Bucs have private meeting with Josh Johnson

Bucs quarterbacks coach Greg Olson is having a private meeting today in San Diego with quarterback Josh Johnson.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Johnson is becoming a darling of the NFL draft. At the University of San Diego, he dominated Div. I-AA competition with 43 touchdowns and one interception -- one that bounced off the chest of his tight end and into the hands of a defender. He also was the MVP of the East-West Shrine game.

Johnson was the fastest quarterback at the NFL scouting combine by running a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. But he suffered some back spasms afterward and struggled in throwing drills.

He redeemed himself last week at his pro day, which was attended by about 20 teams, including Carolina coach John Fox and Chargers coach Norv Turner.

Nobody has been a bigger advocate for Johnson than Doug Williams, the Bucs' pro personnel assistant.

The Bucs already have six quarterbacks on the roster -- Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski and even Jake Plummer. To say the least, coach Jon Gruden doesn't have a history of developing young quarterbacks.

With only five draft picks, it's hard to fathom the Bucs taking a quarterback. But it's obvious they believe Johnson may become a special player. Right now, he projected to go in the third round, but that could change.

At San Diego, he played several seasons for Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. The Baltimore Ravens, coached by John Harbaugh, are obviously very interested in Johnson. But he's someone for Bucs fans to keep an eye on.

Comments

[aaron]

DOUGH williams? are you calling him fat?

[Cinderfella]

just cuz the brutha carryin' a few extra LBs around these days why you gotta go on him about his weight?

[aaron]

there you go rick. i know you didnt mean to do that...

Oh thank god! I thought we'd never get a QB on the roster...

[Jon Gruden]

Jimminy Cricket; I'm the Head Coach, not Quarterbacks Coach. That's why I'm not known for developing them moron!

[jersey buc]

QB junkie can't, won't let this kid slip by him. Griese backing up Garcia insures we have a vet to school the next QB of the future (remember Gradkowski, our last QB of the future?)No way we don't make a move in the 3rd or possibly 2nd round for JJ. Not saying I necessarily agree, but he likes mobile QBs, Plummer, Gannon, etc..and don't see another one in the draft with his upside.

[richard]

come on we have 4 qb's on the roster. you can't count a guy whose whereabouts we have no idea, and the nfl's greatest qb hoax with the right last name.

[Bruce "The Man" Allen]

2nd round maybe...1st round we need a wide Out or Cornerback

Is he going to be a receiver or safety? Otherwise, it would be a wasted port.

1. our (possessive determiner):
belonging to us; of us

2. are
Second-person singular simple present tense of be.
Mary, where are you going?

Despite having 5 or 6 quarterbacks on the Bucs roster, in order to compete a team must constantly upgrade positions with better talent and the quarterback position is no exception. How many teams currently have quarterbacks that can run a 4.4 40? If a team does not have an offensive line like the Patriots, then it makes sense to have a scrambling quarterback. The Bucs could find ways to move the ball with someone with Johnson's attributes.

[Don]

hell while we are adding QBs why not add one with speed?

[George L Hicks]

I think If Johnson the QB from SD is still available in Rd 3. I would take him. He would fit in nicely behind number 2 qb. Then Tampa could Trade two qb's. I would pick the best WR or CB in 1st rd. Or I would pick a CB or
WR in Rd-2, In Rd-3 pick that QB, and Rd-4 That RB from Missour1.

[JS]

I Would agree with some of you, if he is available at #3 we should take him, and then trade simms for a late pick... Johnson could bring a dinamic twist we all want for Gruden's boring West Coast Offense...