Martin Fennelly wonders aloud in his podcast how wide receiver Michael Clayton fits into "The Plan."

Joe is humbled to learn uber columnist Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune is on the same wavelength as Joe.

A week ago Joe wondered what this mysterious “plan” was that Raheem The Dream kept referring to, that led the Bucs to cut loose Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn. But The Dream refused to explain what exactly “The Plan” was, as if this was some classified state secret akin to Jimmy Hoffa’s cell phone number.

In his “Martin Chronicles” podcast, Fennelly discusses what exactly “The Plan” may be with his fellow scribe, eye-RAH! Kaufman.

(MEMO FOR THE HYPERSENSiTIVE: If Joe doesn’t like someone, he will either blast them so badly that Phil Mushnick would even cringe, or simply ignore them. Repeated references, nicknames and numerous links to a subject’s work means Joe respects if not likes him or her. And linking to someone’s work helps drive traffic to said work. Just a quick tip on new media: it’s all about the page views, just ask Erin “Page Views” Andrews.)

Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots, co-hosts of "The Blitz" on Sirius NFL Radio, have yet to be warmed over by the thought of Luke McCown as an NFL starting quarterback.

Tuesday on Sirius NFL Radio, co-hosts of “The Blitz,” Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots, were discussing the Bucs signing of Derrick Ward and the discussion glided into the Bucs in general.

Let’s just say they weren’t doing back flips.

(Hey, Pawlowski, has Clear Channel lawyers tried to find out why Sirius/NFL has thieved your show’s name?)

Adam Schein: Solly, I like (Derrick) Ward, but at 29, is he an every down back?

Solomon Wilcots: You have to pay for one. Nowadays, everybody has two everydown backs. You have to a have a stable. Coaches want more than one. Ward won’t be running behind the Giants offensive line in Tampa, so you have a legitimate question.

AS: (Ward) will have an opportunity. He thought he had as good of a year as (Brandon) Jacobs (last year). Ward will be in the situation where he could get more carries and more yards than Brandon Jacobs.

SW: Quietly, his performance was a very good one. It remains to be seen if he can be a 16-week back. If you are Tampa you have to feel good.

AS: I am confused about Tampa. Is the front office trying to win? Is the team rebuilding? They made a play for (Albert) Haynesworth. They cut (Derrick) Brooks and all those guys. Then they make a trade for (Sgt.) Winslow. I like that move, but to give up draft picks… Luke McCown is the quarterback? Where is this team right now? I’m just not sure where this team is.

SW: It’s also a team that was in the mix for (Jay) Cutler. (Defensive coordinator) Jim Bates is not a Tampa-2 guy so you see an overhaul of the defense away from the Tampa-2. Dare I say this team will be blitzing a whole lot more? Clearly it’s a new era and a new day in Tampa. They literally stripped it all down and started over. I don’t know if you can call it rebuilding.

Like Joe, Pat Kirwan of NFL.com thinks the Bucs need to draft defensive players. After Black Wednesday, the Bucs are beyond thin at linebacker.

Kirwan thinks he has the perfect player for the Bucs. In his mock draft on NFL.com, Kirwan has the Bucs selecting defensive end/outside linebacker Aaron Maybin from Penn State.

The Buccaneers cut Derrick Brooks and Cato June, and need starting linebackers who can also rush the passer. Maybin needs linebacker work in his drops and coverage but he has the tools, and the Bucs are rebuilding.

This warms Joe’s heart as he is fond of JoePa, and with Penn State linebackers or linemen, it’s either hit or miss: either the guy is a bust or he is an absolute stud.

Joe would roll the dice on Maybin.

Buccaneers.com has the press conference of Derrick Ward’s introduction to the Tampa Bay area in its entirety. Joe also has the link here.

Joe has gone on record that he likes this move a lot. Provided Luke McCown truly is the starting quarterback, a backfield of Ward and Earnest Graham will certainly keep opposing defenses at worst, honest.

Just on face value, Joe wouldn’t be suprised if defenses initially pack everyone in and dare McCown to throw. With Antonio Bryant and Sgt. Winslow (provided he can suit up), McCown should have open target to throw to.

In short, currently, McCown has considerable protection: good running backs, good receivers and a potentially great offensive line.

Carmella loves Justin Pawlowski's NFL draft coverage, exclusively on JoeBucsFan.com

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal, opens up the mailbag to answer your draft questions in today’s daily podcast.

He’ll do that every week, so shoot him your best at justinpawlowski@620wdae.com

Go figure, lots of folks are asking about quarterbacks (No surprise that Brian Griese and Luke McCown aren’t spreading confidence out there). And Pawlowski takes his shots for his positioning of Percy Harvin on the first of many mock drafts on JoeBucsFan.com.

Subscribe today for daily podcasts and so much more, as Joe is committed to giving you the best NFL draft coverage anywhere. Every subscriber gets a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille.

Pawlowski’s written analysis of all potential impact running backs is on Saturday. {+++}

For the second week in a row, ProFootballWeekly’s Wes Bunting is suggesting the Bucs will draft a wide receiver in the first round. And Bunting releases this prediction after the Bucs announced the resigning of receivers Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton, and the acqusition of tight end Sgt. Winslow.

And for the second time in as many weeks, Bunting predicts the Bucs to draft Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland.

With the news that the Buccaneers have an interest in Raiders running back Michael Bush, expect Tampa Bay to bypass the RB position in the first round and opt for a playmaking wideout. The Buccaneers need to add more of a vertical threat to their passing game, and Heyward-Bey and his 4.3 speed fit the bill.

Joe can’t see this happening unless they expect Clayton to come off the bench. If that is the case, Clayton is pulling pretty good coin not to start.

After reading Mark Dominik's comments about the Bucs corps or linebackers, Joe can't accept that Derrick Brooks wouldn't be a major asset in 2009

Joe apologizes for the second FOX News reference in one day.

But Joe is almost speechless at the comments of Mark Dominik in his state of the team sit-down with reporters today.

Here’s the link from TBO.com. You can read all of it and draw your own conclusion. Does he really believe all this?

From where Joe sits, if Dominik thinks last year’s reserves on defense are going to step up across the board and carry the Bucs next year, he’s dreaming (or the Glazer’s checkbook has been closed on him).

On the plan at linebacker: We’re still excited about Quincy Black; Geno Hayes flashed a lot last year in his ability to play. Adam Hayward, we’ve got a Rod Wilson, Matt McCoy, Jamall Johnson who we signed form the CFL. So we’ve got a good group of players that we think can compete at the positions, and we like their athleticism; their speed to cover grass, cover ground. And we intend to give them every opportunity. But a lot will be said in March and April to get a feel for how they’re doing, how they’re learning the system and we’ll go from there.

And which of these linebackers  is better or more valuable to the team than Derrick Brooks?

Joe’s nerves will be soothed by the signing of Jermaine Phillips and, to a lesser extent, Phillip Buchanon. If they’re going to go with inexperience at linebacker and defensive line, then we at least need a veteran, hard-hitting secondary.

If Jay Culter skips the Broncos' next voluntary workout, the Denver Post reports he could go on the trading block again

The thought of Jay Cutler possibly being the Bucs starting quarterback has Joe dizzy with excitment. The kid is big, strong, mobile, crafty and has proven a lot for a 25 year old.

Just the thought is almost enough to soothe the pain of Carmella leaving town. So Joe just doesn’t want to let go of the possibility.

And it seems the new Broncos regime, under head coach Josh McDaniel, might be imploding, as Cutler is very upset, according to many stories in the Denver Post.

The latest in the soap opera has Cutler in Nashville now stewing over the slap in the face of being on the trade market. Denver Post beat writer Mike Kils says if Cutler doesn’t show up for the next workout session, the controversy could boil over and trade talks could heat up.

The next key date for the quarterback-coach issue might be March 16, when Broncos players are scheduled to begin their “voluntary” offseason workout program. If Cutler shows up and personally meets with Mc- Daniels, they could work on healing a fractured relationship.

If Cutler doesn’t show up, the controversy will rage. This scenario could again lead the Broncos to consider trading away the player who has widely been described as their franchise quarterback the past three seasons. Cutler, 25, was named to his first Pro Bowl last season.

Joe would trade two No. 1 picks for Cutler. Maybe more. Regardless, the Bucs might get another crack at Cutler in two weeks.

[UPDATE: Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has stated Cutler will not be traded.]

Glazer cares about fans as often as THE PESSMIST services Pam Anderson

Screw Bill O’Reilly. The spin stops with THE PESSIMIST.

