This was a very solid draft for the Bucs from top to bottom. Gaines Adams was a no brainer in the first round once Joe Thomas and Calvin Johnson were off the board. He'll be the next Simeon Rice for them. Arron Sears was a great second round pick as well. He has experience at guard and tackle but he's best suited to play guard at the next level. I'm not a big fan for Piscitelli, but he is a good fit for the Bucs system. He isn't the most athletic safety, but he plays the run well and I expect him to win over the starting strong safety job by midseason at the latest. Quincy Black was a great third round pickup. He's straight from the Cato June mold and he could develop into a very solid player learning behind guys like June and Derrick Brooks. Tanard Jackson was a steal in the 4th round. I thought his ability to play both safety and corner would make him a sure first day selection. I think he's best suited at free safety, but he could end up as a nickel corner in Tampa's system. The reached for Greg Peterson a little, but they're very high on his ability to get to the quarterback from the interior of the line. Given the number of quality picks the had on day one, I'm ok with them reaching a little for a position of need at that point in the draft. However, Adam Hayward was a reach I'm not ok with. He has very little upside and he won't see the field much, if at all, as a rookie. Chris Denman was another player with a lot of value in 7th round. He doesn't wow you with his natural ability, but he's strong and fundamentally sound. Marcus Hamilton is a guy with a lot of talent that just really lived up to potential. His upside is limited. Ken Darby was a nice 7th round selection, but I would have liked to see them take a running back earlier in the draft. Cadillac Williams clearly can't handle the load alone, and Michael Pittman isn't what he used to be. Overall, a very solid draft for the Bucs. I could see as many as 4 or 5 of these players starting for them within a year.
Grade: A-

The Bucs addressed their biggest need, offensive line, with their first two picks. I like Joseph and Trueblood, but I felt they went earlier than they deserved. They each have the opportunity to play right away, although Joseph is the more NFL-ready prospect. I'm not a huge fan of Stovall, although he was probably worth the 3rd round pick. He has a chance to be a nice compliment next to Michael Clayton for years to come once Joey Galloway retires, which figures to be fairly soon. I've said all along that I think Zemaitis is overrated, but he is a smart football player and could be a solid backup. Jenkins and Bennett will provide nice depth on their defensive line. The same goes for Williams and Massaquoi, who will compete for playing time at tight end. Gradkowski is Jon Gruden's type of quarterback. He reminds me of Rich Gannon and has a chance to really excel in his system in a year or two if Simms doesn't work out.
Grade: B+