Let the paranoia start to set in for WDAE’ s Steve “Little Puppy” Duemig the afternoon host on the Sports Animal after the rant Monday when he flipped his lid over a poster on PewterReport.com message forum that took the chow hound to task over the supposed conversation he had with Bucs general manager Mark Dominik last Friday, with regards to speculation about unrestricted free agents the team was interested in. Don’t look now Duemig, but it would appear you were once again wrong, as the Bucs have plans to visit with two unrestricted free agent safeties later this week.

According to Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times, which we assume he did not vet his information through the Little Puppy first, is reporting the Bucs are attempting to arrange a visit with Browns safety Brodney Pool and Dolphins safety Gibril Wilson.

Pool, who left St. Louis without a contract Monday, was scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Wednesday. The Bucs are hoping Pool will visit Tampa Bay later this week, according to his agent, Ben Dogra.

“It is tentative, but yes,” Dogra said of the Bucs plans to arrange a visit with Pool, who has a history of concussions during his career with the Browns.

Wilson will be looking to join his fourth team in as many years. He finished second on Dolphins in tackles (91) after signing a five-year, $27.5 million contract last Feb. 26. But Wilson struggled in pass coverage playing with two rookie cornerbacks. Only five NFL safeties played more snaps than Wilson in 2009 without an interception.

It’s no secret the Bucs were less then pleased with the performance of first year starter Sabby Piscitelli and his lack of coverage skills, but what was even more depressing was his propensity to miss tackles. When you couple Piscitelli’s short comings with free safety Tanard Jackson already having one strike against him after being suspended for the first four games last year. There is a definite need for a veteran safety to provide competition and depth in the Bucs secondary.

Florida Gator’s MLB Brandon Spikes On Bucs Radar

Gregg Rosenthal of Profootballtalk.com is reporting the Bucs plan to have Spikes in for a private visit. The 6-foot-3, 249-pound middle linebacker is considered to be a downhill thumper. Spike’s is projected to come off the board in the bottom half of the first to early second round in April.

Spikes is fierce competitor with natural leadership skills and possess a nasty disposition on the field. The main knock on Spikes is his speed, but as any astute fan will tell you speed is some times overrated. A far better measure of a linebackers agility is the short shuttle and the three cone drill as it measures a players ability to change directions and short area quickness.

With a relative quite start to the off season the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made some noise late Monday night when they traded their 2011 six-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for veteran receiver Reggie Brown. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound 29-year old Brown was drafted with the 35^th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, he has started 45 of the 72 games he’s played in during his career with the Eagles.

According to Profootballtalk.com Brown is signed through 2014 with base salaries of $1 million in 2010, $1.2 million in 2011, $1.6 million in 2012, $3 million in 2013 and $3.7 million in 2014.

Brown who has succumb to nagging groin and hamstring injuries the past few seasons and was buried on the Eagles depth chart in 2009, behind the likes of DeSean Jackson, the Eagles’ 2008 second-round pick, and Jeremy Maclin, the team’s 2009 first-rounder, in addition to backups Jason Avant and Kevin Curtis. Brown, will likely be given an opportunity in Tampa, to compete for a starting spot against Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, Sammie Stroughter and Mark Bradley.

The former University of Georgia product has amassed 177 receptions for 2,574 yards (14.5 avg.) with 17 touchdowns, in addition to 11 carries for 68 yards and one score throughout his five year NFL career.

On the surface the addition of Brown is a low risk high reward deal, which could lead the way for a receiving corps that becomes a production my committee approach with no real number one option for the passing attack to run through.

Late Friday, on the first day of free agency local WDAE-AM 620 shock jock Steve “The Big Dog” Duemig masterminded a colorful and witty farce over the airwaves. Telling his listeners that Bucs general manager Mark Dominik reached out to him personally to set the record straight about the swirling speculation of who the Bucs have reached out to thus far in free agency. Per Duemig supposedly Dominik told him “The Buccaneers have not reached out to any unrestricted free agents.” But the farce was taken a step further when Joebucsfan.com took what Duemig stated as gospel and made it out to give fans the sense the Dominik had actually been on the radio to perpetuate the farce even further.

