Joe gets the messages, e-mails, Twitterings from Bucs fans: They are worried such a young team will crumble and fall apart with the lockout in place, that team unity will fold.

Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson soothed Bucs fans fears when he told eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune those concerns are empty. The Bucs will be ready to play when the lockout is over, whenever it is over.

“We knew this might happen,” Olson said, referring to the lockout imposed by team owners when the labor agreement with the NFL Players Association expired late last week. “We’ve made all the measures we had to do, staying within the rules. We should be fine. Every team is the same in this situation, working under the same rules.”

Though Olson didn’t comment specifically about Josh Freeman’s plans to have the Bucs work out as a team, reading between the lines it is quite clear: It’s going to happen.

Which should cause union-first Jeff Faine to have some restless nights.

Ah, yes. It’s yet another episode of JoeBucFan TV.

Brooks Reed is on the move

Draft boards are moving and shaking everywhere as hopefuls have pro days, get fat, get fit and show their true character.

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, The Commish of WDAE-AM 620, fires out his latest rankings, all part of the exclusive draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com. Grab a cold one and catch up on everything right here.

By JUSTIN PAWLOWSKI

Quarterbacks
1. Cam Newton – Auburn
2. Blaine Gabbert – Missouri
3. Ryan Mallett – Arkansas
4. Christian Ponder – FSU
5. Jake Locker – Washington

The more we find out about this quarterback class, the more questions we have.  Newton has the most talent and upside, but could also be a colossal swing and miss.  Gabbert is starting to have many questions raised about his accuracy outside the hash marks and deep.  Locker, Ponder, and Mallett all have their own concerns, but now are all getting rumblings of possibly going in the first round.  Andy Daulton and Colin Kaepernick miss out on the top 5, but could become solid 2^nd round picks. 

Running Backs
1. Mark Ingram – Alabama
2. Mikel Leshoure – Illinois
3. Ryan Williams – Virginia Tech
4.Shane Vereen – Cal
5. Kendall Hunter – Oklahoma St.

I’m still not enamored with this year’s running backs.  Ingram is a solid back that could have a great career if he gets behind a big offensive line.  Leshoure has great vision with the power to make his own hole.  Williams might be the most talented back if he can stay healthy.  Vereen and Hunter are starting to rise up boards with good speed and the ability to run between the tackles.

Wide Receivers
1. AJ Green – Georgia
2. Julio Jones – Alabama
3. Titus Young – Boise St.
4.  Leonard Hankerson – Miami
5. Jonathon Baldwin – Pitt.

Jonathan Baldwin’s poor pro day has him slipping a bit.  He lacks explosion in and out of his breaks, but still has great size and soft hands.  Titus Young is a game breaker, while Hankerson is solid.  One name that I’m starting to consider in the top 5 is Greg Little from North Carolina.  He has some character concerns, but is as talented as any receiver in this draft.

Tight Ends
1. Kyle Rudolph – Notre Dame
2. Luke Stocker – Tennessee
3. Jordan Cameron – USC
4. DJ Williams – Arkansas
5. Virgil Green – Nevada

 The NFL is becoming all about receiving tight ends which is why four of my top-5 tight ends are receiving threats.  Cameron, Williams, and Green could all be interchangeable and should all be nice threats in the seem in the NFL.  Stocker’s the draft’s top balanced tight end with great ability in blocking.  If Rudolph stays healthy, he’s a 1^st round talent, but he hasn’t stayed healthy which should force him to drop.

Offensive Tackles
1. Tyron Smith – USC
2. Gabe Carimi – Wisconsin
3. Anthony Castonzo – Boston College
4. Nate Solder – Colorado
5.Derek Sherrod – Miss. St.

The only change here is Castonzo moving up to 3.  He does lack lower body strength, but does have a lot of potential as a left tackle in the NFL.  I like Carimi a lot as a right tackle and think a team like the Dolphins and Eagles make a lot of sense for him.  Sherrod just had his pro day and might have solidified a spot in the first round.

Offensive Guards/Centers
1. Mike Pouncey – Florida
2. Danny Watkins – Baylor
3. Stefan Wisniewski – Penn St.
4. Rodney Hudson – FSU
5. Clint Boling – Georgia

No change here, but Pouncey is starting to get a lot of attention.  We could end up seeing Pouncey go in the teens somewhere.

Defensive Ends
1. Rober Quinn – North Carolina
2. Da’Quan Bowers – Clemson
3. JJ Watt – Wisconsin
4. Cameron Jordan – Cal.
5. Aldon Smith – Missouri
5. Ryan Kerrigan – Purdue

I refuse to leave Kerrigan off this list.  He has done everything he can to be one of the top defensive ends.  Aldon Smith, in my opinion, is starting to slip a little because he hasn’t displayed dominant speed and quickness this offseason, and that’s supposed to be his game.  Da’Quan Bowers pro day is April 1^st.  On that day he’ll either become the top defensive end or he will slide down this list and the overall draft board.

