NFL Draft 2011: Mike Pouncey Is Perfect for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mark Dominik says we shouldn't pigeonhole the Buccaneers, whatever that means.

Sounds like he's a bit miffed by every pretend draft (like that designation?) that has the Bucs taking a defensive end in the first round.

Fine—let's just surprise everyone with our own "pretend pick" in the first round.

With the 20th selection in the NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Mike Pouncey, center, the University of Florida.

Yes, we'll take Maurkice's twin brother, thank you. But we're going to take this 6'4", 310-pounder and start him at guard for your Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He can also back up starting center Jeff Faine, who Dominik has said will be back in 2011, if the 2011 NFL season actually starts on time.

You start reading the scouting reports on Pouncey and it's all good. National Football Post declares:

"His combination of initial burst and power really makes him effective as an in-line blocker...comfortable on the move, takes good angles in space."

If you recall his junior year at Florida, he was incredible when he played at the guard position. The only knock on him was his issues with the shotgun snap when he was moved to center.

Fact is, the guy is a natural guard, and that's where he should play.

The bonus is if Faine rips his bicep again, if there's a season—and Faine sure seems to be injury-prone—Pouncey could slide right in at center if needed, although Jeremy Zuttah did a nice job there last season.

Dominik has hinted that these days, it all seems to be about Josh Freeman and his development.

Protecting Freeman is a high priority.

Which would make Pouncey a very sensible pick.

Wouldn't it?