Second-Round Options For The Bucs
April 27th, 2011
If suspect reports of Aqib Talib's Tampa Bay demise are to be believed, perhaps the Bucs will try to snag Ras-I Dowling in the second round
NFL Draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski continues to break down the draft for Bucs fans like no other. Remember to tune in to WDAE-AM 620 at 7 p.m. tonight to hear Part II of Pawlowski’s interview with Mark Dominik. And be sure to come back to JoeBucsFan.com all day for more of Pawlowski’s breakdowns. Feel free to shoot him your draft questions and he’ll answer them right here, commish@620wdae.com.
2nd Round options for the Bucs
By JUSTIN PAWLOWSKI
Mason Foster – LB – Washington
6’1’’ – 245 lbs – 4.67
Foster might not be the flashiest linebacker, but he might be the most passionate one in the draft. Foster was a leader and captain for Washington while leading the entire PAC 10 in tackles in 2008 and 2010. He’s played every linebacker position and was truly the heart and soul of the Huskies defense. I’ve been saying that the Bucs have been missing leadership from the linebacker position and Foster could bring just that.
Allen Bailey – DE – Miami
6’3’’ – 285 lbs – 4.77
If the Bucs pass on a defensive end in the first round, it might almost be a guarantee that they grab one in round 2. Hell, they might grab an end either way after getting 2 DTs last year in the first 2 rounds. Bailey is a big and physical defensive end that can play the 5-technique in a 3-4 or left defensive end in a 4-3 defense. With the Bucs mixing in both those defenses, Bailey might be extra attractive to the Bucs.
Ryan Williams – RB – Virginia Tech
5’9’’ – 212 lbs – 4.45
It might be a reach in the 2nd round, but if the Bucs want a running back, Ryan Williams could end up being one of the best this draft has to offer. Hamstring injuries limited Williams in 2010, but he might be the most complete back in this draft. He can be a feature back, he has speed, he can block, and he can catch. I’m not sure this would be a popular pick among fans initially due to the needs on defense, but Williams could be dynamic in the NFL.
Bruce Carter – LB – North Carolina
6’2’’ – 241 lbs – DNP
If it weren’t for a knee injury that occurred at the end of the 2010 season, Carter might have been looking at the 1st round. There are concerns as to whether he’ll be ready for the beginning of the 2011 season, but when healthy, Carter is one of the top linebackers in this draft. He has great speed, can cover sideline to sideline, and is a very reliable tackler. I’m not sure the Bucs would be willing to risk a 2nd round pick on damaged goods though.
Ras-I Dowling – CB – Virginia
6’1’’ – 198 lbs – 4.46
Dowling has been all over draft boards, but I think he ends up as a 2nd round pick when it’s all said and done. To be honest, I’m not sure he makes it to the Bucs’ 2nd round pick, but if he does, they will consider him. Dowling has great size and speed. I think he’d be a natural fit for the Bucs defense. No, I do not think this pick would be because of Aqib Talib because I already thought the Bucs might be in the market for a corner, but the Talib incident does help the cause to pick Dowling.
April 27th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Mason Foster all the way! I’m wary of Allen Bailey, everything I’ve heard says he doesn’t really flash on game tape, doesn’t make the kind of plays he ought to be capable of. Sounds a little like Kyle Moore, although Bailey seems to be a better athlete.
April 27th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
doubt it but hopefully jabaal sheard makes it to our second round pick if we dont move down..
April 27th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Sheard and Sturdivant should also be in the mix.
April 27th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Foster, Bailey or Dowling would be fine with me. Don’t want Williams there, and really worried about Carter’s injury history. I have really warmed to Bailey in the 2nd. Didn’t use to like him, but he is a truly hard worker with a great attitude. Combine that with his raw physical skills, and I think he can overcome where he may be lacking in natural ability.
April 27th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
How about Bowers 1 and Carter 2..I know the knee history…but if it worked..it could “maybe” have an impact like Sapp and Brooks ?
April 27th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Great article. I had forgot about Williams until reminded last night. I’d be happy with any one of these guys, especially Bailey if they dont get a DE in the 1st. This guy was an absolute beast who may have just been misused on a medicore coaching staff
April 27th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Go Lightning!!!
April 27th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
I’m totally stoked. Game 7 at Pitt tonight. Draft tomorrow and Friday. I won’t be worth a $h!t from here on in. It’s 5 O’clock, well close enough and time to start the party.
April 27th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
I like Bailey a lot. Check out his video:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81f23a4d/2011-Draft-Profile-DT-Allen-Bailey-Miami-Fla
And while ur at it salivate over this one (I’m seein’ trophies):
http://www.nfl.com/videos/tampa-bay-buccaneers/09000d5d81f7d98c/Top-100-Mike-Williams
April 27th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
a kerrigan – foster or kerrigan – bailey combo would really excite me…
April 27th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Go get a RE in the first round and Bailey in the second. If anyone remembers the SB win, Gannon couldnt live for 2 seconds in the pocket. We have the DT prospects go get your simeon rice and Greg Spires. Bailey is a beast with a mean streak on the field
April 27th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Ras-I-Dowling isn’t who the Bucs are looking at corner in the 2nd. Curtis Brown and Davon House are the guys. Those are the guys they brought in for visits. Dowling might have 1st round talent but he has made it pretty clear at this point that he is frail. That talent won’t mean much if he spends half his career injured.
Mason Foster- Boo. Tampa 2 linebacker who is about as slow as Barrett Ruud and is a downgrade in pass coverage from any of the current starters. He might improve the run defense and bring some attitude but he won’t be a complete upgrade.
Bruce Carter- This is the ONLY pure 4-3 linebacker in the draft that I would be excited about the Bucs landing. Quite frankly he is the only guy who looks to be a surefire upgrade over the existing starters.
Allen Bailey- This is the man I desparately want the pick to be, even if they go DE in round 1 also. Bailey has as much upside as any defensive end in the draft.
April 27th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
So many to choose from the DE’s are plentiful in this draft. Kinda hard to predict who we will get but i know one thing in DOM i trust.. The past years he has been drafting he has made some nice pick ups. I kinda have a feeling hes gonna trade down. At least we wont have to wait much longer to find out
April 27th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Here, be your own guru:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/features/draftmachine/