How does Jay Cutler factor in with this latest version of "Bucs Arithmetic?"

Good morning, Bucs fans, it’s time for one of Joe’s favorite games: “Bucs Arithmetic.” You too can play along this morning in today’s segment.

Joe has documented how almost-Bucs quarterback Jay Cutler is doing everything short of taking a dump Josh McDaniels’ computer to get out of Denver. Even before McDaniels arrived in Denver Cutler was irritated, per SI.com’s Peter King, over Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s coaching moves in the offseason.

McDaniels, per King, was giddy about working with Cutler but something happened at the NFL combine to change his mind.

OK, Bucs fans, get out your pencils and calculators, here comes… Bucs Arithmetic!

McDaniels said he was not considering trading Cutler until he was contacted “by two teams” at the Scouting Combine. They were pie-in-the-sky inquiries, though, and he didn’t consider anything seriously, he said, until the day before the Feb. 27 beginning of free-agency, when he got a serious proposal for Cutler.

Tell Joe, based on your math skills, who might one of those two teams been?

As always, thanks for playing “Bucs Arithmetic.”

Noted draft guru Justin Pawlowski ,  a former Division I offensive lineman at Connecticut and Sports Animal personality, has churned out his second mock draft of the season.

Now remember, Justin explains who teams will pick and why, not who he thinks should be chosen. Big difference.

Grab a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy. And don’t forget every subscriber gets a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille, plus daily podcasts, breakdowns and more.

Mock Draft II
Updated 3-15-09

FIRST ROUND

{+++}

1.   Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
6-3,  225

Comments:  I’m still going with Stafford as the No. 1 pick in this draft.  Until the Lions give me any clue that they might go in another direction, I can’t help to think they’d grab a potential franchise quarterback and new face of the franchise with this pick.  Stafford is blessed with a strong arm and has been highly regarded since his days in high school.  I’m very concerned with his consistency and reading of defenses, but the Lions have to take a chance on him here.  The addition of Julian Peterson just about eliminated Aaron Curry from consideration here.

2.   St. Louis Rams
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6-5, 309

Comments:  Even before the release of Orlando Pace, the Rams were in the market for an offensive tackle.  That need increased the day Pace left the Rams.  The debate here is whether to go with the athletic offensive tackle in Jason Smith or the all-around offensive tackle in Eugene Monroe.  I was leaning to Monroe until I heard he might have issues with his knees.  This decision was too close, and the issues with the knees made my decision easier.  Smith is a very athletic offensive tackle, who displayed his strength at the combine when he put up 225 lbs 35 times.  With the release of Holt, Michael Crabtree becomes an option as well, but I see new head coach Steve Spagnuolo shoring up his offensive line.

 
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest
6-2, 254

Comments:  Now that Todd Haley has named Clancy Pendergast as his defensive coordinator, it’s apparent that the Chiefs will run a 4-3 defense.  This just reinforces the idea of drafting Curry.  I thought the Chiefs had a good draft last year, and an addition of Curry would help bring leadership to the defensive side of the ball.  Eugene Monroe could also be considered here after playing his collegiate career with the Chiefs’ first round pick last year, Branden Albert.

 
4. Seattle Seahawks
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
6-5, 309

Comments:  Two weeks ago, every mock draft had the Seahawks taking either Michael Crabtree or B.J. Raji.  Since then, the Seahawks have signed T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Colin Cole, and also traded for Cory Redding.  Now that those needs are filled, I see the Seahawks addressing their offensive line to help keep Matt Hasselbeck healthy.  It’s been rumored that Monroe could have issues with his knees, but he is a great all-around tackle.  Monroe was good enough at Virginia to keep Branden Albert inside at guard.  Monroe can start at right tackle until Walter Jones retires.

5. Cleveland Browns
Brian Orapko, DE/OLB, Texas
6-3, 263

Comments:  Well, Orapko has used this offseason to secure himself as the top hybrid defensive end / outside linebacker in the draft.  He is just what the Browns need coming off the edge.  He is big and strong, but has the speed to rush off the edge. 

6.   Cincinnati Bengals
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
6-1, 337

Comments:  To me, this is the first wrench in the draft.  After thinking the Bengals need help along the offensive line and at linebacker, I have them taking the best defensive tackle in the draft.  The Bengals have been yearning for a difference maker on defense for years, and that is exactly what Raji is.  Oh by the way, he’s got good character as well.  For the Bengals sake, I hope Raji turns out better than the last defensive tackle they took this high, Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson.

7. Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
6-0, 198

Comments:  Another wrench!!!  It’s starting to become more apparent to me that Al Davis will turn to another receiver rather than draft Crabtree.  Al Davis needs speed and the proof of it.  Now that Crabtree has already had his surgery, he will not be able to work out before the draft, thus, no 40 time.  Maclin is one of the most explosive playmakers in this draft.  He adds a spark to the offense and special teams.  DO NOT be surprised if Al Davis takes a very long look at Percy Harvin here.  I said that Maclin might be “one of the explosive playmakers in the draft”, but Harvin might be THE most explosive playmaker in the draft.  As for right now, I’ll have big Al going with Maclin, but that could change soon.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
6-1, 215

Comments:  I’ve seen that the popular pick now is to have the Jaguars take Mark Sanchez.  Well, do you think the Jaguars would take Sanchez over Crabtree?  I don’t.  Let’s face it, Jack Del Rio is on the “hot seat” and he needs an impact this year.  The Jaguars have failed on Reggie Williams, Jerry Porter, Troy Williamson, and Matt Jones.  Crabtree would instantly come in and make the Jaguars a threat through the air.  David Garrard is still a good quarterback; he has just had no one to throw to!!

