Bucs coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs wanted to get an explosive playmaker on offense and found that player in round two with WR Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State... don't know him... the Michigan fans know him too well as he had a good game to start the Wolverines horrible year last season. He is explosive and will need time to develop but has a ton of ability http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have taken a chance... CB Aqib Talib at #20. He has the ability but he has some major character and marijuana concerns. He has the size and ball skills to excel with the Cover 2 defense. Dangerous pick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net With the draft approaching the Chiefs have decided to shop franchise DE Jared Allen, and there is interest. The Vikings and Bucs are the most interested but the Jaguars could be as well. It's not known what the Chiefs will demand in return, but it will include a first rounder this year and likely a third as well, or better next year. Allen had 15.5 sacks last year and is one of the top ends in the league, but also one strike away from a one year suspension so there is risk in trading away a couple of high picks and of course the huge long term deal he wants for someone that close to being gone. Not that that will stop someone from trading for him. The move would give the Chiefs more options as they could take Vernon Gholston to replace him at #5 and get a tackle with the first round pick they get in return, or get a lineman at #5 - Jake Long if a miracle happened or more likely Branden Albert or Ryan Clady and then target one of the ends or corners later in the first. The extra picks would certainly give them more options for rebuilding the team http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The NFL draft is a crapshoot and the 2008 version appears to be a little more than usual. No true #1 pick, some safer picks, some with more upside.... then there is the one constant, the danger of drafting a wide receiver in round one. Rookie receivers usually do not make a big impact, junior wide receivers may be flashy choices but are even more dangerous. This year the name moving up the charts is Devin Thomas... who? He is from Michigan State and a one year wonder. Let's see a junior with only one year of production, runs fast and has good size.. shoot him up the board.... danger! What about a couple receivers who were consider near the top - Mario Manningham and Malcolm Kelly - both juniors and both falling down the boards. Neither ran a quality 40 time, but they have excuses. Those are part of the problem. Manningham lied about failing drug tests in college, then admitted to it and then sounded like an idiot on a national radio show. He clearly doesn't get it, but it appears NFL GM's do and there is little chance he goes in round one now. Kelly didn't run well and blamed his school for changing the surface he was to run on.... you see he had special shoes and everything. Ok this shoe thing is true of everyone now a days (ugh) but to come out and bash the school was an immature and dumb move on his part. Why do people get so caught up on a 40 time of someone on a track with special shoes when they have been preparing to run this drill for months. Are they ever asked to run the 40 without pads and in tracks shoes during a game? Jerry Rice ran a 4.55 40 coming out of college but didn't look that slow when the speedy Redskins corner Darrell Green was chasing him... who really cares. I understand it has some value but it is far too overrated. How many times do receivers run in the 4.3s and then you hear people say that team needs receivers you can stretch the field and their current group isn't getting it done. The 40 speed doesn't make them a deep threat. Even better there have been top track guys playing receiver in the NFL and referred to as more of a possession guy... not saying the assessment was wrong but pointing out they were track stars just a couple years ago... NFL speed is different than track speed. Being fast at one doesn't make you fast at the other, get it? There are plenty of teams needing a receiver and some will reach for one, more will regret than will rejoice and fans will be excited in April and forget their names in October... such is life in the NFL in April http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Raiders will have a new starting center next year after signing former Bucs center John Wade Monday. Wade was on the short end in Tampa after they overpaid for Jeff Faine earlier in free agency. Jake Grove will push Wade for the job http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs keep signing adding former Patriots safety Eugene Wilson who can also play corner and may fit well at that spot in the Tampa 2 defense. He signed a one year deal to try and improve his stock http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs keep at free agency adding former 49ers DE Marques Douglas to a 4 year deal. Douglas can play the power end spot in a 4-3 and slide inside to DT especially on passing down. He is 31 years old but coming off a very productive season and gets good penetration to make plays on the other side of the line but is not a big sacks guy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have brought a popular player, RB Warrick Dunn has signed a 2 year $6 million deal to return to his first team. Dunn is near the end of a great career but could be energized in Jon Gruden's offense and be a solid role player. The Bucs also signed former 49ers WR Antonio Bryamt to a one year deal for the league minimum. He will get one more chance to prove himself. He has the talent and even more issues to go with it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Lions are really raiding their familiarity with the Bucs player. Now they have signed CB Brian Kelly to a 3 year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs lost a tight end and replaced