Will the Browns target Michael Crabtree to help replace Kellen Winslow's production in Cleveland? NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski breaks down the AFC North.

As a public service, Joe reminds you not to run out to Publix and buy one of those outdated NFL Draft magazine previews for $8.95 + tax.

Don’t do that when you can get daily, up-to-the minute NFL Draft coverage here at JoeBucsFan.com for the same money.

And Joe gives every subscriber a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille. Yummy.

Today NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, host of The Blitz on 620 WDAE-AM, breaks down the needs and likely moves of the AFC North teams.

Enjoy. {+++}

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Rotoworld’s Evan Silva, via NBCSports.com, has a mock draft up where he has the Bucs going a much different route than most NFL draft experts.

In fact, Silva doesn’t think the Bucs will stray far from Tampa in locking up a player. Think Florida Gators wide receiver Percy Harvin.

Tampa ends a receiver run with this class’ truest home run hitter. New coach Raheem Morris emphasized the need for “swagger” at Tampa Bay’s first offseason minicamp, and Harvin brings plenty of style and pizzazz. The Bucs are short on offensive speed opposite Antonio Bryant, and Harvin could immediately produce in the slot.

Joe doesn’t deny Harvin is a special player with gifted speed. But what scares Joe is this guy was always dinged up. If Harvin was always hurt in college, how can anyone expect him to be available on most Sundays in the NFL?

As long as Mel Kiper and Rick Stroud continue to jock Josh Freeman, Joe will continue to expose him.

As long as there are people foolish enough to suggest the Bucs should draft Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman, Joe will keep writing about how he is and will be a colossal stiff.

Don’t believe Joe? Fine. Then believe Mike Mayock of the NFL Network.

There is no better NFL draft guru — with the exception of WDAE-AM 620’s Justin Pawlowski — than Mayock. Like Pawlowski, Mayock isn’t overly impressed with Freeman.

In fact, speaking to SI.com’s Peter King, Mayock explains what a complete crap shoot drafting Freeman in the first round will be.

A year ago, Mayock told me he liked Ryan, who played four years at Boston College, more than he’d liked any quarterback to come out in years. Not the case with the three early entry passers this year — Stafford, Sanchez and Kansas State’s Josh Freeman. “In the last 15 years, there have been 11 underclass quarterbacks taken in the first round,” he said. “Of those 11, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers are the only clear successes. It’s a dangerous thing, picking young quarterbacks so high.”

The difference between Big Ben, Rodgers and Freeman is crystal clear: When Big Ben and Rodgers entered the draft, they dominated their opponents. Only a blind-drunk Kansas State fan or Kiper would dare hint that Freeman dominated opponents.

And keep in mind that Largo High School played better defense than some of the teams in the Big XII.

The news of the crazy contract Mark Dominik gave Sgt. Winslow was obviously fodder for discussion this morning on Sirius NFL Radio. But co-hosts of “The Blitz,” Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots, were split on the move.

Wilcots was on the mind that, with his injuries behind him, Sgt. Winslow is an elite NFL player. Schein is not so sure Sgt. Winslow’s injuries are behind him.

Solomon Wilcots: I had expected it. I knew it was coming, but I never thought it was that much.

I think he is ready to put up good numbers. The only thing that has held him back are injuries. But even with injuries he is almost impossible to cover for safeties and linebackers. He is almost impossible to cover by cornerbacks in the red zone. He is an elite tight end for your quarterback to target.

He has never had a consistent quarterback. He’s never had a reliable quarterback, never had that chemistry. It never existed. He still has been able to make plays when he’s on the field.

If he’s healthy the numbers will come.

Adam Schein: I think it makes sense to give him a new deal. I think everybody knew it was coming. He’s happy in Tampa; he’s thrilled. You knew he was going to get a new deal.

I agree with you on the talent and being a pro bowl player. He’s an 80- to 90-catch guy and a guy who should score 7 to 10 touchdowns a year. He has that ability. But he’s never done that. He has the ability to get to 1,000 yards a year. [Bucs general manager] Mark Dominik is paying for the crystal ball. They are looking into the crystal ball and projecting the future in their system.

But $20 million [guaranteed] for a guy with all sorts of injuries? I won’t even talk about the issues off the field. I think that is a thing of the past. I think he is enthused to be in Tampa. I think he has matured.

But in terms of his health, color me concerned.

Jeff Garcia says he's pleased to be strictly the No. 2 quarterback in Oakland. Joe suspects being the No. 1 at home with Carmella is enough to satisfy any man.

Shortly after Jeff Garcia joined Raider nation yesterday, he talked to his hometown Gilroy Dispatch, the tiny daily newspaper that covers Garcia’s movements like NBC News covers the President.

Garcia talked openly about how there was little interest in him in free agency and how he knows he is strictly the backup quarterback in Oakland.

“There’s not an open competition. JaMarcus Russell is the starting quarterback,” Jeff Garcia said. “He was drafted in the first round to come in and lead this team. My goal here is to help JaMarcus grow and be a better player. I’m going to compete with him every single day in the sense of pushing him and helping him open his mind to being a better player. At the same time, I’m gonna do whatever I can to prepare myself in the case it does come time for me to get on the field. If it does come, I’m going to make the most of it.”

Joe can’t help but wonder why it seems the Bucs preferred Brian Griese as their backup quarterback over Jeff Garcia, who may be the best No. 2 in the league and had the respect of his teammates.

At lease publicly, Son of Bob has done nothing to say he’s interested in mentoring young quarterbacks like Luke McCown and Josh Johnson.

Vacation Man suggests that the Bucs are more likely to trade for Village People frontman wannabe and Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn before the Bucs would trade up in the draft to knab USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Vacation Man of BSPN.com fielded e-mails from fans asking about the Bucs. One question dealt with the possibility of the Bucs trading for one of the two Cleveland quarterbacks, Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.

Vacation Man didn’t totally rule out the suggestion, hinting that maybe the Bucs would trade up if they thought they could grab USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

I think that’s something the Bucs at least would explore if Cleveland really does put one of those two quarterbacks on the trade block. I think either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson would be nice competition for Luke McCown. The Bucs have made it clear they still plan to bring in another quarterback. There’s not much left in free agency. Not sure if they would take Josh Freeman at No. 19 because he might be a year away from being ready to start. I could see them making an attempt to trade up for Mark Sanchez, but that could be costly. Of all the scenarios still out there, I like trading for Anderson or Quinn the best.

Though Joe would love for the Bucs to somehow get Sanchez, he’d raise a glass in honor of Bucs general manager Mark Dominik if he did acquire Quinn, who Sgt. Winslow totally raved about in an interview last week on Sirius NFL Radio.

But if Dominik and Raheem The Dream are just looking for someone to compete against Bucs quarterback Luke McCown and aren’t now looking for a quarterback of the future, there are certainly more cost effective alternatives out there than trading up for Sanchez or trading for former first round pick Quinn.

A third round choice for Matt Leinart perhaps?

When Joe heard yesterday that the Bucs signed Sgt. Winslow to a contract extention, it barely rasied an eyebrow with Joe. Then last night, Joe saw the video of BSPN metrosexual Mike Greenberg talking about how the Bucs signed Winslow to an NFL record for tight ends.

Joe understands Lee Roy Selmon’s offered $1.63 beers yesterday. Joe had a couple himself watching baseball and basketball (Joe also took advantage of Selmon’s $.21 wings). But after reading what Mark Dominik coughed up for Winslow convinced to Joe that Dominik had a marathon pouring session himself yesterday.

An NFL record salary for a injury-plagued tight end with bad knees who has only played one full season? As if coughing up a second round pick for this two-bit, wannabe green beret was bad enough! And this Sgt. Winslow, by any sober judgement, is a weak blocker.

Exactly why and how can you make this guy the NFL’s highest paid tight end?

And people think Obama bailouts are beyond the pale!

Six years, $36 million???!!!

Really!

Might the Bucs look to find a successor to Jeremy Trueblood with their third round pick? Monstrous Sooner Phil Loadholt might be available.

Despite the Bucs’ solid offensive line and many holes on defense, if they choose to take the best players available on draft day, one of those could be an offensive lineman.

Courtesy of NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of The Sports Animal, Joe has an in-depth look at the tackles, guards and centers who could make an impact in the 2009 draft.

The reality is the Bucs won’t want to pay top dollar to every member of their young offense line, which they’ll be forced to do if the line continues to progress and the Bucs muster a dominant running game under the new regime.

Eventually, they won’t want to pay all these guys, so finding a future replacement for Jeff Faine, Jeremy Trueblood or Donald Penn might be a consideration in this year’s draft.

So without further jabbering, Joe presents the hogs of 2009. Check out more of Joe’s awesome daily draft coverage right here.

By JUSTIN PAWLOWSKI

Offensive Tackles

Jason Smith – OT – Baylor
6’5’’ – 309 lbs – 5.22
Top 5 pick

Why I’m taking him:  I love the natural athleticism Smith has.  He was a former tight end that transitioned to offensive tackle.  I’d say that was a good move.  He’s got all the physical attributes you look for in a franchise left tackle: big frame, great feet, long arms, and excellent strength.  Also, he’s still raw as an offensive tackle, so with more coaching and improved technique, he has a chance to be an elite tackle in the NFL.  

