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Freeman desperate for targets

Posted Mar 1, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Mar 1, 2010 at 02:24 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—Remember, it’s all about Josh Freeman.

How many times have you heard head coach Raheem Morris single out Freeman’s development as the top priority of the Buccaneers heading into 2010? Tampa Bay’s rookie quarterback had his promising moments last fall, but ultimately he didn’t have enough weapons to spread out defenses as he posted a 59.9 passer rating that ranked 30th in a 32-team league.

TE Kellen Winslow was the only dependable target for Freeman, finishing with 77 receptions. That total almost doubled the production of Tampa Bay’s No. 2 receiver, Antonio Bryant, who caught 39 passes.

Morris said last week that Bryant no longer fits into Tampa Bay’s plans moving forward, meaning that an upgrade at the wide receiver position is a top priority for a 3-13 club trying to rebuild around a second-year quarterback.

Dez Bryant looms as the top WR prospect in the draft, but it’s unlikely the Bucs would spend the No. 3 pick in the draft on a player with character issues who chose not to work out at the Indianapolis combine.

If the Bucs trade down in the opening round, Dez Bryant figures to be in play, but not at No. 3.

Increasingly, it appears the Bucs should have an interest in acquiring Denver’s Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin of Arizona. Neither WR will be a free agent, so the Bucs would have to put together a trade package.

Tampa Bay certainly has the draft ammo to pull off a deal and it appears both Boldin and Marshall are available. On a pure talent scale, they are among the top receivers in the league, but they come with issues.

Boldin has been eclipsed by Larry Fitzgerald in the desert, but he has topped the 1,000-yard mark in five of his seven NFL seasons and he works the middle of the field very well. Marshall routinely makes some of the most incredible catches you’ll ever see and he is the kind of big, physical target Freeman craves.

Both Marshall and Boldin are exceptional after the catch, often turning 12-yard slants into 40-yard gains, but they are not known for their leadership skills in the locker room. They may not set the best example for young Sammy Stroughter, but they have the skills to accelerate Freeman’s growth curve.

Neither Boldin nor Marshall would come cheaply, but neither would Dez Bryant.

If the Bucs are serious about surrounding their franchise quarterback with weapons, they have to look hard at these two big-play targets. They’re not without their flaws, but they’re not Michael Clayton, either.

Reader Comments

Por (flajoe491) on March 03, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Cut Clayton save a boat load of money . Draft a couple of wrs one with one of the first three Bucs picks,and one later. Keep Sammie S, M Stovall and find some people to run good routes and catch the ball . Did I mention cut Clayton ,he sucks .Are the Bucs going to have J Stevans back ? He and Winslow create match up problems when on the field together. Freeman has to get these guys the ball in a position to catch it ,not everything sailing over their heads. The Bucs could help themselves alot by getting the most out of their scouts. If they can’t find some talent get some new ones.

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