The experts at NFL Radio think little of Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman

Joe just loves Sirius NFL Radio almost as much as he loves Howard Stern. (Did anyone hear Joe on a Howard 100 news update Thursday or Friday?)

In fact, those two channels (and sometimes NHL Home Ice) are the only channels Joe listens to from the moment he gets up in the morning until 3 p.m., when Joe turns to local radio where he only respects two local afternoon shows.

(Not coincidently, New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft recently made back-to-back appearances on both Stern’s show and NFL Radio — both shows originate from Sirius’ Manhattan studios. At both stops, Kraft said aside from sometimes listening to music, all he ever listened to was Stern and NFL Radio.)

What Joe finds interesting in listening to Sirius NFL Radio is the growing anti-Josh Freeman sentiment amid the hosts, as opposed to the pro-Josh Freeman jocking of BSPN’s Mel Kiper and the subsequent Freeman slurping from Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.

This morning on “The Opening Drive,” Alex Marvez, co-hosting with Bob Papa, went off on the Josh Freeman bandwagon. A Jets fan called asking about the Jets picking a quarterback and noted both the Jets and the Bucs seem to be leaning toward Freeman which set Marvez off.

Marvez, who is also a national NFL beat writer for FoxSports.com, had done his research and suggests the Freeman chatter heard in so many media circles is little more than smoke screens by teams.

“I am just not hearing this buzz on Josh Freeman being this great quarterback prospect, ” Marvez said. “Am I missing the boat on this guy? Maybe there will be teams that will realize the financial investment in a player like this [may not be worth the reach].

“You see the high pay in a guy’s contact like this [for a quarterback drafted in the first round] and will there be some teams realizing they’re having to overpay?”

Joe thinks all this nonsense of the Bucs drafting Freeman is nothing more than a smoke screen and Kiper trying to sell BSPN Insider subscriptions.

Per Peter King, of SI.com, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels thinks Kyle Orton is better than Luke McCown

Few are more plugged in to the innerworkings of the NFL like SI.com’s Peter King. In his research last week with the movers and shakers of the league, he has come to the conclusion the Bucs nearly got their hands on whiny Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

In short, it came down to the fact that Broncos coach Josh McDaniels liked Bears quarterback Kyle Orton more than he liked Bucs quarterback Luke McCown, who King suggests was being offered along with two first round picks.

The key to the trade was Kyle Orton. Laugh if you want, but it’s the absolute truth. McDaniels looked hard at tape of the available quarterbacks from teams that made serious offers, players like Orton, Washington’s Jason Campbell and Tampa Bay’s Luke McCown. Every one of those teams was in the ballpark with an offer of at least two first-round draft picks and a quarterback.

But as the deal went down, McDaniels, who watched every offensive snap of more than 10 Bears games with Orton playing, got more and more impressed with Orton’s arm, his decision-making and his ability to extend plays when the pocket broke down. You can think and I can think it’s crazy he didn’t like Campbell — who got Washington off to a 6-2 start last year — more than he liked Orton, but it’s the unvarnished truth. McDaniels thinks he can win with Orton.

If King’s information is accurate, one could make the argument Chucky indirectly Pearl Harbored this deal by his refusal to play McCown and instead play that walking interception, Son of Bob.

Regardless, Joe was relieved Cutler and his attitude are in the Second City, where, if Cutler doesn’t play well right off the bat, Bears fans will melt his will to even step on the field.

After the Bucs' success with Jeremy Zuttah in the third round last year, do they really need another O-lineman?

Coming out this afternoon is NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski’s detailed breakdown of offensive linemen. And Justin knows these “fat guys” well, as he was a Division I offensive lineman himself.

To tempt you this morning, Justin talks about the prospects in today’s podcast.

Enjoy. Remember every subscriber to the daily NFL Draft coverage gets a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille.

[audio:podcast0405.mp3]

"If I were a wealthy man ..."

Of course, Joe spends most of his free time watching various sports and NFL Network, although he’s been known to keep up with world affairs.

Scanning the news wires, Joe found Forbes annual billionaire rankings issued in March. 

While Forbes reports the list of billionaires has seen about a 20 percent decline in the sagging economy, it seems “Malcolm Glazer & Family” has moved up about 100 spots to check in at No. 305 — Net worth $2.2 billion. 

Tampa tycoon holds the majority of his fortune in an asset class that holds value in a recession: sports teams. Owns pro football’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, English soccer giant Manchester United. Man U won both English Premier League and Champions League in 2008, but massive debt load continues to hamper profitability despite rising revenues

The Glazers may not have the free flowing cash to comfortably write eight-figure signing bonuses. But Joe is quite certain they have all the money they need to spend the up to the salary cap and guarantee the contracts necessary to compete for a Super Bowl.

Bucs QB Josh Johnson is in awe of his opportunity to win a starting job this season

Bucs quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Luke McCown speak in an NFL.com video about their chances to be the starting quarterback for the Bucs come September. Johnson calls the battle between him and McCown “a chance of a lifetime.”

McCown must have had one heck of a workout. He was wearing a bag of ice on his right shoulder not unlike a starting pitcher in baseball after he threw a complete game.

Joe is nearly on his hands praying Josh Freeman doesn’t join this group.

If NFL.com's Pat Kirwan is correct, might the Bucs have Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers in their crosshairs?

If one is to believe Pat Kirwan of NFL.com, the Bucs greatest need is not a quarterback nor a defensive tackle.

NFL.com has a warroom of sorts which breaks down each team’s needs. No, Kirwan doesn’t think a defensive tackle or quarterback is warranted for the Bucs in the first round, though he does explain how the Bucs do need an upgrade in each (and other) positions. Kirwan believes a left defensive end is the most pressing need.

Gaines Adams made strides last season and is becoming a real threat as a pass rusher on the right side, but he will struggle to remain productive without help. The Bucs need to upgrade the left end position in order to create a pressure package that will force opposing offenses to balance their protections.

If Kirwan is correct, might the Bucs be fortunate to have a guy like Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers slip to No. 19?

NFL Network’s Brian Billick and Mike Mayock discuss what the Bucs need in the first round of this month’s draft. The duo begin talking Bucs at the 1:00 mark of the video.

Mayock raves about Mississippi defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Billick also agrees he’s a nice player, but not as nice as Mark Sanchez, who Billick likes a lot.

Joe wouldn’t mind seeing Jerry in a Bucs uniform whatsoever. It almost seems like this guy might be too good to be true the way both Billick and Mayock raved about him.

NFL.com released the Bucs’ offseason schedule.

Although Tampa Bay’s training camp start date has yet to be released, it is assumed it will begin late in July.

Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
May 12-13
May 19-21
May 26-28
June 2-4
June 9-11

Mandatory Minicamp
June 16-18

Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times appears with vodka-swilling Dana Jacobson of BSPNews to talk about Bucs draft.

The video is slightly dated, taped just before Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was traded to the Bears. But at least they talk based on the premise the Bucs weren’t going to get Cutler.

Joe won’t spill the beans on who Stroud picks. Let’s just say it turned Joe’s stomach and it’s clear Stroud is slurping the nonsense the Bucs front office is floating.

One thing Joe has always tried to do is keep up with technology, though sometimes he lags behind. With Twitter all the rage, Joe has decided to jump on board.

Joe’s been meaning to do this for some time. Given some sober time between Final Four games and another dreadful Lightning game tonight, Joe decided the time was right.

Some may ask, “Why?” Good question, so did Joe. But there are times Joe’s actually working on something his loyal readers may want to know.

Though Joe will strive not to pull a Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times — who Joe likes a great deal — and have an ungodly boring “Here’s what Joe is working on” update like Jones does on video midday updates for the Times, that doesn’t mean readers won’t want to know what’s going on.

(If you have never watched a St. Petersburg Times “Midday Sports Report,” DON’T! It’s beyond dreadful. “The Bucs are holding minicamp today. Rick Stroud will have a story in tomorrow’s paper.” You arrogant slobs call that an “update?!” No wonder newspapers are folding. Trust Joe, you are betting off scraping the fungus from your toenails rather than wasting time watching this tripe. Environmentalists should rightly be outraged over the waste of electricity this is. Just who came up with this concept, John Romano?)

For example, this week Joe heard an interview on Sirius NFL Radio with Sgt. Winslow. Of course, it takes a while for Joe to transcribe the interview and post it. That doesn’t mean Joe wouldn’t want his readers to know a cool interview is coming, or that those with Sirius radio wouldn’t want to be tipped off so they too could hear it.

Joe’s twitter account is, oddly enough, “JoeBucsFan.”

If anyone has any twittering (tweeting?) tips, by all means, please share them.

Joe is sure this will be a bumpy road at first. But Joe aims to please. Apologies up front for any stubbings of the toe.

Smoking weed before the NFL Draft proved a good thing for Warren Sapp

Marijuana, steriods and other substances are on NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski’s mind today during the daily Rough Draft podcast.

Given the recent incidents with Plaxico Burress, Donte Stallworth and Michael Vick, perhaps smoking weed just isn’t so bad anymore in the eyes of the NFL.

Pawlowski talks how rumors about college players can get driven by{+++} agents, Web sites and the media.

[audio:podcast0404.mp3]

JoeBucsFan.com analyst Bob Fox writes Central Arkansas QB Nathan Brown could be a target for the Bucs in the 2009 draft

JoeBucsFan.com analyst Bob Fox takes his second stab of the offseason at projecting the Bucs’ draft day plans in his latest Bucs-only mock draft.

You can read it here in the Features section, along with Fox’s other recent efforts.

Joe believes Fox may be channeling his inner Chucky with his fourth round selection.

Enjoy.

Joe never wants to hear about Michael Clayton's blocking. That will mean Clayton is catching balls thrown his way.

Joe is rooting for Michael Clayton. Assuming the Bucs’ offense stays healthy, Clayton could be the unit’s most important player in 2009.

If he can catch the ball with any consistency, a big if, that will take pressure and attention off Antonio Bryant, lessen the loss of Ike Hilliard (and Joe believes that’s a huge loss) and help everyone forget the Bucs don’t have a No. 3 receiver with experience.

Pat “Vacation Man” Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, talked to Clayton and ponders the question Joe has considered since Clayton got his fat new contract.

The Bucs are paying a wide receiver more than some of their offensive linemen to block for their running backs? There’s a bit more to it than that, but the basic answer is the Bucs view Clayton’s blocking as a huge positive.

“I really think that’s why I stayed here because they value the blocking so much,” Clayton said.

It seems every time new coach Raheem Morris talks these days, he uses the words “violent” and “physical.” That’s how he wants his team to play. It seems every time new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski speaks, he mentions how important it is to run the ball.

That’s why Clayton has found a home.

As Joe has mentioned previously, he is very proud of Michael Clayton’s blocking. However, Joe hopes he never hears anyone talk about Clayton’s blocking this season.

That will be the indicator that Clayton is catching the ball.

” …Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers.”

So believes Evan Silva of Rotoworld, writing for NBCSports.com.

Ayers’ terrific postseason catapulted him into round one despite a three-sack senior season. He’s adequately built to play left defensive end in a base 4-3 system and Tampa has made no effort to re-sign incumbent LE Kevin Carter. New coordinator Jim Bates wants to get bigger up front and likely would prefer to keep Greg White as a situational rusher.

Joe wouldn’t be opposed to the Bucs drafting a defensive end in the first round. But if the Bucs do, as Joe has asked in the past, wouldn’t such a move be a signal that they’ve given up hope in Gaines Adams?

Joe isn’t into fantasy football, though he knows many Bucs fans are. Rather, Joe is into other fantasies that in some circles could be classified as R-rated, thus he won’t go into detail about them here.

Though regular readers might have a good guess as to what Joe’s fantasies could include.

Gregg Rosenthal of NBCSports.com is a fantasy football guy. He claims that, despite a breakout season with the Bucs last year, wide receiver Antonio Bryant will suffer in 2009.

Bryant’s career year had the perfect recipe: Jon Gruden, minimal competition at wideout, and motivation born from a career on the brink.

The 2009 concoction doesn’t look as tasty: a first-time NFL offensive coordinator, Luke McCown at quarterback, and a $9.8 million payday. At least the Bucs still have mediocrity behind him at wideout. Calling Bus Cook, stat!

Sometimes Joe reads Rosenthal and shakes his head, wondering if he has any clue what he’s writing about. If anything Bryant should have a better year. The Bucs new offense will throw the ball downfield much more which means more yards per catch which likely means more touchdowns.

Joe can honestly say he got through college without having to take algebra (thank God for journalism degrees, otherwise, Joe might still be in college if he had to take algebra). But this nonsense Rosenthal spouts doesn’t doesn’t add up for Joe.

Already labeled a "short term" replacement" for Jay Cutler, reports NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, Kyle Orton's Broncos are likely looking to trade up for a quarterback.

Three of four NFC West teams have first round selections before the Bucs. What happens in this division is critical to the Bucs’ options.

In addition to breaking down the needs and likely directions of the NFC West teams, Justin Pawlowski, resident NFL Draft expert of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal, talks about the draft fallout of the Jay Cutler trade.

