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?