When Joe wants to talk football, who better to pick the brain of than NFL Network’s Mike Mayock.

As he always is, the former NFL defensive back turned draft guru was out at the East-West Shrine practices yesterday in St. Petersburg. Joe chatted with him about new Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

Joe was underwhelmed a bit by the hire because a home run hire was available in Jim Schwartz. But Joe’s mind is open.

In short, Mayock cited the petri dish that was the 1990s Baltimore Ravens for developing defensive coaches. Smith was in that mix for four seasons and couldn’t help but become a strong defensive coach.

Former Ravens defensive assistants that made names for themselves elsewhere: Marvin Lewis, Rex Ryan, Chuck Pagano, Smith and Schwartz, just to name a handful.

“The defensive staff the Ravens had years ago when they were good, and Mike was a linebackers coach, Mike was around all of those great coaches,” Mayock said. “He took a little bit from each of them when he moved on. That was a helluva room. I think out of that hibernation tank came some pretty good coaches. I think he will be outstanding as a defensive coordinator.”

Mayock noted the Bucs may very well have a steal in Smith. All head coaching openings this winter (seven in total) were filled by offensive guys. That means, Mayock pointed out, really good defensive coaches got shut out. Mayock believes Smith, who interviewed with the Giants, is atop that list.