Buccaneers sign 14 undrafted free agents

Briscoe's Breakdown of the Bucs Draft

Jeff Briscoe of YahooSports breaks down each draft selection of the buccaneers.

Though the recently concluded draft of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has generally received positive feedback, one cannot fairly evaluate the success of these picks for several years. Yet, since several of these players are capable of an immediate impact, it is important to look at the new contributors that will soon suit up at Raymond James Stadium for training camp. Here is the 2012 draft class of theTampa Bay Bucs:

MARK BARRON, S, Alabama, 1st round, 7th overall selection: Trading down 2 spots to acquire an extra pick, the Bucs insist that Barron was their man all along. Without question, the 4 year player from Alabama is ready to compete at the next level. As an All-American in 2011, Barron helped anchor the nation's best defense and is an asset both for stopping the run and pass protection. For a team needing copious help, adding a big time safety to compensate for the loss of Tanard Jackson makes sense. However, the position is not often called this highly and many believe Tampa Bay reached a bit. If Morris Claiborne develops into a dominant defensive back, the decision will be questioned. That being said, Barron carries little risk and can be a very good player. Furthermore, his hard hitting may pleasantly remind fans of John Lynch.

DOUG MARTIN, RB, Boise State, 1st round, 31st overall selection: Not landing top back Trent Richardson, Tampa Bay wisely committed to 3rd year player LeGarrette Blount by drafting the perfect compliment. While Blount is a bruising rusher and not much else, Martin is quicker and possesses far more versatility. The California native excelled as a 2 year starter in Boise State's high powered offense, demonstrating all-around ability to run out of the backfield, catch passes, and pick up blitzes. Expect Martin to begin his career as a 3rd down back, but if the rookie flourishes, he certainly has the potential for more.

LAVONTE DAVID, LB, Nebraska, 2nd round, 58th overall selection: Enduring the NFL's worst rushing defense in 2011, Buccaneer fans long for help at linebacker. With a disappointing season from Quincy Black, it seems likely that Lavonte David can be an immediate starter, much like last year's selection of Mason Foster. The Miami native's stock dropped due to his small frame at 6'1" and 225 pounds. However, in amassing 285 tackles in 2 stellar campaigns at Nebraska, the outsider linebacker displayed a much-needed knack for getting to the ball.

NAJEE GOODE, LB, West Virginia, 5th round, 140th overall selection: After losing 2 rounds of picks in earlier trades, the Bucs selected another linebacker in the 5th frame. The middle linebacker might have a chance to replace Geno Hayes, who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency. Goode is solid tackler and ideally suited for stopping the run. Scouts do question his ability to drop back in coverage on quicker receivers, which could lead to an initial role on special teams.

KEITH TANDY, CB, West Virginia, 6th round, 174th overall selection: In choosing another West Virginia product, the Bucs finally added the cornerback that the team decided to pass up earlier. Tandy was a 3 year starter for the Mountaineers and racked up an impressive 13 interceptions. However, the former high school quarterback lacks top-caliber speed and is likely to need playing time in a zone scheme to succeed.

MICHAEL SMITH, RB, Utah State, 7th round, 212th overall selection: In adding depth to the backfield, Tampa Bay surprisingly selected the backup to 4th round rusher Robert Turbin. Though Smith battled injury and played sparingly throughout college, he did scramble for 870 yards with Utah State in 2011. More importantly, he adds a change of pace by possessing blistering speed, as he was clocked with a 40 yard dash time of 4.32 seconds during his pro day.

DRAKE DUNSMORE, TE, Northwestern, 7th round, 233rd overall selection: With their last pick, the Buccaneers selected the Northwestern product, who accumulated 1,425 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his college career. Dunsmore was the Big Ten's tight end of the year in 2011 and will compete for a spot behind veteran Kellen Winslow. If he is to make the team, the Kansas native may also see action at fullback, where Tampa Bay appears poised to part with oft-injured Earnest Graham.

