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.

Is seeing Brian Griese on your screen this early in the morning turning your stomach? If so, click on Griese and find out what you could be looking at.

That would be Joe’s subscription NFL Draft coverage. The best is yet to come.

When Raheem The Dream and Mark Dominik set out to remake the Bucs last year, they were fired up about having competition at most positions.

They were feeling good about guys coming into camp battling for jobs, getting all “violent” and pushing each other for playing time.

Yet despite coming off a 3-13 record, it now seems that fierce competition for positions won’t be commonplace in 2010.

Clearly, the Bucs’ first three draft choices are going to have to see the field quickly. (Unless they’re Dexter Jacksonesque, how could they not on this team?) And given the avoidance of free agency, there’s not going to be much new blood — or quality new blood– to push last year’s starters. 

Look at linebacker, for example. The Bucs return Geno Hayes, Barrett Ruud and Quincy Black. These guys aren’t world-beaters, but it sure seems like they’re walking into safe, secure jobs.

In the secondary, with alleged wife beater Jermaine Phillips likely gone and Ronde Barber, Aqib Talib, Tanard Jackson and Sabby the Goat returning, only Sabby the Goat has to worry about what happens in the draft.

On the D-line, there will be healthy competition, especially if the Bucs nab manbeast Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy.

But on the offensive side of the ball, it appears that even if the Bucs draft a couple of receivers in the second round those players will have to get plenty of action. Surely, blocking icon Michael Clayton can’t be given much of an opportunity to resurrect himself while fresh, hungry meat sits on the bench.

And if Earnest Graham is the starting fullback, which seems likely, there will be plenty of carries, for Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams, assuming Greg Olson has figured out that he must run the ball (even more important without a legitimate No. 1 receiver).

Joe’s just not embracing the thought of all that comfort level outside of the veteran offensive line and Josh Freeman.

Raheem The Dream’s coaching and motivational ability will truly take center stage this year more than last. It’s going to be much harder to keep guys hungry in training camp and OTAs.

 This is one of many reasons Joe hoped the Bucs would make some moves in free agency, just to keep a lot of young guys looking over their shoulders. Sometimes, that’s worth the investment.

"Yo, Flip. Did you hear the one about Sabby making the Pro Bowl?"

Back in January, former Buccaneer linebacker Jermaine Phillips was arrested and charged with felony battery by strangulation.

Apparently his wife got under his skin at their Westchase home during the wee hours; The Tampa Tribune reported she was not seriously injured after the incident.

Just in time for NFL free agency, the State Attorney in Hillsborough County on Tuesday reduced Phillips’ charges to battery and the matter will be resolved in county court, per circuit court records obtained by JoeBucsFan.com.

If Phillips has no previous battery convictions — his record appears clean — the reduced charge is a misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum one-year jail sentence.

In other words, Phillips now sits in the same boat as Aqib Talib, without a cab driver demading a fat cash settlement.

How Phillips’ case proceeds will depend a lot on his current relationship with his wife. Regardless, the reduced charge could open some doors for him on the free agent market.

For some bizarre reason, Jeff Garcia is determined not to stay home and spend leisurely California days poolside with his lovely wife, Carmella.

Perhaps T.O. was right.

Why the 40-year-old former Bucs QB would prefer to undress alongside sweaty, stinky offensive linemen is beyond Joe’s comprehension.

It seems the Giants are interested in Garcia backing up Eli Manning and Garcia is eager to take the job, so writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.

Joe likes Garcia and hopes he catches on with the Giants. And Joe always embraces every opportunity to post a Carmella photo.

Joe believes Raheem the Dream will be justified in pointing fingers if he is jettisoned after this season.

Perhaps knowing that unless there’s a dramatic, unexpected turnaround he may be in his final year as head coach of the Bucs, Raheem the Dream has had it with people trying to tell him how to do his job.

Per The Mad Twitterer of the St. Petersburg Times, Raheem the Dream will shut out all outside influences.

Instead, he will coach the team his way.

“The biggest lesson I learned was making decisions and doing what you believe is right,” Morris said. “Because the wind blows in all different directions, and you can’t worry about the wind. You’ve got to do what you think is right. If you go down, go down swinging.”

Morris said the Bucs can be more competitive this season, but he won’t predict a win total.

“I believe that we have the guys in place, that if we do the right things, we can win a significant amount of games to put ourselves in a position to compete with anybody,” he said. “That’s probably what last year was and what the end of the season was. I don’t know a team at the end of the season that I would say I didn’t want to play. We played the Saints, we played Atlanta, and we played Green Bay. No disrespect to those teams, I don’t look at any of those teams and say I don’t want to play them.”