him the same day signing former Titans TE Ben Troupe to a 2 year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Rams have resigned guard Adam Goldberg and added former Bucs TE Anthony Becht http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Lions are looking hard at Tampa... and have signed restricted free agent safety Kalvin Pearson to a 3 year $3.5 million offer sheet. The Bucs have a week to match but would get no compensation if they don't since he signed as an undrafted free agent http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have added another linebacker, former Eagles LB Matt McCoy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Lions are working on their secondary resigning CB Travis Fisher and meeting with Bucs CB Brian Kelly who head coach Rod Marinelli knows from their days in Tampa http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed former Lions LB Teddy Lehman to a one year deal. Lehman was mostly a disappointment in Detroit, but the Bucs will take a one year chance on the speedy linebacker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net SUrprise surprise the Bears completed a trade for QB Brian Griese, sending him back to Tampa for a draft pick in 2009. If the deal wasn't reached he would have been released later today, but the Bucs as usual love to acquire quarterbacks http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Dolphins have been active in remaking their roster signing Texans LB Charlie Anderson to a 3 year contract, Raiders QB Josh McCown to a 2 year deal, Titans DT Randy Starks to a 5 year deal and Giants LB Torbor to a four-year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Broncos tried to trade WR Javon Walker (who cost them a 2nd round pick just 2 years ago) but with no buyers they have released him to avoid a $5.4 million roster bonus next week. Dallas has been mentioned as an interested team but there will be plenty more, Cleveland and Tampa among them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Saints are not done and they are shopping on the corner now... yes with the Patriots but not only Samuel, they are also looking at Randall Gay and Drayton Florence. Gay is also getting interest from Tampa, Seattle and Atlanta http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The NFC South may keep former Falcons DT Rod Coleman who is visiting with the Panthers today. The Bucs were also interested and visited with him earlier. He would make sense in both places, the Panthers needing to replace Kris Jenkins could move quick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Free agency always make some scratch their head at the over priced deals and players who get picked on the previous get hyped up. For the moment we pick former Cowboys corner Jacques Reeves who is far too popular on the first day of free agency with the Bucs, Saints, Rams, Chiefs and Texans all in hot pursuit of someone who will play with a target on his back. Funny the Saints are in it, didn't they have the same thing happen last year with Jason David. If he goes to Tampa or Kansas City he may ft better in their Tampa 2 defense which won't make him run and cover deep as much http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs are keeping busy trying to set up more visits... Cowboys CB Jacques Reeves, Vikings RB Mewelde Moore, 49ers DT Marques Douglas, and linebackers Demorrio Williams and Niko Koutouvides http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed former Bears TE John Gilmore to a 3 year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs continue to improve their offensive line, landed former Saints center Jeff Faine who will become one of the highest paid centers in the league. The comedy here is the Browns signed LeCharles Bentley a couple of years ago and made him the highest paid center (how did that work out) and Faine went to New Orleans to replace him. Now the Saints lose him to Tampa... in the end the Browns would have been much better locking Faine up to a much cheaper long term deal two years ago http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Philadelphia Eagles are the early favorite for Patriots CB Asante Samuel, but the Saints and Bucs are players too. The Saints interest may be fading a bit and that would be good for the Eagles but the Bucs have more cap room than anyone so they certainly can make a big offer and put a lot of money up front http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs are looking for a tight end in free agency and while they have checked into Alge Crumpler, keep an eye on the Saints Eric Johnson who is an excellent receiving tight end and capable blocker as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs released aging veteran defensive ends Kevin Carter and Greg Spires http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Detroit Lions have signed former Vikings safety Dwight Smith to a 2 year $5 million deal according to the Detroit Free Press. Smith will reunite with coach Rod Marinelli and defensive coordinator Joe Barry who were all in Tampa together http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs may be interested in Broncos WR Javon Walker, who wants out of Denver. According to the Tampa Tribune the Bucs are rumored to be looking into the trade to improve their wide receiver position http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net All the rumors and in the end defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will be staying with the Bucs... not joining his son in Oakland or heading to Atlanta. He has agreed to a contract extension with the Bucs http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Not much in the way of surprises in the award season as today Bill Belichick was named as the AP coach of the year. He won with 29 votes, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was second with 15 of the 50 available votes. You can talk about spygate if want, but seriously they went 16-0.... who else did more