"You better %^#'n believe I've got a say in this draft. You got that?"

First, for those who thought Joe was making ridiculous, moronic leaps connecting Chucky’s quarterbacks series on BSPN with a covert, unethical scouting operation for Mike Holmgren, well, Joe has something for you to shove up your nose.

BSPN senior NFL analyst John Clayton, The Professor himself, said today on 1040 AM that because of Chucky’s close ties with Holmgren, if the Browns pass on quarterback Jimmy Clausen at No. 7 then you can make the connection “that Gruden didn’t like him.”

Now, for those who think the Bucs are trading out of that No. 3 overall pick on Thursday, Clayton doesn’t agree with you. 

Speaking on The Fabulous Sports Babe Show on 1040 AM earlier today, Clayton said the draft has so many A+ prospects that trades won’t happen high in the first round because every team will like what’s in front of them.

“Maybe see no trades in the top 12. In the end, these players are so good, you won’t see trades,” Clayton said.

Former Bucs defensive end and JoeBucsFan.com analyst Steve White was a popular guy yesterday, delivering his astute insight on multiple sports radio stations, including with Joe’s partners at WDAE-AM 620.

Talking all things Bucs and the NFL Draft, White repeatedly was asked what lies ahead for the Buccaneers on the field in 2010.

White said a Bucs finish between 6-10 and 8-8 is about the ceiling of hope for the team, even if Mark Dominik is perfect this week.

“Even if we hit on every guy [in the draft], we’ll be hard pressed to get to 8-8,” White said.

Now White didn’t predict 6-10 or 8-8. He only explained that those records represent about the best the Bucs could possibly achieve. White said the Bucs failed in their messaging to fans before last season by not dropping expectations and coming clean to say 2009 was an all-out rebuilding season. And White hopes that doesn’t happen again.

Joe falls in the category of fan who believes in miracles. When kickoff comes, Joe believes the Bucs can win every week. So it’s painful to get slapped with the wins-and-losses reality of what the 2010 season will bring.

That said, White is on the money. Even if Dominik proves to be a draft genius, a very challenging season lies ahead.

Joe’s not here to pile on. Jimmy Wilkerson will never make people forget Simeon Rice.

Sure, Wilkerson, who signed with the Saints this morning, isn’t a Hall of Famer and was pushing 30, which is the dreaded age for defensive linemen.

But Joe  wonders how a team, with one of the NFL’s worst defenses, would let a guy go who was at least remotely productive on an otherwise unproductive unit. Wilkerson did have six sacks.

It’s clear to Joe that the Bucs are pretty much tossing the 2010 season away, which Joe isn’t totally revolted with so long as the future brings a string of successful seasons.

This move, or more accuratly, non-move brings a couple of things to mind for Joe:

* Kyle Moore, it’s time to remove yourself from the milk carton.

* The Bucs likely will draft a defensive end at some point this week.

* This is just yet another example how the Bucs are banking the future — and many Bucs employees are banking on their job security –with this draft. Joe has to give them props for wanting to walk out on a limb like this. If it works, the lottery has been hit. If it doesn’t, well, does New Coke mean anything to you?

Mock Joe for making a post about Wilkerson if you wish, but as Steve White Twittered earlier, if Wilkerson so expendable, why do the Super Bowl champs want him?

Look around.

You’ll see that Joe has advertisers.

These intelligent businesses are benefiting from Joe’s large audience.

If you’re a business owner looking to drive some quick action to your Web site this month, and/or get your phones ringing, Joe’s got a unique opportunity for you.

With the NFL Draft starting Thursday, it’s going to be a very busy, high-traffic long weekend on JoeBucsFan.com. And Joe’s making a special advertising offer available.

Joe will deliver your message on this home page with a link to your company Web site, Thursday through Monday, for just $200.

Yes, only $200 will get you a written advertisement and your logo and link right here for many tens of thousands to see. Joe’s promising at least 30,000 actual visits to the site and tens of thousands more page views.

E-mail Joe right now to get the ball rolling, joe@JoeBucsFan.com. A maximum of two businesses will be accepted.

A breakdown of the Bucs needs in the draft on FoxSports.com isn't particularly kind to blocking icon Michael Clayton.

Bucs officials said often through the offseason that getting help for Josh Freeman was a priority.

But those words rang hollow when Antonio Bryant was allowed to walk and the team passed on giving up a throwaway fifth round pick for one of the game’s best players. And trading for Reggie Brown seems to be more a prayer than a standard Hail Mary.

While the gang at FoxSports.com breaks down the Bucs needs at each position and rates the defensive tackles the position needing most help, the review was positively harsh on the Bucs wide receivers.

If Josh Freeman is going to continue developing, he will need weapons around him. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant, the team’s franchise player in 2009, left in free agency. For reasons that still remain a mystery, the team re-signed Michael Clayton to a big contract after the 2008 season. Clayton has yet to live up to the promise he showed as a rookie and registered career-lows with 16 catches for 230 yards. Sammie Stroughter was a nice find in the seventh-round last April, but the Bucs are going to need a lot more talent around Freeman. Two receivers known to have visited Tampa Bay are Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant and Syracuse’s Mike Williams.

Joe doesn’t know whether the Bucs will draft a wide receiver with one of their two second round picks, but Joe wouldn’t lose sleep if the Bucs drafted two receivers with both second round picks.

Here’s an analysis of a pile of cornerbacks and safeties Bucs fans should brush up on and watch closely during the draft.

And the Bucs surely need help at both positions.

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski breaks them down. You can enjoy all his extensive pre-draft coverage right here.

Cornerbacks

1. Kyle Wilson – CB – Florida
5’10’’ – 194 lbs – 4.43
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: I think a lot of people knew Wilson was a good player, but his play during Senior Bowl week solidified his place as a 1st round pick.  He has excellent speed and athleticism, while also strong enough to play tough and aggressively.  Wilson also is good in run support and tackling.  Wilson plays with a short memory and exudes confidence on every play.  He is a tremendous leader with a great understanding of the game.

Why I’m staying away: Wilson tends to play too aggressively at times and can be susceptible to giving up the big play.  He also struggles to get off blocks and make plays.  His ball skills need to improve to make more impact plays and interceptions.

Impact on the Bucs: Wilson would be ideal for the Bucs if he fell to the 2nd round, but that’s unlikely to happen.

NFL Comparison:   Antoine Winfield – Minnesota Vikings

2. Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers
5’11’’ – 193 lbs – 4.48
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: I like the combination of McCourty’s size, athleticism, speed, and long arms.  McCourty can match up with bigger receivers, while also being able to run with the faster ones.  McCourty is very good in run support and is proven to be a reliable tackler.  He possesses all the intangibles: work ethic, good character, leadership, durability, and four years of experience in the Big East.  McCourty’s best attribute is his play on special teams.  Whether as a gunner, returner, or blocking kicks (7 at Rutgers), McCourty is the best special teams player in this draft.

Why I’m staying away: McCourty can be a bit inconsistent.  He struggles to get off blocks and lacks an elite jam at the line, which might prove to be a lack of strength. 

Impact on the Bucs: For some reason McCourty isn’t getting the pub that Haden and Wilson are getting.  I like him a lot.  If he is available at the top of Round 2, I believe it would be in the Bucs best interest to seriously consider him.  A combination of McCourty and Talib would be nice for the next 10 years.

NFL Comparison:   Darrelle Revis – New York Jets

 3. Joe Haden – CB – Florida
5’11’’ – 193 lbs – 4.41
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: Haden has a ton of experience against the best receivers the SEC has to offer.  He has excellent speed, athleticism, and toughness.  Haden has a short memory and a very strong work ethic.  He gets a great jam on receivers when matched up in man coverage.
Why I’m staying away: When I watch Haden’s film, he was always lined up to the short side of the field.  I’m not sure if this was by design, but to line up there every play is a little worrisome.  Were the Gators hiding something?  Does he have a tough time covering a lot of ground?  Haden also plays too aggressive at times and misses some tackles.  He is a raw prospect who will need to refine his mechanics.
Impact on the Bucs: Haden is a good prospect, but probably not realistic for the Bucs to draft unless they trade back from the 3rd pick.

NFL Comparison:   Dunta Robinson – Atlanta Falcons

 4.Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama
5’10’’ – 196 lbs – 4.48
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: {+++}Jackson has the ability to play man coverage or in zone.  He is an excellent tackler and great in run support.  Like Haden, Jackson has a ton of experience against the best receivers in the SEC.  He plays the corner position very aggressively with excellent awareness.

Why I’m staying away: Jackson’s recovery speed is non-existent.  If a receiver gets a step on Jackson, you rarely see Jackson able to recover and make a play.  I think he times faster than he plays on the field.  Jackson will struggle when lined up against the smaller, quicker, and faster receivers.

