When Joe talked to Antonio Bryant in February, Bryant was very confident there would be demand for his services in free agency. And Bryant also was certain his 2009 performance on film, and his work ethic, would land him good money in a tough 2010 market.

Seems he was right.

The Bucs’ best receiver last year has found a home with a playoff team. That would be the Cincinnati Bengals.

His deal is reported to be for four years and $28 million, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. No word yet on guaranteed money. But Joe would guess that’s in the neighborhood of $12 million, or about 20 percent more than what the Bucs gave Michael Clayton last year.

Bryant dropped the “Film don’t lie,” line on Joe. So it’s funny how the Bengals apparently didn’t agree that Bryant caused interceptions.

Joe is very happy for Bryant, who seems to be a good, intense guy who might just be a little too intense — in a good way — at this point in his career.

Should sure be fun to see Ronde Barber or Aqib Talib matched up with him in the fall. Yes, the Bucs play the Bengals this year. 

Recently, Joe brought news that former NFL front office executive, NFL.com columnist, CBSSports.com analyst and Sirius NFL Radio sage Pat Kirwan explained he wouldn’t touch wide receiver Dez Bryant in the first round.

This nearly smacked of heresy since Bryant is regarded as the best receiver in the draft.

Kirwan noted that his read on Bryant resulted in all sorts of red flags.

Seems Kirwan sniffed this out before many.

Earlier this morning while appearing with co-hosts Bob Papa and Randy Cross on “The Opening Drive,” heard exclusively on Sirius NFL Radio, a confidant of Joe’s, player agent Ralph Cindrich who works for Tampa-based DeBartolo Sports, hinted Bryant was thrown out of his workout camp in Tampa earlier this year for being a general asswipe.

Then, Joe was tipped off to a story by Matt Bowen of the NationalFootballPost.com, in which he details how Bryant’s stock is freefalling.

I spoke with several NFL coaches today — as well as a high-level NFL executive — who think that drafting Bryant is a major risk. One coach even brought up the idea that Bryant is not the type of receiver who would catch the ball in between the numbers, which is the same thing as talking about a receiver who will not go across the middle of the field.

Throw in the fact that Bryant refused to work out for scouts — at his pro day no less! — and that he was ousted off his collegiate team at Oklahoma State last year because he lied to NCAA officials about dabbling with an agent, let’s just say Joe wouldn’t even think about drafting this Terrell Owens-wannabe unless he was still sitting there in the third round.

Maybe.

It appears Bucs general manager Mark Dominik saw what Joe also witnessed when watching Sabby the Goat attempting to play safety: an obscene blend of blown coverages and ghoulish missed tackles not easily deleted from the braincells even with several bottles of Caybrew.

Last night Dominik brought in a couple of safeties for a look-see. Today, it’s Eagles safety Sean Jones, per Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.

A product of the University of Georgia, Jones has started 53 of the 59 games he’s played in since he first earned a starter’s role at free safety with the Browns in 2006.

He had 14 interceptions in three seasons before falling off that pace with the Eagles last year, but he is considered more of a thumper than a pass defender and is considered to be best suited for the strong safety role.

Some may suggests all the sudden, flurry of activity is because Will Allen left the Bucs.

Joe trusts Dominik came to this conclusion beforehand.

One of the reasons Joe enjoys listening to Adam Schein, co-host of “The Blitz,” heard exclusively on Sirius NFL Radio, is that Schein pulls no punches.

(Please do not confuse Schein’s show with Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski who has the original “The Blitz” show.)

Joe was fortunate enough to chat with Schein at media day of Super Bowl week. He couldn’t have been more polite and easygoing.

But put a microphone in front of his face and ask him an NFL question, Schein will not temper his thoughts, good or bad, which makes for great radio.

Schein has been a vocal critic of the Bucs since last year. Schein ramped up his criticism to nearly shrill levels when the Bucs purged a number of veterans last winter, highlighted by kicking future Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks to the curb.

He often repeated the same statement over last summer when Schein claimed, “I don’t know what the hell they are doing down there.”

Wednesday, Schein exploded on the Bucs.

Fielding a question received via Sirius NFL Radio’s Twitter feed, which referenced the “Glazers’ kickball team,” claims Bucs fans are “having a crisis of confidence,” Schein’s co-host Ross Tucker said he sympathized with the Bucs fan in question.

That question just teed up Schein, who dared to call the Bucs, in so many words, one of the NFL’s dregs of society.

“Have they made a decent move in the past few years?” Schein shrieked. “I hate what they’ve done at the head coaching position. I hate what they’ve done with the assistants. They totally botched the coordinator positions.

“I think it’s fair to say this is one of the worst organizations in the NFL.”
 
Wow. Joe’s not going to go that far. Do the Bucs need some work? Of course, even Mark Dominik would admit that.

Worst organization in the NFL? Let’s not get carried away.

A Bucs fan from Alabama called shortly thereafter to challenge Schein’s Bucs thoughts. Schein and Tucker added fuel to the anti-Bucs fire.

“Hey, look, the coordinators getting fired, that was a big deal,” Schein said. “Just during our conversation, Raheem Morris challenged two plays. His replay challenges last year were brutal.”

Tucker didn’t mind that the Bucs were building through the draft but Tucker took issue with Dominik for where Bucs funds were “allocated” among the players.

“… Michael Clayton got a big contract, he did nothing,” Tucker said. “You trade for Kellen Winslow and he had two years left on his contact and he gets a new deal. But the guys who have been there for years who have been sort of the foundation of your team, guys like Barrett Ruud and Donald Penn, they get nothing. Those guys deserved the new contracts.

“There is no cap and you have money. It’s time to re-sign and retain your core guys.”

Re-signing Donald Penn? Should have been done last year.

Ruud? Joe can just see Pawlowski passing out at the thought of that.

Might he free fall to the Bucs?

Joe recommends a couple of ice cold Caybrew and a good chunk of time to savor this unique and detailed mock draft by NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620.

It’s another  5,000-word draft orgasm that breaks down Pawlowski’s analysis of what every NFL general manager will do, plus Pawlowski’s personal selections as if he were GM of every team.

Who is Justin Pawlowski you ask and why should you subscribe? Joe details that here in an FAQ about the draft coverage.

Enjoy!

