"Why are you feeling sorry for me Gary? I have a Sam's Club membership."

Veteran St. Petersburg Times columnist Gary Shelton has seen a lot in his days covering sports in the Tampa Bay area. So when Shelton takes aim at a subject, Joe sits up straight in his chair and rests his bottle of Caybrew.

In a powerful column this morning, Shelton seems to have had enough with what is — or, more correctly, what is not — coming out of One Buc Palace of late.

He wonders in print why other dreadful teams last year saw fit to try to improve their roster in recent weeks, why teams with young quarterbacks to groom actually went out and got a solid receiver for said young quarterback.

Meanwhile, Shelton notes, the Bucs pretty much stayed pat.

Around them, other teams are trying to get better. The Ravens, who have a young quarterback of their own to grow, have added Anquan Boldin. The Bears, who have their own pressures to endure, have signed Julius Peppers. The Lions have added Nate Burleson, and the Dolphins signed Karlos Dansby, and the Jaguars signed Aaron Kampman, and the Bengals signed Antonio Bryant and so on. Before the Bucs got around to signing linebacker Jon Alston on Friday, 28 other teams had signed 81 other free agents (47 from other teams and 34 from their own).

Here’s a question: Were all of those teams wrong while the Bucs were right?

Here’s another: On a team that finished 3-13, are we to believe there was no one else out there — no one — who could help?

Please make sure to read the entire column linked above. It’s a sobering look at the state of the Bucs.

Shelton believes the Bucs are so bad, he actually is beginning to feel sorry for Mark Dominik and Raheem the Dream.

Joe already wrote how he feels sorry for Raheem the Dream.

If a Bucs fan hasn’t yet forgotten about the Bucs trying to lure Brandon Marshall, now would be the time to do so.

Seems the Bucs have no use for diva receivers. At least for the near future.

In a recent NFL notebook on ProFootballWeekly.com, it seems the Bucs waved goodbye to receiver Antonio Bryant not so much because they didn’t think he could still produce.

The Bucs unloaded him because they feared he wanted the ball.

Sources say the Buccaneers’ strategy for grooming QB Josh Freeman was part of the reason the team chose not to be more aggressive in its efforts to re-sign unrestricted free-agent WR Antonio Bryant, who signed with the Bengals March 10. Tampa Bay was concerned that Bryant might put pressure on Freeman and demand the ball be thrown to him, which is not an environment the team is seeking to create for its young quarterback.

Joe sort of understands this. Sort of. A headcase of a receiver could really mess with a young quarterback’s head.

Let’s be honest though, if Bryant was back in the Bucs fold, who the hell else would Freeman throw to, blocking icon Michael Clayton?

If Reggie Brown can match Michael Clayton's output, it will be a productive trade for the Bucs.

A lot of Bucs fans were quickly excited when they learned the Bucs had acquired a wide receiver last week, sort of like an unexpected late night/early morning phone call from Rachel Watson.

When learning the wide receiver was Reggie Brown and not Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment, as if Rachel dialed the wrong number.

There really isn’t a reason to be bummed about the trade writes Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. That’s because the Bucs have had luck with turn-around projects.

Brown today is no different than Bryant, Hilliard and Hovan were a few years ago. He’s a player hungry for a chance to prove he can still play in this league. Who knows? Maybe he can.

When scouts talk about him they still talk about his top-end straight-line speed and they nod their heads in approval at the way he’s improved as a route runner.

They like his courage and his concentration in traffic and the fact that in addition to playing outside of the numbers, he can play inside them if the need arises.

Joe held out hope the receiver the Bucs would get would have been Boldin, though he knew better. Joe also knowsthere’s virtually no way the Bucs are going to cough up what the Broncos want for a head case, no matter how talented Marshall may be.

If Brown can do anything, he’s worth the pick.

Blocking icon Michael Clayton was a first round pick. How has that paid off lately?

Vacation Man of BSPN believes the Bucs are still searching for another receiver target for Josh Freeman.

Right now the Bucs are beyond thin at wide receiver. The constant spoken desire to get quarterback Josh Freeman tools to develop ring hollow.

But Vacation Man, working for the TASS-like agency BSPN, has a hunch Bucs general manager Mark Dominik sees this too and is working behind the scenes to correct the problem. So he wrote in a recent NFC South chat.

