Jason Licht Says Tom Brady's Departure Doesn't Change NFL Draft Game Plan

Jason Licht knows what he's doing. Which is exactly why he isn't going to offer up any real insight into what his plans are for the upcoming NFL Draft.

On Thursday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' GM, Jason Licht, took the podium at One Buccaneer Place to address the media regarding the upcoming NFL Draft.

In doing so, Jason was asked about how his approach to this year's draft may differ from recent years when Tom Brady was under center and the Bucs were 'all in'. 

"We're not really changing anything we're doing in the draft in terms of that. [Tom Brady retiring] is not affecting us. I mean, if you walk through the halls... our scouts, and our coaches, people are 'all in' up there. I mean, we're trying to win. We're trying to bring in the best players that we can this year. It's no different than we have in the past."

READ MORE: Buccaneers’ GM Jason Licht Comments on Devin White's Trade Request

Tom Brady’s departure from Tampa isn’t going to change anything in how the Buccaneers go about this year’s NFL Draft per GM Jason Licht.

“I’ll be honest with you Ira, we’re not really changing anything we’re doing in the draft in terms of that is not affecting us.” #Bucs pic.twitter.com/Or4HxYpYfs

— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) April 13, 2023

Even though Licht made a point of emphasizing that the team's objective is to remain competitive in 2023, he did acknowledge that there are differences in how this year's roster compares to those from the last few offseasons. 

"There's probably a few more areas of need across the roster [this year]." 

In terms of what types of prospects (immediate contributors vs. long-term prospects) offer the most appeal to the Bucs from a draft perspective, Licht was clear in stating that the future of the franchise remains his top priority.

READ MORE: Creamsicles Teased by Buccaneer's Social Media

"We're still looking to add depth. Add good players. Look to the future. If they can play early, that's great, but we're not trying to pinpoint one particular thing like this guy will be able to start week one as opposed to this guy who's going to become a better player in two years. We're still going to look for what's  best for the future."

Jason Licht is a veteran. He's been working in NFL front offices for over two decades now, and he certainly knows how to say a lot of words, without saying much at all. But that's part of his job. As much as fans want to catch a stray hint regarding how he and his staff will approach the upcoming draft, that simply won't happen. 

If Jason Licht was actually willing to unveil intel related to the Buccaneers' draft plans, then it wouldn't be beneficial to his team, himself, or the fans. It would only benefit their opponents.

And that's not a part of the plan. 

For continuing coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leading up to the NFL Draft, make sure to subscribe to the Bucs Banter YouTube channel.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook