Will Bucs fans be shopping for this guy's jersey in a few weeks?

Joe is aroused. And there’s not a woman within 100 yards of Joe.

It’s another absolute beast of a mock draft! And a double mock draft, no less.

This time it’s a hard-hitting 5,200-word manbeast.

What’s a double mock draft? NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM, goes deep into what each GM will do in the draft but also complements that with his personal selection as if he were the on-the-clock GM of every team.

Great stuff. And all part of the subscription draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com. Isn’t it time you got in on all the fun?

Pawlowski’s daily draft countdown continues, and quarterbacks and tight ends breakdowns will be out at the end of the week.

Enjoy the mock draft! {+++}

1st Round
1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma
6’4’’ – 236 lbs – DNP

 Rams’ Needs: DT, OLB, CB, WR, TE, OG, QB

Commish’s Take: After his brilliant workout, Bradford has solidified his slot as the draft’s top selection.  Next up, negotiating a contract.  As long as both sides can get close, Bradford will be the first pick in this draft.

Commish’s Pick – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska
6’4’’ – 307 lbs – 5.04

 Lions’ Needs:  DE, DT, OG, LT, CB, RB

Commish’s Take: The Lions have done nice things on the defensive line this offseason, but is that really enough to pass on one of the most dominating players in this year’s draft?  Russell Okung could definitely be a possibility, and he wouldn’t be a bad pick for the Lions, but Suh can bring the Lions’ defense something they’ve been lacking for a long time…swagger.  Suh becomes Jim Schwartz’s new “Albert Haynesworth” in the middle.

Commish’s Pick – Ndamukong Suh – Nebraska

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma
6’4’’ – 295 lbs – 5.07

 Buccaneers Needs:  WR, RB, OT, DE, DT, MLB, CB, SS

Commish’s Take:  This couldn’t workout any better for the Bucs.  With the biggest need for the Bucs being at defensive tackle, having McCoy fall to No. 3would be a dream come true.  McCoy is the best penetrator and pass rusher at the defensive tackle position in this draft.  McCoy also brings a swagger and charisma with him.  With so many needs for the Bucs, and the extra pressure of placing the franchise’s fate on the draft, the Bucs must select impact players with each of their first four selections.  McCoy gives them their first impact player.

Commish’s Pick – Gerald McCoy – Oklahoma

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma St
6’5’’ – 307 LBS – 5.15

 Redskins Needs:  OL, DE, QB, RB

Commish’s Take: The big debate for the Redskins…Russell Okung vs. Jimmy Clausen.  I’d be slightly worried with Clausen getting $30 million before he ever plays a down.  Clausen has talent and could even be a later 1st round pick, but to invest a top 5 pick in him would be risky to me.  Okung fits a much bigger need for me for the Redskins.  The Redskins line was terrible last year, and their best lineman, Chris Samuels, retired.  Okung is the best all-around offensive tackle in this draft.  He displays good strength and outstanding athleticism.  Okung reminds me a lot of Ryan Clady for the Broncos.  It just so happens that Clady was Mike Shanahan’s last 1st round pick with the Broncos.

Commish’s Pick – Russell Okung – Oklahoma St.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Bryan Buluga – OT – Iowa
6’5’’ – 314 lbs – 5.25

 Chiefs’ Needs:  S, WR, OL, TE, NT, OLB, MLB

Commish’s Take: Pioli has recently been quoted as saying he would never draft a safety this high.  Granted, that could be a smokescreen, but I tend to believe him in this instance.  The Chiefs have many needs, and it has been documented that safeties selected in the top 10 struggle more than they succeed.  A selection of Bulaga allows the Chiefs to move Branden Albert to either right tackle or to guard.  The Chiefs should still be able to address safety with one of their two 2nd round picks.

Commish’s Pick – Bryan Bulaga – Iowa

6. Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma
6’5’’ – 315 lbs – 4.88
Seahawks’ Needs:  LT, QB, RB, FS, DE

Commish’s Take: The early run on offensive tackles continues.  With the recent retirement of Walter Jones, one of the Seahawks’ biggest needs is at left tackle.  Williams has been moving up draft boards as he continues his workouts and more and more film gets out on him.  I would actually take Eric Berry.  Berry is an outstanding player on and off the field.  I’m also sure that Pete Carroll and the Kiffins have spoken about Berry, and, with Carroll being a defensive guy, Berry might just be attractive to pass.  Atleast he is in my eyes.

Commish’s Pick – Eric Berry – Tennessee

7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry – S – Tennessee
5’11’’ – 211 lbs – 4.47

 Browns Needs:  CB, S, OLB, RT, QB, RB, TE

Commish’s Take: It’s hard to see this playing out any better for the Browns.  With a big need in their secondary, they nail the draft’s top defensive backs.  Berry is a centerfielder with great ball skills.  He is also a tremendous person with great character.  If Berry is not available, I, as general manager, would want to get some more excitement on my team.  Joe Haden would be ok, but Bryant would bring excitement that my team has not seen in a long time. 

Commish’s Pick – Dez Bryant – Oklahoma St.

8. Oakland Raiders – Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – USF
6’5’’ – 270 lbs – 4.69
Raiders’ Needs:  DE, NT, QB, OT, OLB

Commish’s Take: It’s no secret that Al Davis likes to watch half-naked guys running around on a football field.  If this was not true, he wouldn’t have made half the selections he’s made in the past 7-10 years.  Jason Pierre-Paul not only fits a need for the Raiders, but fits that mold of what Al Davis likes to draft.  I’d select Anthony Davis because of the Raiders big need along their offensive line.  Davis fits that nasty mentality of the Raiders.

Commish’s Pick – Anthony Davis – Rutgers

9. Buffalo Bills – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech
6’3’’ – 266 lbs – 4.72

 Bills’ Needs:  OLB, DE, OT, QB, WR

Commish’s Take: The most logical picks here have been Jimmy Clausen or an offensive tackle.  One thing I’ve learned from covering the draft is that you have to think outside the box.  Because of this logic, I think the Bills might throw a curve ball and go with a defensive player.  Derrick Morgan was recruited by Chan Gailey at Georgia Tech and is in a prime position to switch to outside linebacker in the Bills new 3-4 defense.  Morgan’s a very balanced player who is equally good against the run and as a pass rusher.  Morgan is also a class act off the field.  If I’m the GM and Trent Williams is there, it might be too tough to pass on him.  The Bills addressed their interior offensive line last year, but their tackles are liabilities.

Commish’s Pick – Trent Williams – Oklahoma 

10.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Rolando McClain – MLB – Alabama
6’3’’ – 254 lbs – DNP
Jaguars Needs:  DE, QB, OLB, OG, S

Commish’s Take: Jack Del Rio knows linebackers, and he’s probably chomping at the bit to get McClain.  McClain’s biggest knock is the fact that he has Crohn’s disease.  Well, it just so happens to work out that David Garrard also has Crohn’s disease and the Jaguars have figured out how to control that.  McClain is a big time leader and would be an ideal fit for Del Rio.  I’d also consider Dez Bryant here.

