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Most Recent Entries
- A Frustrating, Anxious Time
- Bucs Will Lean On Clayton, Stovall
- Bucs Love Flacco
- Fitzgerald Staying In Arizona
- Kelly's Likely Destination: Detroit
- Focus On The Draft
- June Will Eventually Replace Brooks
- Speed Is Bucs' Top Draft Priority
- Don't Count On Ocho-Cinco
- Which RBs, QBs Are On Bucs' Radar?
- Looking For A Home-Run Hitter
- Trade Up For Defensive Help?
- Fullback Not A Need Position
- Bucs Have Need For Speed
- Bright Future For Morris
Monthly Archives
Forum: Talk Bucs
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Q: I can’t figure out why the Bucs haven’t been players in the bidding for WRs. Clearly they have the money to have matched the contracts offered to Hackett and Bryant Johnson. Do you think they’re content now to get their WR playmaker (someone like a DeSean Jackson) in the draft? Or are they waiting for some experienced veteran to become a salary cap casualty?—Paul Rybinski, Lawrenceville, N.J.
A: It’s clear the Bucs weren’t knocked out by the WR talent available in free agency. They had plenty of money to pursue Hackett or Johnson or Berrian, but they never put the full-court press on. It’s difficult to know in advance who will be available at pick No. 20 and many first-round choices take a few years before contributing significantly. At this point, the Bucs have done little to address their expressed need for speed on the flanks and in the backfield. It’s a frustrating and anxious time for Buc fans at the moment.
Q: Ira or Roy, do you guys see the Bucs possibly looking at bringing in Reche Caldwell or Tampa’s own Darrell Jackson since Bryant Johnson signed with the 49ers and Hackett isn’t showing a real interest with the bucs? Thanks.—Patrick Dotson, Tampa
A: That could happen but I really believe the Bucs plan is to lean more on Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall and draft heavy for that position in April.
Q: Roy or Ira, with all the QB trouble the Bucs have, not happy with McCown’s progress or Bruce Gradkowski’s and we don’t know if Simms will ever be healthy again, do the Bucs like the QB from Delaware, Joe Flacco? And would they take a chance on him if still available in the second round? He has a big upside, has a big arm is mobile and he could learn from Garcia for a couple years.—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: The Bucs love the QB from Delaware. They especially love his arm. So does everybody else. I have been saying for weeks now that the Bucs will probably draft a quarterback this year and I’m sticking to that prediction. The good news is that a lot of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft are dropping because of lack of need and fear of paying too much. That means the Bucs may have a shot at a guy like Flacco, possibly in the third round. He’d be a good acquisition there. And don’t buy into that theory that the Bucs aren’t interested because Coach Jon Gruden didn’t attend his pro day. Gruden saw Flacco at the Senior Bowl and the combine. Between that and the tape he saw enough to make a judgment on him.
Q: Hey Roy. I hear all this talk about Larry Fitzgerald being unhappy in Arizona and the possibility of a trade. What do you think it would take to snag him? Is this year’s first-round pick enough? (It would seem like a no-brainer on the Bucs’ part to use the pick for a known quantity at receiver rather than take a chance on a young guy.) Or would it require the pick PLUS someone else? Would the pick plus Chris Simms be attractive enough?—Paul Rybinski, Lawrenceville, N.J.
A: I think that first-round pick would be very attractive. The problem is Fitzergald’s salary and cap number are not attractive at all. Fitzgerald is due to earn $14.6 million this year and $17.4 million in 2009. Throw in the proration on his original signing bonus and you’ve got a cap hit of $20 million. It’s just too much. That and the fact the Cardinals really aren’t interested in trading Fitzgerald is why no one will get him in a trade. He’ll be staying in Arizona.
Q: If the Bucs do not sign a veteran cornerback soon, what are the chances of re-signing Brian Kelly? Has he visited with any other teams? What would the terms of the contract likely be in regards to length and money?—Sean Pearce, Orlando
A: Although Kelly is the best fit for the Bucs out of the remaining free agent cornerbacks, it’s unlikely he’ll return to Tampa. Look for him to land with the Lions, reuniting with former Buc defensive coaches Rod Marinelli and Joe Barry.
Q: Hey guys. With the Bucs’ inability to secure answers to some glaring holes on their team, along with plenty of salary cap space still available, what if they were to target their focus on the draft? If they were to package some picks/players and get another pick in the first round and grab their WR and CB through that means, they would clearly have the money to pay for them and we continue to get younger. I see this as a great response to the lackluster offseason so far. What do you think? Thank you as always!—Frank Stazzone, Long Island, N.Y.
A: To get another first-round pick, the Bucs would have to be both creative and daring. They don’t have much to dangle that other teams would covet. Also, two first-round picks are no guarantee in terms of instant impact. You don’t want to go into any draft with huge needs that could lead to selecting a lesser player just because he plays a position you crave. Acquiring additional picks is a smart strategy, but adding a first-rounder will be a challenge for GM Bruce Allen.
Q: Roy or Ira, are the Bucs going to be looking for another LB in the draft for when Derrick Brooks does retire, or is Quincy Black the answer?—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: The plan is to move Cato June to the weak-side LB spot when Brooks retires. Brooks had a good season in 2007, but he can’t go on forever and June fits Tampa’s defensive scheme as Brooks’ successor. Although coaches like Quincy Black, still unproven at the NFL level, they figure to add a LB or two in the offseason, especially a backup in the middle behind Ruud.