Scott (Cocoa Beach, FL)
With Raheem saying it’s all about Freeman, why are the Buc’s doing more to try to get him some solid receivers. Let Bryant walk. No mention of Bolding. No action toward Marshall. But they are willing to give up a future pick for a WR that was soon to be released anyway. If it’s all about Freeman, they’re sure leaving him out to dry.

Vacation Man
I’m with you. But just because we’re not hearing about them doing anything, doesn’t mean that’s entirely true. Even in this day and age, some teams can keep things under the radar. Not saying that’s definitely happening here, but it could be the case. Whatever, they do have to get Freeman a real No. 1 WR at some point.

Cristian (Kissimmee FL)
Who Will be the Bucs Number one receiver after all is said and done….Draft and all…. i know were just speculating but tell me something i don’t know. Thanks

Vacation Man
Tough one. I’m thinking it might be someone that comes available from somewhere else after the draft. They don’t seem interested in any of the big names available right now. Maybe they’re waiting for someone without the baggage to come open in a trade or by getting released from another team.

Even if the Bucs load up on receivers in the draft, Joe just can’t believe the Bucs are going to settle for the grizzled veterans currently on the roster.

JoeBucsFan.com had a quick chat with Bucs defensive end Stylez G. White over the weekend. And, of course, Joe’s going to share what he can. Entering his fourth season with the Bucs, White seems fit and focused for a huge season.

Joe: The Bucs seem likely to take a defensive tackle with the No. 3 overall pick in April. That kid’s going to come in making a lot of money. How might the D-line treat him? Any hazing?

Stylez White:  No difference in treatment except being a rookie. Whatever defensive tackle we’re allegedly considering is probably pretty good. And that’s good for everybody. The more the merrier. There’s no hazing. We’ll just have him take us out to dinner. A nice, very expensive dinner.

Joe: You had a long road to make it in the NFL through the Arena league, do you think the picks in the first few rounds of the NFL Draft appreciate their opportunity?

Stylez White: I’m sure they appreciate it. I believe they do. Where I came from in my life … it’s not by choice. So I’m very appreciative of what I have.

Joe: This is the first season you’re entering camp as the starter. Is that different for you?

Stylez White: I always came in believing I’d be the starter. That’s just my attitude. But now knowing I’m starting, that’s new, and I’ve changed my approach. I’ve taken up boxing classes to get lean and a little quicker.

Joe: Do you like the boxing? Or is it just a good workout.

Stylez White: No. I like it. I recommend it. It’s working for me.

Joe: When you first got to Tampa you were an inside and outside rusher. Do you miss rushing from a 3-technique?

Stylez White: No. No. I don’t miss that. I’m a defensive end. I think I only have three sacks at the 3-technique.

"Why would Mark Dominik need help in the secondary?"

Bucs good guy and video wizard Scott Smith returns with the well done Behind the Flag series on Buccaneers.com.

The opening guest of the 2010 season is Mark Dominik, whose interview was released late Friday.

Of course, Dominik was guarded and stuck with the current corporate speak, “building for long term success.” And, as expected, he kept his comments down the middle for the most part.

However, in talking about the draft, Dominik dropped this quote with a little more enthusiasm than he’s known for.

“I think this draft class’s strength is defense, which is exciting for us, especially on the D-line and the defensive backs. It’s a very good draft that way. That I think can match up with some of the things we want to do with this year’s draft,” Dominik said.

Considering Dominik mentioned nothing about the draft class on the offensive side of the ball, the reference to the secondary is especially interesting.

Joe is like most fans, searching for every morsel of insight.

The Bucs newest linebacker wears No. 55

Joe doesn’t get excited by most small roster-filling moves. Yawn.

On Friday, the Bucs signed free-agent linebacker Jon Alston, who was let go by the Raiders. What caught Joe’s eye in the story on the Bucs official Web site was the Raiders jersey worn by Alston.

In Oakland, Alston wore No. 55 during the last two seasons.

Joe wonders whether Mark Dominik will tell him that jersey is off limits in Tampa Bay.

The JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network takes on all things Arron Sears

Joe and former Bucs defensive end Steve White kick around the often taboo subject of Arron Sears.

Settle in. This is a fun ride.

The conversation is heated. Power running schemes, public relations, the TMZ media, hitting people in the mouth, Sears as a right tackle? — no stone is left unturned.

Some Friday night fun on the JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network.

Enjoy.

[audio:searsradiotalk.mp3]

Where have you read this before?

With horny Ben Roethlisberger seemingly on the verge of copulating himself out of the NFL, the salacious Super Bowl-winning Steelers quarterback, alleged to be involved in a(nother) sordid sexual scandal that could land him behind bars, forcing him to meld into an alternative lifestyle to feed his hungers, the Steelers may be in a quick need of a new quarterback.

Bucs backup quarterback Bryon Leftwich may be the answer, so writes Mike Florio, the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, typing a column for SportingNews.com.

Two years ago, Leftwich, then a backup for Big Ben, came off the bench to win a game at Washington as the Steelers marched to Tampa to win their sixth Super Bowl.

Florio believes the Steelers might need Leftwich again, if in fact Roethlisberger is unavailable due to his (alleged) felonious fornicating ways.

When Batch broke a collarbone during the 2008 preseason, Leftwich quickly was added to the team. He was solid in limited duty throughout the season, winning a Super Bowl ring and making himself attractive to the Buccaneers as a free agent.

Currently languishing on the Tampa depth chart, Leftwich likely could be had for a late-round pick. It might be wise for the Steelers to try to get the deal done now, before the Bucs acquire even more leverage via Big Ben doing a perp walk.

The way Bucs general manager Mark Dominik conned the Bears out of a second round pick for a guy who couldn’t start on the NFL’s worst defense, Joe can only dream what they might pry away from Pittsburgh in a time of need.

Joe understands many Bucs fans are frustrated. Some are so frustrated they are beginning to become hysterical.

One Bucs fan has the gall to e-mail eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune to suggest Bucs general manager Mark Dominik’s days are numbered.

Q: Is it safe to start the “hot seat” talks for GM Mark Dominik? Last year he spent money on Angello Crowell and Derrick Ward. This year he lets Bryant go because of his knees, his age, and to avoid the big contract. Then he brings in Reggie Brown. A 29-year-old with injuries in the past. Not to mention the Bengals signed Bryant to a $28 million contract. That’s too expensive? Didn’t Michael Clayton get a similar contract a year ago?

D.J. Smith, Tampa

A: There’s little doubt Dominik is battling for his professional life in 2010. He made a flurry of mistakes in his first season calling the shots, costing ownership significant money, but he has an opportunity to right the ship with a dynamic draft. If he nails it and adds 3 or 4 new starters who can play, all will be forgiven. Any way you look at it, that’s a lot of pressure on any NFL executive.

— Ira Kaufman

Even if the Bucs only win three games this year, Joe would be shocked if Dominik was shown the door. Rarely do general managers only get two years to succeed, especially a general manager who by all indications was directed by the owners to tear a team apart and rebuild.

Has Dominik made mistakes? Of course. And Joe is confident even Dominik would admit it. Blocking icon Michael Clayton’s re-signing springs to mind. Angelo Crowell is another mistake. Perhaps not bringing back Antonio Bryant may be another.

However, in Dominik’s first year, it appears he did well in the draft. Just the fact alone he was able to thieve a second round pick from the Bears for a guy who couldn’t start for one of the NFL’s worst defenses should at least give Dominik some political capital.

Joe is told that the Illinois state police have issued an arrest warrant for Dominik on grand theft charges as a result of the Gaines Adams trade.

Joe believes how the Bucs (read: Dominik) select players in next month’s draft will go a long way to answering his long-term job security as the Bucs’ head honcho.

It’s a gloomy Friday in the Tampa Bay area. So Joe thought he’d bring you a treat.

Joe understands, to a degree, that Joe’s readers who do not have the NFL Network — women — likely have never seen one of the greatest NFL Films productions, “America’s Game,” a mini-series on the NFL Network which is basically an hour-long documentary devoted to each Super Bowl winning team.

(Little known fact: One of the reasons there is so much unrest among the millions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is the resident arrogant, Satanic cable company, Out House Networks, has held the locals hostage by cruelly denying them the NFL Network yet brazenly forcing them to have countless mind numbing shopping channels and relegating Al Jazeera to a costly “premium-tier.” That alone would certainly drive Joe to throw rocks at army soldiers and provoke him to walk into a sidewalk cafe and set off a backpack explosive.)