First Round
Mock draft II – By Justin Pawlowski

The primary draft pick you see below is the selection Pawlowski believes the specific team will make at this point. The Commish’s Pick is who Pawlowski would select if he were the specific team’s GM in that position. So essentially, you’re looking at two mock drafts. … 

1st Round

1.St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma
6’4’’ – 236 lbs – (didn’t run a 40 at the combine)

Rams’ needs: DT, OLB, CB, WR, TE, OG, QB

Commish’s Take: The more time that goes by, the more I feel the Rams will be going quarterback with their first pick.  It seems like they might have gotten close on Donovan McNabb, but until that really happens, the Rams’ biggest need remains at quarterback.  With Bradford bulking up to 236 lbs at the combine, he’s starting the process of getting these teams to believe in him as a franchise quarterback.  The Rams can not afford to wait until the 2nd round to address their biggest need.  With a new owner coming in, he’ll want a face of the franchise.  The quarterback is the face of most franchises.

Commish’s Pick – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska
6’4’’ – 307 lbs – 5.04

Lions’ needs:  DE, DT, OG, LT, CB, RB

Commish’s Take: The Lions have been one of the most active teams at the start of free agency this year.  The funniest part is that their main focus has been on the defensive line by acquiring Corey Williams thru trade and Kyle Vanden Bosch thru free agency.  Does this mean they’ll focus on another position in the draft?  If I was their GM, I would.  OT Jeff Backus has been average for the Lions for a long time.  For my Commish’s pick, I have them taking Russell Okung as insurance for their prized quarterback.  For the time being, however, I still feel it would be too tough for them not to draft one of the defensive tackles.  With the addition of Williams, Suh would be the better fit next to him.

Commish’s Pick – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma St

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  {+++}

Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma
6’4’’ – 295 lbs – 5.07

 Buccaneers needs:  WR, RB, OT, DE, DT, MLB, CB, SS

Commish’s Take: The Bucs have to be hoping for a scenario that has at least one of the defensive tackles falling to them here.  In both instances, it does happen, and I think it will happen come draft weekend.  Please forget about the fact the Suh is more versatile, blah blah blah.  I actually heard someone say that Suh is a fit for multiple defenses, so if Rah Rah and Dominik are gone next year, Suh would still fit in.  That is the stupidest thing anyone could say.  Why in the absolute hell would Rah Rah and Dominik draft a guy because he fits their scheme along with someone else’s scheme as well?  I’m guessing they would like to keep their own jobs, and to do that you pick the right guys for your scheme.  McCoy is an extremely talented defensive tackle who lives in opposing backfields. 

Commish’s Pick – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma St
6’5’’ – 307 LBS – 5.15

Redskins’ Needs:  OL, DE, QB, RB

Commish’s Take: By far the biggest need for the Redskins is to upgrade their putrid excuse of an offensive line.  I think, even if Bradford’s available, the Redskins go offensive tackle here.  The retirement of Chris Samuels just accelerated that thought.  If the Lions grab Okung, the Redskins will gladly go with Buluga.  If Okung is still on the board, it shouldn’t take the Redskins too much time to make the decision to draft him.  Drafting a tackle here will be the first step to revamping their entire offensive line. 
 
Commish’s Pick – Bryan Buluga – OT – Iowa

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Rolando McClain – MLB – Alabama
6’3’’ – 254 lbs – DNP

Chiefs’ needs:  S, WR, OL, TE, NT, OLB, MLB

Commish’s Take: The Chiefs are another team with tons of needs along their offensive line.  I do believe the Chiefs will think long and hard about a tackle here, with plenty on the board.  Another need for the Chiefs is a face and leader on defense.  Rolando McClain has been simply that for Alabama and their championship defense.  He’s an ideal fit in the Chiefs 3-4 defense and a tremendous upgrade over anything they have there already.

Commish’s Pick – Rolando McClain – ILB – Alabama

6. Seattle Seahawks – CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson
5’10’’ – 196 lbs – 4.37

 Seahawks’ needs:  LT, QB, RB, FS, DE

Commish’s Take: After seeing the Seahawks last year, it was painfully clear that they need explosion on offense.  There might not be a more explosive player in this draft than CJ Spiller.  Clausen is a possibility, but a top 10 pick might be a tad high for Clausen.  Spiller is a dual threat and fits in great with Jeremy Bates zone run game.

Commish’s Pick – Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers

7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry – S – Tennessee
5’11’’ – 211 lbs – 4.47

 Browns’ needs:  CB, S, OLB, RT, QB, RB, TE

Commish’s Take: The Browns biggest need is in the defensive backfield, so to have Eric Berry fall to them is a dream come true.  I’ve heard chatter of moving Berry to corner, but if it ain’t broke, why try and fix it?  Berry would be a good pick at 7 and bring some talent to the Browns team.  As it played out in my “Commish’s Picks”, Suh fell all the way to 7.  You might say I’d be a dumb GM for letting this happen, but hear me out.  I already explained the Rams, Lions, and Bucs.  Next are the Redskins and the Chiefs.  Well, the Redskins already have their own $100 million tackle in Albert Haynesworth, and much bigger needs on the offensive line.  The Chiefs have drafted Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson with top 5 picks the past couple years.  That’s a lot of money along that defensive line.  The Seahawks were the toughest, but with Walter Jones retiring, and an early run on tackles, I had to grab Anthony Davis for them.  Trust me, if Suh started to fall, each team would be on the phone looking to trade down.

Commish’s Pick – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland
6’6’’ – 314 lbs – 4.85

 Raiders’ needs:  DE, NT, QB, OT, OLB

Commish’s Take: Here’s your typical Raider pick.  We were joking the week of the combine that the Raiders would select Jacoby Ford with this pick after running a 4.28 40-yard dash.  Well, they don’t really need a receiver, but they do need an offensive tackle, so why not take the one that looked the best in shorts at the combine.  Campbell was the best looking offensive line prospect at the combine, but his film does not match.  He just has not produced on the field and has yet to dominate the way a top 10 tackle should.  If I’m Al Davis, I’m taking Pierre-Paul as a stand up end.  I thought Pierre-Paul played better standing up last year than he did in the 3-point stance.  Need proof?  Go watch him against FSU and Rutgers.

Commish’s Pick – Jason Pierre-Paul – DE/OLB – USF

9. Buffalo Bills – Bryan Buluga – OT – Iowa
6’5’’ – 314 lbs – 5.25

 Bills’ needs:  OLB, DE, OT, QB, WR

Commish’s Take: The Bills addressed their interior offensive line last year, but now they need tackles.  Buluga is your typical “Big 10” offensive tackle.  He’s big.  He’s physical.  He loves the cold weather.  It seems like a match made in heaven.  If there is an early run on tackles, the Bills need more weapons for Trent Edwards as well.  Dez Bryant would be great opposite Lee Evans.  Why draft Jimmy Clausen and give him no weapons and no blocking? 

