Sports |
Bucs
Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
A wideout's impact
If Calvin Johnson becomes a Buc, this is what it would mean:
By RICK STROUD
Published April 22, 2007
To Michael Clayton
Johnson would give the Bucs three former No. 1 picks at receiver, joining Joey Galloway and Clayton. At 35, Galloway is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and finally would have a guy to take away some double teams. Clayton sank to submarine depths after leading all rookies with 80 catches in 2004. The past two seasons, he has combined for 65 catches and only one touchdown. Clayton eventually would be the odd man out and fall on the depth chart to No. 3. Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall would take a step backward as well.
To Gruden's game plan
The past two first-round picks on offense have thrived as rookies. Cadillac Williams was rookie of the year in 2005. Clayton was a finalist a year earlier. Say this about Jon Gruden: The guy knows how to play with his new toy.
Johnson would give the Bucs two burners at receiver, forcing defenses to pick their poison with double teams. At 6-5, Johnson would be another big target and a mismatch for most NFL cornerbacks. His leaping ability would be huge on third down and in the red zone.
If the offensive line ever solidified, Gruden could use more three-receiver sets. Oh, and Johnson would immediately help the running game. Safeties can't cheat up in the box on Williams with two speed demons at receiver.
To the defense
The upside is obvious. Johnson has the ability to go to five or six Pro Bowls. The downside is the Bucs have ignored the defense for too long on Day 1 of the draft, and it will catch up with them. Linebacker Barrett Ruud, the second-round choice from Nebraska three years ago, is the most recent player on defense the Bucs have invested in early in the draft. Furthermore, a player such as Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas might make more sense. It doesn't matter if you have Jerry Rice, Cris Carter and Michael Irvin in their prime if the quarterback doesn't have time to get the ball to them.
[Last modified April 21, 2007, 23:17:23]
Share your thoughts on this story
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor