As Joe first reported Tuesday morning, former Bucs offensive lineman and current WDAE-AM 620 morning personality Ian Beckles was adamant that the Bucs would not spend the money it takes to sign a No. 3 overall pick, and thus would trade down not so much to stock up on picks but to save money.

“I’m telling you. They’re not going to do it. No way [the Bucs keep the No. 3 pick],” Beckles said.

It didn’t take long for St. Petersburg Times Bucs beat writer Stephen Holder to take issue with Beckles.

Moved to Twitter and later his blog on the Times’ Web site, Holder, careful not to name names (though quite clear who he was referring to) scoffed at this notion, writing that he was “hearing talk” the Bucs would trade down.

Making sure his point was clear, Holder later clarified his comments so they were not mistaken, and specifically wrote about how he heard this on radio, going so far as to write “radio jocks.” In other words, he heard Beckles.

Unlike Beckles, Holder is equally certain the Bucs will not trade down but will in fact keep the No. 3 overall pick.

I was merely attempting to bring some realism to the situation by reminding everyone that’s a very unlikely scenario, even if the Bucs wanted to trade out (I don’t believe they do, by the way).

What does Joe make of all of this? Aside from the fact it’s very entertaining, Joe is going to take Team Glazer at their word that money is not an obstacle, hence, they will keep the No. 3 overall pick.

Joe has stated all along it’s easy to want to trade down, but one has to have a partner to do so. Easier said than done, mainly because team’s don’t want to spend the extra cash a high first round pick will cost in salary, which is Holder’s premise.

That written, Joe wouldn’t be shocked if the Bucs indeed do trade down if this draft is as deep as Mark Dominik and others claim it to be. The Bucs have many holes to fill and if Dominik can swing a trade where he can stock up additional high picks, pull the trigger.

We’ll all find out in about a week what will happen. In the meantime, Joe is really hoping Beckles steps to the plate later this morning to resume the war of words.

This is fun!

Former Bucs defensive end and JoeBucsFan.com analyst Steve White doesn’t agree with Joe about Santonio Holmes. All angles considered, White believes the Bucs made a good call to pass on the young, weed-smoking wide receiver.

On White’s blog, he lays out his take thoroughly. Joe recommends you click here and read the entire analysis.

One snippet Joe found particularly interesting was the following. White has said many times that the Bucs have a PR problem, and he makes the case that bringing in Holmes would have added to those woes.

There are reasons that the Bucs really COULDN’T trade for Holmes anyway. First off after they let Antonio Bryant leave via free agency the Bucs tried relentlessly to spin it as a move brought on by Bryant’s bad attitude. Unfortunately a lot of fans bought that particular line of bullshit and started really heaping smears on him that I don’t think he deserved. I saw on more than one forum fans calling AB a scumbag etc. So how then could the Bucs justify bringing in a guy who has even MORE problems?

Not only that but the Bucs have put SOOOO much focus on their draft up to this point and to hear them tell it every single pick from the 1st rounder to the 7th rounder is going to be a starter and a future all star…or so they hope. And keep in mind that the supposed depth of this draft is the reasoning behind why the Bucs haven’t been active in free agency…allegedly. So in that situation a 5th rounder isn’t really a fifth rounder anymore. Instead its the potential steal of the draft, a guy who could have gone 1st round in any other year blah blah blah. So for the Bucs to give up said 5th round pick they would have again had to go back and contradict what they have been saying all along. And of course we couldn’t have that could we?

White also has a good take on Mark Dominik’s and Raheem The Dream’s possible perspective on the deal, citing how their jobs could be in serious jeopardy before Holmes takes the field following his suspension. Again, Joe recommends you read the whole thing.

Whatever one’s perspective on the Holmes non-deal, it’s sad that the Bucs have put themselves in the position to be so hurting for talented wide receivers that they have to consider troubled players just to be competitive.

Joe can’t describe offensive coordinator Greg Olson’s body language and voice quality when talking about Kellen Winslow, Jr. recently. For that, you’ll have to watch the latest edition of the hit video series Behind The Flag on Buccaneers.com. 

Media-loving Olson stepped into the hot seat for a face-to-face with Bucs video guru Scott Smith, who peppered him with questions.

One query was about Winslow and how much more the Bucs can expect from him in 2010.

And that’s what cued Olson’s somewhat stressed and very measured response.

