Kenneth Darby - TB RB (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Pasquino]

Ok, I might have blown it by picking Hairston to do well in NE, but it looks like 7th round pick Kenneth Darby is making some real waves in Tampa Bay.

According to the Tampa Tribune, he has a very legit shot not just to make the team, but to be the #2 back.

Midweek Analysis: A Wasted Investment

Posted By Roy Cummings at Aug 15, 2007 at 07:26 PM

Updated Aug 15, 2007 at 07:47 PM

LAKE BUENA VISTA - For all intents and purposes, the Jake Plummer saga is over. It came to an end whenever it was that the Bucs decided to file a grievance against him, demanding that he pay them a portion of the signing bonus he got when he signed with the Denver Broncos a few years ago.

Gee, what a surprise.

Anyone who cared to invest three seconds of their time thinking about the Plummer charade knew it was going to end this way. I still have to wonder, though, if the Bucs have done the right thing here. I mean, it's not like they need the money.

What they need most of all is the quarterback. But knowing they're not going to get that - and they should have known that from the moment they traded for him – then why not trade Plummer's rights to someone else and get a draft pick for him?

Even if it's a late-round pick, there is always value in a draft pick. Just look at seventh-rounders such as Paris Warren and Kenneth Darby. Why, without them the Bucs might not have beaten the New England Patriots in their preseason opener last week.

Seriously, though, Warren is coming around and seems capable now of at least pushing some of those above him on the wide receiver depth chart. And Darby was getting second-team tailback reps in practice here Monday. Looks like he may be the one backing up Cadillac Williams this season.

The point, of course, is that there is some value even in a seventh-round draft pick. There is also value in a free agent and maybe that money the Bucs get from Plummer, should they get it, will go toward signing a free agent next offseason.

Let's hope so, because if that's not the case then this whole Plummer fiasco was for nothing.

 

[Capella]

Not that this has anything to do with Darby, but they traded a 7th-round pick for 7 million dollars. Despite the flippant "they don't need the money" quote, you show me one owner who wouldn't be completely happy about that.

I hate the Tampa media.

Anyways, Darby looked fine the other night, but I imagine Pittman will be getting any spare snaps if/when they are available. They'll just move him out of the FB role if need be.

 

[flooredyas]

I see Pittman more valuable as say a 6th man in basketball if you will. Should Caddy relapse with the disc problem I can see Darby playing a big role, even if it's with a painfully sorry team. Pittman is ....well Pittman.

 

[Punchie]

Make no mistake, Pittman is the backup tailback. Darby's been running with the second team because Pittman's been cross training as fullback with the first team. Pittman doesn't need the reps at tailback as much as the rookie does, so he just won't practice there as much.

 

[Bri]

Jeff IIRC you liked Darby months ago, kudos on that call.

 

[Bri]

Midweek Analysis: A Wasted Investment

Posted By Roy Cummings at Aug 15, 2007 at 07:26 PM

Updated Aug 15, 2007 at 07:47 PM

LAKE BUENA VISTA - For all intents and purposes, the Jake Plummer saga is over. It came to an end whenever it was that the Bucs decided to file a grievance against him, demanding that he pay them a portion of the signing bonus he got when he signed with the Denver Broncos a few years ago.

Gee, what a surprise.

Anyone who cared to invest three seconds of their time thinking about the Plummer charade knew it was going to end this way. I still have to wonder, though, if the Bucs have done the right thing here. I mean, it's not like they need the money.

What they need most of all is the quarterback. But knowing they're not going to get that - and they should have known that from the moment they traded for him – then why not trade Plummer's rights to someone else and get a draft pick for him?

.

I don't think the Plummer stuff is done but will soon.They're looking for 7-8 mil plus fining him 14k a day or some high amount per day.

He can't afford that, at least I'd figure so. Even still, I doubt he wants to pay that back, right?

Maybe/probably the NFLPA or his lawyer could get the 14k a day thrown out as he's retired how can they fine him for not being there. However, repaying the part of the signing bonus seems like a real concern.

It almost seems like showing up in poor shape, playing poorly, and getting cut would get the 7-8 mil off his back here.

IMO it seems pretty cut and dry. He didn't fulfill his playing contract and nothing like injury stopped him from doing so, so he owes 7-8 mil. The 14k a day will get blown off as NFLPA has gotta fight for a player's right to retire when he sees fit and that's an active player's fine. If they were feeling creative they could probably fine him for not showing up to workouts or staying in the team's hotel during camp etc but again all those are active player fines so I think the 14k gets thrown out.

What would you do?

play or pay 7-8mil?

