Yahoo! Sports has an element on its Bucs page called “Inside Slant.” In this piece, it tries to determine what a number of Bucs fans don’t get: Why wide receiver Michael Clayton was re-signed.

In short, Raheem the Dream likes Clayton’s attitude.

Although Clayton, the team’s first pick in 2004, has only two touchdown catches in the past four years, the Bucs made re-signing him a priority in the off-season.

After visits to the Lions and Vikings, Clayton cancelled a trip to Seattle and returned to Tampa Bay, where he signed a five-year, $26-million contract that includes $10.5 million in guarantees.

The reason? Clayton has always been willing to do the dirty work and represents what new coach Raheem Morris is trying to build in his first season – a young, tough-minded team that loves to play and practice.

The Bucs also believe Clayton will be rejuvenated now that he’s out from under the heavy hand of former coach Jon Gruden.

The way Joe looks at this is that it’s a decent gamble for a team counting nickels. Clayton was not an expensive signing. If he continues to drop passes and as a result, teams pretty much leave him alone and double- (or triple-) team Antonio Bryant, then it’s not that big of a loss financially, if the Bucs toss Clayton to the curb.

Look, Joe LOVES wide receivers who throw their body around and punish would-be tacklers. That’s why Meshawn Johnson was so good and why Hines Ward is one of the most lethal wide receivers in the game and a favorite of Joe’s.

The difference between Meshawn and Ward and Clayton is that Meshawn and Ward haul in damned near everything they get their hands on. Clayton can’t say that.

And the first and foremost important talent a receiver can have is catching the damn ball.

Joe’s a bit late on this but it’s still good stuff. Joe’s good friends J.P. Peterson and his sidekick/producer Dave Ortiz of WQYK-AM 1010 had an interview with Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber. The All Pro had some interesting things to say.

“I think we knew there was going to be change when Jon got fired and Raheem took control. I think we knew, how drastically, that wasn’t for any of us to say. But I think today kind of proved the fact that we’re going to go in a different direction. Obviously I knew we wanted to get younger, which we’ve obviously done. I think we let go of five of what we would call our key veteran guys. You know it’s somber because those guys had great careers and I’m definitely proud to have played with Derrick…

“… [Raheem the Dream] knew and I knew that I still had it in me to play, and I’m still doing a lot of good things out on the football field. I’m not ignorant enough to think that my good years are behind me. I feel like I still have a lot of good years left in my future. But when I’m done, I think I’ll know. But what I think they’re saying with some of these guys, with some of the decisions they’ve made is they don’t think they can play for us anymore. And that’s their decision. And like I said, you want to make that decision on your own, but sometimes you don’t get that opportunity.”

Wow. Good stuff there from Barber.

Nearly two weeks after Brooks was let go, Joe still can’t believe the Bucs couldn’t have found some way to use him and let him retire a Buc. Joe still isn’t buying the excuses.

Rex Grossman would be a better backup quarterback for the Bucs than Son of Bob.

One of the over-the-top hardcore workers of the NFL press corps, Vacation Man of BSPN.com, actually fields e-mail questions. Even about the Bucs!

Let’s just say in response to a question about projected Bucs starting quarterback Luke McCown, the pickings are terribly slim for a decent backup. And no, Joe does not believe Son of Bob is a decent backup unless there’s a vital last minute need for a beer vendor at the CITS.

Devin in Dallas writes: I feel like the Bucs are making some great additions to the team but I still feel uncomfortable with Luke McCown under center…is there any chance the Bucs can get solid QB to lead the team for years to come?

Pat Yasinskas: A lot of Tampa Bay fans share your uncertainty about Luke McCown and that’s very understandable because he’s barely played. But the Bucs have seen him in practice for several years and they must feel good about him if they re-signed him. That said, they’re not done at quarterback. The Broncos have said they’re not trading Jay Cutler, but you never know if that could change. There are some decent free agents remaining (Rex Grossman, Kyle Boller, etc.) and drafting a quarterback is certainly a possibility. From what I know, the Bucs will add another quarterback to the mix at some point.

Joe isn’t exactly sure he would use the adjective “decent” in response to Kyle Boller. But hey, at least Son of Bob couldn’t beat out Grossman, which is why Son of Bob is eating up an important roster spot.

Joe expects the Bucs to sign Karl Paymah as a backup cornerback.

Joe has no inside information on this, but even after a few adult beverages it’s not too difficult to connect the dots on this one.

Per Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times, the Bucs are set to host Denver cornerback Karl Paymah.

Paymah, from Washington State, has been a backup in Denver but started two games in 2008 in place of an injured Champ Bailey. He finished the season with 28 tackles, an interception and five passes defensed. Paymah likely would be evaluated in Tampa Bay as a player who can add depth in the secondary, particularly in light of Phillip Buchanon’s decision to sign with the Lions on Wednesday.

Why is Joe confident Paymah will sign with the Bucs? Who was his [former] defensive coordinator? Yup. Jim Bates, the current Bucs defensive coordinator.

Plus, for a backup, those numbers Paymah put up aren’t so bad. Plus the Bucs could always use decent special teams players.

Joe hasn’t heard from Backwards Hat (Rick Brown of the Lakeland Ledger) in a while, mainly because he hasn’t cut a video or he hasn’t been writing about what a great quarterback Son of Bob is.

So this afternoon Joe decided to check on Backwards Hat to see what he’s up to. And Joe found out Backwards Hat is up to no good.

He is actually lobbying for the Bucs to sign the ultimate malcontent Terrell Owens.

Sadly for Backwards Hat, he paints himself into the corner right away in his column, giving five reasons why the Bucs need TO.

First, what is the ultimate goal of a team? It is to win a Super Bowl. Owens has 38 touchdowns over the last three years. Tampa Bay’s entire receiving corp (including tight ends) have just 36 touchdowns in the last TWO years. Do you think Dallas is a better team now that it has cut him? Simply put, T.O. would make any team better.

Siimply put, Backwards Hat needs to sober up. Hey Rick, feel free to list the number of rings TO has won. Uh, that would be about the same number of times Joe has gone to bed with Carrie Underwood: none!

Your next Bucs quarterback? Justin Pawlowski explores the possibility and more in today's NFL Draft podcast, exclusively on JoeBucsFan.com

It’s not the year to find an answer at quarterback, says NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal.