Olson raved about Winslow’s talents, although he said Winslow needed to improve his run blocking. However, Olson clearly went out of his way to dampen fans’ hopes that Winslow might put the Bucs on his back and pull in 100+ catches and another new Bucs receiving record for tight ends.

“You gotta be careful with him at this point in his career,” Olson said of Winslow “There is an issue there where you gotta be careful about how much you play Kellen because you want him to be durable throughout the season. …We expect the same kind of season [as in ’09].”

The Bucs were careful with Winslow last season, with him taking on limited action in many practices. But this is the first Joe has heard of the Bucs limiting his action in games. Winslow has had multiple knee surgeries on his right knee and broke that leg in 2004.

Joe’s very concerned about Olson’s response and the way he delivered it, saying the Bucs have to be cautions with Winslow “at this point in his career.”

The guy has three more full seasons before he even turns 30. It’s troubling that the league’s highest paid tight end must be babied to keep him healthy.

One could say it’s wise to try and preserve Winslow for when the Bucs can really compete for a playoff spot. But on gameday fans pay their hard-earned cash to see the best football the Bucs can muster. Nothing else.

All signs point to the Bucs drafting either defensive tackles manbeast Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy. Though the experts suggest McCoy fits the Bucs defense better than Suh, one expert predicts McCoy could blow up in the Bucs’ faces.

Pat Kirwan is Mr. NFL. The former NFL front office executive has his own high-quality PM drivetime radio show on Sirus NFL Radio. He has his own video spots on CBSSports.com. And he has his own column on NFL.com.

While Kirwan believes McCoy to be the best defensive lineman prospect, he also believes McCoy possesses the highest chance of being a bust.

Biggest boom-or-bust prospect
McCoy is the next in a long line of potential Warren Sapp-type players. In fact, it looks like he could be headed to Tampa Bay. He did not impress in strength testing and can get washed down the line if he fails to penetrate. If he can rely on his first step quickness to win most of the individual battles, he could be a Pro Bowl player down the road.

If it’s any solace, Warren Sapp dismissed McCoy’s alleged weak showing on the bench press, saying defensive tackles don’t pump weights on the line. McCoy’s forte is speed and that is what used to make the Bucs’ defensive front so special.

Yes, Joe’s resident draft guru Justin Pawlowski will take everyone’s draft questions right here from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Don’t be late!

Bruce Almighty and Chucky were pilloried for their inability to draft. The bad Dexter Jackson was Exhibit A.

Vacation Man, of the Izvestia-like BSPN.com, writes about the worst draft classes in NFC South history. He believes the Bucs 2007 class is the worst. Consider, the first round draft pick is dead, the first of two second round picks is hiding, and the other second round draft pick should be hiding he’s such a goat.

1. 2007 by Tampa Bay.As I debated the demerits of what Atlanta and Tampa Bay did in this draft, it really came down to the fact that the Bucs hit the trifecta with their first three picks. They took Gaines Adams, Arron Sears and Sabby Piscitelli. You can’t really argue with that. Adams was a non-factor before the Bucs traded him to Chicago, Sears couldn’t play last year because of personal issues and Piscitelli showed last year that he can’t play. Safety Tanard Jackson, a fourth-round pick, has been a bright spot, but not enough to pull the Bucs out of the top spot. 

Joe really hopes this 2007 draft class is a distant memory because this month’s draft class will be so dynamite.

Joe hopes.

Might Brandon Carter catch the Jaguars' eye in the middle rounds? Draft guru Justin Pawlowski goes into that and much more in this breakdown of all things Jaguars in the draft. Yes, including Tim Tebow's chances of wiping out the Jaguars' ticket sales woes.

It’s the march to the NFL Draft, with draft guru Justin Pawlowski breaking down 32 teams in 32 days, plus so much more.

You can still subscribe to all the coverage, and there’s so much more yet to come. A mere $10 for loads of manly pleasure. Get it done now.

In today’s team analysis, Pawlowski carves up the Jacksonville Jaguars to expose their needs and strategies.

Interesting study, these Jags. They can go so many different directions with their No. 10 pick that they’re surely one of the great question marks on ever GM’s draft board.

Relax and enjoy!

{+++}

Nothing rankles the commissars of the Kremlin at BSPN more than when one of its employees calls out a comrade. Even if the critique is done in satire, the gulag awaits the offender of such a crime against the state.