Having time to reflect and vomit repeatedly after the needless, foolish cutting of Derrick Brooks, THE PESSIMIST now wonders how the Glazers infamous focus group of fans felt about the decision.

You remember, those are the diehards the Glazer Boys consulted before they fired Chucky. Gosh, those Glazers cared so deeply about the pulse of the fans they sought average-Joe input on the fate of the head coach.

Surely, the Glazer Boys consulted these same fans before cutting the face of the franchise, Derrick Brooks.

In case you don’t get it by now, these fans don’t exist, unless you count the handful of the Glazers Boys’ friends, relatives, Yes men and servants.

The big Alabama offensive tackle is sliding down the draft ladder

Alabama offensive lineman Andre “AWOL” Smith tops the list of losers from the NFL combine you’ll hear about in today’s podcast.

Justin Pawlowski, of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal, goes in depth about some of the top collegiate stars who are freefalling out of last month’s combine.{+++}[audio:podcast0303.mp3]

Pawlowski’s renowned NFL Draft coverage is seen and heard daily on JoeBucsFan.com. Thanks for subscribing. And tell a friend!

"Wind," as Derrick Ward was known in New York, will team with Earnest Graham in the Bucs backfield, reports The Tampa Tribune

If the Glazers Boys had any hope of getting people to buy season tickets (but they have that waiting list right? ppppfffffttt!), the Bucs needed to make a splash. If they didn’t have the cash then they needed to hock some money from that damned kickball team of theirs. Whether they used a Mexican loan shark or not remains to be seen, but Mark Dominik gave Bucs fans reason for some optimism next season by landing one of the big fish in the free agent lake: Giants running back Derrick Ward, so reports Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.

The deal has yet to be announced because Ward must still pass a physical, but it calls for the former Giants back to receive $3 million guaranteed and is worth $17 million overall.

Given the Bucs solid offensive line, the Bucs now have a formidable running attack which should, at the very least, take pressure off (potential) starting quarterback Luke McCown as defenses won’t be able to key on him as much. Joe is more than pleased with this signing. Joe can sleep well tonight without the aid of any Tanqueray.

So Albert Haynesworth talked about his recent signing with the Redskins today on Sporting News Radio.

What should excite Bucs fans is Haynesworth implied that the Bucs were on center stage ready to pony up the $41 million in guaranteed money he received, as reported by ESPN.com.

You came from a team that had great success last year, do you think you can have that same success quickly in Washington?
“I really think so, that was the one thing looking into it, because we did have both the same money on the table and everybody knows that one was from Tampa.

Today, Joe’s friend Steve Duemig, of 620 AM, The Sports Animal, was floating a theory that the Bucs are avoiding signing some free agents and might discard draft picks in order to not have to pay out big signing bonuses.

Joe hopes The Big Dog is wrong. And it seems Haynesworth himself may cool speculation that the Bucs are playing cheapskates out there in free agent land.

Another interesting element of the near-miss on Face Stomper was that Mark Dominik painted himself in the corner when he cut Derrick Brooks. This, apparently, scared off Haynesworth, at least that’s what he told Tim Montemayor of The Sporting News Radio, via Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune.

If Derrick Brooks had not been cut, would you have gone to Tampa?

“Yeah, it was a few things we looked at. You couldn’t really say that, but cutting a bunch of those guys and having a bunch of new starters didn’t help the situation any. I felt comfortable with Raheem, he seemed to be a good person and he’s going to be a good coach, and I thought they had a lot of upside. But then they started whacking people, I guess they wanted to have that fresh new look and that’s what they went for. It didn’t really scare me off, but it didn’t really help the situation.”

Nice job, Dominik. Though Joe isn’t losing sleep over Face Stomper leaving, it’s already clear Dominik didn’t just get burned already by cutting Brooks, he got roasted, and deservedly so!

Would Jovan Haye still be smiling if he finds himself stuck in the capital of country music?

In nearly a throwaway line in Woody Cummings’ post this morning on TBO.com about the Bucs going after some stiff running back for the Bears (yeah, that would be a real upgrade from Warrick Dunn), Cummings tosses in a tidbit that the Titans are targeting Bucs defensive tackle Jovan Haye.

In another development, the Tennessee Titans are the first team to emerge with an interest in Bucs free agent defensive tackle Jovan Haye. Haye is exepcted to visit the Titans later this week.

The way the Bucs defensive tackles got run over in the latter part of the season (sure, Joe knows they were dinged up), Joe won’t lose too much sleep if Haye leaves.

 Joe is still firmly of the belief that the Bucs would be wise to pick up Redskins defensive tackle Kedric Golston.

Now that the Redskins have Albert Haynesworth, Golston is out there for the taking and would be an inexpensive upgrade for the Bucs.

[UPDATE: As Chris pointed out in the comments section, “Haye, Haye… bye-bye.” Haye signed with the Titans.]

SI.com's Peter King is a bit suspicious of the Sgt. Winslow trade.

The PESSIMIST made no secret of his loathing of the deal that brought Sgt. Winslow to the Bucs. Well, it seems THE PESSIMIST has some company.

Peter King, in his SI.com column “Monday Morning Quarterback” today also raised an eyebrow upon learning of the trade.

I think I respect the new Bucs’ management team, but I wonder if GM Mark Dominik has bitten off more than he can chew with the acquisition of (and overpayment of) tight end Kellen Winslow. The Bucs paid a second-round pick in 2009 and a conditional 2010 pick for Winslow, who butted heads with the coaches and management consistently in Cleveland. The Bucs brought him in after being assured by new tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts (formerly of Cleveland) that Winslow is OK, and after doing an MRI on the knee that has troubled him extensively since his motorcycle accident.

Of course Joe hopes this deal works out. Currently, Joe sides with THE PESSIMIST. Call Joe “The Skeptic” if you will.

Fresh-faced Luke McCown is learning the tougher side of the business

The details surrounding the Bucs weekend move for Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler have been sketchy. The local media has hardly flushed it out.

However, Mike Kils, of the Denver Post, comes right out and says the Bucs made the first move.

It may be important to note, Tampa Bay initiated the deal. And it wasn’t the only team that inquired about acquiring Cutler.

Joe can’t help but wonder what’s going on in the mind of Luke McCown.

The Bucs gave McCown the classic Gruden, “Love you, bro,” speech when they re-signed him a few weeks ago, and McCown was quoted saying he was told he would have a real chance to compete for the starting job.

But everyone, including McCown, knows Cutler would be the starter if he came to Tampa Bay. Same would have been true for Matt Cassel and his $14 million salary, if the Bucs pulled off the reported trade attempt for him.

Joe has no problem with the Bucs going after the best QB. Cutler would be a tremendous addition.

Joe just finds it interesting how The Dream regime may be more Chucky-like than anyone thought. The double-speak is everywhere.

“Stay the Course” translated into cutting Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn. And now the mantra of McCown competing for starting quarterback seems like empty words.

Joe won’t even start about that boldfaced lie, “The Plan,” that The Dream tried to pawn off on us last week.

From Matthew Stafford to Rhett Bomar and Pat White, Joe's got you covered with the best position-by-position NFL draft coverage anywhere

Subscribe to Joe’s premium draft content. It starts here with our complete breakdown of potential impact quarterbacks!

Every week here at JoeBucsFan.com, Justin Pawlowski, of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal will roll out position-by-position analysis leading up the April 25 draft.

Subscribers also get phenomenal mock drafts each week, podcasts and more. Plus post-draft analysis.

Best of all the package comes with FREE FOOD or FREE BEER.

 And everybody gets a free $10 gift card from Courtside Grille.

QUARTERBACKS – By Justin Pawlowski {+++}

Quarterbacks are a real weak position this year. There are a couple good ones at the top with Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez, but I wouldn’t put them in a class with last year’s top five QB, Matt Ryan.

After that, you have Josh Freeman who’s very intriguing like Joe Flacco was a year ago. I’m wondering if Freeman has a late push because of his size, arm strength, and potential, much like Flacco had a year ago?

Nate Davis completes the list of top QBs in this draft. Coming from a small school, there will be a learning curve. The Panthers or Bears could be options for Davis in the second round. After Davis there is a huge drop off.

My recommendation is draft a quarterback early if you need one. This might be a good year to add other pieces to your puzzle and look to getting a QB next year when the draft SHOULD be loaded with them. Here is a list of my top quarterbacks for 2009.

Underneath each name is the player’s height, weight, and 40-yard dash time from the combine.

