Help Wanted

March 9th, 2009
Per ProFootballWeekly.com, the Bucs biggest hole is at linebacker, largely thanks to the offseason moves of Mark Dominik.As a result, its quite possible the only reason Joe would buy a Bucs ticket this season is to ogle over Rachel Watson.

Per ProFootballWeekly.com, the Bucs biggest hole is at linebacker, largely thanks to the offseason moves of Mark Dominik. As a result, its quite possible the only reason Joe would buy a Bucs ticket this season is to ogle Rachel Watson.

ProFootballWeekly.com just posted an interesting article on the needs of every NFL team and what each team will likely focus on in the 2009 draft.

Currently, the site suggests the Bucs biggest hole is at linebacker and Joe points the finger directly at general manager Mark Dominik for creating this hole having turned loose Derrick Brooks and Cato June.

Quarterbacks: The Bucs are interested in adding another quarterback to compete with Luke McCown for the starting job, but they’re most likely targeting a veteran in free agency or through a trade. If they’re unable to get a veteran signalcaller before the draft, there’s a chance they could spend a pick on one.

Running backs: Having signed one of the best free-agent backs on the market in Derrick Ward, this should be a low priority for Tampa in the draft. With Ward, Earnest Graham and Clifton Smith in the mix, adding another running back would be a luxury, not a necessity.

Receivers: Tampa is set at tight end after acquiring Kellen Winslow from the Browns, but it could use more depth at wide receiver. The Bucs don’t have a clear No. 2 receiver to play opposite Antonio Bryant, the team’s No. 1 target.

Offensive line: The Bucs have invested several draft picks in their offensive line over the past few seasons, resulting in the formation of a strong, young O-line. There’s a chance Tampa could use a late-round choice on an O-lineman, but this is not a pressing need.

Defensive line: Tampa’s “D” is badly in need of a versatile pass rusher at left defensive end. This is potentially a first-round priority. The Bucs also need to replace starting DT Jovan Haye, who departed in free agency, so tackle will also be on the team’s radar.

Linebackers: It’s conceivable that the Bucs will spend multiple picks on outside linebackers in this year’s draft. GM Mark Dominik released Tampa’s starting outside ’backers, Derrick Brooks and Cato June, leaving two gaping holes in the defense. This is a major need that must be addressed.

Defensive backs: The Bucs used last year’s first-round pick on a corner, and they may have to spend another early pick at this position. CB Ronde Barber is on the decline, and starting CB Phillip Buchanon left in free agency, leaving a void in the group. Adding competition for SS Sabby Piscitelli will also be on Tampa’s to-do list.

Special teams: The franchise appears to be in good shape on special teams. Matt Bryant and Mike Nugent will compete at placekicker, and Josh Bidwell is entrenched at punter. The Bucs found a diamond in the rough in RS Clifton Smith, who made the Pro Bowl as an undrafted rookie last season.

Summary: Tampa will have to rebuild its LB corps following the release of Brooks and June. The Bucs also need to find a pass-rushing end and a run-stuffing tackle.

Joe doesn’t have a monster problem with the Bucs letting go of Brooks and June, so long as they had a plan to replace them with adequate players. Raheem The Dream talks about “The Plan” but offers no specifics, sort of like Joe talking about how he has a plan to coerce Rachel Watson into his lair. Talk is cheap and often empty.

3 Responses to “Help Wanted”

  1. MTM Says:

    Nice distraction. We need what positions filled?

  2. RastaMon Says:

    “sort of like Joe talking about how he has a plan to coerce Rachel Watson into his lair”

    I paid $10….I’m expecting the complete detailed story

  3. Joe Says:

    RastaMon:

    To quote Andrew Dice Clay on The Howard Stern Show last week (heard exclusively on Sirius radio), if Joe had a successful plan to lure Rachel Watson into his castle, “What am I waiting for?’