9. Green Bay Packers
Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
6-2, 256

Comments:  The key ingredient for a team moving to a 3-4 defense is a rush off the edge.  The Packers will be moving Aaron Kampman to one of those positions, but the other one is still up for grabs.  Brown doesn’t have the measurable that Orapko has, but Brown knows how to get to the quarterback.  Dom Capers and Kevin Greene will love coaching this kid.  I’m hoping Bob Fox can back me up on this one.  I know that Packers could also use a corner, but I wouldn’t take Malcolm Jenkins here.

10. San Francisco 49ers
Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
6-4, 309

Comment:  The 49ers are another possible destination for Sanchez, but after restructuring Alex Smith’s contract and already having Shaun Hill, I feel the 49ers could address one of their other needs.  Oher has the ability to step in right away and start in San Francisco.  He is a physical tackle who can play on either side of the line.  Wide Receiver and an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense are the 49ers other main needs.

 
11. Buffalo Bills
Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
6-4, 249

Comments:  The Bills are in dire need of some help rushing the passer.  Wouldn’t you know, that is the specialty of Aaron Maybin?  Maybin also has experience playing in the type of weather he’ll see in Buffalo.

12. Denver Broncos
Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State
6-0, 204

Comments:  There has been a debate as to whether Jenkins will be a cornerback or a free safety in the NFL.  The good news is that the Broncos need both.  Jenkins is a heck of a football player who always knows where the ball is.  He might not possess elite speed, but he is a sure tackler, and could become an elite safety.  He kind of reminds me of a more talented Tanard Jackson.

13. Washington Redskins
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
6-3. 272

Comments:  The Redskins hold a “wildcard pick” in my opinion.  What I mean is that there are a number of ways they could go.  With the release of Jason Taylor and the signing of Albert Haynesworth, I believe that the Redskins were looking to shake up their defensive line this offseason.  Ayers has been creeping up draft boards and would be a nice fit for the Redskins.  He plays the run and pass equally well.  Ayers should be able to take advantage of having Haynesworth in the middle.  Another possibility for the Redskins here could be Andre Smith or Rey Maualuga.

14. New Orleans Saints
Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
6-3, 240

Comments:  With no corner worth taking this high, the Saints need to address their linebacker situation.  With outstanding workouts this offseason, Matthews has risen up draft boards and could be valuable in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.  He is excellent as a blitzer, and should thrive with the front four already in New Orleans.

15. Houston Texans
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
6-3, 243

Comments:  Defensive end is a possibility here, but with Ayers gone, the Texans should go with Cushing.  The Texans need another linebacker to assist DeMeco Ryans.  Cushing doesn’t possess elite speed, but he is a solid tackler and leader.  The Texans will have to address defensive end and corner later.

16. San Diego Chargers
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
6-6, 309

Comments:  With the resigning of LaDainian Tomlinson and placing the franchise tag on Darren Sproles, I don’t see the Chargers going with a running back right now.  The Chargers biggest need is at right tackle.  Jeromy Clary is only average, and the addition of Britton would help out the run and protect Phillip Rivers. 

17. New York Jets
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
5-11, 192

Comments:  The Jets are another team that could definitely take a long look at Sanchez.  The amount of confidence they have in Kellen Clemens will decide whether or not Sanchez is the pick.  Will the Jets releasing Laverneaus Coles, that opened up a spot for a receiver with speed to come in and play opposite of Jericho Cotchery.  Harvin will bring excitement to the Jets offense and special teams. 
 
18. Chicago Bears
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
6-2, 210

Comments:  Lovie Smith has come out and said that he is committed to Kyle Orton as the team’s quarterback.  The unfortunate part for Orton is that he has not had any good receivers to throw to in Chicago.  Heyward-Bey is a player who opened all sorts of eyes at the combine.  At his size listed above, he ran a 4.30 40 yard dash at the combine.  For those of you unaware of this stat, that is really good.  He was a little inconsistent at Maryland, but he has all the tools to be a dominant receiver in the NFL.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
6-3, 330

Comments:  This pick might surprise some people, but after looking at what the Bucs have done the past few years, they always seem to go with a pick that no one has thought of.  To me, it’s kind of like thinking outside the box.  I mean, Michael Clayton, Cadillac Williams, Davin Joseph, Gaines Adams, and Aqib Talib were all surprise picks that didn’t sit well with the fans.  I know that the regime has changed, but has it really?  Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris have been here for those draft picks too.

Why wouldn’t the Bucs go with Mark Sanchez here?  I understand that the Bucs attempted to get Jay Cutler, and could again, possibly with this pick, but other than that, I’m not getting a strong feeling that the quarterback position is a major focus for them heading into the draft.  I could be wrong, but with a majority of the moves this offseason already being on the offensive side, there comes a time when they’ll need to finally address the defense.  That’s a major reason why I’ve gone defense for the Bucs in each of my mock drafts.

As for Ron Brace, I’m sure most of you are wondering why I wouldn’t go with Peria Jerry here.  Well, the real question is what type of defense the Bucs are running now.  From my understanding, Jim Bates is going to want bigger defensive tackles and ends that can get up the field.  Jerry would not be a good fit for that type of system.  The ideal player that fits that mold is Brace.  He is big, strong, and quick.  We also can’t discount the fact that Ron Brace’s head coach at Boston College last year is now the Bucs new offensive coordinator, Jeff Jagodzinski. 