Kansas City Chiefs’ No. 3 pick could now be a target of the Denver Broncos, Pawlowski says, in order to nab quarterback Mark Sanchez who is likely in the sights of the Seattle Seahawks at No. 4. 

Also, daily study of the college talent pool in 2009 is leading Pawlowski to sour greatly on the Bucs’ trade for Kellen Winslow.

Pawlowski explains his observations {+++} in today’s daily podcast. Enjoy.

Joe has made no secret of his lust for Bucs cheerleader Rachel Watson, one of the loveliest ladies Joe has ever laid his eyes on.

If some are offended by that statement, sorry. Joe is a man: He loves football, the NFL Network and young, buxom, tanned cheerleaders including Rachel.

So in reading various local reports on the tryouts for the 2009 Buccaneers cheerleading squad, and watching the meticulous and in-depth reporting of WFLA’s Dan Lucas on the event, Joe has not read, heard nor has seen any mention of Rachel.

Could this be the end of an era? If there is some reason that is keeping Rachel from continuing her duties as a Bucs cheerleader, this would be nothing short of a crime against humanity.

Surely there are some readers of JoeBucsFan.com who know of Rachel’s whereabouts. Has her cheerleading days come to an end?

While Joe is not a stalker, Joe does know where Rachel works out. If Rachel is ever of the mind, Joe will be happy to offer his services for a private, intense yet intimate workout.

Joe is confident Rachel knows how to use e-mail.

Joe still can’t get the thought out of his mind — no, not that thought! — that Rachel’s days as a Bucs cheerleader may have come to an end.

Say it isn’t so Rachel.

"Luke stay with me, man. I've only got another 145 plays to install by Sunday."

Joe was just sitting around thinking about the magnitude of the challenge facing Luke McCown.

For Joe, the intriguing question is how patient will Bucs fans be?

And will McCown get that two-year window Raheem The Dream allegedly discussed with the team?

For kicks, Joe is serving up a list below of McCown’s NFC quarterback brethren.

It’s a reasonably impressive group.

Joe’s going to crack a cold one tonight and hope that by November McCown proves himself to belong in the same breath as most of these guys.

Eli Manning
Tony Romo
Jason Campbell
Donovan McNabb
Tavares Jackson/Sage Rosenfels
Jay Cutler
Daunte Culpepper
Aaron Rogers
Matt Ryan
Drew Brees
Jake Delhomme
Luke McCown
Matt Hasselbeck
Kurt Warner
Marc Bulger
Shaun Hill

Joe recommends this story from Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel.

Harry, one of the veteran Bucs beat scribes, spent time studying the start of the Jim Bates era on defense.

Many Bucs fans wondered who would want to follow the legendary Monte Kiffin. It seems like the fiery Bates is a smooth fit.

“I’d rather come in following Monte than come into some place where they haven’t been passionate, they haven’t had the team feeling and haven’t played good defense,” Bates said. “Yes, these are big shoes to fill, but we’ve also had some great defense over the years. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Most troubling to Joe was a quote by Gaines Adams, who is looking for help. Now Joe realizes he’s reading a bit between the lines here. But it would be much preferred to see Adams come across more confidently and with more self-responsibility.

The most glaring difference will be seeing cornerbacks, namely veteran Ronde Barber and 2008 first-round pick Aqib Talib, in tight man coverage outside on wide receivers.

“We will be a lot more aggressive where the corners are concerned,” Bates said.

Talib’s take on that additional responsibility?

“Love it,” he said.

The press coverage will mean little if defensive end Gaines Adams and friends aren’t doing their part up front. “I’m hoping he can take me to where I want to be,” Adams said.

Mr. Adams, you will take yourself where you want to be. Are you saying Monte Kiffin didn’t get it done for you?

Work hard til you hurt. Study film til you can’t see. And let it all hang out on the field. That’s being a man in the NFL.

Joe didn’t lose a wink of sleep last night after learning thin-skinned Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was not traded to the Bucs. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Joe had a couple of beers as well.

But Joe understands a lot of Bucs fans were panting over the thought of Cuter calling signals for the Bucs. Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune is not among that group.

Henderson was/is one of the few voices that all but begged the Bucs not to land Cutler. This morning, Henderson is breathing a loud sigh of relief.

You wanted Cutler? That’s the same guy who threw a tantrum when learning the Broncos had talked seriously of including in a three-way deal to the Bucs. He put his house in Denver up for sale. He wouldn’t return calls from his coach and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.

That doesn’t sound like the kind of leader that can take a team to a championship.

It was also interesting that few (any?) of his former teammates stood up for him. Compare that to the way the Bucs are rallying behind McCown.

