JoeBucsFan.com analyst Bob Fox writes Central Arkansas QB Nathan Brown could be a target for the Bucs in the 2009 draft

JoeBucsFan.com analyst Bob Fox takes his second stab of the offseason at projecting the Bucs’ draft day plans in his latest Bucs-only mock draft.

You can read it here in the Features section, along with Fox’s other recent efforts.

Joe believes Fox may be channeling his inner Chucky with his fourth round selection.

Enjoy.

Joe never wants to hear about Michael Clayton's blocking. That will mean Clayton is catching balls thrown his way.

Joe is rooting for Michael Clayton. Assuming the Bucs’ offense stays healthy, Clayton could be the unit’s most important player in 2009.

If he can catch the ball with any consistency, a big if, that will take pressure and attention off Antonio Bryant, lessen the loss of Ike Hilliard (and Joe believes that’s a huge loss) and help everyone forget the Bucs don’t have a No. 3 receiver with experience.

Pat “Vacation Man” Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, talked to Clayton and ponders the question Joe has considered since Clayton got his fat new contract.

The Bucs are paying a wide receiver more than some of their offensive linemen to block for their running backs? There’s a bit more to it than that, but the basic answer is the Bucs view Clayton’s blocking as a huge positive.

“I really think that’s why I stayed here because they value the blocking so much,” Clayton said.

It seems every time new coach Raheem Morris talks these days, he uses the words “violent” and “physical.” That’s how he wants his team to play. It seems every time new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski speaks, he mentions how important it is to run the ball.

That’s why Clayton has found a home.

As Joe has mentioned previously, he is very proud of Michael Clayton’s blocking. However, Joe hopes he never hears anyone talk about Clayton’s blocking this season.

That will be the indicator that Clayton is catching the ball.

” …Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers.”

So believes Evan Silva of Rotoworld, writing for NBCSports.com.

Ayers’ terrific postseason catapulted him into round one despite a three-sack senior season. He’s adequately built to play left defensive end in a base 4-3 system and Tampa has made no effort to re-sign incumbent LE Kevin Carter. New coordinator Jim Bates wants to get bigger up front and likely would prefer to keep Greg White as a situational rusher.

Joe wouldn’t be opposed to the Bucs drafting a defensive end in the first round. But if the Bucs do, as Joe has asked in the past, wouldn’t such a move be a signal that they’ve given up hope in Gaines Adams?

Joe isn’t into fantasy football, though he knows many Bucs fans are. Rather, Joe is into other fantasies that in some circles could be classified as R-rated, thus he won’t go into detail about them here.

Though regular readers might have a good guess as to what Joe’s fantasies could include.

Gregg Rosenthal of NBCSports.com is a fantasy football guy. He claims that, despite a breakout season with the Bucs last year, wide receiver Antonio Bryant will suffer in 2009.

Bryant’s career year had the perfect recipe: Jon Gruden, minimal competition at wideout, and motivation born from a career on the brink.

The 2009 concoction doesn’t look as tasty: a first-time NFL offensive coordinator, Luke McCown at quarterback, and a $9.8 million payday. At least the Bucs still have mediocrity behind him at wideout. Calling Bus Cook, stat!

Sometimes Joe reads Rosenthal and shakes his head, wondering if he has any clue what he’s writing about. If anything Bryant should have a better year. The Bucs new offense will throw the ball downfield much more which means more yards per catch which likely means more touchdowns.

Joe can honestly say he got through college without having to take algebra (thank God for journalism degrees, otherwise, Joe might still be in college if he had to take algebra). But this nonsense Rosenthal spouts doesn’t doesn’t add up for Joe.

Already labeled a "short term" replacement" for Jay Cutler, reports NFL Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, Kyle Orton's Broncos are likely looking to trade up for a quarterback.

Three of four NFC West teams have first round selections before the Bucs. What happens in this division is critical to the Bucs’ options.

In addition to breaking down the needs and likely directions of the NFC West teams, Justin Pawlowski, resident NFL Draft expert of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal, talks about the draft fallout of the Jay Cutler trade.

Kansas City Chiefs’ No. 3 pick could now be a target of the Denver Broncos, Pawlowski says, in order to nab quarterback Mark Sanchez who is likely in the sights of the Seattle Seahawks at No. 4. 

Also, daily study of the college talent pool in 2009 is leading Pawlowski to sour greatly on the Bucs’ trade for Kellen Winslow.

Pawlowski explains his observations {+++} in today’s daily podcast. Enjoy.

Joe has made no secret of his lust for Bucs cheerleader Rachel Watson, one of the loveliest ladies Joe has ever laid his eyes on.

If some are offended by that statement, sorry. Joe is a man: He loves football, the NFL Network and young, buxom, tanned cheerleaders including Rachel.

So in reading various local reports on the tryouts for the 2009 Buccaneers cheerleading squad, and watching the meticulous and in-depth reporting of WFLA’s Dan Lucas on the event, Joe has not read, heard nor has seen any mention of Rachel.

Could this be the end of an era? If there is some reason that is keeping Rachel from continuing her duties as a Bucs cheerleader, this would be nothing short of a crime against humanity.

Surely there are some readers of JoeBucsFan.com who know of Rachel’s whereabouts. Has her cheerleading days come to an end?

While Joe is not a stalker, Joe does know where Rachel works out. If Rachel is ever of the mind, Joe will be happy to offer his services for a private, intense yet intimate workout.

Joe is confident Rachel knows how to use e-mail.

Joe still can’t get the thought out of his mind — no, not that thought! — that Rachel’s days as a Bucs cheerleader may have come to an end.

