NFL Draft Info - Tampa Bay Bucs

2009 Bucs grades are going to be hard to do. The Bucs had their moments, but most of the time it wasn't pretty. If Tampa Bay were a high school student, they would defintely be attending summer school.

Quarterback: C-

This has to be broken up into pieces, and this is much more of an individual grade. On a whole, Josh Freeman has the largest part of this grade, as he started the greatest part of the season. His 9 games earns him a C grade. Freeman got 0 reps in the offseason, and started his first game with Sammy Stroughter and Maurice Stovall as his starting wide receivers....and Freeman excelled. Any undue criticism of him needs to take that into consideration. He is better than average, but not quite fully above average yet. Josh Freeman showed us he will not be labeled a bust anytime soon, he has potential to be great. Time will tell. Josh Johnson Gets a D+. He is below average, but also shows potential. If given a quality team like say the San Diego Chargers, Josh Johnson would do well, eventually. Bryon Leftwich gets a C-. He is an average QB, and that is all he will ever be. At times he even played far below that.

Future: The QB position belongs to Josh Freeman now, and as a whole with a C grade, requires time, patience and education. A veteran Backup wouldnt hurt him either.

Running Back: Incomplete/C-

Incomplete is because the offense refused to run the ball until the last two games, and the last one too. Which tells me Greg Olsen is truely a Gruden Disciple and abandons the run if its not working instead of making it work a la  Dungy. Cadillac Williams was a candidate for the NFL Come Back player of the year. He also finished only 179 yards shy of a 1,000 yard season, and when you look at his 2006 numbers, 798 and a 3..4 average, you see he is a franchise back. These are the last two years he was a starting tailback. This year, we didnt run at all. In 2006, we stunk completely, yet still 800 yards.  Derrick Ward is a full incomplete, but he ended up with 409 yards and a 3.6 average. A better blocking line and these guys can compete with the best.

Future: Earnest Graham gets you 2 yards guaranteed. BJ Askew and Byron Storer will be back next year. This area does not need to be addressed at this time, but it wouldnt hurt if we did.

Offensive Line: D+

We simply CANNOT grade this line this year. They were told to lose weight..learn a whole new system, then abandon that system, learn the old way again, gain weight....its no wonder this line regressed this year. And oh, you lose your Center for four games in the beginning of the season, and your most promising guard is out all year with a mental health issue.  No wonder at all. Jeremy Trueblood led the league with penalties, and lowers grade.

Future: Outlook is positive here with a full offseason learning one offense and using it all year. Bucs are high on Demar Dotson and Jeremy Zuttah as reserves, and Aaron Sears coming back next season, at least they hope.

Wide Receivers: D

Simple fact is, injuries hurt the starting no.1 guy, and no one stepped up to be no.2 except a 7th round draft pick rookie. Michael Clayton gets a D-, and Antonio Bryant gets an incomplete. Weve seen what he can do when healthy, both physically and mentally. But AB let the season get to him, and his immaturity may be enough for a free pass out of Tampa Bay. Maurice Stovall Gets a D+, he did step up a little bit; since Freeman became the quarterback.

Future: This position MUST be addressed in 2010 via free agency or the draft.

Place Kicker: As a position, D, however Connor Barth gets a B. Above Average kicker after struggling a little bit at first. Barth finally gave the Bucs in 2010 what they were seeking when they let Fan Favorite Matt Bryant go after an injury filled preseason. It finally worked, But only after going through three kickers!

Future: Competition should be brought in, but its probably Barth's job to lose.

Defensive Line: F  

For the second year in a row, the leading sacker has 7 takedowns. That is simply unacceptable, and Jon Gruden was criticized when he pointed out the lack of pressure in 2006 and 2007 when this problem started. Tampa Bay, despite the change to Tampa Two, gives up a ton of yardage on the ground still. There were some small signs of promise, such as draftee Roy Miller and little heard of Kyle Moore. Tim Crowder and Jimmy Wilkerson along with Stylez G White (Sack leader) are depth potential for the next few years.

Future: A dominant Warren Sapp like Defensive Tackle who can play the three technique is a must, and Suh (I still have hope) AND McCoy both fit that bill. The draft is deep at D Linemen. Expect 3 to get drafted out of ten picks. This is our biggest need!

Linebackers: C+

Barrett Ruud finished 3rd in the league in tackles, though some say most of the tackles were 6 yards down from the line of scrimmage. One guy to really come on in the change is Geno Hayes. He has been flying around and playing great in the Tampa Two. Quincy Black will grade the lowest, but he is a first year starter, and shows potential.

Future: Free Agent Cromwell from Buffalo  never got a chance as he went on IR as the season started. Of all the defense, linebacker is probably the most stable, and its coached that way by Joe Barry.

Secondary: B- 

Only Sabby Piscitelli pulls down the grade on a whole. Ronde Barber deserves credit for making Jim Bates defense look not so bad. Barber still played with reckless abandon. When Aqib Talib's name is mentioned (He gets an A- btw) he is one of the best defensive players on the team, and in the NFL. Pro Bowls are in Talib's future. Elbert Mack gets a D+, but he is young, and will learn and provide depth. Tanard Jackson is super solid at Safety. Sabby Piscitelli gets an F+, with a plus for effort. He cannot do many of the things he is asked to do.

Future: This position needs to be addressed in the future, but is not in the top 3 other than a new safety. Should Suh and McCoy be taken and no other D lineman meets the Bucs criteria, expect Berry from Tennessee to become a Buc. Monte Kiffin all but told the Bucs should they draft Berry 1st, it would be worth it.

Punter: D+

Josh Bidwell should come back from IR and reclaim his old position. I could see a round 6 or 7 pick being used on a Punter as there are a few very solid prospects. Good field postition could go a long way in helping a very young team.

Overall: C-

3-13 is just not going to cut it. The Glazers are bringing back Raheem for 2010 because they believe he has a plan to get the Bucs back to the post-season. Raheem needs to start putting this plan into action ASAP, as this team needs to improve through the draft and through free agency. Let's just hope Raheem makes all the right moves.