than that? The Packers 13-3 season was great, but even a 15-1 season is a long ways from 16-0! Sygate happened during the first game and had no effect on the rest of the year. Belichick without doubt deserved the award and if anything we are surprised he didn't get more votes! Dallas' Wade Phillips and Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio each got 2 votes, and Indianapolis' Tony Dungy and Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden got one each to round out the voting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net After three weeks there are plenty of surprises but the 0-3 Rams have got to be at or near the top of the list! Tampa Bay was impressive in a 24-3 win. The Bucs defense let Steven Jackson get on track for the first time this year gaining 115 yards but intercepted Marc Bulger 3 times. Along with 182 yards of rushing on their own the Bucs took the game easily. Cadillac Williams had trouble with his ribs but Earnest graham was impressive backing him up. The Rams have got serious issues, we knew there would be questions on defense but the offense has been AWOL. Remember though that the Bucs defense has always played well against he Rams would be powerful offense. The Rams are nearing the critical stage and have to find some answers in practice this week http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Before the season everyone was on the Saints bandwagon... two weeks in most have jumped ship following a 31-14 thumping by the Bucs. The Saints out gained them on offense but were scoreless at the half as their defense gave up 21 points. Emotion carried them last year, now we see their secondary still has some gaping holes and despite two excellent ends isn't enough to overcome that. The stats are interesting for the Bucs in that Jeff Garcia completed only 10 passes but they went for 243 yards and 2 TDs, and it was the same for Cadillac Williams who gained 61 yards on 24 carries but also had two scores. Joey Galloway takes the prize with 4 catches for 135 yards and 2 TDs. Think the Saints are still happy with Robert Meecham in round one? They could use some help in the secondary and quick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Fans in Tampa were pretty happy to start the day, but they weren't cheering by the end. The Bucs looked pretty good early but lost both Jeff Garcia and Cadillac Williams and then of course the game to the Seahawks who got it rolling in the second half http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Denver Broncos constantly seem to be working on the defensive line they are never happy with. This time they signed for Bucs DE Simeon Rice, to add to the pass rush. Rice signed a one year deal so same thing next year as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net After the Eagles released MLB Jeremiah Trotter there was rumors of retirement, but he found a surprising new home in Tampa Bay with the Bucs where he will try to help shore up the run defense in a Tampa 2 defense he doesn't seem to fit too well in. Look for more rotating of linebackers than you are used to http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Seahawks lost a lineman and so they added another veteran to the D line, Ellis Wyms who was released by the Bucs http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Jeremiah Trotter who was released this week by the Eagles worked out for the Bucs. It wouldn't appear he fits their defensive scheme but would add some bulk on early downs to stop the run http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Bucs rookie guard Arron Sears had to be carted off the practice field today with an ankle injury. No word on the severity yet http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Tampa Bay Bucs have traded an undisclosed draft pick next year to the New York Jets (likely conditional 7th round pick) for LB Jerry Mackey who they had originally signed as a rookie free agent http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net A big but not totally surprising move in Tampa as the Bucs released DE Simeon Rice just after sign Gaines Adams to be his replacement. Adams was the 4th pick in this years draft and signed his contract this morning. There was talk of using him in pass rush situation this year, but speculation had Rice leaving making room in the starting lineup for a player just given over $18 million guaranteed http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed the #4 pick in this year's draft and will have in camp on time. ESPN reports the deal is for 6 years and maxes out at $46 million, with $18.56 million guaranteed. The Bucs hope he can help the team increase the pressure on opposing QBs and become a fixture as their rush end, a spot held by Simeon Rice for years http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net So Jeff Garcia is the QB of the moment for the Bucs, but they are after Dauntee Culpepper and have Chris Simms backing up Garcia now as well. Not so sure Dauntee would be a good fit with coach Gruden, the Falcons look like a better choice but we doubt he'd start for either team opening day. Certainly both team would give him an opportunity eventually though. Jacksonville is possible as well, but that wouldn't be to calm a situation http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net There is a challenge in Tampa, head coach Jon Gruden has said that Jeff Garcia has a big lead towards being the starting QB. The younger guys now have to catch the old timer who played so well in Philly last year. Simms has the potential but Garcia fits the offense and Gruden well. If he can find the success he had with the 49ers and Eagles, Gruden may have found his man in Tampa http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs got day two of the draft off on the right foot getting CB/S Tanard Jackson who had great value at the spot and could outplay second round pick Sabby Piscitelli. With their last pick they got RB Kenneth Darby, who will be