By the way, as first read here, the Bucs will privately workout Brace on April 2.  That might mean nothing, or it could mean something very significant.  I remember the year the Bucs drafted Davin Joseph.  They held a private workout with him around the same time that went unnoticed.  Hell, even I said it didn’t mean anything.  Well, I’m not discounting anything like that anymore.

20. Detroit Lions (via Cowboys)
Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
6-2, 249

Comments:  When your team is 0-16, the biggest need for your team is leadership.  Maualuga didn’t run the fastest 40 yard dash and wasn’t the smoothest looking linebacker, but over the course of his collegiate career, Maualuga was a force at middle linebacker and exuded leadership on every play.  Maualuga in between Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson sounds pretty damn good.

21. Philadelphia Eagles
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
5-11, 217

Comments:  The Eagles have to provide Brian Westbrook some relief.  How about the top rated running back in the draft?  Moreno has shown he can do it all.  He can catch, block, run outside, and run between the tackles.  A drafting of Moreno here would extend the career of Westbrook and make the Eagles offense even more dynamic.

22. Minnesota Vikings
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
6-3, 227

Comments:  People will look at this pick and call me crazy.  Whatever!!!  I mean, how many teams are desperate for a quarterback?  Should the Seahawks take Eugene Monroe or Sanchez?  Should the Jaguars take Michael Crabtree or Sanchez?  Should the 49ers draft another top 10 quarterback?  The Jets?  The Bucs?  I’ve seen better players drop farther than this.  Now, if Sanchez falls to the Vikings, I’d be incredibly shocked if the Vikings didn’t jump to pick him immediately.  I think Sanchez is a good quarterback with a lot of accuracy.  My only question is whether he can ever become an elite quarterback.

23. New England Patriots
Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
6-2, 255

Comments:  It seems like the Patriots are always trying to upgrade their outside linebackers.  English is a pure pass rusher and a good fit for a 3-4 defense.  English instantly makes the Patriots defense good again.  With the loss of Mike Vrabel, this pick makes too much sense.

24. Atlanta Falcons
Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT, Missouri
6-3, 300

Comments:  Mike Smith knows defensive tackles from his days coaching Marcus Stroud and John Henderson in Jacksonville.  Hood could be in that mold.  He is an extremely hard worker who’s always trying to get better.  His production wasn’t overly good at Missouri, but all the measurables are there.  Linebacker and corner are also possibilities for the Falcons.

25. Miami Dolphins
Darius Butler, CB,  UCONN
5-10, 183

Comments:  I’ve learned to never question Bill Parcells draft picks because 9 times out of 10, they pan out.  Butler would be a good fit for the Dolphins defense.  Coming from UCONN, Butler will have the structure and work ethic to succeed in the NFL.  He also specializes in man-to-man coverage which is run by the Dolphins.

26. Baltimore Ravens
Sean Smith, CB, Utah
6-3, 214

Comments:  Chris McAllister is gone, and Samari Rolle is on the way out.  John Harbaugh is a “Defensive Backs Guy”.  Now that we have a motive for this pick, why Sean Smith?  Smith is blessed with a great combination of size and speed for a defensive back.  Some consider him a corner while others view him as a safety, but I believe he could play both.  His height will allow him to take on the tallest receivers in the league, while his speed allows him to keep up with the fastest.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Smith’s stock rise a bit before draft day.

27. Indianapolis Colts
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
6-2, 299

Comments:  Jerry probably fits best into what the Colts run on the defensive side of the ball.  If Jerry can cause as much penetration as he did in college, he will dominate with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis playing the end positions.  Injuries are a concern with Jerry, but the Colts are in a position where they can take that chance.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (via Panthers)
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
6-4, 332

Comments:  I find it amazing that Smith shows up for two of the biggest and most important job interviews of his life at the combine and his pro day, and for both of them, he was not prepared.  Yet, even with his laziness, some mock drafts still have him going in the top 15 picks.  I know that he has a top of potential, but I’d be extremely worried to invest “top 15” money into him.  With the Eagles losing Tra Thomas to free agency and the uncertainty of Winston Justice, Smith is the big greasy lineman that Andy Reid loves.

29. New York Giants
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
6-3, 218

Comments:  The Giants need an answer to the Plaxico Burress problem.  Well, instead of waiting to answer that question in the 2nd round with the possibility of losing out on their guy, I think they’ll go ahead and take him here.  Britt is a local guy from Rutgers who possesses some serious talent.  Speed was the big question mark on him going into the combine, but he passed that test with flying colors after running a 4.47 40 yard dash.  His hands are very soft, and he’ll give the Giants a big target to go with Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, and Mario Manningham.

30. Tennessee Titans
Alex Mack, C, California
6-4, 311

Comments:  Kevin Mawae is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and anytime a player gets this deep into his career, injuries play a factor as well.  With the signing of Nate Washington and the drafting of Lavelle Hawkins last year to go with Justin Gage, I don’t believe that receiver is a desperate need for the Titans.  Instead, I like the Titans going with the best center on the board.  Mack could come in and help the Titans at guard or center.

