by Mr. Destiny
Mr. Destiny

Well Buccaneers fans, it looks like another year is drawing to an end, full of hope but faded with lost opportunities. Regardless of what happens in Raheem Morris’ future, the team has needs which will be sought after in the 2012 NFL Draft. Unless the Buccaneers get a major overhaul by virtue of a new coach running a new defensive scheme, here are some options we will need to consider. It looks like we are a solid bet to pick somewhere between 8th and 11th, so projecting picks for us won’t be out of reach given our needs and what other teams will be chasing. Here is a look at the top potential prospects we would select in rounds one and two.

FIRST ROUND:

DRE KIRKPATRICK (CB) (Alabama): With Aqib Talib facing an uphill battle in court this off-season, Ronde Barber well into his 30′s, and E.J. Biggers being toasted every other play, the Buccaneers are in dire need of a corner back. Dre Kirkpatrick possesses the speed and strength to run both man and zone while being physical enough to help in run defense. At 6-2 and 192 pounds, Kirkpatrick is reminiscent of Aqib Talib and shares many of the same attributes. He has displayed great vision, a nose for the ball, and is excellent at not allowing receivers getting behind him. His long limbs and reach help him in closing gaps and making plays on the ball other corners might not be able to get to. The only knock on him from what I have watched is he does at times over pursue, but that is an issue which can be worked out in training camp.

ALFONZO DENNARD (CB) (Nebraska): It wouldn’t be surprising if the Buccaneers pass up on Kirkpatrick and take Dennard. Alfonzo Dennard is a very Darrelle Revis like corner, physical at the line and not afraid to get his hands dirty. Like Revis, he is not much of a pass catcher, but has all of the intangibles Revis does. Speed, a strong base, and sticky coverage skills, Dennard will be hurt by his size in the combine but will be a solid pick none the less. While Kirkpatrick should be our first pick because of his size, Dennard wouldn’t be a downgrade and possesses more natural talent and fluidity.

SECOND ROUND:

If Raheem Morris is still coach next season, don’t be surprised if he decides on taking two consecutive corners. This is a team which has taken 2 defensive tackles and 2 defensive ends back to back in consecutive years. If not, many analysts have us taking a outside linebacker here. A look at the top 200 college prospects shows a huge drop off from that position in the second round and let’s face it, Hayes and Black aren’t exactly that bad. However, a solid pick at offensive guard will be available and the Buccaneers have a need for the position.

KELECHI OSEMELE (OG) (Iowa State): He has been most compared to Michael Oher for his size and strength, sitting at 6-5 and nearly 350 pounds. He is rated as a top 5 Guard in the coming draft and started 43 straight games for the Cyclones. While he did line up at Tackle sometimes, Osemele is by far better as a guard. Based off tape, he is nearly impossible to overpower as long as he keeps his body in front of the defender. His size and strength make for a good transition at the pro level and has the footwork which translates well in both pass and run defense. Where he will have issues is against speedier defensive tackles with more agility. Osemele is a very safe pick at this position and would be the Bucs best selection along the line since picking Davin Joseph. If he is gone at this point, all bets are off as there is a big drop at the position.

 

 

 

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3 Rants to “Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2012 Draft Prospects”

  1. William says:

    I’m going keep this short and sweet, you are an idiot! Hayes and Black don’t even deserve to be in the NFL and as for taking Danard over Dre is another stupid analysis especially since we don’t need anymore thugs on this team to drag down its moral. As for us having between 8th and 11th, how do you figure you ranting retard? We certainly stand at 4th right now and we still have two more losses coming. Write something when you know what you’re talking about and spare all the time of reading yur BS!

    • Mr. Destiny says:

      It’s okay, Williams didn’t realize the projection was based with 3 games to play and was using a scenario if we were to win. He also didn’t realize Black and Hayes are overall better than some huge names. Two minutes of fact checking would have proved that. That is what happens when people don’t check stats or watch games. Also, Danard is quickly being regarded as the 2nd top CB in the draft since the writing of the post. Dre is nothing but an arm tackler and gives up position too much. I guess everyone needs at least one resident Troll.

  2. Mitch says:

    Williams,
    How can you talk to people like that? Thats a shame dude.

    Anyway, I think Bucs need to go with Claiborne first round (or other top cb). A sleeper pick that I think would be great is Bufict from Arizona State. Then in round 2 Id take Sanu (wr) from Rutgers.

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