Tampa Bay Bucaneers Forecast

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Tampa Bay Bucaneers (11-5)
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(23) Johnathan Joseph, CB. South Carolina
(59) Daryn Colledge, OT. Boise State
(90) Kevin Boothe, OG. Cornell

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The future looks bright in Tampa. Chris Sims showed signs of promise, and Cadillac Williams was brilliant in his rookie campaign. Anthony Davis and Kenyatta Walker have been disappointing as tackles on the offensive line. Upgrades are available early and often in this draft class. The Bucs are probably willing to give Michael Clyatonanother chance after a dismal sophomore campaign, but depth any excellent value at wideout may well be snatched up come draft day. Defensively, depth behind Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly is needed. A nickelback for the present and starter for the future is a day one need. Finding a corner perfect for the Tampa 2 will not be hard to find in this deep defensive back class.


Johnathan Joseph has the athleticism to play in any scheme


(23) Johnathan Joseph, CB. South Carolina
Beyond Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, the Bucs cornerback depth is very thin. Operating out of a Cover 2 scheme that puts emphasis on a cornerback's ability to make instinctive plays on the ball, Johnathan Joseph would be an excellent option. Joseph is a player who has seen his draft stock soar since hie combine workout. Originally considered a second rounder, his 4.31 speed has placed him firmly in the first round mix. Yet, one must not forget that Joseph had a very productive career at South Carolina. He is a solid tackler and works very well in man coverage. He has the instincts to play in the Cover 2 and the ball skills to come up with the big interception. His excellent speed makes his a threat to take the ball the distance every time it is in his hands.


Daryn Colledge is the last of the left tackle prospects


(65) Daryn Colledge, OT. Boise State
The Bucs need help along the offensive front. They would prefer to add a left tackle prospect. With Ferguson and Justice off the board in round one, value will force them to wait until round two for their guy. Daryn Colledge would give the Bucs a franchise tackle prospect. Having been recruited out of North Pole, Alaska by Boise State to play Tight End, Colledge has since bulked up from 235 to 299 pounds and become a premier NFL prospect. His pass blocking skills are very elite. His run blocking skills need work, but added size and strength will correct that over time. A four-year starter at Boise State, Colledge is a proven winner who gets the job done. This is a match made in heaven.


(90) Kevin Boothe, OG. Cornell
One lineman in Daryn Colledge is not enough to fully rememdy the offensive line issues for the Bucs. Kevin Boothe is a largely unproven talent that possesses all the physical abilities and intangibles to become a dominant player at the NFL level. At 6'5"/316, he has ideal size to play either guard position. His excellent footwork allows him to play either tackle position like he did in college. While Boothe was facing relatively soft competition in the Ivy League, he could have easily taken plays off after finishing his blocking assignments. However, Boothe showed scouts that he was unwilling to settle for the status quo; he was always looking for that extra guy to lay out before the whistle blew. John Gruden loves that warrior mentality and would love to have a guy like Kevin Boothe offer depth to his sub-par offensive line.


Simply put, the Bucs neeed help up front


(*) Eric Winston, OT. Miami
It is amazing to think that Cadillac Williams ran so well behind an incompetent offensive line. Of all the needs the Bucs have, offensive line leads the charge significantly. Eric Winston is coming off of major knee surgery in 2004. Questions regarding his health have been answered slowly, but surely, and he now appears firmly in the first-round mix. Should he return to full form, he would be an absolute steal for the Bucs. Winston is big at 6'7"/310 and very fast (4.94). He is athletic and physical, able to block anyone and everyone both in traffic and in space. Eric Winston would present the perfect solution to the team's left tackle issue. He would increase the effectiveness of the running game and protect Chris Sims.

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