Team Reports
AFC Central
AFC West
NFC East
NFC Central
NFC West
|
1996 Season 6-10, 4th in NFC Central
1997 Draft Choices
Team Reporter |
The Buccaneers Draft
The Buccaneers have some interesting decisions ahead of them. They stand to lose all but two starting offensive lineman to free agency and may be trading Errict Rhett. For the purpose of this report I will assume that the current free agents all stay with the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers need to improve at three key positions:
Cornerback - Bryant Westbrook or Shawn Springs would be my choice if they can be taken in the first round. Bryant Westbrook has the advantage because of his size. It looks as though Westbrook can be gotten only if the Bucs trade up and get the 4th pick from the Ravens. This trade would involve the Bucs #8 pick and either a 4th round pick or a player. If the Bucs can't get either of these two they should target Sam Madison with the 37th pick.
Wide Receiver - Rae Carruth is the only receiver I would want in the first round. If we don't trade up to get Westbrook I would take him with the 8th pick. If we get Westbrook I look for the Bucs to take Kevin Lockett or Joey Kent with the 37th pick.
Offensive Line - Chris Naoele and Walter Jones are the only two lineman I would target in the first round. I would prefer Noaele at guard to provide strength to the Bucs interior running game. Ross Verba is another prospect if he falls to the third or fourth round.
Other Players the Bucs should look at:
Trevor Price 6-4, 278, 4.8 at DE. The Bucs need to rid themselves of Eric Curry. I can't count the number of times I have said, "just wait Curry will work out". Now I could just kick myself. Price is an intelligent player with a clean background - which Dungy likes.
Terry Battle 5-11, 193, unlisted at RB. The Bucs need a speedy and Terry is speedy. He also has the size that a back like Warrick Dunn lacks. Terry can probably be picked up in the fourth or fifth round.
Derrick Rogers 6-2, 227, 4.53 at OLB. The Bucs could use some depth at LB and Demetrius DuBose may or may not be the answer. Rogers is easy to coach and eager to learn. He could be a perfect fit playing at a position that will be on the bench for a few more years.
Henri Crockett 6-2, 247, 4.79 at ILB. This guy looks good for the same reasons listed above.
Here are my projections for the Bucs in the draft.
#4 - Trade up to get Bryant Westbrook, CB (trade the #8 and Rhett) #16 - Chris Naoele, G #37 - Kevin Lockett, WR #66 - Trevor Price, DE #104 - Ross Verba, G #128 - Terry Battle, RB #137 - Derrick Rogers, OLB #169 - Henri Crockett, ILB #197 - Pat Fitzgerald, TE #209 - Nathan Parks, OT
We'll have to see what happens now 'til then!
