ESPN NFC South reporter Pat "Vacation Man" Yasinskas dropped some heavy praise on Barrett Ruud. His story will go a long way toward Ruud getting the national recognition he deserves

Pat “Vacation Man” Yasinskas decided to write a love story to Barrett Ruud. Good job, Pat. Way to work hard to find a story angle.

That’s OK. Joe loves Ruud, too. And he deserves the praise.

Ruud’s gotten very good, very quickly. After the Bucs drafted him out of Nebraska in 2005, Ruud spent his first two seasons backing up Shelton Quarles. He took over as the starter last season and has helped the Bucs make the case that they might have the best linebacker corps in the NFL.

Ruud’s an every-down linebacker who makes big plays — he has three sacks and two interceptions. He started his emergence last season, but the campaign for a Pro Bowl berth is starting to go beyond Gruden.

Brooks and June will tell you he’s the best middle linebacker in the league. Coaches and personnel guys from other teams at least will tell you he’s among the best.