Early Bucs Draft Outlook

Posted Jan 17, 2009 by Luke Easterling

Updated Jan 17, 2009 at 08:52 PM

With a changing of the guard at the head coach and general manager positions, the Bucs are preparing for an overhaul in many ways.  The new regime will obviously have a great effect on how the team handles this year’s draft, but it’s no secret where the need areas lie for the Pewter Pirates.  Here’s a look at some different options for the Bucs, considering what positions the Bucs need, as well as where the best value is likely to be at their current pick.

Left Tackle - The Bucs are still feeling the burn left behind by Kenyatta Walker‘s disappointment as a first-round pick, but hopefully that won’t scare them away from pulling the trigger on a blindside blocker in the first round.  The position is rich in first-round talent this year, and the Bucs are sitting in a good spot to land one of three top prospects.  While Alabama’s Andre Smith, arguably the best player available in the entire draft, will be long gone, there are others that could be available when the Bucs pick at #19.  Virginia’s Eugene Monroe is the next in a growing line of top LT prospects to come from Charlottesville (following recent first-rounders D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert), and should be the next OT off the board after Smith.  Baylor’s Jason Smith and Mississippi’s Michael Oher are the most likely to be available should the Bucs stay at #19, and either would be a great pick.

Defensive Line - A position that can never be too deep, the Bucs could have their pick of numerous top talents across the front four.  Players that could be available around pick #19 include defensive ends like Florida State’s Everette Brown and LSU’s Tyson Jackson , and defensive tackles such as B.J. Raji from Penn State and Peria Jerry from Mississippi.

Wide Receiver - While Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree and Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin should be off the board by the time the Bucs pick, there should still be a few solid options at WR, should the Bucs look to bring in someone who can stretch the field.  The explosiveness of Florida’s Percy Harvin and the size/athleticism combo of Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey should be available.  Thanks to an incredible bowl game performance, North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks would also be a possibility.