1.  St. Louis Rams - QB Sam Bradford – Oklahoma

Like the Bucs the Rams have many needs, but what they really need is a franchise QB. The rub and the lingering question is “Can either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen be a franchise QB and is either one worthy of the #1 overall pick?” I’d say no, but when your that desperate you might take the plunge. The Rams are probably leaning towards picking QB Sam Bradford, but nobody would be surprised if they took DT Ndamukong Suh.

2. Detroit Lions – OT Russell Okung – Oklahoma State

The Lions did the Bucs a huge favor by trading for DT Corey Williams and signing DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, because it would be crazy, if the Lions took either Suh or McCoy now. Maybe if Matt Millen was still picking players, he’d go for a gluttony of defensive linemen like he did with all the wasted picks on WR’s, but he’s not there, so he can’t jack it up. Russell Okung will protect Matthew Stafford’s blindside for many years.  This team is looking solid and they will make some noise next season. Eric Berry is a possibility here, but protecting your franchise is a much higher priority.

3. Tampa Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy – Oklahoma

Depending on what the Rams do with the 1st pick will obviously impact what the Bucs do with the 3rd pick. In this mock draft the Rams are taking Bradford, but that could change if the Rams make a trade for a legitimate starting QB.  If they get a QB, then Suh would be the pick. I think it doesn’t matter, because if Suh and McCoy are both available, the Bucs should go with Gerald McCoy. Suh has more upside and is physical beast, but McCoy fits the Bucs’ scheme better and could contribute right away. Suh’s previous knee injury is something to consider too, but his performance last season gives all signs that it’s behind him. Either way I don’t the Bucs can go wrong, because even if the pick Suh and it takes a year or two for Suh to develop to his potential, the Bucs won’t be back in the competitive mix for that long anyways.

Eric Berry and Russel Okung are other possibilities, if they were avaiable, but defensive line is by far the most pressing need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The draft isn’t till April 22nd, so quite a bit can happen from now until then, but if the draft were tomorrow this is how I’d see it playing out.

The champagne bottles are popping at 1 Buc Place. The Bucs won’t be players in this year’s free agency, but they are so far turning out to be one of the biggest beneficiaries, if the Lions keep their pick. There’s nothing glamorous about picking a defensive tackle with the second overall pick, but there’s nothing more frustrating than watching your team get steam rolled on the ground week in and week out. Not to mention the non-existent pass rush the Bucs applied last season.

The biggest loser has to be the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have lost any leverage they may have had with trading with the Bucs. They are now forced to take a player they probably don’t think is a true #1 in either defensive tackle or one of the good QB’s available. The Rams may be able to trade the pick, but they won’t be able to command a high price that other drafts could.

The first pick for the Bucs, barring any changes or trades, seems real simple. Now it’s up Mark Dominik to do his job and make sure the rest of picks are good players that can help turn this franchise around.

Before I go any further let’s get something clear, I’m not saying the Bucs are going to make the playoffs next season. But if the Bucs can have two good drafts, develop their young players, bring the right free agents next season and Josh Freeman turns out to be a starting QB then the Bucs can be competing sooner than most people think.

The defense is better than most people think too. The defense finished up nicely and that had more to do with changing the scheme and Raheem Morris taking over the defense play calling towards the end of the season than personnel. The only notable player that didn’t start the season was Tanard Jackson, because he missed the first four games due to a suspension and once he came back, he instantly helped solidify the secondary, other than that is was the same crew. The defense does have some needs, but so does the offense.

I’m going to look at all the positions and rate their respective needs from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest need and a 1 being the lowest need. With their 3-13 record the Bucs have the 3rd overall pick in the draft, 35th, 44th (from Chicago – Gaines Adams trade),67th pick, 103rd pick, 158th, 178th pick, 217th and 225th picks.

Defensive Line – Need 10+

It’s by far the position where the Bucs need the most help. The Bucs were dead last against the run and opposing teams dominated them in the trenches. Teams averaged 158.1 yards and 4.8 yards per carry against the Bucs, it was fugly to say the least. If Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy fall to the Bucs, it’s a no brainer, pick either one. If the Bucs can improve their defensive line, it will make the rest of the defense behind them that much better. Please don’t even mention free agent Julius Peppers, the Bucs are a young team and don’t need a bad character. Plus the ownership is too cheap to pay for him anyways.

Offensive Line – Need 8

Going into last season all the hype and yap was about how strong the offensive line was going to be. Scoreboard, it was as strong as a marshmallow. Arron Sears went MIA and it hurt the Bucs more than anyone wants to admit, because it exploited the lack of depth. Jeremy Trueblood doesn’t have the mental fortitude and took too many penalties, especially personal ones, hmmmm I wonder why he can’t control himself? Some of you may shake your heads and wonder why I put offensive line as a higher need than wide receiver or cornerback and the answer is easy. The Bucs have this kid named Josh Freeman at QB and right now he’s not very good. He doesn’t understand the game well enough to make his reads and he needs all the protection he can get, so he doesn’t get happy feet and make bad plays like he did all last season. Plus the Bucs have a nice group of running backs and if they can run the ball successfully they will make Freeman’s life that much better. Here’s the deal if the Bucs can’t land Suh or McCoy they should take a long hard look at Oklahoma’s offensive tackle Russell Okung with the 3rd overall pick.

Corner – Need 7

The Bucs will have Ronde “Ageless” Barber and Aqib Talib. Some people knock Talib, but I think the guy is a baller. I’d like to see any Pro Bowl corner came play for the Bucs and try and guard a receiver with 4.5 speed for 5 seconds, because that’s what the lack of pass rush did to the Bucs corners all season long. It’s not that they aren’t good, it’s just and impossible task to cover someone when the opposing QB has all day to throw the ball. Ronde Barder is 34 years and by corner standards he should have been put out to the pasture a long time ago, but he still game left in the tank, but the Bucs need to find his replacement and give Barber time to groom him. Elbert Mack currently has the opportunity, but I’m not sold on him. Plus the Bucs need depth, they play in the same division as the Saints and Falcons and both of those teams like to throw the ball.

Wide Receiver – Need 6

Here’s where I keep hearing everyone yap about how the most. I keep hearing “the Bucs need to draft a receiver, they should go after Dez Bryant”. All you fools need to shut your pie holes. Drafting receivers with high draft picks is a risky proposition at best and if don’t believe me ask a Detroit Lion fan. Right now Josh Freeman isn’t capable of making anyone great at the wide receiver position. The only thing he’d do to a potential great talent like Dez Bryant is frustrate him. It’s going to take another season for Freeman to start to get the hang of things. I know we are losing Antonio Bryant and Mark Clayton blows, but don’t use the 3rd overall pick on a wide out. There will be a lot of quality wide out available with the 44th overall pick in the draft such as Brandon LaFell out of LSU or Damian Williams from USC. Yes, west coast kids can play ball too.

Linebacker – Need 5

The Bucs aren’t extremely athletic at linebacker and they lack depth. Rudd is a tackling machine, but they could use some play makers.Once again, if the Bucs can improve the defensive line the linebacker need becomes much less. Things are a lot easier when you have a stud in the trenches blowing up plays and commanding a double team.

Safety – Need 4

As much as I don’t like Sabby Piscitelli, I think he would be a much improved player if the Bucs pass rush improved. If QB’s had to get rid of the ball quicker, his lack of speed wouldn’t be exploited so much. Plus he’d get to use his biggest asset and that’s his hitting ability, because it’s a lot easier to hit someone when you run up on them than when you have to chase them from behind. Tanard Jackson is a solid free safety when he isn’t suspended, so hopefully he has learned his lesson.

Quarterback – Need 3

I’m not sold on Josh Freeman, but he’s the Bucs QB of the future. The Bucs already another young QB in Josh Johnson, so the Bucs really don’t need to draft another one. What the Bucs could really use is an older veteran mentor to help show Freeman the ropes. That and an excellent QB coach. Oh yeah and a better offensive line would help Freeman too.

Running Back – Need 2

The Bucs spent money on Ward last season as a free agent and if the Cadillac can stay healthy, they have a good one two punch. What will really improve the running game is a better offensive line, it’s why it’s the Bucs second greatest need.

Tight End – Need 1

Kellen Winslow surpassed all my expectations. Not only did he have great year, he also didn’t implode during the 3 – 13 season, which was probably more amazing than the season he had.

Punter – Need 1

If Josh Bibwell comes back from his hip injury and can regain his form, then the Bucs are set. If Bidwell isn’t the same, then bring in the free agents and let the competition begin.

Kicker – Need 1

Connor Barth came in at the end of the season and did a nice job for the Bucs. During the Dolphins game in week 10, he kicked three 50+ yard FG’s, he almost won the game by himself.

Agree or disagree that’s how I see it. All we can hope for as Bucs fans is that the Rams fill they need a QB and make a reach for Clausen or Bradford.

My condolences go out to the Adams family.

