2011 NFL Draft Thread

[bullg8rdaddy]

By the looks of things we will be in the market for a DE or two, a safety, and a RB as top priorities, IMO.

Who is on the top of your lists for next year....if you have thought that far ahead.

Reason I ask is, because, I assume that most of you guys here are huge draftniks and what better place to ask this. lol

[Legacy]

My early favorites are Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama) and AJ Green (WR, Georgia).

[etk]

Patrick Peterson is the best prospect in the draft. Julio Jones is my #1 WR, but hopefully that won't be a need.

Greg Romeus and Richard Quinn will be popular names among Bucs fans looking at the DE position. Adewale Ojomo could prove himself to be worthy of consideration now that his jaw is fine.

[Caddy]

I see DE, S, RB and WR as being the biggest needs.

Hopefully we solved the receiver problem with Benn and Williams and maybe safety becomes a non-issue if Sabby/Jones actually do something on the field. The other two will need to be addressed though.

[bullg8rdaddy]

One thing I gotta say about this year's draft is, if I hadn't stumbled upon this board I would have had no clue about Brian Price. You guys definitely know your stuff.

I knew of Benn but didn't really know about Mike Williams either. I put a lot of trust in you guys now.

I saw some early lists for next year and see them mentioning some Iowa DE, Adrian Clayborn as a top 10 talent. Any scoop or opinions on him?

UNC's Robert Quinn?

Ohio State's Cameron Heyward? (Actually have followed him since his recruitment)

Texas' Sam Acho?

Interested in also knowing more about Pitt's Greg Romeus.

Does that pretty much make up the top DE prospects right now?

Next question is about OL prospects. Do you agree that we should try to get one early next year? I think that once our OL is set then we can go ahead and draft a stud RB, giving the kid every chance to succeed. Thoughts?

Who are next year's top OL?

Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi?

LSU's Joseph Barksdale?

Florida's Mike Pouncey?

BC's Anthony Castanzo?

USC's Kristopher O'Dowd?

Pitt's Jason Pinkston?

[DJC]

Getting a pass rusher at defensive end should be our top priority going into the next offseason. My top target for us if we are picking in the top 10 again is Robert Quinn. From what I've seen he's got all the signs of being an elite prospect; the size/speed, great production, first step, motor, etc. Putting him on a line with McCoy and Price would be scary.

Greg Romeus is a option too but I don't think in the top 10. He doesn't have quite the potential that Quinn has. I see him as more of a Derrick Morgan esque prospect, and I think he'll go in the 15-25 range.

Da'Quan Bowers is another option if he can put it all together, but as of now the production is not there to match his physical abilities. Only produced 3 sacks and 7 pressures all season, in comparison Quinn had pretty much that in one game vs Duke last year. He can either be the next Carlos Dunlap or the next Mario Williams depending on what he does this season.

Some sleepers at DE are Sam Acho, Jack Crawford, Jeremy Beal, and Cliff Matthews. Theses guys aren't really top 20 talents right now so they're not really guys we'd look at in the 1st, but they'd be good pass rushing options in the 2nd.

I'll share my thoughts later on our other top positions of need (SS, RB, OT) that we could spend an early round pick on next year.

[Caddy]

I'm in agreement with DJC on getting a big time pass rushing threat next year. Assuming we keep hold of Penn for 2011, DE is easily going to be our biggest position of need (assuming no player breaks out which I highly doubt).

At the moment Quinn, Clayborn and Romeus all look like good bets to be first round prospects, but a lot can happen over the next year.

Ideally I'd like us to go DE in round 1 and RB in round 2.

[Bucs_Rule]

A lot can happen. Last year Snead was talked about as a first round player.

[Caddy]

A lot can happen. Last year Snead was talked about as a first round player.

Haha we got a steal!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bullg8rdaddy]

RB crop next year?

Ingram (I like his production, but think he is overrated and a bit slow)

Ryan Williams

Evan Royster (love this kid, but also think he may be slow)

DeMarco Murray (I think he is more of a homerun hitter than the previous 3)

Branden Saine (Like this kid, too.)

Middle round backs

C.J. Gable

Mike Ford

Kendall Hunter

Armando Allen

Thoughts?

[DJC]

I'm a fan of the RB crop next year. There is no "CJ Spiller" playmaking prospect that I think could go top 10, but there is plenty of depth to the class.

Right now, at the top of the board are the first two guys you mentioned. Mark Ingram and Ryan Williams will likely be battling for the top spot in this class.

Royster and Murray are the top 2 senior backs in this class at this point according to most but I think that'll change. I'm honestly not that high on either of them. I don't see anything too special in Royster that'll make him a great RB at the next level. I like Murray a little more because of his speed, but he has had some injury concerns and I'd like to see how he comes out this year to really gauge him.

Two 'sleepers' people are talking about from the senior crop are Daniel Thomas from Kansas State and Anthony Allen from Georgia Tech. Both are bigger guys (225lbs+) but have good enough speed. Allen is hard to project coming out of that offense and seeing the drop of Dwyer this year. Thomas has only had one year at DI though so this will be a big year for him. One thing I don't like about Thomas is his age, he'll be 24 years old when he suits up for the first time in an NFL game.

Total opposite of those two guys from the senior class is Noel Devine. He's going to be the fastest RB this year but guys his size just scare me at the next level. I like him as a player but I don't think he'll really fit in here.

There's about 10 more guys I want to bring up but I don't have time right now. Everyone else keep sharing their insight, I love hearing what you guys are thinking for next year.

[bucfan12]

How about Jaquiz Rodgers? Dude would be a great addition in round 2 to our team.

I think we have to monitor the situation slowly. OT, DE, LB and RB can all be huge needs next season. We arent going to be able to retain both Trueblood and Penn, or both. I think Penn, pending on how well he proves himself, we get a long term deal. SO, i think Trueblood might be gone, so OT may be a priority in Round 2.

RB is def. going to be a need. I like Huggins as a possible contributor, but i cant see Ward and Caddy, in our backfield after this season. Caddy might take a hometown discount, but Ward most def. would be gone. RB could be a pick up in round 3.

I think DE would be a priority in the RD 1, but I still would wait and see on if the Bucs make a move at that position this summer. Keep an eye on Mathies Kiwanuka. He is going to be a free agent this year and the giants have a ton of depth and he might be expendable. It looks like we will most likely get a 3rd rd comp. pick for losing A Bryant, so a 3rd round pick could be a good trade for him.

MLB might be another positon, as Barrett Ruud may be out due to the fact we have to lock up Davin Joeseph, Geno Hayes, Tanard Jackson, and Donald Penn. Donta Hightower would be an amazing fit here.

[bullg8rdaddy]

What about John Clay RB from Wisconsin? Kid is a BEAST!

[bigfreak314]

I would crap my pants in Joy if TB drafted either AJ Green or Robert Quinn, two beasts at their respective positions with high ceilings.

[DJC]

I really like Mark Ingram. I'd take him with our 1st if we have a good season and were in the 15-20 range. I want to see another season of Ryan Williams before I make up my mind up on him, but it's hard to ignore what he did last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see either of these guys as our 1st next year if there's no DE's sitting there.

Jacquizz Rodgers is an interesting prospect. He will have a lot of carries under his belt by the time he reaches the NFL though. He's a great receiver for a back so that's a plus.

Jamie Harper is a guy to keep an eye on as a possible 2nd rounder next year for us. He's a big play threat with all the size (5'11 225) and speed (4.5) to be a feature back. With Spiller gone he'll see his carries go up by 4x. We'll see what he can do with it.

The combine is going to be huge for John Clay. How many 240lb+ backs do we see successful in the NFL? We'll see how his speed translates to the next level.

Two potential surprise underclassman to watch out for - Jermaine Thomas of FSU and Marc Tyler of USC. Both could vault their way up into 2nd/3rd round talk and declare early.

Now back to the seniors to wrap it up. Kendall Hunter had a very impressive sophmore year before having an injury shortened junior season. He's a smaller guy at 5'8 with good speed, and it'll be big for him to show that he can bounce back this season.

There's a couple guys who can rise that have had very limited tread on their tires, but then again with that they have not had as many opportunities to prove themselves yet. Allen Bradford of USC and Brandon Saine of OSU both say the most action of their careers last season but neither even saw over 150 carries. Bradford is bigger but has questionable speed. Saine has more potential and could really break out this year.

As a Canes fan I wouldn't mind us bringing in Graig Cooper in the mid rounds, but I'm not sure if he's going to be the same after that injury. Damien Berry is a good sleeper from the Canes. He might not get that many carries because of our loaded backfield, but I like what I saw from him last year.

A couple other mid-late round sleepers I like myself to keep an eye on, Roy Helu Jr of Nebraska, Da'Rel Scott of Maryland.

[bullg8rdaddy]

DJC with the great scoop. Thanks, bruh.

[etk]

I was too lazy to read DJC's posts right now (tl;dr) but I will eventually. I'm sure he said a lot of the same things I'm about to say but w/e.


I saw some early lists for next year and see them mentioning some Iowa DE, Adrian Clayborn as a top 10 talent. Any scoop or opinions on him?

UNC's Robert Quinn?


Adrian Clayborn: One of the top prospects period for next year. Possibly the #1 Senior prospect. He has great size and strength and he's very athletic for his size. He sheds blocks extremely well and pursues with quickness and motor. His tackling is subpar but he just needs to break down instead of lunging. With that being said, Clayborn is a LDE or 5-tech (think Tyson Jackson but better). We need a RDE that can be a dynamic pass rusher off the edge.

Robert Quinn: This is our guy. He has RIDICULOUSLY long arms, he's pretty explosive and can run the arc. He's decent at anchoring to stop the run even though he's fairly lanky. He's basically a Gaines Adams (RIP) clone which means that he fits our defense perfectly, but that also means that he's not a sure thing. Adams was always a freak athlete but never develop any pass rushing skill. Quinn doesn't show that skill right now either but athletes like him are rare and you have to coach them up.

DaQuan Bowers is an interesting guy. He hasn't proven much yet and he also is built more like a LDE but he's lean enough and quick enough to be our replacement for White. Bowers has Mario Williams/Julius Peppers potential.

I'm gonna evaluate the other guys later. I've seen Romeus before and wasn't overly impressed, but I'm gonna need to look further.

OL are easier to evaluate at the Senior Bowl/combine because they're more exposed. Film doesn't show much other than athletic ability.

RB crop next year?

Ingram (I like his production, but think he is overrated and a bit slow)

Ryan Williams

Evan Royster (love this kid, but also think he may be slow)

DeMarco Murray (I think he is more of a homerun hitter than the previous 3)

Branden Saine (Like this kid, too.)

Middle round backs

C.J. Gable

Mike Ford

Kendall Hunter

Armando Allen

Thoughts?

Ryan Williams is my top back. He's a DeAngelo Williams clone. He's very stocky and powerful but he's also explosive and quick. He hits the hole hard, he can shake defenders and he can run through arm tackles and gain extra yards after contact. He's proven he can carry the load as well.

I like Ingram a lot too. He has a low center of gravity, great vision and he's very shifty and quick. Ingram isn't as powerful as Williams but he's proven he can run through arm tackles and he's more quick-twitch than Williams. He has more than enough speed to be an NFL back.

Royster is nothing special. He's not overly big, fast, powerful, explosive, quick. He's just an average college back.

Murray is the shiftiest back in the draftest. He runs a bit tall but he's a good receiver and evades a lot of tackles. Reggie Bush clone.

Brandon Saine hasn't proven much yet. He's really fast and a good receiver, but I'd like to see him produce.

CJ Gable is solid all-around. He's kinda small but he's got + quickness, speed, agility, etc. He might be a better pro than college player once he leaves USC and their crowded backfield.

Noel Devine is legit. He's got great balance, power, agility, quickness and explosion. He fits somewhere between Darren Sproles and Barry Sanders imo.

Daniel Thomas is also legit. He doesn't look that big on film, but apparently he's 6'2 230. He has VERY impressive speed and acceleration for a guy his size. He's not a lumbering runner at all, he explodes through the hole, shows the ability to cut on a dime and finishes his runs well. He could be another Steven Jackson or Fred Taylor.

I like Allen a lot as a potential steal. He's small and compact, very quick, gets upfield when he runs inside and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

John Clay is a load. He reminds me of Jerome Bettis is his early days. If you let him hit the hole with a full head of steam, he'll be hard to bring down.

I wouldn't want Graig Cooper on our team. He's a decent athlete but who knows what he'll be like after the knee injury. Besides that, he doesn't run hard enough and has poor vision. His best attributes are his quickness and agility but he never seems to find daylight and isn't a natural runner in the open field. He runs too high when he gets an inside run and doesn't get extra yards after contact.

Damien Berry is really underrated though. He's basically a lesser version of Ryan Williams. He's very stocky and powerful. He has some shake to him and decent speed, but he's at his best when he powers through tackles and bounces off others. He's also a great special teamer. I'd take him as a replacement for Graham because he's lighter and has more wiggle, therefore he can break more long runs and do a better job on off tackles and sweeps.

[Me Likey Rookies]

etk, we would probably need to be picking top 5 to get Quinn. With an easy schedule, Raheem calling the D, and Freeman developing, I hope we pick from 10-20. I'll be studying Greg Romeus heavily this summer and fall.

[Caddy]

I think we'll be picking 8-14 so hopefully we will still be able to pick up a top flight player.

[Joe M Charlie]

Id like Robert Quinn who reminds me a lot of Demarcus Ware. If we pick in the top five.
Now if do good this year because we finished last and last place teams do good the following year in the NFC South. Id like any DE, RB (Mark Ingram) , and maybe OT if Donald Penn leaves. Those will be our top three needs next year.

[etk]

etk, we would probably need to be picking top 5 to get Quinn. With an easy schedule, Raheem calling the D, and Freeman developing, I hope we pick from 10-20. I'll be studying Greg Romeus heavily this summer and fall.

I'm not so sure that Quinn will be a top 5-8 pick. He's a great athlete, sure, but he's not very bulky and isn't a great fit for most teams. He fits the Tampa 2 perfectly so his value is a lot higher for us than for other squads. We'll see....I guess it depends on how 3-4 teams view him.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Just wanted to say how great this board is and how great the info you guys bring to the table.