Commish’s Pick – Rolando McClain – Alabama

11. Denver Broncos (via CHI) – Demaryius Thomas – WR – Georgia Tech
6’3’’ – 224 – DNP
 Broncos’ Needs:  OC, OG, QB, TE, WR, DE, NT

Commish’s Take: There are a lot of questions revolving around what the Broncos will do.  The big talk swirls around Brandon Marshall.  It doesn’t look like Marshall will be with the Broncos next year, but if they are getting rid of him because of his character, why would they draft a player with character concerns.  This is a major reason I think they might throw an early curveball and go with Thomas.  Thomas has great size with the speed to match.  It’s a tad risky to take him this early, but it might be even riskier to wait till the 2nd round for a replacement for Marshall.  As GM, I’m willing to take that risk.  The Broncos interior offensive line is putrid, and since they addressed their d-line in free agency, why not grab the draft’s best guard.  Iupati might not have the greatest footwork, but he can simply dominate at times.

Commish’s Pick – Mike Iupati – Idaho

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee
6’2’’ – 327 lbs – 5.16
 Dolphins’ Needs:  NT, OLB, WR, TE

Commish’s Take: With the recent suspension of Jason Ferguson, nose tackle has become a priorty for the Dolphins.  Williams is an active nose tackle who moves very well.  I also think outside linebacker should be addressed by the Dolphins, which is why I grabbed Pierre-Paul.  I thought Pierre-Paul rushed the quarterback better standing up last year.  He could be Parcells’ next DeMarcus Ware.

Commish’s Pick – Jason Pierre-Paul – USF

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden – CB – Florida
         5’10’’ – 193 lbs – 4.40

49ers’ Needs:  CB, MLB, RT, S, RB, DE

Commish’s Take: This pick is a no-brainer.  The 49ers need a cornerback, and the top corner is still on the board.  Haden displayed his real speed at his pro day, which solidified the fact that he won’t make it past the 49ers here.

Commish’s Pick – Joe Haden – Florida

14. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) – CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson
     5’10’’ – 196 lbs – 4.37
Seahawks’ Needs:  LT, QB, RB, FS, DE

Commish’s Take: The Seahawks got their tackle, but now need some speed on offense.  Spiller is one of the draft’s biggest playmakers.  I could see the Seahawks even taking Spiller with the 6th pick, but if they do not, they’ll take him here for sure.  With the recent trade for Charlie Whitehurst, the Seahawks will not be drafting Jimmy Clausen, meaning he could begin to slide if not drafted by this point.

Commish’s Pick – CJ Spiller – Clemson

15. New York Giants – Sean Weatherspoon – LB – Missouri
6’1’’ – 239 lbs – 4.68
Giants Needs:  DE, MLB, DT, OL

Commish’s Take: The more you learn about Weatherspoon, the higher you think he’ll go.  I’m not sure he’ll go any higher than 15, but the Giants would be a great fit for both parties.  Weatherspoon can either play the middle or outside linebacker position in the Giants hybrid “Tampa 2” defense.

Commish’s Pick – Sean Weatherspoon – Missouri

16. Tennessee Titans – Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma St
6’2’’ – 225 lbs – DNP
Titans Needs:  OC, DE, CB, MLB

Commish’s Take: In 1998, the then Tennessee Oilers had a need for a receiver and drafted Kevin Dyson over Randy Moss because of Moss’ character issues.  Redemption comes for the Tennessee franchise 13 years later when Dez Bryant falls into their lap.  Bryant is the most dynamic playmaker in the draft, and would be great opposite Kenny Britt.  I have the Titans taking Derrick Morgan as a typical Jeff Fisher workman type player.

Commish’s Pick – Derrick Morgan – Georgia Tech 

17. San Francisco 49ers (via CAR) – Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers
6’5’’ – 323 lbs – 5.40

49ers’ Needs:  CB, MLB, RT, S, RB, DE

Commish’s Take: Anthony Davis has a ton of talent, but also a ton of concerns.  Some scouts have called Davis the best pass protector in the draft.  His character concerns might drop him, but with such a big need for a tackle, the 49ers should jump all over him.  I’d take Brandon Graham for the 49ers because of the type of player he is.  It seems like he’d be a good fit for Mike Singletary.

Commish’s Pick – Brandon Graham – Michigan

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho
6’5’’ – 331 lbs – 5.30

Steelers’ Needs:  FS, CB, LB, OL

Commish’s Take: The Steelers lost their reputation as a physical team last year with the drop off in play of their offensive line.  Iupati fits the mold of the type of offensive lineman the Steelers are accustomed to.  Since Iupati is already gone with my Commish’s pick, I have to go with Earl Thomas to pair with Polamalu.  Thomas gives the Steelers two elite safeties in their defensive backfield.  Thomas could also play corner if need-be.

Commish’s Pick – Earl Thomas – Texas 

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sergio Kindle – DE/OLB – Texas
6’3’’ – 250 lbs – 4.71

 Falcons’ Needs:  OC, DE, OLB, RT, CB

Commish’s Take: One of the biggest needs for the Falcons is at outside linebacker.  With Sean Weatherspoon gone in both mock drafts, Kindle gives the Falcons an athletic presence who knows how to attack the quarterback.  Kindle is ready to contribute from Day 1.

Commish’s Pick – Sergio Kindle – Texas

20. Houston Texans – Earl Thomas – S – Texas
5’10’’ – 208 lbs – 4.49
 Texans’ Needs:  CB, DT, OG, S, WR, RB

Commish’s Take: There has been recent talk of the Texans going with a running back at this pick.  I can’t see how they could with the gigantic needs at safety and at corner.  With Earl Thomas on the board, I’d be shocked if they went in another direction.  If Thomas is off the board, I’d take Kyle Wilson if I were the Texans GM.  Wilson can try and fill the void of Dunta Robinson.

Commish’s Pick – Kyle Wilson – Boise St.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Maurkice Pouncey – OC – Florida
6’4’’ – 304 lbs – 5.15
 Bengals’ Needs:  OC, OG, S, TE, DT

 Commish’s Take: This doesn’t seem like a typical Bengals pick, but with a huge need at center, why not draft the draft’s best center?  The Bengals also have a need at defensive tackle, and if Dan Williams were to slip, I’d take him with this pick.  He’d be a nice fit in the middle of that defensive line, and a big assistance to keeping offensive linemen off of Rey Maualuga.

Commish’s Pick – Dan Williams – Tennessee

22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan
6’1’’ – 268 lbs – 4.72
Patriots’ Needs:  DE, OLB, ILB, RB, WR, CB

Commish’s Take: It really is unfair how the Patriots luck into picks.  I think Brandon Graham is one of the great pass rushers in this draft, but slips due to overanalyzing and lower potential grades than Pierre-Paul.  Graham would be an ideal outside linebacker for the Patriots 3-4 defense.  Since Graham is unavailable for my pick, I’d address the Patriots defensive line, especially with the loss of Jarvis Green.  Odrick is the draft’s top fit for a 3-4 defensive end. 

