Latest First-Round Projection...

[fieldy218]

from Mel Kiper... (not his Big Board)

1. Houston Reggie Bush, RB* USC
2. New Orleans Matt Leinart, QB USC
3. Tennessee Vince Young, QB* Texas
4. NY Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T Virginia
5. Green Bay Mario Williams, DE* NC State
6. Oakland A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio St.
7. San Francisco Michael Huff, DB Texas
8. Buffalo Haloti Ngata, DT* Oregon
9. Detroit Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt
10. Arizona DeAngelo Williams, RB Memphis
11. St. Louis Vernon Davis, TE* Maryland
12. Cleveland Chad Greenway, LB Iowa
13. Baltimore Tamba Hali, DE Penn St.
14. Philadelphia Winston Justice, T* USC
15. Atlanta Jimmy Williams, DB Virginia Tech
16. Miami Ashton Youboty, CB* Ohio St.
17. Minnesota LenDale White, RB* USC
18. Dallas Marcus McNeill, T Auburn
19. San Diego Santonio Holmes, WR* Ohio St.
20. Kansas City Tye Hill, CB Clemson
21. New England Laurence Maroney, RB* Minnesota
22. Denver (from WSH) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
23. Tampa Bay DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
24. Cincinnati Ko Simpson, DB* South Carolina
25. NY Giants Johnathan Joseph, CB* South Carolina
26. Chicago Leonard Pope, TE* Georgia
27. Carolina Dominique Byrd, TE USC
28. Jacksonville Ernie Sims, OLB* Florida St.
29. Denver Sinorice Moss, WR Miami
30. Indianapolis Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui, G USC
31. Pittsburgh Bobby Carpenter, LB Ohio St.
32. Seattle Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame

I'm not too crazy about us picking up DeMeco Ryans in the first round... what does everyone think?

[Greg in DC]

I've seen a mock draft (probably by somebody heavily influenced by Kiper) that also had us taking DeMeco Ryans.

If they are planning on having him play this year, I'm fine with it.


Am I wrong in thinking that other than QBs, most first rounders should be able to play their rookie years?

[Greg in DC]

Also, from this mock, it looks like the top 3 OT's will be gone and I guess the next tier of talented OTs aren't good enough to merit a first round pick.


If we picked DeMeco Ryans, I don't think he'll start right away.

[Greg in DC]

Judging by what these guys say, he seems to fit the Bucs idea of what a LB should be: smart and quick and a bit undersized.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/olb/demecoryans.html

[fieldy218]

Judging by what these guys say, he seems to fit the Bucs idea of what a LB should be: smart and quick and a bit undersized.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/olb/demecoryans.html

He failed to stand out during the Senior Bowl, which causes some concern for me...

from GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT:
"There was a mixed bag story at LB at this year's Senior Bowl. For example, the two top-rated LBs heading into Mobile - Chad Greenway of Iowa and DeMeco Ryans of Alabama - had very quiet days. The Hawkeyes' Greenway, who had a very good week of practice, ran well but was seldom around the ball. Ryans also showed some quickness in space, but struggled to get off blocks near the line of scrimmage and was beaten badly in coverage for a big gainer by USC TE Dominique Byrd."

from NFL Draft Countdown:
"With A.J. Hawk choosing not to take part it left the door open for Chad Greenway of Iowa and DeMeco Ryans of Alabama to really state their cases. In the end Greenway did a nice job and probably helped himself a little while Ryans failed to stand out as hoped and lost a little ground throughout the week."

[Bradentonian]

It's pretty rare for a defensive rookie to start right away on our team. Outside of OL, TE, or WR, I doubt our first rounder will start right away.