None of us know for sure whether McCown packs the goods to win consistently in the NFL. We do know, though, that if you put him side-by-side with Cutler, it’s no question who has handled this situation better.

Sure, two first round picks and a third is a steep price to pay for a quarterback who at times seems to have all the attributes of a spoiled brat with ADD and has started as many NFL playoff games as Joe has. But imagine how much the Bucs would have paid if Son of Bob was part of the deal? The Bucs would have had to cough up three first round picks for Denver to take this stiff off of their hands!

Luke McCown's alleged mysterious underwear-staining issue should clear up about now

Now it’s finally time to buy your Luke McCown jersey!

He’s surely the happiest guy in the Bay area, now that the Chicago Bears have traded the proverbial farm for Jay Cutler today.

If you’re keeping score, the Bears gave up QB Kyle Orton, First round draft picks in 2009 and 2010, and a third round pick. in 2009, reports ESPN.

Beers on McCown tonight. Now the Bucs can get back to the business of the NFL Draft and signing the mysterious fourth quarterback to compete for the starting job.

Joe has made no secret that he is suspicious — yet hopeful — about Mark Dominik trading a second round draft choice this season for Sgt. Winslow.

But after hearing Sgt. Winslow talk to Sirius NFL Radio’s Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots on “The Blitz” this afternoon, Joe was so fired up he wanted to start running down the street and hitting people.

While much of the interview dealt with his Cleveland days (Sgt. Winslow raved about Brady Quinn as a quarterback and leader), the initial minutes of the segment dealt with Sgt. Winslow’s new team, the Bucs.

Solomon Wilcots: How happy are you to be in Tampa?

(Kellen) Sgt. Winslow: I really couldn’t be happier. My family and I, it’s the happiest we can be with the move we made. We have big smiles on our faces. I can’t wait to get going.

Adam Schein: Were you aware of the trade when it was going down?

KW: Oh yeah, it was up to me, that was how it went down. I was cool about it. It was a one-day trade. Cleveland wanted to get it down right away or not do the deal. Cleveland didn’t want the rumors to get out there. Tampa Bay was the most interested team.

[Sgt. Winslow then, unprovoked, began talking about Bucs quarterback Luke McCown and Raheem The Dream.]

Luke McCown is a good friend of mine. We have a history together. We came into the league together. It was a no-brainer for me.

Meeting coach Morris and the tight ends coach [Alfredo Roberts] who is from Cleveland down here, it was a no-brainer this was the right move. I’m as happy as can be.

SW: What is in store next for Kellen Winslow for 2009?

KW: I’m just coming to work, just coming to work like I have always been doing. I’m just here to make plays for my team and help my team win. That’s all I can do.

We have a very fast team. I caught a pass in minicamp and there were six dudes around me. I’m not used to that. We are a very fast team. I can’t wait to get going. I’m excited, everybody is excited.

AS: Are you convinced Luke will be the starting quarterback?

KW: I think he will be. Everyone needs a chance and Luke has never had a chance. This is his sixth year in the league. If I was to start a franchise, he would be one of the few I’d put in there.

I know what he is about. He’s a great man, a great leader and he’s a very good athlete. He just needs his chance. Everybody needs a chance. We know what he is about and his teammates know what he is about.

Josh Johnson is very talented and he is pushing Luke. We have a lot of talent. I think Luke and Josh can really help us.

It’s a blessing I’m here. I don’t want to play for another coach now that I’ve met coach Morris. The energy level he brings is awesome. He’s a players’ coach, he’s a young guy but he knows what he is doing. He’s a decision-maker. We will make mistakes together but we will learn from that. He is infectious. I can’t wait to get going. I don’t want to play for anyone else.

SW: We don’t know what the Bucs are doing on defense. We don’t know what they are doing on offense. What can we expect from the Bucs?

KW: [Derrick] Brooks is a legend here; he’s gone. [Warrick] Dunn is a legend here; he’s gone. Joey Galloway is a legend. I wish I could have played with those guys.

But the 2009 Bucs will be real fast, real physical and we will hit you in the mouth. Offensively we will run the ball. The offensive line is solid. We will be real exciting and we will run the football.

AS: What will you think if the Bucs trade for [pouty Broncos quarterback] Jay Cutler?

KW: If it makes our team better… I’m seeing [Cutler] doesn’t want to leave now. I really don’t know what is going to happen. Luke is a great friend of mine and he deserves a chance but if Jay comes here, if it makes our team better…