2009 NFL Mock Draft: Tampa Bay
There certainly have been a lot of changes this offseason for the Buccaneers. Not only have they made a change at Head Coach and GM, they have two new coordinators (one which is changing a system that has been in place for over a decade and has its own name), a couple new playmakers, and must replace a number of people on the defensive side of the ball, including a first ballot Hall of Famer in Derrick Brooks.
With all these changes, where do they stand going into the draft? It appears many of the offseason moves have been on the offensive side of the ball. They slapped the franchise tag on WR Antonio Bryant, re-signed WR Michael Clayton, traded for TE Kellen Winslow, and signed RB Derrick Ward to form a running back duo with Earnest Graham. They also bring back a young and potentially stellar offensive line. Although it appears they have done a lot to strengthen the offensive side of the ball, the big question remains, who will get the new additions the ball and captain the Bucs ship? This has led many to speculate that the Bucs will invest in a franchise QB, assuming that is what you think Josh Freeman is, with their first round pick.
As Lee Corso says, “Not so fast my friend”. One glance at the other side of the ball will show some glaring needs, and while there is still cap room to sign some players and potentially trade for some big names to fill the holes, the defense needs to be addressed. This is the same defense that carried the team to a 9-3 record first the first three quarters of last season only to completely collapse in the final 4 games. As a result, the offseason has seen a total youth movement for the defense. Gone is Monte Kiffin, the defensive guru that led this unit for the past 13 years. Also gone are a number of veteran players, including the aforementioned Brooks.
There appear to be needs at CB, DE, DT. This assumes the signing of LB Antonio Crowell and the position change from S to OLB for Jermaine Phillips will anchor the LB unit with Barrett Ruud in the middle. There are a number of players that can come in and make an impact on the defensive side of the ball with this pick, and it certainly makes sense to try to get a player that will continue the youth movement and fit into new D Coordinator Jim Bates’ system.
A major factor in the late season collapse was the ineffectiveness of the D-line to control the line of scrimmage. For that reason, the Bucs need a defensive lineman with this pick. With needs at both DT and DE, the Bucs should go with the highest rated player at either position, and, therefore, the pick is…
19th Pick: Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
This all assumes this pick is not shipped to Denver as part of a deal for Jay Cutler, which would address a major priority of this offseason to find a QB of the present and future.
The Detroit Lions are now on the clock with the 20th Pick in the draft.