Defensive Tackles
1. Marcell Dareus – Alabama
2. Nick Fairley – Auburn
3. Muhammed Wilkerson – Temple
4. Corey Liuget – Illinois
5. Stephen Paea – Oregon St.

Muhammed Wilkerson is starting to make some real noise.  He can play in either the 4-3 or 3-4 defense, which makes him valuable to every team.  Liuget and Paea will be solid late 1^st or early 2^nd round picks.  Dareus is getting more and more noise as a potential 1^st or 2^nd overall pick.

Outside Linebackers
1. Von Miller – Texas A&M
2. Brooks Reed – Arizona
3. Akeem Ayers – UCLA
4. Dontay Moch – Nevada
5. Bruce Carter – North Carolina
5. Mason Foster – Washington

I’m not sure anyone is getting as much attention and buzz right now as Brooks Reed is.  He is flying up draft boards and should find himself selected in the first round.  I have Moch over Carter due mainly to Carter’s health concerns.

Inside Linebackers
1. Martez Wilson – Illinois
2. Colin McCarthy – Miami
3. Nate Irving – NC St.
4. Greg Jones – Michigan St.
5. Kelvin Sheppard – LSU

Not much has changed with the middle linebackers so far.  Wilson is by far the top middle linebacker in this class, but could also play outside.  Greg Jones had a solid pro day and should end up as a solid pro, but I don’t think he’ll be an impact player.  Sheppard is big, but lacks elite speed.

Cornerbacks
1. Patrick Peterson – LSU
2. Prince Amukamara – Nebraska
3. Jimmy Smith – Colorado
4. Aaron Williams – Texas
5. Brandon Harris – Miami

Jimmy Smith has special talent, but his character issues might be too much for teams to ignore.  Brandon Harris is small, but tough and should be a solid 2^nd round pick.  Williams has versatility to play corner or safety.

Safeties
1. Rahim Moore – UCLA
2. Quinton Carter – Oklahoma
3. DeAndre McDaniel – Clemson
4. Deunta Williams – North Carolina
5. Chris Culliver – South Carolina

I do not like this safety class. Quinton Carter is one name to keep an eye on.  He’s a big hitter with great character.  Rahim Moore is very good in coverage, but not a complete player.

Not everyone important to the Bucs is locked out of One Buc Palace.

The Bucs have been kind enough to open their doors to cheerleader hopefuls and help them train and stretch before embarking on quest to make the official hottie cheerleading squad this Spring. These workout sessions will continue for weeks.

And the Bucs have been kind enough to share the above insider photo and more via the team’s official Facebook page.

Joe chose this particular photo to protect the women’s identity. Though Joe suspects some of the more bizarre stalkers readers in his audience can still recognize these cheerleader hopefuls.

Good luck, ladies.

The Tampa Sports Authority, apparently not too worried that their stadium, The CITS, will soon be deemed outdated by the lords of the NFL in order to host another Super Bowl, are instead fretting about things they cannot control.

Take the lockout. The fact the NFL owners and the NFLPA are a labor war has the beancounters at the Tampa Sports Authority chewing their fingernails.

If any games are lost this season, the Tampa Sports Authority has contemplated raising parking costs to $30 as well as raising the prices for beer, as if the prices aren’t obscene enough already.

But no! That won’t happen this season. Team Glazer, riding their white horses, have offered to cover any shortfall the Tampa Sports Authority may suffer so that fans aren’t squeezed any more, so reports Michael Sasso of the Tampa Tribune.

The options for tackling the funding problem weren’t pretty. The sports authority has contemplated tacking a 15 percent charge onto concessions and a $5 charge onto parking. That would have applied to even non-football events, such as this weekend’s Kenny Chesney concert, Hart said.

So concert parking might have risen to $30 from $25.

The other option was for the Bucs to make up the stadium shortfall. The team has agreed to pay to cover the potential gap so the sports authority doesn’t have to tack on the extra surcharges.

Bravo gentlemen, bravo! Joe stands up from his barstool and roundly applauds.

Now the truth is known: It is the Tampa Sports Authority that rapes honest citizens for the $8 beers and $25 to park in a dust patch.

The looming and likely rookie salary cap that would come with a new NFL labor agreement has some wondering whether that could tempt the Bucs to trade up in the draft?

Obviously, those first-round picks become much more valuable if they’d be guaranteed, say, 75 percent less than what they got last year.

Draft guru/TV star Justin Pawlowski, The Commish of WDAE-AM 620, explores this and more of your draft and Bucs questions in his Commish’s Inbox podcast. He even takes on the notion that drunks are scaring away Bucs fans from the C.I.T.S.

Just click the arrow below or download here. All part of the unmatched draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com.

