The Buccaneers invited controversial prospect Joe Mixon for a workout earlier this week. What do Bucs fans think?
There may be no player more polarizing in this draft than Joe Mixon. Arguably the most talented running back in the entire class whose draft stock dropped significantly due to an incident where he punched a girl in the face, breaking five bones, and was caught on video. With the incident came suspension from Oklahoma and Mixon was not invited to the scouting combine. The Buccaneers used one of their thirty allotted visits to bring Mixon in to workout and – likely – to interview thoroughly.
There are two sides to every story and Mixon’s worst moment was caught on video. I am in no way excusing the action because it is inexcusable. Yes, every eighteen year old kid does stupid stuff, but not every kid’s stupid stuff include punching a female in the face. That being said, Jason Licht has a vetting process he has used on questionable character players – Jameis Winston, Noah Spence – that he trusts to discover if these players are bad people or made a dumb/awful decision.
So would the Bucs really draft a player that would likely lead to such backlash and criticism? We’re not sure. I took to Twitter to see what fans thought of the possibility of Mixon wearing pewter and red this upcoming season and the results were a bit surprising.
So, #Bucs fans, how would you feel if Joe Mixon was drafted to this team? Your responses may end up on our website
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) April 8, 2017
There were a few people representing the “no way, no how” crowd;
Hell no! Can get another rb in the draft. He's not worth it
— Ray (@RAY_diculous) April 8, 2017
I would still rather have D'onta Foreman instead
— RG | LyonHart (@LyonHart_14) April 8, 2017
It happens in the NFL, I'd still watch. I wouldnt draft him but the pro sports aren't really my moral battleground.
— Alexander Taylor (@takingbackoj) April 8, 2017
I don't like the pick not because of his off the field troubles. Honestly think there are better backs deeper in the draft.
— Schoolboy Snips🐊🐊 (@SnipenRey) April 8, 2017
However, the surprising vast majority said they trust Jason Licht to make the right decision. Here are a few examples;
If Licht and Koetter think it will not be a problem going forward then I am 100% fine with it. It will be a steal for some team, why not us?
— #1 Bucs Fan (@bwallstreet1335) April 8, 2017
then I know 100% know that Licht did his research and felt comfortable with him so i'll be comfortable with it https://t.co/WK1j3HpnoP
— Common Austin W (@BigBoyYoder) April 8, 2017
I trust Licht. He's had to make these decisions before with Jameis, Spence, and even Kwon had some work ethic issues coming out.
— ⚡️Trauma Stat⚡️ (@BoltsandNoles) April 8, 2017
Fine, any other answer would imply I know more then licht&company. These guys would only draft him if it fit their plan going forward
— Buc'd up⚠️ (@byington_corey) April 8, 2017
I believe in second chances, and more so in the evaluation process that Licht would go through to justify the pick
— 🦖T-Rex 🦖 (@RyanTerrana) April 8, 2017
We have a new culture of family and accountability being established...our leaders wont allow a locker room problem..makes talent with risk
— Bucco Tha Champ (@buccobruce83) April 8, 2017
Wouldn't mind at all. His past is his past. Plenty people have rough pasts and find redemption. I'm glad my past isn't held over my head.
— King 👑 Key (@KingKey_252) April 8, 2017
The responses I expected were more along the lines of a 50/50 split. What we got was a massive outpouring of support for the pick. Not so much because of the talent Joe Mixon would bring, but because the fans trust Jason Licht to make the right decision. Licht went so far into the process on Winston he was talking to school janitors. If there’s truth to be found on Mixon, Licht and his crew will find it and act accordingly.
David Harrison and I will be discussing Mixon to great extent on the next Walking The Plank podcast as he and I have differing views on this situation.
Next: Adrian Peterson Too Risky?
It’s no secret Joe Mixon will help this team win games. He’s an electric three-down back that has incredible vision, breaks tackles, makes defenders miss, can catch out of the backfield, and has breakaway speed. The only question is, has he helped himself get better as a human being to be worth the trouble that comes with the pick?