[Greg in DC]

He failed to stand out during the Senior Bowl, which causes some concern for me...

from GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT:
"There was a mixed bag story at LB at this year's Senior Bowl. For example, the two top-rated LBs heading into Mobile - Chad Greenway of Iowa and DeMeco Ryans of Alabama - had very quiet days. The Hawkeyes' Greenway, who had a very good week of practice, ran well but was seldom around the ball. Ryans also showed some quickness in space, but struggled to get off blocks near the line of scrimmage and was beaten badly in coverage for a big gainer by USC TE Dominique Byrd."

from NFL Draft Countdown:
"With A.J. Hawk choosing not to take part it left the door open for Chad Greenway of Iowa and DeMeco Ryans of Alabama to really state their cases. In the end Greenway did a nice job and probably helped himself a little while Ryans failed to stand out as hoped and lost a little ground throughout the week."


But how much stock should be put into the Senior Bowl? It is just one game with totally new teammates so things could be more confusing than usual.

But on the other hand, he really should have done better.

I saw another mock draft that has us taking Ko Simpson (S) and another taking some OLB from FSU whose name escapes me right now.

[MarleyMon81]

I wouldn't mind Ryans at #23. From what I've read about him he seems to be a nice fit in our defense and a potential heir to Brooks' WILL position. Either he or D'Qwell Jackson from Maryland would be fine late 1st picks IMO.

[TiM-GoBucs]

Ryans is way slower than other prospects coming out. He runs I think a 4.73 and he's only at like 229. I rather go with Howard and let him sit a year if needed because he brings the most upside out of any other player.

[BearLandBucFan]

I wouldn't mind Ryans at #23. From what I've read about him he seems to be a nice fit in our defense and a potential heir to Brooks' WILL position. Either he or D'Qwell Jackson from Maryland would be fine late 1st picks IMO.


I agree.

I'd rather use the potential he could bring in future than guess again at OL and get it wrong.

[JudgeDredd]

Not too bad. Im surprise we dont get an OT though. Justice still being on teh board and all. Heck depending on the combine maybe even Moss. Who knows.

[UMiamiBucFan]

I would not be surprised to see a DT or LB drafted by the Bucs. DeMeco Ryan I was very unimpressed with during the Senior Bowl. I really like Thomas Howard because he has insane speed and I was impressed with his coverage skills at the Senior Bowl. I haven't heard too much about D'Qwell Jackson. I assume he fits the Bucs LB mold? I also think we will definitely draft at least one CB on the first day. Kelly and Barber are getting up there in years and all of our defensive players need at least one year as a backup before they can become a starter. It always takes them at least a year to get acclimated to the system. Better to get them on the roster now so that we don't miss a beat when guys retire or their play drops off. Remember the difference Dwight Smith made in his second year? You know, the year we won the Super Bowl. I think he had 4 INTs as a nickelback during the season and added at least 2 more during the playoffs.

Remember, the Bucs defense depends on a penetrating DT, a speedy cover WLB, and a sure tackling secondary. I think the only positions the Bucs won't be targeting in the first round are: QB, RB, FB, WR, TE, K, P. I think we could probably use a first round talent for every position at defense (gotta think a year in advance for defensive players). And offensive linemen is a rather obvious need. I don't think it really matters what position, as we have routinely shifted players around. I think we're kinda crowded at C but guards and tackles will be a big target. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bucs wait till the 2nd or 3rd round to pick a guard tho. If we do pick a tackle, it'll probably only be if McNeil falls in the first.

[Greg in DC]

I guess if one of the top 3 tackles isn't available then we go BPA which is most likely going to be a LB/DB/WR.

We could still get a decent OT in the second round.

[Greg in DC]

Anybody think Abdul Hodge (ILB, Iowa) will be available to us late in the 2nd?

[warrensappisgod]

Ryans is way slower than other prospects coming out. He runs I think a 4.73 and he's only at like 229. I rather go with Howard and let him sit a year if needed because he brings the most upside out of any other player.

He's run a 4.63, where are you getting 4.73? Just wondering.