Commish’s Pick – Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma St

10.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – USF
6’5’’ – 270 lbs – 4.69

 Jaguars’ Needs:  DE, QB, OLB, OG, S
Commish’s Take: This pick I was iffy about.  I think that even with the addition of Aaron Kampman, the Jaguars will still like to upgrade their defensive line.  Pierre-Paul is raw talent, but has unbelievable upside.  Kampman would be great for a player like Pierre-Paul to learn from.  If Eric Berry slips, I don’t see him getting past Jack Del Rio.

Commish’s Pick – Eric Berry – S – Tennessee

11. Denver Broncos (via CHI) – Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee
6’2’’ – 327 lbs – 5.16

 Broncos’ needs:  OC, OG, QB, TE, WR, DE, NT

Commish’s Take: Keep an eye on Jamaal Williams.  If the Broncos sign him, look for them to after Dez Bryant or jared Odrick here.  For the time being, Dan Williams would be a huge upgrade over what the Broncos have to work with along their defensive line.  I also thought heavily of putting Mike Iupati here.

Commish’s Pick – Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee

12. Miami Dolphins – Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma St
6’2’’ – 225 lbs – DNP
 Dolphins’ Needs:  NT, OLB, WR, TE

Commish’s Take: Bryant’s character concerns are starting to surface.  Because of that, Bryant’s stock will start to slide.  Will the Dolphins be able to pass Bryant up if he is there when their pick comes up?  I don’t think so.  The Dolphins need a reliable number one guy, and Bryant is that guy.  I do see the Dolphins needing some rushers off the edge and think that Graham would be an ideal fit and an immediate Parcells guy.

Commish’s Pick – Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan

13. San Francisco 49ers – Jared Odrick – DE/DT – Penn St
6’5’’ – 304 lbs – 5.06

 49ers Needs:  CB, MLB, RT, S, RB, DE

Commish’s Take: A need for the 49ers not mentioned many places is at left defensive end.  Kentwan Balmer has been a disappointment (as predicted by yours truly) and the rest of their depth is fill-in guys.  Odrick is a unique player with perfect size as an end in a 3-4 defense.  I do think the 49ers also want some more explosion on offense and on special teams.  CJ Spiller would be absolutely ideal for that.  Drafting Spiller would also really piss the Seahawks off with the next pick. 

Commish’s Pick – CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson

14. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame
6’3’’ – 222 lbs – DNP

 Seahawks’ needs:  LT, QB, RB, FS, DE

Commish’s Take: How long will Clausen wait?  I will say this, if Clausen isn’t selected by the Seahawks here, he could fall all the way to the 2nd round.  There just aren’t many teams looking for a quarterback this year.  If they are looking for a quarterback, word is that Clausen is not getting rave reviews.  However, the Seahawks have been talking about trading Matt Hassellbeck to the Browns, and just completed sending Seneca Wallace there.  I don’t think they do that unless they are planning to go in a new direction with a new quarterback.  Pete Carroll recruited Clausen out of high school, but Clausen chose Notre Dame over USC.  Carroll finally gets to coach him 4 years later.

Commish’s Pick – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame

15. New York Giants – Brian Price – DT – UCLA
      6’1’’ – 303 lbs – 5.15

 Giants’ needs:  DE, MLB, DT, OL

Commish’s Take: The Giants need help along their defensive line.  I never thought I’d be saying that a couple years ago.  Price doesn’t get the pub of McCoy or Suh, but he is a frickin’ good player, and would be an excellent fit for the Giants.  He uses his hands like a freak and would be a good fit for the under tackle in the Giants’ hybrid physical “Tampa 2” defense.

Commish’s Pick – Brian Price – DT – UCLA

16. Tennessee Titans – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech
6’3’’ – 266 lbs – 4.72

 Titans’ needs:  OC, DE, CB, MLB

Commish’s Take: You lose Kyle Vanden Bosch in free agency, and come draft day, the defensive end who some say is the top defensive end is still on the board.  What would you do?  Morgan is a physical player who plays the run and pass equally strong.  This would be a very good pick for the Titans. 

Commish’s Pick – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech

17. San Francisco 49ers (via CAR) – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma
6’5’’ – 315 lbs – 4.88

 49ers’ needs:  CB, MLB, RT, S, RB, DE

Commish’s Take: The 49ers need a right tackle.  That is not a secret at all.  Trent Williams is a natural fit at right tackle, and played their until 2009 when he shifted to left tackle.  Williams is big, physical, quick, and smart.  The Sooners have given the NFL the likes of Jamaal Brown, Davin Joseph, and Phil Loadholt the past few years.  Williams could just be the next great lineman in that already great line.

Commish’s Pick – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers
6’5’’ – 323 lbs – 5.40

Steelers’ needs:  FS, CB, LB, OL

Commish’s Take: Some guys had good combines, and others didn’t.  Anthony Davis didn’t.  His speed wasn’t good.  His strength wasn’t great.  He also has character concerns.  These are all reasons for a fall by Davis.  I feel that when I watch the guy on film, he dominates at times.  He looks the part of a franchise left tackle in the NFL.  If there is any organization that could get the most out of an offensive tackle like Davis, I think it would be the Steelers.  The Steelers need to get more physical up front, and Davis brings that.

Commish’s Pick – Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon – LB – Missouri
6’1’’ – 239 lbs – 4.68

 Falcons’ needs:  OC, DE, OLB, RT, CB

Commish’s Take: I thought corner was the Falcons biggest need, but they addressed that by signing Dunta Robinson on the first day of free agency.  They could still use another corner, but linebacker is also a concern.  The Falcons loved what they saw out of Weatherspoon at the combine.  Weatherspoon could step right in and start at outside linebacker in the Falcons 4-3 defense.

Commish’s Pick – Sean Weatherspoon – LB – Missouri

20. Houston Texans – Joe Haden – CB – Florida
        5’10’’ – 193 lbs – 4.58

 Texans’ needs:  CB, DT, OG, S, WR, RB

Commish’s Take: Well, this worked out for the Texans.  You lose your top corner to free agency, and then the top corner in the draft falls to you at 20.  This pick might not stick if Haden proves he’s fast enough to be an elite corner in the NFL.  After running a 4.60 40-yard dash at the combine, teams are worried that Haden won’t be able to keep up with some of the faster receivers in the league.  At 20, Haden’s worth the risk.  Look out though, because Kyle Wilson, Kareem Jackson, and Devin McCourty are gaining ground to be the top corner available.