Recently, the intelligent executives at the NFL have decided to upload loads of NFL content onto Hulu.com, including all episodes of America’s Game. Below, Joe brings you the Bucs segment.

Despite Hulu, and indirectly, the NFL, offering embed codes, Joe suspects for some reason he may get an angry e-mail or phone call from some suit. If the NFL doesn’t want Hulu to share the videos, why offer embed codes? As a preemptive measure, Joe would like to thank those responsible for the video:

Steve Sabol, Ed Sabol, Rich Eisen, the NFL Network, Mark Dominik, the NFL, Chucky, the Oakland Raiders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rachel Watson, Bryan and Joel Glazer, Al Davis and anyone else remotely connected to the aforementioned organizations.

Though it’s looking more and more like the Bucs will be able to select either defensive tackles manbeast Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, there’s still the very real possibility that the Bucs will get neither, that the Lambs and Kittens will grab both players before the Bucs draft at No. 3.

While the conventional wisdom for the Bucs would then be to trade down, thereby picking up more draft choices and still getting the player they want (Eric Berry?), a Bucs fan, using the TBO.com Bucs question-and-answer vehicle, believes the Bucs should go unconventional:

Draft quarterback Sam Bradford.

Q: Submitting a hypothetical draft day scenario: Let’s assume that the two teams drafting before the Bucs, the Rams and Lions, choose DTs Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy, the players that the Bucs seemingly covet the most. Knowing how stocked with talent this draft is, doesn’t it make sense for the Bucs to then select the next-most valued player, QB Sam Bradford? Not to keep him, but to use him as trade bait. After all, the Redskins and Seahawks –and very possibly the Bills, Broncos, etc. — are looking to land a franchise-type QB like Bradford, and by holding his draft rights, the Bucs would be in a favorable position to quickly trade him to the team ready to make the best deal. By doing so the Bucs would acquire a high-to-mid 1st round choice plus additional pick(s) in the second or third round. Your thoughts?

Andy Pollack, Atlanta, Ga.

A: It’s not far-fetched to consider trading back if Suh and McCoy are both gone by pick No. 3, but the Bucs have to be careful not to go move back so far that the other prospects they covet are off the board by the time they make their first selection. If players like Berry and Okung and gone within the top 7 and the Bucs slide back to No. 9, they may not get the kind of impact player they need so desperately.

Your scenario makes sense, but the Bucs would have to have several big-time players in mind they could choose from with a realistic chance of still being available after they slide back.

— eye-RAH! Kaufman

This is actually an interesting proposal and perhaps smart, but very risky. Let’s be honest, if the Kittens draft McCoy/Suh, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik has a grand total of 12 minutes to consummate a deal. Not a whole lot of time to barter.

By drafting Bradford, you essentially hold whatever team wants him hostage. You have hours, days to get a deal done with the highest bidder; Dominik wouldn’t be under a gun.

Though this type of maneuver is rare, it worked for San Diego when the Chargers drafted — against his will — Eli Manning and squeezed the Giants out of more than maybe they would have gotten by trading the pick earlier.

Soon to be a Buccaneer?

It’s time to belly up the the computer with a tray of the best wings in the Tampa Bay area and settle in for a draft education.

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620, continues his position breakdowns today taking on the running backs class. Last week, he got the position ball rolling with offensive linemen.

In this 2,000-word draft orgasm, Pawlowski details positives and negatives on each player and his potential impact on the Bucs’ roster, plus each potential draft pick is ranked and compared to a current NFL player.

Where else can you get such a written breakdown?

Enjoy. {+++} 

Running Backs

1. CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson
5’10’’ –196 lbs – 4.37
Top 15 pick

Why I’m taking him: Spiller’s one of the most dynamic players and the most dynamic running back in this draft.  He possesses elite speed, making him a threat every time he touches the ball.  He’s incredibly fluid catching the ball out of the backfield and looks like a receiver at times.  Spiller is a shifty running back, but always seems to be moving up the field.  The addition of his ability to return kicks and punts just makes him more valuable.

Why I’m staying away: There isn’t much to dislike about Spiller.  My main concern with Spiller is his size and whether he can carry a full load in the NFL.  There are times where he looks for contact rather than avoiding the big hit. 