Been a boring couple of months and I still feel that DE should be our first pick.

Quinn is my top guy.

I am feeling like RB or Safety should be next priority, depending on how Caddy and who ever starts opposite T-Jack do this year.

Are you guys hearing anthing in regards to Sean Jones and if he might start ahead of Sabby?

At RB, I'm not sure who I like more.

At Safety, who do you guys like out of :

Mark Barron, Alabama
Rahim Moore, UCLA
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemsom
Deunta Williams, UNC
Blake Gideon, Texas
Will Hill, Florida

I'm sure you guys have more prospects on your lists, I just saw these names more often. (Will Hill was added because I couldn't help putting a Gator up there. Forgive my homerism. lol)

[Me Likey Rookies]

I was 95% sure we would go LT in the 1st but then we signed Penn longterm.

I think the pick has to be RB or DE... (with MLB or WR being a slight possibility if one of the rookies disappoints and we have a shot at one of the elite 4)

My pick is for a RB.. Ingram or Williams

We are too young on the DL to take another DE. We need at least one vet starting.

[etk]

I was 95% sure we would go LT in the 1st but then we signed Penn longterm.

I think the pick has to be RB or DE... (with MLB or WR being a slight possibility if one of the rookies disappoints and we have a shot at one of the elite 4)

My pick is for a RB.. Ingram or Williams

We are too young on the DL to take another DE. We need at least one vet starting.

RB doesn't really make sense right now. Cadillac looks good and he's still relatively young. Derrick Ward is only in his 2nd year of a pretty hefty 5 year deal IIRC. Graham is a good versatile backup and special teamer. Clifton Smith is a good returner.

Where's the room for a back? Ingram and Williams are great talents but we'd have to unload Williams or Ward first. I don't see it happening right now.

DE is by far our biggest need. Stylez White is aging and never really was a great pass rusher. We still need a 10+ sacks-a-year edge rusher. We would've drafted one this year but Price/McCoy were better value.

I don't think we need a 1st round WR anymore. We have enough weapons on offense and Freeman is developing into a QB that can make the right reads and spread the ball around. Winslow is our top target right now, but Williams is a down the field playmaker, Benn is an across the middle target and Stroughter is a reliable slot. Anything else is gravy past that (Stovall/Clayton).

We should have a good shot at Robert Quinn, but a lot depends on how the 3-4 teams view him. The greater his versatility, the greater his value and the more likely he goes top 5 (doubt we pick there).

[Me Likey Rookies]

Caddy has two busted knees and is not a dynamic back even if healthy.

Ward is the biggest POS on the team. Did you watch the Miami game? Fat with no burst!

Huggins should be the #2 RB, he looked great.

Ingram in the 1st and a huge mauling OG in the 2nd would be soooo nice.

[etk]

Caddy has two busted knees and is not a dynamic back even if healthy.

Ward is the biggest POS on the team. Did you watch the Miami game? Fat with no burst!

Huggins should be the #2 RB, he looked great.

Ingram in the 1st and a huge mauling OG in the 2nd would be soooo nice.

I prefer Ryan Williams to Ingram. He would be a huge upgrade to our offense but something's gotta give for that to happen. Either Cadillac gets injured or Ward finally gets the boot. Who knows? You just can't invest that much money in one position and carry 4 backs.

Caddy is a decent starting back in this league. He does what we ask of him which is to pound the ball and set up the pass. We're building this offense around Freeman. Ward looks terrible but I wouldn't call him fat. He looks really indecisive as a runner but the blocking wasn't there either. I didn't see Huggins because my friends came over and distracted me but I know he's been putting in work in camp.

I forgot about the need for a G...I definitely agree there. Orlando Franklin might be a good option in the 3rd round. He's pretty much the opposite of Zuttah.

[KennyG]

From what I have read Quinn is the cream of the crop @ DE. I can't remember his name but theres a DE from Clemson that is suppose to be pretty good.
No one has mentioned RB Noel Devine. He's not a everydown back but I would love to see this guy as a Buc. If Huggins works out then nevermind, but we need a homerun threat, probably a 2nd rounder but who knows, really early.

[KennyG]

If we are picking outside of the top 15, with the Ruud situation still ongoing maybe a ILB in the 1st round... I know they are high on Heyward also, but I wouldn't be suprised if we go ILB if we let Ruud walk...

[superman8456]

From what I have read Quinn is the cream of the crop @ DE. I can't remember his name but theres a DE from Clemson that is suppose to be pretty good.
No one has mentioned RB Noel Devine. He's not a everydown back but I would love to see this guy as a Buc. If Huggins works out then nevermind, but we need a homerun threat, probably a 2nd rounder but who knows, really early.

DaQuan Bowers is the DE from Clemson, and he is mainly just living off the hype when he came out of highschool as a the #1 recruit in the nation.

Robert Quinn is vastly overrated, and I believe you'll see that in this upcoming year.

[etk]

Bowers isn't just a hyped up former #1 recruit (Marvin Austin). He legitimately has the athleticism to back it up now he just needs to prove it on the field.

Disagree about Quinn....what do you expect us to see? He's fast off the edge and disruptive with his long frame and arms.

Do you expect everyone to put up 20 sacks every year of their college career? A lot of former 1st round picks at DE didn't really dominate until their last year.

[TornadoRex]

ILB is not a position of enough importance to spend a 1st round pick on, unless it is a guy like Patrick Willis whose talent is just undeniable and is the BPA by a large margin.

Shelton Quarles and Barrett Ruud weren't/aren't the greatest athletes or the most talented MLBs around, but they fit our system well and they are smart. They are where they need to be in our defense. We should spend the resources on positions of high impact, like pass rush/protection. I wouldn't mind seeing a mauler to place next to Joseph. Trueblood is too inconsistent to be my starting RT.

I also wouldn't rule out WR if we're high enough to be picking AJ Green. We have a few good options but Green seems to be that rare type of prospect that trumps depth and need. The same goes for Patrick Peterson. We can't overlook their sheer talent because we already have decent options at the position. That gets us Gaines Adams instead of Adrian Peterson. I doubt many would argue that Gaines was a flat-out better player than Adrian, but injury concerns and positional need trumped pure talent.

[bucfan12]

In the 2011 draft, I think our main needs will be :

DE
MLB
OG
OT
RB
Secondary depth.

Defensive End should be addressed in the 1st round. My prediction is that we will end up in the 5-11 to 7-9 record range, depending how our run defense holds up and how Josh Freeman recovers from his injury and rust at the beginning of the year, which we have a possibility of starting out 2-1 or 3-0 perhaps.

The Defensive Ends im looking at here are:
1. Robert Quinn- Monster and great pass rusher who fits our system. However, I think we may have to have a top 5 pick, maybe top 3 pick to get him. PROJ: top 5 pick

2. Adrian Clayborn- He would be another solid add as he a physical freak and I have a feeling we have a better shot at drafting him than Robert Quinn right now. Clayborn, just like McCoy was to Suh in 2010, is no consolation prize as he may just be as good. PROJ: top 12 pick

3. Greg Romeus- was a bit of a raw prospect but really came on at the end of last season for PItt. Decided to come back to really work on his technique and become that dominate pass rusher and reach his full potential. If we have a mid round pick in the teens, he would be perfect.

MLB: After watching Ruud last season and in the pre-season so far, he has done nothing to prove he is worth Bart Scott money and earn a long term deal. This preseason, I watched he can't shed off blocks and he misses too many tackles. He's not a playmaker and his leadership skills have been questioned by the coaching staff and Derrick Brooks, as he said Ruud isn't a vocal guy in the huddle or locker room. Think we need to upgrade here in either FA or Draft.

2nd round:

Greg Jones Mich State.: Really think this guy is a tremendous fit in our Tampa 2 in the middle. He has a knack for the football is and is a tremendous athlete and is a beast. He was told he had a 3rd round grade in 2010 because he was undersized at 225. He has gotten up to 235-240 range during the offseason and reports say he hasn't lost that speed and intensity. If he has an amazing year, no doubt he will be a mid to late first round pick. PROJ: mid 1st to early 2nd.

Quan Sturdivant MLB North Carolina: Havent gotten to watch much film but he is quick to the ball and is strictly meant to play in the 4-3 and would be a great fit in the tampa 2. PROJ: 2nd round.


OG: LG is a huge hole ever since Aaron Sears left the team with personal issues. Jeremy Zuttah is more of a swing o-lineman for depth and Vincent is only a quick fix this year at LG.

John Moffit Wisconsin: PROJEcted Selection: 3rd round

Mike Pouncey: 2nd - 3rd round ( can make the switch from center to Guard.)

Rodney Hudson: 2nd to early 3rd.

OT: It might be hard to retain Jeremy Trueblood and if their isn't much out their, we may have to find a new RT.

Orlando Franklin: 6'7 318 lbs; would fit perfectly at right tackle. PROJ: late 2nd to mid 3rd.


It seems that we may get a compensation pick for losing Antonio Bryant, as it was tossed around from last season, so if we get another 3rd, I think Oline would be that pick.

RB will probably be addressed in the 4th round. I like Huggins and think he can be a great complimentary back to Caddy, we need to find a replacement for Caddy if he does not resign.

Evan Royster, PSU: His stock will drop when a bunch of high class Under classmen declare for the 2011 draft. He could be a Matt Forte type back and could go anywhere between the late 2nd to mid 4th.

Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State Proj: 4th round



Mini Mock:

1st. Adrain Clayborn DE Iowa
2nd: Quan Sturdavent MLB North Carolina
3rd: Orlando Franklin OT Miami
3rd: John Moffit OG Wisconsin
4th: Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State

[Me Likey Rookies]

That is an awesome mock.

I love Clayborn even at RDE, even though most people will say he is a LDE only.

Agree about Ruud as well, he needs to show up week 1 because he has been craptastic this preseason.

[etk]

I like Clayborn more than anyone but he doesn't fit our system well as a RDE. I wouldn't pass him up if he slid down and Quinn was unavailable but I don't see that happening.

I'll give Romeus a good hard look against Miami because I'll be there live.

RB seems like a round 1 or 2 need. Caddy looks average and Ward is gone. We need a back that can hit the hole hard, show some wiggle and break tackles. Caddy only does the first one and occasionally the 3rd.

I really like Daniel Thomas though.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Mark Ingram please.

The running game is a glaring weakness right now. We need some new o-linemen as well...

[bucfan12]

We need a DE, RB, MLB, OG and maybe RT. Caddy did not perform well today and I think Huggins is only going to be a spell back. I love Mark Ingrim with his power and speed, but I am not all for taking RB's in the 1st round.

Daniel Thomas, Evan Royster, and Ryan Williams all look like 2-4th round prospects right now and I think we can wait. Plus, why not add Deangello Williams in FA next year?

[Caddy]

I think the top need is going to end up being DE which hopefully we can address in the first round.

After that I wouldn't be opposed to a BPA style strategy including ILB, LG, RT, RB and maybe even another CB or WR.

[bucfan12]

Does anyone think that Robert Quinn, if he declares for the drat, stock may fall because he hasn't played this season yet and if he does, may not have as good of a year?

Also, I haven't watched much of Iowa this year and have been slacking on my scouting game, but how has Adrian Clayborn looked?

[etk]

We need a DE, RB, MLB, OG and maybe RT. Caddy did not perform well today and I think Huggins is only going to be a spell back. I love Mark Ingrim with his power and speed, but I am not all for taking RB's in the 1st round.

Daniel Thomas, Evan Royster, and Ryan Williams all look like 2-4th round prospects right now and I think we can wait. Plus, why not add Deangello Williams in FA next year?

Scratch Royster off the list. He'll be lucky to get drafted. He's small, slow, has done nothing this year and isn't starting anymore.

Ingram or R. Williams would be ideal because they're both powerful with burst and break tackles. Caddy hasn't been terrible considering the blocking but he's been no better than average. A back like Ingram would make a lot more out of those opportunities.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Really starting to warm up to Ingram, especially after watching him more than last year. (I know he has only played Duke so far this year. lol)

But like someone else said, I am not a fan of drafting a RB in the 1st round. It seems like you should draft positions that generally have longer "NFL careers" in the first to get the most bang for your buck.

Does anyone have a chart that shows all of the average years that each position lasts in the NFL?

[bucfan12]

I have really like Ingram too, but Daniel Thomas has really opened my eyes. Ryan Williams, in my opinion, is going to be bust, so I wouldn't waist my time on him. Just something about him says he only plays well against lower competition, not worth a 1st or 2nd round pick in my opinion.

DE is the top need and honestly, I don;t think we will or need to sign Barrett Ruud to a new deal. I think we should let him go and fill MLB through the draft with a guy like Quan Sturdavent or if we're lucky, Greg Jones.

If we finish the season at 6 wins or better, we may not land a quality DE and may have to look at FA for a guy like Kiwanuka, who i really like.

I would say go DE, MLB, then RB or OG

[Bucs147]

So, Free Safety just became our biggest needs.

What an idiot...

[Me Likey Rookies]

Rahim Moore? Maybe... but damn I still love Tanard Jackson despite him being a ******.

Definitely add Moore to the mix with Ingram as my personal favorites.

[bullg8rdaddy]

last 15 years we are 1/2 with Pac 10 safeties (Lynch and Sabby), no? lol

[KennyG]

I want to see how Huggins and Blount progress this year before thinking RB in first round. If they don't show any promise then I would consider Ingram in the first round depending on where we are picking..

[KennyG]

DaQuan Bowers is the DE from Clemson, and he is mainly just living off the hype when he came out of highschool as a the #1 recruit in the nation.

Robert Quinn is vastly overrated, and I believe you'll see that in this upcoming year.


Bowers through the first 3 games has 6 TFL's and 3 Sacks.... Just sayin..

[bucfan12]

Heres a mini bucs mock after 4 weeks:

TOP NEEDS:
DE
S
G
MLB
RB

1st: Adrian Clayborn DE IOWA: Watched him against Penn State. He is an absolute beast. Stud against the run and he just owns LT's with his strength and high motor. Sacks haven't come really, but on a D-line of McCoy and Price, our d-line would a terror for opponents for years to come.