In his daily “Rough Draft” podcast on JoeBucsFan.com, Pawlowski talks QBs. Will Mark Sanchez freefall to the Bucs?

Pawlowski’s written breakdown of the 2009 quarterback crop is available here, as part of the exclusive draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com.

Listen to today’s podcast now! It’s Pawlowski’s most intense work to date.{+++}

Randy Cross and Alex Marvez of Sirius NFL Radio this morning discussed the possibility of the Bucs drafting USC linebacker Rey Maualuga.

This morning on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Opening Drive” with Randy Cross and Alex Marvez, the subject of the Bucs came up. Cross and Marvez discussed the near future of the Bucs and what plan the Bucs might have entering the draft.

Among the players Cross and Marvez discussed the Bucs drafting were USC linebacker Rey Maualuga and USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

In short, Cross — as he stated a couple of weeks ago — suggested the Bucs are pretty much finished spending cash for the free agency period, no matter how far they are under the salary cap.

Randy Cross: If you think the Glazers will spend anywhere near [the cap] you are out of your mind. I think they will be $25-30 million under the cap.

Alex Marvez: So they are going to build through the draft?

RC: Do you go corner or linebacker? Do you go [USC linebacker] Rey Maualuga if he is still there?

AM: With [defensive coordinator Jim] Bates, it doesn’t sound like they wil play Tampa Cover-2. I’m not sure about [Bucs cornerback Ronde] Barber. Just because he is on the roster now doesn’t mean he will be there in September. I think you have to think corner. But I want to throw this out there too: I can see a real possibility one of these top two quarterbacks falling out of the top 10. If you still have a Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford available at 14 or 15 do the Bucs leap frog up and say Josh Johnson was part of a different regime? I don’t thin that’s out of the realm of possiblity.

RC: Do they even go Josh Freeman? They talk about defense so much. I don’t know, I think I would be kind of shocked. There should be some impact defensive players at No 19.

AM: It makes you wonder if there is a run [on a specific position] do the Bucs trade out and pick up a draft pick next year?

For whatever it’s worth, BizJournals.com ranks the best professional sports franchises in North America in the four major team sports (NFL, MLB, NHL and the non-basketball association). Among NFL teams, the Bucs are ranked No. 15, and are No. 54 overall among 122 professional clubs.

The Bucs slide in just behind the Vancouver Canucks and just ahead of the Dallas Stars.

The rankings are based on teams’ performances in the standings and at the cash register for the calendar year 2008.

This news just may move Joe to order a beer after work this afternoon. Joe’s desire for a cold adult beverage has nothing to do with the fact it’s a sun-kissed day with temperatures pushing 80.

Brett Favre said he was ready to embrace Chucky's playbook and play for the Bucs last year.

Read this interview excerpt of Brett Favre talking to the Orlando Sentinel over the weekend and just imagine Chucky after the phone call Favre describes in detail.

Oh, man. Chucky must have blown a gasket when the deal didn’t go down.

(This interview confirms one of Joe’s very first posts, when JoeBucsFan.com was in its infancy, that Favre indeed was talking to Chucky via telephone and thought he was headed to Tampa Bay. To the best of Joe’s knowledge, no MSM outlet in the Tampa Bay area ever reported this information.)

Props to Chris Harry of the Sentinel for scoring this priceless stuff.

CH: You’re here at Disney in February, but seven months ago I was here with the Bucs at Wide World of Sports for training camp and fans were holding up No. 4 signs that said, “We want Brett!” How close did that come to happening?

BF: Very close. I really thought, aside from the Packers, it was a perfect fit, based on the offense. The transition would have been right away; go right in and not have to worry about the terminology, play-calling, concepts and things like that. Gruden and I had worked together in Green Bay. We knew each other. In fact, we talked on the phone the night before and he kind of went through the 7-on-7 script. “Fox, 2X, brown hook.’ I said, ‘Green right, brown right, Duke.’ We just sort of went through the plays. He said, “What about Dino?” I said, “Double-wing right, 2-jet Dino, Y shallow cross.” So it was kind of like, “Yeah man, let’s do this.”

CH: I can only imagine how fired up Jon was.

BF: And in this process, the down side was I didn’t sign with them, and Jeff Garcia is kind of like, “Hey, what about me?” And I don’t think it had anything to do with Jeff. There are no guarantees one way or another. I knew from a studying standpoint and quick transition, that was the best option. Obviously. I knew nothing about the Jets offense. To me, that’s what the decision came down. I was thinking the next four months. I had basically committed to Tampa.

The signings of Michael Clayton, Kellen Winslow, Derrick Ward and Jerramy Stevens should sharpen the Bucs focus in the NFL Draft

In today’s podcast, NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of 620 WDAE-AM, studies the Bucs’ recent acquisitions of Kellen Winslow and Derrick Ward,  and how they’ll impact draft day.

Justin’s got much more to say, too, including a new darkhorse pick for the first round.

Remember, JoeBucsFan.com has premium draft coverage for you every day.

Enjoy the podcast.{+++}

Though it’s a bit dated, new Bucs tight end Sgt. Winslow speaks to the NFL Network crowd about his new gig with the Bucs and his outlook on how he will be used in the upcoming season.

Joe may have to rethink his opinion of Sgt. Winslow. It appears he has taste in TV, he compliments Adam Schefter on his many scoops and talks about how NFL Network is one of his favorite TV channels.

The soldier has taste it appears.

Joe is eagerly awaiting THE PESSIMIST to chime in about the Bucs bookend tight ends of King of Turds and Sgt. Winslow.

The class of the Bucs secondary, safety Jermaine Phillips, has ended his free agent tour and will return to Tampa Bay in 2009, reports ProFootballTalk.com.

Joe can breathe a sigh of relief, although the many holes in the Bucs defense still need to be  plugged.  

Jerramy Stevens also has re-signed, which disappoints Joe greatly. Joe is dialing THE PESSIMIST now. Expect him to let the Bucs have it on the Stevens signing.

Joe’s nearly a day late on this but better late than never. Hey, Joe has a real job he has to tend to as well, much as he would like to write about the Bucs 24/7.