Impact on the Bucs roster: Well, I think the Bucs would have major balls to take Spiller with the 3rd pick.  The only way Spiller makes it in a Bucs uniform is if the Bucs trade back from the 3rd pick or back into the 1st round with their latter picks. Running back isn’t the biggest need for the Bucs, and they shouldn’t be looking that direction in the 1st round, but Spiller is the type of player that can make your entire offense look better.

NFL Comparison:   Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans

 
2.Ryan Matthews – RB – Fresno St
5’11’’ – 218 lbs – 4.45
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: Matthews’ stock rises with each day that passes.  Unlike Spiller, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that Matthews is an every down back.  He can pound it between the tackles while still possessing breakaway speed.  When I watch Matthews run, I love his forward lean which always seems to allow him to pick up an extra yard or two.  Matthews is the most balanced every down back in this draft.

Why I’m staying away: While he is the most balanced back in this draft, he isn’t elite to me.  He isn’t overly shifty and doesn’t create a lot on his own.  Matthews is also not much of a receiver out of the backfield.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I’m not certain that Matthews would be the best fit for the Bucs as high as he is going to go in the draft.  Matthews is a solid every down back, but with Carnell Williams, Derrick Ward, and Earnest Graham already fitting that mold, it really doesn’t make sense to add another of the same type of back.

NFL Comparison:   Marion Barber – Dallas Cowboys

3. Jahvid Best – RB – Cal
5’10’’ – 199 lbs – 4.35
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: Best is a burner.  His speed is elite, and he has the vision to go with it.  While watching film, Best is a nightmare when matched up with a linebacker.  He has excellent hands and, at times, looks like a receiver running routes.  He isn’t the shiftiest of backs, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  Best seems to know when to make one cut and get up the field.

Why I’m staying away: Durability is my major concern with Best.  He suffered a horrific concussion in 2009 against Oregon St.  There is also numerous times where I saw him taking big hits when he could have avoided them.  Sure, it does show toughness, but we aren’t talking about a 230 lb back.  Best will be best as a complement with a power back.

Impact on the Bucs roster: This would be intriguing, wouldn’t it?  There the Bucs sit with their 2nd 2nd round pick and Best is on the board.  Most of us would say no because of the amount of needs elsewhere, but we’ve seen the Bucs do crazier things than draft Best in round 2.  I am, by no means, predicting that the Bucs will be drafting Best, but he would add a dimension to their offense that they haven’t had since Carnell Williams’ first 3 games of his career.  Hell, was that the last time the Bucs had a run longer than 20 yards?  Just kidding, or am I?

NFL Comparison:   Reggie Bush – New Orleans Saints

4. Montario Hardesty – RB – Tennessee
5’11’’ – 225 lbs – 4.49
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Here is another back gaining steam.  Hardesty is another balanced back who could carry the load in the NFL.  He has good size and catches the ball well out of the backfield.  I really like Hardesty’s cut-back ability.  He makes one cut and goes.  There is no dancing.  He also has the speed to break long runs.  Hardesty is one of the more underrated backs now, but could find himself as a solid 2nd round pick once the draft is here.

Why I’m staying away: I don’t see a “wow” factor with Hardesty.  Not once, when I watched his film did I rewind a play because of how impressive it was.  Hardesty also runs a tad bit upright which will make him susceptible to hits to his mid section.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Hardesty is another back that matches the backs the Bucs already have.  It just wouldn’t make much sense to me if the Bucs draft a running back like this.  If a back is taken by the Bucs, I’d imagine they’d go with a shiftier back like Best or McKnight, or a power back like a couple below.

NFL Comparison:   Matt Forte – Tulane

5. Jonathon Dwyer – RB – Georgia Tech
5’11’’ – 229 lbs – 4.68
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Dwyer’s my workhorse, who I know can carry the ball 20+ times a game.  He’s proven to be pretty durable and shows great vision when running between the tackles.

Why I’m staying away: This could get long.  Dwyer had one of the worst combines of any running back.  He lacks speed, and struggles both receiving and blocking.  Coming from an option offense, Dwyer was never asked to do much receiving or blocking which has led to his struggles with those aspects of his game.

Impact on the Bucs: Dwyer will also go too early for the Bucs to consider.  Like it or not, the Bucs still run a version of Jon Gruden’s offense which asks it’s running backs to do a little more than just run the ball up the middle.

