Tenure Of One Of The Biggest Busts In Bucs History Is Over

He was the biggest in a year of defensive end busts in the NFL Draft.

He was chosen over Adrian Peterson—yes, THAT Adrian Peterson.

He was selected over Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Darrelle Revis, Michael Griffin, and Jon Beason—all Pro Bowl players.

He reminded long time Buc fans of another defensive end; no not Simeon Rice, who the Bucs envisioned him becoming, but Eric Curry, another athletic defensive end that was drafted to get to the quarterback, but lacked the strength, technique, and desire to do so.

The Bucs used to defend him, saying he still has the most sacks among his 2007 first round class. Yes, but when you're talking fellow busts Jarvis Moss, Jamaal Anderson, and Adam Carriker—that's not saying much.

In the end, the biggest impact he made was the shock around the league surrounding the decision of the Chicago Bears to give up a 2nd round draft choice in what's likely to be one of the deepest drafts in NFL history for him.

His name is Gaines Adams and he joins Curry among DE Keith McCants, DE Ron Holmes, CB Rod "Toast" Jones, DE Regan Upshaw, and OL Charles McRae in the history of Tampa Bay first round busts.

That's not even counting Bo Jackson or the quarterbacks (Vinny Testaverde and Trent Dilfer).

Adams' fall into this sinister company seems to sting a bit more for Tampa Bay. Former defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and D-line coach Rod Marinelli pushed for Adams, believing the time of Simeon Rice was over.

Head coach Jon Gruden suspected something was wrong with the kid, never smiling after the selection and making the statement, "Gaines is going to lead this league in effort!"

A red flag for all of the fans.

Sure enough, Adams had speed, but no strength. He tried to rely on his athletic ability and never developed any technique. Adams' coaches and teammates, heck even Chuck Smith's school for pass rushers, tried to help him develop, but none of that mattered. He lacked the desire to improve himself.

When he got on that field on Sundays, Adams would go back to his comfort zone, using his speed to try to get around the offensive lineman and be guided safely behind the quarterback.

The Bucs finally came to grips that the guy they were desperately relying on to bring a pass rush was never going to be that guy.

So why in the world would Chicago send a 2nd round pick for him? Do they know something we don't or does Mark Dominik have damning pictures of Jerry Angelo stashed some where?

Well, for one, Rod Marinelli's on their coaching staff and he may still believes he can save Gaines.

Best of luck to him in that futile effort.

This deal is good for the Bucs since they know they're not going anywhere this season and when you're rebuilding, you will need all the draft picks you can muster.

Don't be surprised to see another few deals done as this team continues in earnest to build for the future.

It's important that Dominik get a 2nd round pick for Adams. If he gets anything at all for Michael Clayton, he's my candidate for GM of the year.