Oddly enough, Joe was having an adult beverage with a Dolphins fan of all people last night. Dolphinfan believes the Bucs front office is “hanging Morris out to dry.” It’s an interesting theory.

When the Bucs let Antonio Bryant go, leaving by default the two best receivers to be Sammie Stroughter and Mo Stovall, it sure appears Raheem the Dream is being set up for a fall. 

Joe’s not so sure Bill Walsh or Vince Lombardi could piece together a winner with virtually no wide receivers to speak of and a second-year starting quarterback who hasn’t played a full NFL season yet.

With such a thin group of receivers, the Bucs may look to get the King of Turds more involved.

No. 1 wide receiver, Sammie Stroughter.

No. 2 wide receiver, Mo Stovall.

No. 3 wide receiver, blocking icon Michael Clayton.

No. 4 wide receiver, Mark Bradley.

No, this is not the wide receiver depth chart for the Florida Tuskers of the UFL.

The list above is the depth chart for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL.

Joe can understand how fans are beyond frustrated, if not angry. One could make an argument that is the worst set of receivers in the NFL. Unless the Bucs make some trades, surprise everyone in signing a restricted free agent or load up on receivers in the draft, this is going to be a putrid passing game.

Poor Josh Freeman.

With such a dearth in receiver talent, teams, much like last year, are going to load up with 10 if not 11 defenders in the box and dare the Bucs to pass. Unless the offensive line reverts to its former self, this is a recipe for disaster.

Solid, forward-thinking coaches however will try to make the best of bad situations. This has led a Bucs fan to lodge a question to the Tampa Tribune that, since the Bucs have limited talent at receiver, why not use a two-tight end set since the best receivers the Bucs (currently) have are tight ends?

Q: How come the Bucs don’t run more two tight end sets with Jerramy Stevens and Kellen Winslow? They are both huge and both have shown the ability to catch and gain yards after the catch. It doesn’t make any sense to me — if you have targets, use them.

— Collin, Lakeland

A: With an offseason to tweak a few things, offensive coordinator Greg Olson just may make two-tight-end sets a bigger part of his offense. We’ll just have to wait and see.

— Woody Cummings

This makes a lot of sense to Joe. The King of Turds may be a less than apt blocker, but the Bucs have a designated blocker in Clayton. When your best receivers are actually tight ends, use them.

Pat Kirwan of NFL.com thinks the Bucs may look at Colts defensive tackle Daniel Muir as a restricted free agent.

Mark Dominik made it crystal clear in his chat with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, that the Bucs were not reaching out to unrestricted free agents.

What about restricted free agents? Pat Kirwan has a hunch, yes.

In his recent column on NFL.com, Kirwan even thought Colts defensive tackle Daniel Muir might be on the Bucs’ radar.

There are three teams with multiple second-round picks, the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Patriots. Would they be willing to give up one of those picks for a young starter at a position of need?

The Chiefs may be looking for a safety, and a player such as Melvin Bullitt is on this list. Need a running back? Jerious Norwood, Pierre Thomas and Jerome Harrison are on the second-round compensation list.

The Buccaneers need defensive line help, and they may find the Indianapolis Colts’ Daniel Muir interesting after the season he produced in 2009.

Joe isn’t so sure about Muir, but he may be worth a cheap gamble. In 10 starts and 16 games last season, Muir wasn’t much for sacks, credited with just one-half sack. The third-year player our of Kent State had 42 tackles and 10 assists.

Joe has been of the belief that Bucs general manager Mark Dominik will keep blocking icon and sometimes wide receiver Michael Clayton at least for the 2010 season.

No special insight, just an educated hunch. Joe vividly remembers Dominik telling Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan when the duo broadcast their solid “Movin’ the Chains” show last summer from One Buc Palace, which was heard exclusively over the airwaves on Sirius NFL Radio, that he took a gamble on Clayton.

It was an expensive gamble and, as Bucs fans and likely Dominik know all too well, a gamble that has not (yet) paid off.

It’s for this reason and this reason alone that Joe believes Clayton will return this year.

Vacation Man, writing for the Soviet bloc institution, BSPN.com, isn’t as sold as Joe. He thinks there’s still a good chance Clayton will be coming off the bench to throw a key block for some other naive team.

Kevin (Scranton, PA)
[H]ow did Clayton survive the “purge” (AKA cutting special team players) that took place at 1 Buc Place?

Vacation Man
Maybe it’s not over yet.

Now Joe’s not saying flat out Clayton will be with the Bucs this season, Joe is just reading the tea leaves.