2nd: DeAndre McMichael SS Clemson: Found our stud SS. Can play next to Myron Lewis in our Secondary for years.

3rd: Kelvin Sheppard MLB LSU: He isn't gonna blow you away with his combine results, but he is a perfect fit in our system. He is very good against the run and can drop back in zone coverage. I've watched a few games of LSU this year and he's everywhere. He might go higher after his name gets out though.

3rd: (compensation for A. Bryant): Ros I Dowling CB Virginia - I've seen his stock slip a bit and I think we're going to need another CB with us moving Lewis to FS. He could be a nice complimentary to Talib.

4th: John Moffit G Wisconsin

5th: Orlando Franklin T Miami

6th: Delone Carter RB Syracuse

7th: Jerimiah Hunter OLB Iowa

[V.I.P]

Ryan Williams is having a down year, mostly because of his o-line. So he's definitely not the type of back we need running behind our o-line . We need a back that can make something outta nothing.

[Chucky]

We need Mark Ingram. He is number 3 on my BB right now for the Bucs.

1. PP
2. Quinn
3.Ingram

[bullg8rdaddy]

Forgive me, who is PP?

[bigbuc]

CB from LSU... Patrick Peterson... GOD!

[bucfan12]

CB from LSU... Patrick Peterson... GOD!

He's an absolute stud. Can you imagine him and talib together? Too bad we need a pass rush in the worst way though.

[V.I.P]

Edit: Wrong Thread

[etk]

Brandon Harris is a better fit in our defense than Peterson. Harris is a bigger, faster, more physical version of Ronde. He can slide in to cover the nickel on 3rd downs, he's a great blitzer, he supports the run hard, he competes well for the ball, etc.

[V.I.P]

Brandon Harris is a better fit in our defense than Peterson. Harris is a bigger, faster, more physical version of Ronde. He can slide in to cover the nickel on 3rd downs, he's a great blitzer, he supports the run hard, he competes well for the ball, etc.

I'm a fan of Brandoon Harris also. This guy is always making tackles, and rarely misses. He has to be one of the best run support corners in the nation. Plus he has the speed to keep up with any receiver in the league. I stell wanna give Myron Lewis a chance first.

[StaticGator]

Peterson is awesome, but the Bucs already have a guy to cover the opponent's #1 WR. In a league with limited assets to acquire premier talent, it doesn't make sense to use a top pick on a second tier position like #2 CB.

[V.I.P]

Peterson is awesome, but the Bucs already have a guy to cover the opponent's #1 WR. In a league with limited assets to acquire premier talent, it doesn't make sense to use a top pick on a second tier position like #2 CB.

Agreed, but it looks like alot more teams now have two good receivers. Cowboys, Vikes, Packers, etc... So two solid CBs wouldn't hurt. But i expect to be picking in the 15-19 range, PP will be long gone. Plus i don't see CB as a first round need.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Why are you guys talking about CBs? Talib, Lewis, Biggers are the future.

DE, MLB, FS, OG are all wayyyyyy more important to us than another CB. People need to stop giving us a CB in the 1st (I have seen Amukamara way too much in peoples mocks).

I am omiting RB because of my Blount boner.

[V.I.P]

Why are you guys talking about CBs? Talib, Lewis, Biggers are the future.

DE, MLB, FS, OG are all wayyyyyy more important to us than another CB. People need to stop giving us a CB in the 1st (I have seen Amukamara way too much in peoples mocks).

I am omiting RB because of my Blount boner.

I'm still not a fan of Myron Lewis. I disliked the pick. I wanted Chris Cook, but Minnesota chose to over draft him. I don't think we should have our hopes high for Lewis. I mean, Mack is activated over him. Didn't Lewis go to Vandy, how is he not picking up the playbook quickly?

[Me Likey Rookies]

CBs take a long, long time to develop, plus Lewis had injuries all offseason. Talib did start the season as the #3 his rookie year but he only played a significant amount late in the season. You expect a high 3rd round pick to start, so we have to assume he'll be a starting CB by next year.

etk, I watched Nate Irving vs VT and was really impressed. Where is he projected to go?

Just for fun, here are the teams I think we will be drafting behind (in no order):
Oakland (New England), Kansas City, Cleveland, Buffalo, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Arizona, Detroit, Washington/NYG, Carolina.

So that puts us around the 11th pick. Clayborn is likely out of reach. Mark Ingram would be perfect here but what if Blount looks good? How bout Deandre McDaniel?

Oh and here is my top 5 overall so far:
1. CB Patrick Peterson LSU
2. DE/DT Marcell Dareus BAMA
3. DE Adrian Clayborn IOWA
4. DE Robert Quinn UNC
5. WR AJ Green GEORGIA

Im not wild about the 3 QBs like most people are.

[V.I.P]

Yeah, very good point. I still see RB as a need. That is until Blount, and Huggins prove they can play in the NFL.

[KennyG]

CBs take a long, long time to develop, plus Lewis had injuries all offseason. Talib did start the season as the #3 his rookie year but he only played a significant amount late in the season. You expect a high 3rd round pick to start, so we have to assume he'll be a starting CB by next year.

etk, I watched Nate Irving vs VT and was really impressed. Where is he projected to go?

Just for fun, here are the teams I think we will be drafting behind (in no order):
Oakland (New England), Kansas City, Cleveland, Buffalo, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Arizona, Detroit, Washington/NYG, Carolina.

So that puts us around the 11th pick. Clayborn is likely out of reach. Mark Ingram would be perfect here but what if Blount looks good? How bout Deandre McDaniel?

Oh and here is my top 5 overall so far:
1. CB Patrick Peterson LSU
2. DE/DT Marcell Dareus BAMA
3. DE Adrian Clayborn IOWA
4. DE Robert Quinn UNC
5. WR AJ Green GEORGIA

Im not wild about the 3 QBs like most people are.

From what I have seen this draft seems to be pretty deep at Safety, or more there will probably be a good one available in the first 4 rounds. The class seems decent enough with DE's also. I think it's Quinn and Clayborn in the first if not BPA with need somewhat in mind. If we are picking around 10 and the two DE's are gone I would much rather go with Greg Jones or Hightower to replace Ruud and grab Beal, Bowers, Romeus, Kerrigan or Acho in the 2nd, whoever falls... Or even take Carimi in the first round and grab your DE in the 2nd and a Safety in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

[V.I.P]

From what I have seen this draft seems to be pretty deep at Safety, or more there will probably be a good one available in the first 4 rounds. The class seems decent enough with DE's also. I think it's Quinn and Clayborn in the first if not BPA with need somewhat in mind. If we are picking around 10 and the two DE's are gone I would much rather go with Greg Jones or Hightower to replace Ruud and grab Beal, Bowers, Romeus, Kerrigan or Acho in the 2nd, whoever falls... Or even take Carimi in the first round and grab your DE in the 2nd and a Safety in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

Hightower has been looking like an overweight bum this season. I doubt he even declares. I don't know if it's because he still injured, but he just hasn't been playing as advertised this season.

[etk]

CBs take a long, long time to develop, plus Lewis had injuries all offseason. Talib did start the season as the #3 his rookie year but he only played a significant amount late in the season. You expect a high 3rd round pick to start, so we have to assume he'll be a starting CB by next year.

etk, I watched Nate Irving vs VT and was really impressed. Where is he projected to go?

Just for fun, here are the teams I think we will be drafting behind (in no order):
Oakland (New England), Kansas City, Cleveland, Buffalo, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Arizona, Detroit, Washington/NYG, Carolina.

So that puts us around the 11th pick. Clayborn is likely out of reach. Mark Ingram would be perfect here but what if Blount looks good? How bout Deandre McDaniel?

Oh and here is my top 5 overall so far:
1. CB Patrick Peterson LSU
2. DE/DT Marcell Dareus BAMA
3. DE Adrian Clayborn IOWA
4. DE Robert Quinn UNC
5. WR AJ Green GEORGIA

Im not wild about the 3 QBs like most people are.

I honestly don't know about Irving. He was underrated as a Soph and the injuries took him completely off the radar. He's a late 1st round talent imo but there's no way he goes that high unless he tears up the combine.

Peterson is obviously a stud. Dareus is a great 3-4 DE as he's extremely strong but he's not the pass rushing RDE we need. Neither is Clayborn. Quinn is ideal but in a perfect world we get Olivier Vernon next year. Of the DEs I've seen this year that are draft eligible, the only ones that I'd even think of taking are Steven Friday, Jabaal Sheard and Justin Houston. Not a good class for pass rushing DEs.

I want a back that's explosive, hits the hole hard and can be used as a receiver out of the backfield. Huggins looks the part but he never gets any burn so I can't really tell. I love Ingram but I'd rather not have to spend a 1st on a RB. I'd rather build the team around Freeman and the defense.

McDaniel is a no-go. He's not a 1st round caliber talent imo and is Piscitelli-like in coverage with boneheaded miscues. Again I don't wanna sound like a homer but I'd love to get Vaughn Telemaque at some point. He's a rSo so who knows when he declares. I also like Deunta Williams, Ahmad Black, Tyler Sash. Again....the guys I like most (Janzen Jackson, Devonte Holloman) aren't eligible yet.

All I know is Ruud needs to be replaced. It's getting painful to watch.

That and we need a new punter. I'd overdraft Chas Henry if that's what it takes.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Just to clarify, thats my top 5 overall.. not top 5 for the Bucs.

[etk]

^ I was aware. Didn't catch that until I saw the QB comment.

[V.I.P]

Even if we get rid og Caddy, we should keep Earnest Graham. That's his second game in a row with a play of 50+ yards. He's not a blocking FB, but he sure is a playmaker.

[brasho]

I think we should continue what we started last season and go for a double dose of help on the DL. Assuming we draft in the teens, grab DE Allen Bailey of Miami to come in and be our LDE, then in round 2 get the 2nd coming of Dwight Freeney in Nevada DE Dontay Moch to be our RDE.

We have RBs to like on our roster, Blount and Huggins. Carnell will be gone, that much is certain.. but we can find good RBs in rounds 3-7. I'd like to see us add a burner at WR to keep defenses honest and force them to play more than zero coverage like they've done so often this season.

I think our future MLB is Quincy Black who will be replaced by Watson at Sam. Safety has to be a consideration somewhere in the draft though the Bucs have had great success turning college CBs into FSs.... Damien Robinson, Dexter Jackson, Dwight Smith, and Tanard Jackson all played CB in college (all except Jackson played almost exclusively at CB). That being said, perhaps round 3-7 we grab a big CB and move him to FS. All aforementioned players were drafted in round 3 or later.

[Me Likey Rookies]

I dont see Bailey as a 4-3 DE at all. I would put him at 4-3 UT if I was running a team. And I dont think we should give up Kyle Moore at LDE just yet.

We've got a ton of needs on both sides so BPA is really the way to go and who knows where we are going to pick. I think we're going to finish the season better than 5-7 in the last 12 games so that puts us at better than 8-8... looks like we could be picking around the 20th pick so a lot of our favorites will be gone.

[bucfan12]

Allen Bailey is a 3-4 DE. Assuming we don't win more than 7 games, I say we go after Adrian Clayborn. Dude is a beast and can play 4-3. He can get to the QB and is excellent in the run game. Guy can play both LDE and RDE in our system, which can cause confusing for offenses.

Also, keep an eye on Robert Quinn. He was just ruled ineligible for the rest of the year and might slip in the mid- 1st round.

[bucfan12]

If we're picking low and no elite DE's are on the board, I'd pick Rahim Moore. Dude is a playmaker and is Ed Reed 2.0 Either him, Gabe Carimi or Brandon Harris.

Honestly, I think we should look in FA. Mathias Kiwanuka is a FA and I don't see the Giants keeping all 4 of their DE's.

[KennyG]

I dont see Bailey as a 4-3 DE at all. I would put him at 4-3 UT if I was running a team. And I dont think we should give up Kyle Moore at LDE just yet.


Yea Bailey is a 3-4 DE, there are a lot of tweener type guys at DE this year.
Beal has been really impressive this year and Bowers has played well as far as the type of DE I think fits our team. Romeus will probably drop to the second round with the injury. I am sure there are some smaller school guys to that will rise up the closer we get to the end of the season.
Kyle Moore shouldn't be starting, right now he's a rotational type guy and hopefully I am wrong but I don't see him ever being starter material.

After the Bengals game it is just more proof we need multiple upgrades to both the DE spot and Oline. Then throw in a Strong Safety and MLB. Hopefully we can add some exp FA's at some of these spots because I think we will be ready for the playoffs next year if we can upgrade a few key positions.

[KennyG]

Safety has to be a consideration somewhere in the draft though the Bucs have had great success turning college CBs into FSs....

Sounds like we drafted a guy this year that fits that mold, Myron Lewis.
Thats what a lot of people projected him to be in the NFL.
Probably a stretch tho, Grimm bounced back so maybe he pans out and TJax still has a year left on his contract so...

[etk]

Wait...why the **** are we talking about replacing Kyle Moore already? Moore is active and fits the prototype for our LDE. Stylez White isn't getting any pressure and is our worst run defender. We need a RDE...a really good one in fact. It's probably the most important position on the defense.

[KennyG]

Kyle Moore through the first four games has been pretty crappy.. I don't think he is starting material. Right now Crowder is our best pass rushing DE and has more upside then Moore imo.. Moore hasn't even played a full season though so... Hopefully he proves me wrong..

[bucfan12]

After watching some of the games yesterday, heres some guys that would be good additioons to our team in the 2011 draft.

1. Adrian Clayborn: The last two games I saw, he is unblockable and has his way with LT's. He's just a monster at the end in the 4-3 and can play both LE and RE in our scheme.

2. John Moffit G Wisconsin: This guy is a huge reason for Wisconsin having a power Run Game. This guy owned Ohio States DT's throughout the game.