Bucs general manager Mark Dominik appeared on “the Big Dog,” Steve Duemig’s show Wednesday afternoon and discussed a variety of subjects. Here’s some highlights of what Dominik had to say:

On how busy he has been:

“It’s been non-stop, lots of hours with the coaches and the staff. We’re bringing in people for physicals to meet them in person. We’ve seen a lot of tape. We need to find out what the doctors think [about potential free agents].”

Cutting linebacker Derrick Brooks:

“It was difficult, a very difficult decision, it really was. I met with [Raheem the Dream] to really reexamine the decision. There was no easy way to tell him, but it was something we wanted to do.

“It was one of those decisions that once you make it, we felt like we must meet man-to-man. Then we met with ownership. We needed to do that out of dignity and respect. It was brutal because I love the guy.

“It was very difficult for me.””

What he wants from the offense:

“We like production on offense and the five guys we signed do that.

[Defensive coordinator Jim “Bates is not happy. He knocks on the door each day [because of the lack of defensive free agent signings].

“Production is what we are looking for and we think we have that in [Sgt. Winslow and Derrick Ward].

Newly signed free agent running back Derrick Ward’s role:

“With him in the backfield, the defense doesn’t know whether you will run or pass. When he runs the ball, he runs downhill. That was wanted for [Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff] Jagodzinski’s system.

What type of identity he wants the Bucs to establish:

“We would like to be a running team. We will run a lot of plays off of play action. You can do so much more when you run the ball. Everything happens off of the run.”

The prospects of resigning the “King of Turds:”

“We have on going discussions with [Turd’s agent]. We’d like to have [Sgt. Winslow] and [King of Turd’s] on the field together, on each side of the field and that will create mismatches.”

On his day-to-day duties:

“The transition has been easier to go for free agency. I owe a lot to [Bruce Almighty] for getting me involved in contract negotiations. But I have a lot of help. I like the direction we are going. We involve the coaches a lot in the talent evaluations.

“Players want to stay. Either they or their agents, when they go on the road to other teams, tell me, “Let me know.” Communication has been good.”

Resigning wide receiver Michael Clayton:

“We need to get the ball in his hands more. When he gets the ball in his hands, he is so physical.”

Josh Johnson’s role at quarterback:

“We expect him to get a chance to compete. He took great strides last year. He’s bright, athletic and has a big arm. Competition for us is important.”

Newly signed kicker Mike (not Ted) Nugent’s role:

“It’s an open competition at kicker. We told [incumbent kicker] Matt [Bryant] what is going on.”

How he lured Sgt. Winslow to Tampa Bay:

“He wanted a fresh start. He looked at the stadium and was sold. Playing in Florida was important for him. He wanted to play outdoors. It was easy to talk him into playing in Florida.”
.

New Bucs running back Derrick Ward talked to Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles this morning on 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal. 

Nothing too enlightening from Ward. He really seems like a guy who wanted to be in Tampa and is grateful to be here.

Some quotes:

• “I fell in love with the place during a Super Bowl week.”
• “When you run the ball it opens up everything else.  We’re going to run the ball.”
• On Raheem Morris: “He’s all about winning. He said to me, ‘Let’s go win a Super Bowl together.’ That’s my mentality. That’s his mentality. That’s what we’re going to do.”
• “[Who will play quarterback was a factor in his decision.]I have all the confidence in the world in whoever is in place. …Luke [McCown’s] a tremendous athlete, but he’s unproven. …”
• “[The Bucs offensive line] reminds him of younger line in New York.”
• “[For fun] I work on my tan. Catch back up on some sleep. Work out. I love the beach and the water. …My house is right on the water. It’s beautiful.”

NNNOOO!!!

When Joe heard last night that Dallass Cowboys owner Jerry Jones turned loose that narcissistic malcontent coach-killing bigot of a wide receiver, Joe feared someone would suggests the Glazer Boys offer him a contract.

Thankfully the first Joe read of such a suggestion came from a voice of reason, eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune.

Signing Owens would make a p.r. splash and trigger a mad dash to Tampa for ESPN crews, but it makes little football sense. Owens is well past his prime and the Bucs would be making a huge mistake by deviating from their game plan.

While Kaufman takes the analytical approach of why the Bucs wouldn’t want a 35-year old receiver, Joe takes the common sense approach:

“NO FREAKING WAY IN GOD’S GREEN EARTH SHOULD THE BUCS WANT THIS CANCEROUS PIECE OF HUMAN DEBRIS.”

Aren’t you glad Joe is such a calm, reasoned soul?

Look, this malcontent Dallass just turned loose has worlds of talent but his head is so effed up it’s pathetic. At best, he’s an All-Pro who is a dangerous weapon in the passing attack. At worst, he is a mental patient in dire need of a padded room who will do nothing but complain about every one and every thing, trying to make every game HIS stage and all about HIM, thereby destroying the locker room while searching for every free microphone and camera to preen (and cry) to between giving half-assed efforts on the field.

Mike Tyson is more level-headed than this buffoon. Drew Rosenhaus deserves to be his babysitter.

By BOB FOX
JoeBucsFan.com analyst

Long before he was a 1,000-yard rusher, Derrick Ward was in the sights of Bucs O-coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski

The new Derrick Ward-Jeff Jagodzinski marriage is a relationship that was brewing three years ago.

When Mike McCarthy was named head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2006, one of his first moves was to bring in Jagodzinski, the current Bucs offensive coordinator, to be his O-coordinator in Green Bay.  McCarthy wanted to bring the zone-blocking running scheme to blend in with the West Coast offense passing scheme already employed.
 
Jagodzinski was a zone-blocking guru after learning the scheme from Alex Gibbs in Atlanta while “Jags” was there from 2004-2005. The Packers used Ahman Green that year as the main back in the scheme before he left as a free agent to the Houston Texans. Green gained over 1,000 yards in his 2006, his last year as a Packer in that scheme.
 
Green wasn’t the only one who left after the 2006 season. Jagodzinski also left to become head coach at Boston College.
 
After Green and Jagodzinski left, the Packers scouting department looked for draft prospects that would fit the zone-blocking scheme, as well as current NFL players.
 
Part of that search became a trade where the Packers sent a sixth-round draft choice to the New York Giants for Ryan Grant. The Packers also were targeting the Giants’ Derrick Ward, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, believing he was suited, along with Grant, for the zone-blocking scheme.