Sources:

Yahoo! Sports, Rolltide.com, NFL.com, Espn.com, Huskers.com, Sports-Reference.com, Cbssports.com, TampaBay.com, NUsports.com.

Bucs still making moves with undrafted free agents

Confirmed/reputable signings for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
FB Cody Johnson, Texas - reported by Charlie Campbell of Walter Football, confirmed by Jenna Laine.
G/C Chaz Hine, USF - reported by Rick Stroud, citing agent Glen Lansky
CB Leonard Johnson, Iowa - reported by Neil Stratton of Inside The League, confirmed by Rick Stroud
CB Quenton Washington, USF - reported by Greg Auman of Tampa Bay Times
WR Eric Page, Toledo -reported by the Tampa Bay Times Signed with the Denver Broncos
T Mike Van Der Meulen, Toledo - reported by the Tampa Bay Times

Rumored signings for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
S Tramain Thomas, Arkansas - reported by Shane Hallam of DraftCountdown.com
G Desmond Wynn, Rutgers -reported by Shane Hallam of DraftCountdown.com
DE Morkeith Brown, Temple - reported by Doug Kyed of nepatriotsdraft.com
WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State - reported by Mike Loyko of nepatriosdraft.com
 OT Bradley Sowell, Mississippi - reported by Mike Loyko of nepatriotsdraft.com

Bucs begin signing of undrafted prospects

The Bucs on Saturday evening began signing a group of undrafted free agents, including Toledo receiver Eric Page, a projected mid- to late-round draft pick. Page, who left school after his junior season, had 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011, but was not among the 33 receivers drafted. Page caught an astounding 125 passes last season.

Also headed to Tampa Bay, USF guard/center Chaz Hine, Toledo tackle Mike Van Der Meulen and former Largo High star Leonard Johnson, a four-year starting cornerback at Iowa State  . General manager Mark Dominik said the team could sign up to 15 undrafted players. The full list should be available some time this evening.

The draft grades are in. Bucs make honor roll!

General Manager Mark Dominik, Head Coach Greg Schiano and their staff wrapped up very strong and impressive draft yesterday.

Round 1 Safety Mark Barron
Round 1 Running Back Doug Martin
Round 2 Linebacker LaVonte David
Round 5 Linebacker Najee Tandy
Round 6 Corner Back Kieth Tandy
Round 7 Running Back Michael Smith
Round 7 Tight End Drake Dunsmore

I  am truly impressed with the players that the Buccaneers were able to select. I think they filled some areas of need with very high talent potential. The only negative opinion I have of this draft is that I believe they could have acquired more picks from Jacksonville with the trade down from 5 to 7. Other than that move I believe they hit a home run on every move and selection for the remainder of the draft. I give the Buccaneers an A-. Good job Bucs.

Apparently I am not the only person impressed with the Bucs acquisitions.  BucNation just posted the draft grades and it appears the Buccaneers scored pretty well.

Mel Kiper - ESPN (Insider): A
Summary: In terms of adding impactful talent, and working the board, it's hard to do any better than Tampa Bay did in the first two rounds. The Bucs got the best safety in the draft after moving down, then swooped in at No. 31 to get the most complete running back not named Trent Richardson. Doug Martin is a good complement to LeGarrette Blount, and has great hands. Lavonte David is an undersized tackling machine who could be a dynamic weakside linebacker; he was on my Big Board. They didn't get to add a cornerback until Keith Tandy at No. 174, but I'm not sure any other team added as much early positive impact.

Evan Silva - Rotoworld: B+
Overview: GM Mark Dominik calls the shots, but the Bucs showed a newfound sense of aggressiveness in coach Greg Schiano's first draft. The wheeling-and-dealing Buccaneers pulled off three trades in the first two rounds involving 11 picks. They came away with at least three Week 1 starters, each at a position of glaring need, and didn't surrender anything in future drafts. Schiano fell back on his Big East roots for Goode and Tandy, and Smith was one of the better running backs in this class no one talked about. This was a draft packed with big-time additions.