31. Arizona Cardinals
Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
6-1, 235

Comments:  The combination of size and speed that Beanie Wells has is quite impressive.  The Cardinals drafted Tim Hightower last year and liked what he did, but they still want more from their run game, especially with Russ Grimm in charge of the ground game.  Wells is a big back that can pound it inside, but nimble enough to bounce it outside for a big gain.  Could Wells be a poor man’s Jerome Bettis? 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forrest
5-9, 193

Comments:  The Steelers biggest weakness last year was their offensive line.  Their biggest strength was their defense.  Naturally, I have the Steelers taking another defensive player here.  The Steelers do an excellent job each year of taking value in the draft and not reaching for specific players.  Smith fits the mold of a Steelers defensive back.  He is a playmaking corner who thrives in man-to-man coverage.

SECOND ROUND

33. Detroit Lions
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
6-5, 263

Comments:  The Lions defensive line could still be addressed, but when you have a need at tight end, it makes sense to take the best one in the draft.

34. New England Patriots (via Chiefs)
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
6-4, 296

Comments:  With the Patriots already taking a linebacker, it’s time to boost that defensive line.  Jackson has a physical nature to his game that will assist the Patriots in stopping the run.

35. St. Louis Rams
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
6-1, 212

Comments: Torry Holt is gone, and after passing on Michael Crabtree in the first round, the Rams get the receiver with the 2nd best hands in the draft.

36. Cleveland Browns
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
5-10, 198

Comments:  The Browns need a spark on the ground.  McCoy is a threat each time he touches the ball.  He’ll prove to be an excellent change of pace to Jamal Lewis.

37. Seattle Seahawks
Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
6-6, 248

Comments:  With Matt Hasselbeck now 34 years old and injured most of last year with a back injury, it’s time for the Seahawks to look to the future.  Freeman has an extremely strong arm, but will need some time to adjust to the speed and defenses of the NFL.

38. Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
6-7, 266

Comments:  Beware the Bengals if this draft pans out.  In back to back picks the Bengals get BJ Raji and Michael Johnson to boost their defensive line.  Johnson has the potential to be an all-pro year in and year out.  The question is whether Johnson can ever reach that potential.  I think it’s definitely worth the risk here.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars
James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
6-2, 244

Comments:  Laurinaitis doesn’t have the elite measurables that some of the other players have, but the man is a football player.  This is the type of player that Jack Del Rio likes. 

40. Oakland Raiders
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
5-11, 202

Comments:  Delmas is the type of flashy player Al Davis likes.  The Raiders need a safety, so why not grab the best one.

41. Green Bay Packers
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
5-11, 203

Comments:  Charles Woodson and Al Harris are fading, and it’s time for new blood in the defensive backfield for the Packers.  Davis will need some grooming because he’s raw, but he has the tools to be a shutdown corner in the NFL.

42. Buffalo Bills
Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss
6-5, 240

Comments:  The addition of a tight end to the Bills offense would give the Bills one of the most balance offenses in the league.  Nelson has good size, but his speed at that size is what sets him apart.  He’ll be a big threat in the pass game.

43. San Francisco 49ers
Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
6-4, 256

Comments:  After passing on Aaron Maybin in the first round for Michael Oher, the 49ers are still looking for someone to get to the quarterback.  Enter Conor Barwin.  I got the privilege of watching Barwin a bunch while covering the USF Bulls last year.  He is a “team first” guy, who will do anything that’s asked of him.  By the way, he is an excellent pass rusher.

44. Miami Dolphins (via Washington)
Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State
6-5, 288

Comments:  Defensive end might not be a huge need for the Dolphins after selecting Phillip Merling last year, but I’m not sure if Bill Parcells has ever passed on someone with as much value as Gilbert has here.  He’s an extremely athletic end in a 3-4 defense, who can play the run just as good as rushing the passer.

45. New York Giants (via New Orleans)
Donald Brown, RB, UCONN
5-10, 210

Comments:  With Derrick Ward off to Tampa, the Giants should look to another back to help balance the load with Brandon Jacobs.  I like Ahmad Bradshaw as a change-of-pace back, but that’s all.  UCONN head coach Randy Edsall is a Tom Coughlin disciple, and Brown has a lot of the qualities both Edsall and Coughlin like in their players.  On the other hand, I possessed none of those qualities, which is why Edsall never liked me while I played at UCONN.

46. Houston Texans
Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond
6-2, 266

Comments:  The Texans need an end opposite of Mario Williams.  Sidbury Jr. will fly under the radar, but he’s got some talent.  He can stop the run, but he also gets after the quarterback.

47. New England Patriots (via San Diego)
Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
6-4, 245

Comments:  There is a pipeline from Gainesville up to New England.  One of the Patriots goals this offseason was to upgrade the tight end position.  They’ve already signed Chris Baker, but Ingram would give them a huge threat in the pass game.  Ingram missed all of the 2008 season with a torn ACL, but his showing at the combine was quite impressive and should get him drafted in the 2nd round.

48. Denver Broncos
Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
6-3, 256

Comments:  Whenever you’re switching to a 3-4 defense, you can never have too many linebackers.  Sintim excelled in the 3-4 defense at Virginia, and will be a nice acquisition here for the Broncos.

49. Chicago Bears
William Beatty, OT, UCONN
6-6, 307

Comments:  With John Tate retiring, the Bears are back in the market for another tackle.  Beatty is another player who comes from UCONN with an excellent work ethic.  He is a physical lineman who can play right or left tackle.

50. Cleveland Browns (via Buccaneers)
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
5-9, 192

Comments:  Moore is a playmaking corner who would be excellent opposite Eric Wright.  To me, this is a typical Eric Mangini pick.
 