The Packers deemed the cost for acquiring Ward was too high, the Sentinel reported, and they proceeded to make the deal for Grant instead. The move turned out well, as Grant has shown in his two years in Green Bay that he is a perfect back for the scheme.

Ward has the speed and strong-running style, plus pass-catching ability perfectly suited to the scheme, said Bucs general manager Mark Dominik, speaking Wednesday on 620 AM, The Sports Animal.
 
Based on part of the 2007 season, where Ward gained over 600 yards in half of a season and last year where Ward gained over 1,000 yards as the primary back up to Brandon Jacobs, the proof is in the pudding. Plus, Ward is an excellent receiver and blocker as well.

Dominik said Jagodzinski and the “ZBS” is the reason Ward is here.
 
Bucs fans should be ecstatic.

Maybe Mark Dominik can provide some community service and trade for Arizona backup quarterback Matt Leinart so he can help teach south Tampa babes how to pull beer bongs.

Joe was listening to “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig on WDAE-AM 620 Wednesday when he overheard Duemig suggest that the Bucs should take a stab at trading for Arizona backup quarterback Matt Leinart.

The suggestion brought a smile to Joe’s face as he posed the same suggestion roughly a month ago. It’s still a smart move.

Given the fact Kurt Warner signed a two-year deal with the Desert Rats yesterday, and knowing what a fraud Bill Bidwill is, Joe just can’t imagine that skinflint Bidwill will want to pay Leinart $6 million a year for picking his nose on the sideline, daydreaming about the Arizona State college chicks waiting for him in his hottub when he returns home.

Apparently the Bucs aren’t 100 percent convinced about Luke McCown or Josh Johnson otherwise they wouldn’t have made a play for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler over the weekend. And Dominik apparently believes in competition at most positions, otherwise, why in the name of Martin Gramatica would he sign Mike (not Ted) Nugent?

Joe has proposed floating a third-round pick to Bidwill for Leinart and see if he nibbles at the bait. If Dominik wants to toss a future second round pick to Bidwill, if it lands Leinart, Joe can live with that.

If the Bucs can't win a minor bidding war with the putrid Detroit Lions over Phillip Buchanon, what's that tell fans about how badly the team is hurting financially?

As Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune pointed out to Dave Reynolds of WFLA-TV on Sunday Sports Extra last week, Phillip Buchanon wanted to stay with the Bucs; the Bucs wanted him.

Yet Buchanon decided to play for one of the all-time worst NFL teams in Detroit (and pay state income taxes, living in a beastly winter climate) for a reported $4.25 million a year for two years.

Joe smells a rat. This transaction means one of two things to Joe:

1) Somebody is conning someone.

2) The Bucs are really short on cash.

Look, Joe isn’t about to sneeze at $4.25 million a year. Shoot, currently Joe would be orgasmic is someone dropped four-grand on him. But if the Bucs really wanted Buchanon (and Buchanon really wanted to stay in Tampa Bay), given the fact the Bucs are so far under the salary cap it’s almost pathetic, this suggests to Joe that damned kickball team in England is sucking capital away from the Glazer Boys.

Dropping the ball on not signing Buchanon for such a relative paltry price is beginning to make Black Wednesday quite clear. Dumping the five players from the payroll saved the Glazer Boys quite a few million dollars, nevermind there is oodles of cap room.

In addition, the Bucs are spending whatever cash they have on offensive free agents because the Bucs seem to believe they will need to play keepaway with the ball and if needed, will have put a lot of points on the board to stay in games.

The way the defense is shaping up, gamblers will want to lay cash on the over for Bucs games in 2009.

Joe promised you the best NFL Draft coverage, and now it’s here.

The renowned guru of NFL draft analysis, Justin Pawlowski, of The Sports Animal, 620 WDAE-AM, is covering every inch of the NFL Draft for JoeBucsFan.com readers.

He’s unleashed his first mock draft with detailed comments on players and teams through the second round.

He’s cranking out regular podcasts, in-depth mock drafts and position-by-position analysis for JoeBucsFan.com readers.

You won’t find kick ass breakdowns like this anywhere else.

Subscribers get something fresh and insightful every day, plus a FREE $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille with locations in Westchase and Feather Sound.

Pawlowski’s Mock Draft Through Round 2 

1.   Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford

QB – Georgia – 6’3” – 225 lbs

Comments: Although I’m a much bigger fan of Aaron Curry and Jason Smith, in my mock draft, I predict what each team will do, not what I would do.  Stafford has the physical ability of being a franchise quarterback and the face of the Lions.  The Lions will have to address their defense with their other picks.{+++}

2.   St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith

OT – Baylor – 6’5” – 309 lbs

Comments: Last year, it seemed as if Jake Long was destined to be a Ram until the Dolphins took him first overall.  This year, the Rams get their guy.  Smith is an extremely athletic tackle with tons of strength.  Smith did play in an offense that played a majority of their snaps in the shotgun.  This might affect his transition to a pro-style offense, but his strength and athletic ability make him more than worthy of this selection.  Also, if the Rams release Torry Holt, don’t be surprised if Michael Crabtree’s name is mentioned with this pick.

3.   Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry

OLB – Wake Forrest – 6’2” – 254 lbs

Comments: With a new regime in Kansas City, they would be hard pressed to have a better player fall into their lap.  To me, Curry is the best player available in this draft.  His combination of size, speed, and intelligence will be a perfect addition to a young team on the rise.  The Chiefs could also look at Eugene Monroe, who was Branden Albert’s teammate at Virginia.

4.   Seattle Seahawks – BJ Raji

DT – Boston College – 6’1” – 337 lbs

Comments: Everyone’s picking Crabtree to be destined for the Seahawks, and that could be true.  I feel the Seahawks will be debating between Crabtree, a big defensive tackle in Raji, and an offensive tackle to replace Walter Jones.  With Jason Smith already gone and Crabtree being only 6’1’’ and having his injury, I predict the Seahawks go with the most dominant defensive tackle in this year’s draft.  Raji is a space eater with the agility and strength to dominate in the middle.