[audio: 31611commishinbox.mp3]

Covering every inch of the NFL Draft, resident JoeBucsFan.com guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski, via his draft rumors page at 620wdae.com, has captured a Twitter message from Associated Press writer Mark Long that claims Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey thinks the Bucs are high on him.

Not the biggest shock in the world, especially if you read The Commish’s in-depth take here last week on why Pouncey might be just what the Bucs are seeking in the first round.

Of course, the Bucs will do plenty of interviews. But the buzz around Pouncey is even more interesting given that it seems the Bucs may have passed on a face-to-face with defensive end prospect Justin Houston. Update: National Football Post now says he is coming to visit the Bucs.

Joe loves all this draft gossip. (Oh, and Pouncey told the AP that he’d love to play for his hometown Bucs.)

Joe would hardly cry and moan if the Bucs draft Pouncey. Arron Sears’ tragedy aside, it’s hard to go wrong with depth and big-time talent on the O-line.

Joe’s inbox has fielded its share of questions asking whether the lockout is affecting traffic at JoeBucsFan.com.

Great question!

The answer is, No. At least Joe doesn’t think so.

Joe’s well on pace to best February’s record traffic numbers, and Joe’s traffic should be up about 80 percent in March from March 2010. Joe was looking for a 100 percent increase in March (there’s still an outside shot) so perhaps that’s lockout related.

Anyway, no matter what happens with the lockout, Joe will be working tirelessly for Bucs fans daily — and resuming his postgame column on the popular JoeRaysFan.com on opening day.

If you’re a business owner wondering why you don’t have more customers, e-mail Joe today to jump on board the most cost-effective advertising opportunity in the history of the Tampa Bay area, joe@joebucsfan.com. … Or you can keep doing what you’re doing.

Joe’s getting annoyed with NFL superwriter Peter King’s attitude.

The way King is writing for Sports Illustrated it seems he thinks the owners’ lockout of the players should still mean a business-as-usual, made-for-TV NFL Draft. What is he thinking?

While the draft will go on as planned in late April — thank the heavens — players are considering hosting their own live draft-day programming, where essentially the draft picks will hang out and talk to media not part of the official NFL draft broadcast. So Roger Goodell will call their name and team on BSPN and NFL Network, and then the draftee will hug his new teammates on, say, TNT, broadcasting the players’ little draft festival.

Of course, that would cut the testicles off the official NFL broadcast, cost the league advertising money, and make for a legendary day of channel-flipping across the country.

Exciting television, in Joe’s eyes. But King seems bitter.

Saying he was just back from Asia where he jumped off mountains and got food poisoning, former Bucs pass rush beast Simeon Rice sat down with The Ron and Ian Show on WDAE-AM 620 yesterday to discuss football, life and his new film (he’s a filmmaker).

Among other gems, Rice said “I’m one of those guys that chop wood but don’t look for the tree to fall. I enjoy the process.”

When the subject of the Bucs came up, Rice talked in detail about his relationship with Rod Marinelli. Very interesting stuff. Joe suggests you hear it for yourself here.

Rice also expressed his disbelief on the Bucs low sack total in 2010 and Stylez White changing his name. 

“That’s so funny that guys change their name and that’s not good players. Jerry Rice didn’t change his name. Walter Payton didn’t change his name. Joe Montana didn’t change his name,” Rice said. “Honestly, I wanted to lend my services back. …I called up the team and was like, ‘Listen, out of respect, you know, give me a workout. I’ll come in, show up, and show you what I’m about right not. …Five sacks is your leader of the team?”   

Rice explained that he still works out five hours daily. “It’s a lifestyle choice.”

Rice also told stories of what he perceived as rampant BS spewed by Chucky. “I was his best defensive player but he downplayed me in front of the team a lot.”

Again, it was in interesting and funny interview. Joe wouldn’t have bet against Rice leading the Bucs in sacks last year.

Joe gets crazy with this look at defensive ends in the 2011 draft from the always unpredictable JoeBucsFan TV studios.

There are even special effects in this must-watch video! You must watch it to the end.

Mike Lombardi’s column on NFL.com today talks about all the extra free time coaches now have in the lockout mess and about how coaches need to use the time wisely.

Well, for a guy like Raheem Morris, who already has his systems firmly in place, it’s a safe bet Raheem’s diving even deeper into evaluating potential draft picks. It’s a process Raheem already enjoys and gets involved with as much as he can, so he’s said publicly many times.

But with Raheem having all this extra time to watch film and wield his powerful influence in the Bucs’ draft process, rather than text and call all his players and drill them with core beliefs, Joe has to think the Bucs are going to lean in a defensive direction when late April rolls around.

How could they not?

Raheem’s been the star witness of the Bucs getting gashed over and over and over again in the running game, and failing to get to the quarterback.

If Raheem’s not pounding the drums for a violent linebacker and a manbeast defensive end, then Joe’s got him pegged all wrong.

Joe loathes Hollerin’ Gus Johnson with every fiber of his core. As the sports voice of reason Phil Mushnick has written several times, if someone sat in your home or next to you at the bar and screamed and brayed like this fool does, trying to gin up excitement, you’d either call the cops or punch the guy.

But if there was one sport Joe not only would pay attention to but also watch if Hollerin’ Gus Johnson called, it would be golf. To see serial adulterer Eldrick Woods and the rest of those constipated, pampered rich boys wing a golf club at Johnson every other hole at some tournament like The Munsters would be priceless.

Think Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack cranking Journey, piercing the normal wake-like pall over a golf course.

Which brings Joe to Tiki Barber, in a roundabout way. It seems eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune crossed paths with both Tiki Barber’s brother Ronde, along with Bucs coach Raheem Morris at some local golf outing and Raheem refused to defuse rumors that Tiki will join his twin brother on the Bucs… whenever the NFL resumes normal activities.

“You can’t close the door,” Bucs coach Raheem Morris said of the possibility of signing Tiki Barber. “Anybody that can help your team, you want to look into it. Obviously, that’s not the direction we’re heading right now – we’re about youth and building through the draft. Me and (GM) Mark Dominik will have those discussions shortly, whenever free agency opens, but Tiki is definitely an impact player.

“Right now, we have a player that looks like him, plays like him, talks like him, walks like him and has had a lot of success with us. Ronde’s an amazing player. Right now, he’s ageless. We all know it’ll catch up with him eventually, but until that day happens, we’re going to continue to enjoy Ronde Barber.”

Well. It seems like in the past few days since Tiki first announced his planned return to the NFL, teams rumored to be interested in him from the Steelers to the Patriots have denied interest.

The Bucs, a team first thought to be a lock for Tiki, haven’t exactly said “No.”

Joe’s going to preface this Bucs post by saying he grew up as a wide-eyed, NFL-obsessed little tyke collecting football cards and watching a washed up Joe Namath leave the Jets and thinking newcomer running backs Clark Gaines and Kevin Long were surefire Hall of Famers.

Hey, little kids love their teams. And little kids love going to games.

Young Joe never felt it was out of place at Shea Stadium when his uncle and friends didn’t let Joe drink out of “the red Thermos” that smelled funny. And Joe thought it seemed perfectly righteous when chants of “Bullsh*t” and other foul language rang through the crowd as fans bought two and three Budweisers from the beer guy in the fourth quarter to wash away another Jets loss.

Those experiences and more were fond, lasting, almost wholesome memories for Joe. But now it seems a lot of people think a Bucs game — and other NFL games — is no place for a kid.

On today’s Fabulous Sports Babe Show on WHBO-AM 1040, the Sports Babe explained to Tampa Tribune Bucs beat writer Roy Cummings that a caller told her he wouldn’t take a 10-year-old to a Bucs game because of the behavior throughout the drunken crowd. She went on to say subsequent callers agreed and then asked Cummings to give his take.

Cummings was on board with the premise that a Bucs game is no place for a youngster and possibly not even himself, if he were a fan and not an esteemed working journalist.

“That’s America and it’s the same [in other all other cities]. … It’s basically a drunkfest. And when people get drunk and stupid, you know, they do stupid things. No. I’m not sure I would take a 10-year-old to a Buccaneers game, either,” Cummings said.

“In fact, to be honest with you, I’m not sure I would attend a Buccaneers game if I was just a fan. I used to be a Buccaneers season ticket holder back in the day and I gotta say, it’s not the most pleasant of experiences. It’s certainly not for me anyway as pleasant as going to a hockey game or a baseball game. There is something different going on in the crowd [at NFL games] that’s a little bit different than the other sports.

“I think it’s just kind of the culture of what football is. They’re liquored up early. They get liquored up more during the game. They can’t control themselves and things, you know, happen. Fights break out. Beers get thrown around.  Things happen. If you’re willing to accept that and deal with that, go ahead and have a good time at the game. If not, I’d stay away.”

Joe’s saddened to hear all this.

Is it really that bad at a Bucs game? Is it really inappropriate for a 10-year-old?

Full disclosure: Back in 2004, Joe took his then 5-year-old to her first Bucs game and sat two seats away from a guy who screamed the F word at the top of his lungs about 10 times during the game, despite being asked by his girlfriend and others around him to can it since there was a kid nearby.

That said, Joe really doesn’t believe Bucs games are bad for a 10-year-old kid. There’s really not much trouble and most parents should be able to steer their kids away from it, or at least have some teaching dialogue about whatever shenanigans are happening.

Frankly, a Bucs game experience is nothing compared to what most kids are hearing in the hallways and lunchrooms of public school.

Take your kid to a game.

Peter King writes the Bucs would be wise to spend up to $20 million a year on a certain free agent cornerback.

Esteemed NFL Radio talking head and Sports Illustrated NFL writer Peter King was zeroing in on the Bucs and Chiefs today in his popular Monday Morning Quarterback column at SI.com.

King was upbeat about what he perceives as progress in the labor talks and was buzzing about the return of the salary cap. In its absence in 2010, the Bucs and Chiefs spent low and won high.

What if Brandon Harris is on the board when the Bucs are on the clock in the second round?

There’s one thing NFL owners and players seem to agree on: the NFL Draft will go off as scheduled in late April.

Thank goodness.

And you can count on the best Bucs-focused draft coverage on the planet right here from NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowksi, The Commish of WDAE-AM 620.

Today, The Commish looks breaks down cornerbacks and safeties in his own unique Bucs-focused way. Look for more from The Commish every day this week, including his debut on JoeBucsFan TV.

By JUSTIN PAWLOWSKI

Cornerbacks:

1. Patrick Peterson – LSU
        6’0’’ – 219 lbs – 4.34
Top 5

Why The Commish would draft him:  Peterson’s one of the most complete corners to come out in a long time.  He has the size to match up with big receivers.  He has strength to play press coverage on the line.  He has the speed to run with the fastest receivers in the NFL.  He’s a very solid tackler.  Hell, Peterson is even an elite returner.

Why The Commish would stay away:  There just aren’t many flaws with Peterson.  While he’s a solid tackler, he is not an elite tackler. 

Impact on the Bucs: Peterson should have a great impact on whatever team selects him.  With there not being as much a need at corner with the teams at the top of the draft, Peterson could slip a bit, but I don’t see him getting past the 49ers at 7.

Comparison: Darrelle Revis – New York Jets

2. Prince Amukamara – Nebraska
        6’0’’ – 206 lbs – 4.43
        Top 10

Why The Commish would draft him:  I like a corner that can match up physically with any receiver across from him.  Amukamara has a good combination of size and speed, which he displayed at the combine.  I think Amukamara is at his best when up on the line of scrimmage in press coverage.

Why The Commish would stay away:  Although he displayed good speed at the combine, Amukamara might not play that fast as he tends to let receivers get behind him.  When this happens, he can make contact and draw flags on himself.

Impact on the Bucs:  I’m not sure Amukamara would slip to the Bucs, but he is a big physical corner that would fit the type of defense the Bucs run.

Comparison: Nate Clements – San Francisco 49ers

3. Jimmy Smith – Colorado
6’2’’ – 211 lbs – 4.46
1^st Round

Why The Commish would draft him:  When you’re mapping out the ideal corner, you’d probably describe Smith’s characteristics.  He’s big, fast, and aggressive.  Smith plays with a ton of confidence and consistently comes up to make a tackle. 

Why The Commish would stay away:  There are some major character flaws with Smith.  I’m still concerned about multiple failed drug tests and an underage alcohol arrest his freshman year.  He reportedly also turned off many teams with his attitude at the combine.  Some might be concerned that Smith is too aggressive at times, but I like my corners aggressive and going for the big play.

Impact on the Bucs:  I think Smith could be a late riser as we near the draft.  There is a lot to like about his ability.  If a team gets passed the character concerns, like the Bucs have in the past, that team could end up with a special player.  Yes, the Bucs have Ronde for another year and EJ Biggers and Myron Lewis waiting in the wings, but Smith opposite of Aqib Talib would be nice in what is becoming a quarterback heavy division.

Comparison: Aqib Talib – Buccaneers

4. Aaron Williams – Texas
6’0’’ – 204 lbs – 4.52
2^nd Round

Why The Commish would draft him:  Williams already has good size, but probably plays bigger than he already is.  He’ll attack the line of scrimmage to support against the run.  Williams is at his best when he’s close to the line of scrimmage in coverage as well.  He has a lot of experience and football in his blood.

Why The Commish would stay away:  I worry of how Williams will consistently do in space.  He lacks elite speed and might see himself moving back to safety due to his liability in coverage.

Impact on the Bucs:  Williams could be destined for the safety position and might already be the top safety in this class, but for the time being, we’re keeping him at corner.  The only way I see Williams as an option for the Bucs is if he lasts to their pick in the 2^nd round.  I think the Bucs would view him as a safety if they drafted him.

Comparison: Michael Griffin – Tennessee Titans

5. Brandon Harris – Miami
5’9’’ – 191 lbs – 4.51
2^nd Round

Why The Commish would draft him:  Harris is the type of corner that just gets the job done.  He’s probably best suited in the NFL for zone coverage.  Harris seems to have very good instincts in space and good closing speed.  Despite his lack of size, Harris is very tough and a very good tackler in space.

Why The Commish would stay away:  The first thing that stands out to me is Harris’ lack of ideal height.  Harris also lacks elite speed.  The performance Michael Floyd had in the Sun Bowl when matched up with Harris continues to haunt me.

Impact on the Bucs:  It seems like Harris would be a good fit for a “Tampa 2” defense, but I don’t think he’s a logical choice for the Bucs.  If the Bucs go with a corner early, it should be a flashy corner with potential to dominate.  I think Harris is solid, but not flashy.

Comparison: Ronde Barber – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

6. Curtis Marsh – Utah St.
6’0’’ – 197 lbs – 4.52
2^nd/3^rd Round

Why The Commish would draft him:  I really like the upside with Marsh since he just started playing corner full time as a senior in 2010.  He switched from running back to corner in 2009 and started the final 4 games there.  Utah St. didn’t have the best competition, but against Boise St, Marsh played extremely well.  Marsh is also very tough and willing to support against the run.

Why The Commish would stay away:  As much as his lack of time playing corner gives Marsh upside, it also concerns me.  He does not have much experience at the position and will need time to develop.

Impact on the Bucs:  Marsh doesn’t seem like the most logical choice for the Bucs.  If the Bucs take a corner in the first couple rounds, it would have to be someone that could impact the team soon.  I don’t think Marsh is ready for an immediate impact in the NFL and will need some time to develop and get experience at the corner position.

Comparison: Vontae Davis – Miami Dolphins

7. Curtis Brown – Texas
6’0’’ – 185 lbs – 4.54
2^nd/3^rd Round

Why The Commish would draft him:  I really like Brown in coverage.  I think he can play in both man and zone equally well.  I also like Brown’s height to match up with taller receivers.  Brown is also very good on special teams.

Why The Commish would stay away:  Despite his decent size, Brown is not very physical.  He is not very good in press coverage, and does not stick his head in against the run.

Impact on the Bucs:  I’m not sure this is the type of corner Raheem Morris looks for.  If the Bucs are going to draft a corner, that corner will have to be an upgrade over EJ Biggers and Myron Lewis.  I don’t think Brown would be.

Comparison: Mike Jenkins – Dallas Cowboys

8. Brandon Burton – Utah
6’0’’ – 190 lbs – 4.51
2^nd/3^rd Round 

      Why The Commish would draft him:  I really like how physical Burton can get.  It was impressive seeing him matched up with Jonathon Baldwin at the beginning of the season.  Baldwin scored on a botched coverage by the safety, but I thought Burton matched him physically.  Burton is also excellent in open-field tackling.  Burton adds extra value on special teams.

       Why The Commish would stay away:  Because of how physical he is, I think Burton is much better in press coverage, but I’m worried he could be a liability in regular zone or man coverage.  I also see Burton getting blocked fairly easy by bigger receivers that engulf him.

       Impact on the Bucs: I love the intensity Burton brings.  He seems like a high energy and charismatic player.  With that said, I wouldn’t draft him until the 3^rd round if I were the Bucs.  If he fell to my pick in the 3^rd round, I would at least think about him, but not before that.

       Comparison: Courtland Finnegan – Tennessee Titans

9. Johnny Patrick – Louisville
5’11’’ – 191 lbs – 4.55
3^rd Round

       Why The Commish would draft him:  I really like Patrick in zone coverage because he seems to have good vision of passes underneath, and has the ability to get to the ball carrier and tackle him.  Also, despite having 4 different defensive coordinators while at Louisville, he continued to show improvement which shows his personal work ethic.  He also has really good strength to match up in press coverage.

      Why The Commish would stay away:  There are some character concerns with Patrick with an arrest in 2010 for assault.  He’s also very raw and still has a lot to learn at the corner position.

      Impact on the Bucs: Coming in as a rookie, I don’t see Patrick as an upgrade to either EJ Biggers or Myron Lewis for where he’ll be drafted.  If drafted by the Bucs, he’ll compete with the aforementioned duo for the nickel corner job.

      Comparison: Charles Tillman – Chicago Bears

10. Ras-I Dowling – Virginia
6’1’’ – 198 lbs – 4.46
3^rd Round

       Why The Commish would draft him:  Dowling’s been up and down, but I wouldn’t mind having a player of his talents in a zone defense.  I think he has very good instincts and tackling ability.  He has a very nice blend of size and speed.

       Why The Commish would stay away:  Health is a concern with Dowling.  After struggling with a knee injury last season, he hurt is hamstring running his only 40-yard dash at the combine.  I’m also worried about Dowling in man coverage.  Even with his speed, it seems like receivers can beat him deep.

       Impact on the Bucs:  For the Bucs, I wouldn’t even consider Dowling until at least the 3^rd round.  With that being said, don’t be shocked if the Raiders draft him in the 2^nd round.  Dowling should be at his best in zone coverage which is why I wouldn’t count the Bucs out in either the 3^rd or 4^th round.  He’d compete with Biggers and Lewis if drafted.

       Comparison: Chris Cook – Minnesota Vikings

Safeties:

1. Rahim Moore – UCLA
6’0’’ – 202 lbs – 4.62
2^nd Round

      Why The Commish would draft him:  I like Rahim Moore in coverage.  He seems to have good ball skills and instincts.  Moore also takes good angles when getting to the ball.

      Why The Commish would stay away:  Moore doesn’t offer much of anything in stopping the run.  He will not lay the big hit.  If he does get a tackle, it’s a drag down tackle. Moore also does not have much speed if needed to get deep.

      Impact on the Bucs: There is uncertainty with Tanard Jackson, but I don’t think it’s enough of an uncertainty to reach on an average safety in this draft.  If drafted by the Bucs, Moore would take over the role left by Tanard Jackson.  The two are very similar.

      Comparison: Louis Delmas – Detroit Lions

2. Quinton Carter – Oklahoma
6’1’’ – 208 lbs – 4.62
2^nd/3^rd Round

     Why The Commish would draft him:  Plays so much bigger than he actually is.  Carter will come down in run support and lay big hits on the ball carrier.  He also seems to recognize what the offense is doing rather quickly including routes run by receivers.  As much as character hurts other players, it should help Carter.  He has been associated with numerous charities and even started his own non-profit organization.

      Why The Commish would stay away:  With how aggressive Carter is, he can tend to be overly aggressive at times.  He can get caught in double moves by receivers and get sucked in by playaction.  Carter also tends to go for the big hit when he should just make sure the ball carrier goes down.

      Impact on the Bucs: Carter’s over-aggression could drop him to the 3^rd round.  That would be the earliest I think the Bucs should even start to consider a safety.  Carter would be a nice fit in the Bucs defense.  The Bucs defense has struggled being strong up the middle, so a hard hitter at safety like Carter, might be a nice addition in the 3^rd round.

      Comparison: Donte Whitner – Buffalo Bills

3. DeAndre McDaniel – Clemson
6’0’’ – 217 lbs – 4.65
^3rd Round

       Why The Commish would draft him:  McDaniel is one of the more balanced safeties in this class.  He is excellent at reading a quarterback and in coverage down the field.  McDaniel is also very reliable as a tackler who will go for the knockout hit at the right time.  He played through a broken hand last season which showed his overall toughness.

       Why The Commish would stay away:  Character is a major concern.  McDaniel was arrested and charged with assault and battery after being accused of choking his girlfriend, punching her in the head and chest, and pushing her down a flight of stairs.  The case was resolved after McDaniel agreed to participate in a pre-trial intervention program.  Enough said.

       Impact on the Bucs:  I know the Bucs have looked the other way at times when it comes to character, but this is a little much.  Now, if a team, like the Bucs, does there homework and determine that there are no major long term concerns, then McDaniel could be a steal in this draft.

       Comparison: Brandon Meriweather – New England Patriots

4. Deunta Williams – North Carolina
6’2’’ – 205 lbs – DNP
3^rd Round

       Why The Commish would draft him:  Williams has good overall instincts in pass coverage and run support.  He matches up well in man coverage.  Williams seems to diagnose plays quickly.

      Why The Commish would stay away:  Zone coverage is a weakness for Williams.  Although he seems to diagnose plays quickly, he doesn’t react to them as quickly as he should.  Williams is also not an elite tackler and has to be more consistent in that area.

       Impact on the Bucs: Williams is a decent safety, but not really a great fit for the Bucs.  His inability to read and react in zone coverage is a concern.  Also, the Bucs need safeties that can tackle well.

       Comparison: Roman Harper – New Orleans Saints

5. Chris Culliver – South Carolina
6’0’’ – 199 lbs – 4.40
3^rd Round

      Why The Commish would draft him:  After moving from safety to corner last year at South Carolina, Culliver should return to his natural position in the NFL.  He is a great cover man and matches up well in man coverage either against the slot or a tight end.

      Why The Commish would stay away:  Culliver was moved to corner last season mainly to protect him from hurting his shoulder, which became a concern at South Carolina.  He’s also not the greatest tackler coming from the safety position.  Culliver can also take bad angles at times.

      Impact on the Bucs:  I view Culliver as a developmental player who will give a team depth until he’s ready to step in and play.  I don’t think this is what the Bucs need at the safety position.

       Comparison: Tanard Jackson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former NFL personnel executive Mike Lombardi, now a premier talking head on NFL Network (unavailable to Out House Networks prisoners), was yammering yesterday on the air about how “we will have a salary cap” in 2011.

And he went on to rattle off various free agents that teams won’t be able to re-sign due to budget limitations. The Bucs will have no such problems, of course.

During Lombardi’s chatter he talked about how the Jets will have to prepare now to re-sign Mark Sanchez to a massive deal as he gets closer to free agency. That got Joe thinking about how much Josh Freeman will eventually command.

But more important, the Bucs undoubtedly will have to pay some free agents hefty money to reach the new salary cap floor, when one is established for 2011 — and it likely will be a bigger floor than ever considering the players are negotiating for more money and league revenues are skyrocketing.