NFL Comparison: Shonn Greene – New York Jets

6. Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford
5’11’’ – 231 lbs – 4.55
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: First thing to like about Gerhart is his toughness.  He generates power and gets tough yards between the tackles.  Gerhart also has a nose for the endzone demonstrated by his 43 TDs the past 2 seasons.  He has very good vision and surprising speed for someone his size.

Why I’m staying away: Gerhart was a workhorse in college and with that comes a lot of mileage of those tires.  He has had some durability issues already as well.  He isn’t much of a receiver out of the backfield and looks clumsy in routes.  Gerhart also runs very upright like Eddie George making him susceptible to big hits.

Impact on the Bucs: Let’s set the record straight here.  Other than Gerhart and Alstott both being white, I really don’t see many similarities when I watch their film.  Alstott always played low to the ground, while Gerhart plays tall.  Alstott was an excellent receiver, while Gerhart struggles at receiving.  Alstott has shorter legs and a longer torso, while Gerhart is the opposite.  Please do all of us a favor, and stop comparing Gerhart to Alstott just because he’s a white running back.  By the way, I wouldn’t take Gerhart if I’m the Bucs.

NFL Comparison:   Eddie George – Tennessee Titans

7. Joe McKnight – RB – USC
5’11’’ – 198 lbs – 4.47
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: I’m taking McKnight because of the excitement factor every time he touches the ball.  He has excellent vision and great agility to wiggle past defenders.  He’s a big threat as a receiver, and also has added value as a returner.  One thing I really like about McKnight is that he doesn’t waste any cuts.  Every move he makes is for a reason.

Why I’m staying away: McKnight is not an every down back, and probably not even a primary back.  He would be great as a complement to a more balanced back.  He also is not much of a blocker.

Impact on the Bucs: Depending on what round he goes in, I’m not gonna piss and moan if the Bucs were to draft McKnight at the top of round 4.  McKnight would bring a change of pace to the Bucs backfield and some excitement to the offense.  I wouldn’t draft him higher than that though.  The problem is that I think he could go a tad earlier than that.

NFL Comparison:   Leon Washington – New York Jets

8. LeGarrette Blount – RB – Oregon
6’ – 241 lbs – 4.73
4th Round

Why I’m taking him: I love Blount’s toughness and physical nature when he carries the ball.  He is a true power back who lives by running north and south at all times.  He’s the type of back that will run right through a defender.  Blount also brings a swagger and attitude to an offense.

Why I’m staying away: Character issues and lack of elite speed are Blount’s downfalls.  After being suspended for most of 2009 after punching a Boise St player, Blount’s stock immediately fell.  He did work his way back on the field at the end of the year though.  Also, with that lack of speed, you won’t see Blount breaking off many 60 yard runs.

Impact on the Bucs: I have to admit that I like Blount.  I do not condone what he did after the Boise St game, but I love the attitude he brings to the field.  As a late round pick, I’d take a flier on him.  The Bucs running backs seem to lack the killer instinct that Blount possesses.  Hell, the entire Bucs team lacks that!

NFL Comparison:   LenDale White – Tennessee Titans

9. Ben Tate – RB – Auburn
5’11’’ – 220 lbs – 4.43
4th Round

Why I’m taking him: Not many backs have had as good an offseason as Tate has had.  He has tested very well and has his stock fluctuating right now.  I really like the combination of Tate’s size and speed.  He can bust it between the tackles while still being able to break long runs. 

Why I’m staying away: I view Tate as a solid reliable back, but not elite by any means.  Tate is the type of back a team can use until they find a better more talented back.

Impact on the Bucs: I’m not on the edge of my seat hoping the Bucs draft Ben Tate in April.  Once we get into the late 4th and into the 5th round, I don’t think anyone can pound there fist and say that any pick is the wrong pick.  As a matter of fact, that’s about the point where I see Tate going in the draft.

NFL Comparison:   Rudi Johnson – Cincinnati Bengals (in his prime)

 10.  Anthony Dixon– RB – Mississippi St
6’1’’ – 233 lbs – 4.66
5th Round

Why I’m taking him: As a 4 year starter at Mississippi St, Dixon has a ton of valuable experience in the top conference in college football.  He is a big power back who has just enough wiggle to get through a hole.  He also does a very good job in blocking.  Dixon is tough and has proven to play through injuries.
Why I’m staying away: My main concern with Dixon is his fluctuating weight and the fact that coaches wanted to try him at full back at the senior bowl.  Also, being a 4 year starter, how much mileage are on those tires?

