Defense...SPEED...Cool!!

Well, if you like defense, and you like speed, you got the full Monte Kiffin this weekend. The Bucs not only picked up some solid players at LB, S, and that guy we got for DE, but these players all have that killer element: Speed. Both Black and Hayward are sub 4.5 guys and can fly to the ball, bringing power to the hit as well. Piscitelli is a very fast safety who will be complimented by the slower, but still quick Jackson. Both of these guys are excellent hitters and are good ball hawks. Jackson plays Cover 2 very well, and could still be a corner, but is more likely to be a Safety for us.

The Bucs also selected some other guys of relatively unknown credentials, and we'll see how they pan out. I was disappointed that the Bucs took Jackson instead of Marcus Thomas, whom the Broncos later picked up in the 4th, but Jackson is a very good player and will impact our secondary. But that left the Bucs to pick up Greg Peterson at DT, and we'll see if he can make the team or not. I'm a little luke warm on this particular pick.

The Bucs' picks in the 7yh round are...bleh. OT Chris Denman isn't likely to be anything more than a back-up. The Bucs' first compensatory pick was CB Marcus Hamilton, who has so-so speed, but has a good knack for the ball, and can likely be a pretty solid Cover 2 corner, but he's not likely going to make the team, as the Bucs are stacked at CB after FA. Then the Bucs' second compensatory pick, and their last pick in the draft, was RB Ken Darby from Alabama. He's a decent RB, but he's not likely to make an impact on this team, and will have to fight hard for a roster spot.

With the exception of the 7th round, I think the Bucs did an outstanding job adding team speed and nailing some key needs. In the end, I think the Bucs will look back at this draft, combined with the FA period, as being a big turning point for the future of this defense. The future linebacking corps and safeties are going to bring speed and ball instincts to the Bucs, which should lead to many years of big plays and frustrated QB's.

Overall, despite missing out at DT (in my opinion), I give the Bucs an A- for this draft. They appear to have done a much better job on day 2 this year, than in the previous 4 years. Of course, we won't be able to truly grade this draft for another 3 years, but it's always fun to stamp a letter grade on it.