Commish’s Pick – Jared Odrick – Penn St.

23. Green Bay Packers – Jerry Hughes – DE/OLB – TCU
6’2’’ – 255 lbs – 4.69
 Packers’ Needs:  OT, CB, OLB, S, RB

Commish’s Take:  The Packers could go after more pressing needs at offensive tackle or corner, but Hughes would be the best player available at this point of all 3 of those positions.  The Packers do need another outside rusher to play opposite Clay Matthews Jr.  Hughes opened eyes at the combine with his athleticism in outside linebacker drills.  He’s also relentless at attacking the quarterback.

Commish’s Pick – Jerry Hughes – TCU

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Taylor Mays – S – USC
6’3’’ – 230 lbs – 4.43
Eagles’ Needs:  DE, MLB, CB, S, RB

Commish’s Take: Even after grabbing Macho Harris last year, the Eagles need more of a presence in their defensive backfield.  Mays has all the tools you want from an elite safety.  He’s got the size, the speed, and the character.  The only thing Mays is lacking is production.  Some team will look at his talent and his ability and think that their coaching staff can get the most out of him. 

Commish’s Pick – Taylor Mays – USC

25. Baltimore Ravens – Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise St
5’10’’ – 194 lbs – DNP
 Ravens’ Needs:  OC, CB, DT, OLB/DE, S, TE

Commish’s Take: Jerry Hughes would have been a nice fit for the Ravens, but they have to go to “Plan B”.  The Ravens were down to their 5th and 6th string corners last year.  Whether it is Wilson or Jackson in my respective mock drafts, both corners will give the Ravens stability and an upgrade at the position.

Commish’s Pick – Kareem Jackson – Alabama

26. Arizona Cardinals – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland
6’6’’ – 314 lbs – 4.85

 Cardinals’ Needs:  OC, QB, TE, RT, OLB, ILB

Commish’s Take:  Campbell is a classic “workout warrior” with a great combine, but not great film.  The Cardinals do have a big need at offensive tackle, which is why they might want to take a shot on Campbell here.  The addition of Kerry Rhodes eliminates the big need for a safety.

Commish’s Pick – Bruce Campbell – Maryland

27. Dallas Cowboys – Jared Odrick – DE/DT – Penn St
6’5’’ – 304 lbs – 5.06

 Cowboys’ Needs:  OG, MLB, LT, FS, WR, CB

Commish’s Take: The Cowboys are always looking to add physical defensive players and quality depth.  Odrick is the ideal fit for a defensive end in a 3-4 defense.  If I’m Jerry Jones, I’m looking to add another dynamic receiver and willing to take a risk on Demaryius Thomas.  Thomas combination of size and speed should be extremely appealing to the Cowboys.

Commish’s Pick – Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech

28. San Diego Chargers – Terrance Cody – DT – Alabama
6’4’’ – 354 lbs – 5.72
Chargers’ Needs:  RB, RT, SS, NT, DE

Commish’s Take: The Chargers have a void at running back, but I feel their bigger void is at nose tackle.  The Chargers defense went downhill last year when Jamaal Williams went down with an injury.  When Williams was released this offseason, the void at nose tackle became huge.  Who better to fill that big void than Mount Cody?  Cody is a pure space eater, and with him dropping his weight from 370 lbs at the senior bowl to 345 lbs at his pro day, he has jumped back into consideration for a 1st round pick. 

Commish’s Pick – Terrance Cody – Alabama

29. New York Jets – Nate Allen – S – USF
6’ – 207 lbs – Did not participate at combine

 Jets Needs:  DE, OLB, S, WR

Commish’s Take: The Jets got Antonio Cromartie to play opposite of Revis, but have a huge hole at safety with the trade that sent Kerry Rhodes to Arizona.  Nate Allen still has yet to run a 40, but is a good centerfielder and ball hawk who made big plays for the Bulls in his career at USF.  I feel the Jets would like to add a bigger receiver to play on the outside so they can move Cotchery into the slot, which is why I went with Benn. 

Commish’s Pick – Arrelious Benn – Illinois

30. Minnesota Vikings – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame
6’3’’ – 222 lbs – DNP

 Vikings’ Needs:  DT, QB, OG, CB

Commish’s Take:  There’s questions about Brett Favre and whether Tarvaris Jackson is still the future.  With Clausen slipping to 30, the Vikings will feel much better about those questions.  Clausen stock ranges from being selected 4th overall to the 2nd round.  Clausen’s pro day will tell us a lot in a couple weeks.  I would actually pass on Clausen and address a much bigger need at corner.  McCourty is a very good corner who is solid in coverage and a good tackler.

Commish’s Pick – Devin McCourty – Rutgers

31.  Indianapolis Colts – Charles Brown – OT – USC
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – DNP
 Colts’ Needs:  OG, OC, OT, CB, DT

Commish’s Take: After the Super Bowl, Bill Polian called out his offensive line.  To me, that is nothing to be forgotten.  Brown can finally give the Colts a boost to their offensive line.  Brown is also pretty athletic and good in pass protection, which fits right in with the Colts passing attack.

Commish’s Pick – Charles Brown – USC

32.  New Orleans Saints – Everson Griffen – DE – USC
      6’3’’ – 273 lbs – 4.66

 Saints’ Needs:  OLB, OC, DT, DE, S

Commish’s Take: Do you go with better character or better talent and potential?  Dunlap’s character has him falling, and I think the Saints will play it safe and let him fall further while grabbing Griffen who has better character.  As a Super Bowl Champion, I’d take the risk and see if the potential Dunlap has can be brought out by a championship attitude from his teammates.

Commish’s Pick – Carlos Dunlap – Florida

2nd Round

33.  St. Louis Rams – Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma
6’5’’ – 261 lbs – 4.72

Commish’s Take:  If the Rams take Bradford, why would they not want to draft his college teammate  here?
 
Commish’s Pick – Jermaine Gresham – Oklahoma

34.  Detroit Lions – Ryan Matthews – RB – Fresno St
5’11’’ – 218 lbs – 4.45

Commish’s Take:   The Lions want more stability at running back after Kevin Smith was injured again in 2009.  I like the pairing of Griffen opposite of Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Commish’s Pick – Everson Griffen – USC

35.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame
5’10’’ – 199 lbs – 4.42

Commish’s Take:   Because of their own stubbornness in free agency, the Bucs have put themselves in position to HAVE to draft a receiver with this pick.  Why Tate, when I’ve been touting Benn and Thomas?  Well, I’m taking the Bucs coaching, or lack there of, into affect as well.  I’m unsure that the Bucs would be able to help a raw receiver like Benn or Thomas reach their potential, while Tate has already been productive in a pro-style offense.  He’s got excellent speed and is also a team leader.  Tate should be able to help Freeman continue to grow.  A receiver like Eric Decker or Taylor Price at the top of Round 3 would be nice to pair with Tate. 