Say it isn’t so Rachel.

"Luke stay with me, man. I've only got another 145 plays to install by Sunday."

Joe was just sitting around thinking about the magnitude of the challenge facing Luke McCown.

For Joe, the intriguing question is how patient will Bucs fans be?

And will McCown get that two-year window Raheem The Dream allegedly discussed with the team?

For kicks, Joe is serving up a list below of McCown’s NFC quarterback brethren.

It’s a reasonably impressive group.

Joe’s going to crack a cold one tonight and hope that by November McCown proves himself to belong in the same breath as most of these guys.

Eli Manning
Tony Romo
Jason Campbell
Donovan McNabb
Tavares Jackson/Sage Rosenfels
Jay Cutler
Daunte Culpepper
Aaron Rogers
Matt Ryan
Drew Brees
Jake Delhomme
Luke McCown
Matt Hasselbeck
Kurt Warner
Marc Bulger
Shaun Hill

Joe recommends this story from Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel.

Harry, one of the veteran Bucs beat scribes, spent time studying the start of the Jim Bates era on defense.

Many Bucs fans wondered who would want to follow the legendary Monte Kiffin. It seems like the fiery Bates is a smooth fit.

“I’d rather come in following Monte than come into some place where they haven’t been passionate, they haven’t had the team feeling and haven’t played good defense,” Bates said. “Yes, these are big shoes to fill, but we’ve also had some great defense over the years. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Most troubling to Joe was a quote by Gaines Adams, who is looking for help. Now Joe realizes he’s reading a bit between the lines here. But it would be much preferred to see Adams come across more confidently and with more self-responsibility.

The most glaring difference will be seeing cornerbacks, namely veteran Ronde Barber and 2008 first-round pick Aqib Talib, in tight man coverage outside on wide receivers.

“We will be a lot more aggressive where the corners are concerned,” Bates said.

Talib’s take on that additional responsibility?

“Love it,” he said.

The press coverage will mean little if defensive end Gaines Adams and friends aren’t doing their part up front. “I’m hoping he can take me to where I want to be,” Adams said.

Mr. Adams, you will take yourself where you want to be. Are you saying Monte Kiffin didn’t get it done for you?

Work hard til you hurt. Study film til you can’t see. And let it all hang out on the field. That’s being a man in the NFL.

Joe didn’t lose a wink of sleep last night after learning thin-skinned Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was not traded to the Bucs. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Joe had a couple of beers as well.

But Joe understands a lot of Bucs fans were panting over the thought of Cuter calling signals for the Bucs. Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune is not among that group.

Henderson was/is one of the few voices that all but begged the Bucs not to land Cutler. This morning, Henderson is breathing a loud sigh of relief.

You wanted Cutler? That’s the same guy who threw a tantrum when learning the Broncos had talked seriously of including in a three-way deal to the Bucs. He put his house in Denver up for sale. He wouldn’t return calls from his coach and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.

That doesn’t sound like the kind of leader that can take a team to a championship.

It was also interesting that few (any?) of his former teammates stood up for him. Compare that to the way the Bucs are rallying behind McCown.

None of us know for sure whether McCown packs the goods to win consistently in the NFL. We do know, though, that if you put him side-by-side with Cutler, it’s no question who has handled this situation better.

Sure, two first round picks and a third is a steep price to pay for a quarterback who at times seems to have all the attributes of a spoiled brat with ADD and has started as many NFL playoff games as Joe has. But imagine how much the Bucs would have paid if Son of Bob was part of the deal? The Bucs would have had to cough up three first round picks for Denver to take this stiff off of their hands!

Luke McCown's alleged mysterious underwear-staining issue should clear up about now

Now it’s finally time to buy your Luke McCown jersey!

He’s surely the happiest guy in the Bay area, now that the Chicago Bears have traded the proverbial farm for Jay Cutler today.

If you’re keeping score, the Bears gave up QB Kyle Orton, First round draft picks in 2009 and 2010, and a third round pick. in 2009, reports ESPN.

Beers on McCown tonight. Now the Bucs can get back to the business of the NFL Draft and signing the mysterious fourth quarterback to compete for the starting job.

Joe has made no secret that he is suspicious — yet hopeful — about Mark Dominik trading a second round draft choice this season for Sgt. Winslow.

But after hearing Sgt. Winslow talk to Sirius NFL Radio’s Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots on “The Blitz” this afternoon, Joe was so fired up he wanted to start running down the street and hitting people.

While much of the interview dealt with his Cleveland days (Sgt. Winslow raved about Brady Quinn as a quarterback and leader), the initial minutes of the segment dealt with Sgt. Winslow’s new team, the Bucs.

Solomon Wilcots: How happy are you to be in Tampa?

(Kellen) Sgt. Winslow: I really couldn’t be happier. My family and I, it’s the happiest we can be with the move we made. We have big smiles on our faces. I can’t wait to get going.

Adam Schein: Were you aware of the trade when it was going down?

KW: Oh yeah, it was up to me, that was how it went down. I was cool about it. It was a one-day trade. Cleveland wanted to get it down right away or not do the deal. Cleveland didn’t want the rumors to get out there. Tampa Bay was the most interested team.

[Sgt. Winslow then, unprovoked, began talking about Bucs quarterback Luke McCown and Raheem The Dream.]

Luke McCown is a good friend of mine. We have a history together. We came into the league together. It was a no-brainer for me.

Meeting coach Morris and the tight ends coach [Alfredo Roberts] who is from Cleveland down here, it was a no-brainer this was the right move. I’m as happy as can be.