a good addition http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs take another offensive lineman this year, in round two selecting Arron Sears he can play anywhere on the line giving them some versatility http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Tampa Bay Bucs took DE Gaines Adams #4 overall. The Bucs wanted Calvin Johnson but in Gaines Adams they got the premier pass rusher in the draft and with Simeon Rice getting up there in years Adams will be a good replacement. They still may be working a trade, but if not Buc fans have to be happy with Adams to get back to the feared defense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Tampa Bay Bucs will release standout LB Shelton Quarles before the draft on Saturday after he failed a physical with the team. The move isn't a surprise, but the loss of a top defender will be felt. Quarles still wants to play and it's not out of the question he could return before training camp to the Bucs on a minimal contract with incentives http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have added some veteran depth signing CB Duane Starks and tackle Cornell Green to one year deals according to ESPN. Starks played in three games last year for the Raiders but ever since signing with the Cardinals in free agency in 2002 he has never been the player he was during his first four years in the league with the Ravens. Green is a solid backup but nothing more http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed former Colts LB Cato June. The deal according to ESPN is for 3 years and is worth $12 million. June is an excellent fit in the Cover 2 defense and will now pair with Derrick Brooks to help improve the Bucs average at best defense of last year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net First Jake Plummer retired, granted he didn't want to go to Tampa or maybe he just had other things to do on Sunday's, but now the Broncos have lost a nearly 350 pound tackle named Dan Wilkinson. He was traded to the Broncos from Miami but now Wilkinson is not returning calls from either team according to ESPN. He needs to pass a physical by Friday to complete the trade but that doesn't seem likely now... the teams can extend that but next time the Broncos should stay out of the state of Florida http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Steelers have signed former Bucs guard Sean Mahan to a 5 year $17 million deal with a $4 million signing bonus according to ESPN. Mahan can play guard or center and will give the Steelers some flexibility in replacing Jeff Hartings who retired http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed well traveled DT Lance Legree to add depth along the line. Legree is a versatile player which will help his bid to make the team http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Seattle Seahawks are still searching for a left guard. According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Bucs free agent guard Sean Mahan will be in for a visit this week http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement with former Giants OLT Luke Petitgout according to the NFL Network, no details were available http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Dolphins DE Kevin Carter who will help ease the loss of Dewayne White along with Patrick Chukwurah who was signed earlier. Carter can play both end and tackle and that versatility will help the Bucs. The Titans had been trying to bring in back after the Dolphins released him. He had played four years with the Titans before they released him and he went to the Dolphins in 2005 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have restructured WR Joey Galloway contract. The new deal is for 3 years an $7.5 million, with $3.1 million guaranteed according to the NFL Network http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Jets FB B.J. Askew. They are also looking to add a center very soon, Al Johnson and Jeremy Newberry have been mentioned http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Detroit Lions have signed former Bucs DE Dewayne White to a 5 year $29 million contract according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network. White was expected to sign with the Lions, the only surprise is it took this long to complete. Rod Marinelli wanted to make some changes to bring in players that fit his system and White was a player he coached in Tampa before getting the job with the Lions. The Lions are not making the flashy moves but they are doing an excellent job of getting players that fit a need http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Broncos QB ended the trade to the Bucs by announcing he would retire instead. The Bucs response.... so what we'll trade for him anyway. They traded a conditional 2008 draft pick to the Broncos basically to maintain his rights http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net It didn't take the Bucs long to get over Jake Plummer, agreeing to terms with former Eagles QB Jeff Garcia Saturday morning. He will compete with Chris Simms for the starting job http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Raiders and QB Jeff Garcia are at a stalemate according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and Garcia will be exploring other options while the Raiders look around as well. Garcia has the Bucs, Texans and possibly Broncos interested as well. Though the Broncos will likely be looking for a less expensive option such as Brad Johnson with their money going other places in an active start to free agency. The Raiders have the first pick in the draft but no veteran QB to help the transition for JaMarcus Russell if projections are right. At this point it may be the Bucs that show that most interest and try to get a deal done quickly after losing out on Jake Plummer http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed former Broncos LB Patrick Chukwurah to a 5 year contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Now