Aqib Talib gives the Bucs a young cornerback on a
pretty good defense. He will likely back up veterans Ronde Barber and Phillip
Buchanon to start with.
Round 1, Pick 20 (20) Aqib Talib CB 6'1" 202 Kansas
Looking to get younger in their secondary, and finally considering what life may
be like without Ronde Barber, the Bucs goes with Talib. At 6-foot-1, Talib is a
physical corner who will compete for a starting spot now that Brian Kelly has
left for Detroit.
Round 2, Pick 27 (58) (From Jaguars) Dexter Jackson WR 5'10" 182 Appalachian State
Jackson is an excellent return man with tremendous speed, a 4.33 in the 40. He
didn't catch a lot of passes at Appalachian State, but that's because they are
not a passing offense. He has the ability to make big plays. He averaged
16.8-yards on 110 receptions.
Round 3, Pick 20 (83) Jeremy Zuttah OG 6'4" 303 Rutgers
Versatility is the key here as the Buccaneers add depth to their offensive line.
Zuttah played tackle in college but he is a possiblity at both guard and center
in the pros.
Round 4, Pick 16 (115)
(From Dolphins through Bears) Dre Moore DT 6'4" 305 Maryland
Moore is a guy who is comfortable in either the 3-4, or 4-3. He is strong and
fast and is a very appealing value at this point in the draft. He also has a
mean streak and can play tough in the trenches. His size and strength make him a
force at the tackle position.
Round 5, Pick 25 (160)
(From Chargers through Patriots) Josh Johnson QB 6'3" 198 San Diego
Another year, another quarterback for th Bucs. The Bucs have a lot of
quarterbacks on their roster, but you pull the trigger anytime you have a chance
to take one who can develop into a potential starter. He's not a great passer,
but has excellent athleticism for a quarterback and is a good scrambler.
Round 6, Pick 9 (175) (From Bears) Geno Hayes ILB 6'1" 226 Florida State
The 6-1, 235 pound linebacker has great speed and quickness and is a reliable
tackler. He can play inside or outside in the NFL and is a great hitter.
Round 7, Pick 31 (238) (From Patriots) Cory Boyd RB 6'1" 213 South Carolina
Boyd is a very good receiver coming out of the backfield. He has solid hands and
is also effective on draws.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 NFL Preview
Solid offense, excellent
defense, but Chuckie never puts together back-to-back seasons. The
Bucs won the division last year without Cadillac Williams, and this
year they bring back Warrick Dunn to blast some holes. Jeff Garcia
does ok in the Bucs dink and dunk offense, but that offense is not
what any of us would call explosive. They will again rely on the
number 2 defense in the nation to try to keep atop the division.
That is a dangerous game to play year after year, but for the Bucs
it seems to work.
Offense: The Bucs had a much better offense behind Jeff
Garcia last year and he gets Joey Galloway back healthy and adds WR
Dexter Jackson as well. The return of Cadillac Williams and the
power of Warrick Dunn should provide for a formidable running game
along with Earnest Graham.
Defense: The linebackers are the heart and soul of the
defense. With Cato June an Barrett Ruud leading the way, and Ronde
Barber still leading the DB's and the addition of Aqib Talib the
Bucs should remain strong against the passing game and could be near
the top again in overall defense.
Overall: The veterans the Bucs have and the amazing defense
should make for a very good season, however no one ever seems to
repeat in this division. The Bucs will still be very good, but most
likely won't repeat and could challenge for a wild card spot.
That said,
there’s something unsettling about this team. There has been too
much inconsistency from year to year in Tampa Bay