Impact on the Bucs: I think the Bucs could deal with Jackson’s negatives.  Jackson would be a great fit for the “Tampa 2” with his great tackling ability.  Don’t get your hopes up though, because there’s a good chance Jackson goes in the 1st round.

NFL Comparison:   Quentin Jammer – San Diego Chargers

 5. Chris Cook – CB – Virginia
6’2’’ – 212 lbs – 4.46
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: The combination of size and speed is what sets Cook apart from the rest.  He is an excellent athlete with soft hands and very good ball skills.  Cook is also a very good tackler and will support the run.  He has outstanding range and a short memory, playing play-to-play and not harping on mistakes.

Why I’m staying away: Durability is one major concern.  Cook dealt with injuries in 2005, 2007, and in 2009.  He was academically ineligible to play in 2008.  As for his skills, for Cook’s size, he really lacks ideal strength and needs to get stronger.  With that strength, he’ll need to play more aggressive and physical. 

Impact on the Bucs: Because of Cook’s blend of size and speed, I think he has to be considered for one of the Bucs’ 2nd round picks.  A duo of Talib and Cook would probably give the Bucs the biggest pair of corners in the NFL.

NFL Comparison:   Nnamdi Asomugha – Oakland Raiders

 6. Patrick Robinson – CB – FSU
5’11’’ – 190 lbs – 4.46
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: Robinson’s biggest strengths are his athleticism, his speed, and his agility and movement.  He is a pure cover corner.  He has outstanding hands and ball skills.  Robinson plays tough and physical at the line of scrimmage and gets a good jam on the receiver.

Why I’m staying away: Robinson does not play violent and is average at best in supporting the run.  He is very inconsistent and some scouts have placed the title of “underachiever” on him.

Impact on the Bucs: I’m not sure Robinson is the best fit for the “Tampa 2” defense.

NFL Comparison:   Terence Newman – Dallas Cowboys

7. Amari Spievey – CB – Iowa
5’11’’ – 195 lbs – 4.51
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: First things that stand out about Spievey are his instincts, reaction time, and durability.  He has good bulk with long arms and outstanding ball skills.  Spievey has great strength, and gets good jams on opposing receivers and is a very reliable tackler in run support.  Spievey is a tough and aggressive corner.  He might be best suited for a zone defense.

Why I’m staying away: Spievey’s overall speed and quickness are only average.  Intelligence might also be an issue as Spievey was academically ineligible in 2007 and was forced to play for a JUCO.

Impact on the Bucs: Spievey would be an ideal pick for the Bucs in the 3rd round.  He is a great fit for the “Tampa 2” defense.  Learning behind Ronde Barber for a year would really help as well.

NFL Comparison:   Cedric Griffin – Minnesota Vikings

8. Brandon Ghee – CB – Wake Forest
6’ – 192 lbs – 4.37
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Ghee has a lot of talent.  His speed and athleticism stand out the most.  Ghee tests very well and has long arms and big hands.  Ghee should fit into any secondary scheme.  He is a tough player who gets physical with receivers and also is good in run support.

Why I’m staying away: Inconsistency is the word with Ghee.  He also lacks in making plays after having just 1 interception in 3 years starting for Wake Forest. 

Impact on the Bucs: The Bucs usually don’t get wrapped up with these “workout warrior” types, especially at corner.  The lack of playmaking ability for Ghee is worrisome.  I don’t think he’d be a great fit for the Bucs unless we were talking as a 3rd round pick.

NFL Comparison:   Marcus McCauley – Washington Redskins

9.Perrish Cox – CB – Oklahoma St.
5’11’’ – 195 lbs – 4.45
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: I really like the physical nature Cox brings to his game and how he supports the run. He displays excellent hands and ball skills.  Cox can play in any type of coverage, and also excels in returning kicks.

Why I’m staying away: Character is my main concern with Cox after being suspended for the Cotton Bowl in 2009 following an arrest for driving with a suspended license.  He also needs to work on his quickness and technique in his backpedal.  Cox isn’t a great tackler and tends to take bad angles at times.

Impact on the Bucs: I actually think Cox would be a nice 3rd round selection for the Bucs if they do not go corner sooner.  He has some character issues, but nothing too serious.  The Bucs would give Cox an opportunity to come in and play nickel before taking over full-time for Ronde Barber.

NFL Comparison:   Aaron Ross – New York Giants

10. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah – CB – Indiana (PA)
6’ – 207 lbs – 4.47
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Ansah has an excellent combination of size, speed, quickness, and ball skills.  He is a very confident player who plays with great strength and aggression.  Ansah has a lot of potential.  He played both corner and safety at IUP.