Commish’s Pick – Joe Haden – CB – Florida

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho
6’5’’ – 331 lbs – 5.30

 Bengals’ needs:  OC, OG, S, TE, DT

Commish’s Take: The Bengals got their big bruising tackle in Andre Smith last year, and this year grab the top guard on the board.  Iupati dominates when he plays.  He’s everything you want in an offensive lineman.  He’s mean, physical, athletic, and relentless.  The Bengals could address safety here, but Iupati might be too tough to pass up.  I took Mays for them after their successes with Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga.  Forget about Maualuga’s DUI for a moment.  Before he got injured, the Bengals had one of the toughest defenses to run on in the NFL. 

Commish’s Pick – Taylor Mays – S – USC

22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan
6’1’’ – 268 lbs – 4.72

 Patriots’ needs:  DE, OLB, ILB, RB, WR, CB

Commish’s Take: It’s hard for me to see Graham last long, but if he does, the Patriots should grab him.  The Patriots have a need at outside linebacker and Grahan seems to be an ideal fit for that position.  Graham’s had 20 sacks the past 2 seasons and knows how to get to the quarterback. 

Commish’s Pick – Jared Odrick – DT/DE – Penn St

23. Green Bay Packers – Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise St
5’10’’ – 194 lbs – DNP

 Packers’ needs:  OT, CB, OLB, S, RB

Commish’s Take: After a superior showing at the senior bowl, and Joe Haden’s poor combine, Wilson’s stock continues to rise.  The Packers need to find the eventual replacements for Charles Woodson and Al Harris.  Wilson would be a great fit late in the 1st round.  Offensive tackle is also a major area of need, even with Chad Clifton coming back.
Commish’s Pick – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Earl Thomas – S – Texas
5’10’’ – 208 lbs – 4.49

 Eagles’ needs:  DE, MLB, CB, S, RB

Commish’s Take: The Eagles lost something when Brian Dawkins moved on to Denver.  Thomas is a ball hawk who would fit in perfectly with the blitzing Eagles defense.  Thomas is great in coverage and would pair nicely with Macho Harris.

Commish’s Pick – Brandon Spikes – ILB – Florida

25. Baltimore Ravens – Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama
5’10’’ – 196 lbs – 4.48

 Ravens’ needs:  OC, CB, DT, OLB/DE, S, TE

Commish’s Take: The Ravens were down to their 5th and 6th string corners last year.  Jackson’s stock is also on the rise after a nice combine.  He’s a physical corner coming from a national championship team.  John Harbaugh knows his defensive backs, and Jackson fits his mold.

Commish’s Pick – Earl Thomas – S – Texas

26. Arizona Cardinals – Sergio Kindle – DE/OLB – Texas
6’3’’ – 250 lbs – 4.71

 Cardinals’ needs:  OC, QB, TE, RT, OLB, ILB, FS

Commish’s Take: With the recent losses, the Cardinals are stockpiling the needs.  Kindle would help fit the need at a rush linebacker.  Some scouts say Kindle is more NFL ready than Brian Orakpo was last year.  Orakpo had more than 10 sacks in his rookie season. 

Commish’s Pick – Sergio Kindle – DE/OLB – Texas

27. Dallas Cowboys – Vladimir Ducasse – OT – UMASS
6’4’’ – 332 lbs – 5.27

 Cowboys’ needs:  OG, MLB, LT, FS, WR, CB

Commish’s Take: This is a tough one for the Cowboys.  I think Brandon Spikes is an option, but I really feel they need to address their offensive line.  This might be a tad high for Ducasse, but he is a massive offensive lineman who fits the Cowboys mold.  If the Cowboys wait till the 2nd round, they won’t have an opportunity at a lineman like Ducasse. 

Commish’s Pick – Vladimir Ducasse – OT/OG – UMASS

28. San Diego Chargers – Terrance Cody – DT – Alabama
6’4’’ – 354 lbs – 5.72

 Chargers’ Needs:  RB, RT, SS, NT, DE

Commish’s Take: With the departure of Jamaal Williams, the Chargers need to find a big body to clog the middle of their defense.  There is no bigger body in this draft.  Cody impressed everyone at the combine by shedding 16 lbs to a fit 354 lbs.  Alright, it isn’t great, but it is for him.   

Commish’s Pick – Terrence Cody – DT – Alabama

29. New York Jets – Jerry Hughes – DE/OLB – TCU
6’2’’ – 255 lbs – 4.69

 Jets’ needs:  DE, OLB, S, WR

Commish’s Take: The Jets had a huge need at corner opposite of Revis, but filled that with the addition of Antonio Cromartie.  Calvin Pace has been ok, but Vernon Gholston has been a bust.  Jerry Hughes was extremely impressive in position drills and proved he can play linebacker in the NFL.  If the Jets want a decent safety to replace Kerry Rhodes, they might want to grab one here.    

Commish’s Pick – Nate Allen – S – USF

30. Minnesota Vikings – Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers
5’10’’ – 193 lbs – 4.48

 Vikings’ needs:  DT, QB, OG, CB

Commish’s Take:  It was a bad break when Cedric Griffen went down with a torn ACL at the end of the NFC Championship game.  At that point, corner became a big need for the Vikings.  Luckily for them, there are some good corners late in the 1st round.  McCourty is a great cover corner who will come up and support the run.  He is a very balanced corner who fits the Vikings defensive mentality.

Commish’s Pick – Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise St
31.  Indianapolis Colts – Maurkice Pouncey – OC – Florida
6’4’’ – 304 lbs – 5.15

 Colts’ Needs:  OG, OC, OT, CB, DT

Commish’s Take: When Bill Polian criticized the offensive line after the super bowl, you knew he’d do something about it.  Pouncey is the top center in the draft who could also play guard.  Jeff Saturday won’t be around forever, and Pouncey is an upgrade over any other lineman the Colts have.

Commish’s Pick – Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama

32.  New Orleans Saints – Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida
6’6’’ – 277 lbs – 4.71

Saints’ Needs:  OLB, OC, DT, DE, S

Commish’s Take: By physical tools alone, Dunlap is a top 10 or even top 5 pick.  Unfortunately for him, more goes into it than just that.  His character has come into question, with some questioning whether or not he has the drive to be great.  The Saints could upgrade at defensive end, and with the last pick in the first round, it doesn’t hurt to take a shot on a guy like Dunlap.

Commish’s Pick – Jerry Hughes – DE/OLB – TCU

2nd Round

33.  St. Louis Rams – Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma
6’5’’ – 261 lbs – 4.72

Commish’s Take:  Bradford continues to connect to his big tight end in the pros. 
Commish’s Pick – Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma

34.  Detroit Lions – Ryan Matthews – RB – Fresno St
5’11’’ – 218 lbs – 4.45

Commish’s Take:   The patience has worn thin on Kevin Smith.  Matthews might be the most balanced back in the draft.

Commish’s Pick – Ryan Matthews – RB – Fresno St

35.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Taylor Mays – S – USC
6’3’’ – 230 lbs – 4.43

Commish’s Take:   Production wasn’t there in 2009.  Mays’ talent is too much for the Bucs to pass up here. 

Commish’s Pick – Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida

36.  Kansas City Chiefs – Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame
5’10’’ – 199 lbs – 4.42

Commish’s Take: Charlie Weis will be clamoring for his star receiver in the war room.
Commish’s Pick – Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame

37.  Washington Redskins – Tim Tebow – QB – Florida
6’3’’ – 236 lbs – 4.72

Commish’s Take:   Gator fans unite.  Mike Shanahan’s offense would be ideal for Tebow.  He’d also have the ability to sit behind Jason Campbell until he’s ready to play.  The more I think about this, the more I see it happening.

Commish’s Pick – Maurkice Pouncey – OC – Florida

38.  Cleveland Browns– Tyson Alualu – DE/DT – Cal
6’2’’ – 295 lbs – 4.93

Commish’s Take:   The Browns have a need at defensive end in their 3-4 defense.  Alualu can play in any defense. 

Commish’s Pick – Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers

39.  Oakland Raiders – Ricky Sapp – DE/OLB – Clemson
6’4’’ – 252 lbs – 4.70

Commish’s Take:   Sapp is another player who looks great in shorts at the combine.  He’d be a good pick for the Raiders here though.  We all know the Raiders are prone to take someone here that no one has heard of. 

Commish’s Pick – Charles Brown – OT – USC

40.  Seattle Seahawks – Charles Brown – OT – USC
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   Carroll got his quarterback and running back in the first round.  He gets the franchise left tackle he had at USC.

Commish’s Pick – Everson Griffen – DE – USC

41.  Buffalo Bills – Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois
6’1’’ – 219 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take:   Benn’s work ethic has been compared to Marvin Harrison.  He’d be a nice complement to Lee Evans.

Commish’s Pick – Tyson Alualu – DT – Cal

42.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CHI) – Demaryius Thomas – WR – Georgia Tech
6’3’’ – 224 – DNP

Commish’s Take:   Some scouts are saying that Thomas might end up being the best receiver in this draft, and has drawn some comparisons to Calvin Johnson.  Because he played in the option offense, we didn’t get to see his full potential.  The Bucs need as much help at receiver as possible.

Commish’s Pick – Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois

43.  Miami Dolphins – Nate Allen – S – USF
6’ – 207 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   The Dolphins need a ball hawk at safety.  Nate Allen is great in coverage.

Commish’s Pick – Demaryius Thomas – WR – Georgia Tech

44.  New England Patriots (via JAX) – Brandon Spikes – MLB – Florida
6’3’’ – 249 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   Questions about his speed might drop Spikes.  He’d be a good fit for the Patriots 3-4 defense.

Commish’s Pick – Ricky Sapp – DE/OLB – Clemson

45.  Denver Broncos – Aaron Hernandez – TE – Florida
6’2’’ – 245 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   Tony Scheffler doesn’t fit Josh McDaniels’ offense.  I bet Aaron Hernandez will.

Commish’s Pick – Aaron Hernandez – TE – Florida

46.  New York Giants – Everson Griffen – DE – USC
6’3’’ – 273 lbs – 4.66

Commish’s Take:   I don’t think Griffen lasts this long, but I’ve seen crazier things happen.  Griffen and Price would immediately make the Giants’ defense better.

Commish’s Pick – Daryl Washington – LB – TCU

47.  New England Patriots (via TEN) – Mardy Gilyard – WR – Cincinnati
5’11’’ – 187 lbs – 4.60

Commish’s Take:   Gilyard’s a shifty receiver who’s used to playing in bad weather.  I think he’d be a great fit for the Patriots on offense and in the return game.

Commish’s Pick – Mardy Gilyard – WR – Cincinnati

48.  Carolina Panthers – Cam Thomas – DT – North Carolina
6’4’’ – 330 lbs – 5.28

Commish’s Take:   The Panthers haven’t been the same since they traded Kris Jenkins.  The Panthers should stay local for another mammoth defensive tackle.

Commish’s Pick – Cam Thomas – DT – North Carolina

49.  San Francisco 49ers  – Jahvid Best – RB – Cal
          5’10’’ – 199 lbs – 4.35

Commish’s Take:   The 49ers want a spark in their backfield.  There are some questions that come with Best, but the 49ers aren’t asking him to be an every down back.

Commish’s Pick – Alex Carrington – DE – Arkansas St

50.  Kansas City Chiefs (via ATL) – Jon Asamoah – OG – Illinois
6’4’’ – 305 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:  The Chiefs need to address their offensive line.  Asamoah is an intelligent lineman who could be a very solid guard for a long time.

Commish’s Pick – Jon Asamoah – OG – Illinois

51.   Houston Texans – Chad Jones – S – LSU
6’2’’ – 221 lbs – 4.56

Commish’s Take:   The secondary was the weakness for the Texans.  After drafting Haden in the 1st round, the Texans get the hard hitting Jones to continue to help their secondary.

Commish’s Pick – Jahvid Best – RB – Cal

52.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Patrick Robinson – CB – FSU
5’11’’ – 190 lbs – 4.46
Commish’s Take:   Mike Tomlin knows his corners.  Robinson probably shouldn’t have fallen this far, but it’s to the Steelers gain.

Commish’s Pick – Patrick Robinson – CB – FSU

53.  New England Patriots – Alex Carrington – DE – Arkansas St
6’5’’ – 285 lbs – 4.94

Commish’s Take:   Richard Seymour was traded and Jarvis Green is on the way out.  Carrington is a small school product whose stock is on the rise as a 3-4 defensive end. 

Commish’s Pick – Sean Lee – LB – Penn St

54.  Cincinnati Bengals – Rob Gronkowski – TE – Arizona
6’6’’ – 264 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   The Bengals want a balanced tight end, and there is no more balanced tight end in this draft than Gronkowski.

Commish’s Pick – Rob Gronkowski – TE – Arizona

55.  Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Lee – LB – Penn St
        6’2’’ – 236 lbs – 4.76
 
Commish’s Take:   The Pennsylvania product stays close to home.  Lee can play inside or outside.

Commish’s Pick – Chad Jones – S – LSU

56.  Green Bay Packers – Thaddius Gibson – OLB – Ohio St
6’2’’ – 243 lbs – 4.75

Commish’s Take:   With Aaron Kampman gone, the Packers need a true outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews.

