|
|
|
2009
NFL Draft Needs - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (8): 19, 81, 120, 155, 190, 216, 229, 233
Wide Receiver – There is a reason they slapped the franchise
tag on Antonio Bryant and signed Michael Clayton to a hefty four year
contract. Without those moves what would they have at receiver? Aging
veterans Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard were released as part of the
team’s new youth movement. Last year’s rookie Dexter Jackson, a second
round pick, is looking like mostly a kickoff return threat at best.
Maurice Stovall has only 20 receptions in his three year career as a
third round pick. It is uncertain who will win the starting job at
quarterback, and Byron Leftwich (Steelers) has been added to the
competition. Whoever it is will definitely need one more reliable
threat. Having Kellen Winslow to rely on at tight end helps assuming he
can stay healthy and live up to his potential.
Defensive Tackle – On the positive side Ryan Sims was locked up
for 4 years and they just drafted Dre Moore in the fourth round. On the
negative side Jovan Haye (Titans) left in free agency and by all
accounts Chris Hovan is tailing off. The Sims move is not a big one and
it is still unknown what Moore can do in the future. They are going to
look for a player capable of being their anchor. Sort of like Warren
Sapp. He has been missed since he helped them win a Super Bowl. They
will be adding size over speed as they rebuild the defensive line from
the inside out.
Cornerback – Last year’s first rounder Aqib Talib should hold
down one starting spot. The other is currently manned by Ronde Barber.
How long he can continue to run with NFL receivers is very much in
doubt. His switch to a supporting role appears imminent considering he
just turned 34. Phillip Buchanon (Lions) is gone after two fairly
productive seasons. They should be looking long and hard at another
potential starter because right now there is not much behind Talib and
Barber. Jermaine Phillips was retained for what that is worth.
Linebacker – Long time star Derrick Brooks was released along
with Cato June. In their place the team signed Angelo Crowell (Bills)
and Niko Koutouvides (Broncos). The hope is that younger players
currently on the roster will fill the shoes of their departed veterans
while the newcomers provide depth. Two guys counted on for an increased
role are Quincy Black and Geno Hayes from the past two drafts. They
might be up to the task. Time will tell. However, counting on Crowell
is a risky proposition. He missed the entire 2008 season due to injury
and is signed to a one year deal. Koutouvides has never stood out in
five NFL seasons, the first four with Seattle. The Bucs are going to be
on the prowl for another linebacker just in case.
Defensive End – Greg White, or whatever he wants to be called,
is a marginal player. Maybe that’s why he seeks attention by making a
ridiculous name change. Gaines Adams appears to be on track and holds
down one starting spot firmly. Although at 35 Kevin Carter does not fit
the youth movement it makes sense in the short term to keep him on
board. Jimmy Wilkerson had a productive first season with the team
after signing as a free agent from Kansas City. In the final analysis
it feels like another impact player to groom for pairing with Adams is
in order.
Quarterback – Here we go again. After signing Byron Leftwich
(Steelers) it was thought their flirtation with drafting Kansas State’s
Josh Freeman in the first round was over. Is it or isn’t it? I thought
when Jon Gruden hit the road this team was done collecting quarterbacks
like stamps. They already have two and the new regime has signed off on
two of them, Leftwich and Luke McCown. If the Bucs go after another
player it would mean not only giving up on their most experienced
option, Brian Griese, but also their developmental option Josh Johnson
unless they plan on carrying four. I know Gruden left them in a bit of
a spot in the position. However, I’m not sure this was the way to go
about getting out of it.
Kicker – It was a particularly difficult season for Matt Bryant
for personal reasons. For purposes of this I will stick to the
performance on the field. The problem is long range. He is just 2/10
from 50+ yards in his career and that simply does not cut it. The past
two seasons he has missed all 6 long range attempts. Inside of 40 yards
he is pretty much money at 91% for his career, but at what point is 65%
from 40+ yards unacceptable? We will see if the Bucs seek out someone
with a stronger leg for camp competition. They have already signed
former second round pick Mike Nugent (Jets) to a one year deal. His
long range success is also in question. He is 3/9 from 50+ in three
seasons, and is only 64.5% from 40+ in his brief career.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
|
|
|
|
