Draft Grades: Bucs

Question their strategy all you want, but you have to give the Bucs credit for targeting their man and moving up to get him.

I'm not entirely sold on Josh Freeman and I don't think he was worth a mid-1st-round pick. However, it sure is nice to finally see a young face in the mix at quarterback in Tampa. He needs at least a year to sit and learn, but he definitely has Daunte Culpepper-like potential.

I think they reached for Roy Miller, but some had him rated as high as a late 2nd-round value. He certainly fills a need though. Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims are adequate starters, but nothing special. Even if Roy Miller only adds to the depth, he'll serve his purpose.

I like Kyle Moore a lot and I think he's a perfect fit in Tampa. They needed a bigger defensive end to work into the rotation behind Gaines Adams and Stylez G. White.

Xavier Fulton is a decent 5th-round pick. He has some upside and is athletic enough to play left tackle. The Bucs offensive line needed more than just Fulton, but they filled other needs earlier in the draft so I can't penalize them waiting to address the line until the 5th round.

E.J. Biggers was a reach even in the 7th round. I was surprised to hear his name called at all. He wasn't even the best cornerback on his own team (Londen Fryar).

Sammie Stroughter was a decent 7th round selection. He's been dominant at times in college but there remains questions about his mental healthy after missing most of the 2008 season with depression. He's certainly worth the risk though and it would be a great story to see him catch on with the Bucs and make an impact. I'm certainly rooting for him.

Overall, the Bucs had a decent draft but a lot is riding on the shoulders of Josh Freeman. They took a big risk and Raheem Morris essentially bet his job on him. If he pans out, this draft will be the begining of another great run for the Bucs.

Grade: B