Impact on the Bucs: I see Dixon as a later round pick, and if that’s the case, I’d have no problem with the Bucs drafting him.  Last year, I said I’d take Rashad Jennings in the 3rd or 4th round.  He was also a power back.  Jennings got selected in the 7th round by the Jacksonville Jaguars.  It was just recently reported that the Jaguars were extremely pleased with Jennings and that he’ll be their back up to Maurice Jones-Drew next year.  I see similarities between Dixon and Jennings.

NFL Comparison:   Jamal Lewis – Cleveland Browns (formerly)

Despite the apparent job security of Raheem The Dream, the head coach will have to take the team to a new level next year.

So just what does Raheem The Dream have to accomplish?

Joe took on this topic on the JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network with former Bucs defensive end Steve White. The conversation spiraled to Jim Bates and how he was even hired.

Fun stuff. Enjoy.

[audio:raheemstayradio.mp3]

Team Glazer apparently keeps tabs on agent-driven speculation from publications eager to spread homemade gossip for the sake of Web traffic.

How can Joe make such a statement?

Well, Raheem The Dream himself admitted this during a visit to the TBO.com/Tampa Tribune/NewsChannel 8 war room in downtown Tampa, so claims columnist Joe Henderson. 

“I’m sitting on my couch, watching “SportsCenter,” and I see that rumor about the Josh Johnson trade. I immediately text Mark, and he sends back, ‘No, what are you talking about?’ He’s not watching television at home,” Morris said.

“Stuff pops up. Our owners even call sometimes – ‘We did that?’ People throw stuff against the wall sometimes. A lot of that is agent stuff. There are so many rumors.”

Morris said he called Johnson right away.

“I called Josh and told him, ‘Don’t worry about it – Bill Cowher’s getting hired here in three days, too.’ “

Joe’s guessing here. But Joe’s giving 5-1 odds Team Glazer made one of these phone calls when the Aaron Kampman rumor was floated last week. …Joe believes he may have found a secret transcript of said phone call.

Team Glazer:  Dominik, it’s us.
Mark Dominik: Yes, gentlemen.
Team Glazer: You realize we’re not paying that cash for anyone, let alone a 30-year-old defensive end with a crappy knee.
Mark Dominik: Of course, sir. We’re sticking to the plan.

Eagles beat writer Les Bowen, of Philly.com, told the JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network that Reggie Brown had a habit of not laying out for balls thrown his way.

What the hell happened to wide receiver Reggie Brown in Philadelphia?

Joe is obsessed with learning everything he can about Brown. After all, he is the Bucs’ big offseason acquisition.

In this interview on the JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network, Joe and former Bucs defensive end Steve White probe Eagles beat writer Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, for everything he knows about Brown.

Bowen had quite a bit to say.

Among other things, he characterizes Brown as a very laid back guy who didn’t have a friendship with Donovan McNabb and seemed to give up on some balls thrown to him by McNabb (but not Jeff Garcia in 2006).

He also says Brown was a disinterested special teams player while he rode the bench the past couple of seasons.

There’s a lot more. And Bowen’s got positive things to say about Brown, too.

Enjoy.

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Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune is pretty disgusted the Bucs didn't bring back Antonio Bryrant.

Yesterday, Joe brought you Adam Schein’s tirade about the Bucs, heard on Sirius NFL Radio.

Maybe influenced by that post, or perhaps he heard the broadcast, Tampa Tribune columnist Joe Henderson decided to break out the artillery on the Bucs for not bringing back wide receiver Antonio Bryant into the fold.

They essentially replaced Antonio Bryant with journeyman Reggie Brown from Philadelphia – banking (key word there) no doubt on a return to greatness by Michael Clayton. On the Clayton reference, I trust you understand sarcasm when you read it.

Bryant made nearly $10 million last season and at 29 years old would seem to be entering the prime of his career, a fact underscored by the four-year deal worth $28 million he signed Wednesday with Cincinnati after the Bucs told him to move on.