If you believe everything Duemig spew’s over the radio then you probably bought in hook line and sinker as Duemig and Joebucsfan.com are cohorts. One of the first things any astute fan should have asked themselves is what advantage does Dominik and the Bucs gain by shooting down the speculation? The answer is none. For a team that saw its season ticket waiting list wither away last off season and the team playing to less then sellout crowds and hoards of opposing fans in the stands at home games, it would serve no purpose for the organization to go on record and refute any speculation that could have a direct effect on ticket sales.

Many of the NFL’s owners are trying to maintain some level of fiscal responsibility in the first uncapped season since 1993. But there have been a few teams dive head first in to this years pool of players before checking to see if there’s water in the pool. In the process some fans have become enraged the Bucs have not done more to this point to become competitive.

When you break down the contracts of the four biggest names that headed the list of unrestricted free agents in Julius Peppers, Dunta Robinson, Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle, none of which are considered in the top three at their respective positions but all were given contracts that would suggest they are, it reeks of teams making desperate moves out of desperation. The prudent thing to do is to wait, let the market stabilize till the price point better meets the production level of players available and search for players that fit schematically while adding value to the depth chart.

Some fans are still scratching there heads wondering what the plan is. In-effect the business model or plan that general manager Mark Dominik and head coach Raheem Morris are adhering to is one that emphasizes building through the draft to secure a solid foundation for long term sustainable success. Now many view it as the Glazer’s being cheap and disinterested in the Buccaneers or even as though Dominik is working under some sort of constraints with regards to monetary value set forth that can’t be crossed.

But having a plan that is detailed and outlines specific approaches to doing business and different business models that have been successful using a similar approach to structure your plan and organization after was the first step. That plan can be seen around the league by countless teams. The Colts, Steelers, Ravens and to some extent the Patriots are the model the Bucs are basing there new organizationally shift in philosophy after. But the conviction being shown by Dominik and the Bucs will only work if they have the foresight to adjust accordingly depending on the current situation that is presented each year. Being able to become flexible in said plan and the ability to adapt is what will ultimately lead the team back to being a legitimate contender again.

Of course, there’s still the drafting part and the development of players that will heavily influence the outcome of said plan. But I for one applaud the current regime for showing the conviction to stick with the plan even in a win now type atmosphere.

Fans are up in arms that the team allowed receiver Antonio Bryant to test free agency without even offering him a contract. While no one knows for sure whether or not the Bucs offered Bryant a long term contract extension or not prior to Morris going public at the Scouting Combine with the teams decision to part ways with Bryant. Based on the pool of available receivers this off season its highly doubtful a contract was not offered that was subsequently turned down by Bryant and his representatives.  The old saying goes it takes two and presumably the two sides couldn’t agree on a viable compensation package that would have kept Bryant in the fold for 2010 and beyond.

Bryant by no means is perfect by any stretch and if what was stated in the local papers were true about his propensity to free lance then the team made the right choice in letting him test free agency before making a last ditch effort to resign him.  With Freeman’s development the top priority and a player that causes determent to his growth by his adverse actions and free lancing on the field should have been sent a message that his action will not be tolerated. Its still early so no reason to panic as the situation is not as dire as some make it out to be. If heading into the draft the team doesn’t have another option then it could be construed as a dire situation.

Amidst the swirling speculation of rumors being floated by both local and national media pundits who cover the NFL on a regular basis. Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune is reporting a move made late Thursday evening by the Buccaneers. That consequently, has gone largely unnoticed by his national media counter parts. Suspects that said move could have far reaching expectations should receiver Mark Bradley, whom the team scraped off the scrape heap last season after he was released mid way through the season by the Chiefs stay healthy. Could pay huge dividends.