Sammie Stroughter is coming off a serious injury. Michael Clayton is coming off one good game. Maurice Stovall is coming off a career year (24 catches). And Mark Dominik doesn’t want to talk to unrestricted free agents.

Joe’s coming to the ugly realization that the Bucs are probably banking on a miracle rookie No. 1 receiver catching 50+ balls this season.

Adam Schefter, of BSPN.com, gives the latest in this video on Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is touring in Seattle, which could sign him to an offer sheet.

And stud wide receiver Anquan Boldin was traded from the Cardinals along with a fifth-round draft pick on Friday to the Baltimore Ravens for a third- and fourth-round pick in 2010, per the Washington Post. The Ravens also turned around and signed Boldin to a fat, four-year deal.

"No free agents? Not even a sniff. This Mark Dominik, he gets it."

When wacky rumors of the Bucs pursuing Aaron Kampman and Willie Parker surfaced yesterday morning, Steve Duemig, the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, made a private phone call to Mark Dominik, so Duemig explained on WDAE-AM 620 on Friday afternoon.

During that Friday broadcast, Duemig said Dominik took his phone call and Duemig read a quote from Dominik that shot down those rumors with gusto comparable to the force Bucs cheerleaders use to reject Joe’s advances.

While Joe reported yesterday the first part of Dominik’s words, as read by Duemig, “The Buccaneers have not reached out to any unrestricted free agents,” Joe needed to go back to the audio tape to get the entire Dominik quote.

And Joe hereby warns fans, the entire quote is going to upset many.

“The Buccaneers have not reached out to any unrestricted free agents. Period. Nor are they gonna,” said Dominik, as told by Duemig.

Duemig went to on to further clarify that Dominik says the Bucs will not jump into the unrestricted free agent market.

Joe can’t say that he likes this attitude by Dominik. Does it hurt to make some serious inquiries and look at players? That’s sort of in the GM job description. The Bucs might have to turn to some of these guys if the team is hit with injuries.

And does this mean Jimmy Wilkerson and Angelo Crowell are definitely goners? (Which surely wouldn’t be a horrible decision).

Joe’s just very worried right now about Josh Freeman and his lack of quality targets. Dominik surely has to be scheming a trade for a veteran receiver. And Joe is starting to feel like the Bucs might be very quick to trade out of that No. 3 pick.

Might the Bucs sniff this guy in the fourth or fifth round?

Perhaps the signature of NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski’s stellar, in-depth draft coverage for JoeBucsFan.com is his position-by-position breakdowns.

Pawlowski not only analyzes potential draftees’ abilities and draft stock, he offers a look at their possible impact on the Bucs’ roster and the player they most resemble in the NFL.

A pure draft-lovers orgasm.

There’s not a hardcore Bucs fan on the planet who wouldn’t enjoy this series, which kicks off today with offensive linemen. Next week: running backs.

So here’s Pawlowski’s 2,500-word look at 15 offensive linemen you need to know about in the 2010 draft.

{+++}

Offensive Tackles

Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma St.
6’5’’ – 307 lbs – 5.15
Top 10 pick

Why I’m taking him: Okung’s been one of the top offensive tackles in college football the past couple years. He has very good movement and agility. Okung does a very good job of getting to the next level and helping bust big runs. I’d say he’d be excellent for any team, but mostly for a team that runs a zone run scheme. He also shows great quickness in pulling. In pass protection, Okung shows excellent technique and a strong base.

Why I’m staying away: My worry is whether Okung is worth the money of a top 5 draft pick. In pass protection, I see Okung catching defensive tackles a lot and not getting a good punch on them. He allows the defensive linemen into his chest, and then uses his strength to rebound from that mistake. He reminds me a lot of D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Ferguson is coming into his own now, but it has taken him a few years to start reaching that potential. Despite his 38 reps on the bench at the combine, sometimes it looks like Okung doesn’t put that great strength to work on the field.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Okung would step in immediately at left tackle and move Donald Penn to right tackle. Jeremy Trueblood would be trade bait if that happened. I do know of a general manager for the Redskins who draft Trueblood while he was the Bucs GM that might like Trueblood to upgrade his new pitiful offensive line.

NFL Comparison: Ryan Clady – Denver Broncos

Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers
6’5’’ – 323 lbs – 5.40
Top 10 pick

Why I’m taking him: Davis is the type of offensive lineman I love. He plays with a mean streak and can be simply dominant at times. He could be the best pass protector in this draft. He’s got great technique in both the run and pass. Davis also seems to show much more strength than his combine results might read.