Ira Kaufman - Tampa Tribune: B+
Tampa Bay maneuvered smartly in the early rounds, but failing to land CB Morris Claiborne could prove to be a missed opportunity. S Mark Barron brings physicality and leadership while weakside LB Lavonte David has rare instincts. RB Doug Martin's versatility should give new OC Mike Sullivan more flexibility. GRADE: B-plus.

John Czarnecki - Fox Sports: B+
After years of taking some risky characters, the Bucs went for solid players who also happened to be captions and leaders on their college teams. Alabama safety Mark Barron will be the new leader of their secondary with Tanard Jackson gone to the Redskins. Barron was the fastest rising player in this draft the last couple of weeks. ... General manager Mark Dominik made another smart trade moving back into the bottom of the first round to take Boise State running back Doug Martin, an ideal change-up runner to powerful LeGarrette Blount. ... Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David could become the starting a weakside starter. ... Two late-round choices, 5-foot-9 running back Michael Smith from Utah State, and Northwestern tight end Drake Dunsmore, have a solid chance to make the final roster. Having 90 players in training camp should really help rookie head coach Greg Schiano.

Buccaneers not afraid to go get their guy

GM Mark Dominik and HC Greg Schiano were not willing to just sit still and wait for what player may possibly fall to the Buccaneers selection in the 3rd round of this years draft. The Bucs had their bulls eye on getting their next great linebacker and they pulled the trigger. Dominik lands a trade with the Houston Texans giving the Texans their 3rd round selection and their 4th round selection that they had acquired in earlier trades. In return, the Bucs get the Texans 2nd round and 7th round selections. The Buccaneers then use the 2nd round, number 58 overall, to grab Nebraska Corrhusker's ILB LaVonte David.  At 6-foot-1, 233-pounds David had 285 tackles in 27 starts over two seasons at Nebraska. He had a school-record 152 in 2010, when he was the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year. Last season, the senior had 133 tackles, 5½ sacks and 13 tackles for loss in being named a second-team Associated Press All-American. Overall for the Cornhuskers, he had 28 tackles for loss, 11½ sacks, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. Nobody knows what any player may or may not actually develop into at the NFL level. But one thing is for certain. The Buccaneers had a clear and decisive plan of attack for getting targeted play makers in this year's draft. And no matter what draft selection they may find themselves at for any moment they find a way to go get their guy. Great job Mark Dominik and staff.

Bucs learn how to Dougie

If you read my previous post you know that I believe GM Mark Dominik completely missed on the value of having the 5th pick overall. I think he could have gained a great deal more in picks and still came away with Barron. That being said, I think he hit one deep of the center field wall with his second move. The Bucs swap their 2nd round pick (#36) for the Patriots 1st round pick (#31) and the cost of doing so was to swap 4th round selections also (Bucs #101 for Pats #126). Dominik moves up and selects RB Doug Martin of Boise State. The versatile 5-foot-9, 223-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, registering a 36-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot broad jump. He bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times. He also posted a 4.16 in the 20-yard shuttle and a 6.79 three-cone drill. For his career, he rushed for 3,431 yards and 43 touchdowns. He finished fifth in school history with 4,885 all-purpose yards. The majority of analyst and pro scouts continue to compare Martin to Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice. I like this pick and I think Dominik made an intelligent move and came out on the value end of this deal.