Commish’s Pick – Golden Tate – Notre Dame

36.  Kansas City Chiefs – Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama
5’10’’ – 196 lbs – 4.48

Commish’s Take: With most of the safeties gone by this pick, the Chiefs still address their defensive backfield with Jackson.  Scott Pioli has had some success with drafting corners in the 2nd and 3rd rounds like Asante Samuel.  If Nate Allen is available, he’d be my pick to patrol the defensive backfield.

Commish’s Pick – Nate Allen – USF

37.  Washington Redskins – Tim Tebow – QB – Florida
6’3’’ – 236 lbs – 4.72

Commish’s Take:   A selection of Tebow here could happen whether Clausen is available or not.  Some coaches like a challenge.  Mike Shanahan’s offense would be ideal for Tebow to use his full athleticism without thinking he just has to run every time.  The many bootlegs Shanahan uses will make it easier for Tebow to make the transition to the NFL.  Tebow could be Shanahan’s new Jake Plummer.

Commish’s Pick – Tim Tebow – Florida

38.  Cleveland Browns – Colt McCoy – QB – Texas
       6’1’’ – 216 lbs – 4.81

Commish’s Take:   All signs point to the Browns having fallen in love with McCoy.  Whether it’s McCoy or Clausen, I think the Browns might look for their quarterback of the future here. 

Commish’s Pick – Jimmy Clausen – Notre Dame

39.  Oakland Raiders – Vladimir Ducasse – OT – UMASS
6’4’’ – 332 lbs – 5.27

Commish’s Take:   After passing on an offensive tackle in the 1st round, Ducasse gives the Raiders a big body that can play either tackle or guard.  I’d go with Price from UCLA to continue to bolster my line. 

Commish’s Pick – Brian Price – UCLA

40.  San Diego Chargers (via SEA) – Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford
6’ – 231 lbs – 4.55

Commish’s Take:   This would break the Bucs fans heart.  Gerhart gives the Chargers an every down back to pair with Darren Sproles.  If Matthews is still available, he’s the pick.

Commish’s Pick – Ryan Matthews – Fresno St.

41.  Buffalo Bills – Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois
6’1’’ – 219 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take:   After Lee Evans, the Bills don’t have much at receiver.  Benn gives them a bigger receiver used to the cold to pair with Evans.  I’d take Cam Thomas to help my defense transition to a 3-4.

Commish’s Pick – Cam Thomas – North Carolina

42.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CHI) – Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers
5’10’’ – 193 lbs – 4.48

Commish’s Take:   I guess it’s just how the cards fell.  The Bucs do have a big need at corner, so when McCourty falls this far, they best jump on him.  McCourty would give the Bucs a great set of corners for a long time.  With McCourty gone, I throw a wildcard and grab Jahvid Best.  The Bucs have power backs already in Caddy, Ward, and Graham.  Why not a back that can be elusive and bust off a run longer than 20 yards?

Commish’s Pick – Jahvid Best – Cal

43.  Miami Dolphins – Chad Jones – S – LSU
6’2’’ – 221 lbs – 4.56

Commish’s Take:   The Dolphins struck out with Gibril Wilson.  They have a need next to Yeremiah Bell, and Chad Jones fits that need perfectly.  Jones is a big hitter and a hard worker coming from the SEC.

Commish’s Pick – Chad Jones – LSU

44.  New England Patriots (via JAX) – Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida
6’6’’ – 277 lbs – 4.61
 

Commish’s Take:   Bill Belichick’s relationship with Urban Meyer has been well documented.  With Dunlap falling this far, Bellichick has the option to play Dunlap at end or at outside linebacker.  I’d take Damian Williams as insurance to Randy Moss if he leaves after this season.

Commish’s Pick – Damian Williams – USC

45.  Denver Broncos – Jon Asamoah – OG – Illinois
6’4’’ – 305 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   The interior of the Broncos offensive line is terrible.  Asamoah is a hard worker and a big upgrade for the Broncos.  With Iupati already drafted with my picks, I’d take Pouncey to finish off building the interior of the line.

Commish’s Pick – Maurkice Pouncey – Florida

46.  New York Giants – Brian Price – DT – UCLA
   6’1’’ – 303 lbs – 5.15

Commish’s Take:   Sometimes, this is just how it works out.  I actually like Brian Price, but with so much talent in this draft, someone has to fall.  The Giants reap the benefits.  As GM, I’d like to give Tom Coughlin more toughness up front on offense.  Ducasse is an upgrade over an aging Rich Seubert.

Commish’s Pick – Vladimir Ducasse – UMASS

47.  New England Patriots (via TEN) – Aaron Hernandez – TE – Florida
6’2’’ – 245 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   Uh oh, here’s that Belichick-Meyer relationship again.  The Patriots have a need at tight end and love tight ends that can stretch the field.

Commish’s Pick – Aaron Hernandez – Florida

48.  Carolina Panthers – Mardy Gilyard – WR – Cincinnati
5’11’’ – 187 lbs – 4.60

Commish’s Take:   The ongoing search for a receiver to play opposite Steve Smith comes to an end.  Gilyard is a big time playmaker and also a big threat in the return game.

Commish’s Pick – Mardy Gilyard – Cincinnati

49.  San Francisco 49ers  – Jahvid Best – RB – Cal
          5’10’’ – 199 lbs – 4.35

Commish’s Take:   The 49ers are in the market for a shifty player who can also be a returner.  If Best is available, he’s the guy.  If not, they go with McCluster.

Commish’s Pick – Dexter McCluster – Ole Miss

50.  Kansas City Chiefs (via ATL) – Dorin Dickerson – TE – Pitt
          6’1’’ – 226 LBS – 4.40

Commish’s Take:  Charlie Weis loves tight ends that can stretch the field.  Dickerson is slightly undersized for a tight end, but runs a 4.40 forty.  Weis should be able to get creative with him.  Dickerson would be what Ben Watson was for the Patriots under Weis.

Commish’s Pick – Dorin Dickerson – Pitt

51.   Houston Texans – Patrick Robinson – CB – FSU
5’11’’ – 190 lbs – 4.46

Commish’s Take:   Like in the 1st round, the Texans’ defensive backfield is embarrassing.  Robinson is good in man or zone.  Since I took a corner in Round 1, I go with Wright as a big hitter from Florida.

Commish’s Pick – Major Wright – Florida

52.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Amari Spivey – CB – Iowa
5’11’’ – 195 lbs – 4.51

Commish’s Take:   Spivey gives the Steelers a solid corner opposite of Ike Taylor.  After I took Earl Thomas in round 1, I want to address the offensive line.  Asamoah steps in and starts from day 1.

Commish’s Pick – Jon Asamoah – Illinois

53.  New England Patriots – Dexter McCluster – RB/WR/KR – Ole Miss
5’8’’ – 170 lbs – 4.44

Commish’s Take:   Is this fair?  The Patriots already got Graham, Dunlap, and Hernandez.  Now they grab, maybe, the best shiftiest playmaker in the draft.  McCluster would play all over the field for the Patriots and possibly be the heir to Kevin Faulk.  I’d love Gibson off the edge for the Patriots here.  Gibson gives the Patiots much needed depth at the linebacker position. 

Commish’s Pick – Thaddeous Gibson – Ohio St.