Why I’m staying away: Character is my big issue with Davis. Davis missed a game in 2008 for violating team rules and showed up to camp in 2009 overweight. There are also times when watching him on film that Davis looks confused. Davis did not have a good combine.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Like Okung, Davis would start immediately at left tackle for the Bucs and move Donald Penn to right tackle. Trueblood would then become expendable.

NFL Comparison: Michael Oher – Baltimore Ravens

Bryan Buluga – OT – Iowa
6’5’’ – 314 lbs – 5.15
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: Buluga is your typical Big 10 offensive tackle. He’s disciplined and very powerful. In pass protection, Buluga shows a very good base and an excellent punch against the rusher, knocking that rusher off balance. Buluga also shows great strength and agility when getting to the next level with power behind his blocks. Buluga has had some minor durability issues, but nothing serious. Also, Buluga played extremely well against Derrick Morgan (DE-Ga. Tech) in the Orange Bowl.

Why I’m staying away: Buluga is solid, but is he flashy enough for a top 10 pick? I’m not sure. I’m uncertain if he can become a dominant tackle in the NFL. Being a solid offensive tackle is great, but not great with a top 10 pick.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The only way I see Buluga in a Bucs uniform in 2010 is if they trade back. Like Okung and Davis, Buluga would start immediately at left tackle.

NFL Comparison: Joe Thomas – Cleveland Browns

Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma
6’5’’ – 315 lbs – 4.88
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: Williams is another offensive lineman in a long line of them coming from Oklahoma. Williams proved to be durable at Oklahoma and also displayed his team-first mentality throughout his career as well. As for his play on the field, Williams is a very tough player in all aspects of his game. He has a nice punch in pass protection that knocks defensive linemen off their track. Williams also works hard in finishing his blocks and isn’t satisfied until his defender is eating dirt.

Why I’m staying away: Although Williams played left tackle in 2009, I feel he might be best suited as a right tackle in the NFL. He seems to struggle sometimes with speed rushers like Sergio Kindle from Texas. Also, I know it might be a freak thing, but his guy was the guy who injured Sam Bradford against BYU. That’s a no no for a left tackle.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I don’t see Williams being a legitimate pick for the Bucs at all. If the Bucs are even going to sniff offensive tackle, I’d expect them to get a pure left tackle. A good spot for Williams is with the 49ers with one of their two 1st round picks.

NFL Comparison: Levi Brown – Arizona Cardinals

Vladimir Ducasse– OT – UMASS
6’4’’ – 332 lbs – 5.27
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: Ducasse has a massive frame, but has nice athleticism to go with it. I think Ducasse could play tackle or guard in the NFL, making him very versatile. He has nice quickness and a strong base for pass protection. His quick feet also help him as he opens up holes in the run game.

Why I’m staying away: Ducasse has only been playing football for 6 years, so he still has a lot of learning to do. This can be good or bad, but the higher he’s drafted, the more of a risk it is. I’d also love to see Ducasse be meaner out on the football field and finish off his blocks more.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Ducasse could be an intriguing pick if he’s still available in the 2nd round. He is a raw talent that could become great. His excellent frame and good character will help him as he progresses. The Bucs would bid adieu to both Arron Sears and Jeremy Zuttah at left guard if Ducasse is selected. I’d only see Ducasse playing guard for the Bucs.

NFL Comparison: Shawn Andrews – Philadelphia Eagles

Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland
6’6’’ – 314 lbs – 4.85
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: Campbell has the look of a prototypical left tackle in the NFL. He has the frame, the strength, and the quickness you want from that position. In pass protection, Campbell shows a nice kick back step to prevent speed rushers from grabbing the edge. His long arms prevents defenders from getting into his chest.

Why I’m staying away: You know the saying, “the film don’t lie?” Well, in Campbell’s case, that isn’t good. He does not show up well on film at all. There are some good moments for Campbell on film, but I’ve yet to see anything great from him. Campbell has also had some durability concerns while at Maryland.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I’d pass if I was the Bucs. No need to go into any more detail on this here.

NFL Comparison: Eugene Monroe – Jacksonville Jaguars

Charles Brown – OT – USC
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – DNP
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: After being converted from tight end, Brown has consistently gotten better throughout his career at USC. He has excellent balance and quickness in pass protection. He also shows a good initial punch. He has plenty of potential as he is still growing into an offensive tackle.

Why I’m staying away: Brown is not physical enough in the run game. He has struggled with his lack of weight since converting from tight end. I’d be concerned that he can keep the weight on. He was pretty good at USC, but I never saw greatness. I’d also love to see more of a mean streak out of him.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I’d pass on Brown if I were Mark Dominik unless Brown was available in the 3rd round. At that point, and that point only, I’d slightly consider him for the Bucs.

