Writing The Ship: The Perfect Buccaneers Prototype

When it comes to the NFL draft, every team has a type of player they are looking for. It feels like every year people say “oh that guy just feels like a Raven” or something similar to that about various teams. A stylistic or personal profile that fits the culture and system of specific teams.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are no exception to this. General Manager Jason Licht describes it as “I am that man”. This is the type of person who embodies all the characteristics they value most. 

It has led the Bucs to great success as they gather accountable, resilient football players who enter the league and already feel like five year veterans. When the draft comes around, expect them to target this type of person. It is a prerequisite before you even look at the on the field part. 

Of course, the on the field part matters as well. The Bucs will be looking for linebackers and edge rushers early and they will also look for top shelf athletes as well. Ideally, someone who has made their mark at their school for multiple years.

With those criteria in mind, there is one player that jumps out. Someone who has been consistently productive. Someone who was a captain. And most importantly, someone who can get to the quarterback. He is the perfect Buccaneers prototype.

That man is Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas. He was a four year player for the Fighting Illini and steadily got better every season. In his most recent year he finished with 13.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. 

In terms of physical profile, I believe the Bucs will very much like what Jacas brings to the table. I believe this because they already have had success with a very similar type of player in Yaya Diaby. Jacas brings the same type of size (6 ‘4 and 260 lbs) and power (30 reps on the bench press to tie for 5th most among all participants). 

With his above average physical tools, Jacas can rush the passer with speed and power. I believe he is still learning to maximize his tools and refine the technical part of his game, but that is why he’s an expected round two pick and not a first round pick. However, you could have said the same about Diaby coming out of college, so there should be some optimism that the Bucs would be able to develop this type of talent. 

One thing that works in Jacas’ favor is that he has a strong background in wrestling. He was a two time state champion in Florida during his high school days. This is something that is always valued in trench play because there is a lot of cross over in terms of leverage and grappling. 

Jacas plays a very mature game. He is disciplined with his responsibilities and is rarely out of position. He’s also someone who is physical and feisty at the point of attack. He’s not the flashiest guy you’ll see, but this is a well rounded high floor player.

In terms of intangibles, I think the Bucs will really like Jacas. He has a quiet confidence about him similar to that of Lavonte David. He’s a lead by example type of guy and that was validated when he was named a team captain last season. 

Physicality, discipline, leadership. These are the types of qualities that Jason Licht, Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers absolutely love. If there is a prototypical Buccaneer in this draft then it might just be Gabe Jacas.