Back to the Bucs Report

The Writers

Roy Cummings

Ira Kaufman

 @RCummingsTrib
 @IKaufmanTrib
 TBO Buccaneers
Ask a question

More Links:

• Roster
• Schedule
• Statistics
• Email Updates

Most Recent Entries

• Rays v Yankees: Moore looks for 9th, Hernandez staying put, Price update
• Rays v Yankees: Rodney remains the closer, Jennings off, Joyce back
• Gausman is Bowman’s No. 3 redemption card
• Topps previews baseball Update series
• Panini’s Prime Hockey will have extra treat
• Rays juggle rotation to get Cobb a start this weekend against Yankees
• Beckett opens weekly Wednesday chat room on Facebook page
• Rays @ Jays: Joyce update, Longo DH, Molina returns
• NFL Network report on Revis is revealing
• In The Game acquires Sport Kings LP
• Pasco WR Nate Craig (2016) up to 15 Division I offers
• Tampa Bay softball players honored by FACA
• Western Conference Baseball Teams
• Pasco baseball players Blaine Duncan, Matt Plourde headed to Barry, Daytona State respectively
• Maddon changes stance on Escobar’s home run guesture

More

• Bucs Report -Tribune staff
• Rays Report - Roger Mooney
• Bolts Report - Erik Erlendsson
• Bulls Report
• Prep Report - Hillsborough
• Prep Report - Pasco
• Prep Report - Region
• Prep Report - Recruiting Updates
• Prep Report - Football
• Go Fishing: On The Waterfront
• The Sports Bookie - Bob D'Angelo
• Gators Report - Tribune staff
• Youth Sports Report
• NFL Draft Report
• Go Ask: Frank's Tacklebox
• Bucified Bert Blog
• BUK Power - Bucs Fan Blog
• Pigskin Preacher - NFL Fan Blog
• Breakfast Bonus - Tom McEwen
• Highlands Sports

Monthly Archives

• May 2013
• April 2013
• March 2013
• February 2013
• January 2013
• December 2012

What the CBs combine 40 times mean for Bucs

Posted Feb 26, 2013 by Roy Cummings

Updated Feb 26, 2013 at 02:32 PM

BY ROY CUMMINGS
Tribune Staff

TAMPA – So, the unofficial 40-yard dash times for the cornerbacks working out at the NFL scouting combine are in. What does it all mean for the Bucs, who may be the most cornerback-needy team in the NFL?

Well, for starters, Alabama CB Dee Milliner’s 4.31-second 40 means he has all but reaffirmed his place as a top 10 selection and probably won’t be available to the Bucs, unless they want to trade up to get him.

At the same time, Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks sluggish 4.61 mark means he could fall not just to the bottom of the first round but maybe out of the first round altogether.

You have to keep in mind here that while 40 times are often criticized, NFL scouts and coaches believe they are very valid for two positions groups in particular, wide receivers and corners.

That’s why Washington CB Desmond Trufant’s 4.38 40 time may push him not only into the first round but possibly into the upper half of the first round and perhaps to a point where the Bucs may feel comfortable taking him.

Florida State corner Xavier Rhodes helped himself as well, posting a 4.43 40 that could secure him as either a late first-round selection or an early second-round pick.

Put it all together and from a Bucs perspective you have to believe Trufant could now become a target for them in the first round, should they choose to fill that need that early.

The likelihood is the Bucs will look to add at least one starting corner in free agency and another in the draft, and today’s 40 results suggest they won’t necessarily have to reach for that draft day starter in the first round.

Rhodes could still be there for them in the second and after running 4.36 and 4.39 40s respectively, Mississippi State’s Darius Slay and Boise State’s Jamar Taylor may prove to be good second-round fits for the Bucs as well.