Commish’s Pick – Amari Spievey – CB – Iowa

57.  Baltimore Ravens – Dorin Dickerson – TE – Pitt
        6’1’’ – 226 LBS – 4.40

Commish’s Take:   Is Dorin Dickerson a tight end or a receiver?  I’m not sure it matters.  He’s big and he can fly.  He can also catch.  Dickerson had 10 TDs in 2009.

Commish’s Pick – Dorin Dickerson – TE – Pitt

58.  Arizona Cardinals – Daryl Washington – LB – TCU
6’2’’ – 230 lbs – 4.66

Commish’s Take:   Washington is a tackling machine and a nice replacement for Dansby.

Commish’s Pick – Navorro Bowman – LB – Penn St

59.  Dallas Cowboys – Brandon LaFell – WR – LSU
6’2’’ – 211 lbs – 4.60

Commish’s Take:   Miles Austin needs some help.  LaFell is a bigger more physical receiver, while Taylor Price has the speed to stretch a defense.

Commish’s Pick – Taylor Price – WR – Ohio

60.  San Diego Chargers – Montario Hardesty – RB – Tennessee
5’11’’ – 225 lbs – 4.49

Commish’s Take:  Hardesty is a balanced running back who can carry the ball 25 times a game.  He’d be a good complement to Darren Sproles.

Commish’s Pick – Toby Gerhart – RB – Standford

61.  New York Jets – Damian Williams – WR – USC
6’ – 197 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take:   Mark Sanchez gets his number one receiver from USC.  Williams is good, but there is nothing overly special about him.

Commish’s Pick – Damian Williams – WR – USC

62.  Minnesota Vikings – Zane Beadles – OG – Utah
             6’4’’ – 310 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   The Vikings need help on their interior line.  Beadles is  a former tackle with a tremendous mean streak.

Commish’s Pick – Montario Hardesty – RB – Tennessee

63.  Indianapolis Colts – Perrish Cox – CB – Oklahoma St
5’11’’ – 195 lbs – 4.57

Commish’s Take:  Cox is a physical corner and good tackler.  He’s a good fit for the “Tampa 2”.

Commish’s Pick – Zane Beadles – OG – Utah

64.  New Orleans Saints – Navarro Bowman – OLB – Penn St
6’ – 242 lbs – 4.72

Commish’s Take:   The Saints need one or two outside linebackers.  Bowman would be nice on the outside as a blitz in Greg Williams defense.

Commish’s Pick – Lamarr Houston – DT – Texas

Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News suggests Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was the root cause of Reggie Brown's declining numbers.

Not everyone was overjoyed to see Philadelphia jettison talented but disappointing wide receiver Reggie Brown to the Bucs this week.

But Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb may be one of them.

Though there’s no way McNabb would ever lob grenades at a teammate walking out the door — short of petulant child Terrell Owens — Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News suggests McNabb may be the reason Brown’s numbers slipped the past few years.

If you’re into reading tea leaves, there was the fact that Brown’s first 2 years, his best games seemed to come after Donovan McNabb went down for the season with injuries. McNabb was the quarterback all season in ’07, when Brown caught 61 passes, but his touchdowns went from eight in the previous year to four, and there was a point in October when Brown talked of getting on the same page with the quarterback.

Very interesting observation. Still, that may not be enough to convince eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune who invoked the name of Bucs blocking icon Michael Clayton when referring to Brown on the TBO.com Twitter feed.

The more I hear about new Bucs WR Reggie Brown, the more he sounds like Philadelphia’s version of Michael Clayton.

Joe won’t go that far. But Joe does believe it’s more than interesting Brown’s numbers suffered when McNabb was throwing to him the past couple of years.

It was slightly over a year ago that the Bucs told starting quarterback Jeff Garcia his services were no longer needed. The Tampa Bay community has yet to recover from Garcia’s wife, Carmella, not gracing local bistros, coffee houses and flaunting her wares along the sidelines of the CITS.

Garcia is looking for a job currently and has had a few nibbles. One team that isn’t interested in using Garcia as a backup is the Bucs. This still rankles Garcia, per Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune.

“I think that obviously there are some definite changes being made, but it just doesn’t seem like they are being made to really help the team right now,” Garcia said. “I don’t know what the thoughts are from the ownership [Glazers] standpoint, or general manager [Mark Dominik] standpoint, but it’s tough when you’re not necessarily opening the door to free agency to come in and help your team, or try to strengthen your team in a certain way outside of the draft.

“I mean, to rely on young players in the draft is a difficult position to put your team in in order to be competitive. That’s just something they have to figure out and hopefully they do figure it out.”

Though Joe understands Garcia, at 40, has limited value at the NFL level, there’s no questioning Carmella’s value.

Please Mark Dominik, think twice about turning a deaf ear to Garcia’s calls.

Watching Sabby the Goat last year try to play safety reminded Joe what a chicken looked like running around on a farm: confused, baffled, lost and subsequently, laying an egg.

It seems the Bucs are about to put Sabby the Goat on notice. Per The Mad Twitterer of the St. Petersburg Times, the Bucs are rounding up safeties in an effort to bolster what was a sieve in the secondary.

The safeties in question are Brodney Pool of Cleveland and Gibril Wilson of Miami.

Pool, who left St. Louis without a contract Monday, was scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Wednesday. The Bucs are hoping Pool will visit Tampa Bay later this week, according to his agent, Ben Dogra.

“It is tentative, but yes,” Dogra said of the Bucs plans to arrange a visit with Pool, who has a history of concussions during his career with the Browns.

Wilson will be looking to join his fourth team in as many years. He finished second on Dolphins in tackles (91) after signing a five-year, $27.5 million contract last Feb. 26. But Wilson struggled in pass coverage playing with two rookie cornerbacks. Only five NFL safeties played more snaps than Wilson in 2009 without an interception.

The Mad Twitterer goes on to write the Bucs were “disappointed” in the play of Sabby the Goat last year.

Ya’ think?!

Look, the Bucs are not bringing in safeties to replace Tanard Jackson. Clearly, painfully, the biggest hole in the Bucs’ secondary was Sabby the Goat. If the Bucs don’t draft Eric Berry, Sabby the Goat needs to be pushed by just about anyone walking the street.

It is simply unacceptable for Sabby the Goat to continue to stink up the Bucs’ secondary. Either he needs to dramatically improve next year, or be relegated to special teams only.

So what went wrong for new Bucs wide receiver Reggie Brown in Philadelphia?

