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1996 Season 6-10, 4th in NFC Central
1997 Draft Choices
Team Reporter |
My overall grade for the Buccaneers draft is a B+. This grade could change if Dunn turns out to be a 1,000yd or more rusher with break away abilities. Below is the breakdown by player of this years draft.
1a. (12) Warrick Dunn RB. Warrick Dunn brings an ability to break a run for 60-70 yds and a TD. He has the speed and moves of a Barry Sanders type running back, but lacks the size. The only reason size is important is that it may affect his durability at the pro level. When a 170lb person gets squished by a 311lb defensive tackle one questions if he will get up. I don't mind the selection of Dunn, but I do question him being taken this high. I do think he can handle the ball around 10-15 times a game and survive. GRADE - B-
1b. (16) Reidel Anthony WR. Reidel brings a proven history of being able to catch the ball. He is a TD producer and had great break away speed. He should compliment Copeland and Co. as a No. 2 receiver. I would project him as a starter. The availability of Rae Carruth when this pick was made bothered me but I have heard that Carruth had an injury that caused many teams to downgrade him. I would rather have no questions surrounding a first round pick and now believe this is a solid pick. GRADE - A
2. (37) Jerry Wunsch OT. Solid player with a solid future. Rated by many as the second best offensive tackle in the draft. This man will start on the right side of our line as a tackle and probably move Odom to right guard. This pick should shore up our offensive line. Wunsch is a solid run blocker, but needs to polish his pass blocking skills. GRADE - A
3a. (63) Frank Middleton OG. This guy is a reach in the third round. He will have to be motivated by the team to keep his weight under control. He brings good size and quickness to the Bucs and should provide solid depth and perhaps start if he becomes motivated. With Bob Sapp and Damon Denson left on the board I am not sure if this guy was a good pick; potential is there, but that is what got the Bucs into trouble in previous drafts. GRADE - C
3b. (66) Ronde Barber CB. This guy plays aggressively and will make tackles. He has had a history of making a play on the ball and getting burned. The Buccaneers will have to coach him to be more consistent and have him take less risks unless he is put in a scheme that will give him some help.
4a. (128) Alshermond Singleton OLB. Why? I called for a OLB to be taken to ensure that Porter had a quality back-up. I wanted the Bucs to take Henri Crockett but he was gone. Matt Russell was still there though and in my opinion would have been the better choice. Alshermond is a big hitter and a pass rush specialist. He will at times get lost on running plays. With the proper coaching and Dungy's defensive scheme this pick may have been great. We'll have to wait and see. GRADE - B-
5. (137) Patrick Hape TE. Good pick. This was a pick I saw coming and thought would be made one round later. This guy will be solid for us, particularly in the running game around the ends (hint, hint) This is the player that starts to solidify the Warrick Dunn pick. In order for Dunn to be great we need to get the end sealed in the running game. Patrick is an aggressive run blocker who should do just that.
6a. (169) Al Harris DB. I have no information on this pick at all. The pick should help solidify our defensive backs and provide depth. GRADE - B+
6b. (197) Nigea Carter WR. Good pick at this point in the draft. Has size, speed, and raw ability. Non-serious injuries may have blunted his development and could be a real diamond in the rough for the Bucs. GRADE - A
7. (209) Anthony Degrate DL. This guy could be the biggest player on the Bucs defense. With the appropriate coaching could help us plug up the middle and help turn Warren Sapp free. I project him to be a back-up, but he may surprise us. GRADE B+
© 1997 Chas Profitt all right reserved