Love the player, Hate the process

Well I think it is safe to say that absolutely zero draft gurus and want-to-be-experts like myself came anywhere close to hitting on this one.  Truth be told I think GM Mark Dominik thought he could go to 7 and still get Claiborne. When Dallas leaped in front and took Claiborne, Dominik panicked. But, Dominik says they targeted Barron so we'll take that at face value and move on.  Let me preface this post with the fact that I love the PLAYER. Safety Mark Barron led the SEC with seven interceptions his freshmen year and then earned First Team All-SEC honors from both the coaches and the Associated Press in 2010. Through eight games of his senior campaign, Barron continued to lead the way--topping the team with 27 solo tackles. He had 40 total tackles (3.5 for loss) in addition to an interception and a fumble recovery. NFL scouts love Barron's size, as he registers at 6'2'' and 218 pounds. He has decent speed, too, generally running in the mid-4.5s in the 40-yard dash while being clocked as fast as 4.47 from that distance. Barron is a solid pass defender, but he is best at stepping into the box and playing against the run right behind the line of scrimmage. He is both a hard hitter and a sure tackler. Now with that being said, I truly think Dominik swung and missed with the true value of the 5th pick in this draft. The value indicator began when the Rams acquired two future first-round picks and a second to move 4 spaces down. It continued with the Vikings completely pulling the wool over the Browns eyes and acquiring the Browns 4th, 5th and 7th round picks to move one space down. With viable picks sitting on the board, i.e. Claiborne, Mark Dominik pulls the trigger on a trade that moves the Bucs down two spaces and ONLY gets a 4th round pick in exchange. Do I like the player? Absolutely! Barron is a beast and he will make Bucs fans really happy in the near future. Do I like the value of return that we received for the 5th overall? Absolutely not.

Time to head to RayJay

Headed to RayJay for the draft party and celebration. May try to post a few tidbits to the FB page by phone. Everybody have a good time watching the draft. GO BUCS!!!!!!!

Danny's Mock Draft

Take the time to check out a mock draft from a fan of BuccaneerTalk dannyb24195. Thanks for the support you given the site on other pages Danny. Click the link below.
Mock Draft by danny24195

It's 2012 NFL Draft Day

Good morning ladies and gents. It's draft day. For those NFL fans that just can't seem to get enough football out of 365 day year, this is the day that feels the most like Christmas. What toys will we be surprised with? Will we get that toy that we have been dreaming of or will we get a toy completely different only to find out that we like it better anyways. I don't deal in the negative too often so I wont go into the toy that makes us say, huh?.

So here is my opinion of how the draft will play out for our Buccaneers first round tonight. The first 2 picks are set. We all know that Luck will go 1 and RGIII will go 2. So Vikings are on the clock. The Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has made an admiral attempt at building a market for trading their number 3 pick. The more you can convince other teams that you may take the player they have targeted, the more value you gain in possibly trading down. So Spielman has pulled out every stop to get the word out that the Vikings may not be as interested in left tackle Matt Kalil and may look toward Morris Claiborne or Justin Blackmon. So lets take a moment to truly analyze this thought. First, the Vikings have a guard playing the LT position. Look no further than how many times Ponder was face down in the dirt to realize the NEED at LT. Second, the Vikings know that they can trade down no further than the Rams at 6 and still get their LT Kalil. If they trade past 6, the Rams would take Kalil and the Vikings are done. Third, the 3 players that are most coveted by the 5 team (Bucs) and 6 team (Rams) are Claiborne, Blackmon and Richardson. Now the Vikings can't really try to claim interest in Richardson when they have Adrian Peterson on their roster. So, Spielman has every pundit he can get rumors into broadcast the Vikings interest in Claiborne and Blackmon. Hoping that the Bucs or Rams will get trigger finger and give up some free picks to move up.  Bottom line is the Vikings will absolutely pick Kalil in this draft. They will pick him at 3 or they will pick him a few picks later, but they will pick Kalil. My prediction is that the other GMs are just as wise and force the Vikings to take Kalil at 3.

Now the Browns are on the clock. This is a tricky pick. The Browns let RB Peyton Hillis walk this off season and are in need of a running back. But what I think is a key issue to this pick is the fact that the Browns run a hybrid west coast offense. This offense requires a big athletic receiver that excels at yards after the catch. It doesn't take an expert to look at the Browns roster a realize that there is not one receiver that fits this mold. Then you look at the draft. The Browns could take the #1 RB in the draft and the 5th or 6th WR with their 2nd pick. Or they could take the #1 WR with their 1st pick and get the #2 RB with their 2nd. I am going on the limb to say the Browns will select WR Justin Blackmon with the 4th pick of the draft and get their RB later.