51. Dallas Cowboys
William Moore, SS, Missouri
6-0, 221

Comments:  Without a first round pick in this year’s draft, the Cowboys need to make the most of their 2nd round pick.  Moore brings a similar physical play that Roy Williams had, but Moore has much better speed and is more athletic.

52. New York Jets
Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
6-8, 332

Comments:  Rex Ryan will want to be physical on both sides of the line, and with an opening at right tackle, Loadholt would be a perfect fit for the Jets.  He is a physical right tackle who excels in run blocking.

53. Philadelphia Eagles
Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
6-5, 246

Comments:  I believe L.J. Smith has been overrated for years, and the Eagles finally rid themselves of his services.  Cook blew away everyone at the combine with one of the best performances this year.  He also averaged over 15 yards a reception in 2008, which is just the production the Eagles need at that position.
 
54. Minnesota Vikings
Max Unger, C, Oregon
6-5, 309

Comments:  Now that Matt Birk signed with the Ravens, the Vikings have a hole to fill at center.  Unger has had a lot of success at Oregon.  His great size and strength should bring a boost to the Vikings run blocking.

55. Atlanta Falcons
Asher Allen, CB, Georgia
5-9, 194

Comments:  The Falcons look to a local product to help their secondary.  Allen is regarded as one of the best cover corners in the draft this year.

56. Miami Dolphins
Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
6-5, 329

Comments:  Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano like big offensive linemen who are physical.  That describes the attributes that Robinson brings to his position.

57. Baltimore Ravens
David Veikune, DE, Hawaii
6-2, 257

Comments:  Veikune is a master at getting to the quarterback.  He will be a nice addition to the Ravens defense.

58. New England Patriots
Andy Levitre, G,  Oregon State
6-3, 305

Comments:  The Patriots like offensive linemen who have good quickness and agility.  Levitre has excellent movement, and is tough and physical.

59. Carolina Panthers
Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
6-2, 306

Comments:  After trading Kris Jenkins last offseason, the Panthers have been looking for a presence inside.  Marks is a physical defensive tackle with pretty good quickness.

60. New York Giants
Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
5-11, 212

Comments:  Chung is a hard hitting strong safety who would pair up nicely with Kenny Phillips.

61. Indianapolis Colts
Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State
5-11, 194

Comments:  With the Colts moving on from Marvin Harrison, they are now in the market for a receiver who has the speed to stretch the field.  Williams wasn’t great at the combine, but it came out that he had the flu.  He is a very shifty receiver with great speed who can help out on offense and in the return game.
 
62. Tennessee Titans
Fili Moala, DT, USC
6-4, 305

Comments:  The Titans need to find a replacement for Albert Haynesworth, and I don’t think Jovan Haye is the answer.  Moala can play either nose tackle or under tackle, and gets constant penetration.  He has a ton of potential.
 
63. Arizona Cardinals
Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
6-4, 263

Comments:  Kruger has had some poor performances this offseason which have dropped him to this point, but he is still a heck of a defensive end on film.  The Cardinals are still looking for more pass rush to help Darnell Dockett.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers
Eric Wood, C, Louisville
6-4, 310

Comments:  Wood is nasty and physical.  (That’s what she said!!!) Anyways, Wood is probably the nastiest and most physical offensive lineman in this draft.  He excels in the run game.  He’ll be an upgrade over Justin Hartwig.

Are teams' financial troubles keeping them away from Jeff Garcia? Surely, he's at least the best No. 2 quarterback in the NFL.

Joe never had a problem with Jeff Garcia at quarterback. Joe certainly never had a problem looking at his wife, Carmella (and from feedback we receive from JoeBucsFan.com readers, neither do you). And Garcia did a good job with the Bucs, and few played with more guts.

So it is a bit surprising that Garcia, a free agent, can’t seem to get a job offer. Crying for a decent quarterback, the Vikings grabbed career stiff Sage Rosenfels instead of a proven winner like Garcia.

This has to be frightening for Garcia. But maybe it suggests teams are truly hurting from the rotten economy. This is a premise indirectly tossed out by BSPN’s Len Pasquarelli.

Perhaps his age, 39, and his itinerant background — Garcia has played for five different franchises in six seasons — are culprits. Maybe the travel tags have become baggage. Yet it seems teams clearly want to get younger at the quarterback position — but not necessarily better.

Younger isn’t always better, true. But younger is quite often cheaper. And that, friends, is why Joe thinks Garcia isn’t getting any action from NFL general managers.

Let’s hope, for his sake, Garcia is getting some action away from the negotiating table.

Good morning Bucs fans!

carmella decesare2

Almost-Bucs QB Jay Cutler is doing his best to get himself run out of Denver.

By the time Bucs fans (and Joe) wake up later this morning, could the Pewter Pirates have a new quarterback?

The Jay Cutler saga continues to brew. Apparently, Cutler’s disgust with the Broncos is so deep, not only will he not attend a team meeting later today, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen admitted Cutler may not be with the Broncos for very long, as Mike Klis of the Denver Post writes.

They have tried separating. They have twice tried meeting.

Nothing has worked. What’s next for new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and his disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler? There now appears a real possibility the two sides are headed for a divorce based on irreconcilable differences.

“I’m very disappointed,” Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said Sunday. “I’m disappointed in the whole picture, not just disappointed that we might lose our star quarterback.”

In short, Bowlen noted he supports new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and he is frustrated at the way Cutler has acted since he was nearly traded to the Bucs.

Will Cutler be the Bucs quarterback by the time others wake up, or maybe by midnight Monday?

If the Bucs were interested enough in pulling the trigger on a potential deal (that New England quashed) in getting Cutler, what makes anyone think the Bucs won’t try again, especially since Cutler is doing everything short of urinating on Bowlen’s leg to get out?

Bucs defensive coordinator Jim Bates may just get his coveted run-stuffer on April 25

Today’s NFL Draft podcast is 19 minutes of pure ecstasy.

Draft guru Justin Pawlowski is the star of this one-man show known as the “Rough Draft.” Frankly, Joe is a little scared by how much Pawlowski knows about the draft and the NFL.

Percy Harvin continues to creep up Pawlowski’s latest mock draft, due out late tonight here on JoeBucsFan.com 

Enjoy!

{+++}

Apparently, frustrated almost-Bucs and current Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler had words with his new coach Josh McDaniels Saturday.

Seems as though almost-Bucs quarterback Jay Cutler is still peeved at the Broncos for nearly sending him to Tampa Bay late last month. So much so that in his first face-to-face meeting with new coach Josh McDaniels Saturday, the two exchanged words.

And the words weren’t so pleasant, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

The breakdown came just as it appeared Cutler and McDaniels might be moving toward mending their relationship. Cutler returned to Denver late last week from Nashville, where he has spent most of his offseason.

Attending the meeting were Cutler, his agent Bus Cook, McDaniels and Broncos general manager Brian Xanders.

Cutler is selling his Denver home  and  his parents‘ house is on the market, too. Now he’s barking at his new coach to his new coach’s face. Should be interesting what happens if Cutler shows up for a team meeting Monday.

Or could he be at One Buc Palace?

JoeBucsFan.com analyst Bob Fox says Louis Murphy could wear pewter and red

JoeBucsFan.com analyst Bob Fox checks in with his first Bucs-only mock draft of the year.

Fox has analyzed the state of the team and turns out his selections for your reading pleasure.

Check it all out here in the JoeBucsFan.com Features section.

The recent actions by miffed Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and his family sure seem like the kind of decisions that precede a move out of town.

First, there were the reports of Cutler putting his Denver home up for sale.

Now it’s his parents.’

KUSA-TV, the NBC affiliate in Denver, reported Saturday that Cutler’s parents have listed their home. Cutler’s parents live about two miles from the home he put up for sale on Friday.

Their home is listed at 4,144 square feet with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. It has a price tag of $835,000.

Let’s see, Cutler appears to be bent out of shape about nearly being traded to the Bucs in a three-way deal with New England. Then he apparently had an uncomfortable phone call with his new coach Josh McDaniels which allegedly left Cutler mad (again). Now both he and his parents have put up their Denver residences on the market.

Sure doesn’t seem like Cutler’s long for Denver. What Joe wonders if his new residence will have a Florida zip code?

Defensive tackle Cory Redding's ticket out of Detroit will shake up the first round of the NFL Draft

Joe is feeling generous.

Today’s podcast by NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski is open to everyone. 

Justin looks at the effects of the Lions trading franchise defensive tackle Cory Redding to the Seahawks for linebacker Julian Peterson. It’s a move that will have ripple effects through the entire first round.

Subscribers to NFL Draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com are treated to daily podcasts and detailed player analyis. And of course, Justin’s mock drafts and a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille.

Justin’s latest mock draft will be here for subscribers on Monday morning. Subscribe today!

Former Bucs wide receiver Joey Galloway signed a one-year contract with the Patriots.

So Joey Galloway isn’t good enough for Raheem the Dream but he’s good enough for Bill Belicheat?

Joe has learned from his good friend and the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, “The Big Dog” Steve Duemig of 620 WDAE-The Sports Animal, that Joey Galloway has signed with the Patriots. Duemig told Joe the deal is a one-year contract.

Galloway had a tough choice to make: It came down to the Super Bowl champion Steelers — who also offered Galloway a contract — and the Patriots.

Broncos quarterback and nearly a Bucs quarterback via a three-way trade earlier this month, Jay Cutler, put his Denver house up for sale Thursday.

Joe doesn’t think this item means a hill of beans but it’s still enough to grab his attention:

Alleged frustrated Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, who apparently was on the Bucs radar to acquire in a three-way trade with New England recently, has put his house up for sale, so reports the NBC affilate in Denver, KUSA-TV.

9NEWS has confirmed that Cutler put his home in Parker up for sale on Thursday. He paid $1.34 million for the home and is asking for $2 million.

Cutler’s home is three years old, has four bedrooms and six bathrooms. It is 5,149 square feet and has two fireplaces. It also has a three-car garage.

Offseason workouts for the Broncos are scheduled for next week at Dove Valley, but there is speculation Cutler may not show up.

Again, this may not mean jacksquat. High profile people sell properties all the time at any time of the year. But Joe does find the timing of listing Cutler’s house more than unusual.

[UPDATE: Coincidently, KCNC-TV in Denver, a CBS affiliate, claims the house in question is not Cutler’s primary residence.]

Many times prior to free agency, Joe had posted about his reservations about the Bucs signing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Joe breathed a sigh of relief when Danny Snyder played grown up fantasy football (again) and threw wads of cash at Haynesworth.

Well, Mike Florio, the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com explains why Joe was scared off by Haynesworth.

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler is doing nothing to diffuse the controversy in Broncosland

It’s not just Day 1 of an offseason workout program Jay Cutler is supposed to report to in Denver on Monday. New Broncos head coach Josh McDaniel has called his first team meeting for 8 a.m. Monday.

The Denver Post reports today that Cutler is undecided about attending the meeting and his absence might force a trade.

Cutler understands if he doesn’t report Monday the Broncos may feel no choice but to trade him, but he remains undecided about whether to attend McDaniels’ meeting. What is clear is Cutler’s teammates want his issue with McDaniels to be resolved.

As we know the Bucs tried to trade for Cutler earlier this month. Why wouldn’t they still be interested?

Joe spoke this week to Broncos beat writer Jeff Legwold, formerly of the recently shut down Rocky Mountain News, who says Cutler can be had right now.

Whatever the price on Cutler’s head, Joe suspects it could come down considerably on Monday morning.

NFL Radio's Tim Ryan says Raheem The Dream is nothing more than a one-year experiment by the Bucs

If the premonition of Sirius NFL Radio’s Tim Ryan comes true, Raheem The Dream won’t be around this time next year.

At least not with the Bucs.

Speaking with co-host Pat Kirwan on “Movin’ the Chains” yesterday afternoon, Ryan predicted The Dream will be one and done.

Kirwan noted that the 2009 season will be a “rough year” for the Bucs and then Ryan made his prediction.

“I almost hate to say this — we’ve spoken with Raheem Morris before and he’s such a nice guy. But I think if the Bucs have a bad year, he’s gone. There will be too many high profile coaches on the market and Morris is one of the lowest-paid coaches if not the lowest paid.”

Ryan went on to say that hiring The Dream was nothing more than a one-year stop gap to begin with. If The Dream has a good season, it’s icing on the cake and The Dream will stay. In short, the 2009 season is little more than a paid internship for The Dream.

Ryan inferred that if the Glazer Boys, for example, had a chance to land Bill Cowher, kicking The Dream to the curb would be a minimal hit on the Glazer Boys’ checking account.

Under normal circumstances, Joe would find Ryan’s statement to make sense. But the economy, especially in Florida, has been hit hard and it’s difficult for Joe to believe Obama’s stimulus packages will turn around the economy locally so quickly that people will be flush with cash by August and fill up the CITS.

Throw in the fact the Bucs already are not paying much in signing bonuses for the few free agents they signed, plus the debt on the Glazer Boys’ kickball team in England, and Joe just can’t see the Glazer Boys pulling out the Brinks’ truck to sign someone like Cowher only months after signing The Dream.

Joe's not sure whether to believe the report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about Joey Galloway's chances to catch on with the Steelers

Joe has to take a major whack here at Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who will hereby be known as “Dr. No Source.”

Today “Dr. No Source” reports that Joey Galloway, who visited the Steelers this week, has not been offered a contract by Pittsburgh but the Steelers might still be interested.

Of course, Dr. No Source doesn’t attribute this information to anyone in the Steelers’ organization.

Galloway, 37, and [Chris] Carr, 25, each visited the Steelers this week, and each left without an offer from the team. That does not mean the Steelers are not interested in the players; rather, they think there is no urgency to sign either Galloway or Carr, even at the expense of losing them to another team.

This is not the first time Dr. No Source has tossed out unattributed alleged facts, a major no-no in the journalism world where Joe once made a living. 

Heck, Dr. No Source did it earlier this week regarding Galloway again. That time he wrote how the Steelers want to “pursuade” Galloway to join the team and how the Steelers “are convinced” he “still has the speed to be a viable part of their offense.” 

Here’s the exact quote.

The Steelers are hoping to persuade Galloway he can be part of an opportunity to make another run at a Super Bowl championship. But they are convinced Galloway, who has been clocked at 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, still has the speed to be a viable part of their offense.

Joe finds this to be shameful, lazy and pathetic journalism. This is why people don’t trust what they read.

Put a source to your information, Dulac. That’s journalism 101. Joe does it every day. So can you.

Now Joe did call and e-mail Dr. No Source right after the first fuzzy Galloway story to get some more details. Not surprising that no response was forthcoming.

In today's Rough Draft podcast, NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski explores how far Michael Crabtree will fall in the draft. He got open in the Big 12. Can he do it in the NFL?

Joe’s exclusive daily NFL Draft coverage continues with resident draft genius Justin Pawlowski talking about the huge decision facing teams considering wide receiver Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech.

There’s much more, too. Is Al Davis in love with Percy Harvin?

Joe knows you’ll love this podcast, as well as the free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille for all subscribers.

Look for the full written defensive tackles breakdown on Saturday.

{+++}

Though Chucky refused to talk to Joe on the record Thursday, Joe understands that Chucky wasn't completely flipping him off.

As Joe has documented in recent weeks since Chucky was fired by the Glazer Boys, Joe has attempted to contact Chucky for an interview if not a series of stories. Joe even went so far as to offer to make a sizable donation to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg in return for a brief interview.

Despite Joe sending the offer to Chucky at his residence via certified mail, Chucky blew off Joe.

So, being the intrepid reporter Joe is, he has stayed hot on Chucky’s trail. Wednesday night, Joe conveniently bumped into Chucky at one of his son’s sporting events in Tampa.

Joe must be candid: Chucky was quite kind to Joe and if they were together at one of Chucky’s favorite chicken wing joints, Joe thinks Chucky would have shared a beer or two with him.