Why I’m staying away: We’re not really sure what kind of tackle Smith is going to be.  He mainly played out of a 2-point stance at Baylor, which is typically for pass protection in the NFL.  Since he never played offensive tackle until his time at Baylor, he’s rarely ever played out of a 3-point stance, which is required for any offensive lineman in the NFL.  His run blocking has been questioned. 

Impact on the Bucs roster: Don’t hold your breath!!! 

NFL Comparison: Jordan Gross:  Gross came into the NFL as a very talented pass blocker with a nasty streak to him.  Smith is very similar in that regard.  Since then, Gross has gone on to become one of the premier tackles in the NFL. 

Eugene Monroe – OT – Virginia
6’5’’ – 309 lbs – 5.23
Top 10 pick

Why I’m taking him: I was a big fan of Branden Albert last year, and the man that forced Albert to play guard because he was at tackle was Monroe.  I guess he’s doing something right.  Well, he does a lot of things well.  The part of his game I like most is his combination of aggression in the run game and fluidness in pass protection.  Usually, an offensive tackle will be one or the other, but Monroe is a very balanced lineman.  

Why I’m staying away: I’m not sure he’s as mean as he needs to be.  There are times when he doesn’t display a killer instinct that I like to see in linemen.  I don’t feel he is very dominant in the run game, either.  He also must strengthen his lower body to be successful in the NFL.  The upper body is fine.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Once again, I’m not seeing this happening.

NFL Comparison: Walter Jones:  Walter Jones has become one of the best offensive tackles in NFL history with the attributes both positive and negative that Monroe possesses.  I see a lot of Walter Jones when I watch film on Monroe.  I never thought Jones was overly dominant in the run game, but he always got the job done.  Monroe is very similar.  They both shine in pass protection.

Michael Oher – OT – Ole Miss.
6’4’’ – 309 lbs – 5.23
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: The thing I like most about Oher is his nasty demeanor.  The guy is flat out mean in the run game, and dominates at times.  He also is very smooth in pass protection, and makes that look easy at times.  He’s a very powerful player who plays with a toughness about him, but is also extremely durable.  Oher has the potential to be a great offensive tackle in the NFL.  I did say potential.

Why I’m staying away: I’m not too keen with the inconsistency I see when I watch Oher.  There are times when he’ll lose his leverage or he’ll take plays off.  That concerns me.  I’d also like to see him get better technique, which might be an issue because he isn’t the most football smart player in this draft.

Impact on the Bucs roster: This would be interesting because even though the Bucs have Donald Penn, {+++}Oher has the potential of being one of the best tackles in the league.  The question is whether you’re willing to risk waiting for him to reach that potential.  Oher would take over for Penn in 2010, who would leave in free agency, if the Bucs were to select Oher with the 19th pick.

NFL Comparison: Marcus McNeil:  Oher reminds me a lot of McNeil because when McNeil was playing his final season in college and right up to the draft, he was considered one of the best offensive tackle prospects to come out in a while.  I’ve heard similar things about Oher both last offseason and this one.  The difference is that health dropped McNeil, while inconsistent play might drop Oher.

Andre Smith – OT – Alabama
6’4’’ – 332 lbs – 5.28
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: I don’t care what anyone says, when I watch game film of Andre Smith, he absolutely dominates the competition.  He is a nasty offensive lineman that simply dominates in the run game.  Any kind of strength attribute, Smith has.  He packs a brutal punch in pass protection.  He finishes blocks.  He can’t be bull rushed.  He’s also surprisingly nimble and athletic in pass protection.  The potential Smith has is probably greater than any other prospect in this draft.

Why I’m staying away: His workouts worry me.  If you can’t be ready for the most important interview of your life (the combine), what makes me believe that you will get yourself ready week in and week out in the NFL?  Obviously, work ethic is a concern, and, with that, I’m concerned that he won’t put forth the effort to reach his potential.  Also, he struggles a bit with speed rushers off the edge, and might have to move inside to guard.

Impact on the Bucs roster: This is interesting.  I was not a big fan of Andre Smith after his showing at the combine and his pro day, but then I went back and watched his film.  Wow.  The guy is frickin’ good.  I do think he will be a very good pro, and would be a steal at 19.  The question is whether the Bucs would draft Andre Smith even though they don’t have a glaring need at tackle or guard.  If they were to select him, multiple things could happen.  Smith could take Jeramy Trueblood’s job, making him expendable.  Smith could also play left guard, making Arron Sears expendable.

NFL Comparison: Levi Brown:  Brown has quietly been one of the steadiest right tackles in the NFL.  He’s only a few years into his professional career, but he has shown the ability to anchor a line from the right side.  I do feel Andre Smith has much more potential, but Smith is the same type of player as Brown.  Smith, like Brown, should find himself at right tackle or at guard in the NFL.