Q: At the combine Antonio Cromartie’s cousin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, was the star of the secondary, running a 4.33 and showing footwork few cornerbacks have shown in years. Should the Buccaneers pencil Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in at No. 20 in the draft? Or will he already be long gone by the 20th pick?—Joel Schaffer, Belleair Bluffs
A: CB is definitely a need position, with Brian Kelly moving on to another team, but my best guess is the Bucs draft for offensive speed in the first round—either WR or RB. That’s their No. 1 priority and I think they feel they can get a decent nickel back later in the draft or in free agency.
Q: Hey guys, do you see the Bucs being able to acquire Michael Turner or Marion Barber? Both running backs will be free agents, though it is hard for me to believe that the Cowboys will allow Barber to hit the market. Also, heard rumors that the Cardinals may be interested in trading/releasing Edgerrin James. Would he be a possibility? PS - Please, please, please tell me the Bucs are not thinking of Daunte. As mush as I respect the guy, he is not our answer at QB. Thanks, guys!! Always love to read your responses.—James, Durham, N.C.
A: Turner would be of great interest when he hits the market because he has the speed in the backfield Jon Gruden craves as a change-of-pace with Graham. The Cowboys would be crazy to let Barber leave and it’s doubtful he’ll be available. Don’t see Edgerrin James coming to Tampa because he is no upgrade on Graham at this stage of his career and he won’t break a 50-yard run like Turner can. Culpepper is a project at this point, but he’s not old and Gruden might be intrigued with resurrecting Daunte’s career. He wouldn’t be much of a risk, but he hasn’t been productive since 2004 and that’s a long time in NFL terms.
Q: With all the talk surrounding Chad Johnson and his wish to be traded, isn’t NOW the time for the Bucs to step up and compete for this guy’s services? What gives?—Charles Pruitt, New Orleans
A: It’s probably not going to happen. It’s doubtful the Bengals will trade Johnson and the Bucs probably don’t have enough to get him if he becomes available. Johnson’s a heck of a talent, but I’m not sure he’d be a good fit in the Buc locker room. Great chemistry was a key factor for the Bucs last season.
Q: Roy or Ira, the Bucs need speedy playmakers to add a new dimension to the offense. With Cadillac’s injuries, would the Bucs look at Jonathan Stewart from Oregon if he is still available when they pick? He has power and speed and catches the ball out of the backfield well.—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: I think they’re interested in any back who’s a home-run hitter like Williams. They have a very versatile back in Earnest Graham but he’s not really a home-run hitter. If they don’t re-sign Michael Bennett or find someone like him in free agency they’ll definitely look to fill that need during the draft.
Q: Hi Ira and Roy, it’s been about a year since my last post (not a lot to complain about this year). Just wondering, do you guys think there is any way in heaven that the Bucs will trade up and try and snag DT Sedrick Ellis of USC? This guy could be just what this defense needs and has not had since Sapp left, a disruptive and penetrating force at the 3-techinique. Wishful thinking or a REAL possibility?—Charles Brandon, Chicago
A: Good to hear from you again. Don’t be such a stranger. Anyway, I can’t see the Bucs trading up to get a defensive player in the draft. They really focused on that side of the ball last year obviously and with great success. The Bucs are not necessarily set at DT but they were very happy with the play of Jovan Haye this year. They’ll look to beef up that area but I don’t think they see it as a need that requires trading up in the draft.
Q: I was happy to see the Bucs re-sign Kiffin. He is clearly an asset to the organization and the community. The flip side, I fear, is losing Raheem Morris. I would have liked to have seen Kiffin re-up for another year (maybe two) while grooming Morris to be the new D-coordinator. The job Morris has done cannot be overlooked. Prior to heading to Kansas State in 2006 the secondary was fine. In 2006 they were the Achilles’ heel of the defense. Upon returning this year they were again exceptional. Surely this cannot be a coincidence. In 2006, many were questioning Phillips’ abilities. In 2007 (under Morris) he performed at a Pro Bowl level. Tanard Jackson not only started in the Tampa 2 (a rarity) but switched positions as well. I think the Bucs should do everything they can to keep Morris to be the next defensive coordinator and then head coach. Your thoughts?—Alan Moore, Treasure Island
A: Your points on Morris are well taken. When a Ronde Barber lauds you as being a difference-maker, that’s impressive. Morris lifted the play of every DB on the Bucs in 2007 and he’s got a big future in the league. If he stays for awhile, he’ll be the natural successor to Monte, but timing is everything. If he gets an opportunity to be a coordinator somewhere else, Morris could pull a Mike Tomlin and head elsewhere.
Q: It’s been a long time since I’ve written down to you guys. Thank you for always answering the Canadian Bucs’ fans too. I’m wondering about the free-agent market and what you see as a Bucs wish list? I’ve heard talk of a speedy WR to complement Joey or a young corner. Any names that stand out? Thanks again.—Matt Berry, Toronto
A: Overall, the free agent market is weak and it will be further diluted when teams re-sign potential free agents. Don’t forget, most teams have plenty of cap room to sign the guys they want to keep. For the Bucs, speed is the operative word. You saw what happened when Galloway was ineffective against the Giants. The Bucs want more offensive weapons across the board—WR, TE, RB, players who can scare opposing defenders and go the distance.
Q: Are the Bucs happy with their fillback play or would they consider somebody like Owen Schmitt, or Jacob Hester on draft day?—Joseph C. White, Port Charlotte
A: B.J. Askew impressed Tampa Bay coaches with his play in 2007 and fullback is not a priority position heading into the draft and free agency. If they address the FB spot, it will be in the later rounds. The Bucs are more interested in a speed back who can offer a change of pace like a Michael Turner.
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