SW: What is in store next for Kellen Winslow for 2009?

KW: I’m just coming to work, just coming to work like I have always been doing. I’m just here to make plays for my team and help my team win. That’s all I can do.

We have a very fast team. I caught a pass in minicamp and there were six dudes around me. I’m not used to that. We are a very fast team. I can’t wait to get going. I’m excited, everybody is excited.

AS: Are you convinced Luke will be the starting quarterback?

KW: I think he will be. Everyone needs a chance and Luke has never had a chance. This is his sixth year in the league. If I was to start a franchise, he would be one of the few I’d put in there.

I know what he is about. He’s a great man, a great leader and he’s a very good athlete. He just needs his chance. Everybody needs a chance. We know what he is about and his teammates know what he is about.

Josh Johnson is very talented and he is pushing Luke. We have a lot of talent. I think Luke and Josh can really help us.

It’s a blessing I’m here. I don’t want to play for another coach now that I’ve met coach Morris. The energy level he brings is awesome. He’s a players’ coach, he’s a young guy but he knows what he is doing. He’s a decision-maker. We will make mistakes together but we will learn from that. He is infectious. I can’t wait to get going. I don’t want to play for anyone else.

SW: We don’t know what the Bucs are doing on defense. We don’t know what they are doing on offense. What can we expect from the Bucs?

KW: [Derrick] Brooks is a legend here; he’s gone. [Warrick] Dunn is a legend here; he’s gone. Joey Galloway is a legend. I wish I could have played with those guys.

But the 2009 Bucs will be real fast, real physical and we will hit you in the mouth. Offensively we will run the ball. The offensive line is solid. We will be real exciting and we will run the football.

AS: What will you think if the Bucs trade for [pouty Broncos quarterback] Jay Cutler?

KW: If it makes our team better… I’m seeing [Cutler] doesn’t want to leave now. I really don’t know what is going to happen. Luke is a great friend of mine and he deserves a chance but if Jay comes here, if it makes our team better…

Do the Bucs really need to look for pouty Broncos QB Jay Cutler to be a savior?

Joe has gone on record agreeing that whining daddy’s boy Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler would be an upgrade for the Bucs. Then again, so would Jason Campbell. Joe’s just unsure of the price for Cutler.

Joe is troubled a great deal by Cutler’s antics, both on and off the field. For Culter’s sake Joe hopes it’s just that Cutler needs new batteries in his blood glucose meter.

Joe also wondered why, if Cutler — who has yet to take a snap in a playoff game — was such a valuable commodity that one of the first moves new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels attempted to do was to trade Cutler?

Well, Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post penned a scathing column of Cutler and answers some of Joe’s questions.

What McDaniels knew to be as good as championship gold in New England were these traits in a quarterback: unflappable poise, the humility to take what the defense gives and acceptance of criticism in the pursuit of victory.

For all his obvious physical gifts, self-reliance and refusal to surrender, Cutler is cursed by a thin skin and a thick head.

Despite studying at the Southeastern Conference’s brainiac university and passing the Wonderlic test with flying colors, Cutler was not smart enough to act like a championship quarterback.

Joe has written before that Cutler may be a younger version of Jeff George: Gifted quarterback with a ten cent head and a bigger attitude than Dan Marino.

Joe is still of the mind that a third round pick for Matt Leinart would be better. Much better reward/risk factor than a still unproven quarterback with terrible mood swings and thin skin.

If a 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback largely viewed as a true franchise player is not worth two No. 1 picks, then who the hell is?

Those strange noises and assorted expletives you might be hearing are screaming matches at the JoeBucsFan.com headquarters.

No, we’re not fighting over Carmella Garcia posters. There’s a lot of disagreement here over the value of Jay Cutler to the Bucs.

Many Bucs fans think two first round draft picks is too steep a price for Cutler.

To those folks I have to pose the question: If a 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback largely viewed as a true franchise player is not worth two No. 1 picks, then who the hell is?

We’re talking about acquring a top-flight quarterback in a division that boasts Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Those guys are not going away.

In 2000, the Bucs traded the No. 12 pick and No. 27 overall pick for 27-year-old Keyshawn Johnson. That proved to be the right move for the franchise. And surely, Cutler at the quarterback position is more valuable than Keyshawn was at wide receiver.

In a perfect world the Bucs draft defensive players in the first and third rounds in 2009, AND Luke McCown comes out this season and proves to be a solid quarterback who avoids rookie mistakes.

The Bucs would then turn out a strong ground game and McCown could lean on that to keep him out of too many dangerous 3rd and long situations.

For 2010, the Bucs would then be in a stronger position to contend having solidified their defense through two drafts and two free agency periods, plus a seasoned McCown in his second full year.  

That’s the dream world.

The reality is if the Bucs drop two No. 1 picks on Cutler, they instantly have a super-powerful and super-young offense that could churn out a ton of points (assuming Michael Clayton can catch the ball). And they wouldn’t  have to gamble on McCown.

And that’s the key, really. Why gamble on McCown and your draft picks, when you can have a sure thing with Cutler?

Of course, with Cutler at quarterback in 2009, the Bucs would be hurting sorely on defense. But they could always turn to some veteran help in free agency (gasp) to plug holes in 2009, before fully addressing the defense in 2010.

Either way, the Bucs aren’t winning any hardware this season. But I’d much rather go into 2010 completely revamped with Jay Cutler at quarterback than gamble on Luke McCown.

