Buccaneers Draft LB Kendell Beckwith; Fans React On Twitter
By James Yarcho
Jason Licht used his patented “trade back up into the end of a round” move to get the final pick of round three to draft…a linebacker? LSU’s Kendell Beckwith was the pick and Buccaneers fans reacted on Twitter.
Okay, I don’t get this. At all. The Buccaneers used their fourth and sixth round picks to move up for the final pick in the third round. When it happened, the immediate thought was, “all right, here comes our running back.” Instead, the Bucs selected LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith, who is coming off a torn ACL.
With Marlon Mack and Samaje Perine sitting there, this comes as a bit of a shock to many people, analysts and fans alike.
weird pick. Ugh. But thought the same about Kwon so who knows. Wish we took a RB instead
— Paul Light (@paulblight17) April 29, 2017
That's what they drafted Davonte Bond last year for
— CigarMan (@ChefAaron26) April 29, 2017
We need a RB, CB, DE. LB was not round 3 need, i don't get this one
— CigarMan (@ChefAaron26) April 29, 2017
Very good LB. I'm happy we got him!!
— Sonnie Cruz (@RealSonnieBoy) April 29, 2017
Another LB from LSU? Yeah, I'll take it! #KwonAlexander
— Marta ™️ #FuckPutin (@CanOfWhoopAssss) April 29, 2017
I don't like taking guys coming off injury, period.
— Don Holbrook (@Holbrook3D) April 29, 2017
I trust our GM....but it's weird. Is this our new strong side?
— MikeB (@TB_MikeB) April 29, 2017
👎🏾
— .......... (@BrotherEllz) April 29, 2017
When are we getting our RB ?
— 𝗢 𝗠 ★ 𝗥 (@OmarMagic12) April 29, 2017
surprised. Know nothing about him
— Proud Katz (@A_Katzman83) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/CKurtzman/status/858164177017249792
Kendell Beckwith tore his ACL in November btw.
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) April 29, 2017
I don't get this one.
One person who was over the moon was, surprise surprise, Kwon Alexander;
Haha it's ova wit !! My dawg on the squad!!!😤😤😤
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) April 29, 2017
Apparently, Jason Licht trusts his running back corps and they don’t view the position as the need that – literally – everyone else does.
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Beckwith is at around “75%” after tearing his ACL in November and will quite possibly be ready to go by the start of the season. Beckwith will be the strong side linebacker, but also has the ability to play middle linebacker, providing depth there behind Kwon.
The Bucs gave up their fourth and sixth round picks to move up, leaving them with only two picks on day three. Jason Licht said Beckwith was high on their board and they didn’t want to risk missing on him.
Day three, apparently it’s best to continue to expect the unexpected but expect the Bucs to continue to pass on running backs as they appear to be set and comfortable with the group.
Next: Bucs' Day Two Draft Grades
By time the fifth and seventh rounds roll around, the Bucs will be looking for depth and special teams players. They don’t exactly have the best luck on day three in terms of finding guys that actually make the team, so it’ll be interesting to see how these picks unfold and if that perception starts to change.