that the Jake Plummer deal is dead the Bucs are looking to Jeff Garcia who is in Oakland today. The Bucs will push hard but look for the Raiders to lock him up where he would work with Greg Knapp who also coached him when they were both with the 49ers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Lions have been busy and are looking to replace James Hall with Bucs DE Dewayne White, who head coach Rod Marinelli knows from his days in Tampa. Don't be surprised to see this deal done today http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net According to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter Broncos QB Jake Plummer has decided to retire and that will cancel the trade to Tampa Bay http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs are getting off to a fast start in free agency, Vikings LB Napolean Harris and Cowboys center Al Johnson are coming for a visit Friday along with the trade for Jake Plummer things are moving quick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs are close to acquiring QB Jake Plummer from th e Denver Broncos in return for a 4th round pick. The Bucs wanted a veteran QB to compete with Chris Simms, but most assumed Plummer was headed to Houston http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Buccaneers have resigned CB Phillip Buchanon who they picked up during the season last year and played well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net According to ESPN Bengals guard Eric Steinbach is visiting Cleveland, follwed by Tampa Bay and Seattle if he isn't yet signed http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have released ORT Kenyatta Walker. Drafted six years ago to be the team's left tackle he was a major disappointment and hung on as a right tackle the last few year. If not for cap reasons he would have been gone after a couple years. He can be a solid backup for some team. He will be replaced by last years second round pick Jeremy Trueblood http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs have resigned FB Mike Alstott to a one year deal. There was speculation he would retire and the team was ready to move on, but now there is one more year for the bruiser http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Cleveland Browns won the coin toss Friday for the #3 spot overall in the NFL Draft. The Tampa Bay Bucs will be drafting fourth http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Bucs FB Mike Alstott is still considering playing in 2007 but according to the St. Petersburg Times he doesn't appear to be in the teams plans any more http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Bengals guard Eric Steinbach figures to be popular and well paid come next month. There are many reports as to teams that are interested, none include Cincinnati who is moving on. The Browns are an obvious team with their troubles on the line and the fact they have plenty of cap room. Peter King had reported during the season of the 49ers interest, though we question that. The Cardinals, Bills, Bears, Cowboys, Lions and Bucs all figure to show interest, among others who will take a look http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net The Bucs will have Chris Simms back at quarterback this year, but for him to improve he will need help. He needs more weapons to throw to badly. Mark Clayton had a great rookie year catching 80 balls for over 1,100 yards and 7 TDs, but in the last two years combined he has 65 catches for just over 700 yards and one measly touchdown. He hasn't shown a commitment to football and is wearing the bust label. The Bucs need a top receiver and drafting either 3rd or 4th they could have a shot at Calvin Johnson, who would be a perfect choice. He has great size, hands and maybe most important dedication. Sims will also need to be protected better this year. Last year he took a beating which resulted in a ruptured spleen. We have seen some bad lines before but that hurts. We guarantee David Carr won't want to play here if the Texans give up on him. He is used to taking a beating and may consider his health and pocketbook http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net WR David Boston has signed with the Bucs hoping to revive his career. Once one of the most feared receivers not too many years ago he has struggled with injuries and what seems more interest in body building than football. He has had some personal issues as well and won't ever regain his old form he had in Arizona and for a year in San Diego but he is trying to prove to himself maybe while picking up a paycheck. He almost made it with the Bucs but was cut before the season started and bets are for the same thing this year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8 PFInsider.net Bucs LB Jamie Winborn told the Pewter Report that he is planning to opt out of his contract and become a free agent if the Bucs don't want to do a longer term deal. Oh how we love these NFL contracts. Winborn signed a 5 year deal last off season and now is opting out if they don't make a long term commitment. Of course structure is everything but if we were commissioner for a day, contracts would be the first place we'd start. Way too many BS contracts out there and then of course the rookie deals. We'd follow the NBA on that one, much better idea. Winborn couldn't make his way onto the field on defense much getting only 6 tackles on defense according to the report. While it mentions he was finally able to stay healthy something he has never done before, we would observe it's a bit hard to get injured on the sidelines| He is undersized and is really more of a safety playing linebacker. He showed great promised when healthy with the 49ers, was traded to the Jags where he got hurt and then landed with the Bucs. His only hope at getting on the field with the Bucs is the age of the current starters and his prospects around the league are not much better http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=8