3. Mark Ingram

[etk]

Clayborn isn't a RE in our system...sorry. We need a 10+ sack pass rusher. Clayborn's not that guy. The run stopping will come in time once the young guys get experience and White/Ruud are replaced.

[bucfan12]

That is where your wrong. He plays in the same system at Iowa, the TAmpa 2.

The guy is unblockable and honestly, might be one of the better DE prospects I've seen since Mario Williams and Julius Peppers. I was watching him against Michigan and Penn State so far this year, and not one guy can block him. He just eats up the run and just dominates LT's in the pass.

Last year, it was the same thing. He just has tremendous strength and is well coached. He has a high motor and is disruptive against he run and can be an even better pass rusher.

[Caddy]

Yeah we need somebody who can run the ball...

[Me Likey Rookies]

Blount. Why was he not active today? Surely he has to be used now that Huggins is out for the year and Caddy's avg has fallen below 2 ypc.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Huggins is out for the year?! WTF?!

[KennyG]

Tore his ACL. It's a shame, we didn't get to see him much but from the preseason you could see he had some promise. Hopefully he has a good recovery and can play again - even if it's in Canada or where ever - doubtful tho.
Even if Blount is Brandon Jacobs 2.0 we probably need to grab a guy in the mid rounds. The dude from Kentucky, Locke looks like a good prospect. Not sure where he is projected but if he is there in the 4th round I see that as a good choice. We obviously need to go DE/MLB in one of the first 3 rounds and then you have Strong Safety and OLINE to consider as well. You could argue that we need 3 Olineman, thats how bad we are right now...

[bullg8rdaddy]

Daquan Bowers is really producing so far this year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=377881

9 sacks, 33 total tackles and 1 FF.

[lowlife]

Clayborn isn't a RE in our system...sorry. We need a 10+ sack pass rusher. Clayborn's not that guy. The run stopping will come in time once the young guys get experience and White/Ruud are replaced.

Don't get too caught up with systems.
Morris is using multiple fronts and multiple looks.

I don't care if a guy has all the upfield speed in the world, I just want someone who is going to consistently win 1on1's in passing situations and set the edge on runs.

I think he could drop 15-20 pounds and regain some explosion and increase endurance. He gained about 10-12 in the offseason and has been getting gassed a lot this season.

[bigbuc]

Guys what about Akeem Ayers? With us looking more and more like were not going to sign Ruud long term. He most likely will be there where we are going to pick 12 to 20 range. Bigger LB than we have on our team... Great at dropping back also a good pass rusher on 3rd down. We could put Black at MIB or just draft Ayers to take Ruud's job.

[KennyG]

To early for this I know... But what the hell..
We need to take BPA with need in mind.

Clayborn DE, G. Jones ILB, J. Boren OG, C.Matthews DE, J. Rodgers RB, Tyler Sash SS

[bullg8rdaddy]

My mid season mock:

1. DaQuan Bowers - DE, Clemson (top 10 pick)
Kid is killing it this year and finally living up to the hype. 6'3/280 monster RE. Has the size, physical attributes to be what we need to help our pass rush and continue the rebuilding of our D-line. Could be the pass rusher we've needed since Simeon Rice, IMO.

2. Gabe Carimi - OT, Wisconsin (trade up into top 5 of second or bottom 10 of 1st round)
I know most of us are saying that Guard is more important than Tackle, but if we can grab Carimi in the late 1st round to early 2nd, I say we do it. Definite upgrade over Trueblood and would greatly improve the run blocking. 6'8/320 moster of a RT.

3. DeMarco Murray - RB, Oklahoma (3rd rounder)
I know its a huge long shot, but I am hoping for a perfect storm of events ( that his medical history helps him drop and that we can package some picks including the compensatory Antonio Bryant one to move up and grab him) I love this kid. Home run threat. Productive. Big back 6'1/215. Starter for past 3 years.

4. Traded away

5. Traded away.

6. Ahmad Black - S, Florida
Super productive Strong safety. Lacks ideal height and weight. Interception machine. Sure tackler. Leader. 3 year starter.

7. BPA

[bigbuc]

My mid season mock:

1. DaQuan Bowers - DE, Clemson (top 10 pick)
Kid is killing it this year and finally living up to the hype. 6'3/280 monster RE. Has the size, physical attributes to be what we need to help our pass rush and continue the rebuilding of our D-line. Could be the pass rusher we've needed since Simeon Rice, IMO.

2. Gabe Carimi - OT, Wisconsin (trade up into top 5 of second or bottom 10 of 1st round)
I know most of us are saying that Guard is more important than Tackle, but if we can grab Carimi in the late 1st round to early 2nd, I say we do it. Definite upgrade over Trueblood and would greatly improve the run blocking. 6'8/320 moster of a RT.

3. DeMarco Murray - RB, Oklahoma (3rd rounder)
I know its a huge long shot, but I am hoping for a perfect storm of events ( that his medical history helps him drop and that we can package some picks including the compensatory Antonio Bryant one to move up and grab him) I love this kid. Home run threat. Productive. Big back 6'1/215. Starter for past 3 years.

4. Traded away

5. Traded away.

6. Ahmad Black - S, Florida
Super productive Strong safety. Lacks ideal height and weight. Interception machine. Sure tackler. Leader. 3 year starter.

7. BPA

You think we will be picking top ten?

[BeerBaron]

Hey guys,

I've been given the Bucs in the current forum mock and was wondering if you had any suggestions as to directions to go?

They've got pick #16...any positions or specific players you would suggest?

[bigbuc]

Hey guys,

I've been given the Bucs in the current forum mock and was wondering if you had any suggestions as to directions to go?

They've got pick #16...any positions or specific players you would suggest?


We need a DE, S, RB, OG/OT.

[BeerBaron]

We need a DE, S, RB, OG/OT.

Pretty much what I was thinking....have any specific players in mind?

I know most Bucs fans seem to be really high on Mark Ingram if he is available there. 16 seems early for any other RBs to me though...

I gave them Marcus Cannon around that range in my last mock..any thoughts on him? He could be an effective G or RT in the pros I feel.

[V.I.P]

Pretty much what I was thinking....have any specific players in mind?

I know most Bucs fans seem to be really high on Mark Ingram if he is available there. 16 seems early for any other RBs to me though...

I gave them Marcus Cannon around that range in my last mock..any thoughts on him? He could be an effective G or RT in the pros I feel.

If Ingram is available he should be the pick. If he's not i like Cannon, Sherrod, Bowers, or even Greg Romeus, but i think 16 is a reach.

[bullg8rdaddy]

You think we will be picking top ten?

I think Bowers is a Top 10 pick if his production continues, he leaves early and he finishes the year healthy. I think we pick in the 10-16 range, personally. Hope that teams are scared of him not producing until this year, have Quinn and a couple of other DE's rated higher, and Dominick trades up to grab a stud pass rushing DE in the first. He has shown that he will trade up in the past to guarantee getting their target.

I will be very upset if we go RB with our first pick, don't think our line is there to have a rookie back thrive. Think we need to solidify our front five first. Also stud RBs generally have a short window of high production, whereas stud lineman have much longer and productive careers on average (health permitting). The value in the first 2 rounds is in the big uglies.

/shrugs

[lowlife]

Pretty sure we have another 5th from trading two 7ths last year.

When'd the 4th get traded?

[V.I.P]

Pretty sure we have another 5th from trading two 7ths last year.

When'd the 4th get traded?

We also have an additional third from the Bengals for signing AB.

[bullg8rdaddy]

I hypothesized that we traded those picks away to move up twice for our 2nd and 3rd picks, fellas.

Try to keep up. :p

I know it's a huge stretch to land those three as our first 3 picks. What do you guys think? Agree?

If we could land them, would you be satisfied?

[Me Likey Rookies]

BeerBaron gave us Greg Romeus with the 16th pick in the forum mock. Quinn, Clayborn, Bowers (hes fat), Ingram were all off the board. I'm surprised they didnt let Aldon Smith declare. Thoughts on Romeus in the 1st?

[Chucky]

BeerBaron gave us Greg Romeus with the 16th pick in the forum mock. Quinn, Clayborn, Bowers (hes fat), Ingram were all off the board. I'm surprised they didnt let Aldon Smith declare. Thoughts on Romeus in the 1st?

At 16 I hate it to be honest. I wouldn't take someone with his injury concerns that high.

[BeerBaron]

It came down to Romeus or Marcus Cannon. The board fell pretty crappy. Felt high for a G/RT...plus I liked the odds of getting a quality one of those later as opposed to DEs which there has been a hell of a run on. That was my thinking anyway.

[lowlife]

I hypothesized that we traded those picks away to move up twice for our 2nd and 3rd picks, fellas.

Try to keep up. :p

I know it's a huge stretch to land those three as our first 3 picks. What do you guys think? Agree?

If we could land them, would you be satisfied?

Waiting till the 6th round to address the worst starting safeties in the NFL isn't satisfying at all.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Id be ok with Romeus if he plays well in November, checks out medically at the combine, and performs well at the combine. His production was solid last season and he is a H/W/S freak. His consistency needs to improve but he has skills as a pass rusher.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Waiting till the 6th round to address the worst starting safeties in the NFL isn't satisfying at all.

Very good point, sir.

But I would argue that having a strong front four would help make the secondary look better.

And as some have said, maybe we try Myron Lewis at FS.

[bucfan12]

Honestly, looking at our team this is how I would address things:

We have money to bring in a few players.

Let go:
- Ruud (GARBAGE)
- Piscatelli
- Stovall
- Caddilac Williams
- Sean Jones

Resign:
- Barber (1 year)
- Quincy Black
- Tim Crowder (nice back up)
- Davin Joseph

FA:
- Mathies Kiwanuka DE
- Dqwell Jackson MLB
- Ryan Harris T
- Jerrod Page S

Draft:
1st. Mark Ingram RB Alabama : I don't think we will be drafting high enough to get one of the premeire DE's, but We need to get Freeman some help in the run game.

2nd: Deunta Williams S North Carolina: We get to keep T-Jack for one more year, so Deunta can replace him in the future and line up along side him til he plays FS in 2012. He is slipping because of the scandel this year, along with other guys like Austin, Quinn, Darius. He has 1st round talent.

3rd: John Moffit G Wisconsin: He is a huge reason why Wisconsin's running game is so good. I just loved the way he blocks and comes from a good pedigree for physical powerhouse run blockers at Wisconsin.

3rd: (projected compensentory pick): Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh: this guy has a lot of talent, but only problem is he has been hurt all year and a lot of scouts had questions. I wouldn't mind taking a chance on him.

4th: Chemidi Chekwa CB Ohio State

5th: Orlando Franklin T Miami

6th: Lance Kendricks TE Wisconsin

7th: Traded to KC

That is what I would do If I'm Mark Dominik. Yes, it is a great decision to build through the draft, but even in our Super Bowl years, we had to sign guys like Simeon Rice to push our defense over the top. I think we have too many holes, at MLB, G, T, FS/SS, and RB to just fill in the draft. Kiwanuka is an established pass rusher and I think the Giants will let him go because their line is stacked with talent. I read once Jackson got injured, it's pretty much a given his days in cleveland are done. He would be a nice pick up and is good against hte run. Jarrad Page could add depth at SS and even start there for us. Upgrade of Sean Jones.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Looks real good, brah.

[Caddy]

What are we getting a 3rd round compensatory pick for?

[Chucky]

Antonio Bryant. Not confirmed 3rd rounder though

[Me Likey Rookies]

Why would we get anything for Antonio Bryant? Wouldnt he have to do something first?

BLOUNT BABY! Forget about Ingram!

[Chucky]

Why would we get anything for Antonio Bryant? Wouldnt he have to do something first?

BLOUNT BABY! Forget about Ingram!

No..compensentary picks are mainly(maybe totally) based on salary.

While the emergence of Blount is promising...I really don't think the guy is a primary back. Probably would be best in a two back system with a scat back to compliment him

[bucfan12]

No..compensentary picks are mainly(maybe totally) based on salary.

While the emergence of Blount is promising...I really don't think the guy is a primary back. Probably would be best in a two back system with a scat back to compliment him

Well said. Blount played very good today. But it is against a young defense in St. Louis. Ingram is a beast and him and Blount can be two bruisers that can wear down defenses and open up the pass for our Franchise QB.

[Chucky]

Man...If i could pick on FA for the Bucs to sign this offseason its got to be Mankins. I know Kiwi is really ******* tempting. But signing someone like Mankins would really shore up our Oline.

[V.I.P]

Antonio Bryant. Not confirmed 3rd rounder though

Heard it was a 3rd, since he signed for over 7mill a year.

[bucfan12]

Man...If i could pick on FA for the Bucs to sign this offseason its got to be Mankins. I know Kiwi is really ******* tempting. But signing someone like Mankins would really shore up our Oline.

Why would you want a greedy offensive lineman who only cares about himself, as he isn't playing for the Pats right now? Dominik was smart and didn't bring back one arrogant player in Antonio Bryant. Why would he OVER-SPEND for another one? Get a mauler like Moffit in the draft and we're good!

[V.I.P]

Hopefully our FO decides to spend money this offseason. Since we'll be entering year 3 in the rebuild in all.

[bigbuc]

Why would you want a greedy offensive lineman who only cares about himself, as he isn't playing for the Pats right now? Dominik was smart and didn't bring back one arrogant player in Antonio Bryant. Why would he OVER-SPEND for another one? Get a mauler like Moffit in the draft and we're good!

He plays a game that on any given play your career could end. He's just trying to get paid and the Pats are trying to get one more year with not paying him. He's the best OG in the league I would rather pay him 8 million a year than pay Joseph 6 million a year.

[TornadoRex]

He plays a game that on any given play your career could end. He's just trying to get paid and the Pats are trying to get one more year with not paying him. He's the best OG in the league I would rather pay him 8 million a year than pay Joseph 6 million a year.

He's not nearly the best guard.

[Caddy]

I'll give you that he is not the best, but I think he is top 5 in the league.

[bigbuc]

He's not nearly the best guard.

Than who???

[Caddy]

Than who???

My best bet would be Jahri Evans, but again, I really think you are splitting hairs between him, Mankins and maybe 1 or 2 other guys.