Why I’m staying away: The first thing that stands out is the lack of competition or Ansah.  He is a very raw player who will need good coaching to refine his technique.  Ansah is much better in coverage than he is as a tackler.

Impact on the Bucs: Because of how raw he is and the depth of the corner class, Ansah could go as early as the 3rd round or as late as the 5th round.  If he falls to the 4th round, I think this would be a nice selection for the Bucs.  Raheem Morris is a very good defensive backs coach and could help Ansah reach his potential as a shutdown corner.

NFL Comparison:   Coye Francies – Cleveland Browns

Safeties

1.Eric Berry – FS – Tennessee
5’11’’ – 211 lbs – 4.47
Top 10 Pick

Why I’m taking him: Berry is the most balanced safety and the best playmaker as a defensive back in this draft.  There is no sense in describing what type of an athlete he is, just know that he is one of the best in this draft.  Berry played both corner and safety at Tennessee.  He mastered Monte Kiffin’s defense.  Berry has also started 3 years in the SEC going against some of the best talent in college football.  He has impeccable character and leadership skills.

Why I’m staying away: I’d be slightly concerned about taking a safety as high as Berry is going to go.  Top 10 safeties include Michael Huff and Laron Landry, while players like Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed were drafted later in the 1st round.  Berry has shown on occasion to miss a tackle.  He also plays very physical, which might affect his long-term health.

Impact on the Bucs: It seems like a natural fit with Berry coming from Monte’s defense in Tennessee to come and fit right in with the “Tampa 2” defense with the Bucs.  I see defensive tackle being a much bigger need, but Berry should at least be in the discussion.

NFL Comparison:   Ed Reed – Baltimore Ravens

 2. Earl Thomas – FS – Texas
5’10’’ – 208 lbs – 4.34
Top 20 Pick

Why I’m taking him: Thomas might be one of the best coverage defensive backs in this draft.  He is an incredible athlete with great speed and quickness.  His ball skills are 2nd to none in this draft.  Thomas is a smart player with the versatility to play corner or safety.  As a redshirt sophomore entering this draft, Thomas is a young player with a lot of upside and potential as a safety or shutdown corner.

Why I’m staying away: If he plans on being a safety, you’d like to see him fill out a bit and have his body mature.  He tends to miss some tackles.  Thomas has limited experience, and with a lack of strength, struggles to get off blocks.

Impact on the Bucs: Thomas isn’t really a fit with the Bucs unless they play him at corner.  I think there is an extremely slim chance the Bucs have Thomas on their roster in 2010.

NFL Comparison:   Michael Griffin – Tennessee Titans

3. Taylor Mays – SS – USC
6’3’’ – 230 lbs – 4.43
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: I don’t think there is a player in this year’s draft with a better blend of size and speed in this draft.  Mays has unbelievable talent and a ton of potential.  Mays has outstanding closing speed and is a big hitter coming from the safety position.  He is a very hard worker with a great work ethic, has a ton of experience, and proved to be very durable.

Why I’m staying away: The instincts are lacking for me.  As a safety, the instincts might be the biggest attribute; whether it’s reacting to a run or a pass, a short or long route, or the quarterback tucking the ball and running.  With that, Mays tends to take bad angles and misses tackles at times.  He struggles in space and with one-on-one tackling.  Mays also looks to deliver the big hit rather than take the tackle.

Impact on the Bucs: The talent is too good to ignore.  If Mays were to drop to the 2nd round, I think the Bucs would have to consider it.  It would be a nice battle between the goat and Mays.

NFL Comparison:   Sabby Piscitelli – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4. Nate Allen – FS – USF
6’ – 207 lbs – DNP
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: I’ve known and watched Allen for a while, since I work for USF as well.  The first thing that stands out about Allen is his leadership and incredible character and work ethic.  He is a true centerfielder who has outstanding ball skills.  Allen’s technique is excellent.  When USF needed a play late in the game, Allen was the guy to come away with it. 

Why I’m staying away: I think Allen’s potential and upside might be limited.  He’s also not much of a big hitter or a big time tackler.  I’d call him adequate.  Allen struggles at times when matched up in man coverage, and might be a good fit for a free safety in the “Tampa 2” defense.

Impact on the Bucs: I view Nate Allen in the same mold as Tanard Jackson.  Since the Bucs already have Tanard Jackson, I can’t really see the Bucs spending a 1st or 2nd round pick on another free safety.  Jackson’s status with his suspensions is concerning, but not enough to forfeit a 2nd round pick for a position that already has a talented player in it.  Especially since the Bucs lack talent everywhere else.