And while I may be the minority, I'm not putting too much stock in the Senior Bowl. Thomas Howard looked pretty average during the season(even UTEP fans don't like the guy as a better than average NFL LB), where as Ryans was a stud for a defense that carried Bama. A few practices and a glorified scrimmage later and people's opinions change greatly for some reason.

[mr.fusion]

No love for ernie sims at #23??? fastest lb in the draft, and last undersized quick lb from fsu worked out for us pretty well

[JamesWilder32]

He's run a 4.63, where are you getting 4.73? Just wondering.

And while I may be the minority, I'm not putting too much stock in the Senior Bowl. Thomas Howard looked pretty average during the season(even UTEP fans don't like the guy as a better than average NFL LB), where as Ryans was a stud for a defense that carried Bama. A few practices and a glorified scrimmage later and people's opinions change greatly for some reason.


There is no doubt that Ryans's average reported time is around 4.7, he is hardly a speedy LB prospect, I think Ernie Sims fits the prototype of what the Bucs look for in a Will LB, fast, productive, instinctive, and undersized. I would love to see us grab him at #23 or move down a few spots and would love to see us somehow move up in the 2nd and grab Tennessee DT Jesse Maholena, this guy has ALL the skills the Bucs want in their D-linemen.

[nolesfan4life]

No love for ernie sims at #23??? fastest lb in the draft, and last undersized quick lb from fsu worked out for us pretty well
the last undersized quick LB from FSU is playing Strong Safety in the Super Bowl

[JamesWilder32]

the last undersized quick LB from FSU is playing Strong Safety in the Super Bowl
I think he was saying the last FSU LB for us worked out pretty well, meaning the last one we picked up worked out well meaning Derrick Brooks. I couldn't agree more.

I'm torn between Sims and DT Maholena, I think we really need to upgrade at the undertackle position, if we can move down to get one of those two, perhaps we can use that as ammunition to get the other, I think Maholena fills the biggest need (playmaking undertackle) as #1 Booger hasn't played up to expectations and #2, it is doubtful he will be around next season with his exorbitant salary.

[Psykes]

I don't know, I just don't see Dallas taking McNeill, or I don't want to see it cuz I want him here :P!!!

Dallas should focus on FS, ILB or WR IMO. Corner is a possibility , but I just dearly hope we draft McNeill. Its about time we got some guys that could pound their opponents on the LOS.

[jahftb88]

I think he was saying the last FSU LB for us worked out pretty well, meaning the last one we picked up worked out well meaning Derrick Brooks. I couldn't agree more.

I'm torn between Sims and DT Maholena, I think we really need to upgrade at the undertackle position, if we can move down to get one of those two, perhaps we can use that as ammunition to get the other, I think Maholena fills the biggest need (playmaking undertackle) as #1 Booger hasn't played up to expectations and #2, it is doubtful he will be around next season with his exorbitant salary.

we drafted anothy bryant last yr for the line gotta give our picks some time to develop i started the moss thread looking back look at the talent at wr we are developing we don't need to gamble on some1 that could start n ends up busting when we could take some1 and mold them for next yr ie a backer who can be on the sidelines n understand that he's there to learn to have that spot when it's open and not cry becuase he was our #1 pick n he's not on the field

[mr.fusion]

I think he was saying the last FSU LB for us worked out pretty well, meaning the last one we picked up worked out well meaning Derrick Brooks. I couldn't agree more.

I'm torn between Sims and DT Maholena, I think we really need to upgrade at the undertackle position, if we can move down to get one of those two, perhaps we can use that as ammunition to get the other, I think Maholena fills the biggest need (playmaking undertackle) as #1 Booger hasn't played up to expectations and #2, it is doubtful he will be around next season with his exorbitant salary.

Thanks for clearing that up James....i just love sims, and think its time that we begin to think of our defensive future....getting older (not old, but older) at a few key positions, and would love to have sims here to learn under DB. He probably coulda used another yr in college, but let him play some special teams, and watch a la Barrett Ruud last yr....plus pairing him with Ruud gives us two young lbs and could potentially shore up that position for the next few yrs...