That brings us to the Buccaneers at 5. WOW! Look at that. The Bucs have their choice between the #1 RB in Richardson or the #1 CB in Claiborne. Now we have debated the choice between these two players endlessly so I won't go into that detail. I will only say what I truly believe about HC Schiano. He wants to run, run. run, run and then run a little more. If this scenario presents itself, and the Bucs have this choice, the Bucs will take RB Trent Richardson in tonight's round 1.

South Divisional Fishwraps

For your early morning prep for when nature calls, here's a look around our divisional opponent's headlines:
Atlanta
Falcons trade for Asante Samuel
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/04/25/falcons-expected-to-finalize-deal-for-asante-samuel/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog
Carolina
It’s Blackmon or defense for Panthers
 http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/25/3198973/its-blackmon-or-defense-for-panthers.html#storylink=cpy
New Orleans
Sean Payton on his suspension and fan support
http://videos.nola.com/times-picayune/2012/04/sean_payton_on_his_suspension.html

The 3 finalist for Bucs 1st selection

 RB Trent Richardson- 5'11", 224 pounds, 4.42 40 yard. Richardson is said to be one of the most gifted all around backs that has came out of college since Adrian Peterson. Richardson runs with power between the tackles and rarely is brought down by a single tackler. He also has the ability to break runs outside and is self-proclaimed to never have been ran down from behind. For the Bucs to get Richardson they will most likely have to move up to go ahead of the Browns. But, the Bucs do hold the leverage. The Vikes have to get Kalil in this draft. It is a MUST. Therefore the Vikes will not want to trade past 5 unless they are offered a windfall package. Anything past 5 and the Rams will grab Kalil at 6. The Vikes lose their left tackle and a chance at the one of the top 6 players in this draft if they move past the Bucs at 5. Therefore, if Richardson is the absolute must have for the Bucs staff, I think the Bucs can move up by swapping 1st this year and adding either a 3rd or 4th next year. Vikes can sit still at 3 and take Kalil or gain a 3rd or 4th next year and take Kalil at 5.

CB Morris Claiborne- 5'11", 188 pounds, 4.50 40 yard. Claiborne is unanimously regarded by NFL scouts as the most NFL ready corner in this draft. Claiborne excels at press coverage and is a ball hawk when the ball is in the air. A true shut down corner. I know the Vikes are throwing smokescreens that they may take Claiborne at 3 but I truly believe if the Bucs want Claiborne they can sit pat at 5 and he will be on the board for their selection.

ILB Luke Kuechly- 6'3", 242 pounds, 4.58 40 yard. Kuechly is the highest rated linebacker in this years draft. Kuechly is said to be the next Urlacher for the middle linebacker position. He is a ball magnet that seems to easily flow from sideline to sideline and destroy runners. This is evidenced by the 191 tackles he tallied during this past season. There are two scenarios that I see the Bucs taking Kuechly. If the Vikes miraculously go through with taking Claiborne and the Browns would then take Richardson, the two players that are coveted by the Bucs are now off the board. The Bucs would be on the clock with Kalil and Blackmon and Kuechly on the board. There will be a number of ways to go from that point. I do believe the Bucs could make a trade down with a team that would covet a premier left tackle or maybe Jacksonville who wants a #1 wide receiver with Blackmon. Regardless of securing a trade or not, if both Richardson and Claiborne are off the board, watch for the Bucs to send Kuechly's card to the podium as their selection.

Time to catch up

So, I just finished a great tour of One Buc facilities and now it is time to get back to work. The Falcons officially acquire CB Asante Samuel from the Eagles for a late round pick as we earlier predicted. The pick has not been disclosed.  Working on a great draft piece and should have it posted in just a few.