Matthew Stafford, Georgia
6-2, 225, 4.81
Top 10 pick

Why I’m taking him — The first two positives about Stafford to me are his size and arm strength. Stafford can make every throw on the field with tons of velocity. His toughness also stands out to me. Stafford can take a hit in the pocket and get right back up. I love his pocket presence. He is extremely athletic as a pocket quarterback. Playing in a pro-style offense doesn’t hurt either.

Why I’m staying away

Inconsistency worries me most with Stafford. I’m not overly thrilled with his accuracy. He has a strong arm, but sometimes forgets to add touch to his passes. A huge pet peeve of mine for a quarterback is to be able to read a defense. After watching film on Stafford, there were just too many times when he would stare down his intended receiver. With a strong arm, you can get away with that in college, but not in the NFL.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Anything can happen in the NFL Draft. If Stafford fell to the Bucs at No. 19, he would have to be their selection and would immediately become the Bucs franchise quarterback. A strong armed quarterback is just what the Bucs are looking for with Jeff Jagodzinski’s vertical attack now in Tampa. A move like this would not be good news for Josh Johnson, who would likely never be more than a back-up in Tampa. As for Luke McCown, he’d be given a chance to beat out Stafford in training camp, but odds are that Stafford would get the nod.

NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler:

Both Stafford and Cutler have big arms and are very intelligent. Cutler has done a very good job of going through his progressions the last couple years. Stafford will have to do that to be successful in the NFL.

Mark Sanchez, USC,  6-2, 227, 4.94
Top 20 pick

Why I’m taking him: {+++}The main reason I’m taking Sanchez is his ability to read a defense, find an open receiver, look off the defender, and place the ball with ideal accuracy to his receiver. Also, his outstanding agility inside the pocket allows him to buy time, all while still searching for open receivers down the field. Sanchez is plenty tough and plays with a ton of heart. As for arm strength, he can make any throw on the field, he might not have the strongest arm, but it’s more than adequate.

Why I’m staying away: Experience is my biggest concern with Sanchez. He only started 16 games at USC and as we all know, game experience is the best kind of experience. He also suffered a few injuries in college, one being a dislocated knee cap (don’t worry, doctors found it), but his health would be a concern. He also likes to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and sometimes, those emotions get the best of him.

Impact on the Bucs roster: There’s a better possibility of Sanchez falling to the Bucs than Stafford falling to the Bucs. You might ask why, and the answer is that Stafford has the arm strength NFL teams covet and experience, while Sanchez is an accurate passer without the experience. Experience wins out, and Sanchez should fall, although I believe Sanchez might be the better prospect. The drafting of Sanchez puts an end to the Josh Johnson project, while also ensuring Luke McCown of a backup role.

NFL Comparison: Matt Hasselbeck: This was a tough one. I had to really go back and watch specific quarterbacks. Honestly, I see a combination of Drew Brees, Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Rodgers. However, Sanchez’s skill-set matched mostly up with a HEALTHY Matt Hasselbeck.

Josh Freeman – Kansas State
6-6, 248, 4.97
Fringe first round

Why I’m taking him: Freeman’s biggest attribute is his arm strength. He has the arm strength to thread the needle with any throw to any place on the field. He also has a ton of confidence in that arm strength. Freeman’s big frame is also a tremendous attribute. At over 6-6, Freeman has the size to view the entire field over his linemen, and a big strong body that’s hard to take to the ground. With that size, he is surprisingly agile.

Why I’m staying away: Freeman thinks he can squeeze any pass into any opening. This is not good since openings in college are much different than the ones in the NFL. This could result in many interceptions. He also needs a lot of work on his mechanics as a quarterback and his accuracy. His decision-making could be improved as well.

Impact on the Bucs roster:  The Bucs will take a long look at Freeman. I believe that one of the main reasons Jon Gruden was fired was because he never drafted and developed a young quarterback. You take that and factor in that Raheem Morris was the defensive coordinator at Kansas State when Freeman was a freshman, and you’ve got some good motives as to why the Bucs would go with Freeman. I don’t feel Freeman would be able to step in on Day One and be the starter, which would bode well for Luke McCown to be the starter in 2009. Josh Johnson would no longer be in the Bucs plans as a franchise quarterback.