NFL Comparison: Joe Staley – San Francisco 49ers

Jared Veldheer– OT – Hillsdale
6’8’’ – 312 lbs – 5.09
3rd – 4th Round

Why I’m taking him: I love the combination of athleticism and strength from Veldheer. I just watched a video of Veldheer doing a hang clean with 425 lbs like it was nothing. He’s an intriguing prospect who could definitely go higher than I have him.

Why I’m staying away: It’s hard to find out a lot about a guy who played at Hillsdale. He did not play against elite competition which is a concern. Another concern is that his arms are only 33’’ long, which is very short for a man his size.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Offensive tackle is not the biggest need for the Bucs, but if Veldheer is available in the 4th round, I’d consider it.

NFL Comparison: Adam Terry – Baltimore Ravens

Selvish Capers – OT – West Virginia
6’5’’ – 308 lbs – 5.14
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Like most converted tight ends, Capers excels in pass protection because of his quick feet. He has the ability to match up very well with speed rushers. Capers is also very durable. I think we can all agree as well that capers are just delicious in a dish.

Why I’m staying away: Like most converted tight ends, Capers is not nearly mean enough and needs to find a nasty streak to dominate in the NFL. He struggles in the run game driving defenders off the ball. Capers also plays too high with bad leverage.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I say no to Capers. He would note be an upgrade to Xavier Fulton.

NFL Comparison: Xavier Fulton – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 Rodger Saffold – OT – Indiana
6’5’’ – 316 lbs – 5.20
3rd – 4th Round

Why I’m taking him: Saffold is a solid player and balanced in both pass protection and run blocking. Saffold has pretty good size and moves well for his size. He plays with very solid technique.

Why I’m staying away: Saffold is not overpowering or dominant at all. He has to find a way to be more aggressive and finish off blocks.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Mark Dominik should not draft Saffold.

NFL Comparison: John St. Claire – Cleveland Browns

 Interior Linemen

Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho
6’5’’ – 331 lbs – 5.30
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: You kidding me? His guy is one of the most dominant players this draft. His film is fun to watch. For weighing 331 lbs, Iupati carries it extremely well. Iupati reminds me of Ndamukong Suh on the offensive side of the ball. He can dominate in run blocking. He’s tough, aggressive, and mean. I’m not sure what else you’d want from a guard.

Why I’m staying away: The one weakness for Iupati is pass protection. He can deliver a nice punch, knocking the defender off track, but his feet need to be quicker to be a dominant pass protector as well. Iupati also needs to do a better job against stunts, twists, etc…in the NFL.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I’d love to see Iupati in a Bucs uniform, but the 3rd pick is too early to draft him, and he won’t be around in the 2nd round.

NFL Comparison: Alan Faneca – New York Jets

Maurkice Pouncey – C – Florida
6’4’’ – 304 lbs – 5.15
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: Pouncey’s by far the top center in this draft. Consistency is a good word to associate with Pouncey. He has been the same solid player since he was playing for the Lakeland Dreadnaughts. He’s a solid center who’s equally good in run blocking as he is in pass protection. I feel Pouncey has a bright future ahead of him and could be a tremendous leader in the NFL. Pouncey can play center or guard in the pros.

Why I’m staying away: Pouncey isn’t overly aggressive and could stand to get a tad meaner on the field. He can struggle at times against bigger more powerful nose tackles. Pouncey is good, but not dominant.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I wonder if Mark Dominik asked Maurkice Pouncey how it felt to “desert” his brother at Florida. Oh wait, they only ask Myron Rolle how it feels to “desert” something.

NFL Comparison: Jeff Saturday – Indianapolis Colts

Jon Asamoah – OG – Illinois
6’4’’ – 305 lbs – DNP
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: I really like Asamoah’s intelligence and feel for the game. I think that’s important for a guard to have. He also excels in run blocking and goes from the snap of the ball to the whistle. He does have a mean streak in him and will put a defender on his back. He is active in the community and has never missed a game due to injury.

Why I’m staying away: Pass protection is not Asamoah’s strong suit; however, it’s not as if he is the worst at it. Pass protection is just his weakness.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Asamoah has the potential to be a very good pro, but I don’t see it being with the Bucs. They just have too many other needs.

NFL Comparison: Ben Grubbs – Baltimore Ravens

Zane Beadles – OG – Utah
6’4’’ – 310 lbs – DNP
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Once again, Beadles is the type of guard I love. He is nasty, physical, and always finishes his blocks. He excels in the run game. Durability is not an issue at all with Beadles and he was an excellent student at Utah. Watching him on film, Beadles seems to do an excellent job against stunts and blitzed, displaying excellent awareness.