Falcons close to deal for Asante Samuel

Atlanta Falcons are finalizing a contract with Asante Samuel to rework the final 2 years on his deal. The two are expected to reach an agreement by the end of the day. This will open the door for finalizing a trade of Samuel from the Eagles to the Falcons. The trade will more than likely be announced later today.

Welcome to BuccaneerTalk.com

Good morning Buccaneers fans! Welcome to the inaugural launch of BuccaneerTalk.com. At BuccaneerTalk we want to provide you with a fast, reliable and informative source for all your Buccaneers news and information. We want to be your first stop when you're wanting to know what is new with the Buccaneers and your first stop when you want to discuss the Buccaneers.  We hope you find the site informative and easy to navigate. If there is something you really like and want more of, let us know. If there is something you don't like, we want to know that also. After each post that we publish you will see a comments tab. This tab was installed to make the site as interactive as possible. Feel free to state and debate your opinions. Our goal is to make BuccaneerTalk feel as though your sitting at your favorite watering hole and having sports debates with friends and acquaintances about the Buccaneers. All opinions are welcome and encouraged. We only ask that the debates remain somewhere close to a PG15 rating. You like the way we made our own rating? Seriously, this site is meant for true Buccaneers fans to enjoy. So sit back, explore the site, and bring on some good conversations. Welcome to BuccaneerTalk.com!!!!!!!!!

Don't be blinded by the smoke!!

Per Adam Schefter, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman stated:

“We’re going to be very open to the trade scenario. Just to give you an update, that front has really heated up over the last 24 hours and I’m sure it’ll continue to heat up as we head into Thursday night.”

Classic example of smokescreen spinning by a GM looking to rake in some extra picks. First off, Spielman has gone on record to say that the Vikings are interested in Kalil, Blackmon or Claiborne.  Now he is claiming that trade scenarios are "heating up". Okay, let's analyze these statements for a moment. IF the Vikes want one of the listed 3 players AND they are looking at trading down, they CAN NOT go further than St. Louis at 6 in the trade down. Who ever trades up would select one of the 3, Browns take Richardson, Vikes at 5 would get the 2nd of the 3, or at 6 would get who is left of the 3. After Rams at 6, none of the named 3 would remain.

Even if the Bucs went to 3, moving Vikes to 5, and the Bucs select Richardson. The Browns would immediately take one of the 3 named players leaving only 2 for the 5th and 6th position.

Perfect example of smokescreen jaw smacking to gain additional picks. The ONLY way the Bucs go to the 3 slot is if the organization has fallen head over hills for Richardson and want ahead of Browns to get him. That's the only way.  If not Richardson, the Bucs will sit pat at 5 and deal with the consequences that fall to them. If Richardson miraculously passes Browns and is on the board, the Bucs will take him. If not Richardson and Claiborne is there, that is the pick. If they are both gone and Kalil is there, they will first look to trade back a few spots and go after Kuechly. If no trade partner is found they will debate Kalil or Kuechly and I believe they will lean toward Kuechly.

Smokescreen Debate

Okay, let's take a stroll down "smokescreen" lane. Let's ponder for a moment that Minnesota is truthful and passes on the left tackle Kalil. Vikings select Claiborne at 3 and Browns take Richardson at 4. The two players that every Bucs fan has debated back and forth for the Bucs to select are off the board before the 5th pick. What should the Bucs do?  Right now at least 95% of you just reached for your keyboard to hammer out "TRADE DOWN".  That's easily said or in our case typed. But what if no trade partner is willing to give anything of value for the move?

Well here's my opinion. I would not trade past number 12 without the trading partner handing over the farm. Any team between 6 and 12 would have to give up no less than a 2nd round and 4th round pick. Probably something additional if the pick is closer to 12. But for the sake of conversation, let's say that no trading partner steps up. What then?