The team made a qualifying tender which would net them a second round pick should the 28-year old Bradley be signed to an offer sheet and the Bucs fail to match said offer. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound Bradley has surcomb to multiple knee injuries throughout his career since being drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Bears.

Bradley has 92 career receptions for 1,283 yards and 9 touchdowns and boast a 13.9 yards per reception. Whether or not Bradley will live up to the expectations is a long shot and one that if true, is not a bet the Bucs should be taking part in.

There has been little free agent movement across the league up to this point. However, the rumor mill is spinning out of control. News has begun funneling out with regards to potential suitors for this years free agent class. There are several reports surfacing that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are showing some level of interest in two of this years unrestricted free agents.

Jim Flynn of PewterReport.com is reporting that Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker has emerged as a potential target of the Bucs. Parker, 29, in six seasons with the Steelers rushed for 5,378 yards (4.3 avg.) and 24 touchdowns and caught 84 passes for 697 yards (8.3 avg.) and five touchdowns since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina in 2004. Parker lost his starting job last season to Rashard Mendenhall.

With five running backs currently under contract its not quite clear what the teams level of interest in Parker is or if a signing of Parker is imminent or whether it would cause a domino effect. Which could see the team dangling one of its top three runners from last season as trade bait.

With receiver being one of the teams primary focuses after the decision to allow Antonio Bryant to test free agency Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times is reporting the Bucs have some interest in Houston Texans receiver Kevin Walter. The 6-foot-3 218-pound Walter is 28 and has been productive as a number two receiver playing opposite of Andre Johnson evident by his 225 career receptions for 2,766 yards and 15 touchdowns.

In Other News

The team announced that they have released punters Josh Bidwell, Dirk Johnson and cornerback Torrie Cox.

Continuing on in the on again, off again  saga surrounding Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall. On Wednesday, the Broncos slapped a first-round qualifying tender on Marshall wh0 ended the year in the same manner in which he began it, in rookie head coach Josh McDaniels’ dog house but in between posted his third straight 100-catch season. The first-round qualifying offer is a clear sign that the Broncos are serious about dealing the disgruntled receiver and further fuels speculative reports which have suggested the Broncos would be willing to take less then a first round pick in exchange for Marshall.

Anwar S. Richardson of the Tampa Tribune did the leg work on drafted safeties through the years and surmises the Bucs could make history if they choose Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Combine Interviews

Word is beginning to trickle out with regards to who the Bucs had formal interviews with during the Scouting Combine. Thus far we’ve been able to piece meal a list together that includes receivers Golden Tate, Mike Williams, defensive ends Jason Worilds, Jermaine Cunningham and linebacker Darryl Washington which represents five of the 60 15-minute interviews allowed per league rules. With the team pouring all of it’s resources and energy into this year draft they are keeping the names of those interviewed under lock and key as to not tip there hand to the rest of the league.

When’s the last time the Bucs actually landed a top flight free agent? Well, if you can’t quite remember, it was back in 2001 when the team signed former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Simeon Rice. Since that time the Bucs have been the cellar dwellers of dumpster diving free agent bargain basement hunters.

That’s all going to change this offseason or at least that’s what Don Banks of Sportsillustrated.com thinks. Even after the team has repeatedly stated on numerous occasions  that there primary focus will be on rebuilding a depleted roster by way of the draft. Banks speculates that Dunta Robinson the highly regarded top prized free agent corner to hit the open market in the coming days will sign with the Bucs.

Dunta Robinson, cornerback

Where he will sign: Tampa Bay — The Bucs clearly won’t break the bank for the former Texans franchise player, but if Robinson’s market turns out to be soft and the price tag is reasonable, the Bucs could target him and land a youthful (27) but experienced option (six-year veteran) to replace the aging Ronde Barber, who turns 35 in April. Other teams expected to shop in the cornerback market this offseason include the Falcons, Vikings, Titans and Packers.