[lowlife]

I'd hang on to Williams in a reduced role. He's a good 3rd downer.

True will probably be let go and replaced by Dotson or Lee.
I think Black would make for a good mike, knows the system and the calls.
Oh and since Bryant was cut prior to the season, I doubt we'll get a 3rd since its based on pay and playing time. I'll say a 4th.
FA is going to be something crazy, but that's hard to predict (so is the Draft, but **** it)

1. Quinn/Clayborn/Bowers (whoever's still available)
2. Marcus Cannon
3. Tyler Sash
4. DJ Williams
4. Mason Foster
5. Derrick Locke
6. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos
6. Steven Friday
7. Charles Clay

[bucfan12]

Tyler Sash is a JR. He will not declare unless he's a sure fire first round, maybe early 2nd. Remember, you won't see many Juniors declare this year if/when the NFL implements a rookie salary cap, much like the NBA.

I like the 1st round pick. We take the best DE available, as I think all 3 are elite prospects.

2nd round is where I think we need Deunta Williams or Raheem Moore. Need a playermaker in the secondary to help Talib.

3rd round we can get a guy like John Moffit, who is a mauler at G.

I think there is a good chance we get a 3rd for Bryant. They do depend mostly on salary. Look at Dominique Foxworth last year, who signed with the Ravens. He got a nice pay and they were expecting a 3rd rounder in return comp. pick.

Use this pick on a CB. or RB

4th: whatever we don't take from CB or RB.

5th: OT depth

6th: LB


7th: BPA

[lowlife]

He was cut before the year and never received that salary, so I think that makes for an exception.

You can't tell me what Sash is gonna do, no one can. I put him in there as a homer pick, but he may choose to get his money now rather than wait. I don't see how the rookie cap would be a deterrent. You can either come out now and make your money or come out next year and make your money since it's going to be slotted either way he's unlikely to make more money if he stays.

[bucfan12]

He was cut before the year and never received that salary, so I think that makes for an exception.

You can't tell me what Sash is gonna do, no one can. I put him in there as a homer pick, but he may choose to get his money now rather than wait. I don't see how the rookie cap would be a deterrent. You can either come out now and make your money or come out next year and make your money since it's going to be slotted either way he's unlikely to make more money if he stays.

Sash would fit nicely in at SS, but I would prefer us to take a FS like Deunta Williams. We need a playmaker and Williams is a 1st round talent who is most likely going to drop. We need to replace Tanard Jackson bc he is gone after 2011, and who knows, maybe after this year.

If we want to double up on safeties in rounds 2 and 3, I wouldn't object it, but something tells me that Cody Grimm can play SS if he adds 5 -10 more pounds. He's a great tackler and takes good angles, and is improving in coverage.

[Me Likey Rookies]

So Larsen, Lee, Zuttah, and [the guy that was placed on IR during TC] make the OL set for the next few years? Yes or no? (This is with Penn, Joseph, etc...)

I would go defense first 3 or 4 rounds and then take a speed RB and speed TE late in the draft.

Our offense is so insanely young and so insanely talented, its insane(?). Franchise QB, 250 lbs of beastmode RB, 1 ROTY WR, 1 beastly rookie WR that finally made a huge play, young 0-line all around. Awesome.

I'd like to give Spurlock some love too. Not only did he come up huge against the Browns and Bengals, but his 3 receptions against the Cardinals all went for 1st downs and really got Freeman going late in the 1st half.

[bigbuc]

Guys when the new CBA kicks in... We will have to spend something like 20 million just to be at the floor of the salary cap... We could sign Mankins and Kiwi and still have money left over.

[bullg8rdaddy]

I'm starting to warm up to those potential FA signings of Kiwi, Mankins, and Ryan Harris.

That would free us up to take Best Defensive player Available in the drafts first 3 rounds.

DE
MLB
S



Something tells me that the club will want to continue building through the draft for it's future starters and supplement depth through FA.

[Caddy]

It's hard to blame them for wanting to do this. Raheem does things instincively and if one of those free agents above is somebody who he thinks can help out this team, I think he'd do everything he could to persuade Dominick to go out and get him.

Merriman is a prime example. We were interested in acquiring him by trade last season and we put a waiver claim in this season. I wouldn't be suprised if we take a look in the offseason.

[bullg8rdaddy]

I don't blame the Front Office or Coach Rah, just wouldn't surprise me if we continue building our team mainly through the draft. I actually like that approach better. Keeps our salary low and we don't end up with dumb contracts like Ward, Hovan, etc...

On a side note, anyone else notice the recent three drafts Big 12 flavor with our first rounders?

[Caddy]

I agree that building through the draft is the best way to go about things. It's been working out reasonably well so far and hopefully the trend continues.

[KennyG]

That's how the good teams do it anyways... I just hope that when we are close we shell out the money for the final pieces.
I think it's important the way we finish out this season if we want to bring insome decent FA's, we need this to be a place where players want to come to, and not becuase of the weather or $ but because they want a chance at the playoffs/sb...

[lowlife]

This team needs a Free really bad.

Lewis could make the transition, but I like him as a corner.

[bucfan12]

This team needs a Free really bad.

Lewis could make the transition, but I like him as a corner.

I think Rah will evaluate Lewis and see how he plays the rest of the season at corner. Many scouts believed he should be a FS, however they did say that he can play corner in the Tampa 2, and thats what we play.

Honestly, I doubt we have a chance at landing a top DE prospect if we win 9 games or more this year, so Rahim Moore looks like a possibility and he is Ed Reed 2.0.

[bucfan12]

Evaluating our needs:

After 8 games, I would say our needs are:
1. RDE
Options: 1st round: Bowers or Quinn
FA: Mathias Kiwanuka
2. OT
Options: Draft: Gabe Carimi T Wisconsin
Nate Solder T Colorado
Demarcus Love T/G Arkansas
3. MLB
Options: Draft: Kelvin Sheppard MLB LSU
TEam: Move Black to MLB and have Watson play SLB.

4. OG
options: Draft: John Moffit G Wisconsin
Justin Boren G Ohio State

5. Left End:
Options: DRAFT: LE Ryan kerrigan Purdue
Jabaal Sheard DE Pittsburgh
Jeremy Beal DE Oklahoma

FS:
Options: Draft: Quinton Carter FS Oklahoma
Deunta Williams FS North Carolina

RB:(spell back)
options: Draft: Noel Devine
Kendell Hunter

[bucfan12]

With that said, mock offseason through 8 games:

Key resignings:
- G Davin Joseph
- MLB Quincy Black
- CB Ronde Barber (if he doesn't retire)
- RB Legarrete Blount

Key Losses:
- T jeremy Trueblood
- C Jeff Faine (cut with Zuttah excelling at C)
- DE Stylez G. White
- MLB Barrett Ruud

key FA Additions:
- DE Mathias Kiwanuka

Draft:
1st: T Gabe Carimi Wisconsin
2nd: Quinton Carter FS Oklahoma
3rd: Jabaal Sheard DE Pittsburgh
4th: Justin Boren G Ohio State
4th: Noel Devin RB West Virginia
5th: Chimidi Chekwa CB Ohio State
6th: Traded to Philly
7th: Schular Oord TE Northern Iowa

[bullg8rdaddy]

Good stuff, 12.

I wouldn't call losing Trueblood, Ruud, or White "Key losses" lol

Sorry, but I wouldn't bring Ronde back.

Check my sig for my thoughts on what our first 3 picks should be. :)

Depending on how the staff/club view Black if and when he gets tried at Mike, and who is rated highest on the board should dictate if we go MLB or S with our 2 picks in the 4th.

[bucfan12]

I love Dequan Bowers as well, but I honestly don't think we will be in position to draft him unless Rah and Dominik absolutely feel the need to move up for him.

[bullg8rdaddy]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee240/jmhgraphs/dogpraying.jpg

[Me Likey Rookies]

I do not want a RT in the 1st or 2nd. Is Gruden still here? Not only can RTs be found late in the draft, we might already have something with James Lee and Dotson.

1. DE - if we pick around the 20s and the top guys are gone, I like Greg Romeus. Obviously the medical has to check out; hes on track to return soon by the way.

2. MLB - I dont know if Black to MLB is a serious possibility but I would love to get a fiery leader that can stop the run. Ruud is an absolute joke and did you see what he said about the youth of this team? How they are the problem on defense? YOU ARE THE WORST STARTER ON DEFENSE, RUUD!

3. FS or speed RB.

I hope Larsen gets to the start the rest of the games, he has gotten better each week. I hope Faine and Trueblood are both out for the season (not trying to be mean).

[bullg8rdaddy]

Starting to look like we do need our "Freeman" on defense at Mike.

If we don't go OT/OG/MLB in the second, I am starting to think that I would like to double up on DE with our first two picks.

[Me Likey Rookies]

I don't like doubling up on DEs because it is too early to give up on Kyle Moore and we now have Magee who can also play LE. I would like to take an undersized guy that can just rush the passer on 3rd down late in the draft.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Understand,but I disagree on Moore.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Looking at what teams need DE's in next year's draft....

Here is the draft order as of tonight:

1 Buffalo (0- eight) - Need Franchise QB/everything
2 Dallas (1-7) - OT/CB/ILB/S
3 Carolina (1-7)- WR/OL/DL

Notes: Offense is dead last (244 yards per game/11 points per game). Defense is 10th in yards (315.0) per game and 22nd in points (23.0) per game. 12 sacks on the year. Play 4-3 at the moment. Current starting DE's Johnson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10527) and Brown (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12433). Last used a 1st rounder on DE: 2002 - Julius Peppers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3530), UNC (no longer with team) Last drafted a DE: 2010 6th round Greg Hardy (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13377) (1 sack in 8 games)

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 33%, because their offense is atrocious, they need some to more talent at WR and interior line. But Fox is a defensive coach and their D-line could use a young stud, especially since they may be picking the first DL of the draft.

4 San Francisco (2-6) - Start over with new QB?/CB/WR
5 Detroit (2-6) - OLB/CB/DE

Notes: Offense is 18th in yards (329.5) and 7th in points (25.4) per game. Defense is 25th in yards (361.1) and 23rd in points (23.5) allowed per game. 24 sacks on the year. Play a 4-3 defense. Current starting DE's Avril (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11326)and Vanden Bosch (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2582). Last used a 1st rounder on DE: 1992 Robert Porcher, SCSU (retired in 2004) Last drafted a DE: 2010 7th round Willie Young (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13497), NCSU (0 games played this year)

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 60% because they are doing well on offense, and may wait till second round to get Stafford either a LT to replace Backus, another WR, or interior OL. Schwartz is a defensive coach and Vanden Bosch is not getting younger.

6 Denver (2-6) - ILB/3-4 DE/OG
7 Cincinnati (2-6) - DE/S/MLB

Notes: Offense is 15th in yards (345.0) and 17th in points (20.9) scored. Defense is 18th in yards (338.5) and tied for 25th in points (23.8) allowed. 14 sacks on the year. Play a 4-3 at the moment. Starting DEs are Johnson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12436) and Geathers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5642). Last time drafted a 1st round DE: 2001 Justin Smith (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2552), Missouri (On 49ers) Last time drafted a DE: 2010 2nd round Carlos Dunlap (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13274), Florida (0 sacks in 4 games this year)

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 66% Rush defense is 23rd. Great value here at DE. Almost 2 sacks per game. Geathers is a serviceable DE. But they have just drafted Dunlap in the 2nd round this year and Johnson is a physical specimen. Safety is obvious but too high here to go that route.

8 Minnesota (3-5) - QB/S/DE

Notes: Offense is 11th in yards (353.5) and 22nd in points (19.5) scored per game. Defense is 5th in yards (304.6) and tied for 14th in points (21.0) allowed per game. 12 sacks on the year. Play 4-3 at the moment. Current starting DE's are Edwards (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9713) and Allen (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5651). Last used a 1st rounder on DE: 2005 Erasmus James (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus_James), Wisconsin (not on team) Last drafted a DE: 2010 4th round Everson Griffen (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13373), USC (0 sacks in 3 games this year)

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 25% Favre ain't coming back in 2011. Defense is pretty solid.

9 Cleveland (3-5) - WR/3-4 DL
10 Arizona (3-5) - QB/S/304 OLB/OL
11 San Diego (4-4) - WR/OT/MLB
12 Washington (4-4) - RB/WR/QB
13 St. Louis (4-4) - WR/DE/CB/S
14 Seattle (4-4) - OL/DL/CB

Notes: Offense is 30th in yards (261.3) and 31st in points (16.3) scored per game. Defense is 27th in yards (383.1) and tied for 20th in points (22.6) allowed per game. 21 sacks on the year. Play a 4-3. Current starting DE's Balmer (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11263) and Clemons (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4864). Last drafted a 1st round DE: 2008 Lawrence Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11262), USC (on Detroit Lions) Last drafted a DE: 2010 4th round E.J. Wilson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13492), UNC (0 sacks in 1 game this year)

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 50% this team needs help all over, IMO.


15 Miami (4-4) - WR/TE/3-4 ILB
16 Jacksonville (4-4) - WR/S/DE

Notes:Offense is 23rd in yards (311.8) and 18th in points (20.6) scored. Defense is 28th in yards (386.3) and tied for 29th in points (28.3) allowed. 14 sacks on the year. Play a 4-3 at the moment. Starting DEs are Kampman (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3684) and Mincey (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9777). Last time drafted a 1st round DE: 2008 Derrick Harvey (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11241), Florida (.5 sacks in 8 games this year) Last time drafted a DE: 2010 5th round Austen Lane (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13402), Murray State (0 sacks in 3 games this year).

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 50% They really do need a Stud WR to compliment MJD, IMO. They have had 2 DE busts in the past 3 years (Groves and Harvey). Their pretty bad on defense and this year's DE class is pretty deep. I am not sure if they risk another 1st rounder on a DE so soon after Harvey. Secondary is terrible (Mathis as the exception).