If I could not find a trading partner, I would sit pat at number 5 and with my selection I would draft Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly.

I know some of you just said "reach"!!! But honestly, is it that much of a reach?  Kuechly is 6'3¼", 242 lbs and was by far the most dominate college middle linebacker in the nation. In 2011 alone he tallied 191 tackles.  ESPN, Scout's Inc. and Mike Mayock all have Kuechly rated either the 6th or 7th most talented player in this draft. If ONE of our greatest needs is linebacker, and Kuechly is the best linebacker in this years draft, and he has been rated as the 6th or 7th most talented player of the draft by the majority of experts, is it that much of a reach to draft him 5th overall?  I know what my answer would be. What is your answser?

South Divisional Fishwraps

For your early morning prep for when nature calls, here's a look around our divisional opponent's headlines:

Atlanta
Falcons GM Dimitroff is low on trade bait for this draft
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-gm-dimitroff-is-1423524.html
Carolina
Linebacker Luke Kuechly could help Panthers instantly 
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/23/3193631/linebacker-luke-kuechly-could.html
New Orleans
Latest allegations won't unseat Saints GM Mickey Loomis
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/04/latest_allegations_wont_unseat.html

More New Orleans Mud!!

Wow! Just out on SBnation:

ESPN is reporting that a source has disclosed information that New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis, who is already serving an eight game suspension for bountygate, had a listening device installed in his suite that allowed him to listen to all communication from visiting teams' offensive and defensive radio communication during gameplay.

The sources said when Loomis took his seat during home games, then in the front row of box No. 4 in the 300 level of the Superdome's north side, he was able to plug an earpiece into a jack that was under the desk in front of him. The earpiece was not unlike those used to listen to inexpensive transistor radios, the sources said. With the earpiece in place, Loomis could then toggle back and forth with a switch that he controlled, enabling him to listen to either the game-day communications of the opposing offensive or defensive coaches.

2012 Buccaneers Draft Prediction

Good Monday morning Buccaneers fans!! It's draft week. Lies, misleads and smokescreens will consume the media air waves. For some, like myself, this is one of the most exciting times of the football season. That time of the year when your team can alter it's course or direction for many years to come. So, with that being said, here is my final 3 round mock draft of Buccaneers selections. 95% of everything after 3 rounds is a crap-shoot due to trades and who went where during the first 3. So I predict the first 3 rounds for our Buccaneers and in later post will provide a few players to keep your eye on if the Bucs get an opportunity to select them at the right value. In other words, a 4th round talent that may be on the board in the 5th and they grab that player. So here goes, my 3 round 2012 Buccaneers Draft selections:

1. Morris Claiborne
CB – LSU
5’11” – 188 lbs – 4.39

If Claiborne is on the board and Richardson is gone, Claiborne will absolutely be the Bucs' pick. If Richardson somehow makes it through the Cleveland selection, which I do not see happening, the Bucs' will select Richardson.

2. Donta Hightower
LB – Alabama
6’2” – 265 lbs – 4.56

May have surprised you here. Yes, I know how talented Hightower is at the ILB. Yes, I know a great deal of draft pundits have Hightower being selected much earlier. I personally think he may be selected by the Steelers with their 1st round selection. However, I'm going on a limb and predicting, that with the LB position carrying a lesser value in today's NFL, 1st round selections will stay true to who makes the passing game happen and who stops the passing game. Thus QBs, WRs, pass rushers and pass defenders dominate the 1st round and Hightower miraculously slides to the Bucs in the 2nd round. What a steal this would be.

If Doug Martin RB – Boise St. 5’9” – 223 lbs – 4.55 is still on the board, you may see the Bucs' solidify their ground game with his selection.

3. LaMichael James
RB- Oregon
5'9 - 185- 4.43

If Hightower slides to the 2nd round, the Bucs can not pass up his talent. This will cause the Bucs to have to wait until the 3rd round to get that 2nd running back they covet. I have Richardson, Martin, Miller and Wilson all gone by the 3rd round. So the Bucs get that change of pace back with the elusive quickness. James is extremely quick but not that fast for NFL standards. He will burst through holes and leave some defenders wondering where he went, but will also get caught from behind when he hits open field.

