Chip Carter's Newsroom

Ok, the Bucs have been on the clock, since Miami signed Jake Long -- the Rams really have been on the clock, since they pick behind the Fins, but the move by Miami, the early move, means teams can narrow down who is going where in the first rounds of the draft -- not that it makes it any easier for the Bucs sitting way down in the 20th slot.  But here is how I see the players falling for Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen.

First round:  (20th pick overall) Mike Jenkins CB, USF    This is a solid move by the Bucs, Ronde Barber is getting older, USF plays the same version of the Bucs defense, but Jenkins is a corner who can play one one one if needed and still work in a zone.  Plus, what Monte Kiffin likes about his is his ability to hit, make plays, he loves the physical game.  Outside shot of, (get ready to take a breath) Brian Brohm from Louisville, I know the Bucs are standing hip deep in quarterbacks, but Bruce Gradkowski is done in Tampa, Chris Simms will be shipped out, leaving two aging veterans, Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese and I am not yet convinced that Luke McCown can carry the load.(

Second Round (52nd overall)  Andre Caldwell WR, UF   I would love to see Devin Thomas in his slot, but he is long gone by now, Thomas out of Michigan State is considered the best receiver in the draft.  Jon Gruden wants speed at the receiver position,  Caldwell blistered the 40 at the combine running a 4.35...which is just smoking fast......he wants size at that positon and Caldwell brings that at 6 feet.   DeSean Jackson, just as quick, but not as big....plus, what Gruden would love to get out of the position is a return man as well and Caldwell can handle that slot.  If the Bucs don't get Caldwell here, then they grab Early Douce, he is quick, runs a pro style route, and can get good yardage after the catch.....plus, I know Doucet would be a good fit in Jon Gruden's West Coast Offense

Ok, the first day only has two rounds, because the draft starts at 3pm, when you chart it out, the Bucs will make their pick at 6:15 or 6:20pm which fits us perfectly because our news on Saturday starts at 7pm, so we will bring you Gruden's reaction and all the inside information from the war room on Saturday.....

Sunday Round 3 (82nd overall pick) Ok, here is the question, if Kevin Smith from UCF is still sitting here in the 3rd round, which is a possible outside shot, then the Bucs should take him.  If not look for them to take Chris Harrington, the DE out of Texas or Mike McGlynn, the offensive tackle from Pittsburgh

Round Four (120 overall) Geno Hayes, Outside Linebacker, Florida State, Hayes has some character issues, but the Bucs will count on Derrick Brooks to straighten Hayes out and get him ready for the pro game.

Round Five (153rd over all) Bucs stay on the defensive side and take Carlton Powell, out of Virginia Tech.