Staying put not so bad

Are we the only ones who are beginning to think the Bucs aren't going anywhere and just might stay at No. 4?

With each day comes another rumor that another team is making a play to move up. Today's latest rumor has the Broncos making a push to swap picks with Detroit at No. 2 overall.

As for the Bucs, there is little evidence that points to a deal getting done to move them up in the draft. The price to acquire Oakland's No. 1 pick looks to be exhorbitant and probably not worth it. And moving up to No. 2 doesn't guarantee Tampa Bay a shot at Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, unless the deal is made on draft day after the Raiders pick and Johnson is still available.

But how about this: stay at No. 4 and take your pick of the players who fall to you. We're talking, potentially, the likes of Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Gaines Adams, Brady Quinn, and maybe (it's a loooong shot, but still) Johnson. And staying put allows the Bucs to retain their two second-round picks which could net them some nice pickups, too.

Tampa Bay has all sorts of needs that can't be ignored. Giving up picks that will allow an aging defense to grow younger and a unimposing offense to add some firepower doesn't exactly sound like the smartest move when you really think about.

So, knowing this, don't go into Saturday expecting a big deal. Not saying one won't be made, but from where we sit, this is far from a slam dunk.

Now, assuming Tampa Bay stays at No. 4, and JaMarcus Russell and Calvin Johnson are off the board, who would you pick? Quinn, Peterson, Adams, Thomas or someone else? Tough choice but certainly not a bad problem to have.

Tell us what you think.

And don't forget to check out Tuesday's paper when we'll tackle the notion of the two-running back system and whether the Bucs might be tempted to take a shot at Peterson.

Comments

[jack]

Actually I think the BUCS have the leverage over the Lions. If the Lions still want eitehr Thomas or Adams tey cannot afford to drop below the #4 pick. Washington doesn't have the day 1 picks to do they trade, so if the Lions want some value and the prospect of picking Thomas or Adams they need to trade with the BUCS. So, if CJ is still on the board trade the #4 pick and the 3rd round pick to the Lions. If they don't accept that - stay at #4.

[Matt S.]

Please oh please oh please stop bringing up Gaines Adams. Defensive end is not nearly as big a need as defensive tackle, and Amobi Okoye is the perfect fit. Given the Tampa Two system, safety nor cornerback are necessarily first round needs, but LaRon Landry is the best defensive player in the draft and would be an incredible gift for Monte Kiffin. Please, just stop bringing up Gaines Adams, Adrian Peterson, or any quarterback. It's just nonsense.

[Matt Millen]

Just to let you know we will be taking Calvin Johnson at #2. I realize your coach down there wants to be married to Mr. Johnson so please select Joe Thomas at #4, include Chris Simms (Garcia,Plummer are good enough for you) and throw in your first second round selection (#35). I will include two of our five fifth round picks so you won't feel completely violated. This is my last chance to do something as a GM so consider the deal. You know you want our Johnson.

[fuber]

Is it so crazy to think we draft peterson and get back to "Buc ball"? Just run over teams with Simms throwing the occasional long ball to Galloway. Work in Garcia in a dull QB role. Gruden is an offensive genius, right? Why not? That'd be awesome, but I don't think our O-line is good enough. Plus, it might take some time to get that kind of offense going.. something Gruden doesn't have.

[al davis]

Dear Jon and Bruce, Isn't it ironic that just as my draft pics I screwed you out of are gone, its time to get some more. This is just too easy. Boys, you have been much more valuable to me as Bucs than you ever were as Raiders.

Respectfully, Al Davis

[Lou Johnson]

Go with the big guy from Wisconsin, Thomas. I've been a fan since '76 and have suffered through some incredibly bad O-lines, enough holding or tripping penalties killing drives to keep me awake until my dying day. Lots of "look out" blocking too. We have the beginnings of a good, young O-line on the right side, shore up the left and enjoy the turn around in the Bucs.

Lou Johnson