Longtime Philly guy Michael Bradley, of BSPN Radio and occasionally NFL Network and Sirius Mad Dog Radio, isn’t quite sure, so he said on The Fabulous Sports Babe show on 1040 AM yesterday.

“It’s really mystifying to a lot of people up here,” Bradley said. “He might have lost speed. All of a sudden he stoppped producing. The West Coast offense is about precision, and he may not be the most precise guy running his routes. …This is someone who became completely expendable. They would have gotten rid of him last year but he would have been a $6 million cap hit. This year, there’s no cap. See you later, Reggie.”

Joe’s research on Brown reveals a guy who was known for an extraordinary work ethic early in his career, and then later his commitment was questioned.

Hopefully, he becomes one of those guys who really benefits from the “change of scenery” cliche´.

Eric Berry, who has Monte Kiffin leading cheers for him, lobbed a guided missle at the Bucs’ brass during an interview on Sirius NFL Radio this afternoon.

On the air with Rich Gannon and Adam Schein, Berry said, “I know Tampa’s defense, perfect fit.”

Joe thinks Raheem The Dream, being a secondary maven, has got to be salivating at the thought of drafting Berry and picking up a defensive tackle in the second round.

As Ben Roethlisberger considers giving a DNA sample to police in connection with his alleged assault of a 20-year-old woman in a night club, Joe can’t help but wonder if his Steelers might be calling Mark Dominik about Byron Leftwich.

Surely, the Steelers can’t be confident Roethlisberger will come out squeaky clean from this situation, which comes on the heels other alleged naughty behavior. And Leftwich was Mike Tomlin’s favorite backup when Pittsburgh won the 2009 Super Bowl.

Perhaps Dominik could steal a fifth-rounder.

Former Bucs QB Jeff Carlson

By JEFF CARLSON
JoeBucsFan.com analyst

Former Bucs quarterback Jeff Carlson (1990 & 1991) writes the weekly QB Blast column here at JoeBucsFan.com. Joe is ecstatic to have him firing away. Carlson has TV gigs in the Bay area and trains quarterbacks of all ages via his company, America’s Best Quarterback

I have a 12 year old son stepping up in competition next season. He is moving from the tackle football program at Idlewild Baptist Church to the South Pasco Predators in Land O Lakes. I have volunteered and have been accepted as the head coach of the 11, 12 and 13 year old Junior Midget team.

Of course, I want to be a role model and example for the young men that I will be in charge of and give them a positive experience…..yada, yada, yada. Do I want to win every game we play? Oh yeah! 

I train quarterbacks all year long on the proper fundamentals and techniques of throwing the football, and we talk about both offensive and defensive strategies, but I don’t need to worry about all the aspects of what it takes to actually win a football game.

Now, as a head coach, I will be drawing up my ideas of the best way to win a football game and realize more than ever, no matter what I draw up on paper, it won’t matter much unless the horses show up.

This is especially true on defense, because if we can’t stop the other team, our offense must be perfect and that’s a tall order for any team.

Offensively, there is still room for imagination, even at the pro level. The Wildcat, Run-and-Shoot, shovel passes and empty packages are all relatively young concepts. Some have already gone away, some are yet to be designed, but more will come.

I will bring a few new concepts to the little league level to try and win games no matter what players show up the first day. The Bucs, on the other hand, have a roster and know what players are going to show up. They are busy now and for another six months designing up offensive and defensive strategies that they think will be successful for them next season.

In the NFL, the salary cap is supposed to act as the ultimate equalizer, giving everyone the equal chance to spend the same amount of money on the available talent. It has worked to give more teams opportunities to compete on the field and give more teams hope later in the season.

The draft is designed to give the bottom finishers a chance to gain better talent to more successfully compete. The draft system didn’t help teams like the Bucs, Bengals, Bills, Cardinals, Lions, Falcons or Saints for many years, but is being pointed to as the model for success, based on teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bucs’ one successful run to the title came with significant contributions from free agents Brad Johnson, Joe Jurevicius, Michael Pittman, Keenan McCardell, as well as others and even Keyshawn Johnson’s expensive trade.

The growing labor dispute is throwing a bit of a chink in the system that has been with us since I retired from the game, more than 15 years now.

But, the Bucs are telling us that the model for success on the field is through the acquisition of kids out of college, not the players that have found success at the NFL level and are on the open market. 

I’m not saying there aren’t teams that have done better jobs building their own talent than filling holes with veterans than other teams. But with the holes that I would think most of us would agree the Bucs have on both sides of the ball, finding guys that can immediately contribute, would seem to be of pretty high importance. Especially since there are fewer paying folks showing up on Sundays and fewer discretionary dollars for most of us.

It will take some real signs of hope for immediate improvement for those dollars of “joe bucs fan” types (not a stereotype, just a good descriptive name) to be gambled on only the Bucs’ draft picks.

I will have to hope for the best and wait to see who shows up for my little league team in July.  The Bucs will have to wait to see who is available before each pick during April’s draft, which is a much bigger gamble than paying players that have already competed at the top level, when improving next season is of top priority.

The first thing that went through Joe’s mind about the trade for wide receiver Reggie Brown is this is a wake-up call or a warning to blocking icon Michael Clayton.

Or could it be a precursor to cutting ties with Clayton?

Brown has yet to put on a Bucs practice jersey, but it would be hard to argue he’s not already a starter for the Bucs along with Sammie Stroughter and potentially Mo Stovall as a No. 3 receiver.

Before Joe begins about Clayton, let Joe be upfront: Clayton seems like a swell guy. Joe has nothing personally against Clayton. But his play has been, at best, sporadic and nowhere near the level of his contract.

Aside from the opening game against Dallass, Clayton was a virtual milk carton last year. To be fair, he was hobbled with injuries since training camp.

Joe is certain Bucs general manager Mark Dominik will draft a receiver or two (or three?) next month, maybe as high as the first round.

Joe can’t help but surmise that once the dust settles after the draft that the Bucs are sending a message to Clayton with the addition of Brown and the sure-to-be addition of wide receivers in the draft: Produce or pack.

Joe was a bit troubled to find this December 2008 story written about new Bucs wide receiver Reggie Brown, acquired in a trade tonight.

Apparently, Brown was hardly saying all the right things when he was mired in Andy Reid’s doghouse, and his effort was questioned, per the Star-Ledger.

Brown has not caught a pass since the 13-13 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals Nov. 16, and has been phased out of a trimmed-down offense with Baskett, Jason Avant and even Greg Lewis blowing past him on the depth chart.

“It’s their decision whether or not to play me,” Brown said. “It’s just my decision whether or not to go out there and do my best and try to help this team make it to the playoffs.”

OK. Stop.

