What's the plan at receiver?

We dropped a lot of names around here yesterday as the Bucs blanketed the league with phone calls to prospective signees.

But you may have noticed that very few of those players were receivers. And you're probably wondering why in the world that is.

So were we. Here's what we've gleaned from various conversations:

It's clear the Bucs aren't that thrilled with the crop of free-agent receivers. We have yet to hear them connected to Bernard Berrian, who was considered the prize entering the weekend (assuming Randy Moss isn't up for grabs). No one has told us anything that indicates they're in the race for Donte' Stallworth, either. Regarding Seattle's D.J. Hackett, word is the Bucs don't think he's all that different from Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall. So, why pay ridiculously to get him? They also had no intention of chasing Jerry Porter, who got a surprising $30-million deal from Jacksonville.

We expect they'll make a run at Devery Henderson, who visited Friday, or some other middle-of-the-pack free agent receiver. But it's becoming clear the Bucs think they can find a difference-maker in the draft. They might just be right. The selection in the draft is much deeper than what's on the free-agent market. And with Tampa Bay picking 20th overall, the Bucs are confident one of the better receivers will fall to them.

It's an interesting approach they're taking at a position that needs addressing. We'll see soon enough how it all plays out and -- more important -- whether it worked.

Comments

[John P]

Berrian is the only guy that I'd say would be a great addition (aside from Moss). So, I can't disagree with their approach at all.

[Ty Guy]

Limas Sweed or DeSean Jackson would be nice picks at number 20.

[Arun]

No Moss - if they do bring him in they might as well tell Garcia by kicking him in the crotch.

I must say I love our Oline, think it's the best we've ever seen around here. Bunch of nasty men and they will only get better in the coming years. I love Trueblood!

Let's look at the defense, and wait for the draft and future cuts to round out our offense. We do need speed...

[Arun]

No Moss - if they do bring him in they might as well tell Garcia by kicking him in the crotch.

I must say I love our Oline, think it's the best we've ever seen around here. Bunch of nasty men and they will only get better in the coming years. I love Trueblood!

Let's look at the defense, and wait for the draft and future cuts to round out our offense. We do need speed...

[Arun]

Moss is too old and if things don't start well next season, we don't know which player will show up every sunday (cause I doubt the leauge will give us anything other than 1 pm sunday games).

[JScott]

If the rationale is that the current crop of Free Agent WR's doesnt get them excited (Stallworth, Berrian, Moss, and Johnson), then WHY would they bring in a hack like Devery Henderson? and to rely on the Draft when youre picking so late to give you a "Playmaker" ... Let's stop kidding ourselves.

We've got a 2 year window with Garcia at the helm, they need to get him help now: Sign Crumpler, if you can't do that attempt to acquire Shockey, if you can't do that, Draft a TE. Alex Smith is nice, but the offense can only get better at two positions (WR & TE)...

Donte Stallworth has all the speed in the world and good hands, plus experience. How can Gruden and Allen not love him? I can understand passing on Berrian as he's not worth the money he'll command, but don't go into this off-season with 44 mil on the table and hand me a Devery Henderson and expect me to get excited. The guy averages 20 receptions with Brees throwing him the ball.... AND how long has Clayton had to BUST out?

[Martin]

Besides a couple of big plays, DeSean Jackson had a year to forget. Why not wait until the later rounds and pick up someone like Bubba Caldwell? He ran a 4.37 forty...is bigger/more physical than Jackson...is a great downfield blocker and has better hands.

[mkurbo]

We need to bring Bryant Johnson into town and get him signed. Let's not miss this opportunity...

Henderson and Johnson would be a great upgrade to the WR core.

Jeff Faine I can understand, but so far what the Bucs have accomplished in the draft is terrible. We signed a back up tight that is not fast and poses no threat as a receiving tight....exactly what we needed. Then the Bucs go and sign a defensive end that in 5 years has 1 sack. I thought improving the pass rush was a priority? If you have the money and want to improve your team you got to at least get into the game.

[kurt]

i don't know if any of you have noticed, but the bucs typically bring in as many free agents as will come. it doesn't mean they're interested, it just gives them a chance to make up their own opinion of the player (in an interview and typically some form of a physical.) it's just good business sense when you are a professional football team, don't you think?

I don't know if you noticed but they signed these players

[GTSKYRIDER]

BRYANT JOHNSON WOULD BE GREAT TO BRING IN HERE LONG WITH ALGE CRUMPLER AND LET'S GET A CORNER, RECEIVER, AND RUNNING BACK IN THE DRAFT!

[GTSKYRIDER]

BTW...did I metion let's bring back Simeon Rice...he's healed and we can get him for cheap!