“We are rebuilding, we know as an organization we can’t overcome our talent deficiencies in one off season. Raheem Morris is a bargain and we think even with Bill Cowher at the helm we’d still finish with just a few more wins than this season. ” This move confirms, in my opinion, the Glazer family is cash strapped and fans can expect very little money spent on free agency market.

All fans can hope for is that Mark Dominik doesn’t screw up the 2010 draft. The Bucs own the 3rd overall pick in the draft and although Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh is probably gone by the 3rd pick, but Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy is still there and he would be a huge addition to a terrible defensive line. Tennessee’s Eric Berry is a stud, but the Bucs already have a good secondary, but if they could land USC’s safety Taylor Mays late in the first round or early in the second round that would solidify the Bucs defensive future. Not only do the Bucs have the 3rd pick, but they also have five of the first 99 selections in the draft. Dominik can make or break this Bucs team, so we’ll see how it plays out.

The plan Glazer refers to better include a some veteran players and coaches to help groom Josh Freeman, because he needs it. The offense could use help on the line and a possession receiver, but if Freeman doesn’t make more strides reading defenses, becoming more accurate and just throwing the ball away then the Bucs can expect another pathetic season.

I did like the way the defense, special teams and Cadillac finished the season, but Josh Freeman needs to make some major off-season strides if the Bucs are going to compete. Quite frankly I don’t think the kid is going to be much better next season. At best he’s errant with his throws and decision making is horrid at times. The Bucs defense is only a few key positional players from very respectable and it can easily be fixed with a solid draft and/or free agency signings. I’d prefer to see this team rebuild through the draft and I hope either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy falls to the Bucs. The offense could use some depth on line, but it’s really only going to go as far as Josh Freeman’s abilities take it.

It will be an interesting off-season for the Bucs. Since the Bucs will have a top first round pick and 2 high second picks, the draft should yield some talent. The Bucs are at least another season away from being a playoff team, so I don’t think there will be any big free agent signings in the off season. I also see the Buccaneers keeping Raheem Morris for one more season, because it’s more of a cost effective move than a belief in his coaching abilities. A lot can happen in 7 months and hopefully the Bucs can make a few moves that help out the team, so don’t lose hope.

Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan are the 2 top free agent coaches available in the off season. Mike Shanahan is looking more and more like a Redskin. So that pretty much leaves Cowher as the hottest commodity on the market. I think Bill Cowher and his jaw would be an awesome fit for the Buccaneers. Cowher is a proven winner and if the Bucs gave him control I think they could be in the playoffs within 2 seasons. Even though the Bucs may finish with only 3 wins, I think with 2 more solid drafts and some key free agents they could be in the wild card mix. I say wild card, because they Saints are going to own the NFC South for a while.

The Glazer ownership have been known to pull the trigger before. They let Dungy go and brought in Gruden at a hefty price and compensation. This time though, I don’t think the Bucs do it. I think they stick with Raheem Morris and it’s not that I think the Glazer ownership are hot on Raheem, but it’s more of a cost saving measure. From all accounts the Glazer ownership is cash strapped and the cost to bring in Cowher would be in the 9 million range, which is just too much to pay right now. The fact is the Bucs are still one more season away from doing anything and 9 million could be spent or free agents or more than likely not spent at all. I think the corporate spin will be something like, “we want to rebuild through the draft”, which really means, “we don’t want to spend any money on free agents, because we know we can’t compete with the Saints or Falcons and even the shitty Panthers cram the ball down our throat right now.”

This is just my opinion, but the Bucs haven’t shown me any reason to think otherwise.

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If Jeff Faine had stayed healthy, maybe he makes it as a reserve. There’s a reason you only have 3 wins, it’s because you don’t have talent.

The first half was exactly what I expected, which was a Saints team that was playing with purpose and trying to wrap up home field advantage for the NFC Playoffs. The Bucs looked, well, like the Bucs I expected, which was a team that can’t stop anybody, Freeman threw another interception and let the Saints take 17 to 3 lead into the half.

Raheem Morris must have explained during halftime that nobody’s jobs were guaranteed, because the Bucs were an entirely different team the second half. Cadillac Williams had a solid game, but he was running fools over and he looked vintage with 129 yards and a TD. The defense played with intensity and didn’t allow a point for the rest of game. Although Freeman threw another interception and didn’t have a touchdown, he did have a play that showed why he has some potential to be a franchise QB. The Saints came with a blitz and actually hit Freeman, but they couldn’t bring the 6′ 6″ kid down. Freeman didn’t panic and throw the a bad pass, he just spun away and used he athleticism to get a yard on the play.  It wasn’t a top ten play, but the fact they couldn’t sack him and he didn’t turn the ball over is a positive step in the right direction.