Why I’m staying away: Beadles doesn’t have the greatest footwork, and sometimes that shows up in pass protection.

Impact on the Bucs roster: For the Bucs, I wouldn’t consider him until the 4th round if he’s there.

NFL Comparison: Jahri Evans – New Orleans Saints

Mike Johnson – OG – Alabama
6’5’’ – 312 lbs – 5.35
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: All the intangibles go in favor of Mike Johnson. He has played multiple positions well at Alabama, he’s smart, he’s got great character, and he’s very durable. He’s also a good football player. Johnson knows his assignment on every play and does it well. Like most guards, he is much better in run blocking than pass protection.

Why I’m staying away: One thing I’d like to see from Mike Johnson is for him to be more aggressive. He gives good effort, but does not dominate. He also has some issues in pass protection.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I wouldn’t look at him until at least the 4th round.

NFL Comparison: Justin Smiley – Miami Dolphins

Joe doesn’t sit idle when others attack his credibility and ethics.

That is unacceptable.

JoeBucsFan.com follows high journalistic standards and the writers here are sitting on nearly 40 years of professional journalism experience combined.

Joe can count maybe seven times — in over 4,300 posts — using unnamed sources, and Joe has always credited other publications and media members thoroughly and completely. And Joe’s reporting (not opinion) is scrutinized to the extreme to ensure accuracy and avoid recklessness.

So Joe was furious today when PewterReport.com publisher Scott Reynolds, the exalted leader at the Web-only publication, went on the record with a horrific slam of JoeBucsFan.com’s accuracy.

Reynolds’ baseless and classless comments were posted on the message boards of PewterReport.com. He took a shameful shot at Joe’s credibility in response to an anonymous commenter there named SoulBro.

The commenter referenced a JoeBucsFan.com story about Mark Dominik’s quote regarding the Bucs’ inactivity in free agency to Steve Duemig, of WDAE-AM, which Duemig reported on the air today — and was transcribed and reported about 3:30 p.m. on JoeBucsFan.com.

Reynolds responded with the following: (The “JBF” reference is to JoeBucsFan.com.)

“We’re already on top of it. We didn’t hear the radio interview, Soul Bro, and there is no podcast of it or a transcript. However, Jim Flynn has already reached out to MD for an exact quote (certainly cannot believe everything you read on JBF as they have been known take things out of context) so we can do a PR Alert story on it. Just waiting to hear back from him.”

"I can find much better ways to waste $10 than to read on some Web site that I'm going to sign Aaron Kampman and Willie Parker."

As Joe suspected, these nasty, unsourced rumors that the Bucs are going after Green Bay defensive end Aaron Kampman and Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker are blatantly untrue.

Unnerved at the rumors, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik saw fit to speak with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, this afternoon to deny the Bucs have any “interest” in the two players.

“The Buccaneers have not reached out to any unrestricted free agents,” Dominik told Duemig, as Duemig reported on WDAE-AM 620 this afternoon.

Dominik really didn’t need to go public, as the rumors were so outrageous to Joe he couldn’t write about them with a straight face.

Joe also suspects the main culprit in the area for spreading these unsourced rumors as near fact, the formerly colorful Bucs magazine, is no longer on Dominik’s Christmas card list.

Salma Hayek will escort a member of the Bucs press corps before Willie Parker suits up for the Bucs.

Joe’s not a morning person. So imagine his surprise when, upon showering and grooming himself early this morning, even before his daily 20-ounce requirement of hot java, Joe turns on his Blackberry still half asleep and discovers an e-mail from someone with access to Bucs insiders. 

Joe’s friend suggested Joe should take a gander at a forwarded link from the formerly colorful Bucs hand-held magazine.

Seems there was a dubious player transaction rumor floated.

So the Bucs have “interest” in Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker? Joe laughed nearly as hard as he did the day before when he heard the “King of all Media,” Howard Stern, ask Mr. Skin to critique a shower scene in Schindler’s List.

As a member of the Bucs press corps e-mailed Joe shortly thereafter, “I’m interested in dating Salma Hayek, but nobody is reporting that because it’s not going to ever happen!”

This Parker rumor — unsourced mind you — is so wild that Joe literally had to compose himself for a few hours to properly explain.

As noted philosopher René Descartes once wrote, “I have the NFL Network, therefore I am a man.” Naturally, Joe watches this superior channel daily. One of his favorite series is “America’s Game,” which is an hour-long documentary that chronicles a full season of each Super Bowl-winning team.