So when Joe read this morning that former Bucs receiver and current BSPN employee Meshawn Johnson called out an unnamed comrade, Joe surely is expecting a harsh sentence for Johnson no matter what Johnson says is accurate and warranted.

Seems as though Meshawn is upset with a BSPN draftnik (Todd McShay, Mel Kiper?) for knocking troubled diva-in-training wide receiver Dez Bryant, as Meshawn told former Bucs beat writer and current SI.com columnist Don Banks.

“It pisses me off to listen to some of these [draft analysts] talk about Dez,” Johnson told me Thursday. “I heard someone on the network I work at say his stock is going to be questioned because his mother was a former drug user or seller. Are you kidding me? Are you serious? Because his mom did that, therefore his stock will drop? I think anybody who judges him and who he is based on his family, it’s ridiculous. He’s getting hit with a lot of stuff that doesn’t have anything to do with who he is as an individual. It’s OK for Colt McCoy to hang out with the Manning family and work out with them, but as soon as Deion hangs out with Dez Bryant, it’s an issue. What kind of double standard is that?”

Well, to be honest, Prime Time’s relationship with many college players is under scrutiny because it appears Sanders may be crossing the line between tutoring and being a front for some agency (Under Armour?).

Had Bryant not lied to the NCAA about his relationship with Prime Time, no one would be discussing this issue. Joe understands where Meshawn is coming from but let’s not move the goalposts here.

Bryant lied/covered up his relationship with Sanders and paid the price. Unless Manning is trying to run some shady front as a conduit to a sports management firm, Meshawn’s argument is apples and oranges.

That written, Joe loves it when BSPN employees take potshots at each other.

All the analysis of who the Bucs will draft with the No. 3 pick in next week’s draft is all a bunch of hot air to Ian Beckles, the former Bucs offensive lineman turned sports radio personality on WDAE-AM 620.

During the Ron and Ian Show on Monday, Beckles talked about how the Bucs passing on Santonio Holmes was another sign the team is avoiding players that will command a big payday.

And Beckles explained that is certain the Bucs will trade down out of the No. 3 pick to avoid the $30+ million guaranteed contract that draft slot will demand.

“I’m telling you. They’re not going to do it. No way [the Bucs keep the No. 3 pick],” Beckles said.

While Joe would place a small wager on the Bucs keeping the No. 3 pick, Joe would hardly be surprised if Team Glazer and personnel czar Mark Dominik dump the pick for a package of more picks and maybe a player or two.

As much as the Bucs have touted the depth of the draft, trading down would seem to fit in nicely with their new master plan.

With all the stars aligned that the Rams will draft Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, it appears a safe bet that either top defensive tackles manbeast Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy will fall to the Bucs.

Anwar Richardson, of the Tampa Tribune, isn’t exactly sold on this theory. He believes that instead of Suh or McCoy, the Bucs instead will draft Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung.

In short, Richardson believes there are five reasons why the Bucs will draft Okung. Here’s one of his reasons:

We all know the Bucs are not completely sold on starting left tackle Donald Penn. I like Penn and think he’s incredibly productive, but the Bucs have expressed concerns about his weight since he has been here, and as a result, continue to hold off on rewarding him with a big contract. If Tampa Bay has to reward a left tackle, should it pay Penn or Okung?

Joe thinks the world of Richardson but to answer his question — maybe Joe is naive — but Joe would prefer to pay a guy who has already proven he can play; Okung, only in theory, can play in the NFL.

It’s quite possible that Penn is the Bucs best player. In Joe’s eyes, drafting an offensive tackle in the first round is borderline criminal when the defensive line is so porous.

The Broncos overhauled their defensive line in free agency

NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620, makes a great point here in this daily draft countdown, a look at all things NFL Draft for each and every NFL team — 32 teams in 32 days.

Today, it’s all things Broncos.

Why would the Broncos draft troubled yet talented wide receiver Dez Bryant with the 11th overall pick, as many believe they will, when they’re looking to trade Brandon Marshall because of character concerns?

Lots of other good stuff here in this six-minute audio take.

And it’s free for all.

Check out all the subscription NFL Draft coverage here on JoeBucsFan.com. Pawlowski is piling on the great analysis. Later this week Pawlowski will deliver written position breakdowns for safeties and cornerbacks, plus a new double mock draft with loads of detail

Here’s all things Broncos. Enjoy. (The Jaguars are coming later today.)