17 Houston(4-4) - DE/S/WR/OL

Notes:Offense is Tied for 5th in yards (370.1) and 11th in points (24.1) scored. Defense is dead last in yards (399.5) and tied for 29th in points (28.3)allowed. 12 sacks on the season. Play a 4-3. Starting DEs are Williams (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9587) and Smith (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5660). Last time drafted a 1st Round DE: 2006 Mario Williams (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9587), NCSU Last time drafted a DE: 2009 2nd roundConnor Barwin (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12449), Cincinnati (DNP last 7 games, o sacks)

Possibility of drafting a 4-3 DE = 50% They have their Elite Franchise Pass rushing end in Williams, and not much else on the D-line. They also have one of the Top 5 WR in Johnson but not much else in terms of threat besides him at receiver. They are dead last in pass yards allowed, almost last in passes defensed and almost last in sacks. They have a 1st round rookie and and a second year 4th rounder at CB. Methinks that it will be best available DE or WR.


18 New England (from Oakland [5-4]) - RB/OL/3-4 DE
19 Tennessee (5-3) - CB/OL/LB
20 Tampa Bay (5-3) - DE/MLB/S

Notes:Offense is 21st in yards (316.3) and tied for 20th in points (19.6) scored. Defense is 24th in yards 360.5) and tied for 25th in points (23.8) allowed. Dead last with 6 sacks on the year. Play a 4-3. Starting DEs are Moore (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12700) and White (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3726). Last time drafted a 1st round DE: 2007 Gaines Adams, Clemson (RIP) Last time drafted a DE: 2010 7th round Erik Lorig (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13407), Stanford (converted to FB)

Possibility of drafting 4-3 DE = 100% They better be thinking this way. BPA be damned! Traded up and get either Quinn or Bowers. Not open for discussion. If not then please take a LB who can replace Ruud. Value can be had with either positions, IMO. Safety and OL would also be appreciated, but can wait as I don't think there is value here at 20.


*21 Philadelphia - OL/CB/S
*22 Kansas City - 3-4 OLB
*23 Indianapolis - OL/OLB/S
*24 Chicago - OL/WR
*25 New Orleans - OLB/S
*26 Green Bay - RB/CB
*27 Pittsburgh - CB/OG
*28 New York Jets - S/3-4 OLB
*29 Atlanta - OL/CB/TE
*30 Baltimore - OT/CB
*31 New York Giants - LB/OG
*32 New England - OLB/DE/WR

Just my opinion on the needs of the teams and I got the draft order based on NFL.com League Standings (and predicting a NYG/NE Superbowl rematch): LINK (http://www.nfl.com/standings?category=league&season=2010-REG&split=Overall)

"At the moment" = not sure if Head Coach will be back in 2011. lol

(I will try to update notes for the rest of the teams when I have more time.)

Just from the looks of things so far, I think we have a shot at the 3rd or 4th 4-3 RE coming out. Just depends on which ones are gone by the time we pick.

I rank the REs:

Quinn
Bowers
Kerrigan
Romeus
Beal



Thoughts?

[bucfan12]

Great evaluation Bull. The rankings on talent wise at DE seem legit. However, for some reason, I think we're going to have a better shot at Quinn than landing Bowers ( unless we tank the rest of the way or trade up in the draft). Clayborn to me is looking more like a 3-4 DE. I was arguing most of the year that he'd be able to play, but I noticed he takes quite a few plays off and is 10 lbs heavier than he was last year.

Romeus has talent to become a stud in this league, but his injuries and lack of consistant play before the injury this year makes me question whether or not his athleticism and talent will match production on the field. I think he might be a Greg Hary this year, as due to injury, might slip til the 3rd/4th round range.

Also, great evaluation on the teams that might take a DE before us. You know a team like the Lions will be anxious to draft a guy like Bowers to go along with Suh (that would be scary). Seattle is another team desperate for pass rush help, along with Carolina and Jacksonville. We'll see how it plays out.

I wouldn't be opposed to landing Mathias Kiwanuka in Free Agency. This guy flourished under Fewell's Tampa 2 defense in his first couple games, with 4 sacks. It is unfortunate he got hurt, but might be a good chance for Tampa to get him in the offseason.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Thanks, bruh!

Couldn't sleep as usual and didn't know if this would be useful or just a bunch of incoherent nonsense. lol

[bullg8rdaddy]

Finished Updating It!

[bigbuc]

Tood McShay just did a Mid Season Mock... He has the Bucs picking at 21... Most of the DE are gone... So he has us taking Von Miller as a SLB. Whatcha think if we picked Von? We've been trying to get Merriman for two years now maybe we get our rush backer... move Black to MIB and say good bye to soft as@ Ruud.

[bucfan12]

Tood McShay just did a Mid Season Mock... He has the Bucs picking at 21... Most of the DE are gone... So he has us taking Von Miller as a SLB. Whatcha think if we picked Von? We've been trying to get Merriman for two years now maybe we get our rush backer... move Black to MIB and say good bye to soft as@ Ruud.

No to Von Miller. He is having a down year and fits better as a 3-4 pass rusher OLB. If no legit DE's are available, we take Rahim Moore or best corner available. I've read that no MLB are really making the grade as a 1st rounder so. Even a guy like Gabe Carimi would be solid.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Doesn't Von Miller have a long injury history, too?

I like Speedy backers like Bruce Carter, if we are going LB in the first.

[wicket]

Looking at what teams need DE's in next year's draft....

Here is the draft order as of tonight:

1 Buffalo (0- eight) - Need Franchise QB/everything
2 Dallas (1-7) - OT/CB/ILB/S
3 Carolina (1-7)- WR/OL/DL



4 San Francisco (2-6) - Start over with new QB?/CB/WR
5 Detroit (2-6) - OLB/CB/DE



6 Denver (2-6) - ILB/3-4 DE/OG
7 Cincinnati (2-6) - DE/S/MLB



8 Minnesota (3-5) - QB/S/DE



9 Cleveland (3-5) - WR/3-4 DL
10 Arizona (3-5) - QB/S/304 OLB/OL
11 San Diego (4-4) - WR/OT/MLB
12 Washington (4-4) - RB/WR/QB
13 St. Louis (4-4) - WR/DE/CB/S
14 Seattle (4-4) - OL/DL/CB




15 Miami (4-4) - WR/TE/3-4 ILB
16 Jacksonville (4-4) - WR/S/DE




17 Houston(4-4) - DE/S/WR/OL



18 New England (from Oakland [5-4]) - RB/OL/3-4 DE
19 Tennessee (5-3) - CB/OL/LB
20 Tampa Bay (5-3) - DE/MLB/S



*21 Philadelphia - OL/CB/S
*22 Kansas City - 3-4 OLB
*23 Indianapolis - OL/OLB/S
*24 Chicago - OL/WR
*25 New Orleans - OLB/S
*26 Green Bay - RB/CB
*27 Pittsburgh - CB/OG
*28 New York Jets - S/3-4 OLB
*29 Atlanta - OL/CB/TE
*30 Baltimore - OT/CB
*31 New York Giants - LB/OG
*32 New England - OLB/DE/WR

Just my opinion on the needs of the teams and I got the draft order based on NFL.com League Standings (and predicting a NYG/NE Superbowl rematch): LINK (http://www.nfl.com/standings?category=league&season=2010-REG&split=Overall)

"At the moment" = not sure if Head Coach will be back in 2011. lol

(I will try to update notes for the rest of the teams when I have more time.)

Just from the looks of things so far, I think we have a shot at the 3rd or 4th 4-3 RE coming out. Just depends on which ones are gone by the time we pick.

I rank the REs:

Quinn
Bowers
Kerrigan
Romeus
Beal



Thoughts?

Saints dont need a safety but do need both more at dt and dend

[bullg8rdaddy]

cool. Thank you.

[lowlife]

Rahim Moore will not be a 1st round pick.

At 21, Kerrigan and Beal should still be available. If not, Marcus Cannon is your mannon.

[bucfan12]

Rahim Moore will not be a 1st round pick.

At 21, Kerrigan and Beal should still be available. If not, Marcus Cannon is your mannon.

I actually did some more research on Moore. He is not living up to expectations this season after following his 10 int. I also read some reports and watched more video on him and he misses a ton of tackles back there at the FS and takes bad angles in the open field.

A guy I want at FS is either Quinton Carter from Oklahoma or Deunta Williams from UNC. Both are good tacklers and have a knack for the ball and would be excellent fits in our Tampa 2 system.

Kerrigan reminds me of Chris Long and is a Strong side DE (Left DE). I would be very happy if we sign Kiwanuka in FA to play RDE and draft Kerrigan to play LDE. Also, keep an eye on Greg Romeus. He is injured but has talent and might be the Greg Hardy of this years draft. (1st round potential, but will slide due to injury). Might be able to get him in the 3rd/4th.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Give me a healthy Romeus over Kerrigan and Beal. We should have some nice options though late in the 1st, throw Romeus' teammate into the mix as well.

Rahim Moore should be a 1st round pick as a deep safety. He just can't be a SS like how Eric Berry is currently being used. I don't like using Berry in the box so much because I think all that wear and tear can drastically shorten his career.

[DeathbyStat]

Hi bucs fans,

I have few question is Trueblood out for you guys on sunday?

If so does this really effect the game?

Is Trueblood really not that good and a back up will suffice?


Thanks for you time thinking about picking the bucs in my survivor pool.

Also is there truth to the assumption that the a very young bucs team might be primed for a let down after an emotional losses against the falcons, against an awful Carolina team?

[Me Likey Rookies]

There hasn't been definitive word on Trueblood but he should have little impact on the outcome on the game. He's not that good.

Let downs can happen anytime but I think Freeman is good enough to pull it out no matter what on Sunday. No way do they score over 14 points and Freeman can easily put that up, especially if we give it to Blount 25 times.

[DeathbyStat]

There hasn't been definitive word on Trueblood but he should have little impact on the outcome on the game. He's not that good.

Let downs can happen anytime but I think Freeman is good enough to pull it out no matter what on Sunday. No way do they score over 14 points and Freeman can easily put that up, especially if we give it to Blount 25 times.

yes but haven't they been giving it to williams more than blount unfortunately

[bucfan12]

yes but haven't they been giving it to williams more than blount unfortunately

No. Williams sees a lot of time because of his experience in the offense and is better at picking up the blitz. I can't tell you how many times he gave Freeman that extra second to get a throw off with his great blocking.

Against Atlanta, the Bucs weren't able to establish a running game because they were trailing by 14 most of the game. As the season progresses, Blount will be the feature back. Remember, he didn't sign with the Bucs until a few days before the regular season, so he might be still learning the offense.

[bucfan12]

If any of you Bucs fans are watching College Football today, check out the Purdue/Michigan game. Ryan Kerrigan is a beast! From what I am watching, he is explosive off the snap, excellent against the run, and is a pain in the A** for opposing RTs. excellent pass rusher and has set the edge in the run game. 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF today. 9th sack of the season.

I was flipping back and forth to watch the Iowa/N-western game to see how Clayborn is performing. He is not explosive off the snap. He seems a bit sluggish as the game progresses and might be best to play 3-4 end.

[bucfan12]

Actually, now Kerrigan has 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss 1 forced fumble and 8 solo tackles. Doing a great job containing the most explosive player in college football.

[bullg8rdaddy]

WOWZERS! 10char

[Me Likey Rookies]

Yep glad i tivod the Purdue game, gonna watch Kerrigan later on.

If you guys watched the Thursday game, Romeus looked like he was at 50%. He had no explosion off the ball and had no impact in the game before sitting after halftime. The LE Sheard looked pretty damn good though. Romeus could very well be falling to the 3rd or 4th rounds.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Week 10 mini-mock:

1. DE Adrian Clayborn or DE Ryan Kerrigan

2. MLB Quan Sturdivant or MLB Nate Irving

3. RB Mike Leshoure or RB Shane Vereen or RB Kendall Hunter

[bullg8rdaddy]

No Oline help in the 2-3 rounds?

[Me Likey Rookies]

Nope. RGs and RTs can be found in FA and late in the draft. First few rounds are all about great athletes.

[bullg8rdaddy]

That makes sense.

But, would you pass on Carimi in the second or Moffit in the third?

[Me Likey Rookies]

I think I would pass on both if I had a MLB and RB ranked higher. Larsen looks like the future at LG and who knows at RG and RT.

[Caddy]

Larsen has looked good for a waiver wire pickup. Just need to get rid of those false starts!

[SpinaMan]

Is Ted Larsen the answer long term? and Has James Lee replaced Trueblood?

[bucfan12]

Larson has played very well, but I still think we should draft a G in rounds 3 or 4 to provide competition. Trueblood IMO is better than Lee. I've seen Lee get pushed around too many times. I would take Carimi or Solder in RD 2. I think we need a new RT overall anyways.

[lowlife]

Lee is far superior to Trueblood, he's given up one or two pressures in 3 games while Trueblood usually gives up that many per quarter.

Lee and Penn are permanent players outside, no need to draft Tackle. Center is solid with Faine and Zutt as the backup. Larsen is insanely inconsistent and Joseph is outright terrible. A guard WILL be drafted in the first 3 rounds unless it is addressed in FA first. Larsen is is much better move blocker than he is a base blocker and definitely needs time in the weight room.

[bucfan12]

Lee is far superior to Trueblood, he's given up one or two pressures in 3 games while Trueblood usually gives up that many per quarter.

Lee and Penn are permanent players outside, no need to draft Tackle. Center is solid with Faine and Zutt as the backup. Larsen is insanely inconsistent and Joseph is outright terrible. A guard WILL be drafted in the first 3 rounds unless it is addressed in FA first. Larsen is is much better move blocker than he is a base blocker and definitely needs time in the weight room.

I don't know what you've been watching, but Lee has been below average in run blocking. He was absolutely owned by Jamaal Anderson (YES THE ABSOLUTE top 10 draft pick BUST!) against Atlanta.

Agree with Larson. I think he's done a terrific job in the run game. If they feel comfortable at Guard, then RT will be addressed of G.

[bucfan12]

http://pittsburgh.scout.com/2/1022144.html

Romeus tore his ACL last Thursday. Tough luck for the kid, but I think he might suffer the same fall as Greg Hardy. Good chance he could be there in the 3rd through 4th/5th rounds.

