Larryemcdaniel with the pick...
In 2007, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Defensive End Gaines Adams 4th overall. He started his career out with a blaze. Accounting for six sacks, Gaines led all defensive rookies in the category. Since then, Tampa Bay has changed head coaches. With a coaching change, comes on field personnel causalities. Adams was one of the more recent Buccaneer players to depart Tampa Bay. In 2009, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Adams to the Chicago Bears for a 2010 2nd round pick. Trading Adams left a gapping hole on the defensive line. Currently there is no one on the roster capable of rushing the passer from the outside.
In my 1st round selection, I discussed Tampa Bay's futileness in the sacks and run defense department. Adding Gerald McCoy in round one is huge; it is a step in the right direction. McCoy cannot do it alone though. If we take a trip down memory lane, and recall the defensive line of the late 90's and early 2000's. It consisted of Warren Sapp, and Simeon Rice. The two combined to cause mayhem for opposing offenses. So, lets think briefly, whom can we pair with Gerald McCoy to get the Sapp and Rice affect? Hmmm...
With the 35th selection in the 2010 Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Defensive End, Everson Griffen, University Southern California. Everson Griffen has been nicknamed "The Freak", but what exactly is a freak?Freak - noun 1. A person or animal on exhibition as an example of an abnormal deviation from nature; monster. Okay, that sounds about right. The chiseled Defensive Ends weighs 268 pounds and stands 6'4 inches tall. Those measurements may not seem very freakish, but these next statistics will. At Griffen's pro day, he logged a 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-7 broad jump, and scouts clocked him at 4.46 in the forty-yard dash. 4.46, are you serious? That is crazy speed for a Defensive End, WOW!
Griffen is a force off the edge. Pairing him with McCoy will make for a dynamic duo. Teams will catch themselves in a catch 22 when attempting to block the both of them. During his collegiate career, Griffen showed amazing quickness and flexibility. Plays with good leverage and can pressure the outside shoulder of the Offensive Tackle. He also has a bevy of pass-rushing moves, including his counter spin move. He is an explosive individual who can contribute in run defense tool. Griffen sets the edge well and has the lateral agility to chase the ball carrier down from the backside. He is also strong at the point of attack and can use him lengthy arms to keep defenders at bay. Griffen is an excellent prospect, but he is not without his flaws and criticism. Some scouts call into question his work ethic and consistency. Both are major concerns, but can be ignored due to his huge upside. With the tutelage of Head Coach Raheem Morris, I have no doubts about how he will produce on the field. Selecting Griffen with the 35th pick overall is one hell of a steal. According to almost every analyst, Griffen is a top 25 player in the draft. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting two defensive first round talents, they should be well on their way to putting a dominating defense on the field in 2010.