When the name Dexter Jackson comes up in a discussion about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first thought that pops into the minds of most is championship glory.
They think of the Super Bowl XXXVII MVP safety who managed two magnificent interceptions in Tampa Bay's historic victory over the Oakland Raiders.
Then they remember that that Dexter Jackson is long gone and they turn their attention to last year's second round draft pick who is on the brink of becoming yet another early round wide receiver bust.
That realization is sharp and humbling.
I experienced it while sitting at the Bucs' Saturday night practice at Raymond James Stadium. As the 5'10" 185-pound Jackson sprinted down the sideline running a deep route, I remembered the seemingly wasted draft pick and was almost surprised that he bothered showing up to camp this year.
After all, his size that I listed above is a kind overstatement created by the fairy tale writers that put together Sunday programs. He seems to lack any of the physicality and toughness that it takes to be a National Football League receiver.
Jackson was drafted to be a game-changing kick returner.
His 4.27 time in the 40-yard-dash left Buccaneer scouts drooling over the premature thought of having a Devin Hester inspired figure in their arsenal. It was for this reason that they spent a valuable second round draft pick on a kick returner.
The move immediately left fans and analysts shaking their heads but this would amazingly be the high point of the decision. As the season began and progressed, Jackson was deemed useless on special teams and was replaced by undrafted free agent Clifton Smith.
The relatively unknown Smith took the job with a determined tenacity and quickly became the most explosive special teams weapon that the Bucs have had in recent memory. His electrifying touchdown in Kansas City (the second kickoff return for a touchdown in Buccaneer history) sparked the team's biggest comeback in franchise history.
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