5.   Cleveland Browns – Everette Brown

DE/OLB – Florida St. – 6’2” – 256 lbs

Comments: The Browns are another team that could be looking at Crabtree.  With Eric Mangini taking over in Cleveland, I look for the Browns to bolster their pass rush.  Brown didn’t blow anyone away at the combine, but is the best pass rusher in this draft.  Last year, Mangini took the “workout warrior” at the combine in Vernon Gholston.  This year, Mangini should take the best pass rusher on film, and that player is Brown.   

6.   Cincinnati Bengals – Eugene Monroe

OT – Virginia – 6’5” – 309 lbs

Comments: The Bengals are yet another team that would consider Crabtree, but they have much more pressing needs.  With Monroe still on the board, the Bengals look to protecting their prize possession, Carson Palmer.  Monroe comes from a good list of recent tackles from Virginia like D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert.  I believe the Bengals were looking at Andre Smith here, but after his actions at the combine, the Bengals go with the tackle with better character. {+++}

7.   Oakland Raiders – Michael Crabtree

WR – Texas Tech – 6’1” – Michael Crabtree

Comments: To me, there is no way Crabtree falls past the Raiders.  Al Davis is always looking for flash, and although Crabtree might not have elite speed, but he can be an elite player.  With JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden already in place, Crabtree would complete the trifecta.  Offensive Tackle and Safety are also needs, but Crabtree won’t be passed up. 

8.   Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Oher

OT – Ole Miss. – 6’4” – 309 lbs

Comments:  The Jaguars biggest Achilles heal from 2008 was their offensive line.  With Khalif Barnes set for free agency, Oher is the big physical and athletic lineman that can anchor the Jaguars line for years.  Oher is more of a “middle of the 1st round” pick, but with Andre Smith’s antics at the combine, Oher becomes the beneficiary of Smith’s stupidity.

9.   Green Bay Packers – Brian Orapko

DE/OLB – Texas – 6’3” – 263 lbs

Comments: The strength of a good 3-4 defense is a pass rusher off the outside.  With a move to the 3-4, the Packers need to find themselves a rusher off the edge.  Orakpo was impressive all year at Texas and didn’t disappoint at the combine.  He has tremendous size and strength, but has excellent speed to boot.  With Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk inside, and Aaron Kampmen and Brian Orakpo outside, the Packers would have one of the best foursomes of linebackers in the league.

10. San Francisco 49ers – Jeremy Maclin

WR – Missouri – 6′ – 198 lbs

Comment: The 49ers starting receivers from 2008 were Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson.  Terrible!!!  Josh Morgan started to come on at the end of the season, but they need a go-to big play guy, and Maclin is that player.  The first time I saw Maclin playing for Missouri, I knew he’d be a 1st round pick.  This kid is special in the pass game, and is dynamic in the return game.  He catches the ball with his hands and has great character.  I think the 49ers pass (pardon the pun) on a quarterback here because I think there are more pressing needs.  A speed rusher like Aaron Maybin is also a possibility, but Maclin would be just too good to pass up.

11. Buffalo Bills – Aaron Maybin

DE/OLB – Penn St. – 6’4” – 249 lbs

Comments:  Watching the Bills last season, the most glaring need I saw was a pass rush.  With Aaron Maybin still on the board, the Bills get a guy who can play linebacker or put his hand in the ground at defensive end.  Maybin has bulked up to 249 lbs, but could easily lose that weight, either way his skill is rushing the passer!

12. Denver Broncos – Rey Maualuga

ILB – USC – 6’2” – 249 lbs

Comments:  Boy, it was not a great combine for Maualuga, and he could slide on draft day.  However, with the Broncos desperate for leaders on the defensive side of the ball, I have them taking a shot on Maualuga.  With a move to the 3-4 defense, Maualuga would line up next to DJ Williams to give the Broncos a force in the middle of their defense.   

13. Washington Redskins – Andre Smith

OT – Alabama – 6’4” – 332 lbs

Comments:  Daniel Snyder has never been too afraid of taking a shot on a player.  Before the combine, Andre Smith was considered by many as a top 10 pick, and some thought he’d go 1st overall to the Lions.  Character is such a big concern with Smith that some now project a big fall for him on draft day.  The Redskins could have a tough decision because their biggest need is along the offensive line.  I just have a funny feeling that Smith will be too good for Snyder and the Redskins to pass up.  Defensive Line is also a possibility.

14. New Orleans Saints – Brian Cushing
OLB – USC – 6’3” – 243 lbs

Comments:  Everyone seems to be marking down cornerback for the Saints pick here.  They drafted Tracy Porter last year, and he was great before he got injured.  I’m not overly thrilled with the corners in this year’s draft, so I have them taking a hardnosed linebacker in Cushing.  I expect Vilma to be resigned with the Saints, and with Cushing and Scott Fujita on either side of him, that gives the Saints a very nice trio of linebackers. 

15. Houston Texans – Malcolm Jenkins

CB/FS – Ohio St. – 6′ – 204 lbs

Comments:  After a poor showing at the combine, the debate is on as to whether Jenkins is either a corner or a safety.  The good news is that the Texans need both.  Jenkins was a big time playmaker and leader of the Ohio St. defense during his time there and would be a tremendous boost to an already young and exciting defense in Houston.  

16. San Diego Chargers – Eben Britton

OT – Arizona – 6’6” – 309 lbs

Comments:  The Chargers should be pretty good heading into the draft, but I still feel they need to upgrade their right tackle position.  Eben Britton has been fluctuating recently, but with the value placed so high on offensive tackles, I can see the Chargers pouncing on him here.

17. New York Jets – Mark Sanchez

QB – USC – 6’3” – 227 lbs

Comments:  This will be an interesting year for the quarterbacks, especially if the Lions pass on Stafford.  The Chiefs might take a quarterback.  The 49ers might also.  That’s it until the Jets.  If the Jets aren’t overly thrilled with their 2nd round pick from just a couple years ago in Kellen Clemens, then they must take a quarterback here.  Sanchez was a leader for USC and has displayed more than adequate arm strength and accuracy.  The problem with Sanchez is experience.  No one knows what to expect from him.  If he stays at USC, he becomes a sure top 10 pick next year, so for the Jets to have a chance at him here, I just don’t see them passing on that opportunity.  Plus, Rex Ryan saw the importance of a young quarterback last year with the Ravens.

