Bucs’ First Round Targets — Up And Down

April 27th, 2011

Might the Bucs get aggressive for Cameron Jordan?

NFL Draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski continues to break down the draft for Bucs fans like no other. Remember to tune in to WDAE-AM 620 at 7 p.m. tonight to hear Part II of Pawlowski’s interview with Mark Dominik. And be sure to come back to JoeBucsFan.com Thursday for more of Pawlowski’s breakdowns, plus his final mock draft.

1st Round Options for the Bucs

By JUSTIN PAWLOWSKI

Cameron Jordan – DE – Cal
6’4’’ – 287 lbs – 4.78

I’ve gone on record and still believe that Cameron Jordan could be a target the Bucs might be willing to trade up for.  He is not an elite pass rusher, but Jordan is a very stout defensive end that can play the 5-technique in a 3-4 defense and left defensive end in a 4-3 defense.  I still envision a 3-man line of Gerald McCoy, Brian Price, and Cameron Jordan when the Bucs do play a 3-4 defense.  That would be exciting.

Ryan Kerrigan – DE – Purdue
6’4’’ – 264 lbs – 4.71

Kerrigan has probably been the most popular name associated with the Bucs this draft season, and rightfully so.  Few players were as productive as Kerrigan the past four years.  His ability, leadership, and work ethic would mix right in with how the Bucs are building their defense.  Kerrigan might also be a target the Bucs trade up for.

Gabe Carimi – OT – Wisconsin
6’7’’ – 314 lbs – 5.27

Mark Dominik has warned that the Bucs first-round selection might not be what everyone thinks. If that’s the case, then why not an offensive tackle here? Carimi is a massive right tackle who excels in straight line blocking and power.  Carimi has potential as a 10-year starter at right tackle.  With James Lee a restricted free agent, maybe the Bucs are looking to solidify that position to protect No. 5.

Mike Pouncey – OG – Florida
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – 5.28

I have continued to say that the Bucs are interested in Mike Pouncey, but I think they’ve been trying to keep it quiet. Pouncey can play guard or center and would offer the Bucs a lot of value to the interior of their line.  I’m not sure Pouncey would be the best pick for the team at this time after what Ted Larsen did last year, but if Pouncey ends up like his brother as a perennial pro bowler, it would be tough to argue against that pick.

Justin Houston – DE – Georgia
6’3’’ – 270 lbs – 4.68

After spending so much time and interest in hybrid outside linebacker/defensive ends, you’d have to imagine Houston would be in play for the Bucs pick at 20.  He did visit the Bucs this offseason and does fit the mold of player they’d like. Right now, Houston is limited to really just one pass rush move, but with good coaching could become a force off the edge.

13 Responses to “Bucs’ First Round Targets — Up And Down”

  1. Hunter Says:

    I think Houston is definitely going to fall out of the 1st round after testing positive for marijuana at the combine.

  2. Tom Says:

    What about Bowers the DE ?

  3. gitarlvr Says:

    Hunter- Your right about Houston but I think that just means that the Bucs might be targeting Houston in the 2nd round. Imagine them landing a Kerrigan, Smith, Jordan or Clayborn in rd.1 and then trading up in the 2nd for Justin Houston if he slides far enough. It would be just like last year when the Bucs got two 1st round talents with their 1st two picks. The Bucs would go into next year with 4 potential star players along the defensive line. Getting Allen Bailey in the 2nd round along with any of the 1st rd. defensive ends would be awesome too.

  4. Achetti813 Says:

    If you target Bailey as your LE in the second you have to target Smith, Kerrigan, or Bowers as your RE in the First. If you target Houston in the second as a RE you have to target Bowers, Watt, or cam Jordan in the first for LE

  5. Hunter Says:

    However, I don’t think he falls to us in the 2nd round. Too much talent.

  6. gitarlvr Says:

    I dont think he would fall all the way to the Bucs in the second either but he could slide far enough that a trade up might become an attractive proposition to Dominik. Probably just a pipe dream but fun to contemplate. The fact is with tweener DE\OLB’s in such incredible demand and Houston possibly being the most explosive around the edge of all them, even the positive drug test and lack of inside moves might not be enough get him out of the first round.

  7. Mauha Deeb Says:

    I like the Cameron Jordan pick. We play so much 3 man front in the Tampa 2.1 he is almost a necessity. Our current guys are just too small for that.

  8. gotbbucs Says:

    i think gabe carimi is the safest pick out of that group. i have always been of the thinking that you cannot go wrong in any draft by taking one of the best offensive tackles. please no 5-techs in the 1st round.

  9. TJ Says:

    Jordan or Kerigan would be great , Kerigan is a monster I have seen first hand not great at one thing but good at everything . Reports are Bowers will be lucky to make through a season

  10. BigMacAttack Says:

    Joe, Dude, I’m so freakin excited!!! The Lightning kicked @$$ Bro. I know you love hockey and man this awesome. Guys, I’m telling you this is a bad@$$ team. Ryan Malone, in front of the net is the key. When they lost Malone they were a different team, But hey, we’re going to the cup. If you can get tickets, do it now. Steve Yzerman is the Rock. Hallelujah!!! Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition! Go Bolts!!!

  11. BigMacAttack Says:

    And Go Bucs!!!

  12. BigMacAttack Says:

    Look, Roloson was phenominal. Pissburgh was like 1 for 34 on the powerplay. The guy has been in the zone for the last 3 games. Unfreakinbleieveable, I had to post this. Can I get a “hell Yeah!!!” for the Bolts? Hell yeah!!!

  13. Capt.Tim Says:

    Another prediction from the Capt. Bucs trade up in first round to squire the DE they’ve targeted( Quinn if possible, probably Cameron Jordan).