NFL Comparison:   Tanard Jackson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 5. Major Wright – SS – Florida
5’11’’ – 206 lbs – 4.48
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Wright has nice bulk and speed, but his biggest attribute is his physical play and his aggression.  Wright belongs down in the box to stop the run.  He is a reliable tackler, but will also deliver big time hits.  Wright can make an impact on special teams as well.

Why I’m staying away: Sometimes Wright goes for the big hit rather than wrapping up the ball carrier.  This can lead to some missed tackles.  Wright also struggles in man coverage, and is much more comfortable in zone.  His aggressive play can lead to him having bad angles or over running plays.

Impact on the Bucs: As a 3rd round pick, I think Wright would be a nice addition to the Bucs defense.  His biggest attribute is tackling and stopping the run.  For a defense that has been near the bottom of the league in stopping the run, I’d imagine Wright would be welcomed with open arms.

NFL Comparison:   Bob Sanders – Indianapolis Colts

Former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theisman and former Bucs first round draft pick quarterback Vinny Testaverde aren’t on board with the Bucs drafting a defensive tackle in the first round.

Despite the Bucs having one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year, both Theisman and Testaverde believe the Bucs should draft offense with the third overall pick Thursday night.

Playing in some local golf tournament, WTSP-TV sports director Dave Wirth caught up with the two to discuss the state of the Bucs. Both believe, rather than draft defense with the No. 3 pick, Josh Freeman needs help more.

“I’m always a guy who leans toward offense,” said Testaverde, a former Bucs who played 21 seasons in the NFL.  “They should help out that young quarterback (Freeman).  I know what it’s like to be a young quarterback on a team that’s rebuilding.  The more help you get around you, the better off you’re going to be.”

Joe Theismann agreed.

“I think they have a lot of opportunities to go in different directions,” said Theismann, who played 12 seasons in the NFL.   “I would think number-1 would be wide receiver.  That seems to be somewhat of a glaring area for them.  Certainly, offensive line would be one area that may be under consideration.”

Joe can’t argue with their philosophies and rationale. But the Bucs could have already massively upgraded their wide receiver corps with a measly, throwaway fifth round pick.

Had the Bucs done that, there would be no need to consider drafting a wide receiver in the first round and Freeman would have protection, which is what certain Bucs officials have said countless times over the past weeks was a goal.

Former Bucs defensive lineman and current JoeBucsFan.com analyst Steve White, who not only writes the weekly “Bull Rush” column here, but also has his own quality blog, will make an appearance with Rock Riley at 5:30 p.m. today on WDAE-AM 620.

Riley is substituting today for Steve Duemig. Riley and White will discuss Thursday’s upcoming NFL draft as well as talk all things Bucs.

Those online can listen to WDAE’s streaming audio by clicking on its home page here.

Chucky has a mancrush on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. It’s obvious from this video.

In a JoeBucsFan.com exclusive, Joe broke the news earlier that the state of Florida has approved a pretrial intervention deal with helmet-wielding Aqib Talib in his alleged cabbie-beating case.

If Talib completes anger management counseling and is on good behavior for year, the charges will be dropped.

Obviously, Talib entering into this deal — let alone settling out of court with the cabbie — is a pretty clear admission of his guilt.

Now it’s Mark Dominik’s turn to decide whether the Buccaneers condone this kind of behavior.

Will the Bucs suspend Talib for a game now that the courts have run their course?

Joe thinks that Dominik should deliver that punishment quickly.

Joe loves watching Talib on the field, but the Bucs can’t just sit idly when a player seems to have been out in the community belting unprovoked citizens while they’re at work.

Dominik, you’re on the clock.

As for warden Roger Goodell, it will be interesting to see his response.

Helmet-wielding, alleged cabbie beater Aqib Talib is headed for court-mandated anger management counseling as part of a pretrial intervention program approved in Pinellas County court last week.

Talib was arrested in August after he allegedly sat in the back seat of a moving taxi and punched the cab driver while the cabbie drove in St. Petersburg to the team’s training camp hotel in Tampa. Police reports said former Buccaneer Torrie Cox and Bucs linebacker Angelo Crowell were in the cab at the time.

Richard Ripplinger, assistant State Attorney in Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, told JoeBucsFan.com Monday that his office accepted Talib’s application for the state’s PTI program that has “first-time offenders go through a one-year, pre-conditioned probation.”

The judge on the case has signed off on the application, Ripplinger said.