54.  Cincinnati Bengals – Rob Gronkowski – TE – Arizona
6’6’’ – 264 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take:   Gronkowski gives the Bengals the most balanced tight end in the draft, and their best tight end in years.

Commish’s Pick – Rob Gronkowski – Arizona

55.  Philadelphia Eagles – Daryl Washington – LB – TCU
6’2’’ – 230 lbs – 4.66
 
Commish’s Take:   The Eagles like aggressive linebackers, and despite his size, Washington is as aggressive as they come.

Commish’s Pick – Daryl Washington – TCU

56.  Green Bay Packers – Rodger Saffold – OT – Indiana
6’5’’ – 316 lbs – 5.20

Commish’s Take:   The Packers can’t rely on Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher forever.  Saffold has been rising up boards with his balanced play as a run blocker and a pass protector.

Commish’s Pick – Rodger Saffold – Indiana

57.  Baltimore Ravens – Thaddeus Gibson – OLB – Ohio St
6’2’’ – 243 lbs – 4.75

Commish’s Take:   Gibson gives the Ravens another player in the Terrell Suggs mold.

Commish’s Pick – Tyson Alualu – Cal

58.  Arizona Cardinals – Tyson Alualu – DE/DT – Cal
6’2’’ – 295 lbs – 4.93

Commish’s Take:   Alualu has similar size to Darnell Dockett, and gives the Cardinals some much needed depth at the position.  As GM, I’d be concerned with Joey Porter’s recent arrest and still grab another outside linebacker.

Commish’s Pick – Koa Misi – Utah

59.  Dallas Cowboys – Major Wright – S – Florida
5’11’’ – 206 – 4.48

Commish’s Take:   The Cowboys need another safety next to Ken Hamlin.  Wright gives the Cowboys a big hitter like Roy Williams, but with speed.  As GM, I’d take the best fit at defensive end for a 3-4 next to Odrick in Carrington.

Commish’s Pick – Alex Carrington – Arkansas St.

60.  Seattle Seahawks (via SD) – Damian Williams – WR – USC
6’ – 197 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take:  Pete Carroll gets his boy.  If Williams is already gone, I’d go with Decker.  I know he’s another possession receiver, but he’s a reliable receiver for whoever my quarterback is.

Commish’s Pick – Eric Decker – Minnesota

61.  New York Jets – Cam Thomas – DT – North Carolina
6’4’’ – 330 lbs – 5.28

Commish’s Take:   The Jets need depth and an eventual replacement for Kris Jenkins.  With Cam
Thomas still on the board, this should be a no-brainer.  If Thomas is off the board, I still see the Jets addressing the depth on their defensive line.  Wootton is a great fit at end in the 3-4 defense.

Commish’s Pick – Corey Wootton – Northwestern

62.  Minnesota Vikings – Chris Cook – CB – Virginia
6’2’’ – 212 lbs – 4.45

Commish’s Take:   Cook is an excellent fit for the Vikings “Tampa 2” defense.  His size and physical play helps in run support, but he still has the speed to mix in man coverage.  Since I took McCourty in round 1, I’d take Jones here as insurance for Pat Williams future departure.

Commish’s Pick – Arthur Jones – Syracuse

63.  Indianapolis Colts – Brandon Ghee – CB – Wake Forrest
6’ – 195 lbs – 4.42

Commish’s Take:  Despite the fact that the Colts run the “Tampa 2” defense, they seem to take more athletic corners than physical ones. 

Commish’s Pick – Patrick Robinson – FSU

64.  New Orleans Saints – Navarro Bowman – OLB – Penn St
6’ – 242 lbs – 4.72

Commish’s Take:   The Saints need to upgrade their linebacker corps.  Bowman has the ability to step in and play immediately for Scott Fujita, who left.

Commish’s Pick – Navorro Bowman – Penn St.

Chiefs defensive end Tyson Jackson, the third overall pick in last year's draft, hasn't exactly set the world on fire yet.

On face value, Joe believes the Bucs should get a lock down stud of a player with the third pick overall.

But upon further study, that may not be the case. Just going through some recent drafts, the third pick is a crapshoot.

In 2009, the Chiefs selected defensive end Tyson Jackson. He hasn’t exactly set the world on fire.

In 2008, the Falcons selected quarterback Matt Ryan. Stud.

In 2007, the Browns picked up offensive tackle Joe Thomas. Stud.

In 2006, the Titans grabbed quarterback Vince Young. The jury is still out after four inconsistent years.

In 2005, the Browns drafted wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Now with the Jets, he’s no better than serviceable.

In 2004, the Cardinals selected Larry Fitzgerald. Possible Hall of Famer.

In 2003, the Texans drafted wide receiver Andre Johnson. Stud and Joe believes is the most underrated wide receiver in the NFL.

In 2002, the Lions selected quarterback Joey Harrington. ‘Nuff said.

In 2001, the Browns drafted defensive tackle Gerald Warren. Eh. He was barely average and just cut by the awful Browns.

The past decade began with the Redskins selecting Chris Samuels. He just retired due to a series of injuries. When he was healthy, he was damned good.

So just because the Bucs have the third overall pick, it’s not guaranteed the Bucs will have a Pro Bowl player.

Many Bucs fans wring their hands because the Bucs aren’t spending money on free agents. The Bucs are hardly alone.

In this video, Mike Florio, the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, examines why restricted free agents are not being signed.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Raheem the Dream is as angry as Bucs fans at how bad the team played last season.

So many Bucs fans are angry, bitter and fed up.

In 2009, Bucs fans watched their once proud defense get scored upon more in an afternoon than Ashley Dupree in a month. Serial adulterer Eldrick Woods felt sorry for the Bucs as he scoured a breakfest cafe for his next trailer trash conquest.

In 2009, Bucs fans watched the Pewter Pirates trot out quarterback after quarterback with little change. It got so bad, some Bucs fans wondered if Drew Weatherford was available.

In 2009, Bucs fans watched as management passed on all sorts of players when not so long ago the same team landed the likes of Meshawn Johnson, Simeon Rice and Brad Johnson to bolster their roster. Instead, management hoisted Angelo Crowell as a big-time pick up.

The same Bucs decision-makers saw fit to kick to the curb Super Bowl-winning coach Chucky, future Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and fan favorites like Warrick Dunn and Ike Hilliard.

In 2009, Bucs fans read of a talented cornerback assault a teammate with a helmet to the face, then the same player decided to blindside a cabbie while the poor guy was driving down the highway.

Since, Bucs fans have seen little tangible progress.

In short, Bucs fans are disgusted, angry, embarrassed.

So too, apparently, are Team Glazer, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik and coach Raheem the Dream.

In answering a question from the TBO.com Bucs question-and-answer forum, Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune tries to explain to an outraged Bucs fan that not only do Dominik and Raheem the Dream feel their pain, that they, along with Team Glazer, are just as upset as Bucs fans.

Q: Do you follow the comments posted on the blog? What do you think about the fans’ animosity, anger, dissatisfaction, hostility, etc., toward management, coaches, owners and you, the writers? Are the Glazers better owners than Hugh Culverhouse? When will the Bucs be winners again?