Eben Britton – OT – Arizona
6’6’’ – 309 lbs – 5.16
1st Round

Why I’m taking him:  I like Britton as a solid tackle that could start in the NFL for 10 years.  He’s a tough and physical player who never takes a play off.  Britton is also incredibly smart and can pick up an offense and not miss an assignment immediately.  Britton never missed a game due to injury, making him extremely durable.

Why I’m staying away: Britton is very coordinated in space.  What I mean, is that he has trouble getting down field to linebackers and defensive backs.  He also has very average quickness and poor feet.  Because of those poor attributes, he has a lot of trouble with speed rushers off the edge.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I don’t think Britton would fit in at all with the Bucs.  The Bucs new run scheme calls for their linemen to get to the second level and block linebackers and defensive backs.  They also need to be able to move very well in space.  Those are Britton’s biggest weakness.  Britton would struggle beating out both Trueblood and Penn.

NFL Comparison: Jon Jansen:  Like Jansen, Britton will be limited to right tackle in the NFL with his inability to block speed rushers.

William Beatty – OT – UCONN
6’6’’ – 307 lbs – 5.12
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: Well, someone had to pave the way for the nation’s leading running back.  That man was Beatty.  Beatty’s the solid left tackle each team wants.  He does all the little things to perfection.  Aside from his size, Beatty has excellent footwork, works well in space, and does a superb job of getting to the 2nd level.  He shut down George Selvie two years in a row.

Why I’m staying away: I’m not thrilled with Beatty’s lack of strength and power.  This hurts him from being dominant in the run game, and it also makes him susceptible to the bull rush.  His overall technique needs to be improved, and he needs to find a way to add some weight to his big frame. 

Impact on the Bucs roster: I’m not so sure the Bucs would look at taking Beatty even if they traded back from their original pick.  However, Beatty’s ability to work well in space and get to the 2nd level might have the Bucs thinking twice about him.  In the Bucs new offense, they need their offensive linemen to do just what Beatty is best at.  If the Bucs select Beatty, then Jeremy Trueblood and Donald Penn will be in line to lose their starting jobs.

NFL Comparison: Alex Barron:  Barron has been a starter for the Rams the past few seasons.  Much like Barron, Beatty’s number one strength is movement and blocking downfield.

Jamon Meredith – OT – South Carolina
6’5’’ – 305 lbs – 5.04
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Meredith has all the athleticism I look for in an offensive tackle.  The most athletic part about him is the fact that he is a natural knee bender.  When an offensive lineman bends from the waist, they put themselves in a position to be beat by a cornucopia of moves, but when they bend at the knee, they put themselves in a strong position to take on whatever moves the defender puts on them.  All of his athleticism has made Meredith a premier pass protector.

Why I’m staying away: I’m not seeing nastiness or a mean streak with Meredith.  I want my linemen thinking “kill” on every play.  He definitely needs to find a way to be more physical and tough.  Also, he needs to get in the weight room and get stronger.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Meredith’s athleticism makes him a nice candidate for the Bucs, but with Merediith getting a 2nd-round grade, it’s unlikely to see him in a Bucs uniform.  If he slips to the 3rd round, and the Bucs take him, he’ll be expected to take over for Donald Penn eventually.

NFL Comparison: D’Brickashaw Ferguson:  When Ferguson was drafted, I thought he was a great pass protector, but lacked the meanness to dominate.  Well, that’s just what I’ve been saying about Meredith.  It doesn’t mean Meredith won’t make it in the NFL.  Hell, Ferguson’s doing just fine.  However, if Meredith is looking to become dominant and elite in the NFL, he needs to find that nastiness.

Phil Loadholt – OT – Oklahoma
6’8’’ – 332 lbs – 5.45
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: I’m excited about Loadholt’s massive frame, strength, and surprising agility.  It’s pretty apparent, that with his size and strength, Loadholt is dominant in the run game.  He’s also a nasty player that finishes his blocks.  With his size, strength, and surprising quickness, Loadholt has a lot of potential and upside.

Why I’m staying away: Loadholt tends to struggle with speed rushers off the edge.  That will limit him to playing right tackle in the NFL.  He’s also had some character issues as he’s been arrested twice including June 2008 for suspicion of driving under the influence.  His awareness needs improving as well, as Loadholt had some trouble with false start penalties at Oklahoma.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Loadholt wouldn’t be a terrible option for the Bucs in the 3rd round.  His massive frame and potential would definitely be hard to pass up.  If the Bucs feel Loadholt would be an upgrade over Jeremy Trueblood, they should pull the trigger.  We have seen Trueblood get manhandled over the past couple years, which is something Loadholt will never let happen.  If the Bucs draft Loadholt, expect him to take over for Trueblood in 2010.

