If there is one thing the Bucs have excelled at more than any other team in the NFL lately, it is keeping their own talent. As hinted at on Tuesday’s Pewter Report Podcast, the league has yet to fully appreciate what has been happening in Tampa Bay.
With general manager Jason Licht and assistant general managers Mike Greenberg and John Spytek leading the charge, there has been a shift in the front office approach in recent years. The team has managed to retain 22 out of their 23 draft picks over the past three years, with 44 players from their 53-man roster having started in Tampa Bay.
On Wednesday, Licht delved further into their strategy for approaching each NFL Draft.
Jason Licht And His Front Office Staff Are “All Aligned”
Bucs GM Jason Licht and assistant GM John Spytek – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
When it comes to the Bucs making the playoffs in four consecutive seasons with different team compositions each time, the front office deserves credit for achieving this while also managing a significant financial burden. Tampa Bay not only paid off the debt but did so diligently by sticking to the plan.
Jason Licht shared the key to their success and how they have honed their approach to the NFL Draft.
“It starts with my staff,” Licht said. “I’ll always say that. They do a phenomenal job. We’ve been together for a long time. John [Spytek], Mike [Greenberg], [Mike] Biehl, Rob McCartney, my scouts – I could sit here all day and name every single one of them, so I don’t want to leave anyone out. They do a phenomenal job. They understand what I’m looking for, they present it to me, and we finalize the decisions. It’s a collaborative effort.”
The positive outcomes of their decisions speak for themselves.
“We’re all aligned – that’s key,” Licht added. “Just because many players make your team from the draft doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing. In our case, we believe it is – we think these players are top-notch. It’s a testament to our scouting process and the collaborative approach we take.”
Bucs Have Shown They “Love To Develop Young Guys”
Bucs GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Selecting high-character, talented players has been crucial for the Bucs’ success. The coaching staff’s willingness to develop young players has streamlined the process.
“One thing about Todd [Bowles] and his coaches – they’re not afraid to play young guys and they love to develop young talent,” Licht explained. “That philosophy aligns well with our front office approach. It has been essential for us to draft well and utilize undrafted free agents due to salary cap constraints, and we are pleased with how it has worked out.”
Two undrafted free agents, wide receiver Kameron Johnson and cornerback Tyrek Funderburk, have made the team this year, adding to the success of previous undrafted players sticking around.
Funderburk commended the team for taking a chance on players like him.
#Bucs CB Tyrek Funderburk thinks it says a lot about the men and women in the building that the team is willing to take a bet on himself and WR Kameron Johnson as UDFAs. pic.twitter.com/ariv0Kb2Gy
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) August 28, 2024
GM Jason Licht Admits Changing This Aspect Of The Bucs’ NFL Draft Formula
Licht acknowledged making adjustments to their draft strategy, particularly focusing on high-character players while steering clear of potential risks.
Bucs HC Todd Bowles, OL Graham Barton and GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“I made a commitment to prioritize high character and talent in our draft selections, steering away from risky choices,” Licht revealed. “Resisting the temptation to take certain players has paid off, and we have built a cohesive roster with strong team chemistry.”
This strategic shift has proven successful over the years, leading to a roster of players who not only perform well but also mesh well together.
“There’s a common thread among the great players on our team,” Licht emphasized.
Scott Reynolds Discussed Jason Licht’s Draft Secret In A Recent Pewter Pulse
In a mid-August segment, Scott Reynolds from Pewter Report delved into Jason Licht’s draft strategy in a recent Pewter Pulse video on PewterReportTV’s YouTube channel.