Robert Berube, Charlotte, N.C.

A: We definitely follow the comments on the blogs, and we realize fans are angry and upset. The fact of the matter is, they’re not alone. The Bucs owners, coaches and players are angry and upset, too. That’s the part I think most fans fail to realize. The Glazers didn’t like going 3-13 and neither did Mark Dominik or Raheem Morris. It was embarrassing to them. They know, though, that in order to get back to winning consistently, they have to restructure the team. Every pro sports team goes through this. The better ones go through it less. The Bucs are paying now for mistakes made in recent years and it will take another year or two to clean up the mess. When will they be winners again? I’d say 2011 is the first year they can realistically hope to be better than .500.

— Woody Cummings

This sort of warms Joe’s heart to read that Team Glazer is upset and are not just some cold-hearted fellows as many fans would suggest.

Speaking of warm hearts, a post intermission:

Joe has been remiss in not acknowledging to his Hebrew friends who are honoring a solemn period known as Passover. A story often overlooked about Passover:

When the Angel of Death arrived in ancient Egypt to deliver the 10th plague in retaliation for the Pharaoh Ramses denying the enslaved Jews the NFL Network via the vile cable company Out House Networks, every house that was wired for the NFL Network was passed over, sparing the first born son.

This morning marks the championship of Buccaneers Madness. When we began, Bucs fans started whittling down the 64 most important things in the world of the Buccaneers.

We are now down to Ronde Barber’s interception in the 2003 NFC title game to send the Bucs into the Super Bowl against the ultimate crush of Bucs fans, Rachel Watson.

A reminder: Buccaneers Madness is run in conjunction with the NCAA basketball tournament (Joe cannot remember a better one in years), largely influenced by his good friend Jason McIntyre of TheBigLead.com and his annual Culture Tournament.

Joe’s fiery haven for Bucs fans here is exploding!

Why JoeBucsFan.com racked up 137,406 actual visits to the site in March (not some artificially inflated page view number). And readers are staying on the site for average of seven minutes a pop!

Joe is humbled and wants to throw out a hearty “Thank You.” March set a new record. And JoeBucsFan.com’s traffic has quadrupled since last March.

Joe is also very happy for his advertisers here. They’re reaping an extraordinary value from a loyal audience.

Thanks again. Joe’s working hard to bring you some great new features for the 2010 season.

"I can't believe my jerseys were on the clearance rack at Marshall's for $5. I'm still on this team, you know."

Joe hates the Eagles so much he couldn’t bear to post this until late at night.

Anything Eagles typically turns Joe’s stomach (hopefully not Sean Jones and Reggie Brown).

In this installment of the NFL Draft countdown, draft guru Justin Pawlowski breaks down all things Eagles and the draft. And Pawlowski says the Eagles smell like a candidate for a draft-day trade with the Bucs.

In honor of Joe’s hatred of the Eagles, Joe will giveaway one Reebok replica Sabby (The Goat) Piscitelli jersey. You’re eligible to win the jersey if you subscribe for Joe’s unbelievable draft coverage between now and 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 1. No, this is not an April Fool’s Day stunt. Joe will announce the winner at 3 p.m on Thursday.

Enjoy the Eagles breakdown. {+++}

[audio:eaglesdraft.mp3]

The NFL released the preseason schedule for the 2010 season. Though the specific dates for all of preseason Bucs games are not yet known, where and what week and who the Bucs will play is known.

Bucs 2010 Preseason Schedule

Week 1: Bucs at Dolphins
Week 2: Chiefs at Bucs
Week 3: Jaguars at Bucs
Week 4: Bucs at Texans

Diva-ish Dez Bryant, widely considered the most talented wide receiver in next month’s draft but already building a resume as a world-class moron, apparently has Pearl Harbored his chances of being selected by the Bucs.

Bryant, banned by the NCAA last year for a dubious relationship with Deion Sanders, lied to the NCAA about his background. That got him thrown off his Oklahoma State team. And Bryant put an exclamation point on his shady past yesterday when, just before his most important interview for millions of dollars, forgot his shoes (cleats) to his pro day workout.

Joe wonders if the reason he forgot his cleats was because he remembered to bring his weed?

Today, per the Associated Press via Sirius NFL Radio, Bryant lashed out at critics who wondered how he could forget his most important attire for his biggest interview for millions of dollars. Bryant barked, using grammar mastered apparently in graduate-level classes at Oklahoma State, “What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don’t think it has anything to do with me playing football.”

Well, it’s kinda hard to play wide receiver wearing only socks. Sort of like Albert Pujols forgetting to bring a bat to the plate.

This latest dumb stunt apparently was the last straw for the Bucs. Eye-RAH! Kaufman, of the Tampa Tribune, writes that the Bucs want nothing to do with this Terrell Owens-wannabe early in the draft.

The former Oklahoma standout is the most talented wide receiver in the draft and the Bucs have a desperate need to upgrade targets for Josh Freeman, but Bryant comes with risks and the Bucs are adamant about avoiding risks this time around.

After catching 87 passes for 1,480 yards and 19 TDs in 2008, Bryant missed most of last season due to an NCAA suspension for lying to investigators about his relationship with Deion Sanders. He ran a pedestrian 4.53 in the 40 during his Pro Day Tuesday in Texas, with Bucs WR coach Eric Yarber in attendance.

Even if Bryant is still sitting there at No. 25, don’t expect the Bucs to move up to get him. There are too many questions about his character and his love for football—a top priority for Dominik and the Glazers.

Pat Kirwan, of Sirius NFL Radio and a former NFL executive, had this Bryant character pegged weeks ago when, after interviewing Bryant and talking to his contacts in the front offices of various NFL teams, said he wouldn’t touch Bryant in the first round and that he had no heart or burning desire to play in the NFL. Kirwan added that Bryant’s greatest passion was cashing checks.

Joe is glad to learn Dominik is forgetting about this dope.

Despite Clifton Smith being a victim of a brutal assault on a kickoff return, Raheem the Dream never used injuries as an excuse.

One of the things that drove Joe nuts about Chucky was his constant whining about injuries.

Um, Chucky, this is the NFL. People get hurt all the time. Good coaches adjust and conquer.

Rarely does a Super Bowl champion not have to deal with a significant injury at some point in the season, including the Bucs (remember, Booger McFarland never played in the playoffs).

So eye-RAH! Kaufman, of the Tampa Tribune, decided to do some number crunching and found that the Bucs were the least injuried team in the NFC South last season, as he posted on the TBO.com Twitter feed.

The Bucs had 17 players make at least 12 starts in ’09. That’s the highest [number] in the division and a hint injuries weren’t the problem.

This is both an uplifting statistic, and a depressing one as well. Just how brutal were the Bucs last year that other teams’ scrubs in the NFC South regularly put a hurt on them?

Props to Raheem the Dream for never whining about an injury as his predeccesor did seemingly each week.

It has been well documented that the Bucs are going to build from the draft and when they need specific holes to put the team over the top, then Team Glazer’s pen will emerge from mothballs along with a checkbook.

