Pick #20 is staring the Bucs in the face...
It's coming! One week from today we will know exactly who the Bucs took
with all of their picks in this years draft but, lets be honest...
The only one you care about is #20, their first round selection. I know
I'm right. Don't kid yourself. With this in mind, here is a list of
things to think about. Some Buccaneers Dos and Don'ts for April 26th
and 27th.
DOs:
1. DO keep an eye on this Jared Allen situation. That huge deal
with the Chiefs will hinge on how much the Bucs want to give up for the
highly-touted, super talented, 26 year-old pass rusher. The Bucs may
have to give up multiple picks to get him in Pewter.
2. DO believe that Jon Gruden will NOT go defense two years
in a row. Last season, the Bucs took Clemson DE Gaines Adams with their
first round pick. This time around...don't expect the Bucs to be
thinking 'D'. Sorry Mr. Kiffin. You had your turn. This year is all
about "Chucky".
3. DO take a wide receiver with that 20th overall pick. Who?
It depends on who is there but the Bucs are in desperate need of a
wideout to take pressure off of Joey Galloway. #84 was shut down many
times last year because teams focused on him and let Michael Clayton
and Ike Hilliard run free. Those guys don't scare defensive
coordinators. Not anymore. The Bucs need to grab a guy with speed and
agility...DeSean Jackson from Cal maybe. He's a guy who can return
kicks as well.
DON'Ts
1. DON'T draft a linebacker. The Bucs are SOOOOO deep at that
position that it would be a waste of a pick. They may be tempted to
draft a guy and groom him to fill Derrick Brooks' shoes after #55 calls
it quits (much like they did with Barrett Ruud for Shelton Quarrels)
but it's unlikely.
2. DON'T expect the deal for Chad Johnson to get done. Chad
wants out of Cincy but Bengals head coach (and former Bucs coach)
Marvin Lewis won't let him go. Furthermore, Gruden doesn't like guys
with an attitude. Does anyone have a bigger attitude right now than
Chad Johnson? Gruden didn't get along with "show-boating" wide
receivers in the past. Do Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan McCardell ring a
bell? Don't expect to see the Chad Johnson circus come to town.
3. DON'T rule out the Bucs trading that #20 pick to move up
in the draft. Remember, for 5 straight seasons, the team that finished
last the year before, won the NFC South the next season. The Bucs need
a lot of things to remain atop the division, including DBs, CBs and
RBs. If the Bucs see a running back they like around the 13-17 range
(maybe a guy like Oregon's Jonathan Stewart) they may trade up to get
him. Remember, Cadillac Williams may never get back to the runner he
was before his injury last year vs. Carolina and who knows who will
step up between Warrick Dunn, Earnest Graham and Michael Bennett this
year. The draft is coming! Expect a lot of offensive picks from Jon
Gruden.
Bobby Lewis