mean one of Montez Sweat or Clelin Ferrell, but a run on quarterbacks at the top of the draft could certainly shake things up.
Biggest acquisitions:
Because of cap concerns, the Bucs have been forced into an uneventful offseason. The honor of being their biggest signee likely belongs to LB Deone Bucannon.
Bucannon played well in his time under Arians in Arizona, and now get’s a chance to be re-united with the coach who made him a first round pick in 2018. A converted safety, Bucannon will likely play a similar hybrid type role that he flourished in during his time in Arizona. In 2017 (his last season with Arians), he had 82 combined tackles, allowed a QBR against of only 76 on 44 targets, limited quarterbacks to 5.6 yards per attempt, and scored two defensive touchdowns.
Additional signings:
Outside of Bucannon, the Bucs have mostly looked to add depth. Other signings for the Bucs include S Kentrell Brice, G Earl Watford, and LB Shaqil Barrett.
What to expect in the draft:
By Total Points, the Bucs weaknesses aren’t quite as glaring as the rest of the top 5, but this is at least in some respects due to some Fitz-Magic early in the season. It is also worth noting that the future of their star defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy, is up in the air as the Bucs currently don’t have the cap to sign their upcoming draft picks.
Whether or not the Bucs are able to retain the services of McCoy will likely play a huge role in who they take with the number 5 pick. It is not impossible that Quinnen Williams is still their for the taking, and he would provide a solid, and more importantly, cost controlled, consolation for the loss of McCoy.
Two potential positions of need for the Bucs are at cornerback and on the offensive line. If the top of the draft goes as expected they will have the luxury of taking whoever is on the top of their board at either of the those positions, if they decide to go that route.
On the offensive line this would likely mean a debate between Alabama product Jonah Williams, or the incredibly athletic Jawaan Taylor. At corner, DeAndre Baker and Greedy Williams sit atop our big board. All four could provide an immediate impact for the Bucs in 2019.
The Bucs pick could also be a prime target for teams looking to make a move for a sliding QB. Projecting what Dave Gettelman will do at No. 6 is tricky, but the Giants taking a QB seems like the most likely outcome. A team like Washington or Cincinnati my need to jump to No. 5 if they want to grab their franchise QB in this draft.