If McCown doesn’t pan out in 2009, the Bucs would be almost forced to draft a quarterback in 2010. If it got to that point, that would represent their second gamble at quarterback in two seasons.

It’s not worth the gamble, if they can trade for Cutler now.

Since the Bucs don't have much to offer Denver in a trade for crybaby quarterback Jay Cutler, Joe wonders if offering Rachel Watson to Denver coach Josh McDaniels would seal the deal?

There is no scribe in the football business who breaks more stories than Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com.

Not Chris Mortensen, despite what the Disney Mice/thought control police would have you believe, not Adam Schefter even though most suggest he is constantly fed information from NFL executives because he works (worked?) for the NFL Network, a charge Schefter vehemently denied to Joe earlier this year.

Last night, Glazer caught up with disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler at a human cockfighting event. Based on information from Cutler and from piecing together information from his sources at Denver, Glazer is convinced not only is Cutler’s days in Denver over, but Cutler will play for an NFC team next season.

So Glazer told Randy Cross and Ross Tucker on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Opening Drive” this morning.

“I can’t picture at all him being traded to an AFC team.”

Joe just can’t see how the Bucs acquire Cutler unless they give up half the team, gut future draft choices or offer up Rachel Watson.

With word that the Washington Redskins will try to acquire disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, could Washington quarterback Jason Campbell be had?

Wednesday, several reliable sources, from Chris Mortenson of BSPN to the Redskins beat writers at the Washington Post, reported the Redskins will make a serious push for crybaby Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

If the Redskins want Cutler, then Washington starting quarterback Jason Campbell is expendable.

There are all sorts of reasons why the Bucs won’t be able to get Cutler. Money and lack of players are just a couple of potholes.

Though Campbell’s numbers have slightly slipped each year he has been a starter, he still throws more touchdowns than interceptions which is a helluva lot more than Son of Bob can say.

Raheem The Dream always talks about “competition” at quarterback. At worst, Campbell would be a reliable backup to Luke McCown; at best maybe a solid starter.

Joe wouldn’t mind this deal if competition, not excellence, is The Dream’s goal at quarterback. Personally, Joe would like to see the Bucs dangle a third round pick to Arizona for Matt Leinart.

Hey, the Bucs won’t have to cough up a first round pick for Campbell, that’s for sure.

The BSPN quartet of Wendy Nix, Mark Schlereth, Trent Dilfer and Chris Mortensen talk about where Cutler fits best. The first team out of “Mort’s” mouth was “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

Late Wednesday afternoon, Raheem The Dream called in to talk with the dean of Tampa Bay sports talk radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620. Of course, Joe took notes.

On how The Dream enthusiastically bounced around during minicamp:

“It’s fun for the guys. Gives them something to talk about.”

How his relationship and daily regime have changed now that he has media responsibilities:

“Funny, I got a preview of that [last year]. Every day it seemed like there was a defensive back issue. Now I have to do it in a press conference after each practice. It’s interesting. I’m getting used to it. It’s all positive. If you are positive they will be positive back.”

What has been The Dream’s biggest adjustment?

“It’s been really great. I’ve always been a nosey coach. Now, you visit around and control the tempo, the precision and the timing of practice… how everything works and runs. I’ve been walking around; see what everyone else is doing. It’s fun. I get excited and walk all around.”

What are some of your instructions to your assistants?

We talked about being fundamentalists. We hired some really good teachers and that’s what they are, they have a lesson plan and then you see the players’ execute in the afternoon. To watch [defensive coordinator Jim] Bates get excited and chest bump is fun to watch.

“[Bucs offensive line coach Pete Mangurian], he is exciting to be around. He motivates and stimulates. His voice is awesome. Rich Bisaccia is still motivated. He gives you details for what he wants and is detailed about what he wants.”

How will the new NFL rules affect you on special teams?

“Everybody has to adjust. We did have some wedges and cross blocks where three or more people came together and that is pretty much the rule. I used to be the guy who fought them. But if you go to owners meetings you grow up fast. Players’ safety is key.”

How have the players adapted to you?

Some don’t know about their own skin. Whether you agree or disagree you make rules. You make the game tough and as physically violent as you can.”

What are your thoughts on your first minicamp?

“We picked up a third one as a bonus deal. I used it now to get a preview of guys before the draft. It gives people a chance to run around and learn after the offseason.

We have had a great turnout. We missed a few people. But it has been fun. We are moving on.”

What’s up with Kellen Winslow, Jr.?

“It’s a voluntary camp. He’s been in meetings and looking at tape. I’m excited to have him here. exited t have here. Yesterday he was awesome. Yesterday he acted like a big giant ball boy.”

At the combine, how much weight did you put into the interviews?

“It’s really everything. It’s why we go to the combine. Otherwise, we’d just stay home and watch the NFL Network.

“In an interview, you get a chance to feel that person and try to hear him out. When they get to your place you hope they have questions for you. Then you determine if this is someone you want on your team?”

How is Jermaine Phillips making the switch to linebacker?

The one thing we know and love is that Phillips can play in a box. He is so violent. To see him make plays and have so much fun, it’s rejuvenating. You are excited. I’m having a bunch of fun watching him.”

What do you say for those who claim the move can’t be done, a safety moving to linebacker at the age of 30?

“That’s what you do; you move them down [closer to the line]. That’s the way the league is moving with the athletes [closer to the line]. That’s the way we are going. We need linebackers who can move, who can run, who are violent. Jermaine has a lot of those qualities. Dat Nguyen, Brian Urlacher, they were all safeties and you see those guys move around. It separates them a little bit.”