18. Chicago Bears – Darrius Heyward-Bey

WR – Maryland – 6’2” – 210 lbs

Comments:  By far, the biggest need for the Bears is at receiver.  They already have their big play threat in Devin Hester.  That’s why I didn’t consider Percy Harvin here.  I think the Bears need more of a go-to receiver than a big-play threat.  Thus, the selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey.  Heyward-Bey, wowed the scouts at the combine with a 4.30 forty yard dash.  This solidified his 1st round value.  Heyward-Bey would be a great complement to Hester, but I do still have my worries surrounding him.  Heyward-Bey was very inconsistent at Maryland, and as a receiver that isn’t good.  If the Bears fear that as well, look for them to lean towards Hakeem Nicks or cornerback out of Illinois, Vontae Davis.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -Larry English

DE – Northern Illinois – 6’2” – 255 lbs

Comments:  No. 19 is a tough spot to be picking.  To me, you just missed out on the elite players in this draft, and you’re at the very beginning of the next tier.  The ideal move for the rebuilding Bucs would be to trade down.  The Dolphins, Giants, and Patriots all have extra 2nd round picks.  The reason I say trade down is because after the cuts the Bucs made this week, the Bucs needs went from 3 or positions to about 10.  The only positions I don’t see the Bucs drafting are along the offensive line.  Yes, I wouldn’t be shocked if they took a corner or a safety, although I’d hope it would be later. 

Once I got to this pick, I started eliminating certain players from my choice.  I removed the running backs because I feel if you really want a running back you should get one later.  I eliminated the defensive backs because I feel they have more pressing needs.  I eliminated Hakeem Nicks because the Bucs don’t really need a possession receiver, since they already have Bryant and the offense will be a vertical attack.  Percy Harvin is interesting.  I was really considering him before the Bucs made their cuts on Wednesday.  The reason I changed my mind was because if the Bucs are in full rebuilding mode, Harvin should be viewed as a luxury, and the Bucs have MUCH more pressing needs.  However, if Harvin goes elsewhere and succeeds, it will hurt just as much as the Bucs passing on Adrian Peterson.

Then I got to the defensive line.  There are plenty to choose from, like Robert Ayers, Larry English, Peria Jerry, Ron Brace, Michael Johnson, Paul Kruger, Tyson Jackson, and even Evander Hood.  The list of defensive tackles didn’t impress me at this pick as much as the defensive ends. I went back and watched some film on each of these players.  After watching that film, the one guy that stood out to me the most was English.  He looked like a John Abraham clone rushing the passer.  With Jim Bates now running the defense, the Bucs will likely have big defensive tackles inside and fast pass rushing defense ends on the outside.  I know a lot of people have put the bust label on Gaines Adams already, but I’d love to see Adams and English coming off the edges from both sides.

20. Detroit Lions (via Dallas) – Robert Ayers

DE – Tennessee – 6’3” – 272 lbs

Comments:  After selecting Stafford with the 1st overall pick, the Lions have to use their next couple of picks addressing the worst defense in football.  With Jim Schwartz as the new head coach, toughness will be a big key with the Lions new defense.  Ayers was defensive MVP of the senior bowl and showed throughout his career at Tennessee that he plays the run as well as he rushes the passer.  Ayers went under the radar in 2008 while playing for an underachieving Tennessee Volunteer team.  He is explosive off the ball and has a physical nature to his play.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno

RB – Georgia – 5’11” – 217 lbs

Comments:  There is a point in every season when Brian Westbrook seems to be going of, and then disappears due to injury.  Donovan McNabb has been begging for help on offense, but I can’t see the Eagles investing another draft pick in a receiver.  Instead, I have them taking the most versatile running back in the draft.  Moreno would be an extremely valuable player for the Eagles, and give them that insurance to Brian Westbrook.  Moreno does everything.  He can catch, block, run between the tackles, and bounce it outside.  He doesn’t have elite speed, but he does enough around the line of scrimmage to help out any offense.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Alex Mack

OC – California – 6’4” – 311 lbs

Comments:  There have been talks of the Vikings resigning Matt Birk, but until that happens, I won’t believe it.  Alex Mack is considered by many to be the top center in this draft.  If you’re going to lose a great player like Birk, why not replace him with the best player at his position.  I do not believe Josh Freeman is a good fit for the west coast offense that the Vikings run…not to mention their recent acquisition on Sage Rosenfelds.
 

23. New England Patriots – Tyson Jackson

DE – LSU – 6’4” – 296 lbs

Comments:  The Patriots had a tough time this past season on the defensive side of the ball.  Richard Seymour is getting older and the combination of Jarvis Green and Ty Warren could definitely be improved.  Jackson is the best fit for a 3-4 defensive end in this draft.  He is big and physical.  Also, his competition in college was among the elite.

24. Atlanta Falcons – Peria Jerry

DT – Ole Miss. – 6’2” – 299 lbs

Comments:  With all of the positives from last season’s incredible run, the Falcons still have a lot of room to improve on defense.  The secondary could be addressed here with Sean Smith or Vontae Davis.  They also have Michael Boley as a free agent and look to be losing Keith Brooking as well.  However, head coach Mike Smith knows the importance of a presence inside from his days in Jacksonville with John Henderson and Marcus Stroud.  With Peria Jerry falling to this pick, I’d imagine Mike Smith would jump at that.  Jerry is an extremely quick defensive tackle who gets good penetration and uses his hands well.

25. Miami Dolphins – Clay Matthews

OLB – USC – 6’3” – 240 lbs

Comments:  With Channing Crowder back in the mix, that addresses the Dolphins middle linebacker position.  As for the outside, that’s a different story.  Clay Matthews looks like a Bill Parcells draft pick.  He’s a hard worker.  He’s had a ton of production.  He’s also a great fit in the 3-4 defense.  I’m not saying he’ll turn out like him, but Matthews reminds me a lot of Bobby Carpenter when Parcells drafted him with the Cowboys.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Sean Smith

CB – Utah – 6’3” – 214 lbs

Comments:  Chris McAllister is gone.  Samari Rolle is getting old, and could be next out the door.  The need for corner is there, and coach John Harbaugh was a defensive backs coach before being hired by the Ravens.  Speaking of the Ravens, we all know that the Ravens pride themselves in having a big physical defense.  Enter Sean Smith.  Smith is a physical defensive back who could play either corner or safety in the pros, but unlike Malcolm Jenkins, Smith was great at the combine and sees his stock rising.  If he’s here, it’s a good fit.

