Crunch Time – Bucs Target #1
With the NFL Draft 834 minutes away, it is crunch time for not only the Bucs, but for all teams throughout the league. Individual workouts are over, and it is time for the Big Boards to be finalized. I’m going to give you my Top 5 potential players that should/could be on the board when we pick, guys it is rumored the Bucs have interest in. I will give you my projected pick for the Bucs on Friday afternoon, when I’m in the middle of prepping my Gourmet Burger menu for Draftapalooza 6.
All player Scouting Reports will come from WalterFootball.com. This site is one of the best come draft time, so please check it out if you haven’t already.
Target 1
QB Josh Freeman – I’m not sure whether our continued interest in Freeman is purely a smokescreen to try and get a team to trade up, which is entirely plausible or a true interest from the Bucs organization. I could see the Niners, Browns, Seahawks, Lions or Jaguars attempting to trade back into round 1 if Freeman is still available with our pick, especially if were giving off the impression that we have interest in him. It has been rumored in Tampa for at least two weeks that the Bucs are interested in trading out of Round 1 or at least down in the round, and showing interest in Freeman is a good way to accomplish that.
If we do have interest in the guy, I’m a little disheartened because of my thinking that we have much bigger needs, and I have made a few posts lately expressing that fact. Freeman is a giant at almost 6’6″ and 250 lbs. He put up some nice numbers at KSU and has some definite physical skills that are unteachable, namely, giganticness. I tend to agree with Walter Football though in that he reminds me of Jamarcus Russell a player I’m not exactly enamored with.
Strengths: Elite frame with excellent height and in great condition … No questions about arm strength; shows elite arm strength on 15- to 20-yard stick throws (outs, posts) … Uses nice touch and throws a catchable ball … Can throw the ball on the run … Very low interception percentage from sophomore to junior year; Solid decision maker … Nice footwork and has a quick drop … Outstanding feel for the pass rush … Great mobility and can gain yardage with his feet … Extremely high upside.
Weaknesses: Accuracy was abysmal in junior year … Locks on to receivers and shows below-average field vision … Wildly inconsistent; runs hot and cold … Questionable leadership … Intangibles will go under the microscope by pro scouts who can talk to KSU players and coaches.
Summary: Freeman’s physical tools makes him a near lock for the first day of the NFL Draft, because of his physical tools, with first-round potential. Personally, I would have to know more about Josh Freeman the person (character, work ethic, leadership) to give a more accurate grade. Freeman is a classic example of a Boom or Bust prospect.
Player Comparison: JaMarcus Russell.Russell had questionable intangibles coming out of LSU with a cannon for a right arm (Freeman’s arm is not as strong as Russell’s). His accuracy in the NFL is horrendous, but he still shows amazing upside.
Note: I am not saying Freeman is the next Jamarcus Russell (as far as a bust in the NFL so just that they are very comparable as prospects.
Target 2 will come to you tommorow afternoon.