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Forum: Talk Bucs | Official Site: Bucpower.com
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Quite a few mock drafts have the Bucs selecting a running back at their 20th selection point and the NFL Network even went along with the same thought during a recent “State of the franchise” piece. Why would you do that with the arrival of Warrick Dunn, re-signing of Michael Bennett, return of Carnell Williams, and existence of Earnest Graham?
Similarly, some mocks have the Bucs going after a quarterback in the first round, if not Matt Ryan (who will not last past Kansas City at No.5), then a Joe Flacco from Delaware or Brian Brohm from Louisville. And all these sites have a reason along the lines of “QB for the future”, “best available athlete” or “Jon Gruden loves young passers”.
For all those people, here is another thought - “Hogwash”.
The Bucs finished the 2007 season with a great triumverate of Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski. All have starting experience in the NFL and at the least the first two have actually a chance of starting again.
The Bucs of course also have Chris Simms on their roster and then also traded for Brian Griese. Which makes five not even including Jake Plummer in Denver.
So please tell me why they would add yet another passer to this stable of throwers? This is not the major leagues where you can never have enough pitching. This is the NFL where teams keep three QBs and sometimes one rookie (of which none of the above are) on the developmental roster.
Jeff Garcia is the starter. Yes he is 38 years old but we are looking at 2008 right now and that means No.7 behind center. If Jon Gruden was totally sold on Luke McCown, he would not have traded for Brian Griese in March, but you can see a situation where these two are No.2 and No.3 on the depth chart.
Chris Simms is plainly the odd man out and will be somewhere else in the NFL come September. A team could of course wait until then to sign him, but would then be pretty much unable to use him for the season because of learning their offense. But if they trade for him now (and the expected asking price is a 3rd or 4th rounder), then they get a strong-armed lefty for next season.
Even Jon Gruden has pretty much given up on Jake Plummer coming back so he can simply pay back the rest of his signing bonus (hey Jake, don’t sign the contract and take the money if you are going to do a runner before it’s over). And Bruce Gradkowski? That’s the Arena League on Line 2 for you.
So with desperate needs for rookie talent at cornerback and wide receiver, why would the Bucs spend their top pick on another passer?
Posted by James Anderson, Lakeland, FL on 04/22 at 07:43 AM
As much as the cliche is overused, the Bucs are in a position to go best available athelete at 20. Don’t be surprised to see a lineman (DT or LT) picked, as lineman are a safer choice most the time. With so much depth at cb and wr in the draft, 2nd and 3rd round could find some talent. I prefer cb in 1st if one of the studs is there (jenkins, Talib, etc).
Posted by The Teacher, Canada on 04/07 at 06:37 PM
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Posted by Quentin, Tampa, FL on 04/06 at 10:26 AM
"I would draft a QB around the 3rd or 4th round though, since the QB class this year is so deep.”
Why? Even in a deep class, the talent level of a quarterback taken there would be no greater than that of Luke McCown. McCown already has experience as a starter and has been in our system for a few years, so even if they’re potentially the same McCown should be the better option. Right now we have 3 guys that are reliable, and only 5 draft picks. Brohm’s potentially franchise caliber, so taking him could possibly turn you into a contender for the next 12+ years. That’s too good to pass up. I just don’t see taking on a project who’s probably no better than anyone you already have when there’s 3-4 guys battling for roster spots already.
Posted by Jonathan, Tampa,FL on 04/05 at 06:30 PM
We do not need to draft a QB with our first or second pick,and not on a Runningback either. I would draft a QB around the 3rd or 4th round though, since the QB class this year is so deep. But our first and second pick should be a cornerback,and a wide reciever. But I would have no problem trading our 1st round pick for Chad Johnson, he is still really young, and has already established himself as one of the best in the league at his position. Where drafting one, the pick could be a bust. Galloway,Johnson,Clayton,Hilliard,Stovall,and Paris Warren would not be bad at all.With Troupe and Smith at TE.
Posted by CVal, Nashville, Tn on 04/04 at 07:08 PM
If (Note: IF) Simms is healthy enough and not so rusty that he can command a 3rd or 4th round pick, then he’s well enough to compete for the Bucs starting job. If the O-LIne plays better than when they nearly got him killed, we’ll see Simms at the realization point of his potential. But, there’s Gruden in the way. What’s the deal with King Ego and Simms?
Posted by Quentin, Tampa, FL on 04/03 at 02:41 PM
Well like you said, Garcia is 38 and they’re not sold on McCown. Griese looked pretty good the last time he was here, but that was two years ago and there’s no way of knowing if his play last year is due to his own regression or an effect of playing in Chicago. He’s also too old to be a long term solution. I think if Brohm were to actually fall to us at #20, his potential would be too much to pass up. The hard part would be deciding who to let go in order to carry him. If he’s gone by 20, then I’m with you. I just don’t think you can pass on him if he’s there.
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Posted by James Anderson, Lakeland, FL on 04/22 at 07:44 AM
Optimumly, we can trade down and gain a pick. Not a 6th or 7th, but maybe a 3rd or 4th. Problem, all the scouts agree there is little enough distinction between players, everyone wants to trade down. Rumor has the Giants wanting to move up. And according to the ‘old’ draft trade chart, they would have to give the Bucs a 3rd and 1st to swap up to 20. And most the players the Bucs could really use at 20, will be there at 32 (er..31. Sorry NE). Some mocks have Talib going to Giants at 31. Hmm....would be a piece of art to still get someone as talented as Talib at 31 AND get a 3rd round pick. That’s GM masterminding by this humble fan. Make us proud Chuckie! Division champs in 2008.