Here’s my first pass at a mock draft, assuming that my first pick is still available at the fourth slot and that no trades screw up the Bucs’ position/quantity of picks. Note that the Bucs gained a second round pick from the Anthony McFarland trade, but gave up a sixth rounder to the Jets for Doug Jolley. Tomorrow I’ll post my backup plan.
1) Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Someone slipped me some Kool-Aid ("Cal-Aid"?) Despite my strong belief that the Buccaneers have greater needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball, you just can’t pass this guy up if he’s available. Joey Galloway needs an obvious successor, and Johnson is one of the few that can fill his shoes.
2a) Eric Weddle, SS, Utah
He doesn’t have all the physical tools of a LaRon Landry (LSU), but I believe Weddle is one of the most underrated players in the draft and I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on him at this position. Tampa Bay’s safeties aren’t getting the job done and with some serious coaching from Raheem Morris and Monte Kiffin, Weddle could start immediately.
2b) Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
As much as I like the Kevin Carter signing, I know he’s not a long-term answer at pass-rusher. Johnson spends a lot of time in the opposing backfield and can also play coverage when he has to. He’s a little short, but has excellent fundamentals and still has a lot of untapped potential. He picked up the slack for a underperforming Quentin Moses last year and had 9.5 sacks.
3) Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
Yes, this is the guy who was suspended last year because of marijuana. And then he was expelled because he flaked out of rehab. But he apologized and it sounded sincere. So… yeah, there are character issues that need to be examined. But he reminds me so much of Warren Sapp that it’s scary and Sapp, despite his flaws, was a team leader and an elite player. Thomas would have been a high first-rounder if not for the expulsion. This slot may even be too low to get him still.
4) Samson Satele, C, Hawaii
John Wade will (read: should) retire soon and despite apparent apathy toward the position, a good center is critical. Satele is probably the second-best center in the draft and should not last this long, but probably will because he hasn’t shown good push against the run. But being a student of June Jones, he has excellent pass-blocking technique to go along with a nasty attitude. And strength can be developed.
5) Quincy Black, OLB, New Mexico
Some guys you draft for potential, not what they did on the field. Black is one such prospect. He underachieved in college but had an excellent combine. He has the physical tools and just needs the right coaching to develop into a quality linebacker. I think the Bucs can bring out the best in him.
7) Garrett Wolfe, KR, Northern Illinois
Wolfe would be a dedicated kick/punt returner because he would get crushed as a running back. He runs in the low 4.4s with an explosive initial burst and the ability to plant his foot in the ground and change direction quickly. If he can be coached to make good decisions on punts and develop his return catching skills, he could be extremely valuable in the field position game.
Posted by Dexter Fields, Neptune, N.J. on 03/14 at 06:40 PM
Thank god Kramer is not the buc’s GM!
The first pic in the second round you’ll draft a safty with all the old men’s we have on the d-line.That 2nd round should be either a linebacker or someone on the d-line.
Posted by Scott Kramer, on 03/14 at 11:43 AM
> Given the recent signings of DBs, do you still choose Weddle?
Yes. In the Cover 2, I think the team should have a home-grown under tackle, weakside linebacker and strong safety. Drafted—not free agents. The only way I would make an exception is for a truly elite player who is just coming into free agency for the first time (like Lance Briggs before we knew he was a jackass.) None of the free agents the Bucs have signed thusfar qualify as elite.
Posted by Mark Stephens, Land O Lakes, FL on 03/14 at 10:29 AM
The Bucs seem intent on addressing the safety issue outside of the draft. Given the recent signings of DBs, do you still choose Weddle?
Posted by Patrick Dotson, Tampa,FL on 03/14 at 01:38 AM
2nd rnd should be reggie nelson(uf) if hes there still and buster davis(fsu)if hes still there......
Posted by ron irish, fort walton beach, fl on 03/13 at 10:25 PM
Calvin Johnson, a definite no brainer if still there, but after that just draft D-Fense. I’d rather take Brandon Meriweather or Michael Griffin with our 2nd rounder. If the bucs want to draft a young pass rusher i believe we’ve got to get back into the first round with out giving up a future first round pick and nab either Gator DE .
Posted by david birch, san mateo, ca. on 03/13 at 10:09 PM
really can’t argue with anyone’s mock draft because of all the variables that come into play (first round excepted)....a premium safety/corner would be the play with their second pick (marcus mccauley might fit here)...their second pick in round 2 maybe an c/g (ben grubbs seems to have a huge upside as well as the dimensions to fit the pros)...round 3… who knows, pass rusher(how ‘bout anthony spencer, purdue pass rusher)… oh well, its fun to speculate...second day surprize would be aaron rouse (fs, v-tech)…
Posted by James R. Kinzer, 351 Winfield Ave. Winfield WV 25213 on 03/13 at 07:46 PM
It will be only about 6 wks and then we will all know who did what! Every year in the draft, there are some early picks that were not what the experts had picked and what fans like us would like to have happen! After next year, we should hire Doug Williams as QB coach, Warren Sapp as D Line coach, H. Nickerson as LB Coach, J. Giles as TE Coach and I’m sure all of you can name the rest of the coaches! L. Selmon should be considered for the Head Coaching job! J.Galloway could be the Recvr’s coach! These picks make abt as much sense as some of the draft speculations that I read!!!!!
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, California on 03/13 at 04:34 PM
I might be inclined to agree with the “bottle of stupid” comment. Good job on the Calvin Johnson pick [even if my dead grandmother could have figured that out]. But ERIC WEDDLE at 36 is nonsense. Hes NOT THAT GOOD. I’m tired of hearing about him. He’s a steal in the 3rd round. But a serious waste in the 2nd. If someone likes him that much they should take him TOO SOON at the bottom of the 2nd round. As for the rest...I like the possitions, but don’t care to much for the players. In all honsety...who cares about who you take in the 6th round. Although, I do like Satele...hes got the mean streak Tampa has sorely missed along the line.
Posted by WYNDOLYN T JONES, RIVERVIEW, FL on 03/13 at 04:01 PM
DID YOU DRINK A BOTTLE OF STUPID FOR BREAKFAST??
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Posted by Luke Easterling, Tampa, FL on 03/15 at 12:05 AM
Some interesting comments posted here…
Weddle is definitely a solild player, but I still don’t think he merits a high 2nd rounder. I place him at the end of Round 2, at best. Given time in the same system (and the right system), however, he could develop into a star.
There should be great value at both DE and S at the top of the 2nd round. If Anthony Spencer is still available, I would jump on that pick. If he’s gone, the value could be better at S, where Meriweather should still be available. The Bucs have been lacking a serious playmaker at S for quite some time, and Meriweather definitely brings that ability to the table.