[audio:broncosdraft.mp3]

One of the few bright spots last fall for the Bucs was the play of defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson. But his six-sack performance last year could be his last for the Bucs.

Injured, the unrestricted free agent has been touring various NFL team headquarters looking for work. It appears he may have found a job in New Orleans.

Twittering last night, Joe’s friend NFL Network reporter Jason La Canfora notes Wilkerson and the Saints may come to terms on a new gig for Wilkerson.

@JasonLaCanfora Jimmy Wilkerson having a good visit with the Saints. Could end up getting a deal there.

After Joe was highly critical yesterday of Mark Dominik not taking the low risk/high reward gamble on Santonio Holmes, Joe will be nice with this post.

If Wilkerson leaves, Joe assumes Dominik plans to load up on defensive lineman in the draft, and feels confident that the now svelte Kyle Moore won’t be appearing on any more milk cartons.

Taking a break from spreading agent-driven speculation, Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud, aka Mad Twitterer, informed his readers today that stud wide receiver Santonio Holmes wasn’t worth the risk for the Bucs.

Joe was quite astounded by The Mad Twitter’s logic. Here’s some of it, if you can stomach it:

Why would a team trade for a guy who is not available until Oct. and just one positive drug test away from being suspended for the year or worse?

So is Stroud saying Tanard Jackson, who himself is a slip away from a long suspension, has no trade value? Joe highly doubts that’s the case. And what’s the real risk when you’re 3-13 with arguably the worst receiving corps in football, and no salary cap?

Here’s more logic from Stroud making a case against Holmes.

Holmes has a history of being charged with domestic violence. In 2006, he was arrested for allegedly choking and throwing the mother of one of his children to the ground. That same year, he was popped for disorderly conduct in South Beach.

Joe can’t argue with the facts, but Joe sure doesn’t remember Stroud up in arms when the Bucs signed and re-signed King of Turds Jerramy Stevens, whose background is worse than Holmes’. Where were you then, Stroud?

In typical Stroud talk-down-to-you fashion, he finishes his thesis blasting sports radio and blogs..

But to make the Holmes trade to the Jets an example of the Bucs’ front office failures is ridiculous and a cheap way to stir banal chatter on the radio or fan blogs. 

Joe wonders whether Stroud really has a clue how fans think.

If Stroud got off his high horse once in a while, he surely would understand why sports radio and blogs — the voices of the fans — view the Bucs missing out on Holmes as a collossal screwup.

In very simple terms (so Stroud can understand), the Bucs are desperately in need of a young, true No. 1 receiver. Holmes was there, and they missed out while he went to a playoff team (with a second-year quarterback) for a low fifth-round pick.

It’s just that simple.

"Hey Dominik, you had a chance to get Santonio Holmes for a f@#$%^&* fifth round pick and you passed? Jimminy Christmas! That mother $#@#$% would be living with me for a fifth round pick."

Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski said this to Joe this morning, and Joe later read commenter “Eric” write the same thing:

If Chucky were still here, it’s very likely the Bucs would have had Donovan McNabb at quarterback and it’s not unrealistic to believe Chucky would have twisted the arm of Bruce Almighty to swing a deal to Pittsburgh for Santonio Holmes, especially if it only took a fifth round pick.

How’s that for a pitch-and-catch combo, McNabb to Holmes?

Joe is reading from various sources on Twitter, including Mike Florio, the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com (via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), that the Steelers were about to release Holmes because they couldn’t find a trade partner and a fifth round pick was the best they could do.

Color Joe skeptical. Sure, Joe knows Holmes is one flying glass in a bar away from being suspended for a year for being dumb. But a fifth round pick???

In any year, a fifth round pick, a team just hopes the guy makes the final cut and if he is on the field at all his first year, it’s a bonus.

Holmes is an elite wide receiver whose greatest sin Joe can tell is he cannot put down the bong.

[A fifth round pick? Joe buries his face in his hands while shaking his head in disbelief.]

Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune and some dude from FoxSports.com Joe never heard of discuss the Bucs’ plans for this month’s draft.

Hint: Cummings believes the Bucs may be gun-shy drafting a wide receiver early due to the sins of the past.

Another Virginia corner for the Bucs?

