April 1, 2008

Needs on offense: The Bucs’ most pressing need is at wide receiver, and there should be a good one available with their pick at No. 20 in the first round. However, head coach Jon Gruden is known around the league as one who avoids counting on young receivers because they often have trouble grasping his complex offensive scheme. The signing of Warrick Dunn may take any plans of drafting a running back off the table.

Needs on defense: There is no glaring hole on the defense, which returns largely intact after finishing as the second-stingiest unit in the league last season. WLB Derrick Brooks doesn’t have many seasons left, but Cato June is set to replace him whenever the time for retirement comes. The Bucs could use some depth at cornerback, following the departure of longtime staple Brian Kelly, who left for the Lions.

On Draft Day … Gruden can never have enough quarterbacks, as proven by the five currently on the roster, not counting Jake Plummer, who remains retired. Predraft buzz has Tampa considering using the 20th pick on Louisville’s Brian Brohm, who could be groomed for a couple of seasons while Jeff Garcia’s career winds down. It’s more likely that Gruden selects a speedy playmaker on offense.