 

[Gottabesweet]

Will Earnast Graham make the team?

 

[Bri]

Will Earnast Graham make the team?

Doesn't he play ST some?Most teams will go 4 RBs if the guy plays ST

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Nice to see you pimping a GOOD RB this time, Jeff.

 

[identikit]

Midweek Analysis: A Wasted Investment

Posted By Roy Cummings at Aug 15, 2007 at 07:26 PM

Updated Aug 15, 2007 at 07:47 PM

LAKE BUENA VISTA - For all intents and purposes, the Jake Plummer saga is over. It came to an end whenever it was that the Bucs decided to file a grievance against him, demanding that he pay them a portion of the signing bonus he got when he signed with the Denver Broncos a few years ago.

Gee, what a surprise.

Anyone who cared to invest three seconds of their time thinking about the Plummer charade knew it was going to end this way. I still have to wonder, though, if the Bucs have done the right thing here. I mean, it's not like they need the money.

What they need most of all is the quarterback. But knowing they're not going to get that - and they should have known that from the moment they traded for him – then why not trade Plummer's rights to someone else and get a draft pick for him?

.

I don't think the Plummer stuff is done but will soon.They're looking for 7-8 mil plus fining him 14k a day or some high amount per day.

He can't afford that, at least I'd figure so. Even still, I doubt he wants to pay that back, right?

Maybe/probably the NFLPA or his lawyer could get the 14k a day thrown out as he's retired how can they fine him for not being there. However, repaying the part of the signing bonus seems like a real concern.

It almost seems like showing up in poor shape, playing poorly, and getting cut would get the 7-8 mil off his back here.

IMO it seems pretty cut and dry. He didn't fulfill his playing contract and nothing like injury stopped him from doing so, so he owes 7-8 mil. The 14k a day will get blown off as NFLPA has gotta fight for a player's right to retire when he sees fit and that's an active player's fine. If they were feeling creative they could probably fine him for not showing up to workouts or staying in the team's hotel during camp etc but again all those are active player fines so I think the 14k gets thrown out.

What would you do?

play or pay 7-8mil?

Everywhere I've read has said that Plummer hasn't actually filed the retirement papers as of yet.That's why the team is continuing to levy the fines.

Id

 

[Warpig]

Once again...I went with a gut call and it appears to have been another good one. Never go against your gut.

 

[PahtyTom]

Any chance that Darby is the best RB on that team right now?

 

[Warpig]

Any chance that Darby is the best RB on that team right now?

 

[Toads]

Any chance that Darby is the best RB on that team right now?

Darby has some serious Dynasty upside:1.) Caddy is not known for his ability to stay heathy; he's really more in tune with the word "fragile" (see "back spasms").

2.) True, if Caddy keeps on pluging and "Bull Dog" Michael Pittman keeps the 3-down roll, Darby gets no work.

3.) However, if Caddy goes down, which is a fairly standard option in today's NFL, Darby takes over and Pittman stays in his same roll....3rd down back, goal line duties, two back offfense with lots'a passes to the FB.

All this combines for some serious upside for a late draft choice.

Darby was ranked in the top five college RB's before his tough '06 season. He's not long distance fast, he's a slasher and can carry a heavy work load.

So, to answer your question, yes there's a chance....a fairly good chance that he's the best RB on this team. But right now, it still has to play out over a season, or two....or maybe less.

All we need is the Reuben Droughns Crystal Ball, from right prior to week #5 in '05, to see into the future here.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Nice to see you pimping a GOOD RB this time, Jeff.

We never bat 1.000, now do we?IIRC it was Russ Lande's write-up that caught my eye on Darby. Just like in NE, there's really 1 RB and not much else. I like Pittman over SMorris or KFaulk, but both could stand a 2nd RB at backup.

 

[EBF]

Not a fan. I traded for him last year in my college dynasty league. He was awful for me all season.

He's just not that good, IMO. He has below average athletic skills for an NFL RB and never demonstrated the ability to take over games on his own. Factor in a weak performance at the Senior Bowl and his low draft profile, and I don't think he's a very intriguing sleeper.

 

[Capella]

Any chance that Darby is the best RB on that team right now?

No.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Nice to see you pimping a GOOD RB this time, Jeff.

We never bat 1.000, now do we?IIRC it was Russ Lande's write-up that caught my eye on Darby. Just like in NE, there's really 1 RB and not much else. I like Pittman over SMorris or KFaulk, but both could stand a 2nd RB at backup.

I kid because I care.