Ahh, nothing like a beautiful spring day, an overflow sandwich on great bread, and a pile of NFL Draft analysis to scour.

Joe’s feeling great about now (as great a Bucs fan could knowing his team seemingly turned its nose on a great receiver).

Here’s the latest “Commish’s Board,” NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski’s rankings the top 50 players available in the NFL Draft regardless of position. You’ll enjoy a quick look at each player and how their current stock has changed.

Always fun.

Enjoy! {+++}

Remember, Justin Pawlowski will chat live here on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Mark it down!

And thanks again to all the subscribers!

Commish’s Board

1. Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma (same position in previous rankings)
Most disruptive and best pass rushing defensive tackle in the draft.

2. Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska (same)
Most productive college football player in 2009. Suh’s strength is unmatched.

3. Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma St (same)
Balanced offensive tackle who dominated during his time at Oklahoma St.

4. Eric Berry – S – Tennessee (+1)
Might have the most talent in the draft.  Versatility makes Berry more valuable.

5. Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma (-1)
A superb pro day has solidified Bradford as the draft’s top quarterback.

6. Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma (+8)
Williams draft stock continues to rise as may feel he is the most athletic tackle in this draft.

7. Rolando McClain – MLB – Alabama (-1)
McClain is a hard worker, a leader, dedicated to being great, and productive.

8. Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech (-1)
There’s no more balanced end in this draft.  Morgan was very productive and has great character.

9. CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson (+1)
Spiller is a lightning bolt from the running back position.  Return skills add value.

10. Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma (-1)
Without his baggage, Bryant is the top offensive player in this draft.  He has everything you want from an elite receiver.

11. Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa (-3)
Bulaga is big and nasty.  He thrives in run blocking, while still be reliable to protect a quarterback’s blindside.

12. Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – USF (-1)
There’s no player with more potential in this draft.  Unfortunately, Pierre-Paul’s lack of production and uncertainty might drop him a bit.

13. Earl Thomas – S – Texas (+2)
Tremendously versatile and able to play corner or safety.  Thomas is a true ballhawk.

14. Brandon Graham – DE – Michigan (+1)
Graham’s production can not go unnoticed.  20 sacks in the last 2 years means he knows how to get to the quarterback.

15. Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise St (+4)
I view Wilson as the most balanced corner in this draft with added returner skills.

16. Jared Odrick – DT/DE – Penn St (+8)
The ideal 3-4 end in this draft.  Odrick could see his stock rise like Tyson Jackson’s did last year.

17. Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee (-5)
Very active nose tackle who excelled in Monte Kiffen’s “Tampa 2” defense.

18. Joe Haden – CB – Florida (-1)
Very athletic corner who’s very good in coverage.  Will miss some tackles at times.

19. Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho (-3)
Dominant and powerful offensive guard.  His feet are not very quick, so a move to tackle or a fit in a zone blocking offense will not work.

20. Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers (+3)
Very talented tackler whom some scouts think might be the best pass protector in this draft.  Weight issues and character have him slipping.

21. Sergio Kindle – OLB – Texas (+4)
Lanky rusher off the edge.  Can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.

22. Sean Weatherspoon – OLB – Missouri (-4)
Very balanced linebacker who has the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker.

23. Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers (+3)
McCourty was a big-time playmaker in the Big East.  He also adds treendous value as a special teams ace.

24. Maurkice Pouncey – OC – Florida (-4)
Top center in the draft.  Pouncey has great balance, smarts, and leadership skills.

25. Demaryius Thomas – WR – Georgia Tech (+6)
Tons of raw ability and potential.  Coming from a run-first offense, he needs a team to take a chance on him.

26. Ryan Matthews – RB – Fresno St (+9)
Most balance back in this draft.  Matthews can carry the load 20-25 times a game with the speed to break long runs.

27. Jerry Hughes – DE/OLB – TCU (same)
Great athleticism will allow Hughes to play either end or linebacker in the NFL.

28. Taylor Mays – S – USC (+4)
Mays has the size, speed, and ability teams dream about.  Lack of production is a big worry.

29. Brian Price – DT – UCLA (-7)
Very active hands and a non-stop motor.  Lackluster workouts and production could have him fall.

30. Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame (+7)
Lacks elite size, but Tate has excellent speed and hands.  Unlike Thomas and Benn, Tate is very close to being NFL-ready.

31. Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida (-2)
All the talent in the world, but does he want to be great?

32. Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma (-6)
Big athletic target and a nice security blanket for a quarterback.  Not much of a blocker.

33. Nate Allen – S – USF (+4)
Has been rising up boards.  Great ball-hawk, centerfielder, and playmaker at the safety position.

34. Terrance Cody – DT – Alabama (same)
Massive body who can take away an opposing run game by himself.  Weight will be a concern.

35. Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama (-14)
Underrated on a great defense.  Jackson is great in coverage and a solid tackler.

36. Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame (-6)
Solid skills, but has yet to have a team fall in “love” with him.  Played in Charlie Weis’ pro-style offense, but so did Brady Quinn.

37. Everson Griffen – DE – USC (-1)
Has had great workouts this offseason, but lacked production at USC.

38. Tim Tebow – QB – Florida (NR)
There is no greater leader, no harder worker, and no one tougher than Tim Tebow in this draft.

39. Charles Brown – OT – USC (+1)
Brown has good potential to be a franchise left tackle.  Might need a year to adjust to the pros.

40. Jahvid Best – RB –Cal (-1)
Best is a huge playmaker.  Durability is biggest concern.

41. Cam Thomas – DT – North Carolina (NR)
Despite the lack of production, Thomas is a big body who can play the nose in the NFL.

42. Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois (-14)
Benn has all the tools of a number 1 receiver.  Benn needs more consistent hands.

43. Linval Joseph – DT – East Carolina (NR)
Joseph is a massive body who can play tackle in a 4-3 defense or nose or end in a 3-4 defense.

44. Patrick Robinson – CB – FSU (same)
Robinson is not very physical, but is excellent in coverage.

45. Chris Cook – CB – Virginia (NR)
Cook has the best combination of size and speed for a corner in this draft.

46. Alex Carrington– DE – Arkansas St. (+1)
Carrington is an ideal fit for an end in a 3-4 defense.  He played very well during senior bowl week.

47. Daryl Washington – ILB – TCU (NR)
Slightly undersized, Washington is a big hitter and physical.  He also has the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline.

48. Aaron Hernandez – TE – Florida (NR)
Great receiver from the tight end position.  Not much of a blocker.

49. Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland (-11)
Campbell is a freak physically.  His tape and film are terrible.

50. Tyson Alualu – DE/DT – Cal (-8)
Alualu is very active and a hard worker.  I didn’t see enough big plays from him on film.

"Damn, Mike just won't quit texting me about Santonio Holmes. Doesn't he know the Jets got him?"

Joe has been working the phones — more accurately, texts — to those close to the Bucs organization to try to get a feel for why in the world the Bucs didn’t take a gamble on a fifth round pick for pot-loving Santonio Holmes.

Holmes is an elite receiver who has proven to be clutch against some of the toughest defenses in the league during the most crucial of playoff games. Granted, the dude has a well-documented past for smoking left-handed cigarettes, but at least the guy hasn’t been around any shootings (Brandon Marshall) or had to stand in front of a judge in a murder trial (Ray Lewis).

The Bucs have someone on their roster who has done far worse (helmet-wielding, cabbie-loving Aqib Talib) than anything Holmes has done, and also has someone that served a four-game suspension (Tanard Jackson).

Sure, Jackson didn’t test positive, he just forgot to take the test. Feel free to read between the lines on that one.

Yes, Holmes back in 2006 was accused of domestic battery, just like a Bucs free agent safety is accused of (Jermaine Phillips), who is not currently on the Bucs roster.

So Holmes,’ ahem, “baggage” doesn’t fly with Joe. If the Bucs were so concerned about baggage, the aforementioned characters wouldn’t/won’t be on the team.

Joe has learned that Raheem the Dream’s influence on a potential Holmes’trade should not be overlooked. Remember that Raheem the Dream and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin are tight and chat regularly.

It’s not a stretch to consider that Tomlin either talked Raheem the Dream out of any interest in Holmes or, in deference to his friend, Raheem the Dream wasn’t going to take advantage of Tomlin’s misfortune and, by doing so, show up his good friend by dealing for Holmes.

Now trading a second round pick for a troubled guy like Marshall, sure, Joe has to give great pause. But a fifth round pick to a guy who is better than Marshall and more reliable than Marshall who has less brushes with the law? Joe will take that gamble any day.

