Draft Almost Here

Well, there hasn't been a whole lot going on other than rumors. The Bucs have been said to be doing everything from trading down to trading away the entire first day slate of picks for the number 1 pick. One trade, that is all rumor, but might possibly occur, is for the Bucs to trade Rice to Detroit to move up to number 2 where they are guaranteed a shot at either Calvin Johnson or Joe Thomas, or both. The Bucs don't seem to really covet any of the defensive players, at least at number 4. So if the Bucs don't get a shot at CJ or JT then I look for them to try and trade down. If both of those guys are off the board, then it means that at least one of the coveted QB's is still there, and there will be teams looking for a shot to move up and nab said player.

I still think the Bucs' most likely pick-up is Calvin Johnson. Thomas isn't likely to slide down to the Bucs, though anything is possible. Either player would look good in Red and Pewter. Johnson would give Gruden that T.O. type receiver without the attitude and the speed to run with Galloway. Johnson would make it a lot easier to hit deep balls, ala Randy Moss style. Joe Thomas would give the Bucs an anchor at LT for many years, and actually help the Bucs get their Tight Ends out on patterns more often. Quite frankly, I would be happy with either of these two players. I'm just hoping the Bucs avoid picking up a QB. I'm not sold on either Russell or Quinn, and think the Bucs have other needs for now.

Just a few more days until all of the speculation is over. Once the draft is done, I will review the picks in full and their possible impact to the team. With the Bolts out of the playoffs, it's going to be a somewhat long off-season, and the draft is always a good way to break things up.