NFL Comparison: JaMarcus Russell: I do feel Freeman has a better work ethic than Russell, but the rest of their attributes are oddly the same. After seeing what Russell was doing in the last few games of 2008, if Freeman shows that kind of progression at the end of his second year, whatever team drafts him will be very pleased.

Nate Davis, Ball State
6-1, 226, 4.98
Second or third round

Why I’m taking him: I think Nate Davis could be a pretty good pro. I think the main thing that would make me draft Davis would be his heart and will to win. For him to take little Ball State and make them as good as they were last year was amazing. I also like his movement inside the pocket, while all-the-time having his eyes up the field looking for the big play. His movement inside the pocket reminds me a lot of a younger Jeff Garcia. He’s got great zip on passes all over the field, and knows just when to take a little off a pass and add some touch.

Why I’m staying away: I’m slightly worried of Davis’ play in big games. We can start with the MAC title game from this past season, after his team went all of 2008 undefeated, Nate Davis threw for one TD and one INT in a losing effort to Buffalo. Ball State then went on to play Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl, and didn’t fair much better. Actually, it got much worse, as Davis threw for 145 yards, no TDs, and one INT as Ball State lost to Tulsa 45-13. In those final two games of 2008, in addition to his INTs, Davis fumbled the ball a combined eight times. Even last season in the International Bowl against Rutgers, Davis threw for over 350 yards and three TDs, but most of those stats came later in the game when Rutgers had a big lead and was playing a prevent defense. Height can also be a slight concern.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Davis would be interesting for the Bucs as either a second or third round pick. There would be a learning curve with Davis, but it would tell me that Josh Johnson wouldn’t be the future quarterback of the Bucs. Also, drafting Davis would ensure that Luke McCown would be the starter in 2009 because Davis just wouldn’t be ready.

NFL Comparison: David Garrard: Garrard might have a heftier build, but watching both of these quarterbacks in game action is very similar. Much like Garrard, Davis has a strong enough arm to push the ball down the field, a quick release, and good accuracy. Also, their movement within the pocket is very similar. They aren’t threats to take off for a 40-yard run, but they will extend the play and give their receivers extra time to get open.

Pat White, West Virginia
6-0, 197, 4.55
Second-fourth round

Why I’m taking him: I’m taking Pat White because he’s a playmaker. He should be able to help me as a RECEIVER and in the return game. He’s shown over the course of his college career the ability to make people miss and provide big plays on offense. Maybe, playing quarterback in college might help him read coverages in the pros and help him get open as a receiver. As a quarterback, his arm strength is very good.

Why I’m staying away: The guy was a quarterback in college, but won’t be one in the NFL. If I want a receiver, I’m going to draft a receiver. I’m not going to draft a quarterback and hope that he makes the transition to receiver. If he never pans out as a receiver, it becomes a wasted draft pick. As a quarterback, I am not impressed at all with his decision making.

Impact on the Bucs roster: To be quite honest with you, I’d be pretty surprised if the Bucs selected White in any round. To me, White is a luxury pick for whom a team with little needs can take a chance. Unfortunately, the Bucs have many needs. If the Bucs want a receiver, I suggest drafting a receiver, and the same goes for quarterback

NFL Comparison: Antwan Randle El: There was a debate here between Randle El and Brad Smith of the Jets. Randle El wins out simply because of the similarities in size and speed. I’m not sure Pat White ever becomes a starting receiver in the NFL like Randle El, though.

Rhett Bomar – Sam Houston State
6’2” – 225 lbs – 4.82
Third-fifth round

Why I’m taking him: Bomar’s an interesting cat. He was once regarded as the best recruit in the country coming out of high school, so he must have something going for him. I’d draft him simply for the potential he brings. He’s got good arm strength and accuracy on his throws and delivers the ball with nice touch and timing. He’s also an intense competitor on the field, but is cool under pressure.

Why I’m staying away: Character and decision-making would steer me clear of Bomar. Before he was dismissed from Oklahoma for violating NCAA rules as a result of accepting pay from what was essentially a no-show job at a car dealership, he had been cited twice as a minor in possession of alcohol. Because of these things, Bomar was forced to transfer to Sam Houston State where the competition was not of a very high standard. He also seems to have too much confidence in his arm as he will tend to throw too many interceptions.

Impact on the Bucs roster: If the Bucs draft Bomar, you’d hope it would be later rather than early. If they do select him, expect for Luke McCown to still be the starter and for Josh Johnson to compete with Bomar for the title of “Quarterback of the Future”.