The second part of that quote appears to be ripped directly from the T.O. media handbook.
Did a clearly frustrated Brown actually mean he would decide whether or not he would play to the best of his ability, if given the opportunity, against the fading Redskins (7-7)?

Brown did not elaborate, but did say — albeit half-heartedly — that he would “try to contribute to the cause around here.”

The whole story is an interesting read. Joe’s just trying to figure out why Brown’s price tag was so low, a sixth-round pick in 2011.

Also, Joe has found a neat Web site that details contracts for every Eagles player, which shows Brown signed through 2014. EaglesCap.com explains that the Bucs are not responsible for any of Brown’s prorated bonus, only his $1 millon salary in 2010, and any future years, if he stays on the roster.

Joe is sort of numb after hearing of the trade the Bucs made tonight.

Dealing a sixth round pick in 2011 for Eagles wide receiver Reggie Brown is a move with a lot of potential upside. And surely the Bucs needed veteran help at receiver.

However, what should Bucs fans expect from a 29-year-old who caught 27 balls over the past two seasons?

Not much.

Little gamble with this move, though. And, of course, Joe hopes the guy can re-gain his form.

Joe assumes Brown, entering his sixth season, will be an unrestricted free agent next year. If he catches 60 balls in 2010, will the Bucs pay him market value? 

UPDATE 10:21 p.m.: Brown is signed through 2014.

Some of Joe’s posters openly wondered why, if former Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant was so valuable, why he wasn’t swept up by some other team?

That appears to be about to happen.

Word from Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune suggests not only is Bryant about to land in Cincinnati, he very well could be the Bengals’ top receiver.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Washignton Redskins have reached out to the 28-year-old wideout, who is expected to visit Cincinnati today, according to his agent.

The Bengals are believed to see Bryant as a second receiver behind Chad Ochocinco, but with the Bengals holding an option for 2011 on Ochocinco, Bryant could eventually move up to the No. 1 spot.

Though he did not name them, Bryant’s agent said two other teams have expressed an interest in Bryant, who may see either Washington or one of the other teams as a better option for him than Cincinnati.

A 2009 playoff team wants Bryant to perhaps be their No. 1 receiver but he wasn’t good enough for the Bucs?

Sad… depressing… confusing… Joe doesn’t know which word to use?

Joe recommends an interesting short film now posted on Buccaneers.com.

It has no title, so Joe calls it Raheem The Dream: The Movie.

Well done, as is most video on the team Web site. It’s an eight-minute look at the head coach.

No cheerleader shots (who’s editing this stuff?), but Joe was very intrigued by the shots of Team Glazer in the locker room all fired up after the Bucs beat the Saints.  

"Coach said he would 'fix' me this offseason"

Bucs backup safety and special teams ace Will Allen was snatched up in unrestricted free agency by the Steelers today, so tweets Adam Schefter of BSPN.com.

Allen had signed a one-year deal with the Bucs for $2 million or so last year and got hurt in midseason.

Hardly an exciting development today. But the Bucs are now down Allen and Jermaine Phillips at safety. Tanard Jackson is a mis-step away from a long suspension and Sabby Piscitelli is, well, a goat.

Now safety Corey Lynch surely has his value on special teams, and maybe he’s burgeoning backup safety, but the Bucs are thin over the top.

Eric Berry sure would change the dynamic immediately.

Joe didn’t need to read the comments on this site in recent days to know fans are outraged.

Joe saw the numbers on his meter. Joe isn’t sure he’s had a better week than last week for traffic.

Joe is humbled and thanks you all.

Usually when there’s consistently high traffic, it means either SI.com has picked up on a post dealing with the lovely Bucs cheerleader Jaime Hanna and her trysts with Rays slugger Evan Longoria, or Bucs fans are hacked off about something.

Best as Joe can tell, he hasn’t posted anything about Hanna in months. So that left the options rather slim.

Joe understands the frustration. But Peter King of Sports Illustrated suggests the anger is misplaced. He did some number crunching over the weekend and found the opening days of free agency are, well, overblown.

One more point about the value of splurging: In 2008, as a precursor to their Super Bowl seasons, Arizona and Pittsburgh signed no one from other teams in the first two days of free agency. In 2009, as a precursor to their Super Bowl seasons, New Orleans and Indianapolis signed no one from other teams in the first two days of free agency.

That’s the thing about free agency: We celebrate it like it’s a huge event, like if you get nothing done the opening 72 hours, your season’s down the drain. Bills fans harmed themselves over the weekend. Bucs fan are mutinous. On Sunday afternoon, Washington GM Bruce Allen put free agency in perspective quite well, saying, “Free agency isn’t a day, and it’s not a weekend. We think free agency runs ’til the first day of training camp. Let’s see who you have a couple of months from now, not just who you have after a couple of days. What difference does it make when you sign them, if they help you?”

King also documented the top eight paid wide receivers last year, which (former) Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant topped. None made the Pro Bowl.

Also over the weekend, Joe received a text from a trusted source with knowledge of the inner workings of the Bucs front office. The source said with good authority that this draft is so loaded, in the years to come Bucs fans will have smiles on their faces.

Joe trusts this is accurate.

Joe also admits, while it may frustrating right now looking at what the Bucs are passing off as wide receivers, there’s a lot of time between now and July.

Lost in all the talk of Tim Tebow, Myron Rolle and Taylor Mays was the news that NFL Network’s Rich Eisen made on his 40-time.

Mike Mayock, Deion Sanders and Charles Davis provide the analysis.

"What do you think Publix would pay for Tim Tebow to sign autographs at their stores?"

Young Tim Tebow has got to be on Team Glazers’ radar.

Got to be.

How could these competitive, seemingly cash-strapped businessmen not be intrigued by the absolute cash cow that is the former Gators quarterback?

Per the Florida Times-Union, (via Profootballtalk.com) Tebow launched a charitable foundation fundraiser Saturday at a Jacksonville-area mall where about 1,500 people showed up and paid $160 for his autograph, plus many shelled out another $75 for a picture with him.

Tebow’s a walking ATM machine, for goodness sakes.

With a turnout like that, how much cash could the Bucs make selling tickets to training camp at One Buc Place? Or just how many tens of thousands of extra preseason tickets would be sold so these Tebow groupies can watch him play the fourth quarter of two home exhibition games?

Sorry, rational Bucs fans. While drafting Tebow makes little to no sense for the Bucs’ on-field concerns, this game is a business. That can’t be argued.

So you must believe Team Glazer is crunching numbers and considering ways to get Tebow on the Bucs at the right price. As far as their wallets are concerned, Tebow is the only can’t-screwup pick in the draft.