[lowlife]

I don't know what you've been watching, but Lee has been below average in run blocking. He was absolutely owned by Jamaal Anderson (YES THE ABSOLUTE top 10 draft pick BUST!) against Atlanta.

Agree with Larson. I think he's done a terrific job in the run game. If they feel comfortable at Guard, then RT will be addressed of G.

You mean that one play in the 4th quarter? Yes, that's a perfect point of overall evaluation. He pancaked the **** out of Darnell Docket late in the AZ game (YES THE PRO BOWL LEGEND). See how easy that is? Jamaal Anderson is a very good run defender. On that specific play Lee whiffed.

While Trueblood has been whiffing like that multiple times a game. He is terrible beyond words (not quite Levi Brown terrible but terrible). Lee is a solid book end. Much bigger problems along that line.

[Caddy]

Unless Lee improves over the remainding games this season, I would strongly lean towards the fact that we'll draft a tackle/sign a decent one in the offseason.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Greg Romeus torn ACL to go with the back injury. We can get him in the 7th if he doesnt go back to Pitt.

[bucfan12]

I would say Romeus could be had in the 4th/5th rounds. He has talent but he won't be a day 2 pick though.

[bucfan12]

Updated mock offseason:

FA Additions:
- DE Mathias Kiwanuka

DRAFT:
1st- Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue: Both of our DE's are garbage and if we can add kiwanuka and kerrigan, this will bring Tampa a scary d-line for years to come.

2nd: Gabe Carimi T Wisconsin: Trueblood is as good as gone and I'm still not sold on Lee. This guy will be a monster and makes Josh freeman happy to have 2 reliable tackles.

3rd: Chimidi Chekwa CB Ohio State : I love this guys toughness and speed. Reminds me of Ronde Barber.

4th: Noel Devine RB West Virginia : We need someone to compliment Blount, so why not a home run threat type back?

4th: (proj. Compensation pick): Lawrence Wilson OLB/ILB Conneticut: I still think we move Black to MLB, so Wilson provides depth/competition at both WLB and SLB.

5th: F/Denver: Justin Boren G Ohio State : Gives Larson some competion at LG and depth along the line.

5th: Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh: I think he suffers a fall due to his ACL injury and will probably spend his rookie year on the PUP to recover. Why not keep building on the d-line?

7th: Schuylar Oordt TE Northern Iowa: We need a complimentary TE for Winslow.

Overall, I see us moving Myron Lewis to FS and Grimm over to SS. Building the D-line improves the secondary. Let me know what you all think.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Great Mock, except for Devine. Only because I don't care for scat backs.

[bucfan12]

Ehh, I was torn between him and Kendall Hunter, but I think Hunter has too much "mileage" on his legs as a running back. Devine hasn't taken much hits in my opinion.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Devine has wayyyyyyyyyyy more mileage, bro.

[bucfan12]

Whats your opinion on Derick Locke, RB out of Kentucky?

[bullg8rdaddy]

Would def. give him a look. Underrated back. 5'9 190.

Devine is 5'8 180

[brasho]

I'd be happy with Kerrigan at DE. He could play R or L...

This is what I'm looking at....

1) DE Kerrigan or A. Bailey-Schematic versatility with both players.
2) DE Dontay Moch-This is where everybody freaks out on me. Some see a lack of production for a guy so fast and talented. I see a guy that is moved around too much to get comfortable on D (Kearse) but still makes plenty of noise. I liken him very favorably to Dwight Freeney when he came out of school. If Moch weighs in the 240's during the postseason circuit, he will be plenty big (Robert Mathis plays LDE in the 245 range) enough to play RDE or at the very least be a situational down pass rusher.
3) S Ras-I Dowling-this is a hopeful project here. The hope is that he continues to be hurt and not play and lose even more ground. The truth is (and I'm a huge UVA fan so I speak from watching Dowling) is that he really is not a special CB, gets beat way too often to talk of him being a top cover CB at any time, and he WILL NOT run very well. He looks like a FS, he plays like a FS, the guy will join the gang of former college CBs that become FSs for the Bucs (Dexter Jackson, Dwight Smith, Damien Robinson, Tanard Jackson)
4) RB Jacquizz Rodgers-He probably won't run particularly well and he'll measure shorter than he's listed, but he would be the perfect scat back to complement Blount.
5) LB Bryan Rolle-Ruud will be gone, thankfully, and the Bucs will need to fill a roster spot with a T-2 style LB.
5) DE/DT Karl Klug-an athletic DT or strong base DE that could be a great role player for years.
7) CB Chris L. Rucker- Rucker is big and physical, maybe a step or two slow, and has major character issues, which seems to be exactly what the Bucs seem to look for.. but have had great success with thus far.

[bucfan12]

I think we move Lewis to FS. I just don't think he is a CB at the NFL level. I am a Penn State fan and live in Big Ten network country. I watch a lot of Ohio State games and Chekwa just seems like a natural fit in our defense.

Lewis is a ballhawk and sound open field tackler. Would excel at FS in our scheme. Dowling may not be there in the mid 3rd round because he was a sound 2nd round pick if he declared last year.

[brasho]

Lee is far superior to Trueblood, he's given up one or two pressures in 3 games while Trueblood usually gives up that many per quarter.

Lee and Penn are permanent players outside, no need to draft Tackle. Center is solid with Faine and Zutt as the backup. Larsen is insanely inconsistent and Joseph is outright terrible. A guard WILL be drafted in the first 3 rounds unless it is addressed in FA first. Larsen is is much better move blocker than he is a base blocker and definitely needs time in the weight room.

Drafting an OG in the first 3 rounds is a wasted pick. Good OGs are available late and even after the draft.

As for RT, Lee is gaining experience, Trueblood is gone, Demar Dotson will get a crack at it, and the best of the bunch might be Zuttah.

At LG, Larsen is doing fine for a rookie, Brandon Carter could very well be in the mix, or Zuttah could be the guy (or he could be the guy at OC or RT). Our OLine is in pretty good shape at this point.

[brasho]

I think we move Lewis to FS. I just don't think he is a CB at the NFL level. I am a Penn State fan and live in Big Ten network country. I watch a lot of Ohio State games and Chekwa just seems like a natural fit in our defense.

Lewis is a ballhawk and sound open field tackler. Would excel at FS in our scheme. Dowling may not be there in the mid 3rd round because he was a sound 2nd round pick if he declared last year.

I'm all for moving Lewis to FS, I thought we would do that when we lost Tanard... but apparently not... we do need Lewis, however, Barber might retire after this season. I like Biggers a lot as a cover guy, but he couldn't tackle my mother (she does have a pretty good stiff arm). I figure it would be easier to find a big collegiate CB to move to FS than it would be to find a good CB.

As for Dowling, I've watched him play at least 25 times the last 4 years and I love the press he gets but I have yet to see him justify it on the field. Plus, he has been hurt all season.... not saying he'll be there in round 3 for sure, but I sure have liked it in the past when we drafted CBs in round 3... especially those from UVa. Call it wishful thinking, but I think he has a shot at being there. That being said, I don't really see him being a great NFL CB, but he has a shot at being a good FS.

[brasho]

I think we move Lewis to FS. I just don't think he is a CB at the NFL level. I am a Penn State fan and live in Big Ten network country. I watch a lot of Ohio State games and Chekwa just seems like a natural fit in our defense.

Lewis is a ballhawk and sound open field tackler. Would excel at FS in our scheme. Dowling may not be there in the mid 3rd round because he was a sound 2nd round pick if he declared last year.

I gotta be honest, I hate Ohio St and won't watch them unless they're getting their teeth kicked in. I don't know nearly enough about Chekwa to make a judgment of his abilities.

I think in the few times Lewis has played, he has played well. I was hoping for Mack to be cut halfway through the game this past week, so we do need to grab a CB somewhere.

[etk]

lrn2multiquote

[SpinaMan]

I watched the Michigan and Wisconsin game today and I would love to have Gabe Carimi replace Trueblood. Dude was beastin.

[bucfan12]

Kerrigan with another sack. 13 on the year. Dudes a beast and is vastly underrated.

[DJC]

Hey guys, whats up, been awhile..

The only positions I think we consider in the 1st is DE, nothing is even close to being as big of a need. If we have to trade up to get our guy, I have faith that Dom will pull the trigger. Im still hoping we somehow have a shot at Robert Quinn. He most likely won't be available at our pick unless he sees a Dez Bryant type of fall being in a similar situation as him, but I wouldn't have a single problem giving up a pick and/or a future pick to nab him.

We could go many different ways in the rest of the draft. For the 2nd/3rd rounds, Im thinking its going to be between another DE, a RT, interior lineman, and ILB. I'd rather pick up a vet DE such as Kiwi or Ray Edwards in FA because rookie DE's rarely produce much anyways. I could see a Gabe Camiri being brought in to replace True.

I feel like Ruud's time is up here in Tampa, and we need to get his replacement early in the draft. Plenty of solid options to choose from in the 2nd/3rd round range. I think we look at Greg Jones, Nate Irving, and Colin McCarthy here.

Then my favorite portion of the draft, rounds 4 and beyond. Dom and Rah have done a great job in their couple years at the helm already. I have complete faith in them pulling out another gem or two.

I think we're going to pick up one of our future starting safeties in the 4th. Rah has always prided himself in turning late round DBs into starters. We need someone with range and someone that can cover so we can cut down on the big plays that have been killing us. I'm not too familiar with the safety group yet, but there's a few guys Im interested in like Jaiquawn Jarrett, Deunta Willams, and Ras-I Dowling.

Itd be good to see us shoot for a RB in the later rounds too. It just seems to easy to find good value for RBs in the later round and we don't even need a starter necessarily now. Plenty of solid options should be there for us to pick from, Roy Helu, Derrick Locke, Damien Berry, Griag Cooper, Da'Rel Scott.

[bigbuc]

I think we could go LB in round one... the guy I like is Jeremy Beal if he runs well. The guy is huge! Akeem Ayers... And as much as you guys don't like it Von Miller, Morris has shown over n over again that when teams are in 3rd and long he goes to a 3-3-5 and like to bring the LB's also yesterday against San Fran we played a 3/4 for about 15 snaps.

[brasho]

I think we could go LB in round one... the guy I like is Jeremy Beal if he runs well. The guy is huge! Akeem Ayers... And as much as you guys don't like it Von Miller, Morris has shown over n over again that when teams are in 3rd and long he goes to a 3-3-5 and like to bring the LB's also yesterday against San Fran we played a 3/4 for about 15 snaps.

The guys you mentioned would be RDEs in the Bucs system... not LBs.

That 3-3-5 you were referring to was our nickle defense and we've been doing that all season long.

[SRK85]

The Bucs need to draft either a OLB, DE, CB, or RB. Whoever is the best player out of those positions should be drafted. The team is great this year but could easily be a super bowl contender if they have another stellar draft class like this past years.

[etk]

Damien Berry - yes
Graig Cooper - hell no
Colin McCarthy - not an MLB

Carimi - ELITE run blocker, poor pass blocker. He's basically a slightly upgraded Trueblood. No thanks.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Some new videos from AloAloysius:

Kerrigan vs Northwestern: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tgUEH45e30

Clayborn vs OSU: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zin3JvllXm0

[etk]

I was disappointed when I saw the Kerrigan vs. NW video. He doesn't look like an NFL athlete. All he has is a great motor. I don't think he's an upgrade over Stylez unfortunately.

Clayborn looks like he has senioritis. Against Carimi and Wisky he looked like he wasn't trying run defense and got blown off the ball. With that being said, I'm actually higher on him than before because he dominated Carimi 1on1 as a pass rusher. Clayborn looks much quicker as an edge rusher than last year so I'd gladly take him as our RDE. I'd love it if we started out drives with Clayborn and Moore and then put in Stylez on 3rd down moving Clayborn to the left.

Too bad he'll probably be a top 5 pick.

[bigbuc]

I don't know about you guys, but I can't stop thinking how crazy our O would be if we drafted LaMichael James.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Who knows anything about him?

20 TFLs in each of the past 2 years.

2010 - 8.5 sacks
2009 - 6.5
2008 - 11.5

6'1 245lbs

4.25 40

Would love to see us add him in the draft, just don't know what position he would be.

[fenikz]

3-4 OLB is the only position I think he could play, maybe cover 2 DE

[bucfan12]

I don't know about you guys, but I can't stop thinking how crazy our O would be if we drafted LaMichael James.

Something tells me he won't transition into a quality NFL back. He's fast and explosive at the College level, but he's very small and not many types of those backs make the transition in the NFL. I wouldn't be against it, but I wouldn't take him in round 2 when we can get a guy like Kendall Hunter in the 4th or Derrick Locke in the 5th. If James were there on day 3, then sure I'd take a shot on him.

[bucfan12]

3-4 OLB is the only position I think he could play, maybe cover 2 DE

What he said. He's best suited for a 3-4. He actually is quite undersized.

[bucfan12]

Upgrading our team needs for week 13:
1. *DE*- McCoy is really coming on now. Our d-line could be unstoppable with 2 quality DEs.
2. *OG*- Read today that Davin Joseph could have played his last down as a Bucs. If thats the case, this immediately becomes a top need.
3. *FS* : Grimm is more suited for SS and Tanard isn't guranteed to return on Sept 22, 2011 (will have to meet with Commissioner). Lewis could move over here but I think we draft a natural FS.
4. LB (the more i think of it, Ruud might stay. He's been playing very well lately and Black might be the one out (Watson seems like a player). Still, depth at the position is a must.
5. T: Lee has been solid at RT, but could use competition and depth.
6. RB: Blount needs a spell back.
7. CB: It's a passing league and Barber is most likely to retire. Could use an upgrade over Mack at 4th CB.

Mini Mock:
1st. Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
2nd. Demarcus Love T/G Alabama
3rd: Quinton Carter FS Oklahoma
4th: Joeseph Barksdale T LSU
4th (comp pick): Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
5th: Derrick Locke RB Kentucky
5th: (via Denver) Lawrence Wilson LB Conneticut
7th: Brandon Thompson CB Boise State

[Caddy]

Black has been our best LB this season... If anything I think it is Geno who is underperforming.