On the surface adding a veteran corner is a need, but with the teams payroll on a steady decline over recent years. Even if Robinson services are met by a soft market. It’s still more then what the Bucs would be willing to shell out in the form of a signing bonus and guarantees for a 27-year old corner, who played in all 16 games last season, for the first time since being sidelined with knee injuries in 2007 and 2008.

Robinson played in 1,002 snap for the Texans defense last year and was rated as the 57th best corner according to Profootballfocus.com among corners who played in atleast 50% of there teams snaps. He allowed 11.0 yards per reception and a catch percentage of 65.9% or 54 receptions out of 84 targets and a quarterback rating of 99.3% based on passes thrown in to his area.

While he was only ranked one spot below the aging Ronde Barber in Profootballfocus’ rankings. One should be mindful that he was hampered by injuries for two straight seasons before rounding back into shape during 2009.

Now if somehow Mark Dominik can pull off a miracle type contract with high base salaries and circumvent the 30% rule with little to know signing bonus money, a signing of Robinson would go a long way in rebuilding quality depth. Robinson is just not a realistic option based on the current situation in Tampa though.

Many fans have been foaming at the mouth in the hopes that either one of the elite defensive tackle prospects in Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy, somehow falls to number three and is on the board when the Buccaneers are on the clock. Some are even salivating over the likes of Tennessee safety Eric Berry and Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain at number three overall. But the forgotten prospect seems to be Oklahoma States left tackle Russell Okung.

Should neither Suh or McCoy be on the board. The smartest and safest pick would be that of Okung. Okung is the consensus top rated Left Tackle in this year’s draft class and a sure lock to go within the top five picks. During his four year career at Oklahoma State, he started 47 consecutive games. Further more he solidified his status at the combine after measuring in at 6-foot-5 inches, 307-pounds with an extraordinarily long arm length of 36 inches. But what was most impressive was his strength, as he managed 38 bench press reps of 225 pounds, which was second among the offensive linemen in attendance. He possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and intelligence to combat would be edge rushers at the pro level.

The safest position pick in any draft and in any sport is a Top 10 Offensive Tackle in the NFL Draft. With the Bengals off to a 7-3 start it appears for the 4th year in a row, a team with 4 wins or less selects an offensive tackle in the top 10 and increases their win total to 10+ wins the following season. Ironically Andre Smith has yet to play a down for the Bengals. This year is may be luck, but its not coincidence. If you look at the history of the draft, I doubt you will find a team with 5 or fewer wins that didn’t have a horrendous offensive or defensive line.

With that being said, its clear that the offensive tackle class in this year’s draft is Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung and everybody else. There are solid late first round seniors like Trent Williams from Oklahoma and Anthony Davis from Rutgers. Brian Beluga from Iowa and Charles Brown from USC are underclassmen with high ceilings, but neither is likely to go in the Top 10. This draft is loaded on the defensive side of the ball, so its unlikely you’ll see teams trade up to get a defensive player. Okung is one of the safest picks on the board and fills the biggest need on most of the horrid teams in NFL this season. If Cleveland, St Louis and Tampa Bay are picking in the top three, look for one of them to trade down to a team who is desperate for a left tackle.

Using the above excerpt from Dan Wernery of NFLDraft101.com and expounding on it further by using bust rate percentages applied, with regards to tackles drafted.

Since 1988, there have been 42 offensive tackles drafted within the top 15 picks of the first round, with a bust rate of 24%. Which essentially breaks down to 1 in every 4 tackles picked. Since 2001 there have been 16 tackles picked in the top 15 picks of the first round with a bust rate of 19% which is 1 bust for every 5.33 tackles picked.

List of Tackles selected in the top 15 picks of the first round since 1988.