In the episode for the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, maybe a minute or two was devoted to the friction between Parker and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Despite being the No. 1 back on an eventual Super Bowl winner, Parker groused how he wasn’t getting enough touches.

The acrimony grew so tense between Parker and Tomlin, that Tomlin openly mocked Parker during a press conference saying, “Every day I come to work I walk by five Lombardi Trophies, not five rushing title trophies.”

Ouch!

Remember that Tomlin and Raheem the Dream are close friends who speak often, if not weekly. Also note that the Steelers spent a first round draft choice on running back Rashard Mendenhall. Think there may have been a reason for that? Also, the Steelers don’t often get burned on letting starters walk away.

So let Joe get this straight: A guy who kvetches about not enough carries on a Super Bowl winning team is going to come to an expected horrid team and share the load with three other backs, one of which a high-ranking Bucs official wants to get more carries (Derrick Ward)? Really?

Throw in the fact that running backs who reach 30 generally hit a wall. Running backs have limited tread on the tires, short shelf lives. How much longer can Parker be an effective back?

Parker is 29.

Joe was under the impression Mark Dominik wanted a younger team?

Now Joe’s not saying he wouldn’t welcome Parker. Far from it. Parker, a lightning quick scatback, would be a great change-of-pace runner for the slogging, punishing backs the Bucs currently have (Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham and Ward).

But this Parker rumor just doesn’t add up on so many levels.

Why, this Parker rumor is such rank agent-driven speculation, Joe is more than surprised the good doctor himself, The Mad Twitterer, hasn’t been all over his social media accounts shoveling this story to the masses.

Joe’s getting a laugh out of all these wacky Bucs free agency rumors floating around out there.

Jimminy Christmas!

Brad Biggs, of NationalFootballPost.com, is claiming the Bucs are hot on the trail of Aaron Kampman, the former Packers stud defensive end.

Since when are the Bucs in the market to sign a 30-year-old coming off major knee surgery? That’s part of “The Plan?” Kampman had a torn ACL repaired in November.

And those Pewter Report fellows, citing no source whatsoever, are piling on the Kampman bandwagon claiming “the Bucs are looking to find a new starting right defensive end this offseason.”

Really?

So Stylez White, who plays right end, is healthy, is the same age as Kampman and is in a contract year making peanuts. And all that adds up to White likely being good for eight sacks and the best season of his career. Yet we are to believe the Bucs think Kampman is going to rip out more sacks coming off knee surgery?

Angelo Crowell wasn’t healthy when the Bucs signed him last year, and the Bucs flushed $2.5 million on him. You’d think they would have learned a lesson there.

Joe can’t believe the Bucs are in pursuit of Kampman, and why exactly would he want to play in Tampa Bay? Would the Bucs actually win a bidding war for him? Please.

This is a painful post for Joe to type, even though it was as obvious as the glow of Rachel Watson’s tan.

Derrick Brooks is done. It’s not official; he hasn’t called a press conference (yet) to say he’s finished. But the greatest linebacker in Bucs history confessed to eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune that his playing days are virtually over.

“You always keep your door open, but realistically, how good does the situation have to be for me to play again?” Brooks told the Tribune during lunch at one of the Bay area’s most exclusive golf clubs. “I just know that situation hasn’t occurred and it if doesn’t, you close the book and you move on. To me, I have no problems doing that.”

What about a formal retirement day at Raymond James Stadium to let fans show their appreciation?

“To me, I get that every day when I come across someone in the community,” said Brooks, who began a streak of 10 consecutive Pro Bowl berths in 1997. “I didn’t think about it until people started showing their gratitude, telling me they appreciate the way I played the game and what I do for the community.”

Brooks last year all but admitted that his salary demands kept him unemployed. Add to that most teams didn’t want to add an aging yet intelligent veteran who refused to play special teams.

Derrick Brooks will always have a soft spot in Joe’s heart.

Or should Joe say, “Senator Derrick Brooks?”

Joe believes Mark Dominik and Raheem The Dream have to know, just have to know that Josh Freeman needs a legitimate veteran receiver to throw the ball to.

They don’t have one; and veterans don’t enter the draft.

Now Joe has no insider source on this or any agent spreading rumors in his ear about Willie Parker, but Joe has to believe the Bucs realize that wide receiver Laveranues Coles is someone they must pursue. Coles was released yesterday by the Bengals.

The former Seminole has 674 catches and will play the 2010 season at 32 years old. He was a locker room guy with the Jets, and he catches the ball.

No, Coles isn’t a legitimate No. 1 receiver. But he’s a heck of a No. 2, which the Bucs don’t have.