Then the replacements stepped in finished off the Saints. Newly acquired journeyman, Michael Spurlock, took a 4th quarter punt back 77 yards to tie up the game.

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To the Saints credit they came back drove the field, but missed a 37 yard field to win the fame in regulation. Bucs won the OT toss and Connor Barth sealed it with a 47 yard field in OT.

The good news is the Bucs won by beating a very good Saints team. I would guess Raheem Morris saved his job and will be back next year. Cadillac Williams looked great. Freeman made some decent decisions. The Bucs special teams finally broke one off.

The bad news is the Bucs are killing the 2010 draft. They are now tied with the Kansas City Chiefs with the 3rd worst record in the NFL, which means Suh and McCoy are slipping away from the Bucs. Safety Eric Berry is an awesome player, but if the Bucs can’t stop the run or get a pass rush it doesn’t matter who in the secondary, because the opposing QB will have all day to throw.

Next week Falcons at home.

Let’s start with Brett Favre. Depending where you stand you either love or hate him. I’m on the side that cringes every time he’s a segment on SportsCenter. In a word he’s drama. He’s retired, he’s unretired, he says he’s all about the team, but doesn’t show up for mini camp. It seems as long as it’s going Favre’s way he’s okay, but if it doesn’t he’s a bitch. Take his latest episode where Childress almost benched Favre due to Favre’s inability to stick with the game plan. Don’t look now Vikings fan, but your season is imploding right in front of you. Favre’s has lost 2 of the last 3 games and in those games he’s thrown 3 TD’s, 4 INT’s and his passer rating has averaged 75.4. OUCH, must suck to be 40 years old and have large, strong, angry men trying to end your career. This story is going to end either very badly or legendary for Favre, I’m going with badly. Season finale coming soon.

On the other end of the spectrum you have Peyton Manning leading the Colts through an undefeated season. He’s also leading the league in passing yards with 4213 yards and tied with Drew Brees with 33 TD’s. The thing about Peyton is he’s doing with no names and replacements. After losing his favorite target, Marvin Harrison, in the off season and heir Anthony Gonzalez went down with an injury Peyton has  thrown TD’s to 5 different receives named Collie, Garcon, Wayne, Clark and Addai. Scoreboard, he’s just knocking it out again.

Then you have the Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler. Cutler pretty much gave the Broncos and the their new head coach, Josh McDaniels the finger and said trade me or else. DaBears ponied up the future and made the trade. It’s too early to judge the trade right now and give a final grade, but it looks like Denver made out like bandits with all those draft picks. Cutler leads the NFL in INT’s with 25, his passer rating for the season is 71.1 and all his bad decisions has fans and a franchise wondering what in store for their team.

The Denver Broncos started 6-0 and were everyone’s bandwagon team. Josh McDaniels looked like a genius and the next prodigy, but they followed up the hot streak by losing 6 of the next 8. They reminded me of the US Olympic relay team and how they came out fast, lead the pack and then dropped the baton. Things are back to normal in the AFC West and the Broncos are once again looking up at the San Diego Chargers. Although the season may not be a success, I think the Cutler trade will pay off in the end.

The Steelers are another team that has fallen flat on their face. Last year’s Superbowl champs are anything but this year. Once they lost Troy Polamalu, everything went down hill from there. Not only are they going to miss the playoffs, but they look old and Mike Tomlin looks confused. The injuries and lack of depth finally caught up to the Steelers. Could be a while before the Steelers are back on top in their division and the AFC.

Love, the fracking Cincinnati Bengals. Nobody even gave them consideration this year, including me. Even after they kept beating people, everyone kept thinking they would go back to their old ways sooner or later. Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson are back with a vengeance and even Larry Johnson found some life too. Not only are they on top of the division, but they beat they swept their division and didn’t lose one game to the Browns, Ravens or Steelers. The Bengals are also overcoming adversity too. First defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer’s wife dies and then a few weeks later wide receiver Chris Henry died too. It’s good to see the Bengals have some success, I just wish someone would go retro and do the Ickey Shuffle after a TD, C’mon Chad do the dance and pay the fine.

I’m shocked at how many people are Saints fans. The bags are off the head and it’s Mardi Gras 24 / 7 down in New Orleans. After all the years of losing seasons and the devastation Katrina brought a few years back, I’m happy for New Orleans. I’m kind of glad they lost, so the pressure is off and they can just play football and not worry about being perfect. I think they will make a run and win it all this year and I couldn’t be happier their organization and owner Tom Benson.