Talib will be required to complete anger management classes in a group setting, Ripplinger said, plus meet standards in that setting and not be arrested during the one-year period in order to have charges dropped in the state’s misdemeanor battery case against him.

If Talib fails, he’ll find himself back in criminal court.

“We’d kick him out of the program and it would be set back on the docket,” Ripplinger said. “A new arrest, if it was investigated, if it was found to be legitimate, would kick him out.”

Ripplinger characterized Talib’s case progression as typical for a first-time offender.

"Dominik said he'll conference us in if the Jags call on Friday."

Fans better believe money will be a focus of this draft for Team Glazer.

Those Glazers know that if the Jacksonville Jaguars draft Tim Tebow, their beloved Bucs stand to profit millions.

Why?

Well, Tebow and the Jaguars would come to play a preseason game in Tampa on Saturday night, August 28.

Conservatively estimating, Tebow’s appearance would put at least another 20,000 butts in the seats that night. At, say, $100 spent per person at the stadium for that game, that’s about $2 million in extra Tebow-induced revenue. Plus there’s the unimaginable amount of hype the game would get, which would be an absoulte advertising windfall for a team struggling mightily to sell tickets.

Why Tebow could potentially inject enough money into to Team Glazers to inspire them to stave off blackouts again in 2010. What a divine intervention that would be.

Nebraska defensive tackle, manbeast Ndamukong Suh, doesn’t have a clue what NFL team he will beat up offensive linemen and terrorize quarterbacks for next year.

One thing is certain: the Bucs want him.

That’s the news learned from Suh during his appearance this morning on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Opening Drive,” co-hosted by Bob Papa and “The Godfather,” Gil Brandt.

Papa asked Suh if he had any idea who would draft him. Suh confessed he did not, but he did say the Bucs want him, without naming the Bucs.

“The top three teams, they have shown great interest,” Suh said.

The Bucs have the third overall pick Thursday night.

“You never know,” Suh continued. “I don’t have a gut feeling. I wish I did. I wish I had a dream or something. The Rams told me they are keeping all of their options open.”

"Good question, Justin. But how do you define 'competitive?'"

Joe’s not going to beat an almost-dead horse too much here. But a fresh report out of the Denver Post today attempts to clarify that the Bucs were one of the 11th-hour negotiators for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

Yet here’s what Mark Dominik said to the local MSM last week, after a report claimed the Bucs were finalists for Marshall, who was dealt to Miami:

“Did we have a pulse of what was going on? Absolutely. I know there was a report out there that we were one of the four finalists for Brandon Marshall. That’s not true,” Dominik said, per the St. Pete Times.

Here’s what the Denver Post’s Mike Kils published today:

At the AFC coaches’ breakfast March 23, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said he didn’t think Marshall would be a good fit for his team. The media crossed off Miami as a potential destination.

Later that day, McGuire met with executives of the Seahawks, Jets and Buccaneers. The Jets were ready to present Marshall with an offer sheet, which would have meant surrendering their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, to the Broncos.

Kils continued:

That meant McGuire was constantly talking to Broncos coach Josh McDaniels about what he would accept in return.

“Josh, at the end of the day, genuinely wanted Brandon to be happy,” McGuire said. “The public perception of Josh and Brandon’s relationship was not reality.”

When Marshall signed his tender last Tuesday, McGuire knew he would soon have a deal completed with one of three teams — Tampa Bay, Seattle or Miami.

Joe knows the truth here probably lies in how Dominik defines “finalist.”

Joe wonders if Dominik considered the Bucs a “finalist” for Albert Haynesworth last year.

SI.com has a series of videos that highlight the top players at each position. Since it’s a good bet the Bucs will either have manbeast Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy available for them, Joe thought he’d bring you the video of top defensive tackles.

While the New York Times story excerpt below is about Giants general manager Jerry Reese, it struck Joe as something of interest to Bucs fans who ponder the potential impact of this week’s draft.

Reese, in his first time with final say on the draft, went a staggering 8 for 8 on picks, remarkable in a business in which even Reese said the goal was merely to get on base and to not strike out. Every rookie played a role in the Giants’ stunning run to the Super Bowl championship that season, and Reese established himself as one of the N.F.L.’s most astute drafters.

“If I listened to everybody who said to do something and I signed what I consider a marginal free agent?” Reese said in an interview last week. “They hired the wrong guy if I would crack under that.” … …Gil Brandt, an analyst for NFL.com, keeps track of how drafts pan out. The Giants have had 24 picks in the last three years — Reese’s tenure — and by Brandt’s count, seven of them are starters, nine are backups and just one is out of the N.F.L. The Patriots, considered astute drafters, have had 28 picks in that time. Four are starters and eight are backups. Seven are out of the league.

