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Divide between Smith, Licht on Bucs draft strategy? "Absolutely not.'

 
A report by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio suggested Tuesday that there might be a divide regarding draft strategy developing between Bucs coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht.
A report by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio suggested Tuesday that there might be a divide regarding draft strategy developing between Bucs coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht.
Published Feb. 11, 2015

The Bucs have a big decision to make with the No. 1 overall pick -- Florida State's Jameis Winston or Oregon's Marcus Mariota?

The choice is generally framed as one between Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks. Of course, a lot can happen between now and the draft, so everything is considered, even possible trade opportunities.

But a report by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio suggested Tuesday that there might be a divide regarding draft strategy developing between Bucs coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht.

"I think there may be some tension in the front office on this," Florio said during a discussion of the Bucs' No. 1 overall choice.

Florio indicated he believes Smith may be more inclined to trade down while Licht prefers to draft a quarterback.

"That's how legacies are made. You get a franchise quarterback you contend every year for a decade or longer," Florio said.

It's fair to consider Smith's coaching history in Chicago and Tampa Bay, where the quarterback position has not always been the key ingredient to winning. Defense and special teams play is what Smith's teams have been known for.

That said, if there's a difference in draft philosophy between Smith and Licht, it's news to them.

"Absolutely false,'' is how one team official described the report.

It's hard to fathom the Bucs not addressing the quarterback position with the No. 1 overall pick if they deem either Winston or Mariota worthy of it. Josh McCown and Mike Glennon each won one game last season. The evaluation process has just begun. There are interviews, the NFL scouting combine, pro days and individual workouts to come.

You can anticipate great discussion and perhaps debate inside One Buc Place until a decision is made. But to suggest there is tension between Smith and Licht regarding the selection may be overstepping things a bit.