Former Bucs quarterback Shaun King has served up his two cents on how to develop Josh Freeman.

Joe has great respect for the opinions of former Bucs quarterbacks, even if they work for BSPN, like King and Trent Dilfer do.

King offered strong opinions on Freeman’s development in an interview with Anwar Richardson, of TBO.com. King thinks putting the rookie in the No. 3 quarterback slot is a big mistake.

“When I was a [starter], I did all of the first-team stuff for the most part,” King said. “When I was a [No.] 2, I did most of the scout team because I had to stay ready in case I have to play. When I was a [No.] 3, you go through individuals [drills] in practice, but for the most part, that’s about it. You basically turn into a workout warrior.

“You’re just working out in practice, and at the same time, it’s hard to stay after practice and throw because all of the starting receivers are saving their legs for the game, while all the other receivers have been working so hard because they got all the scout team reps and they got all the special teams reps and they are tired.”

King said he could not remember a first-round quarterback who spent his rookie season on the third team and started in year two, plus added that he believes Freeman’s progress could be hindered if Tampa Bay does give him enough live practice reps.

“Unless they [Bucs] come up with a precise full-season plan for Josh Freeman, then it’s detrimental if he’s the [third quarterback] because he’s not going to get better,” King said. “You don’t get better from watching. If you watch every game, that doesn’t make you a better quarterback. You get better by playing.

“It’s very difficult as a [third quarterback] to get better because you’re not doing anything but pretty much standing around for the majority of practice every day.”

While reading King’s quotes, Joe can’t help but wonder how Josh Johnson could possibly progress being the No. 4 quarterback. But it seems like he did just that in Chucky’s laboratory and under Greg Olson’s tutelage.

Joe believes Freeman is just fine holding a clipboard for a while, easing into the No. 2 role and then taking the reins if the Bucs fall out of the playoff chase in 2009 or at the start of 2010.