Jason Smith
Andre Smith
Eugene Monroe
Jake Long
Ryan Clady
Joe Thomas
Levi Brown
D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Jammal Brown
Robert Gallery (Bust)
Jordan Gross
Mike Williams (Bust)
Bryant McKinnie
Levi Jones
Leonard Davis
Kenyatta Walker (Bust)
Chris Samuels
John Tait
William Thomas
Kyle Turley
Orlando Pace
Walter Jones
Jonathan Ogden
Willie Anderson
Tony Boselli
Bernard Williams (Bust)
Willie Roaf
Lincoln Kennedy
Brad Hopkins
Bob Whitfield
Ray Roberts
Leon Searcy
Eugene Chung (Bust)
Charles McRae (Bust)
Antone Davis
Pat Harlow (Bust)
Richmond Webb
Tony Mandarich  (Bust)
Andy Heck
Paul Gruber
Dave Cadigan (Bust)
Eric Moore (Bust)

Drafting a left tackle is not a sexy pick, but it has become a smart and safe pick over the years. Taking a middle linebacker or a safety with such a high draft pick. For a position that can be filled almost by any round, would be a waste of value, not to mention seriously decreasing maximization of said value on non premium positions and once again following in the foot steps of the previous regime when they regularly wasted and blundered draft value and negated the chance to truly maximize draft slotting and the weighting of premium positions.

Using a line from the movie the Blind Side when during the opening narrative when equating drafting a franchise quarterback to buying a house. Sandra Bullock says the first check you right is for the mortgage, the second is for the insurance. Based on the team drafting Josh Freeman last year, it might be time to begin writing that insurance check out to the name of Russell Okung.

The team had high expectations for an offensive line entering it’s second full season together, but the front five never gelled as a cohesive unit in ‘09. From mysterious mental health issues, to injuries and ineffective play to scheme changes. The unit failed to deliver the necessary and adequate production to stave off changes. Which has Buccaneer staff members in attendance at this week’s Scouting Combine keeping close tabs on potential offensive line prospects.

With one of the deepest draft classes since 1983, general manager Mark Dominik is following conventional wisdom and focusing all the teams energy on upgrading its roster through the draft. Seeing as how most of the prized free agents available this off season are in their 30’s.

Gary Shelton, is baffled by the teams lack of desire to spend big, on a depleted free agent pool, for players nearing the twilight of their respective careers. Has he forgotten the team is rebuilding and more then a year or two a way from being considered legitimate contenders?

It appears, there was more then age and salary that effected the teams decision to part ways with Antonio Bryant. Bryant’s lack of precise route running and his propensity to be a free lancer. Played a major role in the teams decision to wash their hands of the former franchise player.

Bucs enlisting the help of second year pro Josh Freeman to scout potential prospects. According to ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas, who caught up with Freeman. Freeman said he has been watching tape of college wide receivers with offensive coordinator Greg Olson and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. Freeman revealed a receiver that has really caught his eye. Its non other then former Texas receiver Jordan Shipley and the player Freeman would like to see Tampa Bay take with their first pick, drum roll please! It’s Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh.

“I’ve been in watching film of different receivers with the offensive coordinator and the quarterback coach,’’ Freeman said Friday. “You might not have the Michael Crabtree or the Darius Heyward-Bey, but it’s a pretty talented receiver group coming out this year. There’s Dez Bryant and I’m a big fan out Jordan Shipley out of Texas.’’

“I would love to see Suh here,’’ Freeman said. “He basically lived in my backfield every time I played against Nebraska. “The drive that that guy has is unbelievable. He’s going to be a great teammate for whoever he goes to. The guy makes plays. He gets in the backfield and nobody can block him. They’re trying to figure out what’s going to help our team the most. If it’s a receiver, it’s a receiver. If it’s get Suh, it’s getting Suh. Anyway you look at it, I’m excited.’’

Could it be Suh in the first and Shipley in the second? Not so sure the Bucs would allow Freeman to actual put a players name out there the team was legitimately interested in.