Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Draft Preview (Revised)

Sports Network | April 22, 2009

(Sports Network) - After acquiring Byron Leftwich via free agency, Tampa Bay can now concentrate on a position other than quarterback with its only selection among the first 80 picks. The Buccaneers front four played very poorly down the stretch last year, and given where the team is selecting, a defensive tackle like Peria Jerry (Ole Miss) or Evander Hood (Missouri) could make the most sense. It would be hard to argue with the selection of an offensive lineman either. In the mid-rounds, look for Tampa to focus on pass rushing help, another cornerback, and perhaps a wide receiver or two following the departure of both Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.

2008 Record: 9-7

First Pick: No. 19

Number of Selections: 8 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2008 - Aqib Talib (DB, Kansas); 2007 - Gaines Adams (DE, Clemson); 2006 - Davin Joseph (G, Oklahoma); 2005 - Cadillac Williams (RB, Auburn); 2004 - Michael Clayton (WR, Louisiana State); 2003 - none; 2002 - none; 2001 - Kenyatta Walker (OT, Florida); 2000 - none; 1999 - Anthony McFarland (DT, LSU); 1998 - none; 1997 - Warrick Dunn (RB, Florida State), Reidel Anthony (WR, Florida); 1996 - Regan Upshaw (DE, California), Marcus Jones (DE, North Carolina); 1995 - Warren Sapp (DT, Miami-Florida) , Derrick Brooks (LB, Florida State); 1994 - Trent Dilfer (QB, Fresno State); 1993 - Eric Curry (DE, Alabama); 1992 - none; 1991 - Charles McRae (OT, Tennessee); 1990 - Keith McCants (DE, Alabama).