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NFC South
2008 Draft:
Aqib Talib CB Kansas
Dexter Jackson WR Appalachian State
Jeremy Zuttah OL Rutgers
Dre Moore DT Maryland
Josh Johnson QB San Diego
Geno Hayes OB Florida State
Cory Boyd RB South Carolina
Well, the Bucs definitely need an upgrade at CB – Brian Kelly has departed, Ronde Barber is on Medicare, Phillip Buchanan is still forgettable, and everyone else is weak. They even signed Eugene “IR” Wilson to shore up the corner staff, even though he’s been a FS most of his career. So, Aqib “Up in Smoke” Talib may be that upgrade. He has all the skills – if he can just keep his head clear long enough to play the game. His 3 failed drug tests in college will force some oversight, now that he’ll have the bucks to buy blunts by the truckload.
And, yeah, the Bucs need an upgrade at WR – Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard have joined AARP, Michael Clayton is on the razor edge of busting out of the league, and Maurice Stovall is right behind him. Antonio “Head Case” Bryant has the talent of an All-Pro and the maturity of a 4th grader. The cast of thousands behind them fail to impress. So, any blood here will be an improvement. And, although he’s pretty raw, Dexter Jackson might just be that improvement. He’s a small school prospect who isn’t all that big, but he’s quick, fast, and has great RAC skills. Give him a year or two.
The OL, which has been in transition, is improving. Jeremy Zuttah, the versatile one from Rutgers, will aid in that. He projects as an OG, although he has some OT skills as well. With young, entrenched OG’s at Tampa, it looks like he’ll either be a backup there, or perhaps backup across the entire line. The starters look to be Luke Petitgout and Jeremy Trueblood at the tackles, Davin Joseph and Aaron Sears at the guards, and Jeff Faine at OC. Matt “Better Living Through Chemistry” Lehr looks to be the prime competition for Zuttah for a roster spot.
At DT, the Bucs need depth. And Dre Moore provides it. He’s a solid, if unspectacular, inside lineman – just what the doctor ordered. He’ll instantly join the rotation of Chris Hovan, Ryan Sims, and Jovan Haye and will probably be a starter by December.
At QB, the Bucs drafted intriguing prospect Josh Johnson of San Diego. Why, I don’t have a freaking idea. It’s not like the Bucs are short on QB’s. Lessee, there’s Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski, Brian Griese, Chris Simms… did I leave anyone out? Oh, yeah, the retired-but-not-retired Jake the Snake, for whom Tampa still retains rights (and a claim against a signing bonus). So, what the heck? Let’s add another one to the mix! My guess is that Gradkowski and Simms needn’t do any major renovations to their locker spaces, other than cleaning them out. They’re not long for the pewter-and-whatever world. Garcia is the starter, and Griese and McCown will duke it out for the #2 job. If Johnson has as much potential as many believe, he won’t be get stuck on the practice squad, so he either makes the roster or he’s cut leaving the other vet for the clipboard role.
At OB, where the Bucs drafted Geno Hayes, there is an intriguing situation. First, you have Derrick Brooks, he of the Senior Citizen discount. But, he’s still playing at a high level. Like the Energizer Bunny, you have to wonder when his juice will run out, though. Cato June is in his prime at the other OB. Youngster Quincy Black and unspectacular vet Ryan Nece make capable backups and ladies-in-waiting. Now, throw Hayes into the mix. 5 possibilities: 1) He flunks out. 2) Here, hold this tackling dummy, Mr. PS guy. 3) Bring your playbook, Mr. Nece. 4) Here’s your gold watch, Mr. Brooks. 5) 5 OBs on the squad – what position do you short? I think #2 or #3 are the most realistic options.
Lastly, we have RBs. Multiple RBs. So, what the heck – let’s add another one. Cadillac Williams is the hoss if he’s healthy, but he’s not and may never again be. No problem. We have former 1000 yard rushers Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett. Yeah, they’re old, small, and have a little mileage on their tires – kinda like a pair of ’85 Corollas. So? What about Earnest Graham – the guy who carried the load, quite well I should say, down the stretch last year? And what about Ken Darby, the highly regarded soph who spent last year on the IR? And don’t forget about reliable, versatile Michael Pittman – who’s sitting out there in unsigned limbo. Sure, let’s throw another warm body into the mix. And that’s all I can think of Cory Boyd. He’s solid, but nothing spectacular. He’s probably kind to animals and small children. And he’ll probably be driving a beer truck in September. My guess is that the Bucs start the season with Cadillac on the PUP, Dunn and Graham sharing the load, Darby doing special teams, and Pittman and Bennett seeking new employment (along with Boyd).
Summary: The Bucs addressed key needs at WR, CB, and DT. They added a little depth in the interior OL. They brought in some depth at OB and thoroughly muddled the situation at backup QB. And they brought in some camp fodder at RB. On the whole, not a bad job. They improved the team and brought some youth to some aging positions. Grade: B.
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