 

[kyinaz]

Not a fan. I traded for him last year in my college dynasty league. He was awful for me all season. He's just not that good, IMO. He has below average athletic skills for an NFL RB and never demonstrated the ability to take over games on his own. Factor in a weak performance at the Senior Bowl and his low draft profile, and I don't think he's a very intriguing sleeper.

He was great his first 3 years at Bama...showed real promise, but he did look pretty bad, last year. SEC defenses might have had something to do with that, but word is that the young man was affected significantly by the death of his father--just before the start of his senior season, iirc. That's certainly understandable, and given that, I think he has some real sleeper potential now that he's further removed from that tragedy.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

He was impressive enough last week to take notice, if nothing else.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Nice to see you pimping a GOOD RB this time, Jeff.

We never bat 1.000, now do we?IIRC it was Russ Lande's write-up that caught my eye on Darby. Just like in NE, there's really 1 RB and not much else. I like Pittman over SMorris or KFaulk, but both could stand a 2nd RB at backup.

I kid because I care.

All good here.

 

[ChitownPone]

Anything new on Darby? I looked at week 2 box score and see that he had the most carries for TB.

Against Jax, 8-20-1.

I am really curious about how he got his TD. I see that it came @ 8:57 in the 4th quarter on a 1 yard run. Does anyone remember if he vultured this TD or did he run on most/entire scoring drive? Thanks

 

[tmanubc]

Anything new on Darby? I looked at week 2 box score and see that he had the most carries for TB.Against Jax, 8-20-1.I am really curious about how he got his TD. I see that it came @ 8:57 in the 4th quarter on a 1 yard run. Does anyone remember if he vultured this TD or did he run on most/entire scoring drive? Thanks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 08:47 1-10-JAX 48 (8:47) 5-B.Gradkowski pass deep right to 18-C.Gessner to JAX 28 for 20 yards (40-J.Gattis). 1-10-JAX 28 (8:21) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-B.Gradkowski pass short left to 17-C.Owens to JAX 19 for 9 yards (59-B.Iwuh). 2-1-JAX 19 (7:53) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-B.Gradkowski pass incomplete short left to 18-C.Gessner. 3-1-JAX 19 (7:48) 5-B.Gradkowski pass short right to 15-C.Lucas to JAX 16 for 3 yards (30-J.Landrom). 1-10-JAX 16 (7:19) (Shotgun) 5-B.Gradkowski pass short right to 18-C.Gessner to JAX 7 for 9 yards (40-J.Gattis). 2-1-JAX 7 (6:40) 33-K.Darby right end pushed ob at JAX 2 for 5 yards (40-J.Gattis). 1-2-JAX 2 (6:33) 33-K.Darby up the middle to JAX 1 for 1 yard (90-J.Wyche). TB-77-J.Terry was injured during the play. His return is Doubtful. 2-1-JAX 1 (6:07) 33-K.Darby up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 5-B.Gradkowski pass to 44-B.Storer is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS. TB 19 JAX 31 Plays: 8 Possession: 2:44

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I watched the game betwen TB and NE from Week 1 IIRC, and he looked pretty good.

I think he has pretty good potential and could easily be the #2 option.

 

[mtffl2]

what is this guys story now that he's been released?

could he be the one that ends up the colts?

 

[WildEyedOne]

What does Darby release do to Pittmans value as backup to Cadillac?

 

[Chaos Commish]

He's just not that good, IMO. He has below average athletic skills for an NFL RB and never demonstrated the ability to take over games on his own. Factor in a weak performance at the Senior Bowl and his low draft profile, and I don't think he's a very intriguing sleeper.

Despite the gushing of Borbely, Construx and Pasquino... the above is correct. Darby is a little better than Choice though, Construx.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

He's just not that good, IMO. He has below average athletic skills for an NFL RB and never demonstrated the ability to take over games on his own. Factor in a weak performance at the Senior Bowl and his low draft profile, and I don't think he's a very intriguing sleeper.

Despite the gushing of Borbely, Construx and Pasquino... the above is correct. Darby is a little better than Choice though, Construx.

A) Choice is better than Darby right now. If he sleepwalks through his senior season and the Senior Bowl, we'll revisit. B) I traded Darby for Favre in Z30. Works for me.

 

[Horses Mouth]

Darby cut.

 

[JohnnyU]

Darby cut.

Even though I think the Colts will sign Pittman, but if they don't, do you think they would have an interest in Darby? Didn't he look good in the preseason?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Darby cut.

Even though I think the Colts will sign Pittman, but if they don't, do you think they would have an interest in Darby? Didn't he look good in the preseason?

I thought he looked pretty good in the game I saw. But he isn't the most talented RB around, which is probably why he was cut.