NFL Comparison: Flozell Adams:  Both Adams and Loadholt have such massive frames and dominate at times.  Adams has made his living on the left side, but I believe Loadholt will find his most success on the right side.

Offensive Guards

Andy Levitre – OT – Oregon St.
6’3’’ – 305 lbs – 5.25
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Levitre is extremely nasty and very powerful.  His versatility is valuable as he played tackle in college, but projects to guard in the NFL.  He’s got great technique and is constantly trying to improve it.  Levitre gets good push in the run game while having good agility for pass protection.  He was a team leader and captian at Oregon St, and I expect the same character at the pro level.

Why I’m staying away: Levitre isn’t the greatest athlete.  He tends to struggle in space while going after linebackers or defensive backs.  Levitre also needs to work on getting better leverage consistently.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The Bucs don’t need a guard, and Levitre might not be a good fit for the Bucs’ offense.

NFL Comparison: Chris Snee:  Snee, along with the entire Giants offensive line, is nasty.  He might not be the biggest guard in the NFL, but he is powerful and uses his nastiness as an advantage.  Levitre is very similar in that aspect.

Duke Robinson – OG – Oklahoma
6’5’’ – 329 lbs – 5.27
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: I like the attitude Robinson brings more than anything else.  He plays with such a mean and nasty demeanor.  With that, he finishes his blocks and buries his opponents in the ground.  Also, for such a big guy, Robinson does an excellent job at bending his knees and keeping good leverage.  It can’t go unnoticed either that Robinson has a ton of experience against some of the best competition in college football.

Why I’m staying away: Inconsistency was a big part of Robinson’s collegiate career, due in most part to his questionable technique.  Robinson will also have some trouble with the quicker defensive tackles in the NFL.  Robinson has been known to not have the greatest work ethic and rely on his natural talent to get by.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Robinson isn’t the type of guard the Bucs will be using.  Robinson is best fit for a power running offense, and the Bucs will be implementing a zone-blocking style of offense.  The Bucs already have Davin Joseph, Arron Sears, and Jeremy Zuttah as their guards.  If you add Sean Mahan, who can play guard or center, the Bucs aren’t really in the market for a guard.

NFL Comparison: Shawn Andrews:  Shawn Andrews came into the league a few years back and has not disappointed.  His physical play fits exactly what the Eagles look for in their linemen.  Along those lines, Andrews has shown the ability to play either guard or right tackle.  I would expect the same type of career out of Robinson.

Herman Johnson – OG – LSU
6’7’’ – 364 lbs – 5.51
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: When looking at the positives that Johnson will bring, you have to start with size.  That’s what she said!!!!  With that size, Johnson is extremely powerful, has great strength, and is dominant in the run game.  If Johnson gets his hands on a defender, he wins.  He always finishes his blocks and plays with a nasty demeanor.

Why I’m staying away: Size is great, but you need to be able to move it.  Johnson’s mobility, quickness, and agility are only average.  He will struggle in pass protection against quicker defensive tackles.  Also, he doesn’t play with great leverage and tends to bend at the waist and not with his knees.  He’s not a good fit for every kind of offense.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The type of offense that Johnson does not fit in is a zone-blocking run game.  That’s exactly what the Bucs run.  Do not expect the Bucs to draft Herman Johnson.

NFL Comparison: Leonard Davis:  Johnson does offer some versatility, and could play right tackle, but should have his most success at guard.  This is very similar to Davis’ career that started with him playing right tackle for the Cardinals before a move to guard with the Cowboys.  Also, don’t be fooled by Johnson’s weight at 365 lbs, he is not fat.

Offensive Centers

Alex Mack – OC – Cal.
6’4’’ – 311 lbs – 5.17
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: When I look at a center, I want to see how smart he is.  The center is in charge of all the calls for the offensive line.  I’m not so sure that you will find a smarter lineman than Alex Mack.  Mack won the Draddy Trophy after last season.  The Draddy Trophy is best known as the “Academic Heisman” and is given to college football’s top scholar athlete.  By the way, Mack is also a very good player.  He plays mean and looks for the kill shot on every play.  His technique is superb, and he always knows where to place his hands and feet.  His work ethic is great as he is also a monster in the weight room.  

Why I’m staying away: Mack likes to get down too much.  What I mean is that he spends too much time on the ground.  He could be overpowered by massive defensive tackles.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The Bucs aren’t necessarily in the market for a guard, but with Jeff Faine’s contract able to be voided after 2009, the Bucs could be in the market for a center in 2010, so why not now.  Sure, Jeremy Zuttah could be the eventual successor at center, or the Bucs could simply keep Faine, but if they still feel they need an upgrade, Mack would be an ideal fit.  I’m not expecting it to happen, but Mack will anchor some team’s offensive line for 10-12 years.