[JOE’S DISCLAIMER: Nguyen was, in fact, a linebacker at Texas A&M when drafted by the Cowboys.]

What is your defensive theory?

“The front four always get off the ball and gets vertical penetration, one-gap guys. Two-gap guys need to be more physical and be able to shed more blocks to make more plays. The ends need to be vertical but they also need the ability to be stout and make big time plays.

“To the naked eye, there’s not that much of a change. But the coverage is different. But we developed into a read-defense. We played more Cover-4 in recent years as much as Cover-2.

“That means you had a heck of a secondary coach calling disguises.”

Boston College defensive tackle Ron Brace will work out for the Bucs today, reports the Associated Press. Learn all about him and 11 defensive tackles who could be on the Bucs' radar in the exclusive draft coverage here at JoeBucsFan.com

Right now the Bucs may be begging the Broncos to take their first round draft pick, maybe next year’s too, for Jay Cutler.

That said, the Bucs still need to prepare to pick at No. 19.

And that pick is likely to fill their most glaring weakness: defensive line.

Boston College’s Ron Brace is scheduled to work out for the Bucs today.

Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of The Sports Animal, 620 WDAE-AM, examines the potential impact on the Bucs roster of Brace and 10 more defensive tackles below. Get a comparison of their games to a current NFL player or two and a full breakdown of each.

Defensive Tackles – By Justin Pawlowski

BJ Raji – DT – Boston College
6’1’’ – 337 lbs – 5.13 (40 yd. dash)
Top 10 pick

Why I’m taking him: I want Raji on my team simply because opposing teams must game plan for him. He’s obviously got the size, but also possesses excellent quickness for a man his size. The thing that sticks out to me most about his play is the use of his hands. Hand usage is very important along both sides of the line. Raji does a great job of getting opposing linemen’s hands off him. He’s equally dominant against the run and pass.

Why I’m staying away: Can Raji’s game translate to the NFL? We’ve seen many big-bodied defensive tackles with loads of potential fail in the NFL. Another concern is his lack of conditioning. He has shown a lack of effort later in games. His character has also come into question with him being suspended for punching another player and being academically ineligible for the 2007 season.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Well, the odds aren’t very good that Raji will fall to the Bucs, but you never know. Maybe the Bucs trade up to grab him? Anyways, I’m not quite sure one could put into words the impact Raji would have on the Bucs. Defensive tackle might still be the biggest need for the Bucs and Raji is the best one available in the draft. I’m sure you can figure it out.

NFL Comparison: Shaun Rogers (Browns) or Casey Hampton (Steelers): I’m sure people see Rogers’ name and turn away, but when Rogers is at his best, he’s unstoppable. I see that same comparison in Raji. There are some slight concerns with effort and conditioning, but Raji has the ability to dominate a game. If he does what he’s supposed to do, he’ll be just like Casey Hampton. If not, expect problems similar to what Shaun Rogers brings.

Evander Hood – DT – Missouri
6’3’’ – 300 lbs – 4.89
1st Round

Why I’m taking him:  The more research I do on Hood, {+++} the more I like him. This guy does everything. The reason I like him most is his attitude. Hood is extremely coachable, a regular in the weight room, and a leader. With most of these defensive tackles equal in talent, Hood’s character stands alone. He’s quick in getting into the backfield, and uses his hands extremely well. He also went to the combine and was one of the big winners after blowing away scouts with his combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism. Also, Hood showed his toughness in 2006 when he missed just 3 games after breaking his foot. He came back to play 7 straight games after having a screw surgically placed in his foot just 3 weeks before.

Why I’m staying away: For some reason, Hood never dominated games or turned into a star at Missouri. Actually, he was under the radar until scouts and people like me went back and watched him play. He does tend to play too high at times, giving up his leverage.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The big question is, “what do the Bucs want out of their defensive tackles?” The thought is that the Bucs will go with bigger run-stopping tackles, and I’m not so sure Hood would fit that mold. However, Raheem the Dream said he wants a physical team both offensively and defensively. Hood is a physical player who just loves the game of football, and is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. I’m not sure if it would happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hood’s name was called with the 19th selection. He has continued to move up draft boards over the past month and a half, and I expect that to continue up to draft day. I see some people now have Hood ranked as a fringe 1st round selection. This is a guy with firm 1st round ability!!!

NFL Comparison: Rocky Bernard: Bernard, one of the stalwarts on the Giants’ defensive line has gone his entire career going under the radar. Hood has done that his entire collegiate career. I think these two players might have identical paths once it’s all said and done. Bernard has done the little things to turn into one of the more consistent defensive tackles in football. The one criticism of Hood is that he might never become one of the best. If he flies under the radar and plays like Bernard, that would be more than enough for me.

Peria Jerry – DT – Ole Miss.
6’2’’ – 299 lbs – DNP
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: I love penetration (that’s what she said) from my defensive tackles. Well, that’s what you get with Jerry. He is very quick off the ball with excellent agility. He does a good job at getting into the backfield and disrupting a play. Also, we can’t forget that his competition was the SEC over the course of his career. That can’t hurt. By the way, his first name is pronounced, “pa-RAY”.

Why I’m staying away: I’m unsure about Jerry. He seems to be a favorite among some people, especially ones who votes on my web page, but I just don’t see a dominant lineman. He definitely lacks the ideal size I want in my defensive linemen, and I’m not quite sure he has the frame to bulk up much more. Jerry’s very good against the pass, but I feel he could get buried in the run. The reason I say that is because he doesn’t play very physically. He also tends to play upright at times and loses his leverage. Last, but not least, Jerry has serious injury concerns. 3 of his 4 seasons required attention to injuries he had, including knee surgery before the 2008 season. Sure, he came back and played well, but will he stay healthy in a much tougher “NFL”.