If Barrett Ruud and Davin Joseph walk, Joe wonders where that money will be spent. Perhaps the Bucs take a page out of some other teams’ playbooks and lock up some of their young players before they hit free agency.

In case any Bucs fan was living under a rock over the weekend, the NFL is now fully in the throes of labor war.

This is the first time since 1987 there has been a labor stoppage. Unlike 1987 when players walked away, this time NFL clubs have locked out the players.

Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times decided to take a trip in the wayback machine with former Bucs receiver Mark Carrier, who was a rookie in 1987 and watched as the Bucs employed the “Counterfeit Bucs” — scabs — to play instead.

“You always thought it wouldn’t last long. I think that’s the mind-set of a lot of players,” Carrier said. “It’s not affecting them as much now because all they’re missing is the offseason workouts. But when you start missing games, you feel like (the owners) can’t survive without us and we can’t survive without them. But as the weeks go by, you start to ask yourself, ‘Is it really worth it?’ And that’s when you see guys fracturing.

“I’m concerned about the players from this standpoint: Back in ’87, there was something we were fighting for, fighting to achieve. That, to me, is the scary thing. What is the one thing during this work stoppage that the players are fighting for where they can say we want this or that? All the players want now is to keep what they have. I think that’s the hardest thing, to keep what we have already earned as players.”

Joe’s not going to bore his readers with CBA chatter. There are all sorts of places — including ProFootballTalk.com, penned by former lawyer, the creator, curator and overall guru of PFT, Mike Florio. His site has the best coverage of it all — interested parties can find relevant information.

But Joe is confident there will be football this fall.

The man stockpiling Saltines and anchovies in a backroom bunker of his Orlando haberdashery, Bucs center Jeff Faine, will return to the Bucs the next time the team has an organized workout at One Buc Palace, whenever that may be (2012?).

That’s the word from Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. He buttonholed Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik while Dominik took a break at the Great American Track Practice NFL Combine recently in-between Dominik watching guys run around in shorts and T-shirts but not playing football.

Dominik told Cummings that, in short, Faine will return to the Bucs whenever there is a season.

Many Bucs fans continue to speculate about the future of C Jeff Faine, who struggled to stay on the field yet again last season and is scheduled to make $4.75 million in 2011. The speculation stems from a belief the Bucs may not want to pay that kind of money to a center who has missed 12 games the past two seasons. But general manager Mark Dominik recently indicated strongly that Faine is safe.

“Jeff Faine is the captain of the football team for a lot of right reasons and he’s a productive player for us,” Dominik said during a sit-down chat at the scouting combine two weeks ago.

First, let Joe be clear: aside from his non-team, union-first scoffing at Josh Freeman for wanting to organize workouts and his outrageous crying about how players will be rendered homeless and forced to panhandle for crumbs due to the lockout, Joe has absolutely nothing against Faine. Nada. Nothing.

But seeing how Faine pulls in a pretty penny from Team Glazer and is getting up in years for an NFL player and is beginning to miss a lot of games due to injury, Joe was under the impression Faine might not be on the Bucs whenever this labor mess is resolved. That’s just the business of the NFL: If you are paid well, you better be able to answer the bell and perform well.

Joe’s not saying Faine didn’t perform well, but when the Bucs saw Jeremy Zuttah fill in admirably for Faine when he was out — and Zuttah’s salary is far less than Faine’s — if you did the math, the sum did not do much for Faine’s job stability in Tampa Bay.

It’s nothing personal at all. It’s just the harsh realities of life in the NFL.

A model of consistency in the Bucs’ lineup for the past two seasons, Kellen Winslow is extremely content, so he told Dan Parr of Pro Football Weekly.

And why shouldn’t he be? His lack of blocking talent — and occasional lack of blocking effort — is accepted, and he’s got a stud young quarterback looking for him.

Parr got a lot of happy-guy quotes from Winslow, who also described the maturation of his workouts.

“I knew we had the right guy leading us (at head coach), but I just knew we were really young,” Winslow said. “For us to do what we’re doing — it’s pretty amazing with how young we are. (My teammates) made me a believer. I didn’t know at first. I didn’t know how good we could be.”

The 27-year-old has undergone several surgeries on his right knee since he was involved in a motorcycle accident in ’05 and his practice time in training camp and during the season has been limited by head coach Raheem Morris to give him time to rest and recover.

Winslow said his offseason workout regimen has also changed over the years, and that it currently consists of running, cycling and playing basketball.

“I’ve gotten a lot smarter,” he said. “I just used to do anything I could because I wanted everything right now. I would already be running routes right now and be lifting a lot of weights.”

Joe enjoys watching Winslow. What a Grade A talent. Joe just wonders how long he can manage his chronic injuries.

It sure wouldn’t hurt the Bucs to draft a second tight end that can be a legitimate threat in the passing game.