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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]
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by Jim
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04/24/07 09:58 PM
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Memo to Rick - Every year their are several "once in a lifetime picks." Go back and evaluate the last 7 drafts. Study the first few rounds... The Buc's have multiple needs because of past draft deals. If CJ is gone so be it. We need 3 new 'D' stars.
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by Jim
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04/24/07 09:56 PM
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Oakland wants CJ. They also want Daunte Culpepper who will be released by Miami. he Chiefs won't trade Trent Green until after the draft. You all better pray (and light a candle) that the Chiefs strategy to pork Oakland pans out.
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by George
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04/24/07 04:41 PM
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I think that Tampa has several choices that will Impact Tampa for years.Let say that the 3 teams in frt select the players they want. Then Tampa choose between WR,DE,DT & RB. I would think Tampa gets that RB Peterson from Okla,Then Rd2-1 DL,Rd2-2 CB.
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by George
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04/23/07 04:44 PM
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Everbody think that the Bucs are going to get Calvi Johnson. I hope that the bucs have a backup plan. What If Johnson stays with Oakland. Would Tampa stay at #4 or move up to take OT Joe Thomas if Detroit still wanted to swap
picks with Tampa & Rice
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by aaron
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04/23/07 05:23 AM
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cj would be nice but not worth all those picks. doesn't joe thomas remind you another tackle who came out of Wisconson...? our old friend paul gruber.
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by Stroud
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04/22/07 08:56 PM
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Nice research...the Bucs only have 2 1st round picks at WR? What about Hilliard and Boston?
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by Rick
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04/22/07 07:16 PM
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You guys just don't get it. This is a once in a lifetime player. Jerry Rice with Keyshawn's height, Terrel Owen's strength, and Marvin Harrison's demeanor. On the O line the running game works so much better when the passing game is a threat! Duh!!!
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by ringo
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04/22/07 05:57 PM
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id love to see CJ in a buc uniform but not at the expense of any of day 1 draft picks. GO BUCS 2007
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by Chris
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04/22/07 04:50 PM
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All the experts say take the best available player, especially early in the 1st round. All the experts say CJ is the best available period, and Kiper thinks we get him at #4. If that happens, we are on top of the draft from the get go.
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by Brent
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04/22/07 03:01 PM
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Please report more on the stupidity of trading picks for CJ when you have a chance to set up a nice foundation on defense with the plethora of safeties, and def ends in the draft. Stovall and Clayton are young guys who could be good - Rec in 3rd rd.
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by Neal
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04/22/07 12:48 PM
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And your convinced Simms is the starter? Picking Thomas would have impact for years to come. I don't envision Simms being the long term answer at QB. Pick Thomas
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by paul
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04/22/07 12:37 PM
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left tackles do more than just pass protect rick - last year we had no running game to speak of. not to mention, simms had plenty of passes deflected on the left side, so say it as many times as you want, but OL remains a priority.
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by Rick
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04/22/07 01:59 AM
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I have said it before, and I will say it again. You don't spend a first round pick on a left tackle when you are starting a left handed quarterback. Whatever the Bucs have to give up to get Calvin Johnson, even deal with Al. Davis. CJ is a must have!
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