27. Indianapolis Colts – Percy Harvin

WR – Florida – 5’11” – 192 lbs

Comments:  What’s that old saying? The rich just got richer.  Sure, the Colts could use a defensive tackle or linebacker, but when you have the opportunity to add one of the best playmakers in this draft to an offense like the Colts have, you have to do it.  If he can stay healthy, Harvin has a chance to be dynamic.  I see a lot of Reggie Bush in him.  Last year, there were questions about DeSean Jackson last dropped him to the middle of the 2nd round.  He was great for the Eagles last year.  Harvin should be better!!!!!!
28. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR) – Brandon Pettigrew

TE – Oklahoma St. – 6’5” – 263 lbs

Comments:  Ask and you shall receive.  McNabb wants help.  Well, I’ve already got the Eagles taking the No. 1 running back on the board, and now they get the No. 1 tight end.  Pettigrew doesn’t have elite speed, but he is dominant as a run blocker and has soft hands in the pass game.  The Eagles got a lot better in this draft so far.

29. New York Giants – James Laurinaitis

ILB – Ohio St. – 6’2” – 244 lbs

Comments:  Tom Coughlin likes tough guys.  It’s hard to find a tougher guy in this year’s draft than Laurinaitis.  With the Giants having a need at linebacker, why not bring in a guy who possesses the mentality of the head coach.  Laurinaitis should fit in right away with the hard nosed giant defense.

30. Tennessee Titans – Hakeem Nicks

WR – North Carolina – 6’1” – 212 lbs

Comments:  I find it funny that each year we sit here and say the Titans need a receiver, and each year they pass on one.  Maybe I’m stupid for having them take one this year, but enough is enough.  I’m not predicting, I’m begging the Titans to do the right thing and give their quarterbacks someone to throw to!!!!  Nicks has some of the best hands in the draft.  He doesn’t have elite speed, but runs good routes and can get open.  Titans…I’m begging you…do me, yourselves, and most of all, your quarterbacks a favor and draft a receiver!!!!
 

31. Arizona Cardinals – Chris “Beanie” Wells

RB – Ohio St. – 6’1” – 235 lbs

Comments:  As we wind down the 1st round, it’s pretty surprising that Beanie is still on the board.  If he drops this far, the entire Cardinals front office will have a mess in their pants.  For a team that needs to find a legit running back, have a back like Beanie fall into their lap after going to the super bowl, should consider themselves blessed.  I like Beanie.  Injuries are a concern, but I like his size and speed combination.  I also love his nimble feet.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jarron Gilbert

DE – San Jose St. – 6’5” – 288 lbs

Comments:  OK, it’s the Steelers pick, so I have to have them take an offensive lineman, right?  Um, no.  I think Gilbert is going to find himself creeping up draft boards and would be tremendous for the World Champions.  He is an ideal fit at defensive end in the 3-4 defense.  Gilbert is very athletic and extremely strong.  The Steelers defense just got better. 

2nd Round:

33. Detroit Lions – Ron Brace

DT – Boston College – 6’3” – 330 lbs

Comments:  Coming from Tennessee, Coach Jim Schwartz knows the importance of a big body in the middle.  Raji got most of the attention at Boston College, but Brace is creeping up the boards.

34. St. Louis Rams – Vontae Davis

CB – Illinois – 5’11” – 203 lbs

Comments:  Davis has tons of raw talent, but needs a lot of work at the cornerback position.  After going offense with the first pick, expect new coach Steve Spagnuolo to go defense here.

35. Kansas City Chiefs – Paul Kruger

DE – Utah – 6’4” – 263 lbs

Comments:  Kruger wasn’t overly impressive at the combine, but after trading away Jared Allen a year ago, the Chiefs have to find a rush off the edge.

36. Cleveland Browns – DJ Moore

CB – Vanderbilt – 5’9” – 192 lbs

Comments:  DJ Moore was a playmaker at Vanderbilt, and should fit right in with what Eric Mangini is bringing to the Browns.
 

37. Seattle Seahawks – Kenny Britt

WR – Rutgers – 6’3” – 218 lbs

Comments:  It’s pretty obvious the need the Seahawks have for a receiver.  After passing on Crabtree in the first round, Britt would be a nice fit for Greg Knapp’s offense.

38. Cincinnati Bengals – LeSean McCoy

RB – Pitt. – 5’10” – 198 lbs

Comments: Even though the Bengals seem to draft a running back every year, they’ll need another one this year.  Some scouts consider McCoy the biggest threat as a running back in this draft. 

39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Darius Butler

CB – UCONN – 5’10” – 183 lbs

Comments: With the Drayton Florence failure and the transfer of Brian Williams to safety, the Jaguars are in need of a corner.  Butler has an excellent skill set that should complement Rashean Mathis nicely.  Butler can play man coverage extremely well. 

40. Oakland Raiders – Louis Delmas

FS – Western Michigan – 5’11” – 202 lbs

Comments: With the release of Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff falling out of favor, I could see the Raiders going after the best pure safety in the draft. 

41. Green Bay Packers – Coye Francies

CB – San Jose St. – 6′ – 185 lbs

Comments: Al Harris and Charles Woodson continue to age.  Francies can play in any type of defense, and would be able to learn under Harris and Woodson. 

42. Buffalo Bills – Shawn Nelson

TE – Southern Miss. – 6’5” – 240 lbs

Comments: The Bills need a threat at tight end.  After passing on Brandon Pettigrew, the Bills get a big play threat at tight end in Nelson. 

43. San Francisco 49ers – Clint Sintim

OLB – Virginia – 6’3” – 256 lbs

Comments: The 49ers need a rush off the edge.  Coming from the 3-4 defense at Virginia, Sintim would be a good fit with the 49ers defense. 

44. Miami Dolphins (via Washington)- Patrick Chung

SS – Oregon – 5’11” – 212 lbs

Comments: Chung is a physical strong safety with some speed.  He’s a good fit as a “Parcells guy.” 

