Bruce Gradkowski can write a book about becoming the odd man out.

   There was a time...not that long ago...when Gradkowski was the "Golden Child" of the Buccaneers.

   I go back to his preseason debut in 2006.  The 6th round pick out of Toledo led the Buccaneers to a come-from-behind 16-3 win over the Jets and the headline in the St. Pete Times read, "The Great Gradkowski!!"

  Tonight, the "Great Gradkowski" is without a team.

  The Buccaneers released him after re-signing tight end Jerramy Stevens.

   You couldn't help but be overtaken by Gradkowski's energy in the 2006 training camp and preseason.  When Chris Simms was lost for the season against Carolina, Jon Gruden tried to channel that energy.  He threw the rookie into the lineup and forced him to learn on the run. 

   In his first NFL start, Gradkowski hit 20-31 for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns against a New Orleans team that went deep into the playoffs.

   But from there, Gradkowski was never the same quarterback.  Instead of just playing, Gradkowski looked like he was trying not to lose.  While most rookie quarterbacks are criticized for turnovers, the knock on Gradkowski was he was too afraid to take chances. 

   It became obvious early last season that Gradkowski had fallen out of favor.  Luke McCown had his moments filling in for Jeff Garcia and from there, Gradkowski was thrown into a hamper with Chris Simms.

   When the Bucs drafted University San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson in the 5th round, Gradkowski's days as a Buccaneer were numbered.

  I still believe Bruce Gradkowski can be an NFL quarterback.  He desperately needs to go to an organization that has a real plan at quarterback and he's allowed to develop and grow. 

  Al Keck