For a team like the Bucs that is admittedly putting all their eggs in the draft basket, Mark Dominik needs to quickly become an elite GM in the league. That’s a very tough task, no matter how deep the draft might be, especially for a young GM.

At least Dominik is aware his job is liklely on the line with this draft.

However, the more Joe thinks about it, the current regime’s longevity really comes down to Josh Freeman’s success first and foremost. Barring a miraculous return to the glory years of the Bucs’ defense, Freeman must reach a near Pro Bowl level for Dominik to survive.

Joe sure hopes Dominik picks the right wide receiver this week.

Former Bucs QB Jeff Carlson

By JEFF CARLSON
JoeBucsFan.com analyst

 Former Bucs quarterback Jeff Carlson (1990 & 1991) writes The QB Blast column here at JoeBucsFan.com. Joe is ecstatic to have him firing away. Carlson is often seen as an analyst on Bright House Sports Network, and he trains quarterbacks of all ages via his company, America’s Best Quarterback.

Today, Carlson shares his draft day story from 1989, and explains why the NFL Draft is an uneasy time for most players.

“Draft Day” and Mel Kiper, Jr. will hit prime-time television for the very first time this year, and every team and fan is looking forward to what could happen to make their team better. The extravaganza in New York has grown so big it has been extended to three days.

At this point, the draft eligible players have done all they can do at the NFL combine, their school’s “pro days” and/or individual workouts, and now are anxiously waiting to find out how their life’s dream and destiny will play out.

Some will have their dreams come true; others will be disappointed and embarrassed that they didn’t get drafted where they thought they should.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, there will be two specific groups watching the draft: Group 1 will be the wide-eyed rookies waiting to be drafted, making their families proud and fulfilling personal dreams. Group 2 will be current players. This group will be watching their teams draft with a wary eye on their own positions and hoping the team doesn’t draft anyone that could take their careers away. 

In 1989, I was in “Group 1” (excited) and was a first-day pick, back when only the first part of the first round was on television. Out of Division I-AA Weber State, I was projected anywhere from the 3rd to the 7th round, so the phone call was going to be later on that Saturday, after Troy Aikman was the first pick and got an $11 million deal (Tony Mandarich was 2nd, Barry Sanders, 3rd , Derrick Thomas, 4th and Deion Sanders was 5th). This year, Sam Bradford, or whoever turns out to be No. 1 is looking at nearly $70 million. The money will be much, much bigger than in ’89, but I don’t think the careers of this year’s top players will match up with those four out of five Hall-of-Famers.

The Phone Call

Knowing I could be waiting until Sunday for a call didn’t stop the nerves from flowing whenever the phone rang in my college apartment. That was before cell phones and I didn’t even have call-waiting, so any call tied up the line and might have meant a missed call from a team.

The rumor was that if a team couldn’t get a hold of you, they would pass you right up and leave you on the draft board.  It probably wasn’t true, but it made me quite snippy when friends kept calling to find out if anything had happened yet. 

Waiting all day with my parents and girlfriend was definitely long. And following a late afternoon nap, the Los Angeles Rams called. I asked the personnel guy on the phone where they were in the draft. He said, “The fourth round, and if the Seahawks don’t take you with the next pick, we are going to draft you.”

Within seconds, he said something like, “Congratulations, you are now a Los Angeles Ram, hold on to speak with Coach Robinson (John Robinson).” 

After finishing up a courteous call with my new coach, I punched the ceiling of my apartment, my biggest dream just come true and it was with my hometown team to boot.  It was an awesome feeling, justifying all of the work that I had put in for many years, and it stuck it to the former girlfriend that had told me a few years back to give up dreaming. 

Outside of family issues like a wedding and babies, this will probably remain the biggest day of my life, because there was such a long focus to be the best in high school, college and hopefully just get a chance to touch the NFL had now been accomplished. And it wasn’t just a free agent try-out, like most opportunities that guys from Weber State had always gotten, but as a legitimate pick, the highest in over 20 years from the school.

On the other side of the coin, USC quarterback Rodney Peete, the Heisman Trophy runner-up was hosting a draft party at a ritzy hotel in Los Angeles and wasn’t too happy to see me get drafted a couple of rounds ahead of him.  The dichotomy of draft day makes one QB the happiest guy in the world, while at the very same moment, absolutely ruins another’s day.