While this sounds good in theory, Brad Biggs of the NationalFootballPost.com is calling Team Glazer’s bluff. In short, Biggs claims this building through the draft is nothing but a smokescreen to try to deflect attention from Team Glazer not spending cash.

“We endured a lot of criticism many years ago in that journey to get there (to the Super Bowl),’’ Glazer said. “That’s fine. We’ll do what’s best. A lot of people can’t handle criticism. A lot of people react to the press. We’re used to it and sometimes that’s leadership, to be able to take it on, fight through it and lead.’’

This doesn’t absolve the Glazers from keeping their hands in their pockets to guard their wallets. The cash committed by the Bucs over the last five years is dead last in the league. They’re not spending money, period. They replaced Allen and former coach Jon Gruden with two inexperienced men in Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris. Those guys are under pressure to deliver right now and you have to remember that they didn’t have a lot to work with when they took over.

As Joe has written many times, Joe firmly believes Team Glazer — and many other teams — just are not going to loosen up the pursestrings until a new CBA is signed with the NFLPA.

To be blunt, it’s rather difficult for anyone to justify paying out a big signing bonus when said player likely won’t be playing next year.

With the exception of Trent Dilfer and perhaps blocking icon Michael Clayton, Joe cannot remember a local sports figure as reviled than Raheem the Dream.

Just the mere mention of the Bucs’ coach’s name results in Bucs fans frothing at the mouth. To many Bucs fans, Raheem the Dream  — rightly or wrongly — is the face of a once proud franchise that has returned to its sordid roots.

Vacation Man, writing for Vyacheslav Molotov’s favorite media outlet, BSPN.com, writes that Raheem the Dream could not have “looked more overwelmed” last year. But after a few missteps, Vacation Man likes what he sees with Raheem the Dream as the Bucs leader.

But if you look closely at the chaos that was Tampa Bay’s season last year, you can spot some progress, particularly from the head coach. The guy showed an ability to admit his mistakes and move on from them. That’s a unique quality and that’s why there’s a chance Morris might have grown quite a bit last season.

We’ll have to wait to see how this season plays out, but Morris is in a much better spot than he was a year ago. Morris realized Jim Bates’ defensive scheme wasn’t working out and fired the veteran coordinator. Morris took the reins of the defense, went back to the Tampa 2 and the Bucs actually played decent defense at the end of the season.

They now will spend an entire offseason working on the defense they’ll actually play all season. Same for the offense, where coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski was fired just prior to the start of last season. There were a lot of issues (more than we’ll ever know) going on with Jagodzinski, but the bottom line was the offense wasn’t getting any real coaching. Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson suddenly had the offense dumped on him at the same time he was trying to get rookie quarterback Josh Freeman ready to step on the field and the early results weren’t pretty.

Just the fact Raheem the Dream will be the defensive coordinator and that the Bucs have a full-time quarterbacks coach should be a big plus. Unless Raheem the Dream falls flat on his face, per recent comments from Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer, Raheem the Dream will be around for a while.

Might the Ravens snag one of the cornerbacks Raheem The Dream covets?

You know the drill.

It’s all things Ravens today from NFL draft guru Justin Pawlowski — all part of the daily team-by-team look at every NFL club’s draft strategy.

For those who have purchased Joe’s NFL draft subscription, it’s beyond obvious what a guru Pawlowski really is. This is really fun stuff. His new mammouth mock draft comes out later tonight or tomorrow.

Enjoy. {+++}

Thanks again to you subscribers! Any feedback is always appreciated, joe@joebucsfan.com

[audio:ravensdraft.mp3]

So yesterday, Joe’s good friend, the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, brought up a great conversation on WDAE-AM 620 about how NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell believes the NFL needs to make the stadium experience better than the staying home experience of watching games.

In short, the radio chatter posed the question, how could the Bucs make the stadium experience better than staying at home? Joe has suggestions:

* As Joe had detailed before, he once was a season ticket holder but opted out mainly due to the way he was treated by the Bucs’ sales staff. No other reason. But this post isn’t about that issue.

Joe has often documented that while the CITS is a nice stadium, there are nicer stadiums, including whatever-the-hell-that-place-is-called-in-south-Florida-today.  Joe’s not about to advocate for a new stadium. There’s a team currently in St. Petersburg that is mired in a tomb that desperately needs a new crib first.

What Joe would like to see at the CITS is something akin to “The Bud Zone” at Jacksonville. There, in the end zone on the upperdeck level, is a massive sports bar. Fans before, during and after the game can go there, have a few beers, watch all the NFL games on HD flatscreens, have some good grub (not the standard stadium schlop) and watch the game on the field if they so choose, all in air conditioning.

Granted, the Bucs have something called a “party deck,” but to Joe’s knowledge it’s private and is nothing more than a small patio in the end zone. Instead, use that end zone to build a sports bar. Said sports bar could also be open on non-game days, much like the tiki bar at Out House Networks Field in Clearwater, and the sports bars/restaurants located at Comiskey Park in Chicago and PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

How cool would it be to go have lunch in the middle of the week at the CITS in, say, May?

Said sports bar could be in the south end zone. One of the biggest flaws Joe sees in the CITS is the open end zones. In Joe’s eyes, unless there is something picturesque to look at like at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and Qwest Field in Seattle, where one end zone has views of a downtown skyline and the other end zone has views of the mountains, there’s no need for open end zones.

Gazing out upon parking lots and Dale Mabry Highway is not what Joe calls picturesque. Close up the south end zone with a massive sports bar/restaurant that can be used year-round.

* Joe has noticed that other stadiums actually have a store where fans can buy gear. The CITS does not. Oh, sure, they have a glorified vendor’s window and maybe rope off an area to showcase T-shirts, but that’s not a store.

Build an actual Bucs gear store that, like the Rays have at the Fruitdome, is open year-round. Make it an actual store so fans from out of town can actually get geared up before the game.

* Hall of Fame. Joe has noticed that at Heinz Field, part of a concourse is dedicated to the history of the Steelers. Joe believes it’s called a Walk of Fame, or some such thing. The concourse is full of exhibits of the team’s history. Also there, radio stations broadcast pregame shows and there are actually bleachers for fans to sit and listen. Just a few steps away, there are live bands.

   Why can’t these elements also be used at a concourse at the CITS?

* Joe noticed that in Miami, the Dolphins will actually erect monster tents for temporary sports bars in the parking lot, replete with TVs. Yes, Joe knows the Bucs have a tailgate party where people can eat and drink non-stop, for a three-figured price.

   Why not set up a tent in the parking lot(s) where fans can come and go as they please if they just want a cheeseburger or even a soft drink, and watch the pregame shows on the NFL Network?

* No more $8 beers! Look, Joe is a man, therefore he has the NFL Network, and enjoys a cold beer now and then. A minor reason — not the entire reason (see above) — that Joe ditched his season tickets is the obscene price of $8 for a beer.