Joe and Chucky chatted about his good friend, Seminole High School football coach Sam Roper, and Chucky’s sons.

But when Joe tried to ask Chucky a few questions on the record about the NFL combine which Chucky covered for the NFL Network, Joe was very quickly shut down.

“No, man, I’m not making any comments, I’m on vacation,” Chucky said with a big grin on his face.

Joe tried once again to coerce Chucky into talking about specific players in next month’s NFL draft promising Chucky he wasn’t going to ask him about the Bucs (this time), but Chucky politely refused saying he was making no comments and just wanted to get ready to watch his son.

Fair enough. Chucky joked around with Joe and was quite polite to him. If a man doesn’t want to talk, he doesn’t want to talk. Joe wasn’t going to press the issue.

But Chucky should realize by now Joe doesn’t easily give up. Chucky still lives in the Tampa Bay area and Joe still has his blog.

Joe knows where to find you, Chucky.

Joe must make a confession: He’s never been to Disney. Ever. Unless one calls the BSPNZone “Disney.” If that is true, then, yes, Joe has been to Disney.

Joe’s not an amusement park kinda guy. It’s not cool to pound beers and then wait in line for an eternity in 90 degree weather just so he can hurl on the 50ish woman in front of him holding hands with a bawling kid after walking off some dizzying ride.

Additionally, Joe once covered an NFL training camp in the midst of a (just as bad as Florida) hot and ghastly humid Illinois summer amid the cornfields. It bored Joe to death, mainly because the NFL team Joe covered ran drills exactly like Joe’s high school team which gave Joe terrible flashbacks of two-a-days and muscles so sore Joe could hardly walk.

So it has always confused Joe why so many Bucs fans make the pilgrimmage to the House of Mouse. It’s a combination of horrid Snorlando traffic, not so great weather, no beer and painfully redundant drills with blocking sleds and blocking pads.

No thanks.

But for Bucs fans that enjoyed Mouseland, Joe has to repeat some depressing news: The Bucs will no longer hold training camp at Disney.

Instead, training camp will be at One Buc Palace, per Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel.

But details on how the Bucs will be able move and seat the hundreds of fans that attend training two-a-day camp workouts will be hammered out over the next few months. Team officials also will have to find a nearby hotel to house players.

Joe’s not sure what to think about this. In some respects Joe suspects it’s a good thing in that it should save the Bucs all sorts of cash. But then again, how many fans will be allowed in the place?

And there was also something sentimental about having an NFL team take over a hotel or a school’s dorm for a few weeks of the summer. Those days are vanishing just like spring baseball in Florida: slowly but surely.

Sad.

The Bucs stretching their budget brings great news for fans; training camp is returning to Tampa in 2009.

The Glazers Boys press on in money-saving mode and will bring Bucs training camp back to Tampa this summer, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Score one for the average Joe who couldn’t afford to trek out to Disney’s Wide World of Sports to watch training camp over the past several years. The team now will prepare for the season at One Buc Palace across from Raymond James Stadium.

The Chucky era saw the Bucs leave Tampa for Disney. Before that the Bucs had preseason training before huge crowds at University of Tampa’s Pepin-Rood stadium.

Joe remembers those days well, sitting in the covered stands while the big guys were out there sweating their butts off.  

This is great news. Joe is sure the Glazer Boys will find a way to accommodate big crowds. Big crowds mean money, and they like money.

If the Bucs do draft Missouri's Evander Hood, Joe hopes he can raise the level of play of the Bucs' defensive front line.

Here’s a name Joe hasn’t heard or read about in connection to the Bucs.

In his (once-in-a-while) weekly mock draft, former Bucs beat writer and current SI.com columnist Don Banks has the Bucs taking a defensive tackle. No shock there.

But here’s where the surprise kicks in: Banks suggests the Bucs will tap the shoulder of Missouri defensive tackle Evander Hood.

The Derrick Ward signing keeps Tampa Bay away from a running back like Knowshon Moreno or Donald Brown here, and that puts the Bucs into the market for the defensive tackle they missed out on when Albert Haynesworth chose Washington.

The only thing that spooks Joe about this is that the Big XII, as a whole defensively, was nothing short of a sieve. Though Joe knows there had to be solid if not very good individual players on Big XII defenses, Joe can’t get Oklahoma racking up 62 points on Missouri in the Big XII championship out of his head.

The Sooners basketball team moves up court slower than Oklahoma’s football team ran up and down the field at Arrowhead Stadium that night.

The Karl Williams story shows how an undrafted player can get a shot

The NationalFootballPost.com has a real neat story on former Bucs wide receiver and return specialist Karl “The Truth” Williams and how he was discovered by a scout.

It’s a great scouting story — a true tale — about how a little extra work by Williams in his pro day and a little extra work by said scout turned into a nine-year NFL career.

After the scouts were done salivating over the studly group of linemen, who were recruited and groomed by current Eagles O-line coach Juan Castillo, I could only convince one scout to stay and work out Karl. He was Rustin Webster of the Buccaneers, now with the Seahawks, who was willing to stay in beautiful Kingsville for one more hour to work out the skinny receiver.

Jack Bechta, who authored the piece and represented Williams, went on to document how Williams was not drafted. But Bechta and Webster reached out to each other after the draft. Webster remembered Williams’ work ethic and his cooperation that day and decided to have then-Bucs general manager Rich McKay sign Williams.

We all know the rest of the story.