NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Show Draft Prowess for Third Consecutive Year

The best way to judge a team’s performance in the National Football League draft is to examine player excellence at least a year after each decision day. Simply put, no NFL team should get a grade of "A" yet for 2011 choices. They should be judged from grade "B" on down until players prove their worth on the field. 

Unfortunately, labor and management disputes this year may delay the first practice snap well into the summer.

None of the teams, certainly none of the players, have much control over negotiations so it’s best just to use this time to heal and stay fit.

The performance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the past three draft years with General Manager Mark Dominik and head coach Raheem Morris at the helm has been remarkable. First, they acquired a young quarterback, Josh Freeman, who quickly became franchise material. Then they used late rounds to take a chance on overlooked stars like E. J. Biggers, Sammie Stroughter, Mike Williams, Cody Grimm and Dekoda Watson.

To build up a sagging defense in 2010 draft they wisely secured DT Gerald McCoy in the first round and DT Brian Price in the second round. This year, they added power to the line with first-round choice DE Adrian Clayborn and second-round surprise Da’Quan Bowers. Price had pelvic fracture that required surgery last year. Bowers had knee surgery prior to the 2011 draft and fell out of the top 10 picks to the second round where the Buccaneers took a chance.   

The Buccaneers will need all four defensive stars to be healthy and productive as they face the league’s toughest quarterback line up with teams they must play twice in NFC South—Drew Brees with the Saints, Matt Ryan with the Falcons and now the No. 1 2011 draft choice in Cam Newton for the Panthers. But those three teams have to deal with quarterback Josh Freeman and newly acquired talent.     

The Buccaneers acquired a gifted linebacker, Mason Foster, in Round 3 to add to the defensive focus.      

In Round 4 this year, the Buccaneers traded up to get a premier tight end, Luke Stocker, to beef up the improved offense.

Coach Raheem Morris and GM Mark Dominik commented on Stocker for www.Buccaneers.com  

“Mark continued to push the envelope,” Morris said. “When you get a Luke Stocker in the fourth round, when you can easily give him a grade of a second-round pick or arguably late first, that’s a phenomenal day.  It’s a phenomenal day by our scouting department.”

He’s got great size, he’s a great worker, he can play special teams, he catches the ball very well but he’s also a good in-line blocker,” Dominik said. “For that reason, he really complements what Kellen Winslow does and he’ll be a big asset to our football team.”

After securing Stocker, the Buccaneers went back to thinking defense to acquire Florida safety Ahmad Black. Then the team rounded out the draft with more offense beef in bruising USC running back Allen Bradford. In yet another defensive move, they acquired Florida International cornerback Anthony Gaitor. The final pick came with big Idaho tight end Daniel Hardy.

The ability of Morris and Dominik to fill needs and gaps in the previous two drafts before 2011 is unquestioned and deserves an A grade. As for this year, all judgment should lie in the results of the eight players selected once they get the opportunity to prove their abilities.  

It’s hoped by many, fans, players and coaches that training camp, preseason and the regular season go off as scheduled. 

Whenever that first snap of practice happens for the locked-out players, the Buccaneers have done much already to make the team a contender.      

For now it’s heal, stay fit and hope.    

Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com