Impact on the Bucs roster: To be honest, I’m not so sure Jerry is the right fit for what the Bucs are doing on defense. First, we’ve heard that Jim Bates wants bigger defensive tackles. Jerry is undersized. Next, we know that Raheem the Dream wants a physical team. Jerry is a finesse player. Finally, The Dream wants his team to practice hard everyday. Jerry has had injury issues. This isn’t me crushing Jerry; I just don’t feel he’s what the Bucs want at defensive tackle. Hell, I could be wrong, and that wouldn’t be a first. If the Bucs do draft Jerry, he’d still be one of the more talented lineman the Bucs have on the defensive side of the ball.

NFL Comparison: Anthony “Booger” Macfarland: I’m guessing this comparison is rather obvious. Jerry, much like Booger, is a much better pass rusher than run stuffer coming out of college. Both players are undersized for defensive tackles. They also both deal with numerous injuries. Actually, both players were rated very similar coming out of college from an SEC school.

Ron Brace – DT – Boston College
6’3’’ – 330 lbs. – 5.52
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him:  Well, I’m taking Brace to stop the run. This mammoth does a great job at gaining penetration up the middle and clogging the line of scrimmage to stop the run. His initial quickness off the snap is surprisingly good for a man his size. Strength is not a question as he is strong enough to take on double teams and hold his own. He can be extremely quick in short spaces.

Why I’m staying away: I’m worried Brace benefited from the attention paid to BJ Raji. Was Brace as dominant against the run as we are believed he is? He’s also not going to add much in regards to sack totals. Conditioning and stamina might be an issue. Also, he dealt with a back injury throughout the entire 2008 season.

Impact on the Bucs roster:  Jim Bates has always had defensive tackles that are big and take up multiple blockers. Brace fits that mold. Conditioning shouldn’t be a problem if the Bucs are truly going to run a rotation with their defensive tackles in the middle. Brace would finally be a physical presence in the middle of the Bucs defensive line. Do you take Brace with the 19th pick? He won’t last to the Bucs next pick in the 3rd round. By the way, does anyone know who Brace’s head coach was last year at Boston College? Yep, it was new Bucs offensive coordinator, Jeff Jagodzinski. Hmmm.

NFL Comparison: Pat Williams: When thinking of Brace, I think of typical nose tackles like Ted Washington, Sam Adams, and Pat Williams. A big body in the middle of a defensive line can make all the difference in whether or not your defense can stop the run. Since Pat Williams arrived in Minnesota, the Vikings have had one of the top run stopping defenses in the NFL. It might not happen immediately, but Brace could have that same affect, draw double teams, and allow other players to make plays.

Fili Moala – DT – USC
6’4’’ – 305 lbs – 5.10
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: I’m excited about the potential of Moala. I know that the word “potential” rubs some of you the wrong way, but I believe Moala is already a good player. I’m anxious to see just how good he can be. His height and frame tells me there is still plenty more room for growth. When watching his film, I’m very impressed with his quickness off the ball. He darts into the backfield disrupting the play whether it be a pass or run. He’s got nice bloodlines as well as his cousin is Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata.

Why I’m staying away: Uh oh, did I use the word potential? Am I willing to risk waiting for that potential to be reached? Moala was quite inconsistent during his career at USC. He’s also just a space eater. You won’t get much pass rush out of him. The difference between him and Ron Brace is that Brace has the size and build for a run stopper. With Moala’s height and weight ratio, he looks lanky at times. I know, a 300 lbs man looking lanky? But it’s true!!!

Impact on the Bucs roster: First, I don’t see the Bucs taking Moala unless they trade back and acquire a 2nd round pick, or Moala falls to the 3rd round. I’m not so sure the Bucs can afford to wait and see if Moala reaches his potential. Although, he is a big run stopping defensive tackle that SHOULD get bigger and better in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Marcus Spears: Much like Spears, Moala’s best fit is going to be as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense. This will limit the number of teams looking at him. Of course, there is still a chance that a team that runs a 4-3 defense could still be interested in his potential.

Sen’Derrick Marks – DT – Auburn
6’2’’ – 306 lbs – 5.03
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Marks is an interesting prospect. What stands out most to me about him is his ability to do many things well. He gets good leverage due to his strong lower body. His quickness is exceptional both off the ball and in close areas. Another thing I really like about him is that he has good character.

Why I’m staying away: Marks has a nice frame, but I’m unsure how much bigger he could get. I feel that if he puts more weight on, it might slow him down and make him sluggish. Durability is a major concern of mine with Marks. He has had numerous ankle injuries over the course of his collegiate career, and I fear those might continue in the NFL. He is not elite in any area of his game.

Impact on the Bucs roster: With the Bucs moving to a bigger defensive tackle set, I’m not so sure Marks is the type of defensive tackle the Bucs are looking for. As I stated above, Marks might be limited in how big he can get. Also, with the Bucs lacking a 2nd round pick, the only way I see the Bucs drafting Marks is if they trade down and acquire extra draft picks including one or two in the 2nd round. If Marks falls to the Bucs pick in the 3rd round, the Bucs should take him. That would be very good value and worth a shot.