NFL Comparison: Jake Delhomme: I know Delhomme didn’t have the off-the-field problems Bomar had, but if Bomar’s going to make it in the NFL he might have to take a similar path to Delhomme. Both players are intense competitors who are calm when the pressure is on.

Cullen Harper, Clemson
6-3, 225, 5.06
Fourth-sixth round

Why I’m taking him: Hell, maybe I’m taking him because I think it’s the 2008 Draft. Harper was terrible as a senior in 2008 while battling injuries, but as a junior in 2007, he was brilliant. During that 2007 season, he threw for 2,991 yards 27 TDs and just six INTs. I like his accuracy on short to intermediate passes. I’d also take him because of his intelligence and leadership qualities.

Why I’m staying away: Unfortunately for Harper, he did play his senior season. In 2008, he battled a shoulder injury and threw for just 2,395 yards, 11 TDs and 12 INTs. That shoulder injury is worrisome. Durability is a major concern of mine, since his arm strength wasn’t great to begin with, and was even worse with the injury. Obviously, with a lack of arm strength, Harper struggles with the deep ball.

Impact on the Bucs roster: If the Bucs selected Harper, it would simply be a developmental project. McCown would be your starter in 2009 with Harper and Josh Johnson your two developmental projects. It wouldn’t be an ideal situation for the Bucs, but better than watching “Son of Bob.”

NFL Comparison: Eric Ainge: Harper reminds me a lot of Ainge at Tennessee. Ainge dealt with a few injuries and didn’t have the strongest arm. I believe they might both be looking at similar careers in the NFL, as well.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

In today’s podcast, Joe’s draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal, names his big winners from the NFL Combine.

Grab a listen below.

All of Pawlowski’s draft analysis will be available right here on JoeBucsFan.com through early May.  Subscribe today for a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille.

The Professor, John Clayton of BSPN, talks about Black Wednesday and how the Bucs recover and where Derrick Brooks may play in 2009.

Like just about everyone else, The Professor was caught blindsided by the Bucs moves.

The Professor is confident Brooks will play somewhere again, which for Joe would be sad: Brooks wearing another team’s jersey.

Sometimes, Joe thinks this is all some cruel trick.

Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune suggested that Bucs free agent cornerback Phillip Buchanon wants to return to the Bucs and the feeling is mutual from the team.

Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune appeared on Sunday Sports Extra on WFLA-TV Sunday evening with The Martian.

Cummings had some interesting perspectives on all the moves the Bucs made the past week.

Some of Cummings’ thoughts:

* Phillip Buchanon wants to play for the Bucs. The Bucs want Phillip Buchanon to play for them.” As a result, Cummings expects Buchanon to return but said the Bucs are preparing just in case Buchanon flies the coop.

* Bengals wide receiver “T.J. Houshmandzadeh doesn’t want to play here.”

* “Mark Dominik is trying some things out of the box. Pretty soon he’s going to hit on something that is really going to help this club.”

* The Bucs are beefing up the receiving corps.

* “We already know the identity of this team: Defensively they are going to get after the quarterback. On offense, it will still be a West Coast team and with power running and they won’t be afraid to throw the ball downfield.”

* On Brooks being cut, “I still don’t understand that.” Cummings suggested Dominik and The Dream wants players who will practice daily, even in the waning weeks of the season. Many of the players cut on Black Wednesday were afforded days off during the week by Chucky so  they would be as close to 100 percent on game day as possible.

Newly acquired Bucs tight end Sgt. Winslow spoke recently with BSPN about the move that brought him to Tampa Bay.

This is scary.

A boat is missing off of Clearwater and the Coast Guard has said three NFL players were on the craft, two of which are former Bucs, per WFTS-TV.

Friends Victor “Marquis” Cooper, Nick Skyler, Corey Smith and a fourth person haven’t been seen since.

At least 2 of the men are professional football players with ties to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cooper, whose truck and trailer is till parked at the boat ramp where the men left from, is a linebacker with the Oakland Raiders.

Smith is a defensive end for the Detroit Lions. Both began their careers with the Bucs.

For what team does the third player play? Uh, oh.

The players’ fishing boat was supposed to be 50 miles off Clearwater. It was an overnight trip and supposed to return after dawn. The boat and its passengers never did.