Sunday, May 2, 2010

Draft Grades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just missed the playoffs in 2008, and went into a rebulding mode instead of reloading. A new coach, a rookie quarterback, and changes on both sides of the ball brought the Bucs a 3-13 record, and the third pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. There were holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and Tampa Bay found players who can have an immediate impact.

The 3rd overall selection was used on Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma. A number of draft experts had McCoy rated ahead of Ndamukong Suh, and McCoy is seen as the heir apparent to Warren Sapp. The second round brought another defensive tackle in Brian Price. McCoy and Price play different styles, and they should compliment each other well in the middle of the defensive line.

2009 first round selection Josh Freeman discovered that if you don't have quality receivers to throw to the passing game in the NFL can be difficult. That area was addressed with the selection of Arrelious Benn in Round 2. Another receiver, Mike Williams from Syracuse, was taken in the 4th round but he had a number of off the field problems in college, but he was seen by many as possibly the most talented receiver in the draft.

A late round sleeper could be Cody Grimm, a safety from Virginia Tech. The son of former Redskins lineman Russ Grimm, Cody is a hard nosed, tough minded player who plays with a high motor all the time.

Draft Grade: B+

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