Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2007 Draft Preview

By Tony Moss Apr 4, 2007, 15:05 GMT

- If he is still available at No. 4, there is no way the Buccaneers can pass up Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. However, if another team trades up to snatch Johnson with one of the first three picks, it won't be the end of the world for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers also need a pass rusher and run-stopping defensive tackle in a big way, and DE Gaines Adams (Clemson) and DT Alan Branch (Michigan) will both be available at No. 4. No matter what happens, look for at least three of Tampa's four first-day picks to come on the defensive side of the ball, where the Bucs have crossed the threshold from aging to aged. The offensive line has the potential to be OK following the signing of guard Matt Lehr (ex-Falcons) and tackle Luke Petitgout (ex-Giants), but Tampa remains in need of some depth in the trenches.

2006 Record: 4-12

First Pick: No. 4

Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - Davin Joseph (G, Oklahoma); 2005 - Cadillac Williams (RB, Auburn); 2004 - Michael Clayton (WR, Louisiana State); 2003 - none; 2002 - none; 2001 - Kenyatta Walker (OT, Florida); 2000 - none; 1999 - Anthony McFarland (DT, LSU); 1998 - none; 1997 - Warrick Dunn (RB, Florida State), Reidel Anthony (WR, Florida); 1996 - Regan Upshaw (DE, California), Marcus Jones (DE, North Carolina); 1995 - Warren Sapp (DT, Miami), Derrick Brooks (LB, Florida State); 1994 - Trent Dilfer (QB, Fresno State); 1993 - Eric Curry (DE, Alabama); 1992 - none; 1991 - Charles McRae (OT, Tennessee); 1990 - Keith McCants (DE, Alabama).

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