Joe is one to listen to local radio in the late afternoon each weekday. It’s appointment listening for Joe.

Sadly, there was golf chatter Thursday, specifically about this arrogant, obnoxious serial adulterer Eldrick Woods. The only thing to chase Joe away quicker than Rachel Watson calling his name would be non-basketball association talk or golf talk.

So Joe turned to old reliable: Sirius NFL Radio. No golf talk there. Nary a mention of the arrogant, obnoxious serial adulterer Eldrick Woods. Not a word about the non-basketball association either.

In other words, a safe haven for Joe.

Joe tuned in just in time to hear former NFL front office executive and overall NFL guru Pat Kirwan, co-hosting “Movin’ the Chains” with Tim Ryan, dish some juicy nuggets about the Bucs and the draft.

In short, what the Bucs do depends on the Rams. Oh, and you can pretty much forget Dez Bryant coming to Tampa Bay.

Kirwan suggested the Rams hold the key to the Bucs’ draft, no breaking news there. If the Rams draft manbeast Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, this may play into the Bucs hands Kirwan thought.

If the Rams and Lions draft Suh/McCoy, “the best thing that happens to Tampa is now you can sell that spot,” Kirwan said. “You know you have a couple of teams looking for a quarterback.”

Before scoffing, consider Kirwan’s background. Kirwan is very good friends with both Seattle coach Pete Carroll and Washington general manager Bruce Almighty, so think about that and perhaps who is feeding Kirwan this information.

Bruce Almighty is one of Kirwan’s golfing buddies and Joe believes it’s safe to assume the two may have had a cocktail or two at some point in Indianapolis. Carroll, who goes way back with Kirwan, tried to hire Kirwan to work in the Seahawks front office just a few weeks ago.

If both Suh and McCoy are off the board when the Bucs are on the clock, Kirwan believes this will start a bidding war between Washington and Seattle which, Kirwan said, both teams covet Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. Kirwan said he’d lay his chips on Seattle pushing the panic button and trading with the Bucs

“I can see Seattle trumping Washington and moving up. Then [the Bucs] are in good shape.”

Now, who do the Bucs draft? Ryan thought, perhaps, Bryant. Kirwan, who was working his vast network of contacts with scouts, coaches and front office types while at the combine, pretty much put to rest any thoughts of Bryant coming to Tampa Bay.

“I am staying clear of Dez Bryant, I really am,” Kirwan said. “I wouldn’t take him in the first round. The NFL is a world of survival. You have to have the fire. You have to have health and you have to have the production. I don’t see it in this guy. I know his talent is top 10. But most teams are not going to take chances any more.”

Kirwan noted the many NFL people he has talked to are telling him Bryant’s stock is dropping rapidly due to the many red flags he brings to the table.

“I’ve talked to scouts and asked them, ‘What do you think about Dez Bryant?’ And they all gasp. They’re staying away.”

Rather than Bryant, Kirwan said Bucs fans would be wise to keep their eyes on Golden Tate — possibly in the first round if the Bucs trade down — Illinois’ Arrelious Benn in the second round (who Kirwan said is a borderline first round pick), and a sleeper Kirwan said NFL insiders are giddy about, Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas.

“Teams are all wanting him,” Kirwan said of Thomas. “I was with a scout [at the combine] who was watching [Thomas closely] and he told me that [Thomas] might be better than Calvin Johnson. I told him, ‘You are out of your mind!’ He then tells me, ‘I really think he may be better than Calvin Johnson.’

“When you see a guy who averaged 19.5 yards a catch in college [for the last three years; the past two] in an offense that does not promote the passing game, that is an exciting prospect.

“I like this Thomas kid. Too many people told me they like him” to believe he will slip past the second round.

A caller then asked Kirwan about Stanford fullback and Heisman Trophy finalist Toby Gerhart, perhaps in the third round to finally replace Mike Alstott as a true fullback. Kirwan liked the move but bristled at the caller’s suggestion that Gerhart would be an Alstott clone.

“It’s time we all stop calling Toby Gerhart a fullback. He’s a running back and a damned good one.”

Ryan agreed saying, “This guy is a much better athlete than Mike Alstott. He has visited the end zone 43 times as a marked man.”

Remember what happened when the Bucs took free agency seriously? Joe Henderson does.

In this Channel 8/TBO.com/The News Center/Media General video, Tampa Tribune columnist Joe Henderson discusses what appears to be the NFL version of oil and water.

The Bucs and free agency.

While Henderson agrees with the general premise of building through the draft, it’s not a cure-all.

Henderson explains in detail.