QBs low on draft wish list

TAMPA - When it comes to quarterbacks in the draft, the Bucs may pass.

Despite what may be the deepest class since 1999 with six likely to go in the first two rounds, Tampa Bay plans to stand pat with Brad Johnson, Shaun King, Shane Matthews and Jim Miller.

"I wouldn't say it's a priority position for us," general manager Rich McKay said. "We're comfortable with the quarterbacks we have. We've got a young one in Shaun, who's under contract. We've got Shane, we've got Jim Miller, who has to rehab, obviously we've got Brad. I wouldn't say that it's a priority.

"Now, it's a deep class, a very deep class. It's very unusual to see potentially six quarterbacks that are going to be drafted in the first two rounds. But we're not sitting there saying that's a position we're focused on. I wouldn't say that's one we'll walk away from Day 1 with."

The Bucs do not own a pick until the 64th overall selection. But by then, some interesting quarterback prospects still may be available, such as Texas' Chris Simms and Louisville's Dave Ragone.

Johnson plans to play another three or four seasons, but Miller and Matthews are nearing the end of their careers. At 25, King might have a bright future. But with a one-year contract, it might not be with Tampa Bay. What better time to draft a quarterback.

But the Bucs haven't dipped into that position since taking King in '99 and Joe Hamilton in 2000.

"I'll tell you this, looking at our list and where it is now, I think we've got one at every position that's sitting there almost in the second round," McKay said.

Except, apparently, quarterback.

ONE YEAR LATER: Director of college scouting Ruston Webster said the personnel department has a better understanding of the type of players who fit Jon Gruden's offense.

"I think we do, and I think that's normal after you've been with a coach for a year, you get a better feel for his likes and dislikes," Webster said. "Like with Monte (Kiffin) and those defensive guys, you know exactly what they want, the type of player they're looking for, what the guy's skills need to be, what kind of guy they need to be. From that standpoint, we're just getting there on offense."

DUDLEY RETURNS: Free-agent tight end Rickey Dudley signed a one-year contract Friday. Terms were not disclosed.

The 6-foot-5 Dudley, who played four seasons under Gruden in Oakland, was reunited with the Bucs coach on Sept.17 and had an immediate impact. He caught touchdowns in each of his first two games, finishing with 16 catches for 192 yards and three scores.

Dudley is the fourth free agent to re-sign, joining linebacker Shelton Quarles, King and tackle Roman Oben.

ON BEHALF OF MICHAEL: Donations on behalf of Michael William Jurevicius should be sent to the March of Dimes, attention Betsy Herman, 405 Reo Street, Suite 105, Tampa, FL 33609.

The 9-week old son of receiver Joe Jurevicius and his wife, Meagan, died March 24 at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

DRAFT BITS: Tampa Bay will be represented at the draft in New York by director of legal affairs Nathan Whitaker and Hunter McKay, the oldest son of Rich McKay. ... In six of the seven drafts from 1993-99, the Bucs selected at least one player who has gone on to become a Pro Bowl selection. ... Tampa Bay last selected 64th in 1985, when they took Baylor linebacker Ervin Randle.

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