Joe doesn’t care how deep a draft is, a fifth round pick is still a fifth round pick. You hope the guy just makes the final cut and any productivity is gravy. Joe normally shies away from guys with shady pasts. A fifth round pick is hardly a risk, even on a risky guy.

The Steelers’ late-night trade of stud young wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the Jets for peanuts has many Bucs fans arguing about how and when Mark Dominik will get Josh Freeman a No. 1 receiver.

And that inevitably takes the discussion to Broncos’ No. 1 Brandon Marshall, who is allegedly on the market for a second round pick.

Former Bucs defensive end — and blogger and analyst — Steve White, who long ago was on the record saying the Bucs should deal for Marshall, thinks “The Beast” is long gone from Mark Dominik’s mind.

In a recent, high-energy live chat on JoeBucsFan.com, White stomped on all hope that Marshall would be a Buccaneer.

[Comment From AJAJ: ]
Steve, there’s a lot of rumors and hoping out there… what do you think are the chances Brandon Marshall is wearing pewter this fall? 

Steve White: @AJ

Slim and none and Slim just left town. I think the Bucs have hyped this draft so much that trading away a draft pick for Marshall isn’t even on their radar right now. Although in my opinion the trade should have happened already 

Barring a series of miraculous resurrections and a rookie phenom, the Bucs will have a poor receiving corps in 2010.

Joe wonders what the Vegas over-under would be on total catches for Antonio Bryant, Marshall and Holmes this year, 215 perhaps?

Joe’s good friend and the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620 is reporting via his Facebook account that the Tampa Bay Lightning have fired coach Rick Tocchet just hours after the Bolts finished the regular season.

Joe’s not just about the Bucs, he’s about the Bolts as well so check out JoeBoltsFan.com.

[Update: Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times reports the other shoe has fallen. Brian Lawton is out.]  

Perhaps Golden Tate is too short for the Bucs?

Joe still tosses and turns when he thinks of Tampa Tribune beat writer  Woody Cummings’ report from the Senior Bowl. It quoted an unnamed “coach” who suggested the Bucs should focus on taller receivers to help Josh Freeman cut down on missing receivers with high throws.

The “coach” claimed the Giants followed a similar philosophy the help Eli Manning.

Joe thinks such an approach would be ridiculous. If Freeman really has problems, then fix his mechanics rather than go looking for taller guys. Somehow 6-4 Dan Marino managed to quickly fire up a Hall of Fame career throwing to short guys Mark Clayton and Mark Duper, both 5-9.

With the draft approaching, Joe can’t help but wonder whether the unnamed “coach” Cummings quoted is, in fact, a member of the Bucs. Joe sincerely hopes this tall-receiver mindset is not shaping Mark Dominik’s draft-day war room approach.

Joe thinks 5-10 Golden Tate would be quite a score for the Bucs. It would be a shame if he wasn’t tall enough.

(For a 3,000-word, in-depth look at 15 wide receivers Bucs fans should know about in the draft, check out this piece in the JoeBucsFan.com subscription draft coverage).

One of the top receivers in the NFL, the No. 1 receiver on one of the best teams in the NFL and a Super Bowl hero, who is just 26-years old, was shopped last night for a late-fifth round pick.

The Bucs apparently decided to pass.

Joe cannot properly put into words his amazement. But Aaron Schatz, BSPN.com NFL analyst and Editor in Chief of FootballOutsiders.com, can. Twittering past midnight, he is stunned that the Bucs were seemingly not interested in pulling the trigger on Pittsburgh wide receiver Santonio Holmes for a fifth round pick, who was dealt to the Jets.

For crying out loud, Tampa’s starting receivers are Michael Clayton and Maurice friggin’ Stovall. Did Pittsburgh just not call them?

Joe believes Holmes is worth at least a third round pick and Joe would have thought long and hard about shipping the Bucs’ latter of two second round picks to Pittsburgh for Holmes.

The fact he was on the market for a fifth round pick, and Mark Dominik didn’t get it done, just blows Joe’s mind!

Yes, Joe knows about the guy’s baggage, but he is more than a proven receiver. You trying to tell Joe a fifth round pick doesn’t have question marks about making the team much less being able to start? Holmes is an elite receiver!

Programs exist that can help people put down the pipe. Catching clutch passes in the NFL (in the postseason no less) cannot easily be taught.