NFL Comparison: Matt Birk:  It’s almost like Mack is a clone of Birk.  Birk has had an incredible career with the Vikings and now starts a new era with the Ravens.  Mack will be looking at a career like Birk’s, filled with Pro Bowls.
 
Max Unger – OC – Oregon
6’5’’ – 309 lbs – 5.30
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: Versatility is Unger’s biggest strength.  His size and skill set allow him to line up at any position along the line.  He’s got great strength and power, while having the agility and balance to protect the quarterback.  He’s a smart player who knows everyone’s assignments, and also uses superb technique.  

Why I’m staying away: He was good while playing left tackle and center at Oregon, but wasn’t elite at either position.  He needs to play with better leverage.  He also allows defenders to get into his chest.  When that happens, the offensive lineman usually gets beat.  An offensive lineman’s strength is at its best when the arms are extended.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The Bucs already have a super utility offensive lineman in Jeremy Zuttah.  I don’t really see them taking Unger.  Also, I don’t believe Unger would be better than any of the Bucs starting offensive linemen or Zuttah.

NFL Comparison: David Diehl:  The reason I compare him to Diehl is because of Diehl’s ability and willingness to play any position the team needs him to play.  Unger will be quite similar.

Eric Wood – OC – Louisville
6’4’’ – 310 lbs – 5.23
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: This Wood is nasty, hard, and has good size and bulk.  You can go ahead and guess who said that!!!   Really, Wood is a nasty player who plays to the whistle and finishes his blocks.  He is also light on his feet and very good at getting to the next level.  Wood is very smart and is a very hard worker.

Why I’m staying away: He can be a little stiff at times.  You can go ahead and insert your own joke here.  He doesn’t play with great leverage and does not bend his knees well.  He should have trouble with bigger nose tackles.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Wood wouldn’t be a great fit for the Bucs.  I have him slated as a 2nd round pick, so unless the Bucs somehow acquire a 2nd round pick, it is unlikely that Wood will be a Buc.

NFL Comparison: Jake Grove:  Grove is a good center, but not great.  Wood should see similar success.

After a few days of rumors linking now former Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia to the Raiders, the deal is finally done. Garica is a Raiders quarterback.

And Joe can no longer drool over Carmella.

Joe doesn’t have to look out the window to know it’s a very, very, very dark day.

Joe is gonna need a few shots of Bushmills.

Former Bucs front office executive and current Bears general manager Jerry Angelo claimed the Bucs trading for Meshawn Johnson in 2000, were "burned." Joe doesn't see it.

Not trying to play revisionist history here, but Joe found an interesting item buried in Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback,” which Joe linked to earlier in the post about the Bucs nearly acquiring Jay Cutler.

In King’s column, he discusses how the Cutler trade to Chicago went down last week. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo was a high priest in the Bucs organization in 2000, when the Bucs parted with a pair of first round draft picks to get a player, as Angelo did for Cutler.

Only nine years ago (was it really that long?) the Bucs traded for wide receiver Meshawn Johnson.

In King’s column, Angelo admitted the Meshawn Johnson trade crossed his mind when he pulled the trigger on the Cutler deal.

A few things went though Angelo’s mind, including the last time he was part of a staff that traded two No. 1’s for a player. “We did Keyshawn Johnson for two ones in Tampa Bay, and we really got burned by it,” he told me Friday night. “But this is a quarterback. Maybe a really good quarterback.”

How exactly did the Bucs get “burned?”

Sure, Meshawn melted down and was kicked to the curb by Chucky and then-general manager Rich McKay. But Joe cannot figure out how the Bucs got burned?

Johnson, like Chucky, was acquired to get the Bucs a Super Bowl win, no? At the time, the Bucs wide receiving corps were sorely lacking. Last time Joe checked, Johnson was a key cog in the Bucs winning a Super Bowl; caught a key touchdown in the NFC title game over Philadelphia.

Would the Bucs have won a Super Bowl without Meshawn? Hard to say. But Joe does know the Bucs did win a Super Bowl with Meshawn.

In Joe’s eyes: Case closed. Meshawn was worth it. The end justified the means. The Bucs hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy.

Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski

Joe finally got around to watching new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski’s press conference held Wednesday, and now posted on Buccaneers.com.

Joe recommends the video.

The guy is a real breath of fresh air. No apprehension around the media, although his body language reveals he was clearly uncomfortable with Jay Cutler questions.

Drenched in sweat wearing a Bucs t-shirt, Jagodzinski talks openly about the importance of communication and his personal philosophy of only considering his own experiences with a player when evaluating that player. 

