Bucs trade up to No. 17 to take QB Freeman

Sports Network | April 25, 2009

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded up two spots to No. 17 in Saturday's NFL Draft in order to select Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman.

The Bucs got the pick from Cleveland in exchange for the 19th pick and a 2009 sixth-round selection (191). The Browns had earlier acquired the 17th selection in a trade with the Jets that saw New York take Mark Sanchez at No. 5, which was Cleveland's original draft position this year.

Freeman was an honorable mention All-America choice as a junior in 2008, when he threw for 2,945 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also rushed for 404 more yards and 14 TDs.

In 2008, Freeman also set school career records for completions (680), attempts (1,151), passing yards (8,078) and touchdowns (44), as well as total offense.