NFL Comparison: John McCargo: Much like McCargo, Marks looks to be a “rotation defensive tackle.” What I mean by that is that I don’t view him as “the man” but more of a valuable guy off the bench. I thought the Bills drafted McCargo way too early, and they did. The best value for a player like Marks will be in the 3rd round, but expect some team to take a shot on him in round 2.

Mitch King – DT – Iowa
6’1’’ – 280 lbs – 4.89
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: This guy’s mean. That’s a good thing. King possesses all the intangibles you want in a defensive tackle. He is mean. He is a leader. He is a hard worker. He will do everything in his power to win. His outstanding leverage makes it tough to move him off the line of scrimmage. King is the type of player that makes players around him better. The guy’s nasty!!!

Why I’m staying away: He’s too small. Is he a defensive tackle or defensive end? That’s his biggest flaw. With that lack of size, he tends to get engulfed by bigger more powerful offensive linemen. Another flaw is that he tends to let his emotions get the best of him.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I love the type of player King is, but he isn’t right for the Bucs. He’s not just undersized for a defensive tackle; he is anorexic for a defensive tackle. That’s the exact opposite of what the Bucs need. I’d stay away if I were Mark Dominik.

NFL Comparison: Matt Roth: It seems like this is the type of defensive lineman they produce at Iowa. Although Roth has much better size and a true position, him and King possess ideal intangibles that you just can’t coach.

Alex MaGee – DT – Purdue
6’3’’ – 298 lbs – 5.07
3rd – 4th Round

Why I’m taking him: After playing his senior season out of position at defensive end, MaGee opened eyes at the senior bowl being back at his natural position inside. He possesses excellent quickness to get penetration and does an equally nice job against the run and pass. He has an excellent motor making him good in pursuit and is a reliable tackler. Magee also never missed a game due to injury.

Why I’m staying away: I’m not sure I know who Alex Magee is. The reason I say this is because he has been inconsistent over his career, and didn’t help himself by playing defensive end last season. His natural position is inside at tackle, but he doesn’t seem to be stout enough to handle double teams. Moving back inside to tackle, Magee might have trouble locating the ball and ball carrier.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Once again, another defensive tackle who’s slightly undersized. Even though his size isn’t ideal yet, Magee has the frame to put on another 10-15 lbs which could make him a possibility. Because of his time at defensive end last season, Magee could slip a little due to his lack of film at defensive tackle. If he does slide, I feel the Bucs should definitely consider him in the 3rd round, and should draft him if he’s available in the 4th round. The talent is there, Magee just needs the coaching to help him bloom.

NFL Comparison: Jovan Haye: Both these players are undersized, but play with a lot of heart. I’m not quite sure if Magee can be a flashy player, but like Haye, he might fly under the radar and be a solid player.

Chris Baker – DT – Hampton
6’2’’ – 326 lbs – 5.03
4th – 5th Round

Why I’m taking him: Baker’s got a lot of talent. He has excellent size for the position, but has the quickness to match it. One of his biggest strengths is his quickness off the snap and penetration into the backfield. He has shown the strength and quickness to split a double team, agility to avoid a cut block, and tenacity to play with such a physical nature.

Why I’m staying away: The guy was dismissed from Penn St. Penn St!!!!!! I thought Joe Paterno was criticized for being too lenient with his players? Hmmm. Baker pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and criminal trespass following two fights in 2007. By July of 2008, he had been dismissed from Penn St. and on his way to Hampton. As for his play, his awareness needs to improved to find the ball carrier.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The question here is whether or not the Bucs might take a risk on a player with questionable character. Jim Bates, has shown his willingness to take chances on players with a lot of talent and questionable character. Without the character, Baker is the type of defensive tackle the Bucs are looking for. He is tough and physical, and equally good against the run and pass. He can take up multiple blockers allowing the linebackers to make the plays.

NFL Comparison: Marcus Thomas: Thomas is one of the players Jim Bates took a chance on while with the Broncos, and Thomas is a very good comparison to Baker. Both these guys have all the talent in the word, they just need to keep their nose clean. I’d expect Baker to be drafted around the same point Thomas was drafted, around the 4th round.

Sammie Lee Hill – DT – Stillman
6’4’’ – 329 lbs – 5.15
4th – 5th Round

Why I’m taking him: Boy, you have to love the size of Hill. Now the question is whether or not he can move that size. Well, for a man his size, Hill has excellent agility and quickness. As a senior in 2008, Hill recorded 7.5 sacks proving he can play the run and pass equally.

Why I’m staying away: Sorry, but I’ve never heard of an NFL player coming from Stillman. I might be mistaken, but still, the level of competition isn’t that good. He needs to play with better leverage or his career in the NFL might be short-lived.

Impact on the Bucs roster: It’s hard to teach this kind of size. It’s my understanding that the Bucs want to get bigger in the middle of their defensive line. Hill is the type of big man that could slip through the cracks and be had in the 4th or 5th round. His skills are there, the question is whether he’ll be able to compete with NFL offensive linemen. I believe that’s one risk the Bucs could be willing to take.

NFL Comparison: Corey Williams: Like Corey Williams, Hill is going to fly under the radar after going to a small school. Also like Williams, Hill can play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or defensive end in a 3-4. The big bodied Hill could really surprise the team that drafts him.

Dorell Scott – DT – Clemson
6’3’’ – 312 lbs – 4.95
4th – 5th Round

Why I’m taking him: I like Scott’s size and quickness combination, but he also has a frame that can add 10-15 lbs. With his big frame, Scott is a force against the run. With better coaching in the NFL, he can become much more consistent. There are times when he flashes the ability not just to take on double teams, but to split them. Injuries are not a concern with Scott.