   Now Joe partially understands why beers (and other concessions) are so outrageous at the CITS. It’s a massive profit center for the Glazers, who don’t have to share that concession revenue with the stadium authority.

   And if the vendors there pay handsomely to operate at the CITS, that alone, just to break even, drives up the costs of concessions. This is standard practice all over the country, including Out House Networks Field for Florida State League games no less.

   Perhaps the surcharges to vendors could be adjusted just a little bit so fans aren’t horribly gouged? Or couldn’t Team Glazer simply drop the price. Beers were only $3 at the 2009 draft party at the CITS. Can’t all parties make sufficient money at, say, $5 a beer?

   Joe trusts that even when Team Glazer sits down for a nice meal at a restaurant, even they would blink if the establishment charged $8 for a cold frosty.

   Joe is certain that when fans ponder going to a game, $8 beer is a significant factor in their decision whether to sit on the couch or get up and go to the game.

  Joe will even venture to guess the good people at the CITS may sell more beers if the price is lowered, and the loss on dropping the price just might be made up. Joe knows quite a few people who just load up before the game and only sip water during the game as not to be gouged with $8 beers.

   Even Joe has some standards!

* $20 parking. When thinking of going to a game, Joe has a hard time getting past this: For $20, Joe can buy a pizza and/or a good sandwich at a local eatery, and a six-pack. If Joe goes to a game, he is already out that amount  before he has even stepped out of his truck.

   Trust Joe, there are far worse examples in other NFL stadiums than this (Dallass charges $75), but if the Bucs are worried about getting people to the CITS…

* Let people go up in the pirate ship. Ever try getting up in the pirate ship? If not, imagine what would happen if you tried to drag one of the “entertainers” out to the parking lot at one of the clothing-optional establishments across the street.

Let people experience the pirate ship! Let people go up there and cheer the Bucs. Why is it only a select, chosen few (usually plain-clothed cops and Bucs employees) are allowed up there?

* Do the Nazis who patrol the tailgate lots still crack down on throwing footballs around? This is beyond asinine. Lighten up Francis, or Joe can grill out in his backyard rather than hand over $20 for that right, and throw the football around with the neighborhood kids instead before retiring to the couch for an afternoon of football.

 These are just some examples Joe has off the top of his head that might make the game day experience more exciting and motivate fans to get off the couch.

  In short, the NFL in general has gotten to the point that it has all but forced fans to stay home as it has gouged fans too much. If, Mr. Goodell, you want fans to come spend money on your product at a game, you have to entice fans.

  Slapping fans in the face with $8 beers, $20 (or more) in parking and nun-like practices of forbidding fans to toss around a football will chase more people away than it will entice people to participate.

   As Richard Nixon would say, it’s the art of compromise.

   So Bucs fans, what are some of your suggestions about making a game more exciting that you will go to the games rather than stay home?

If Joe has heard it once, he has heard it a thousand times:

After the Bucs purged their veterans last winter, including iconic linebacker Derrick Brooks, it was because the Bucs wanted to get younger and build from within.

Last year ,when Bucs general manager Mark Dominik decided his big free agent signing on defense was injury-prone linebacker Angelo Crowell, Joe scratched his head.

This made no sense: Not only wasn’t Crowell young; he had a hard time staying healthy. Guess what? He got hurt again and missed the entire season.

Joe’s head-scratching continued when Dominik again went after Crowell, signing him to yet another contract Monday. Even eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune seemed puzzled as he posted the following item on the TBO.com Bucs Twitter feed.

Even if Angelo Crowell is healthy, there’s no reason to believe he’ll edge younger Quincy Black as Tampa Bay’s strong-side LB in 2010.

Upon learning of Crowell’s signing (again), Joe texted a Bucs beat writer (not Kaufman) and asked, “What does Mark Dominik see in this Angelo Crowell?”

The response from the Bucs beat writer?

“Good question!”

Yesterday Joe brought word that Mike Florio, the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, would “bet” that the Bucs would not only play more games in London, that they would pull up stakes and move to London.

Joe noted on face value the assertion was outrageous and he e-mailed Florio to see how he came to this conclusion.

Joe heard nothing from Florio.

If Joe didn’t know any better, Joe would have thought such tripe would have come from the former colorful yet environmentally hostile magazine now web-only outfit that covers the Bucs.

Later in the day, Florio had his weekly appearance with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, when “The Big Dog” point blank asked Florio how he came to that conclusion.

Florio, a former lawyer, was off his game Monday. He had some convoluted logic to explain why he thought the Bucs would move to London; Joe had a hard time following it.

In short, it was gobbledegook.

Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune actually detailed how this notion of the Bucs moving to London is nonsense. It was such a throw-it-against-the-wall-and-see-if-it-sticks ca-ca that the Bucs wouldn’t even respond to it.

The report also suggested the Bucs could eventually end up re-locating from Tampa Bay to Europe on a permanent basis, playing home games at London’s Wembley Stadium.

The Glazer family owns both the Buccaneers and Manchester United, a Premier League power that boasts of being the world’s most popular soccer club. The Bucs faced the Patriots at Wembley last October, sacrificing a home date at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bucs declined to comment on the unsourced report.

Joe respects the hell out of Florio but yesterday morning was not one of his better moments. Joe hopes he wrote that piece before he has his daily requirement of caffiene, thus, his brain wasn’t functioning properly.

Hey, Joe’s not just about the Bucs. He’s about the Bolts, too! While the job status of general manager Brian Lawton is certainly up in the air, and who knows even if coach Rich Tocchet will return, the future of one of the Tampa Bay area’s most popular athletes, Marty St. Louis, isn’t exactly locked in stone. He’s getting long in the tooth and his contract is up soon. Joe takes a look Marty’s future in Tampa Bay over at JoeBoltsFan.com. Give it a look.

Fans of any sport turn ugly and bitter when they believe there’s no hope for success entering a season.

It’s just how fans roll. They need to believe.

Even the overhyped New York Yankees ranked in the bottom half of the American League in attendance from 1989 to 1992. Guess what? The Yankees had crappy teams in those years.

Joe is certain that hope for the Bucs among fans is near an all-time low. It’s beyond depressing. Especially considering optimism is much easier to come by for NFL fans because of the short season and the promise a quick start can bring. 

Joe, who considers himself a diehard fan and optimist, can find real hope for the Bucs in 2010 at every position, except receiver. This assumes, of course, the Bucs draft one of the defensive tackle beasts in the first round.

But even if the Bucs snag a promising wide receiver in the second round, or trade up for one, Joe just doesn’t believe that will be enough at the position to give even the most optimistic fans hope for 2010.

There’s just not enough there.

Joe aches for Josh Freeman at the thought of his receiving corps. He’ll need a miracle.

Mark Dominik can’t take this team to training camp without more juice at wide receiver and crossing his fingers. Hope is the fans’ job, not the general manger’s.

Buccaneers Madness finishes its semifinals today. A reminder: Buccaneers Madness is run in conjuction with the NCAA basketball tournament (Joe cannot remember a better one in years than this March), largely influenced by his good friend Jason McIntyre of TheBigLead.com and his annual Culture Tournament.