If the Bucs go with Martin in the 2nd, then watch for them to get that linebacker help in the 3rd with:
TANK CARDER
ILB -TCU
6’2″- 236 lbs- 4.56

There you have it. My 3 round 2012 Buccaneer Draft prediction. So let's hear it from the crowd. Agree, disagree or, if you would like, toss in your predictions. We have 4 days left to debate our thoughts . As always GO BUCS!!!!!!

2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Schedule

Here is the full 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule with times and television network:

Day Date Opponent Time Network
Sun. Sept. 9 CAROLINA 4:15 PM FOX
Sun. Sept. 16 at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Sept. 23 at Dallas 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Sept. 30 WASHINGTON 4:15 PM FOX
Sun. Oct. 7 Bye Week 
Sun. Oct. 14 KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM CBS
Sun. Oct. 21 NEW ORLEANS 1:00 PM FOX
Thu. Oct. 25 at Minnesota 8:30 PM NFLN
Sun. Nov. 4 at Oakland 4:05 PM FOX
Sun. Nov. 11 SAN DIEGO 1:00 PM CBS
Sun. Nov. 18 at Carolina 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Nov. 25 ATLANTA 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Dec. 2 at Denver 4:05 PM FOX
Sun. Dec. 9 PHILADELPHIA 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Dec. 16 at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Dec. 23 ST. LOUIS 1:00 PM FOX
Sun. Dec. 30 at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX

Breaking News

Tampa Bay made a roster move today, claiming kicker Kai Forbath off waivers from the Cowboys. Forbath made 84.2% of his FGs at UCLA.

Buc Practice Update

Per Roy Cummings: The defense has started with a pursuit drill the likes of which I have never seen here at One Buc Place. Whistle blows, players run to one spot, then turn and run to another. It's hustle, hustle everywhere. There is no walking here. 

About 30 minutes into the 1st practice & this much is clear: Buc practices are going to be very up-tempo this year. Bucs coach Greg Schiano has defense doing full speed team pursuit drills. Way to ease into the off-season.

Small 30-minute sample, but it's clear Bucs players have a new sheriff in town under coach Greg Schiano. Hustling required in every drill.

Per Stephen Holder: Quincy Black at MLB with Mason Foster at OLB with Adam Hayward. Cody Grimm and Ronde Barber lining up at safety spots. Foster also was at mike in base defense but Black was making the defensive calls.

Minicamp Update

The Bucs are on the field for their first minicamp workout under new coach Greg Schiano. It appears as if everyone is in attendance including, Winslow, McCoy, Price, Grimm and Blount. Amobi Okoye also in attendance. Gerald McCoy and Brian Price are both working on the field. Preston Parker and Sammie Stroughter fielding punts with footballs already in both hands. Players have their names taped to the front of their helmets, even though they're on back of their practice jerseys. 

Just as practice began, Schiano yells to team: 'Football is a game of details! Toes on the edge!' He scolds the team on their first stretching drills.

CBA Rules

For those who are unaware of the new CBA rules when it comes to off-season Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

The new CBA divides the offseason into three “phases,” each one allowing a little more coordinated activity than the last. Phase I is mostly just an opportunity to get in strength and conditioning work; there is no interaction between coaches and players allowed on the field (other than strength coaches) and almost no use of an actual football. Phase II allows organized work by offenses and defenses, but not against each other, and helmets are still not allowed. Helmets (but no other pads) are added in Phase III, when teams can run offenses and defenses against each other. There is no live contact allowed in any of the three phases, and no one-one-one drills such as OL/DL pass-rush work.

The Buccaneers were allowed to begin Phase I two weeks ago due to having a new head coach. Today will begin Phase II.