[Chucky]

I think Geno and Black have both been very damn solid with Geno having more big play ability. I really hope Black is resigned or I will be really pissed

[Me Likey Rookies]

Hayes and Black will be back. Ruud will be gone, replaced by Sturdivant or Irving in the 2nd.

Does anyone think Bruce Carter can move inside? He is one hell of a talent and we like fast athletic guys inside.

[Chucky]

I realistically don't see us letting Ruud go at this point. We have way too many needs to adress to use a high draft pick on a linebacker.

[Me Likey Rookies]

Like what needs? ILB is our 2nd biggest need imo. I would rank our needs:

1. RDE
2. MLB
3. OG
4. Speed RB
5. FS (but Grimm and Tjax will be back and Lynch/Anderson/Asante/Barber can play here next year)

[bucfan12]

I think the choice to extend long term will be either Ruud or Davin Joseph. Ruud makes so many calls on defense, he might be hard to replace. He's been playing better lately and has really come on as a leader. I think it will be easier to replace Joseph. A guy like Demarcus Love can play G and he is a mauler and immediate upgrade over Joseph.

[bucfan12]

Like what needs? ILB is our 2nd biggest need imo. I would rank our needs:

1. RDE
2. MLB
3. OG
4. Speed RB
5. FS (but Grimm and Tjax will be back and Lynch/Anderson/Asante/Barber can play here next year)

Grimm will be back, but T-Jax is no gurantee. Once his supsension is up in September, he will have to meet with the commissioner and will probably be handed a 2-4 game suspension on top of that. Remember after Vick got out of jail, he was suspended the 1st 4 games also. T-Jax is too much of a liability (one more strike and hes out of the league). FS is our 3rd biggest need and can be filled by Carter, Jarrett, or Williams in 3rd round.

[Me Likey Rookies]

But Vick was in prison and then got a suspension. TJax is currently suspended and should not get an additional suspension. We have him for cheap next year and he is by far our best safety, might as well use him.

But would he have to miss all of training camp and then the first 2 games? Thats rough!

EDIT: i cant believe we are comparing dog fighting and weed smoking lol.

[bigbuc]

I think the choice to extend long term will be either Ruud or Davin Joseph. Ruud makes so many calls on defense, he might be hard to replace. He's been playing better lately and has really come on as a leader. I think it will be easier to replace Joseph. A guy like Demarcus Love can play G and he is a mauler and immediate upgrade over Joseph.

I think they will both be back... It's looking like we will have to spend at least 25 million just to hit the salary cap floor.

[Caddy]

Doesn't Tanards suspension include the first two games of next season?

[Bucs_Rule]

I think they will both be back... It's looking like we will have to spend at least 25 million just to hit the salary cap floor.

Wouldn't a cap floor depend on what CBA agreement they get?

[bigbuc]

Wouldn't a cap floor depend on what CBA agreement they get?


Yeah it does... two years ago the cap floor was at 118ish. So if they end up talking it down to 110-105... lets go as far to say 100. The Bucs are at 79 mill right now so it would still be about 20 mill we have to spend.

[lowlife]

Tanard should not even be considered a Buccaneer at this point. He'll come back work his way as a backup and special teams at best, that's the most we can hope for. He has to earn this team's trust back. Draft/sign his replacement.

I believe one more **** up and he's out of the league.

[bigbuc]

Guys what do you think of Ras-I Dowling? Could he be moved to S a la Jenkins in NO? Big Cb, Long Arms and the thing that I like the most is the guy can tackle...wraps up and drives.

What do you guys think?

[bucfan12]

Guys what do you think of Ras-I Dowling? Could he be moved to S a la Jenkins in NO? Big Cb, Long Arms and the thing that I like the most is the guy can tackle...wraps up and drives.

What do you guys think?

I like him as a possible move to Safety, but I said the same thing about Myron Lewis. Quinton Carter is having a nice season and he is a pure safety. He has 6 INTs this year and had a HUGE game against OKla State this past weekend with 2 picks. He can lay the wood and he is a great open field tackler. Very underrated FS prospect.

[brasho]

Have you guys ever watched him play? They move him all over the place and he frequently takes on and defeats OGs on the pass rush. He is very undersized but he is strong and fast. He COULD be one of those Dwight Freeney speed/leverage DEs. Don't right him off as a DE prospect just yet, Robert Mathis plays LDE for the Colts and is only listed at 245 while Freeney is listed at 268 though both are likely in the low 250-range.

I like Moch, he makes a ton of plays even though the offense is always trying to double team him and frequently run plays away from him.

I would love to see him last until round 2 where we could immediately install him as a nickle pass rusher and possibly more in the future. Who knows, perhaps after we move Quincy to to Mike maybe Dontay (if not Dakoda) takes over at Sam.

[brasho]

I like Ras-I as a safety much more so than as a CB. He doesn't live up to the hype at CB and besides that, the Bucs have made former collegiate CBs careers in the NFL by moving them to FS (Damien Robinson, Will Allen, Dexter Jackson, Dwight Smith, Tanard jackson).

[brasho]

I realistically don't see us letting Ruud go at this point. We have way too many needs to adress to use a high draft pick on a linebacker.

Which is why it's nice to have capable replacements already on the roster (Black) with Watson probably being ready to start at Sam.

[bucfan12]

Moch may take on and defeat G's at his size, but remember, he plays at Nevada. The level of competition isn't as good so it's hard to judge him. He's more of a 3-4 olb who still needs to add weight. He won't fit our defensive scheme.

[bucfan12]

Which is why it's nice to have capable replacements already on the roster (Black) with Watson probably being ready to start at Sam.

Here is an idea I think the Bucs should consider. Geno Hayes has really disapointed this year and hasn't improved on his 2009 season, where he really made some impact plays.

Move Ruud to WLB, Move Black to MLB, and Watson takes over at SLB. Ruud is more fit to play WLB. Suggestions?

[KennyG]

Give me Kelvin Sheppard, Hightower or Casey Matthews in round 4 and I will be happy... MLB is such a need you have to draft one. Even if we were to move Black to MLB he is injury prone, not sure if Black would be a long term awnser at MLB anyways...

[KennyG]

Or shell out some cash for David Harris of the Jets.... He will be a FA if I am not mistaken...

[bigbuc]

Or shell out some cash for David Harris of the Jets.... He will be a FA if I am not mistaken...

Would be the best move the Bucs could make. That guy would bring the nasty to our D. Someone that would make Rb's lose a little sleep the night before the game.

[bigbuc]

I like Ras-I as a safety much more so than as a CB. He doesn't live up to the hype at CB and besides that, the Bucs have made former collegiate CBs careers in the NFL by moving them to FS (Damien Robinson, Will Allen, Dexter Jackson, Dwight Smith, Tanard jackson).


When Dwight Smith was our nickel CB that was the best. Still remember the picks in the SB!

[bullg8rdaddy]

One of the fastest players on team • Was clocked in a 4.28 time in the 40-yard dash during offseason conditioning in 2009 • Physical player who will see plenty of playing time in the rotation at linebacker • Competed for the UNC track team in the offseason.

He is also the Tarheels leading tackler this year and starter 6 games last year.

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Georgia+Southern+v+North+Carolina+NuoEDFNuGj5l.jpg

LINK (http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/brown_zach01.html)

6'2/225

This year he has:

68 total tackles
2 INTs for 70 yards
.5 TFL

Last year he had:

47 total tackles
1 INT
4 TFLs

Possible middle round pick if he decides to declare? Does he have more than enough Tampa 2 speed at OLB (I know that 40 time has got to be inflated a little)?

[bucfan12]

Too undersized. Geno Hayes seems to be struggling because of this right now. I think we need an upgrade at WLB and I think that is Barrett Ruud.

I pulled a scouting report on him back from the 2005 draft and they even suggested he would excel more as a WLB with his coverage ability and that he was too small to play the MIKE. I like Ruud because he seems to have become a leader and he makes all the line calls for our defense and has done a good job.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/historical/420078

[etk]

I don't know why Hayes didn't continue his drop and locate Roddy White on 3rd and 20.

[KennyG]

Ruud is a big reason why our Run D sucks... Maybe he can make the switch to WLB... A true MLB is a definite need in this years draft...

[bigbuc]

I don't know why Hayes didn't continue his drop and locate Roddy White on 3rd and 20.


Me too! But the young guys have to learn. I bet if it was the same time next year on a 3rd and 20... Hayes will continue his drop and rally up to make a tackle

[Caddy]

Ugh I don't want to think about that 3rd and 20 again. How hard is it to prevent a 20 yard pass?

[bucfan12]

Martez Wilson, MLB from Illinois would be a beast in our defense. 6'4 250 runs a 4.57 40. Great in coverage and is a thumper in the run game. If he declares, he would be a mid 2nd round pick, maybe have to trade up to the early 2nd round to make sure we get him. If we are shooting for a MLB, then that would be my ideal pick. Every one talks baout Ruud being undersized and not being able to support the run from the MLB, but a guy like Irving would have to move OLB as well.

[KennyG]

Me too! But the young guys have to learn. I bet if it was the same time next year on a 3rd and 20... Hayes will continue his drop and rally up to make a tackle

If there is any criticism in regards to Hayes it's he gets caught out of position sometimes... I truly believe if Grimm/Talib play this game we win easy.. Just to many injuries to overcome...

[KennyG]

I've been hearing Kerrigan's name a lot from some Buc fans, thoughts?

[bucfan12]

Updated Mock Offseason:

Resign:
- Quincy Black LB
- Elbert Mack (Ronde will retire, so depth is needed here)
- Barrett Ruud
- Tim Crowder
- Elbert Mack
Let Go:
- Davin Joseph
- Stovall
- Caddalac Williams
- Jeremy Trueblood

Free Agency:
- DE Mathias Kiwanuka


DRAFT:
1st: Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue: Him and Kiwanuka would be a force at each DE and go along with our DTs McCoy, Price, and Miller.
2nd: Demarcus Love G/T Alabama: This guy his a mauler and he can easily improve our interior line and upgrade over Joseph.
3rd:Jaiqwan Jarrett FS Temple: W/ Tanards future up in the air, Jarrett will provide leadership and tackling and ballhawking skills to our secondary
4th: Lee Ziemba T Auburn. Need depth/competition at RT
4th: (proj. Comp): Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State: we need a RB to compliment Blount.
5th: Richard Gordon TE Miami: Need depth to replace Gilmore.
5th: (f/Den): Brandon Thompson CB Boise State: Will compete at Dime Back w/ Mack
7th:Bruce Miller ILB Central Florida: Depth/Special Teams

[Caddy]

I would love to have Caddy back. He knows the scheme well, has been good as a receiver and ran fairly well out of the shotgun, plus he would come cheap.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Love is from Arkansas, no?

Want to draft a LB sooner than 7th round.

Speaking of 7th round LBs....would like to see Quincy walk or come back for 2011 cheaply. The future is Watson, IMO.

[Caddy]

Watson to me really hasn't stood out or shown me he can be as good, let alone any better than Black.

[bullg8rdaddy]

Quincy has been here for how many years and shown what again?

/Not being a smart azz.

[Caddy]

Quincy has been around a while, but he hardly played his first few years. I think of any of our linebackers, Quincy is probably the best performer. He is solid in pass coverage and has the quickness to run down opposing linebackers. He isn't stellar by any means, but at least he has proved that he can be a solid SLB. Plus I love seeing him blitz, we need to do that more.

Dekoda has been solid, but he doesn't deserve to be rushed into the starting lineup at the expense of a better player.

[V.I.P]

Gimme a guy like Mathis Kiwanuka or Ray Edwards in Free Agency, then get Greg Jones in the draft and i'm a happy camper.

I would love to have Caddy back. He knows the scheme well, has been good as a receiver and ran fairly well out of the shotgun, plus he would come cheap.

What are you gonna do with your username if Caddy isn't back? ha

[bucfan12]

From when Watson got playing time, he showed up making some plays on the field. I can't say the same about Quincy Black, but neither Ruud. I can see our Front Office letting both of these guys walk because neither have made any plays that standout. Watson I think would be an upgrade, and Greg Jones seems a lot faster this year at ILB for Michigan State and I noticed he bulked up to 240-245 range, so I think he can play MLB in the NFL, especially our scheme. Will watch the Bama/Mich St. game with lots of interest to see how well he performs against that ol/running game.

[bullg8rdaddy]

bucfan12, what about Hightower from Alabama?

[Chucky]

Gimme a guy like Mathis Kiwanuka or Ray Edwards in Free Agency, then get Greg Jones in the draft and i'm a happy camper.



What are you gonna do with your username if Caddy isn't back? ha

Not big on Ray Edwards...Kiwi would be awesome though.



and same thing I did with my username :D

[bucfan12]

bucfan12, what about Hightower from Alabama?

He has rally underperformed. He is more of a role player/3-4 ILB. Would not fit our defense and overrated as a prospect.

[bucfan12]

Not big on Ray Edwards...Kiwi would be awesome though.



and same thing I did with my username :D

Edwards would be a huge free agent flop. He doesn't impress me at all and just is a role player on that minnesota d-line. Not a star.

[Caddy]

Gimme a guy like Mathis Kiwanuka or Ray Edwards in Free Agency, then get Greg Jones in the draft and i'm a happy camper.



What are you gonna do with your username if Caddy isn't back? ha

My username has nothing to do with Caddy the player. I just love golf.

[Jakey]

Made some Blount sigs because he is a boss ;) Feel free to use...

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd22/Jakey70/blountsig2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd22/Jakey70/Blountsig.jpg

[KennyG]

He has rally underperformed. He is more of a role player/3-4 ILB. Would not fit our defense and overrated as a prospect.

All I know is if Ruud is our MLB next year It's going to be another long year against the run... I don't mind spending a late round pick on a MLB if you can get one in FA..

Last year I did not want any part of Brandon Spikes, hindsight I don't think he would have been as bad in our system as a lot of us said, and would have been better then Ruud from the rip..