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Sitting Third Gives Bucs Options

Posted Feb 23, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Feb 23, 2010 at 11:26 AM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—The Bucs hope some teams fall in love with a quarterback this week.

Although Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen have declined to work out for scouts at the Indianapolis combine, they will be in town to participate in physicals and the interview process. Bradford’s shoulder issues will be examined in detail and don’t underestimate the importance of the combine interview as a key component in evaluating quarterback prospects.

With the Bucs sitting at No. 3, one spot ahead of the Redskins, Bradford and Clausen loom as key pieces in the 2010 draft puzzle.

Washington’s new braintrust of Coach Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen aren’t tied to incumbent quarterback Jason Campbell. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Redskins select a new face of the franchise with the No. 4 pick, but there may be other teams interested in vaulting ahead of Washington and trading up with the Bucs.

A team like Buffalo, currently sitting at No. 9, may be willing to consider moving up to the No. 3 slot to get a young quarterback to build around. Let’s be honest—new coach Chan Gailey can’t be thrilled with choosing between Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick under center.

“We are a quarterback-driven league at this point,’’ Gailey said. “It hasn’t always been that way, but it seems to have become more so in the last decade. You have to have a quality player there.’‘

If the Bucs are inclined to move down, they may find some willing trade partners. And don’t be stunned if Tampa Bay ends up walking away with an additional first-round pick in the 2011 draft in the process.

Perhaps the biggest factor in determining Tampa Bay’s draft strategy is where the Bucs have Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy stacked on their board after the combine and private workouts. Stopping the run and creating a push inside remain the No. 1 priorities and these two defensive tackles have an opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of the draft field in the next month.