A quick chat with Jon Gruden

After Jon Gruden's chat with the media here at One Buc Place, I came away with a couple of impressions.

The first is this: Gruden didn't make this call. He pretty much said that general manager Bruce Allen made the final decision here. Perhaps that's the way it should be. But we've all long wondered who had the final say on these matters, and it's clear Allen has gained more and more authority from the Glazer family over the years.

Another observation: I think the Bucs see Talib as a playmaking cornerback, a la DeAngelo Hall. They like his flashiness, even his cockiness, to an extent.

And finally, this: Gruden wanted some offensive help in the worst way. "My guts are ripped out of my body right now," he said. "I'm no different than our fans. You fall in love with some of these guys. You build relationships with them. You study their tape. . . You envision what a great thrill it would be to coach some of these guys. That's why they have general managers to make the tough calls. I certainly support Bruce all the way on this."

Comments

[frank c. costanza]

wow.

[frank c. costanza]

my guess is chucky wanted the fast receiver from Cal.

[Joe]

Bruce Allen = Al Davis

[JS]

did power just shifted at One Buc Place...?? did john gruden just say he allen has more power over him? well this is something you don't hear everyday...

[Jay]

The good news is that Gruden is NOT Parcells, and he realizes that his ego would get in the way of personnel decisions. I'm sure he would tell you that he would spend the entire draft on offensive weapons, but even the front office realizes that championships are won on defense. Jon will be fine once he dedicates himself to coaching up some of the talent he has now. Give him credit for coming a long way from the guy in Oakland.

[Jim]

Way to distance yourself from the pick Coach Gruden. Allen's history on draft day is lousy. Today mya have been his biggest blunder of all. Memo to the Glazers - You need a new GM!

[Jeb]

Reports circulating that Bucs have traded three picks to Miami for Jason Taylor.

[Vince]

uh, Jim . . . have you been watching the Bucs?

Allen has rescued the Bucs from salary cap hell and picked players like Jackson, the whole offensive line, Piscitelli (who will be really good).

Are we talking about the same GM?

Allen's second day picks have not been great, but c'mon . . .

Also, the CB selected is very, very good. One of the best athletes in the draft. The idea that he has a "pot" problem is a joke. He admitted to pot use when he first got to school and he admitted to being immature at that time. That was several years ago. He had the maturity to address the issue in Combine interviews. He is a classic Bucs pick -- a guy who is wrongly undervalued.

It wasn't just that he admitted to pot use, he failed 3 drug tests. Way different. He will be the next Ricky Williams.

[Jackpc]

This is freaking nightmare. This is about the worst showing I have ever seen in a professional football draft. Looks like the Ray Perkins-era Bucs. Wow. Can't wait to see if we win 4 or 5 games this coming year.

[Matt]

Jenkins should have been the pick, not a guy who failed 3 drug tests! What kind of message is that? I'm not one of the Gruden / Allen basher, but this was a very risky pick.

[eric Guenette]

ALLEN HAS NOT DRAFTED ONE STARTING PRO BOWL PLAYER WITH THE BUCS... and the trend continues... They pass on Mike Jenkins and Brian Brohm for Talib and Jackson??? I have to give Gruden some credit for being about to making the playoffs with no starting Pro Bowl players. Now, if we only had a real GM...
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[JJ Rodel]

What the F*#! just happened? Yes they needed a CB & WR but how do you pass on Jenkins for a 3 time failed drug tested CB...and trade down to miss out on 2 possible future QBs canidates, WR Sweed, & RB Rice. All 4 of those players will have better careers than DJ2 and his 30 catches at App State. What a joke! I think Allen is smoking weed! It's a sad day to be a buc fan.

[FormerBucsFan]

From Gruden's comments we all know that he is all torn up about not picking Jenkins and not being able to call Jim Leavitt.

Talib failed at least 3 drug tests at Kansas, and he was essentially advised by Maggino that everyone would be best served if he went pro.

What a joke. Jenkins has more upside than this pieces of crap.

[FormerBucsFan]

From Gruden's comments we all know that he is all torn up about not picking Jenkins and not being able to call Jim Leavitt.

Talib failed at least 3 drug tests at Kansas, and he was essentially advised by Maggino that everyone would be best served if he went pro.

What a joke. Jenkins has more upside than this piece of crap.

[Geo]

Some of these asinine comments make me think you are smoking pot. So he smoked pot, you hypocrites sipping on your gin and tonics need to put a sock in it and find something else to complain about.

It's a strong pick, great value for a top ten talent. Sure Jenkins would have been a feel good pick, but feel good picks don't always get the job done. I trust Kiffin and Morris on this choice. The idiots complaining about not taking Jenkins are probably the same twits that said Ruud wouldn't be able to fill Quarles' shoes.

Now excuse me I need to roll a joint.

[John P]

I'll say this in Talib's defense - Warren Sapp tested positive for pot at Miami - it nearly wrecked him in the draft. The Bucs are considered wise for taking the chance on him - so let's hope they got it right again.

[doug e love]

Bruce Allen is the son of coaching great George Allen ... he's not an Al Davis clone you idiot.
Learn your football...