[warrensappisgod]

There is no doubt that Ryans's average reported time is around 4.7, he is hardly a speedy LB prospect, I think Ernie Sims fits the prototype of what the Bucs look for in a Will LB, fast, productive, instinctive, and undersized. I would love to see us grab him at #23 or move down a few spots and would love to see us somehow move up in the 2nd and grab Tennessee DT Jesse Maholena, this guy has ALL the skills the Bucs want in their D-linemen.

All I'm saying is that what I'm reading says he has run a 4.63 and asking where he was getting 4.73. I'm not saying he's a speedy LB by any means, but his quickness is fine, his instincts are great, and if you watched him this year he looked comfortable dropping back into coverage which I think is more important in our system than a 40 time. Heck, even some of the people who keep talking about how slow Ryans 40 is and how he'd never make it in our scheme, want D'Qwell who isn't much faster timed or on the field. I don't get it.

I also like Mehelona. Watching him his junior season, he was THE biggest impact DT in the nation IMO. He had an above average year last season, but he's capable of doing great things in our system. The potential for that dominant UT we need is definitely there.

[JamesWilder32]

we drafted anothy bryant last yr for the line gotta give our picks some time to develop i started the moss thread looking back look at the talent at wr we are developing we don't need to gamble on some1 that could start n ends up busting when we could take some1 and mold them for next yr ie a backer who can be on the sidelines n understand that he's there to learn to have that spot when it's open and not cry becuase he was our #1 pick n he's not on the field

Bryant was a 6th round pick for us last season AND even if he does play above and beyond the potential that he has that some teams didn't think enough of to even have him on their draft board, he is still a 330 lb plugger that can ONLY play NT in our system, I am talking about an entirely different position, undertackle. Bryant neither has the quickness or skills to ever be an effective UT in the NFL. The two best UTs in the past 20 years have been Jon Randle and Warren Sapp, the best 2 now are Tommie Harris and Rod Coleman, what do the two have in common? Speed, not exactly one of Bryant's assets.

I think Ernie Sims would be great, I like him far more (as a coverage guy and perfect fit for our D) than Ryans, but that being said I know that dominating an offense starts up front with the DL, Maholena can be a terror with the pass rush and against the run, Bryant is at best a big guy that can stuff the run.

[FLA-ORGator666]

Bryant was a 6th round pick for us last season AND even if he does play above and beyond the potential that he has that some teams didn't think enough of to even have him on their draft board, he is still a 330 lb plugger that can ONLY play NT in our system, I am talking about an entirely different position, undertackle. Bryant neither has the quickness or skills to ever be an effective UT in the NFL. The two best UTs in the past 20 years have been Jon Randle and Warren Sapp, the best 2 now are Tommie Harris and Rod Coleman, what do the two have in common? Speed, not exactly one of Bryant's assets.

I think Ernie Sims would be great, I like him far more (as a coverage guy and perfect fit for our D) than Ryans, but that being said I know that dominating an offense starts up front with the DL, Maholena can be a terror with the pass rush and against the run, Bryant is at best a big guy that can stuff the run.
Totaly right. When the Bucs D was at its best, was when we had that great pass rush from the middle form Sapp. If we can get a nice, fast UT that can get some pressure inside, then our DEs will have a much easier time getting to the QB, hopefully causing more turnovers and easier scoring opertunities for our offense.

[Airborne Eagle]

Eagles won't draft a tackle in the first round.

I think they go DL in the first and OLB in the second, unless a prime LB drops.

[JudgeDredd]

I wouldnt mind Ryans, he looks great. But if we could trade down- say to the jags or colts so they can get ryan and we can get sims + pick, i'd perfer that. Either could succeed, but I just think Sims will be special in Tampa.

[all-downhill]

why does pittsburgh need a linebacker.

[Airborne Eagle]

They're like Rich Kotite and his fascination with TEs.

Can't get enough of em.