Majority Of Players In “Group 2”

Remember back just a few years when Alex Smith went No. 1 to the 49ers and that caused a national television free-fall for Aaron Rogers, probably the most uncomfortable hours of his life, until the Packers finally picked him up late in the first round.

After that first experience in the NFL, every year after that I fell into Group 2 on draft day.

Outside of the few superstars in the league, whose positions are virtually guaranteed, the vast majority of players will be hoping their position doesn’t get upgraded with a top pick.

As far as the Bucs are concerned, I just heard a radio commercial promoting current players that will be at the stadium for the team’s draft party.  Those players that are pressured into showing up for the gig will probably be sporting smiles on their faces, but inside they will secretly take sighs of relief every time the Bucs’ pick goes by and there isn’t a new player at their position. Or they may have some very uncomfortable moments with fans, trying to chuckle about the great potential of the new guy on the team. 

All players know that professional sports is about competition, but the business side of the game says the higher the investment in the new guy, the more opportunity he will get — or simply be given the position.

The draft was an incredible experience as a rookie coming out of college, but every year after that, it wasn’t something to get too excited about, since it could mean so much to the future of your career.  So the draft may be exciting for some, like the GM, coaches and fans, but for most of the current players around the league, there isn’t all that much to look forward to this week.

In his annual, sort of tongue in cheek mock draft, Maoist yet good guy Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports selects who the Bucs should draft this Thursday with the third pick in what Silver likes to tout as “the ultimate mock draft.”

In Silver’s mock draft, every player in the NFL is eligible, from Peyton Manning down to the lowest scrub on a practice squad.

Silver believes if Bucs general manager Mark Dominik had a chance to select any player in the NFL Thursday, it would be Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Darrelle Revis, CB: Is the Bay ready for Revis Island? General manager Mark Dominik and coach Raheem Morris can’t wait to find out. Revis was a revelation in his third NFL season, somehow managing six interceptions and 31 passes defensed despite it being common knowledge that the prudent course for opposing quarterbacks was to avoid him at all costs. Revis shut down everyone, putting receivers on lockdown in a way that we hadn’t seen in years. It was Deionesque. His coach with the Jets, Rex Ryan, said last December, “Nodody – and I mean nobody in maybe the history of the game – has had the challenges that he’s faced maybe week in and week out.” That sound you just heard was Roddy White, Steve Smith and Marques Colston groaning in unison.

This is an interesting brain tease. Silver has the Rams taking Peyton Manning and the Lions drafting Tom Brady. So aside from those two, who would you like to see the Bucs draft?

Joe is actually leaning toward Santonio Holmes.

No, Joe’s kidding! Joe would have a hard time not drafting Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, The Commish, goes deep into the Redskins in this edition of the daily draft countdown. The Bucs are up Monday.

All things Redskins today. Buccaneers just hours away!

The trade to acquire Donovan McNabb has left the draft cupboard a little bare in Washington.

Might the Redskins trade down? Is that the Bruce Allen way?

The daily draft countdown continues from NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, all part of the stellar draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com. Not too late to soak it all in!

Right now, it’s all things Redskins.

Enjoy.

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NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620, will host another live chat to take on everything you got when it comes to next week’s long-awaited draft.

The fun has kicked off now for subscribers to the JoeBucsFan.com draft coverage.

Then Joe will open it up to everyone about 8:30 p..m. YOU WILL HAVE TO REFRESH YOUR BROWSER. …See you then.

It’s pretty clear, though not yet etched in stone, that the Bucs will have a shot at defensive tackle Gerald McCoy Thursday night, and may have an outside chance to get manbeast defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. 

McCoy appears to be the safe bet, but do the Bucs really want McCoy? For obvious reasons, general manager Mark Dominik is guarding this information as a state secret, as he shouldl. eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, posting on the TBO Bucs Twitter feed, believes if Dominik really wants Suh, Dominik will have to make a bold move.

If the Bucs really want Suh, they have to trade up with the Lions. If it cost me a third-rounder to move up, I’d have to consider it.

The trick here is, how much does Detroit want Suh, if at all? Perhaps they covet offensive tackle Russell Okung more than Suh? If that is the case, maybe the second overall pick can be had without too much bleeding.

If Dominik really wants Suh, he may have to make a deal with the Rams. Clearly Detroit isn’t going to trade for a quarterback nor will the Bucs. Sam Bradford will still be there at three.

How much that would cost the Bucs to trade with the Rams, who knows? And would Dominik be willing to pull the trigger on such a deal?