My friends, this is what it is has come down to: the Cincinnati Bengals are more willing to pay for talent than the Bucs. The Bengals, one of the cheapest organizations in the history of the National Football League, paid the man.

In the rest of his column Henderson tempers his writings and is even objective. Clearly, Henderson believes the Bucs could have helped themselves by keeping Bryant, especially given the fact his contract with the Bengals is nearly identical to blocking icon Michael Clayton’s.

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, WDAE-AM, continues to track the rise of offensive tackle Russell Okung, who could be the No. 2 overall pick in April.

On his draft page at 620WDAE.com, Pawlowski offers the latest out of Okung’s Pro Day.

Joe has to fantasize. In this scenario, might the Bucs be crazy enough to keep their No. 3 pick and trade up for the No. 4 pick to grab both manbeast Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy? Not going to happen. But that would generate some serious excitement.

This one’s for all those Gators fans out there who would rather have Tim Tebow than Josh Freeman quarterbacking the Bucs in 2010.

Yep, Joe actually met a few of those alleged Bucs fans while playing in a charity poker tournament on Saturday night.

As the Wonderlic test scores of this year’s quarterback class trickle out in the media, Joe can’t help but mention that Tim Tebow scored a 22 on the famed intelligence and aptitude exam, and Josh Freeman cranked out a 27 last year when he was a year younger than Mr. Tebow.

Meaningless? Yes.

But it is a colorful comeback to lob at annoying Gator fan at your local watering hole. 

Tampa Tribune beat writer Roy Cummings doesn't put good odds on Michael Clayton being a Buccaneer come September

It doesn’t satisfy Joe to simply serve his many thousands of daily readers with in-your-face commentary, Xs and Os analysis and everything Bucs from across the media.

Joe is in the midst of launching the JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network. It will be glorious entertainment and simply can’t-miss fun for Bucs fans.

Last night, the microphones were dusted off and the studios were opened for business.

In this segment, Roy Cummings, Bucs beat writer for The Tampa Tribune, joined Joe and former Bucs defensive end Steve White.

Among other topics, Cummings detailed how the Bucs are truly approaching the draft differently under the Mark Dominik regime, despite having largely the same cast of scouts who were reponsible for poor drafts in past years.

And the conversation got intense when talk turned to blocking icon Michael Clayton.

Cummings detailed why the Bucs “are prepared to pull the plug” on Clayton before the season. And White explained why the Bucs should consider cutting Clayton now, before he impresses coaches in shorts and during preseason when nothing counts.

“If you can’t tell that that guy is not an NFL receiver at this point, you need new eyes. Not glasses. You need something more than Lasik,” White said.

Enjoy your first taste of the JoeBucsFan.com Radio Network.

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Two years ago when the Bucs had a chance to draft former Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed, Joe thought someone at One Buc Palace dropped the ball (that seems to be a virus over there).

Instead, Chucky thought more of the bad Dexter Jackson than Sweed.

Sweed was picked up by the Steelers. His days in Pittsburgh have been, well, erratic. Sweed has the wheels to get open and behind defenses, which he did on numerous occasions, sometimes in some big playoff games.

Sweed also has a habit of dropping the ball as well, which has landed him in Mike Tomlin’s doghouse.

Since the Steelers have been on a signing binge with receivers — mostly to beef up a shaky special teams unit — Joe thought Sweed might be cut, hence, a cheap pick up by the Bucs.

It appears Joe was not the only person to think that way as Vacation Man of Komsomol-influenced BSPN.com fielded a question about the Bucs’ potential interest in Sweed. 

Askia in West Lafayette, Ind., writes: With the Steelers potentially releasing Limas Sweed after the signings of Battle and Randel-El, do you think it would be smart for the Bucs to take a flier on him? I think that he has a lot of potential as a deep threat and the Bucs could certainly use one.

Vacation Man: Well, we have to see if Sweed does in fact get released. But I do like your logic on this one. Josh Freeman has made it clear he wants a deep threat. Whether it’s Sweed, a free agent or someone in the draft, I’m sure the Bucs will try to give Freeman someone who at least fits the profile of a deep threat.

Granted, the Bucs already have a guy who struggles hanging on to the ball. Difference between the Bucs blocking icon and Sweed is Sweed can stretch the field, he’s a burner.

Perhaps a change in scenery could help Sweed hang on to the ball? He’s certainly cheaper than the blocking icon.