Why I’m staying away: He’s just not a consistent all-around defensive tackle. As a defensive lineman, you have to come off the snap low and maintain good leverage, Scott fails at this. I see Scott as a rotational defensive lineman and never becoming an impact starter.

Impact on the Bucs roster: If Jim Bates is looking to run a rotation with his defensive tackles, I’d have no problem if the Bucs drafted Scott in the 5th round. I think at any point earlier than that, it might be a bit of a reach. Scott’s a player that could be paired with Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims to give the Bucs the beginning of a decent rotation.

NFL Comparison: Ryan Sims: Much like Sims, Scott will be a backup defensive tackle in the NFL. Similar skill set here, as both these players are much better against the run than they are the pass.

It seems as if some NFL Network producers are regular listeners to "The Howard Stern Show."

As a long-time devotee of “The Howard Stern Show” for some 17 years and running, Joe is just amazed at how many people in television have been “influenced” by regular sketches from the King of All Media. From primetime TV shows to David Letterman to Jay Leno, Stern’s tentacles seemed to have reached all levels of TV.

Well now, to Joe’s true surprise, a segment on NFL Network’s “Total Access” show Wednesday night sure seemed all too close to Stern’s “The Gossip Game” starring the National Enquirer’s Mike Walker.

In “The Gossip Game,” Walker offers up a handful of wild and barely believable scenarios involving celebrities each week. Stern’s cast then votes for the lone false story, often with friendly wagers on the line.

Well some producers at the NFL Network need to at least pay homage to Stern for the segment “The Real Story.”

In Wednesday’s sketch, co-hosts Rich Eisen, Willie McGinest and Warren Sapp tried to guess which story — told by ProFootballTalk.com’s creator, curator and overall guru Mike Florio — was true.

Of the stories offered up by Florio, one was the article on how Chucky allegedly seriously considered taking a coaching gig at a Division-II school in Ohio. Eisen was the only person to guess correctly.

Reacting to the news, Sapp seemed deeply troubled, shaking his head like a cartoon character with his eyes bulging out. Sapp said, “From one of the world’s 50 most beautiful people to Central State? JON!!!”

Joe understands the term “creative license,” but come on, couldn’t Eisen have at least said, “Thanks Howard?”

Even a casual “Baba Booey” would have sufficed.

The top local NFL Draft guru, Justin Pawlowski, is answering e-mail today in his daily podcast.

Your questions came through all week long and Justin takes on loads of them.

Check back soon for Pawlowski’s new in-depth mock draft and a complete breakdown of offensive lineman. All part of the best daily NFL Draft coverage anywhere.

Former Bucs QB Jeff Carlson says Raheem Morris' new buddy philosophy should work because he laid the ground rules early

By Jeff Carlson
JoeBucsFan.com analyst 

Former Bucs quarterback Jeff Carlson trains QBs of all levels via his company, America’s Best Quarterback. You can also find Jeff as an analyst on Bright House Sports Networks and as a host on ESPN 1040 AM, Sundays at 11 a.m.

Raheem Morris is now commanding the troops his way.

New music fills the air. New plays fill the playbooks (far lighter playbooks to carry around, I might add). And his new coaches are getting to know the new-look Buccaneers.

During my NFL days, I played under a number of head coaches, including John Robinson, Ray Perkins, Richard Williamson, Sam Wyche, Ray Handley, Dick McPherson, Bill Parcells and Wade Phillips. One thing is common between these men; they were all quite different from each other.

They motivated in different ways and had different levels of success or failure as the case may be. Tony Dungy won a Super Bowl without emotion, while Jon Gruden won one with a ton.

The Bucs new head man Morris is forging a new philosophy not many have tread before: Being buddies with players.

Jermaine Phillips expressed his pleasure with the new regime, saying it’s nice to be able to punch Morris in the arm now and then.

Don’t know much about punching the head coach in the arm, but if Morris can straddle that fence between motivator and pal, more power to him. Bill Parcells was known to hang around the locker room and B.S. with the best of them. 

I’m not saying it can’t work or won’t work. In fact, I think it will work mostly because he laid the groundwork early.

The new “Ra-laws” about performance expectations (hard, full-padded practices all season) takes away the veteran entitlement that creates dissention. Chopping a few big names from the roster showed everyone is vulnerable.

I like the fact the Bucs look like they are having fun, because shouldn’t grown men playing football for a job that pays a fantasy wage be having the most fun?

Good luck, Coach!

Don Banks of SI.com, and a former Bucs beat writer, penned a column this afternoon and claims only one team has a better chance than the Bucs at landing the services of disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Bucs are in a similar situation to the Jets, with only Luke McCown, Brian Griese and Josh Johnson at quarterback. We know they want Cutler because they wanted him a month ago. The Bucs have never been shy about shipping away first-round picks, giving up two No. 1’s and two No. 2’s for Jon Gruden in 2002, and two No. 1’s for Keyshawn Johnson in 2000. So their No. 19 pick this year is likely a given in any deal, but after that, I’d be very careful if I were the Bucs. If the price tag for Cutler ends up being this year’s No. 1 and next year’s No. 1, that’s too steep. It took Tampa Bay a long time to overcome the loss of so many valuable picks after the Gruden deal, and they’d be wise to not re-dig that hole.

Motivation meter: 9.0.

Joe isn’t so sure about this. Unless the Bucs pull off a three-way deal with another team, Joe doesn’t think the Bucs have enough collateral to pull off this trade.

Wait a minute? Joe thought the Glazer Boys wanted to build through the draft?