Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head for the Proverbial Chinese Fire Drill

If you believe the email from Drew Brees to his teammates, then lo and behold (keep your fingers crossed), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be open for business as early as Wednesday and players will report to camp on Thursday.

It all became a done deal Monday afternoon when Roger Goodell went over to see the lads at teh NFLPA and they all made nice faces at the joint press conference.

The NFLPA recommended passage of the CBA proposal today and One Buccaneer Palace could open for business on Wednesday, players could show up voluntarily and vote on union re-certification. Right now in the staggered NFL camp opening, the Bucs will open up in three days.

Mark Dominik's order of business will perhaps look like this:

1. Sign 10 to 20 undrafted free agents.

2. Sign his own free agents.

3. Look at possible veteran free agents.

4. Sign draft picks.

Things are going to be fast and furious starting today, Monday, which means we can cease and desist on speculation and take a solid look at how this young team will be reshaped for the 2011 season. Teams can start talking to unrestricted free agents and draft picks today and can begin signing them at noon on Tuesday.

We will out quickly the answer to the $51 question: To Ruud or not to Ruud, that is the question. Odds are that they will sign Ruud. This lockout has helped Ruud; it plays into his hands. It's doubtful the Bucs would want to start camp with a new middle linebacker.

We will quickly find out if Davin Joseph is staying here. Same with Jeremy Trueblood, Cadillac Williams and the rest of the team's free agents.

Then it will get REAL interesting.

The Bucs have so much money to spend that even if they re-sign everyone, they still have a lot of bucks to spend.

So here are two words for you:

Ahmad Bradshaw.

Here's a guy who is young and productive and fits the need for a solid third round and change-of-pace running back.

Here are other areas that need fortification:

1. Defensive end. Are you really going to start two rookie defensive ends?

2. Wide receiver. Yes, the starters are great, but a little veteran depth would only help Josh Freeman.

3. Defensive tackle: With the injury to Brian Price, they need depth here.

4. Long snapper: Forgot about this one, didn't you? Andrew Economos is injured.

5. Offensive line: It will depend on the possible re-signing of Joseph and Trueblood.

So finally, at last, the nonsense should end quickly.

And guess what? Your Bucs go to Kansas City for their first preseason game in 18 days.

Talk about a Chinese fire drill.