He also speaks with great confidence and authority when he talks about how the Bucs will run the football downhill. For those comments alone, Joe believes he is the Anti-Chucky.

The experts at NFL Radio think little of Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman

Joe just loves Sirius NFL Radio almost as much as he loves Howard Stern. (Did anyone hear Joe on a Howard 100 news update Thursday or Friday?)

In fact, those two channels (and sometimes NHL Home Ice) are the only channels Joe listens to from the moment he gets up in the morning until 3 p.m., when Joe turns to local radio where he only respects two local afternoon shows.

(Not coincidently, New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft recently made back-to-back appearances on both Stern’s show and NFL Radio — both shows originate from Sirius’ Manhattan studios. At both stops, Kraft said aside from sometimes listening to music, all he ever listened to was Stern and NFL Radio.)

What Joe finds interesting in listening to Sirius NFL Radio is the growing anti-Josh Freeman sentiment amid the hosts, as opposed to the pro-Josh Freeman jocking of BSPN’s Mel Kiper and the subsequent Freeman slurping from Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.

This morning on “The Opening Drive,” Alex Marvez, co-hosting with Bob Papa, went off on the Josh Freeman bandwagon. A Jets fan called asking about the Jets picking a quarterback and noted both the Jets and the Bucs seem to be leaning toward Freeman which set Marvez off.

Marvez, who is also a national NFL beat writer for FoxSports.com, had done his research and suggests the Freeman chatter heard in so many media circles is little more than smoke screens by teams.

“I am just not hearing this buzz on Josh Freeman being this great quarterback prospect, ” Marvez said. “Am I missing the boat on this guy? Maybe there will be teams that will realize the financial investment in a player like this [may not be worth the reach].

“You see the high pay in a guy’s contact like this [for a quarterback drafted in the first round] and will there be some teams realizing they’re having to overpay?”

Joe thinks all this nonsense of the Bucs drafting Freeman is nothing more than a smoke screen and Kiper trying to sell BSPN Insider subscriptions.

Per Peter King, of SI.com, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels thinks Kyle Orton is better than Luke McCown

Few are more plugged in to the innerworkings of the NFL like SI.com’s Peter King. In his research last week with the movers and shakers of the league, he has come to the conclusion the Bucs nearly got their hands on whiny Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

In short, it came down to the fact that Broncos coach Josh McDaniels liked Bears quarterback Kyle Orton more than he liked Bucs quarterback Luke McCown, who King suggests was being offered along with two first round picks.

The key to the trade was Kyle Orton. Laugh if you want, but it’s the absolute truth. McDaniels looked hard at tape of the available quarterbacks from teams that made serious offers, players like Orton, Washington’s Jason Campbell and Tampa Bay’s Luke McCown. Every one of those teams was in the ballpark with an offer of at least two first-round draft picks and a quarterback.

But as the deal went down, McDaniels, who watched every offensive snap of more than 10 Bears games with Orton playing, got more and more impressed with Orton’s arm, his decision-making and his ability to extend plays when the pocket broke down. You can think and I can think it’s crazy he didn’t like Campbell — who got Washington off to a 6-2 start last year — more than he liked Orton, but it’s the unvarnished truth. McDaniels thinks he can win with Orton.

If King’s information is accurate, one could make the argument Chucky indirectly Pearl Harbored this deal by his refusal to play McCown and instead play that walking interception, Son of Bob.

Regardless, Joe was relieved Cutler and his attitude are in the Second City, where, if Cutler doesn’t play well right off the bat, Bears fans will melt his will to even step on the field.

After the Bucs' success with Jeremy Zuttah in the third round last year, do they really need another O-lineman?

Coming out this afternoon is NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski’s detailed breakdown of offensive linemen. And Justin knows these “fat guys” well, as he was a Division I offensive lineman himself.

To tempt you this morning, Justin talks about the prospects in today’s podcast.

Enjoy. Remember every subscriber to the daily NFL Draft coverage gets a free $10 gift certificate to Courtside Grille.

[audio:podcast0405.mp3]

"If I were a wealthy man ..."

Of course, Joe spends most of his free time watching various sports and NFL Network, although he’s been known to keep up with world affairs.

Scanning the news wires, Joe found Forbes annual billionaire rankings issued in March. 

While Forbes reports the list of billionaires has seen about a 20 percent decline in the sagging economy, it seems “Malcolm Glazer & Family” has moved up about 100 spots to check in at No. 305 — Net worth $2.2 billion. 

Tampa tycoon holds the majority of his fortune in an asset class that holds value in a recession: sports teams. Owns pro football’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, English soccer giant Manchester United. Man U won both English Premier League and Champions League in 2008, but massive debt load continues to hamper profitability despite rising revenues

The Glazers may not have the free flowing cash to comfortably write eight-figure signing bonuses. But Joe is quite certain they have all the money they need to spend the up to the salary cap and guarantee the contracts necessary to compete for a Super Bowl.