45. New York Giants (via New Orleans)- Brian Robiskie

WR – Ohio St. – 6’3” – 209 lbs

Comments: Robiskie opened up some eyes at the combine with a nice 40 yard dash time at around 4.5.  He runs good routes and has good hands.  His mentality should mesh well with Tom Coughlin. 

46. Houston Texans – Michael Johnson

DE – Georgia Tech – 6’7” – 266 lbs

Comments: Johnson has top 10 talent, but doesn’t have the production.  Some feel he could be like Mike Mamula or Vernon Gholston.  The Texans should take the chance to have him opposite of Mario Williams. 

47. New England Patriots (via San Diego)- Cornelius Ingram

TE – Florida – 6’4” – 245 lbs

Comments: The Patriots are looking to upgrade at tight end, and we know the connection between Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer.  After missing 2008 with an ACL injury, Ingram proved at the combine that he’s ready to go. 

48. Denver Broncos – Alphonso Smith

CB – Wake Forrest – 5’9” – 193 lbs

Comments: The release of Dre Bly opens up a spot at corner. Smith made big time plays at Wake Forrest, but doesn’t have elite speed. He’ll be a nice addition to a revamped Broncos defense. 

 49. Chicago Bears – Josh Freeman

QB – Kansas St. – 6’6” – 248 lbs

Comments: Freeman has the strong arm to succeed in the windy city.  If he falls this far, I’d imagine the Bears would jump on him. 

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Evander “Ziggy” Hood

DT – Missouri – 6’3” – 300 lbs

Comments: Ziggy is a spark plug on the field.  He’s got a big body and gets tons of penetration.  He’ll be a good fit with Jim Bates’ new defense.  

51. Dallas Cowboys – Fili Moala

DT – USC – 6’4” – 305 lbs

Comments: Moala should be a good fit at defensive end or nose tackle for the Cowboys. With the loss of Chris Canty, the Cowboys could use a player like Moala. 

52. New York Jets – Derrick Williams

WR – Penn St. – 5’11” – 194 lbs

Comments: Laveraneaus Coles was released, so the Jets will be looking for a big play threat on offense.  Williams was terrible at the combine, but there were reports of him having the flu. I expect a better showing at his pro day. 

53. Philadelphia Eagles – William Beatty

OT – UCONN – 6’6” – 307 lbs

Comments: Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are both free agents and up there in age.  Beatty is a big offensive tackle who is a very good run blocker, and holds his own in pass protection. 

54. Minnesota Vikings – David Veikune

DE – Hawaii – 6’2” – 257 lbs

Comments: I like Ray Edwards on first and second down, but I think the Vikings need a pass rusher opposite of Jared Allen. Veikune’s strength is rushing the passer. 

55. Atlanta Falcons – Asher Allen

CB – Georgia – 5’9” – 194 lbs

Comments: Allen, a local product from Georgia, would be an excellent fit for the Falcons. After passing on corner in the 1st round, the Falcons need a corner here. 

56. Miami Dolphins – Max Unger

OC – Oregon – 6’5” – 309 lbs

Comments: Bill Parcells loves his offensive linemen. Unger has the ability to play either guard or center, and would be good value here. 

57. Baltimore Ravens – Connor Barwin

DE/OLB – Cincinnati – 6’4” – 256 lbs

Comments: Barwin is just a hard nosed football player. He has the ability to play defensive end, outside linebacker, and even tight end. John Harbaugh seems to like these type of players.

 58. New England Patriots – Andy Levitre

OG – Oregon St. – 6’3” – 305 lbs

Comments: The Patriots need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Some scouts consider Levitre the top guard available. 

59. Carolina Panthers – Nate Davis

QB – Ball St. – 6’1” – 226 lbs

Comments: There have been no talks of a contract extension with Jake Delhomme, and I don’t feel Matt Moore is the future. Nate Davis is an interesting prospect who lead little Ball St. to back to back bowl games and a top 15 ranking last season. He’s got talent. 

60. New York Giants – Donald Brown

RB – UCONN – 5’10” – 210 lbs

Comments: Sure, Brandon Jacobs was franchised, but how long will it be until he gets injured.  Brown is another player in the mold of Tom Coughlin.  Brown would make the Giants forget about Derrick Ward.

61. Indianapolis Colts – Sen’Derrick Marks

DT – Auburn – 6’2” – 306 lbs

Comments: One of the Colts biggest needs is defensive tackle.  I’m unsure how I feel about Marks, but he should be a nice fit in the Tampa 2.

62. Tennessee Titans – Everette Pedescleaux

DT – Northern Iowa – 6’6” – 305 lbs.

Comments: There is always that one player who gets drafted in the 2nd round that no one has ever heard of.  He’s got tremendous size and runs a sub 5.0 40-yard dash.  He’s incredibly athletic and strong.  This might be a stretch, but the Titans usually go for obscure prospects. 

63. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Wood

OC – Louisville – 6’4” – 310 lbs

Comments: The Cardinals are looking to improve their run game.  I already have them taking a running back in the 1st round. Wood is an underrated center prospect, who could help anchor the Cardinals offensive line for years.

 64. Pittsburgh Steelers – Duke Robinson

OG – Oklahoma – 6’5” – 329 lbs

Comments: The Steelers need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line more than the tackles. Some scouts consider Robinson the top guard in this draft. When I watch Robinson play, the only uniform I see him in is a Steelers uniform.

Don't do it, Jermaine.

Former Bucs director of player personnel, Tim Ruskell, is now president of the Seattle Seahawks.

Back in 2002, Ruskell grabbed one heck of a fifth-round pick in safety Jermaine Phillips.

Today, Phillips was in Seattle being courted by the Seahawks, reports the Seattle Times.

Joe doesn’t like the smell of this at all.

The Lions grab Phillip Buchanon for $8.5 million over two years. Apparently, somebody forgot to tell Buchanon he'd be a starter in Tampa

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon says he wanted to be 100 percent certain he would be in the starting lineup come opening day in September, reports the Tampa Tribune.

And where better to score playing time than in Detroit.

Buchanon is now a proud, rich member of the Detroit Lions.

 The Bucs have lost an above average cornerback on a defense that is thinning faster than Joe’s hair.

Say a prayer for Jermaine Phillips.