Bucs QB Josh Johnson is in awe of his opportunity to win a starting job this season

Bucs quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Luke McCown speak in an NFL.com video about their chances to be the starting quarterback for the Bucs come September. Johnson calls the battle between him and McCown “a chance of a lifetime.”

McCown must have had one heck of a workout. He was wearing a bag of ice on his right shoulder not unlike a starting pitcher in baseball after he threw a complete game.

Joe is nearly on his hands praying Josh Freeman doesn’t join this group.

If NFL.com's Pat Kirwan is correct, might the Bucs have Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers in their crosshairs?

If one is to believe Pat Kirwan of NFL.com, the Bucs greatest need is not a quarterback nor a defensive tackle.

NFL.com has a warroom of sorts which breaks down each team’s needs. No, Kirwan doesn’t think a defensive tackle or quarterback is warranted for the Bucs in the first round, though he does explain how the Bucs do need an upgrade in each (and other) positions. Kirwan believes a left defensive end is the most pressing need.

Gaines Adams made strides last season and is becoming a real threat as a pass rusher on the right side, but he will struggle to remain productive without help. The Bucs need to upgrade the left end position in order to create a pressure package that will force opposing offenses to balance their protections.

If Kirwan is correct, might the Bucs be fortunate to have a guy like Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers slip to No. 19?

NFL Network’s Brian Billick and Mike Mayock discuss what the Bucs need in the first round of this month’s draft. The duo begin talking Bucs at the 1:00 mark of the video.

Mayock raves about Mississippi defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Billick also agrees he’s a nice player, but not as nice as Mark Sanchez, who Billick likes a lot.

Joe wouldn’t mind seeing Jerry in a Bucs uniform whatsoever. It almost seems like this guy might be too good to be true the way both Billick and Mayock raved about him.

NFL.com released the Bucs’ offseason schedule.

Although Tampa Bay’s training camp start date has yet to be released, it is assumed it will begin late in July.

Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
May 12-13
May 19-21
May 26-28
June 2-4
June 9-11

Mandatory Minicamp
June 16-18

Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times appears with vodka-swilling Dana Jacobson of BSPNews to talk about Bucs draft.

The video is slightly dated, taped just before Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was traded to the Bears. But at least they talk based on the premise the Bucs weren’t going to get Cutler.

Joe won’t spill the beans on who Stroud picks. Let’s just say it turned Joe’s stomach and it’s clear Stroud is slurping the nonsense the Bucs front office is floating.

One thing Joe has always tried to do is keep up with technology, though sometimes he lags behind. With Twitter all the rage, Joe has decided to jump on board.

Joe’s been meaning to do this for some time. Given some sober time between Final Four games and another dreadful Lightning game tonight, Joe decided the time was right.

Some may ask, “Why?” Good question, so did Joe. But there are times Joe’s actually working on something his loyal readers may want to know.

Though Joe will strive not to pull a Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times — who Joe likes a great deal — and have an ungodly boring “Here’s what Joe is working on” update like Jones does on video midday updates for the Times, that doesn’t mean readers won’t want to know what’s going on.

(If you have never watched a St. Petersburg Times “Midday Sports Report,” DON’T! It’s beyond dreadful. “The Bucs are holding minicamp today. Rick Stroud will have a story in tomorrow’s paper.” You arrogant slobs call that an “update?!” No wonder newspapers are folding. Trust Joe, you are betting off scraping the fungus from your toenails rather than wasting time watching this tripe. Environmentalists should rightly be outraged over the waste of electricity this is. Just who came up with this concept, John Romano?)

For example, this week Joe heard an interview on Sirius NFL Radio with Sgt. Winslow. Of course, it takes a while for Joe to transcribe the interview and post it. That doesn’t mean Joe wouldn’t want his readers to know a cool interview is coming, or that those with Sirius radio wouldn’t want to be tipped off so they too could hear it.

Joe’s twitter account is, oddly enough, “JoeBucsFan.”

If anyone has any twittering (tweeting?) tips, by all means, please share them.

Joe is sure this will be a bumpy road at first. But Joe aims to please. Apologies up front for any stubbings of the toe.

Smoking weed before the NFL Draft proved a good thing for Warren Sapp

Marijuana, steriods and other substances are on NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski’s mind today during the daily Rough Draft podcast.

Given the recent incidents with Plaxico Burress, Donte Stallworth and Michael Vick, perhaps smoking weed just isn’t so bad anymore in the eyes of the NFL.

Pawlowski talks how rumors about college players can get driven by{+++} agents, Web sites and the media.

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